Cine Stars in Parliament - Constitution Club of India

central hall
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
PA R L I A M E N T A R I A N S
V O L U M E 1 : I S S U E 4 : P R I C E R s . 2 0 0 . 0 0 O F
I N D I A
SEPTEMBER 2012
Cine Stars in
Parliament
CONTENTS
Feedback
Inside
4
Feature
Parliamentarian Couples
Kumar Deepak Das, MP
I and my family felt pleased
to be covered in ‘Central Hall’
magazine through the special
issues on MPs ‘Holiday Diaries.
Thomas Sangma, MP
The travelogue with my
colleagues was well-covered
by ‘Central Hall’. There should
be more experiences of
other MPs who have visited
different places describing the
relation with other countries. I
suggested the team to continue
publishing such columns in
the magazine.
Jaya Bachchan, MP
Mukut Mithi, MP
It was a nice experience to
write about the tourism of my
state Arunachal Pradesh in this
magazine of Parliamentarians.
It is a good initiative and I
must congratulate the whole
team of ‘Central Hall’.
5
From the Silver Screen to the Parliament
Cine stars in Parliament
8
Cinema - Medium of Purposeful Spectacle
9
Lata Mangeshkar - The Lady with Moonlight in her Voice
11
Unforgettable Heroes of Indian Cinema
15 Ibadat - A Prayer of Humanity
18 End of an Era
Shailendra Kumar, MP
I am very thankful to ‘Central
Hall’ team for giving me an
opportunity to share about my
vacations with the readers. The
column is appreciated by my
colleagues, friends and
family members.
An interview with Shyam Benegal, former MP
Birthday Greetings
Tribute to Dara Singh and Rajesh Khanna
Club Event - Iftaar Party
Tribute to Captain Lakshmi Sehgal
Cover Photo: Contributed by the office of Hema Malini, Former MP
3
1
c e n t r a l
h a l l
SJ U
E P
N TE E 2M 0B1E 2R
2 0 1 2
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Members of the Editorial Advisory Board
Hannan Mollah, Former MP
D. Raja, MP
Dr. Bharatkumar Raut, MP
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MP
Vijay J Darda, MP
M. Mohan, MP
H K Dua, MP
Shobhana Bhartia,
Former MP
I
ndian cinema has been the most effective
and popular carrier of Indian culture, its
diverse social life and haunting music
globally. In the last hundred years cinema has
done more to introduce India to the world
then all our diplomats and embassies put
together. In a Russian village or a Moroccan
town as soon as a common man sees an
Indian they break into a Hindi film song.
In far of central Asian towns like Bukhara
or Baku I heard people shouting Amitabh
Bachchan as soon as they saw an Indian. I
was told that when Amitabh visited Cairo it
Shahid Siddiqui, Former MP & Member of Editorial
took him 6 hours to reach his hotel as he was Advisory Board, Central Hall
being cheered all along the way by thousands
We parliamentarians have always
of fans. No Indian ever receives this type of
recognized the contribution of film
reception in any city of Asia, Africa or even
industry to our nation building and as a
some countries of Europe as an Indian popular vehicle of Indian culture globally.
film star.
From Prithivi Raj Kapoor and Nargis to
Shyam Benegal and Hema Malini many
Films have also played an important
personalities of the film industry have
role in building a great nation called India.
enriched our Parliament with their presence
What politics couldn’t do films have done.
and contribution. Film actors like Sunil Dutt,
Hindi films are as popular in Tamil Nadu
Shatrughan Sinha and Jaya Lalitha have
or Kerala today as the local films. Similarly
proved to be very effective mass political
films produced in Chennai have an all India
leaders.
viewership. Indian music is a global rage
today. We are told that even an Osama could
not resist the magic of Indian cinema and
was very fond of Hindi films.
The latest issue of Central Hall is a tribute
to Cine stars in Parliament. I wish all my
colleagues a great reading experience.
(Central Hall will have one member of the Advisory Board writing to us every month in the above space)
Madhu Goud Yaskhi, MP
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, MP
Dr. Chandan Mitra, MP
Balbir Punj, MP
Rajeev Shukla
MoS for
Parliamentary Affairs
Arvind Kumar (Manager)
Santosh K Joy (Sr. Research Associate)
Farhana Yasmin (Research Associate)
Madhu Sen (Review Editor)
Ravi Kapoor (Editorial Assistance)
Ekta Purohit (Administrative Assistant)
Design
Anando Dutta
Meghna Baruah
DISCLAIMER: CENTRAL HALL TEAM OWES NO
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COLUMNS. IT IS SOLELY
THE AUTHORS’ VIEWPOINT. ADVERTORIAL
CAMPAIGNS AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE
CONCERNED COMPANY IN NO WAY REFLECTS
THE THEME OF CENTRAL HALL.
Tribute to Rajesh Khanna
Your feedback about the magazine is
valuable. We would be glad to incorporate
your suggestions and publish your write-up.
Please write to us or e-mail:
[email protected]
The Constitution Club of India,
3, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001
For subscription contact: circulation@
centralhall.in Ph:23711849, 23327337
For advertisement and sponsorship contact:
Sanil Kumar at [email protected]
Ph: +91 11 23711849 / 23327337 / 9810206326
www.constclub.com, www.centralhall.in
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
2
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Oath or Affirmation by Members
(Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure)
(i) As required under article 99 of the Constitution, every
Member, before taking his seat in the Rajya Sabha has to make
and subscribe an oath or affirmation in the following form:—
“I, A.B., having been elected (or nominated) a member of the
Council of States do swear in the name of God/ solemnly affirm
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of
India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and
integrity of India and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon
which I am about to enter.”
(ii) Members may make oath or affirmation in Hindi or in English
or in any of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the
Constitution. A Member has to make such oath or affirmation at
the commencement of a sitting of the Council or at such other
time of the sitting as the Chairman may direct. Newly elected
Members may also, in exceptional cases, make and subscribe
oath/affirmation in Chairman’s Chamber in Parliament House,
when the House is not in Session, if permitted by the Chairman.
