CITY COUPLES PREFER STAYING AS FRIENDS

THE ASIAN AGE (Feb 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Sex could be everywhere in mind, but certainly not in bed…At least for some couples in Mumbai who are staying together as “friends”. From Vatsayana to Freud –many have tried to explain human sexuality. But it still remains a mystery. Infertility experts reveal many city couples living together for many years hardly indulge in sex. These couples have not even consummated their marriage due to lack of sex education. This often gives rise to infertility problems and couples are forced to approach infertility experts.

Infertility specialists feel people getting married dedicatedly fix appointments with fashion designers, salons; but seldom consult an infertility expert or gynecologist before the D-day. They feel proper knowledge about sex before and after marriage is a must for an individual. They also suggest pre marital counseling sessions for couples could help them enjoy a happy married life.

Dr.Rishma Dhillon, consulting obstetrician and gynecologist, Jaslok Hospital and research centre informs,``Sexuality, marriage and fertility are all closely connected. The younger generation is inquisitive to know about sexuality, but very often for wrong reasons. Youngsters have doubts about their own sexuality but have nobody for answers. Parents and teachers may not always know and even if they do, are not the easiest to approach. This gives rise to myths and misconceptions. Many couples coming to us do not even know foreplay techniques. I have been approached by ayurvedic doctors, orthodontists, doctors and affluent couples who are living with their spouses for many years without indulging in proper sexual intercourse.''

Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, infertility specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Bandra receives many infertility cases wherein most couples are unaware about sexual intercourse .She says, ``Sexual performance and fertility of a man are so closely associated that his sexual performance suffers when he faces problems with his fertility and vice versa. Therfore;It is not rare to find a couple in whom all conceivable reports favour fertility and yet conception has not occurred despite artificial insemination with donor sperms. While many centres treat women's infertility problems, infertile men have few places to go. This is because the problem is complicated by two distinct aspects: sexually related conscious factors that influence intercourse and unconscious factors such as qualitative and quantitative inadequacies of the sperm.''

Dr.Rakesh Sinha, gynecologist and MD, Beams Hospital at Khar informs that a couple belonging to Mumbai’s high society recently visited him .He adds, “They were married for two years and had sex only two times. Also two NRI couples approached me with a similar problem. When marriages are not consummated in such cases; it becomes a serious problem. All awareness from TV and net about sex is more of pornography than education. People need to understand there is a difference between titillation, stimulation and education. To begin with, schoolchildren should be educated in matters of anatomy, sex differentiation, social roles of parents,sexual hygiene and sexual value building.''

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SEJAL SHAH TO MAKE AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY ‘JOGINIS’ INTO COMMERCIAL FILM

WEST SIDE PLUS(TIMES OF INDIA -JUL 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Internationally acclaimed documentary ‘Joginis- Servants of God’ by Mumbai based filmmaker Sejal Shah will be screened at Locarno for the second time next month. The documentary which recently won the Grand prize at the Festival Du Film Sur Les Droits Humains, the first international film festival on Human rights in Geneva has been screened at International festival at Biarritz in France, Tongues on Fire festival in London, Festival resistances in France amongst many other international venues. Versatile filmmaker Sejal is now planning to make a film based on her first documentary with Bollywood stars .She is also working on another script to direct her first feature film.

Sejal, a Khar resident began her career as a journalist and soon switched to film direction She moved to Los Angeles for an intensive course in filmmaking and directed four shorts in Hollywood .On her return to India she made her first Documentary ‘Joginis- Servants of God’ about the prevalent Jogini system existing in India despite a ban by Indian government. She says, “Joginis said to be servants of God are dedicated to Goddess Yellamma making them goddesses themselves and forfeiting their right to ever marry. This documentary has some exclusive footage of an initiation of a baby girl and a young woman being dedicated to the temple goddess and becoming a Jogini.”

Speaking on her dream to convert the documentary into commercial film she feels “ It will be a film based on a true life story of a woman who was a jogini. Since this documentary has done so well in the international festivals I am sure the film will evoke great interest too. The film was officially selected for the Locarno Film festival 2003, one of the most prestigious international film festivals in the world and will be screened this year too. It is a real honour.”

