"Annacalypse: It’s less of politics, more of raw people power"
It’s not so much about members as it is about sensing the public mood. It's not so much about details and clauses as it is about democracy and free speech. The Ramlila Maidan, carefully prepared for Anna's fast, is only the staging ground for a movement that has travelled well beyond Delhi. And that is what has made Raisina Hill feel nervous as hell. Every capitulation by the government, indeed even every conversation is magnified into a retreat.
Twenty-four by seven media coverage has extracted and magnified every fault line of this new battlefield that is the redone, repaved Ramlila grounds. While team Anna has skillfully expanded its narrow Lok Pal platform to the wider anti-corruption one, the government's silly actions have unwittingly allowed it go this further.
Today the septuagenarian on fast has also become a symbol of democracy--not something that he had marched out of his village in rural Maharashtra to achieve. Indeed bringing a government to its knees in this manner has made him a folk hero. It's less about politics and more about raw people power.
Comparisons with the Mahatma may be unfair, but Anna has ensured that the simple old man now has a brand image much bigger than anything seen in the recent times. Even as the doctors monitor his health, it's Anna's confidence, clarity and courage that inspire people like the dabbawalas in Mumbai to go on their first strike in 120 years. Being a seasoned activist and agitator, Anna moves in a methodical manner. His pre-fast check up at 'Medanta', a hospital in Gurgaon, ensured that he would have a baseline record of not just vital functions but also bodily marks to preempt possible roughing up by the police.
A free fully equipped ambulance is also parked by 'Medanta' for any emergency. After all Anna has an IRS officer Kejriwal, a police officer Kiran Bedi, a law minister and a lawyer in the Bhushans', all retired but today devoted full-time to managing the Anna movement. Crowds at the Ramlila Maidan are not the only things that the government will be watching nervously. It's the spread and depth of the people's movement and the feeling elsewhere, that they worry about today. Rattled Congress spokesperson and ranting ministers haven't helped Manmohan's image.
A government beleaguered by rampant corruption, inflation, policy paralysis and terrorism has turned an ego battle into a very public headache.
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"Unfair male attention"
To get male attention in India has never been a problem. Lecherous looks and being teased on the roads of Delhi or anywhere is the done thing. It is usually said by cops also that if you do not want to be teased or glared at, you should not be dressed as 'sluts'. Sexual crimes they say are usually provoked by women who dress inappropriately. It was a Canadian police officer who started to use the word 'slut'. This is what outraged the women who marched in London and Latin America dressed in tiny clothes. This was a message that however women may dress in bikini or sari, they do not or should not get lecherous looks.
Delhi being the "rape" capital and also in a recent survey was the world's fourth most dangerous place for women. This was perhaps the right place for this walk. It was nicknamed as 'Besharmi Morcha' and even in this humid weather last week, women in full force protested against undue attention bestowed upon them by men. The message that was loud and clear behind this 'slut walk' was whether it is simple dressing or provocative dressing, women deserve security and no harassment.
The modern women of Delhi who marched though were dressed in everyday decent clothes. It was a good turnout as women in this country are moving out of their homes and working at BPOs, clubs and doing night shifts. They do have to fight the shameful behaviour of the hungry frustrated men.
It is a good start or maybe a message for men to be more careful next time and control their wandering hands, lecherous looks and degrading comments on women.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pioneer-DILLI BILLI-14th.August.11"IT IS ALL ABOUT CLEAN IMAGE"
"IT IS ALL ABOUT CLEAN IMAGE"
Corruption is a major issue for the youth today. Any leader who is not true to the voter will be rejected
With the Assembly elections approaching in some States — Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh — the political parties are gearing up for it. The election in Uttar Pradesh, to be held next year, is the main focus for the Congress. The election has become a prestige issue for the party as Rahul Gandhi has been working and campaigning hard in the State. Numerous surveys have been done by his team. Party workers and office bearers have been called in from different States and given instructions.
But it is not just the Congress that is busy. The Chief Minister of UP, Mayawati, has already got her candidates in place. In fact, she is the only one who is totally prepared. The Samajwadi Party and and other small parties have their agenda in place — they will side with the party that hands them a better deal. The BJP, too, is trying to get its act in order.
In Himachal Pradesh, the general secretary in-charge has risen above factional fighting and has set up a team of experienced and capable members who will deliver.