(iii) A Member, when he comes to make oath or affirmation,
has to furnish to the Secretary-General the following: (a)
The certificate of election granted to him by the Returning
Officer under rule 85 of the Conduct of Elections Rules,
1961 or if he is a nominated Member, a certified copy of the
notification nominating him as a Member. An hour before the
commencement of the sitting of the House, he may contact an
officer in the Table Office (Room No. 33), Parliament House, and
indicate the language in which he/ she wishes to make the oath or
affirmation so that form of oath/affirmation in that language can
be made available tohim;
(b) A statement of particulars and declaration in Form III under
rule 4 of the Members of Rajya Sabha (Disqualification on ground
of Defection) Rules, 1985 (available in Table Office).
(iv) Oath/affirmation is administered as the first item of business of
the day. On the name of the Member being called by the SecretaryGeneral, the Member proceeds from the place he is occupying, to the
right hand side of the Secretary-General’s Table, where a microphone
is installed. A copy of the form of oath or affirmation, as the case
Members may make oath or affirmation
in Hindi or in English or in any of the
languages specified in the Eighth Schedule
to the Constitution.
may be, in the language in which the Member desires to make the
oath/affirmation is then handed over to him. The Member faces the
Chair while making the oath/ affirmation, then goes up to the Chair,
shakes hands with or greets the Chairman and then passes behind
the Chair to the other side of the Secretary-General’s Table, where he
signs the ‘Roll of Members’. After signing the Roll, he takes his seat in
the House.
Content Courtesy: www.Rajyasabha.com
3
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
FEATURE
Parliamentarian Couples
The golden couples of Indian Cinema
O
ver the years several cine stars have represented people
in its apex body of lawmaking, the Parliament. What
is special about some of them are that there have also
been some couples who have graced the August House with
their contributions. In this edition of Central Hall, the golden
couple of Indian cinema Dharmendra and Hema Malini are
featured on the cover. The photograph was contributed by the
family, which catches them in a jovial mood at their home. The
couple represents the spirit of dedication and commitment with
which artists from across the length and breadth of nation have
contributed towards the building of the nation. Some of the
other prominent cine star couples who have been a vital part of
the Parliamentarian family till date include Javed Akhtar and
Shabana Aazmi, Jaya Bachhan and Amitab Bachchan, Nargis Dutt
and Sunil Dutt.
Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt, Former MPs
Dharmendra and Hema Malini with
their daughters Esha and Ahana
Dharmendra, the original macho man of Indian cinema and
Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini would have together
clocked as many political campaign hours, if not more, than
any other mainstream political personality in the country. Their
journey in the industry has been the cynosure of all eyes for
the better part of decades and has blazed a trail in many fields
of creative activity. There on-screen chemistry and scintillating
performances in several movies like Sholay, Razia Sultan, Lofar,
Dream Girl, The Burning Train, Seeta Aur Geeta etc held the
audience of all shades then and even now.
Dharmendra unknowingly came to Mumbai from Punjab
in search of work, so was his entrance in politics, as he says he
was emotionally dragged into it, which he never wanted to, as
confessed by him on many occasions. He joined politics in the
year of 2004, when he was elected as the Member of Parliament
from Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Hema Malini was elected to Rajya Sabha with the support of
Bharatiya Janata Party. She has been a star campaigner of the
party in all elections and also held the important party position
as vice-president. She completed two tenures in the Rajya Sabha
recently, of which one was a full six-year tenure and the other
being a short tenure.
“You shall always remain the dream-girl,” was what one of
her Upper House colleague said during her farewell recently.
Amitabh Bachchan, Former
MP and Jaya Bachchan, MP
Javed Akhtar, MP and Shabana Azmi Former MP
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
4
COVER STORY
From the Silver Screen
to the Parliament
In the centenary year of Indian cinema, Central
Hall, skims through the pages of Parliament’s
almanac to bring to you the famous personalities
from the cine world, who have more than proved
the mettle of the film industry and its people in
strengthening Indian democracy.
T
he Indian Parliament represents the collective will of people
from all segments and strata of the society. In 65 years since
its establishment eminent people from every vocation and
calling have joined hands to make what it takes to strengthen
democracy. Some of the luminaries who have graced the August
House have been representatives of the film fraternity, and have
contributed immensely by rising to every occasion of crisis
as well as supported social causes and cooperated in ensuring
good governance.
Prithviraj Kapoor, first actor
in Parliament
Dilip Kumar, Former MP Photo Courtesy: Lokmat Archives
5
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
The recent nomination of the charming lady, whose classical
role of a courtesan in Umrao Jaan is unforgettable, Rekha, as
Member of Parliament led Central Hall to take a look at the famous
film personalities that graced the citadel of democracy. The trend
of cine stars stepping into the political arena began in the late
sixties with the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, who was the first
person from the film industry to be nominated to the parliament.
Though his legacy continues in the industry, none from his family
was thereafter nominated to the parliament. Few years later, the
renowned danseuse and renowned actress Vyjayanthimala was
the second to join politics, whose keen interest took her a long
way from congress to Lok Sabha and then Rajya Sabha. Other film
actors who are and have been MPs are Raj Babbar, Shatrughan
Sinha, Govinda, Jaya Prada, Chiranjeevi and Dilip Kumar. The
eternal mother and son ‘jodi’ of blockbuster “Mother India” of
Hindi cinema Nargis Dutt and Sunil Dutt were the next in the list
as Members of Parliament.
To be relocated from reel-life of “Light, Camera, Make-up,
Action” and bigger than life-size characters on- screen and then
come to face the realities of governance demanding meetings,
bills, sessions etc., their journey as an MP has given each of them
different values and meaning of purpose to life.
The cast of “Sholay” Jai-Amitabh Bachchan, VeeruDharmendra, Basanti-Hema Malini and Radha-Jaya Bachchan,
now real life couples have not only excelled as artists but also
proved their worth as responsible citizens. For some, their political
journey was short-lived while others still continue to be part of it.