Her second film Mangala Tamasha Party, a 52 minutes documentary on Mangala Bansode of Maharashtra - one of India’s well-known Tamasha dancer won the best documentary award at IDPA in India and award for excellence in Direction at RAPA, India. Sejal also specializes in television Software, Commercials, Documentaries and Corporate Films. Her creativity took another turn when she recently just shot a 45 mins Dv film about a couple on their way to Goa. It stars Ashwini Kalsekar and Rajesh Khera was shot on the road in a completely experimental form. “Depending on how it goes I plan to make another 45 mins film with the same theme and maybe release it in theatres,” adds Sejal.

Sejal has won several awards for investigative and social issue based journalism including the British Chevening Award for outstanding young Indian Journalists and Award for excellence. On her stint with commercial cinema she says, “I have just completed a film script which has been written for me by Bhavani Iyer who has also written ‘Black’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I am in the process of meeting actors and producers for this film.”

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OBSCENE VIDEOS IRK POLITICIANS

THE ASIAN AGE (JUN 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

Dozens of raunchy remix videos like ‘Kaliyon ka chaman’,’Kaanta Laga’,‘Chadti Jawaani’ booming on TV has now irked the politicians of Mumbai city.Last month, The Asian Age reported about the crusade by Maharashtra State Commission for Women against these obscene videos. Even the singer and music director of these videos agree that though these videos were vulgar, but they had nothing to do with the visual content. While the music company is happy with sales of music videos, the politicians feel such videos only corrupt the society and must be censored.

Sanjay Nirupam,Shiv Sena MP told The Asian Age, “From the very beginning, Shiv Sena has taken a tough stand to curb vulgarity depicted in any form. Whether obscenity is in form of audio, visual for public consumption, any vulgarity shown under pretext of creativity and art will not be tolerated at any cost. I feel anything that a person cannot sit and watch with family is vulgar. We are totally against these music videos and it will be a party decision to look into this matter. Also censor will have to play a strict role before permitting its TV telecast. Secondly, there are some rules and regulations on obscenity that have to be practiced by the present legislation. If one person involved in promoting such vulgar music videos in punished and put behind bars, the message will float to everyone and such videos will be stopped.

Nicolas Almeida, social worker and ex-corporator, Andheri (east) says, “In 1999,I had filed a writ petition against a foreign TV channel for open display of vulgarity. An order was sent for recommendation to Lok sabha forcing the free access to the channel and it was declared as an adult channel. Television is a public medium and any sort of obscenity shown is highly objectionable. Such music videos only corrupt young minds and send wrong fashion statements amongst teenagers.”

The music company T-Series has produced the music videos of ‘Kaliyon ka chaman’,’Kaanta Laga’,‘Chadti Jawaani’. Bina Kothari, Public Relations officer,T-Series says “These remixes may be vulgar to an extent. But the sales of VCDs of these videos have beaten all records. And people are still lapping over it. So it depends entirely on minds of people to decide the vulgarity concept.” However, she refused to give exact figures of such upcoming music videos by the company.

Radhika Rao, Rao & Sapru films involved with the making of these three videos refused to comment saying, “I do not want to be a part of this controversy anymore.”

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A.R.RAHMAN MUSIC CONCERT FOR AIDS

THE ASIAN AGE (FEB 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

In his first ever concert in Mumbai, music maestro A.R Rahman mesmerized the huge crowd for ” Mukti Foundation Aids Concert “ at Andheri Sports Complex on 28th February. Playback singers Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhwinder Singh ,Sonu Nigam and others entertained the crowd with their live performances belting hit ‘A.R Rahman’ numbers. Eminent socialites, industrialists and a galaxy of filmstars graced the occasion. The 3 hour long musical extravaganza epitomized the musical expertise of irrepressible A.R Rahman, along with wide fleet of musicians in perfect sync with singers made for a memorable night.

A.R Rahman told The Asian Age, “I was really excited about this concert for its meaningful purpose of fight against deadly Aids disease. Also it is my first concert in Mumbai-the heart of film industry. After composing music for musical opera ‘Bombay dreams’ in London, I am working on music for a Chinese film by Columbia Pictures and couple of other overseas projects. I am also doing album for a Bollywood film based on 18th century ghazals, which is something new for me and will make for a wonderful experience. Constant association with Madras Philharmonic Orchestra and London in past few years has exposed me to a wide world of music and aided me to learn finer notes of music field.”