In Punjab, the president of the State Congress party, Amarinder Singh has started campaigning in the State. Amarinder Singh and Virbhadra Singh are sure to be main players in their respective States.
Hopefully their experience and knowledge will be used effectively by the Congress High Command.
Elections in any State can only be won if it is headed by a popular leader. Therefore, it is very important that there is a strong team. Personal relationships have no role to play under such situations. It is a well-known fact that inefficiency and non-deliverance will be punished by the public. With 65 per cent voters as youth, they expect the politicians to deliver what has been promised. For them corruption is a big issue and a candidate who doesn’t have a clean image will be rejected outright.
Coming back to the Congress and the attention and the amount of work the party is doing in Uttar Pradesh, is justified. The State has hardly seen any infrastructural development. It is time that the Congress puts its act together and win. It is time that the party starts paying attention to grassroot workers instead of people who are sitting in Delhi who visit the State once in a while. With a good team and co-ordination the task for the party will become easier. If the general secretary in-charge of Himachal Pradesh can do it, the party can apply the same formula in UP.
However, one thing has to be kept in mind, whether it is the Congress or the BJP, winning an election today means that all the people in the party should keep their egos at home and personal likes and dislikes away while choosing the candidates and constituting various committees. They need to understand that they need to be true to their voters. Winning the people’s approval should be the focus.
Corruption is a major issue for the youth today. Any leader who is not true to the voter will be rejected
With the Assembly elections approaching in some States — Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh — the political parties are gearing up for it. The election in Uttar Pradesh, to be held next year, is the main focus for the Congress. The election has become a prestige issue for the party as Rahul Gandhi has been working and campaigning hard in the State. Numerous surveys have been done by his team. Party workers and office bearers have been called in from different States and given instructions.
But it is not just the Congress that is busy. The Chief Minister of UP, Mayawati, has already got her candidates in place. In fact, she is the only one who is totally prepared. The Samajwadi Party and and other small parties have their agenda in place — they will side with the party that hands them a better deal. The BJP, too, is trying to get its act in order.
In Himachal Pradesh, the general secretary in-charge has risen above factional fighting and has set up a team of experienced and capable members who will deliver.
In Punjab, the president of the State Congress party, Amarinder Singh has started campaigning in the State. Amarinder Singh and Virbhadra Singh are sure to be main players in their respective States.
Hopefully their experience and knowledge will be used effectively by the Congress High Command.
Elections in any State can only be won if it is headed by a popular leader. Therefore, it is very important that there is a strong team. Personal relationships have no role to play under such situations. It is a well-known fact that inefficiency and non-deliverance will be punished by the public. With 65 per cent voters as youth, they expect the politicians to deliver what has been promised. For them corruption is a big issue and a candidate who doesn’t have a clean image will be rejected outright.
Coming back to the Congress and the attention and the amount of work the party is doing in Uttar Pradesh, is justified. The State has hardly seen any infrastructural development. It is time that the Congress puts its act together and win. It is time that the party starts paying attention to grassroot workers instead of people who are sitting in Delhi who visit the State once in a while. With a good team and co-ordination the task for the party will become easier. If the general secretary in-charge of Himachal Pradesh can do it, the party can apply the same formula in UP.
However, one thing has to be kept in mind, whether it is the Congress or the BJP, winning an election today means that all the people in the party should keep their egos at home and personal likes and dislikes away while choosing the candidates and constituting various committees. They need to understand that they need to be true to their voters. Winning the people’s approval should be the focus.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Tribune-Chatterati-8TH-August-2011
"Rendezvous with fashionmongers"
Fashion and glamour go hand in hand and if it is Delhi where the fashion shows are held, then trying to rope in the powerful political clan is the real show of strength. But unfortunately the politicians kept to themselves this time. Of course, the usual suspects of the Delhi fashion scene who are now more or less the "has beens" were present in full force. Surprisingly from Bollywood except for Sanjay Khan's parivaar, there were no big names present.
There were Raveena Tandon, Fardeen Khan and the proud parents of Sonakshi Sinha, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and his wife. Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor was present at most fashion shows minus husband, stating that these designers are good friends. It's amazing but how this couple Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda are present everywhere.