COVER STORY
Dr. Chiranjeevi, MP
Shatrughan Sinha, MP
Govinda, Former MP
Jaya Prada, MP
Raj Babbar, MP
Rekha, MP
Photo Courtesy: Lokmat Archives
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
6
MEMORIES
Those were the Days
Memories of Maratha
Mandir by Sushil Kumar
Singh, MP
remember a
memorable incident
of going to the
cinema with friends and
after the movie ended up
walking for kilometers.
Those days I was in
class X and had gone
to Delhi from Dwarka,
Gujarat with my
schoolmates on a tour.
We were a group of approximately two dozen students &
half a dozen faculty members. We travelled in the general
bogey and stayed at low cost places to save on funds.
When we reached Bombay, we like most visitors headed
that day to see places such as the Marine Drive, Juhu
Chaupati, Kamla Nehru Park, Museum etc. Some of us
planed to watch a movie and finally opted to go for one
playing at Maratha Mandir because it was a famous centre
for movie-lovers and recreation. I remember that the film
I
7
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
was Khel Khel Main in which Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
were the lead actors. The movie, however, was not so good.
We got tickets for night show, which got over at almost 12 in
the night.
After coming out of the theatre, we did not get any
transport, not even buses of BEST. We were not aware of
local trains or about taxi stands where services were available
even at night. Another problem was that we were short of
money. There was also fear of teachers, who could catch us
and find out where we had gone. There were no cell phones
those days. Now it was a matter of worry that there was no
way to reach hospices as no solution was in sight in the dead
of night. Finally, we decided to walk and reached the place of
stay after trekking 10 to 12 Kms. This was the first and the last
time that we walked so much after watching a movie. That’s
why I still remember that memorable moment.
Now, however, I find sitting three hours in the theatre
so exasperating. The thought of walking just to watch a
movie now is unthinkable. But during field visit or election
campaigns, I walk much more.
But it is a childhood memory and feels good to remember
that it was also an age so full of adventure, fun and a part of
growing up experience.
INTERVIEW
CINEMA –
Medium of
Purposeful
Spectacle
Here is a man who
breathes, dreams
and lives Cinema.
His unbridled
passion of Cinema
is evident in the
several masterpieces,
which have been
thought provoking,
entertaining and
most important can
feel the pulse of the
audience. Read and
get to know the man Shyam Benegal in an
email interview with
Central Hall, Research
Associate Ekta Purohit.
Q. We are celebrating the
centenary milestone of Indian
Cinema, being a doyen of the
film fraternity what is it that
makes you proud this moment?
Indian Cinema is celebrating its
centenary in May 2013. Within
the first twenty years of its
existence, cinema became the
most important and significant
entertainment form for India’s
population. It continues to be
so even today. Indian cinema
is as diverse as our country.
We make films in the largest
number of languages compared
to any other country.
Q. From ‘Ankur’ to ‘Welcome
to Sajjanpur’ you have gifted
several gems to us, how do you
sum up an Indian viewer?
Audiences for our cinema
range from people who prefer
entertainment that helps them
escape from their everyday lives
Shyam Benegal, Film Director and Former MP
to people who want cinema to
offer them insights into life and
society.
Q. What is it that dominates
your thought process while
selecting a subject for your film?
Is it the viewer, societal realities
or is it something more?
Filmmakers make films
on subjects that interest
them or what they
perceive as subjects that would interest targeted
audiences. I am a filmmaker
who believes that as a
practitioner of a social medium,
I have a responsibility towards
society in which I live. I often
deal with subjects that relate to
social change in a hierarchical
society such as ours. Social
oppression, gender inequality,
caste conflicts and different
aspects of our culture are
subjects that I am drawn to in
particular.
Q. Could you please share
something about ‘Shyam
Benegal, the person.’
I am not a particularly
interesting person nor do I
crave to be in the public eye. I have, however, a singular
passion for cinema and desire
to make films that tell us more
about ourselves, with humour,
irony and sometimes through
the form of tragedy or even
melodrama.
Q. What is in store from you for
all of us to look forward to in
the coming days?
I have several projects that I
am working on at present. One
subject deals with economic
growth and development which
while adding to our prosperity,
diminishes our cultures as
well. Another subject that I
am presently working on is a
television mini series dealing
with the making of the Indian
Constitution.
Q. A free nation of a more
than a billion people and a film
industry with a decade long
legacy. Are we living up to our
credentials?
I feel cinema has an incredible
potential for both information
and learning apart from its
ability to entertain. This is
the area that we have not fully
explored. This is a pity. In a
nation that continues to have
almost 40% of its population
S E P T E M B E R
unlettered even after 65 years
of Independence is a sad
commentary on our inability to
use our audio visual resources
to advance education.
Q. Which is the one faculty
which requires utmost attention
and improvement with respect
to the films what are being
made today in our industry?
Cinema has two aspects to it
which don’t always go together. One is its commercial aspect
that makes it an industry. This
concerns itself with cinema as a
commercial commodity that is
designed to meet the demands
of the market. The second is
that of cinema as a means of
artistic self-expression. Often
they mitigate each other. When
they sometimes come together,
it makes for a satisfying
situation both for the filmmaker
and the audience. Ideally, I
would like cinema to be a means
of artistic self-expression rather
than simply a commodity for
consumption.
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
8
GREETINGS
Lata Mangeshkar, Former MP
Udayraje Pratap Singh
Bhonsle, MP
Photo Courtesy: Lokmat Archives
Lata Mangeshkar - The Lady with
Moonlight In her Voice
One gropes for adjectives for this dainty and fragile lady, who stirred
a revolution in the world of Cinema with a timeless voice as silken and
melodious as one can imagine, which enticed several generations. India is
proud of possessing a rare gem and wishes ‘Lata didi’ on her 83rd birthday.