Smita Thackeray, President of Mukti Foundation said, “The main aim of Mukti is to create awareness and educate people about AIDS.Since last seven years, Mukti is holding AIDS awareness programs and by involving celebrities the message goes faster and effectively to the people. We also have panel of doctors to look into the severity of the problem and educate people. It is very important we treat AIDS affected individuals as human beings and give them care and concern. We should learn from foreign countries, wherein AIDS has been totally eradicated.”

On the eve of the India-Pakistan cricket match, Rahman -composer for film ‘Lagaan’coyly added, “I am not a cricket freak. But I wish the Indian team all the best. Hope they relive the good memories of Lagaan song ‘Koi humse jeet na paaye, chale chalo….”

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SWATI'S MUSICAL JOURNEY

THE ASIAN AGE (June 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

Swati Natekar, London based singer and composer is creating waves in the western world of music with her magical voice. Swati, daughter of Dr Sushila Pohankar, renowned Hindustani Classical Performer is a textile-designing graduate from Sir J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai and an expert in Classical, Light Classical, Ghazals, Folk, and Devotional music. After settling down in London in 1990,Swati has given live performances at prestigious venues in London, Paris and Brussels. She was in town to promote her recently released solo Ghazal album “Dhanak – The Rainbow”.

Skimmy Gupta spoke to her about her musical journey from Mumbai to London

Q. Is your first ghazal album a dream come true?
A.I love ghazals and used to render them on radio and TV since my teens. Ghazal singing is one of the most delicate and difficult domains of light music requiring chaste Urdu pronunciation and an understanding of the emotions projected by the lyrics. One needs a natural flair for Ghazal recitals with immaculately controlled delivery of lyrics. I have tried to keep the composition and lyrics very simple for the common man to listen and enjoy the same.

Q.How did your musical career develop in London?
A. After concentrating on private Mehfils and Concerts during the initial settling phase in London, renowned Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain approached me to record a track in Naiki Kanada published on the album "Little Buddha, The Secret Score". Later, I recorded a remix of "Raghupati Raghav" for James Asher's album "Tigers of the Raj" and a track with English singer Kiki Dee for album "Where Rivers Meet". My big break was recording two songs "Nadia" and "Beyond Skin" for UK based musician/composer Nitin Sawhney which received positive reviews and the album was nominated for the prestigious Mercury 2000 Music Award in U.K.

Q. Foreign filmmakers have also used some tracks in their films. What are these foreign projects?
A. One of my tracks from album "Paigham-e-Mohabbat" by Muzaffar Ali, eminent Film Director has been used in Hollywood Movie ‘In-laws’ starring Michael Douglas. There are talks going on with a Canadian production team to use my two tracks in their film. It is a great honour to be associated with foreign film industry.

Q. Does your music have western influence?
A. I was always fascinated listening to western music. Being exposed to popular fusion music in London, I explored various possibilities of introducing Indian sound to the western world. People in west are passionate about the unique Indian sound and genuinely appreciate it. The amazing blend of western tune and Indian tune inspired me to sing tracks, which were well received by them. My track Jakatta – American Dream figured in the U.K main charts 2001 and was subsequently nominated for World Dancestar Award. Last year, a track co-written with Craig Armstrong (who wrote the Music score for Moulin Rouge) was released in the album “As if to Nothing”.

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THE “VEDIC CHANT “ BAND

THE ASIAN AGE (NOV 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

“If Dhirubai Ambani could make a mammoth empire in one lifetime, why can’t we make it big in the pop industry? Nothing is impossible. We believe in the positivity and success will surely follow “ feel five enthusiastic youngsters and members of ‘Vedic Chant’ band. Vedic Chant comprising of Sidharth, Suhaas, Bernard, Gopaal and Chandresh recently released their 4th music album “Khushii”. All eight songs of the album composed by Sidharth and Suhaas evoke melodious Indian sounds with poetic lyrics. The beautifully shot music video ‘Dooriyan’ is already topping the pop charts. The band recently recorded for the first time ever in India, an OST (Original Sound Track) tilted “ Mere Desh Mein (Yodha)” for the first 3D Interactive Video Game called “Yodha-The Warrior”. They have successfully performed all over India and are building a huge fan base.

“Chants are universally accepted as a form of prayer, no matter what language or place they originate from. Music is a language with no boundaries. Music is our prayer and hence the name Vedic Chant. The music of the album is a reflection of the youth of the Millennium who are thinking individuals, aware of their inner consciousness who love and enjoy life,” says Siddharth, music producer and member of the band.