A real sore sight was spotting the former cricketer Atul Wassan with a black eye. Unfortunately, Atul was a victim of some unruly road rage where some security people of a Haryana minister had bashed him up for overtaking their cars. It was an ugly sight and uglier story that Atul had to narrate to us of his firsthand experience with arrogance of some of the politicians of the Jat land. It's uncalled-for.
But on the whole our designers are now top quality in every sense of it.
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"Where women rule the roost"
The states where women rule are always very interesting to observe. In Amma's state, one observed that it is only former film star Jayalalithaa who is allowed to wear coloured clothes as a politician. This is very noticeable when at any time you watch Jayalalithaa and her ministers standing together. It is a total contrast and a bit like the cricket team when you see the referee in one colour of clothes and the rest of the team in uniform. Jayalalithaa's ministers too, whether it is a formal or informal occasion, are always dressed in a dress code of white or is it surrender? Jayalalithaa is in a position today to have her way and is safe as most of the opposition former ministers and legislatures are being arrested either for grabbing land when their party was in power or for all different corruption charges.
The biggest state in the country Uttar Pradesh meanwhile is gearing up for the elections soon. While political parties are up in arms against one another, it is oddly the women Teen Deviya who are the face of their parties in Uttar Pradesh. The fifty-five-year-old Chief Minister Mayawati, who is ruthless and full of aggression and is not known to have many friends in public or personal life, is the boss. The new entry into Uttar Pradesh politics is Uma Bharti. This fifty-one-year-old has been hijacked from Madhya Pradesh by the BJP to lead the next Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. She is known for her temper and is aggressive. Even though she is a 'sanyasin', she enjoys her food and good music. On the other hand, Mayawati is not into food and hates spicy stuff.
The Congress has chosen the daughter of their former Chief Minister H.N.Bahuguna to revive the party fortunes in the state. The sixty-one-year-old Rita Bahuguna Joshi is a good fighter and fulfills her duties side by side to being a good housewife too. Loves her classy silk and cotton saris and enjoys her non-vegetarian meal too.
These three women, I don't think, have ever even enjoyed a cup of coffee together or interacted with each other, but now they have been put by their parties to fight the coming UPelections.
Fashion and glamour go hand in hand and if it is Delhi where the fashion shows are held, then trying to rope in the powerful political clan is the real show of strength. But unfortunately the politicians kept to themselves this time. Of course, the usual suspects of the Delhi fashion scene who are now more or less the "has beens" were present in full force. Surprisingly from Bollywood except for Sanjay Khan's parivaar, there were no big names present.
There were Raveena Tandon, Fardeen Khan and the proud parents of Sonakshi Sinha, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and his wife. Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor was present at most fashion shows minus husband, stating that these designers are good friends. It's amazing but how this couple Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda are present everywhere.
A real sore sight was spotting the former cricketer Atul Wassan with a black eye. Unfortunately, Atul was a victim of some unruly road rage where some security people of a Haryana minister had bashed him up for overtaking their cars. It was an ugly sight and uglier story that Atul had to narrate to us of his firsthand experience with arrogance of some of the politicians of the Jat land. It's uncalled-for.
But on the whole our designers are now top quality in every sense of it.
=========================================================
"Where women rule the roost"
The states where women rule are always very interesting to observe. In Amma's state, one observed that it is only former film star Jayalalithaa who is allowed to wear coloured clothes as a politician. This is very noticeable when at any time you watch Jayalalithaa and her ministers standing together. It is a total contrast and a bit like the cricket team when you see the referee in one colour of clothes and the rest of the team in uniform. Jayalalithaa's ministers too, whether it is a formal or informal occasion, are always dressed in a dress code of white or is it surrender? Jayalalithaa is in a position today to have her way and is safe as most of the opposition former ministers and legislatures are being arrested either for grabbing land when their party was in power or for all different corruption charges.
The biggest state in the country Uttar Pradesh meanwhile is gearing up for the elections soon. While political parties are up in arms against one another, it is oddly the women Teen Deviya who are the face of their parties in Uttar Pradesh. The fifty-five-year-old Chief Minister Mayawati, who is ruthless and full of aggression and is not known to have many friends in public or personal life, is the boss. The new entry into Uttar Pradesh politics is Uma Bharti. This fifty-one-year-old has been hijacked from Madhya Pradesh by the BJP to lead the next Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. She is known for her temper and is aggressive. Even though she is a 'sanyasin', she enjoys her food and good music. On the other hand, Mayawati is not into food and hates spicy stuff.