M
elody queen, Nightingale of Indian film industry and
a living legend of our country’s musical genre is none
other then ‘Lata Didi’ as she is popularly known in the
film world. Lata Mangeshkar was born on 29 September, 1929 in
Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The eldest progeny of Pt.Dinanath Mangeshkar and Sevanti,
Lata started singing from an early age with initial lessons taken
from her father. Since then till date she has sung a record
number of songs in different languages that got her name listed
in ‘Guinness Book of Records’ in 1974 for recording the highest
number of songs. In 2001 the President of India conferred Lata
with the highest civilian award, the ‘Bharat Ratna’. She was also
a nominated Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha, the Upper
House (1999-2005).
In this special issue ‘Cine stars in Parliament’ of ‘Central
Hall’ we on behalf of CCI and all its members congratulate Lata
Mangeshkar on her 83rd birthday.
9
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
Raju Alias Devappa Anna Shetti, MP
Udayraje Pratap Singh
Bhonsle, MP: It is a fact
to marvel that Lata ji has
entertained us through
her melodious voice since,
more than fifty years. She
is a living legend of Indian
Film Industry. I pray to God
to give her good health
and wealth on behalf of my
colleagues and friends.
Raju Alias Devappa Anna
Shetti, MP: Lata ji is my
favorite singer. Though
a big celebrity, she is
attached to the roots
of Maharashtra. One of
my most favorite song
sung by her is ‘Dunia mai
hum aaye hai to jina hi
padega…..’ from the hit
film “Mother India”. My
heartiest wishes on her
83rd birthday.
INTERVIEW
LUMINARY
Vyjayanthimala - The
‘AMRAPALLI’ who Ruled Hearts and Politics
This beauty from the South,
whose dazzling vivacity and
dancing skills brought the
silver screen alive and set the
films on a roll with hits one after
the other. But this rare combination
of beauty, brains and grace has been
irrepressible in conquering new turfs
including politics.
V
yjyantimala Bali is one of the most veteran actresses of
her time and by profession she was a Bharatnatyam Dancer.
She was the first Indian dancer to be invited to perform at the United Nations
20th anniversary celebrations of the Human Rights Day at the General Assembly (1969). An
actress, dancer, carnatic singer, golfer and a Parliamentarian, Vyjayanthimala was one the
biggest Bollywood stars with a career spanning almost two decades. She was conferred
with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982, the highest Indian recognition given to
practicing artists.
After quitting films, Vyjayanthimala took an interest in politics. Her political career was
initiated in 1984 when she contested in the Tamil Nadu general election for the South
Chennai constituency as the nominee of the Indian National Congress. She was close to
Indira Gandhi and was elected twice to the Lok Sabha and was a nominated member of the
Rajya Sabha.
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
1 0
CELEBRATION
Ibadat: A Prayer of
Humanity
Ramzan-a period of abstinence is a simple
way to realize the many blessings one has
been bestowed with and thank Allah for being kind with his benevolence and blessings.
The month of Ramadan teaches one self
control, the value of sacrifice and the importance to lead a life that takes you closer to
the Almighty. Iftaar is the community feast
and a way to rejoice and share with family,
friends and fellow brothers
I
n the holy month of ‘Ramadan’ an Iftaar party was organized
at the premises of Constitution Club of India, jointly hosted
by Salman Khurshid, Hon’ble Union Minister of Law and
Justice & Minority Affairs and Vincent Pala, Hon’ble Union
Minister of State for Minority Affairs & Water Resources. With
the Parliamentarians many other eminent people were present
at Iftaar party.
Hon’ble Vice President Hamid Ansari and Vincent Pala MoS Minority Affarirs and
water Resources.
1 1
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
Salman Khurshid Union Minister of Law and Justice &
Minority Affairs and Krishna Tirath MoS women and
Child Development.
People relishing on Iftar fiest.
CELEBRATION
Janardan Dwivedi,MP, Salman Khurshid,Union Minister for Law and Justice &
Minority Affairs, Motilal Bohra, MP and Vincent Pala, MoS, Minority Affairs
&Water Resources.
Shushil kumar Shinde, Union
Minister for Home Affairs
C.M Chang, MP
Guests at the event
Ram Vilas Paswan and
Mohd. Azharuddin MPs
S E P T E M B E R
Jyotiraditya Scindia, MoS, Commerce
and Industry
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
1 2
TOURISM
Tamil Nadu: The Dravidian Land of Temples & Aesthetic Culture
The boundaries
of this expansive
state holds several
surprises from the
blue hills –Nilgiris
and the sun -kissed
heights of the
Eastern Ghats to
the blue waters of
J.K. Rithesh, MP
Bay of Bengal and
the great Indian Ocean at its southern tip,
Tamil Nadu is seeped in history, culture and
education. See for yourself why everyday life
is celebrated here…
I
t is a great feeling for me to share about tourism opportunities
of my state with ‘Central Hall’, Research Associate, Ekta Purohit.
Tamil Nadu, situated in the southern part of India is
bordered by the states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and
the Bay of Bengal. The history of Tamizhagam (Tamil Nadu) is
5000-years-old with Dravidian culture. The Chera, Chola, Pandya
and Pallavas also ruled this Dravidian region.
The state is gifted with several distinguished tourism genre. It
has sapphire mountains, verdant vegetations, sandy blue beaches,
enormous mammoth monuments, timeless ancient temples,
amazing wildlife, scintillating and amusing sculptures and deep
rural life. It is in its own an amalgam of culture, heritage and prehistoric aesthetic splendor.
It is a state with beautiful places like Mallapuram, the beach
resort in Chennai; Kanchpuram-the land of 1000 temples;
Madurai famous for the Meenakshi temple; Rameshwaram,
Thiruchirapalli and Thanjavur which form the trio.
Chennai is a city full of diverse cultures other than being
the capital of the state, where ancient civilization and modern
Vivekananda Stupa at Kanyakumari
1 3
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
culture both are secured. There were different tourist places to
visit. “Marine beach is world’s second largest beach adjoining the
Bay of Bengal. There is one ‘Light house’ which makes the beach
attractive at night. It has acquired a typical south Indian flavour
with hawking wares ranging from shell and glass baubles. “Eliot
beach“ is another picnic spot which is having the ‘Balcony Church’
and ‘Ashtalaxmi Temple’. The ‘Kovallam beach’ was known earlier
a small fishing village located close to Chennai on the way to
Mahabalipuram and is now having luxury beach resort. There is a
fort built by the Nawab of Carnatic, Saddat Ali.