Vedic Chant formed in 1996 released the album “Kya Hai Yeh Jadoo” in 1999, which soared to Number 3 in Indipop Charts in first month of the release. The album also reached Number 1 in the U.A.E. radio charts and Number 1 on Radio 4 in Dubai.Sidharth who follows Buddhism says, “No doubt the pop industry is going through a slow phase, but good music will always be appreciated.It entirely depends upon people”


WHOS WHO OF ‘VEDIC CHANT’ ?

Sidharth: Music Producer of the band, does programming with his electronic gizmos, plays rhythm guitars, keyboards and also sings.

Suhaas: Lead vocalist composes, writes lyrics and sings. Often goes crazy on stage.

Bernard: Bernard plays the bass guitar and also sings.

Gopaal: Plays the drums and does percussion programming. Has a huge fan following due to unorthodox style of playing.

Chandresh: Plays lead guitar and does backing vocals. He is a great performer famous for his crazy antics on stage.

Chandresh, band’s youngest member believes in doing things differently .As he says, “It has definitely to do with our good karma that our parents and our friends are very supportive and that’s makes us perform better. Believe in yourself, follow your dreams and don’t lose hope.”

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Ishita Arun - The “Aika Dajiba” mulgi

West Side Plus (Times of India - Feb 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

Ishita Arun has created waves by grooving to Marathi song “ Aika Dajiba” beaming on music channels. Ishita in typical Marathi attire along with Milind Gunaji and dancing to the voice of Vaishali Samant has been well appreciated and given her due share of fame. Ishita is now being offered roles in entertainment world after this popular video. But Ishita says, “ I am only looking forward to accept good substantial roles .As I have to prove that I am not only a god dancer, but also a good actress “

Recalling his stint and music video offer, Ishita, daughter of singer Ila Arun told West Side Plus, “Sagarika Music offered me the video as they had earlier seen my work as Television VJ.Earlier, I refused the offer due to my busy date schedules. But they were adamant and pursued me for the video shoot. I knew I had a good scope as the whole video revolved around me. Today I am very happy because the video has really caught with party circuit and teenagers. And it is a big hit.”

Ishita, a resident of Vakola, Santacruz (east) loves Mumbai and her favorite hangout places are Lokhandwala and seven bungalows. As she says, “I m a total Bombay girl imbibed into a big town. I often watch a movie to relieve my stress and busy schedules. I am keen on doing theatre to reinvent my acting talents. My mother is an encyclopedia of experience and knowledge as she’s been in entertainment scenario since a long time. She guides me well in my career.”

Speaking about her future plans, Ishita says,“I am looking forward to two shows on B4U channel. Also my movie with Sameer Soni “Kahan ho tum“ is due to release this April.I am also preparing for B.A exams as studies are very important and cannot be neglected. My mother and myself are planning to launch a music album later this year.”

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Missed Worlds and Missed Universes

DNA (Saturday, January 21,2006)

Panelists say lack of focus is behind the recent paucity of international beauty pageant winners. Miss Indias say it’s simply bad luck.

Skimmy Gupta

After the likes of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra triumphing at international beauty pageants, it has been over four years since Indian beauties have won any international recognition.

Expert panelists believe that casual approach, attitude problem, busy schedules are few of the many reasons behind the recent lack of winners at the international level. However, recent Miss India winners deny all these allegations and feel that it’s mere bad luck.

Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai on the panel of the Miss India pageant says, “The girls are overconfident. I think we need to pick up the right girls at the initial stage.”
Choreographer Sandip Soparkkar for last year’s pageant says, “After winning the crown in India, the girls get very busy and their training programmes are hampered.”

Dr Sandesh Mayekar, cosmetic and aesthetic dentist on the panel of Miss India 2005 says, “Today the beauty pageant winners come with a mindset that they have a perfect smile.”

Sindura Gadde, Miss India-World 2005 says, “I gave my 100 percent at the recent Miss World contest. We have to understand that luck is a very important factor.”

Miss India Earth 2005 Niharika Singh feels she lost at Miss Earth pageant due to her lack of height. She says, “There is a deliberate attempt not to crown Indian beauties.”

Actor and former Miss India-Universe 2004 Tanushree Datta feels “As far as the girls and the panelists are concerned no one leaves any stone unturned. I guess it’s just wrong timing and hard luck.”