The Congress has chosen the daughter of their former Chief Minister H.N.Bahuguna to revive the party fortunes in the state. The sixty-one-year-old Rita Bahuguna Joshi is a good fighter and fulfills her duties side by side to being a good housewife too. Loves her classy silk and cotton saris and enjoys her non-vegetarian meal too.
These three women, I don't think, have ever even enjoyed a cup of coffee together or interacted with each other, but now they have been put by their parties to fight the coming UPelections.
Pioneer-DILLI BILLI-7th.August.11 "UNDIPLOMATIC DRESSING"
"UNDIPLOMATIC DRESSING"
Was there need for Pak’s new Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to look like a design studio herself?
With geo-politics changes taking place at a fast pace, India was not very sure about how to handle Pakistan’s new, 34-year-old, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. The youth today is caught up in their work and life and may not appear to be patriotic as the older generation. Therefore, at times, the younger generation’s attitude is not always taken in the right spirit. I would not call myself orthodox and have had enough exposure to the outside world but even I am at a loss on how to sum up Khar.
But if I were a conservative person, I would have preferred to see a young bright US educated woman alight from Pakistani plane dressed in a more diplomatic manner. It is may seem a bit hypocritical, but Khar represents her country. She is a leader. To be dressed in a chic and smart way is an entirely different matter than looking like a person who is a walking talking designer mouthpiece.
India has played host to a number of international leaders and personalities. From John F Kennedy to President Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin — all of them have had admirers in India. With an impeccable sense of dressing, they didn’t have to carry handbags that shouted that it was a designer nor did they have to wear shades that were too large and loud for their faces.
We, in India, also have young MPs. Most of them come from old, elite and wealthy political families. But the ingrained diplomacy in our leaders ensures that we dress right. Who could be more charming and pretty than Priyanka Gandhi. Yet one sees her dressed in simple cotton salwar-kurtas. Once in a while one does see her in a sari — also cotton. Our women leaders like, Late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, young Ministers like Preneet Kaur and Selja Kumari don’t need to carry a Birkin bag (rumored to be worth rs17 lakh). These are women of substance who are confident and are very careful not to flaunt their wealth in full public view — their votebank barely manages to eat two meals a day. To carry a bag worth rs17 lakh would not be in good taste.
As a leader, that too in the sub-continent, one doesn’t have to carry a designer bag in order to get attention. The media can’t be blamed for labeling a leader as a ‘fashion icon’ rather than be called an intelligent mantri. This, of course, doesn’t mean that Khar is not intelligent. But she should not have huffed so much when Indian media talked of nothing but her choice of accessories. Our media is not used to dignitaries visiting from neighbouring countries talk of friendship where most people live below the poverty line supporting an expensive bag. Maybe next time she visits we would have got used to the designer clad dignitary and the focus will be on real issues.
I am not an ageist. In fact, I am in awe of the younger generation and the exposure they have. It’s not about hypocrisy or hiding who you are, it is about knowing what works where.
Was there need for Pak’s new Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to look like a design studio herself?
With geo-politics changes taking place at a fast pace, India was not very sure about how to handle Pakistan’s new, 34-year-old, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. The youth today is caught up in their work and life and may not appear to be patriotic as the older generation. Therefore, at times, the younger generation’s attitude is not always taken in the right spirit. I would not call myself orthodox and have had enough exposure to the outside world but even I am at a loss on how to sum up Khar.
But if I were a conservative person, I would have preferred to see a young bright US educated woman alight from Pakistani plane dressed in a more diplomatic manner. It is may seem a bit hypocritical, but Khar represents her country. She is a leader. To be dressed in a chic and smart way is an entirely different matter than looking like a person who is a walking talking designer mouthpiece.
India has played host to a number of international leaders and personalities. From John F Kennedy to President Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin — all of them have had admirers in India. With an impeccable sense of dressing, they didn’t have to carry handbags that shouted that it was a designer nor did they have to wear shades that were too large and loud for their faces.