Kanyakumari is the land where Swami Vivekananda found the
answer to knowledge for which he was searching. Kanyakumari
beach at the southern-most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea,
the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet is an important
pilgrim center. Here we find the tri- colour sand and the beach is
also known for its glorious view of sun-rise and sun-set.
Tamil Nadu has many hill stations like Ooty, also known as
Udhgamandalam, the queen of hill stations, which is situated
on Nillgiri hills at a heights of 2240m. When we visited Ooty we
found that it is full of greenery, and it seems that if anyone wants
to see nature closely then Ooty fulfills this desire. It is included
in one of the 14 hotspots of the world. There are other marvelous
hill stations like Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri, Javvadhu Hills,
Kolli hills etc. The state is also very famous for its ancient temples
which are located in different districts. “Sri Ramanathaswamy”
Temple, here Lord ‘Rama’ worshipped the sand Lingam –
Ramanathaswamy made by Sita mata and the Shiva Lingam was
brought by Hanumanji from Kailasha. In the temple there are
long corridors of 1,220m with beautiful carvings on the pillars.
”Meenakshi” Temple of ‘Madurai’ is famous for its Sundeswar
(twin temples). There are ‘Murguan temple and Navgrah temple
in Thanjavur and other temples which makes the state the land of
temples.
Along with this, Tamil Nadu is also a land of amazing wild
life sanctuary and National Parks which attracts many tourist
all over the world and that prove the phrase ’Enchanting Tamil
Nadu’ by Tamil Nadu Tourism.
INDIAN CUISINE
Food of Maharashtra
Piping Hot to Melting Sweet
In the series of Indian cuisines this time Central
Hall brings to you the food specialty of a
state where ’Anna’ or food equals to ‘Brahma’
the creator of universe i.e. Maharashtra.
Maharashtrians believe in offering the food
first to God by doing this they are offering
thanks to them. The colourful rituals, traditions
and cuisines, which all amalgamate to form
Maharashtrian culture. Bhausaheb Wakchaure,
MP from Shirdi (Maharashtra) takes you to the
Maharashtra by describing different delicacies of
his state with ‘Central Hall’.
T
he cuisine of
Maharashtra is divided
into two regions-coastal
and interior. The coastal region
includes Konkan, which is
the combination of Malvani,
Gaur Saraswat Brahmins and
Goans cuisines. Interior region
is Vidharbha with Varadi
cuisines. Konkani dishes
contains lots of spices, red
chillies, coriander, and coconut
in various forms as raw grated,
fried grated, coconut paste
and coconut milk. The food of
Vidharbh region is prepared
strong in red chillies and garlic.
Maharashtrian cuisine has
a variety of subtly flavored
vegetarian delicacies and hot
aromatic meat and fish curries,
while the crunchy, crisp sweets
made of rice and jaggery are
also special in their cuisines.
Seafood of the state
includes different types of
fishes but ‘Bombil’ Bombay
Duck, which served batter fried
and crisp is most common and
a hot favourite. Other dishes
made of fish are ‘Bangada’
mackerel made of red chillies,
ginger, and triphal, ‘Pamphelt’,
Pomfret and popular prawn
dish ‘Sungtachi-hinga- kodi
consists of prawn in coconut
gravy, blended with spices and
asafoetida.
In vegetarian section
common vegetables dish
‘Bharlivangi’ made of baby
brinjals stuffed with coconut
, ‘Pachadi’, and ‘Patal Bhaji’,
Rice puris ‘Vada and Amboli
, which is a pancake made of
fermented rice, urad dal and
semolina are also eaten as a
meal. In rural areas after a daylong journey, farmers prefer
to eat ‘Garlic Chutney’ with
‘Bhakri’ made of jwar or bajra,
peas and special onion that
adds different flavor.
The deserts of Maharashtra
are very popular i.e., they have
different deserts on different
occasions like ‘Pooran Poli ,
stuffed roti with sweet jaggery
and gram flour made at the
time of their New Year (Gudi
Padwa), ‘Modak’ prepared
from rice flour stuffed
with fresh granted coconut
cooked with jaggery, modak
placed on greased banana
leaves and steamed is made
on Ganeshotsav festival,
‘Shreekhand’, a sort of thick
yoghurt is a favourite sweet
dish at Dusshera & weddings.
The ‘Thali’ is very famous
in Maharashtra it contains
different vegetables, pulses’,
sweets and salad and the way
it is presented is of utmost
importance. It is arranged
like an clock, number twelve
is for salt then its right side
‘bhajis, dal, rice and left side
Bhausaheb Wakchaure, MP
array of ‘chutneys, salad etc.
Maharashtrin cuisine is
incomplete without adding
its mouthwatering ‘Chats’ to
it. ‘Vada Pav’ is most liked,
consists ‘batata vada’(made
from potatoes) sandwiched in
two slices of ‘pav’(unsweetened
bread or bun). Along with this
the ‘Bhel puri, Pav Bhaji, Batata
Sev Puri and ‘Ragada Patties at
the ‘Chowpatty of Mumbai may
force you to visit Maharashtra
at least once to enjoy all these
delicious, yummy and luscious
cuisines.
Vada Pav
Maharashtrian Thali
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
1 4
TRIBUTE
Tribute to Unforgettable
Heroes of Cinema
An irreplaceable void has been created in the
film world, which has lost in quick succession
two of its titans. One is Dara Singh known
for his wresting prowess, whose affable presence in several films won many hearts and
the other Rajesh Khanna, the king of hearts,
who stole the heartbeats of the youth of his
generation and even now remains the only
‘superstar ‘of Indian cinema
Met’. In 1980’s Dara Singh played the role of ‘Hanuman’ in the
popular television serial ‘Ramayana’ that translated the epic on to
the small screen. He also established his own studio named ‘Dara
Studio’ as he had interest in writing and making films.
Dara Singh was the first sports person who was nominated
as Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha (2003-2009). During
his tenure, he raised several issues like piracy of films and other
issues related to the welfare of bollywood
and films.
Wrestler-Rustam-e-Hind
The pride of India
A
Wrestler, Member of Parliament (RS), prominent Film and
Television Actor, Producer, Writer and also better -known
as ‘the sankat mochan’Hanuman’ the great Dara Singh was
born on 19 November, 1928 in the village Dharmuchak, Amritsar
(Punjab). His Parents Surat Singh and Balwant Kaur called
him Deedar Singh Randhava. Due to his strong physique he
choose ‘Pehlwani’ the Indian type of wrestling as his career and
participated in several wrestling competitions in India
and abroad bagging many awards. Some of
his achievements and awards: Professional
Indian Wrestling Championship in
1953; Commonwealth Wrestling
Championship in 1959;
World Wrestling
Championship in
1968. Dara Singh was
bestowed the title
Rustam-e-Hind in
1954 and Rustam-ePunjab in 1966.
Later on he moved
on to Indian Cinema
and acted in several
movies. ‘Sangdil’
in 1952 was his
debut movie and he
continued working
in bollywood till
his last movie ‘Jab we
1 5
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
Indira Gandhi, Former Prime Minister with Dara Singh, and
Prithviraj Kapoor, Former MPs.
Brijbhushan Singh, MP
I was always inspired by Late Dara Singh, a person who was a
name to reckon with in the sport of wrestling. For him wrestling
played a very important role because he got his film break due
to it and thereafter he played many memorable roles. During my
childhood, I and my friends used to watch his movies only to see
the strong and muscular body of
Dara ji for which he was famous. In
1984, I organized ‘Dangal’(wrestling
competition) for which I invited
Dara ji to Faizabad. I still remember
his favorite food i.e. ‘Makki ki Roti’
and ‘Sarson ka saag’. He always
inspired people to be a healthy
person in their life. As President of
Indian Wrestling Association, we as
members of this wrestling family
pray that his soul may rest in peace.
TRIBUTE
Charming Kaka
‘Hum Sab ek
Rangmanch ki
kathputliya hai...
A
n actor, producer and
also the Member of
Parliament, the first
‘Superstar of Indian Cinema’ .
A man whose expression with
tilt head and long smile he
is only one Rajesh Khanna.
Khanna born on 29 December
1942 in Amritsar, Punjab. He
was adopted by Chunni lal
Khanna and Leelawti Khanna
and his childhood name was
Jatin Khanna. From school level onwards he participated in
plays at school theatre with his friend Jeetendra Kapoor who
also tutored him for his first audition. This interest continued
at college and this took him to enter in Indian Cinema. He
won many prizes in different inter college drama competitions
of theatre.
Khanna joined politics in 1996 through winning bi-election of
Lok Sabha seat in Delhi from Congress Party.
Sonia Gandhi Chairperson UPA, Rajiv Gandhi former Prime Minister and Rajesh
khanna Former MP.
S.P. Singh Baghel, MP
When Indian film industry inflowing to its young era a 24 year
old boy enter to Indian Cinema with his first film ‘Aakhari
Khat’. His different acting style enduring and forced the viewers
to watch his movies and this made him a ‘superstar’. Rajesh
Khanna won the hearts of people, he worked in 163 movies in
which 129 as lead role,22 as double role. He was the first actor
who gave continuous 15 super hit films in three years. He won
All India Talent Contest in 1965, through which he entered into
cinema, with this he also won three times Filmfare award for
best actor of the year.
Raaz, Annand, Aaradhana,
Safar, Aapki Kasam are some best
movies of Khanna which I have
watched more than five times.
Being a successful person is easy
but to remain in same position
is quite tough and Kaka is one of
the Indian actors who was always
known as the ‘superstar’ till his
last breadth. On behalf of my
Parliamentarian friends I would
pray to almighty that his soul
rests in peace.
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
1 6
TRIBUTE
A Friend and a Coalition-builder
by Vijay Darda, MP
With the untimely demise of ex-Union minister and former
Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, I have lost
an intimate friend whose warm and affectionate persona will be
missed not just by me, but also by my entire family.
The loss is not just personal. I feel it is a national loss as in
an era of coalition politics, he was an excellent coalition builder
and an ambitious politicians. Vilasrao’s career as a politician
is a true tribute to the inclusiveness of our representative
democracy. Beginning as the sarpanch of his native village
Babhalgaon, he rose through the ranks to become a legislator,
minister, chief minister and then finally Union minister. Without
doubt his journey had its own shares of ups and downs, but as
a development-oriented politician, he has left his footprints in
the state of Maharashtra and the changing face of urbanization
in the state as well as the prosperity in rural areas symbolize the
transition, he had ushered in. His tenures were marked with
serious challenges but he demonstrated admirable grit in
tackling them.
Film review- “Spirit”
A ‘spirited’ approach by Parliamentarian P.K.Biju is understandable not only because
of the story and script of the
film but excellent selection
of actors, who have splenP.K.Biju, MP
didly essayed their characters.
What is not to be missed is the social message of
the ills of drinkings conveyed so convincingly. A
toast by him to the film…
“
Spirit”, the latest film directed by Renjith is a mirror of
contemporary Kerala Society. People in Kerala are the heaviest
boozers in India, and sales of alcohol are rising fast overtaking
traditionally hard-drinking states like Punjab and Haryana. The
film tries to convey a message against alcoholism. Convinced
about the films strong educational value against alcoholism, the
Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare even announced a
tax exemption to it. The film portrays the life of Reghunandanan
(Mohanlal), a brilliant TV show host. He is noted for his
aggressive and blatant interviews with leading politicians and
celebrities with his show that goes by the name ‘Show the Spirit”.
The story goes Reghunandan is a tippler who relinquished his
lucrative career with Bank of England and chose journalism as
1 7
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
He had a robust sense of humor that charmed his friends.