We, in India, also have young MPs. Most of them come from old, elite and wealthy political families. But the ingrained diplomacy in our leaders ensures that we dress right. Who could be more charming and pretty than Priyanka Gandhi. Yet one sees her dressed in simple cotton salwar-kurtas. Once in a while one does see her in a sari — also cotton. Our women leaders like, Late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, young Ministers like Preneet Kaur and Selja Kumari don’t need to carry a Birkin bag (rumored to be worth rs17 lakh). These are women of substance who are confident and are very careful not to flaunt their wealth in full public view — their votebank barely manages to eat two meals a day. To carry a bag worth rs17 lakh would not be in good taste.
As a leader, that too in the sub-continent, one doesn’t have to carry a designer bag in order to get attention. The media can’t be blamed for labeling a leader as a ‘fashion icon’ rather than be called an intelligent mantri. This, of course, doesn’t mean that Khar is not intelligent. But she should not have huffed so much when Indian media talked of nothing but her choice of accessories. Our media is not used to dignitaries visiting from neighbouring countries talk of friendship where most people live below the poverty line supporting an expensive bag. Maybe next time she visits we would have got used to the designer clad dignitary and the focus will be on real issues.
I am not an ageist. In fact, I am in awe of the younger generation and the exposure they have. It’s not about hypocrisy or hiding who you are, it is about knowing what works where.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Pioneer-DILLI BILLI-31st.July.11 "UPWARDLY MOBILE INDIA"
"Upwardly mobile India"
Indians are strutting the streets of London, exploding from restaurants and shopping as never before
Holidays are over and schoolchildren are back in class. But, just a month or two back, some of them (those who could afford it) headed for Europe, especially the UK. In fact, there are more Indians roaming the Oxford Street than the British. From the rich, to the who is who, to politicians with their sidekicks, to bureaucrats who manage an official trip, including a daily allowance — all can be spotted walking the streets of London.
Despite the fact that the country is going through a plethora of crises, no one seems to be bothered. It is as if the charges of corruption, the CBI inquiries and the Government machinery coming to a halt has become routine. So, why spoil a foreign trip with the family?
It is amazing to see that most shoppers in London are either Indians, Chinese or Japanese. They are the ones who now boost the economy of Europe and the US.
Though the quality of service in England has gone down a few notches — blame it on the migrants who have recently come in from new EU member States with language problems — it is definitely not affecting middle class India visiting the country.
Restaurants are buzzing with Indian families trying out new cuisines. With elderly women dressed in Marks & Spencer jeans and tops, it looks that it is not just the food that they are experimenting with. Of course, the children are head to foot in designer labels and carry the latest cellphones.
What is even more surprising is what I saw during my visit to Edinburgh Castle which is built on a volcanic hill. There were busloads of Indians visiting the spot. Every restaurant in Edinburgh had more Asians than the Europeans. This shows how much our economy has impacted the middle class which can now take family holidays abroad, an experience that was, a decade back, limited to only privileged people.
And it is not just Indians who are reaping the benefits of the position India has recently acquired. Indians settled abroad have also found a new confidence due to the rise of India’s global positioning. It is very encouraging when you hear foreigners approving of the fact that at least the country has started to take action against high-profile people involved in scams.
Our Judiciary has made sure that all the corrupt are dealt with sternly. It is another matter that, with time, the cases might become weak and most people would have forgotten about it, like Suresh Kalmadi who now insists he does not have dementia.
We may have our problems but one thing is certain — today, every Indian can hold his head high while travelling abroad. Our economy boost has given us a sense of supreme confidence. We know that we belong to a nation which has a bright future, even though there are many hurdles we are yet to cross.
Indians are strutting the streets of London, exploding from restaurants and shopping as never before
Holidays are over and schoolchildren are back in class. But, just a month or two back, some of them (those who could afford it) headed for Europe, especially the UK. In fact, there are more Indians roaming the Oxford Street than the British. From the rich, to the who is who, to politicians with their sidekicks, to bureaucrats who manage an official trip, including a daily allowance — all can be spotted walking the streets of London.
Despite the fact that the country is going through a plethora of crises, no one seems to be bothered. It is as if the charges of corruption, the CBI inquiries and the Government machinery coming to a halt has become routine. So, why spoil a foreign trip with the family?
It is amazing to see that most shoppers in London are either Indians, Chinese or Japanese. They are the ones who now boost the economy of Europe and the US.
Though the quality of service in England has gone down a few notches — blame it on the migrants who have recently come in from new EU member States with language problems — it is definitely not affecting middle class India visiting the country.
Restaurants are buzzing with Indian families trying out new cuisines. With elderly women dressed in Marks & Spencer jeans and tops, it looks that it is not just the food that they are experimenting with. Of course, the children are head to foot in designer labels and carry the latest cellphones.
What is even more surprising is what I saw during my visit to Edinburgh Castle which is built on a volcanic hill. There were busloads of Indians visiting the spot. Every restaurant in Edinburgh had more Asians than the Europeans. This shows how much our economy has impacted the middle class which can now take family holidays abroad, an experience that was, a decade back, limited to only privileged people.
And it is not just Indians who are reaping the benefits of the position India has recently acquired. Indians settled abroad have also found a new confidence due to the rise of India’s global positioning. It is very encouraging when you hear foreigners approving of the fact that at least the country has started to take action against high-profile people involved in scams.
Our Judiciary has made sure that all the corrupt are dealt with sternly. It is another matter that, with time, the cases might become weak and most people would have forgotten about it, like Suresh Kalmadi who now insists he does not have dementia.
We may have our problems but one thing is certain — today, every Indian can hold his head high while travelling abroad. Our economy boost has given us a sense of supreme confidence. We know that we belong to a nation which has a bright future, even though there are many hurdles we are yet to cross.
The Tribune-Chatterati-1st-August-2011
"Visiting first ladies make their mark"
We are getting used to the visiting attractive first ladies Michelle Obama, Sarah Brown and then the Carla Bruni of France who all came looking chic and are sharp too. Michelle was a big hit here. More than their husbands, they were the ones who stole the limelight and got great reviews. But last week, it was the Pakistan's first-ever woman Foreign Minister who stole the limelight in Delhi.
The 34-year-old Hina Rabbani Khar made a fashion statement as soon as she alighted from the plane. Fashionable, expensive, perfect to the point she was dressed in blue colour of the season with Jackie Kennedy-type oversized sunglasses, oversized Hermes Birkin bag costing Rs 7 lakh and to lend the glamour, she added the tasteful pearl jewellery. Young, smiling yet a little conscious dressed in straight pants and not the traditional salwar with a long kurta. Obviously, a lover of international brands. Everything was in place. But as someone commented, "A nation which is going through such troubled times politically and economically should their representative be attired so expensively? Or should they be dressed like our lady politicians Sonia Gandhi or our young lady MPs, tastefully yet simple and affordable to all."
Hina may not have made her first right move politically as she had met with the separatists before she met with the Indian Foreign Minister. What she delivers is yet to be seen but what we saw was a pleasant figure whose every move the world would be watching. This is a fresh new face of today's generation, belonging to an elite family of Pakistan with traces of political blood. A business woman who is comfortable in jeans as in a kurta and is as confident in the polo ground as is head of the foreign ministry. Is this the new generation in Pakistan? Educated, exposed to the western world and a new mindset. Zardari's son Bilawal Zardari Bhutto is set to run for elections next time. Is this his new team in the making?
Hina visited the Nizamuddin Dargah and then the Ajmer Dargah. She met old family friends at the Dargah as she had no time to go to their house. She would have loved to go shopping but as she said 'next time'. Our External Affairs Minister will surely look forward to that.
============================================================
"The world of haute couture"
The fashion week known as "Delhi Couture Week" was much more successful this year. Of course, there were some catfights and some blame game of copycats. Otherwise it was fine. Delhiites witnessed a whole lot of Mumbai celebrities walking on the ramp and in the front rows. It seems to be some kind of a new motive to add the touch of 'has been' celebrities just for the extra media attention. The designer whose show they attend seems special. Wonder why?
Must say that our desi designers have learnt the skills of top class embroidery. The touch of modern and tradition really made this fashion show a success. And our Indian models walked the ramp with confidence and such elegance.
The last and the best show as usual was of the designer with the dramatic touch and his each garment was an objet d'art.
Rohit Bal's collection was called 'Shanti'. There were volumes of fabric upon fabric in its purest form. The fragrance of 300 kgs of jasmine flowers which the designer used right from the branches which were set around the ramp and also around the seats of the spectators. It was an amazing sheet of white flowers. An old friend, the dapper Arjun Rampal was the show-stopper at Rohit Bal's show. For the first time this show gave us a feeling that couture was alive in India. It may be a French word but as Indians love fine things, customizing still exists at all the economic levels. It has been India's longstanding tradition.