Vilasrao also demonstrated that he possessed the refined skills
to navigate through tough political minefields many a time. He
was beginning to find his feet in Delhi and settle down for a long
innings, when the icy hands of death snatched him away from us.
He has left a void that would be difficult to fill and we all shall be
missing him.
Late Vilas Rao Deshmukh with Vijay J Darda, MP
his next carrier. He is laborious and leads a tumultuous personal
life of a divorce. Still he maintains a healthy relationship with his
ex-wife Meera (Kaniha) and her present husband Alexy (Shankar
Ramakrishnan). His only son, who cannot speak and hear, lives
with Meera and Alexy. He is very close to retired captain Nambiar
(Madhu) who lives next door and they are mutual admirers
of their life style. Lena act as an IPS officer and Thilakan has
another important role as the work contractor. Reghu is as free
as a bird and prefers to live life on his own terms. He has a good
collection of vintage drinks and his day begins with one peg at
home before he heads for his work and also downs shots at his
work station. Conforming to his restless character, he quit the job
yet again and is now writing an English novel. It seems that he
doesn’t know what actually he wants to do. But certain shocking
incidents happen in Reghu’s life that prompts him to mend his
ways. The fate has more woes for him than his own- right from
that of Manian (Nandhau), the drunken husband of his home
maid Pankajam (Kalpana) or the death of Sameer (Sidhharth) due
to liver cirrhosis. The second half of the film ends with a preachy
tone. The film depends heavily on Mohanlal’s histrionic skills and
perhaps an once-in-a-lifetime role for him. He gives subtle acting
an altogether different meaning. The film is a warning against the
killer drink that has gained social acceptance in Kerala over the
span of very few years. Even
though the film is a superficial
response to a deeper problem,
the team who worked for the
film deserve appreciation for
presenting a value-oriented
film to Malayalam film
industry.
TRIBUTE
End of an Era
Tribute to Captain Lakshmi Sehgal
Daring, patriotic, sacrificing is how one would
describe a woman who belonged to a time when
India’s struggle for freedom from the British
was at its peak. A lady with a lot of gumption
within her even in her nineties speaks volumes
of a soldier of Subhash Chandra Bose. Capt.
Lakshmi Sehgal’s values and indomitable spirit
to fight against injustice continued all her life.
Captain Lakshmi Sehgal with
Subhash Chandra Bose
MPs speak on
Captain Lakshmi
Sehgal
Captain Lakshmi Sehgal
D. Raja, MP: Her life is
a message. A medical
graduate who took up
arms and fought for
the nation is a story
which would continue
to inspire many a
generations to come.
Her life and experiences would be looked upon with great reverence
by people who strive for justice and freedom in the society. I am
proud to have had several occasions to interact with this great
heroine of Indian freedom struggle. My salute to this patriot and
condolences to her family members. A
brilliant and leading lawyer, social worker, veteran
freedom fighter, tireless campaigner for women’s rights
and a powerful commander of the Rani Jhansi regiment
of INA, Capt Lakshmi Sahgal, was born in Madras. She was
a person who combined a fierce determination to oppose
all forms of injustice and oppression with a fine compassion
and love for all endearing her to anyone who came into
contact with her. She left us on 23rd July, 2012. A condolence
meeting was organized in her memory by AIDWA(All India
Democratic Women’s Association) on 13th August, 2012 at
Constitution Club of India.
Brinda Karat, Former
MP: She was successful
in breaking all kinds of
barriers in her personal
as well as social life. Her
opinion and actions were
always for the oppressed
sections of the society.
She was a leader whose
truth, honesty and
sincerity to the cause
national service would
continue to inspire us
even in the darkest time.
Subhshini Ali, Former
MP: If an ideal mother
means devoting time
& care to only one’s
own children then
Lakshmi Sahgal was
no where being an
ideal mother. Her life
is spotless like a single
straight truthful line &
dedicated wholly to the
cause of equality, social
service & humanity.
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
1 8
EXHIBITION
Baijayant Panda, MP and L.K.Advani, Chairman NDA & MP,
at the photo exhibition
Bringing Nature Closer
Through The Lens
Photo Exhibition
22 and 23 August, 2012, Deputy Speaker Hall
Constitution Club of India
A
photo exhibition
was organized at
Constitution Club
of India by Kendrapara
Development Foundation.
The exhibition titled ‘A unique
creation of nature’ mentions
the tourism and historical
places of Kendrapara district,
a coastal part of Odisha.
Subodh Kant Sahay, Hon’ble
Union Minister of Tourism
inaugurated the programme
and Baijayant Panda, MP
presided over the function.
Mpatap Dev, Hon’ble Food &
Supply Minister of Odisha,
Debi Prasad Mishra, Hon’ble
Agriculture Minister of Odisha,
Mr Subhash Goyal, President
Indian Association of Tour
1 9
c e n t r a l
h a l l
Operators were the guest of
honours. On this occasion a
book “A journey to Kendrapara:
A unique creation of nature”
written by Choudhary Amitav
Das, Convenor, Kendrapara
Development Foundation
was released by Union
Minister Sahay.
S E P T E M B E R
Subodh Kant Sahay, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Baijayant Panda, MP at
the exhibition
Subodh Kant Sahay, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism: It is a
good initiative to promote tourism of the state. Odisha has
immense potentiality for tourism development .
L.K. Advani, Chairman NDA & MP: My hearty
compliments for Jay Panda and co-parliamentarian. It is the
best way to present our constituency to the world by organizing
such exhibitions, which is brilliantly done by Panda. Congrats
also to the young photographers who has done all this.
2 0 1 2
CLUB EVENT
Fly High Simply
Aviation Sector in India, Set to Grow.
Seminar
29th August, 2012, Deputy Speaker Hall,
Constitution Club of India
“
Captain Gopinath
Indian aviation market is set to expand if it is supported by potential growth in sector,”
said Captain R Gopinath in a seminar organised by the PRS Legislative Research at
CCI for Members of Parliament. Capt Gopinath, who is hailed as the pioneer of low
cost flying in India expressed his confidence in the prospects for a bright future for Indian
aviation sector.