JJ Valaya's workmanship is something one cannot find fault with. The cultured saris with experimental twists of Gaurav Gupta and with his technical skills to draping and pleating of his materials. One is proud of all these talented designers. The glamorous Sonam Kapoor who really knows 'fashion' opened the show for Bollywood's Manish Malhotra and outshone all other Bollywood stars who walked the ramp for their designers.
We are getting used to the visiting attractive first ladies Michelle Obama, Sarah Brown and then the Carla Bruni of France who all came looking chic and are sharp too. Michelle was a big hit here. More than their husbands, they were the ones who stole the limelight and got great reviews. But last week, it was the Pakistan's first-ever woman Foreign Minister who stole the limelight in Delhi.
The 34-year-old Hina Rabbani Khar made a fashion statement as soon as she alighted from the plane. Fashionable, expensive, perfect to the point she was dressed in blue colour of the season with Jackie Kennedy-type oversized sunglasses, oversized Hermes Birkin bag costing Rs 7 lakh and to lend the glamour, she added the tasteful pearl jewellery. Young, smiling yet a little conscious dressed in straight pants and not the traditional salwar with a long kurta. Obviously, a lover of international brands. Everything was in place. But as someone commented, "A nation which is going through such troubled times politically and economically should their representative be attired so expensively? Or should they be dressed like our lady politicians Sonia Gandhi or our young lady MPs, tastefully yet simple and affordable to all."
Hina may not have made her first right move politically as she had met with the separatists before she met with the Indian Foreign Minister. What she delivers is yet to be seen but what we saw was a pleasant figure whose every move the world would be watching. This is a fresh new face of today's generation, belonging to an elite family of Pakistan with traces of political blood. A business woman who is comfortable in jeans as in a kurta and is as confident in the polo ground as is head of the foreign ministry. Is this the new generation in Pakistan? Educated, exposed to the western world and a new mindset. Zardari's son Bilawal Zardari Bhutto is set to run for elections next time. Is this his new team in the making?
Hina visited the Nizamuddin Dargah and then the Ajmer Dargah. She met old family friends at the Dargah as she had no time to go to their house. She would have loved to go shopping but as she said 'next time'. Our External Affairs Minister will surely look forward to that.
============================================================
"The world of haute couture"
The fashion week known as "Delhi Couture Week" was much more successful this year. Of course, there were some catfights and some blame game of copycats. Otherwise it was fine. Delhiites witnessed a whole lot of Mumbai celebrities walking on the ramp and in the front rows. It seems to be some kind of a new motive to add the touch of 'has been' celebrities just for the extra media attention. The designer whose show they attend seems special. Wonder why?
Must say that our desi designers have learnt the skills of top class embroidery. The touch of modern and tradition really made this fashion show a success. And our Indian models walked the ramp with confidence and such elegance.
The last and the best show as usual was of the designer with the dramatic touch and his each garment was an objet d'art.
Rohit Bal's collection was called 'Shanti'. There were volumes of fabric upon fabric in its purest form. The fragrance of 300 kgs of jasmine flowers which the designer used right from the branches which were set around the ramp and also around the seats of the spectators. It was an amazing sheet of white flowers. An old friend, the dapper Arjun Rampal was the show-stopper at Rohit Bal's show. For the first time this show gave us a feeling that couture was alive in India. It may be a French word but as Indians love fine things, customizing still exists at all the economic levels. It has been India's longstanding tradition.
JJ Valaya's workmanship is something one cannot find fault with. The cultured saris with experimental twists of Gaurav Gupta and with his technical skills to draping and pleating of his materials. One is proud of all these talented designers. The glamorous Sonam Kapoor who really knows 'fashion' opened the show for Bollywood's Manish Malhotra and outshone all other Bollywood stars who walked the ramp for their designers.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Tribune-Chatterati-25th-July-2011
"The no-nonsense Mayawati"
Mayawati is fun to watch during her press conferences. She has a text in hand, reads it, takes no questions and does not mingle with any presswala, no small talk is allowed. She is punctual and precise and there is no commotion. She makes her point, conveys her message and swiftly walks away.
Her choice of grooming is a pinkish or pale yellow shiny suit, neatly combed short hair and small gold or diamond studs along with a designer handbag on her arm.
This iron lady of Uttar Pradesh does things in her own time and in the way she wants. She is not fazed or overawed by anything or anybody. She knows her clout and is confident of her workers and voters. Sacking ministers or secretaries is so easy for her.
This is a politician who has worked day and night and gives no leverage to sycophants or sycophancy. It could be the Congress, Samajwadi or BJP, she is not insecure of any of them. They may sit on dharna or fast, she will strike them down, with a decision or a new policy which will make her more popular. There is no way that she lets her vote bank slip. No leader is taller than her in her own state. She minds her own business and has no concern outside the state.
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"Matronly figures of politics"
Madam, behenji, didi, amma or even auntyji are figures that work in politics.
Mamata didi swept the polls as she became the first woman CM of West Bengal. Down south, people came in hordes in Tamil Nadu and voted
Jayalalithaa, their amma, back in power.
DMK MP Kanimozi is daddy's girl but the beti image is not very popular in politics, it seems. Karunanidhi's fatherly instincts for his children do not seem to have done him any good.
Sheila Dikshit, the good old grandmother, soft and gentle, yet tough, became Delhi's CM for the third consecutive time.
Titles such as behenji for Mayawati, didi for Mamata Banerjee and amma for Jayalalithaa are all important for our voters. They are symbolic and spell goodwill and trust that these leaders share with the aam admi. Ammas and didis are names which spell affection and also respect for the immense amount of work that these women leaders have done.
Words such as bhai, bhaiya and brother for the male politicians are expressions used as a sign of popularity. Mamata Banerjee is today our favorite didi and so what if amma had lost a few elections and many times behenji (Mayawati) has faced immense public criticism. These titles do send a message that it's the ammas, didis, aunties and behenjis who are success stories. And the one who continues to be the most powerful of all politicians even in a male-dominated country like ours is "Madam".
So, it's the Indian traditional family names which can go a long way if you happen to be in politics. It has probably trust and 'apnapan'.
Mayawati is fun to watch during her press conferences. She has a text in hand, reads it, takes no questions and does not mingle with any presswala, no small talk is allowed. She is punctual and precise and there is no commotion. She makes her point, conveys her message and swiftly walks away.
Her choice of grooming is a pinkish or pale yellow shiny suit, neatly combed short hair and small gold or diamond studs along with a designer handbag on her arm.
This iron lady of Uttar Pradesh does things in her own time and in the way she wants. She is not fazed or overawed by anything or anybody. She knows her clout and is confident of her workers and voters. Sacking ministers or secretaries is so easy for her.
This is a politician who has worked day and night and gives no leverage to sycophants or sycophancy. It could be the Congress, Samajwadi or BJP, she is not insecure of any of them. They may sit on dharna or fast, she will strike them down, with a decision or a new policy which will make her more popular. There is no way that she lets her vote bank slip. No leader is taller than her in her own state. She minds her own business and has no concern outside the state.
==========================================================
"Matronly figures of politics"
Madam, behenji, didi, amma or even auntyji are figures that work in politics.
Mamata didi swept the polls as she became the first woman CM of West Bengal. Down south, people came in hordes in Tamil Nadu and voted
Jayalalithaa, their amma, back in power.
DMK MP Kanimozi is daddy's girl but the beti image is not very popular in politics, it seems. Karunanidhi's fatherly instincts for his children do not seem to have done him any good.
Sheila Dikshit, the good old grandmother, soft and gentle, yet tough, became Delhi's CM for the third consecutive time.
Titles such as behenji for Mayawati, didi for Mamata Banerjee and amma for Jayalalithaa are all important for our voters. They are symbolic and spell goodwill and trust that these leaders share with the aam admi. Ammas and didis are names which spell affection and also respect for the immense amount of work that these women leaders have done.
Words such as bhai, bhaiya and brother for the male politicians are expressions used as a sign of popularity. Mamata Banerjee is today our favorite didi and so what if amma had lost a few elections and many times behenji (Mayawati) has faced immense public criticism. These titles do send a message that it's the ammas, didis, aunties and behenjis who are success stories. And the one who continues to be the most powerful of all politicians even in a male-dominated country like ours is "Madam".
So, it's the Indian traditional family names which can go a long way if you happen to be in politics. It has probably trust and 'apnapan'.
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