He said talking to Hon Members of Parliament that Indian passenger market has
grown by more than one-third in the last year itself compared to the situation in 2008
and the number of passengers peaked over 60 million last year as per the DGCA records.
“Market fundamentals are strong and the Indian market is growing at double digits despite
all challenges. The per capita trips is still the lowest among all the emerging markets. Even
less densely populated countries with better road and rail infrastructure like Australia has
annual passengers carriage higher than India,” he said. Data presented during the meet
reflected the underlying potential within the Indian Market. The participants were of the
opinion that fast pace of urbanization and income growth would have a direct impact on
the growth in the sector in the times to come. Captain Gopinath also presented his book
“Simply Fly” to the MPs present on the occasion.
Speaking for the
“Grassroots” Farmers
Conference
28 August, 2012
Speaker Hall,
Constitution Club of India
A National Rural Conference
was organized by joint initiative
of All India Kisan Sabha and
Bhartiya Khet Mazdoor Union
at Constitution Club of India.
The objective of the event is
to express its grave concern in
the rural life of our country.
In India more than seventy
percent of the population
live in villages and solely
dependent on agricultural and
non- agricultural sources as
livelihood . Namanageswar Rao,
MP, Abani Roy, Former MP, and
many other eminent leaders
and politicians attended the
meet. Throwing light on the
work of farmers Rao said that
they are the only ones who
provide food for everyone. “We
should try to give them proper
facilities to avail their rights so
that their dreams come true”
said Roy.
Namanageswar Rao,MP at the event
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
2 0
CLUB EVENT
The Joy of the Written Word
National Book Trust of India
1 August, 2012
Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India
A
lecture on ‘Book and Reading’ in today’s India was
organized by National Book Trust of India on its 55th
Foundation Day. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP and acclaimed
author said, ‘Books have important place in my life’. Looking at
contemporary Indian with growing competition in the Industry
the books that are appealing the youth like a pulp fiction and the
books discerning readers should be published and young would
have an attempt to read.
NBT India initiated an annual
lecture series with eminent scholars,
intellectuals, litterateurs who have
made significant contributions
to the world of publishing. Dr.
Ashok Thakur, IAS, Secretary, (HE)
Ministry of Human Resources
Development, Government of India
presided over the function and M.A.
Sikander welcomed the guests at
the event.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP - I am no stranger to the joy of words.
I read voraciously. It is Important to read for pleasure. I started
writing when I was eight years old and my first book published at
the age of twelve. My parents always encouraged me. ’Language is
a vehicle not destination’.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP
Launch of Policy Document
“The Case of Plain Packaging Made Plain”
23, July, 2012, Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India
The Australia-India (AII) Taskforce on Tobacco Control set up to examine
the feasibility of plain packaging of tobacco products in the Indian context
released a policy document titled ‘The Case for Plain Packaging Made Plain –
From Australia to the Indian People: Assessing the Socio –Political Scenario
of Introducing Plain Packaging as a Policy Intervention’. Plain packaging
legislation seeks to remove extraneous colours, embossing and misleading
elements on tobacco packs, thus eliminating the “ badge value” of all forms
of tobacco product packaging. Brand and product names can be used in a
standardized, prescribed style, font and colour.
J.D. Seelam, MP (RS) released the policy document and a related
policy brief in the presence of Special Secretary, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, Government of India, Mr. Keshav N. Desiraju and WHO
representative to India, Dr. Nata Menabde.
2 1
c e n t r a l
h a l l
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
J.D seelam, MP speaking at the event
CLUB EVENT
L to R : Harpal Singh, Chairman Save The Children; Gusharan kaur with the children at the event.
‘We should Labour for Children, not have Children Labour for us.’
Meeting
31st July, 2012, Speaker Hall,
Constitution Club of India
national Summit was organized by ‘Save the Children’on
31, July,2012 at Constitution Club of India. In support of
banning all forms of child labour, PMs wife Gusharan
Kaur, Farooque Shaikh,actor, Dr. Shantha Sinha, Chairperson
NCPCR, Harpal Singh, Chairman Save the Children, Sonia Singh
Managing Editor,NDTV were present at the event.Gursharan
A
Kaur- ‘Our children, all children should get a chance to study,
and do well in life. It is unfortunate that child labour still exists in
India, largely due to poverty. Families who let their children work,
sometimes even compelling them to give up work had a critical
role to play in stopping child labour.
Farooque Shaikh- Systems need to be created across India
for enabling people to inform against employment of children
without fear.
The Will Made Easy
Book Release
7th August,2012, Deputy Speaker Hall,
Constitution Club of India
Governor of Orissa, Hon’ble M.C Bhandare at the
book release event.
‘
Making a Will Made Easy’ a book written by noted lawyer
V.K. Verma was released at the club. M.C. Bhandare, Governor
of Orissa released the book in the presence of Justice K.G.
Balakrishnan, the Chairperson of National Human Rights
Commission and former Chief Justice and Justice Rajiv Sahi
Endlaw, Judge of the Delhi High Court. The book describes how a
layperson can prepare his own, ‘last will’ and ‘testament’ without
depending entirely on legal experts.
M. C. Bhandare, Governor of Orissa said,
‘I have never seen such a complete book
for a common man. It not only gives the
provisions of law, the requirements of law, it
also gives you the various steps to be taken,
and how to make a will.”
The book was published by Macmillan
India and now it is available at all leading
bookshops as well as online bookstores in
the country.
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 1 2
c e n t r a l
h a l l
2 2
Faithfully Watchful
Behind his innocent countenance, lies
a sharp and ferocious mind. Cuba, the
pampered canine of CCI, is all fangs the
moment any stranger tries to cross the
threshold of the club. Yet all adore him.
www.constclub.com
Reg No.: DELENG/2012/41915. Printed and Published by Arvind Kumar for and behalf of Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 001. Printed at Thomson
Press (India) Ltd, 18/35, Mathura Road, Delhi 110 010. Editor: Rajiv Pratap Rudy.