23 OcTOBER 2014 6 sflt{s 2071

Every Thursday iSSuE 243 RS 40
23 OcTOBER 2014 6 sflt{s 2071
LET ThERE BE
LiGhT
Load shedding or not. Surround yourself with the
brightest lights and set the night aglow. Tihar is here!
!
Newsfeed
k ckstart
TOP33EVENTS
EVENTS
TOP
WORKSOFSTENciLS
RuN ThE STREETS!
ciTy MuSEuM PRESENTS:
STENciLS By Sadhu-x
daTE: 23 OcTOBER,
TiME: 5PM TO 6PM
VENuE:ciTyMuSEuMKaThMaNdu
criticalMassRideinremembrance
of the late dr. Prahlad yonzon
date:31October,Time:5:30pm
Venue: The rally will start from
Newroad Gate,
contact:9851000214,9841298400
(For more information, please refer to Page 8)
(For more information, please refer to Page 8)
uPFORaNiGhTRidE?
cyclecity,togetherwithchildrenandyouth
First,Ktmcouriers,EnvironmentGraduates
of himalaya, and Resources himalaya
Foundation,areorganizinganightcycling
rallyinremembranceofdr.Praladyonzon,
arenownedwildlifebiologist,whoperished
duringatruckaccidentwhileridinghisbike.
“criticalMassRideinRemembranceofLate
dr.Praladyonzon”aimstomakethepublic
awareaboutsafetyprecautionsthatnight
cyclersshouldtaketopreventroadmishaps.
cycle city has been organizing mass rides
inthecountryeverylastdayofthemonthto
inform the masses about road safety.
5thingstodoattheevent
2. Experience the cyclist
visibility marathon all the way
from Basantapur to Patan.
3. Stop by Resources
Himalaya Foundation in
date:31Octoberto1November,
Location:Tundikhel,Kathmandu
Entry: Free
(For more information please refer to page 8)
WHAT’S ON?
TRENDING
1. Bring your bicycle, along
with LED lights, reflectors,
and Halloween masks. The
ride starts at New Road Gate
at 5:30pm.
LETThEGREENBESEEN!
PLaNETNEPaL3(FESTiVaLOFaRTS
aNd ENViRONMENT)
Sanepa to light butter lamps
in memory of Dr. Pralad
Yonzon.
4. Be aware about the need
to be visible while riding at
night.
5. Get off your bikes to enjoy
the music at Patan Durbar
Square.
POST uS: Email event details to [email protected] or
call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings
are free but inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.
With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier
for you to choose events for this week and the next. here are out
top three picks.
STENciLSBySadhu-x(adiTyaaRyaL)
The City Museum Kathmandu and artist Aditya Aryal,
alias Sadhu - X, first collaborated in May 2014 for the
fundraising concert and live-art event Khumbila. The
artist and CMK once again worked together for the
«Oho! My Word» festival at CMK earlier this year. And
just this month Sadhu - X created the City Museum
Kathmandu mural, the first street mural in Durbarmarg.
North Gate and Garidhara, you will notice quite a
few of them have been signed “Sadhu - X.” His
trademark street style is a spray painted bearded
character.
On 23 October, CMK will be presenting an exhibition
of stencil works on various materials and mediums by
Sadhu - X.
3. There are two street art pieces in the Durbarmarg
area, and both are by Sadhu - X. The first is the
blue stencil work on an old phone line box outside
the NIBL ATM machine. The second is the mural
he was commissioned to make outside the City
Museum Kathmandu, also using stencils.
The exhibition will continue till the first week of
November. Please check CMK›s Facebook page for
their Tihar holiday schedule, or email them at info@
thecitymuseum.org
4. Once, Sadhu - X’s father wondered aloud if
his son was working as a house painter, since his
clothes always looked like he›d returned from a
paint job.
4 things you need to know
about the artist
1. Sadhu - x is aditya aryal
2. If you look closely at many
of the graffiti pieces on
Kathmandu›s walls, such as
the ones in the road between
Things to look
forward to at
the event
• This is the first
full street art based
exhibition being
hosted at CMK. • The artist himself
has tried to push his
own boundaries in
this series.
Kickstart//Get Started
6
Art for the Planet
Putting creativity at the heart of environmental issues, Planet
Nepal 3 will take place from 31 October to 1 November.
A
lliance francaise de Katmandou, in association with the Embassy of
France, will be presenting the third edition of Planet Nepal, a two
day festival that’s set to take place in Tundikhel, on 31 October and
1 November. This year’s event will focus on the International Year
of Family Farming, an important socio-economic, environmental,
and cultural initiative declared by the UN General Assembly. The goal of the
International Year of Family Farming 2014 is to reposition family farming
at the centre of agricultural, environmental, and social policies in national
agendas by focusing the world’s attention on its significant role in eradicating
hunger and poverty, providing food security, improving livelihoods,
managing natural resources, and achieving sustainable development.
Planet Nepal 3, a multidisciplinary arts and environment festival,
aims to educate the public about the major issues going on in the world
through artistic expressions, as these issues are pervasive and not just the
responsibility of scientists. The event is designed to make people realize, learn,
and spread awareness about various issues in a fun way.’’We expect people
to get the message of environmental issues through forms of art, music, and
discussions,” says Ophelie Belin, Director of Alliance francaise de Katmandou.
The program will be informative as well as entertaining thanks to events that
include concerts, performances, documentaries, exhibitions, workshops, and
discussions. The festival will feature several local as well as French artists and
will act as a medium for educating the mass in the world of business, the arts
community, and the scientific sphere from two countries, France and Nepal.
AT A GLANCE
What: Planet Nepal 3 - Festival of Arts and Environment
Who: Alliance francaise de Katmandou and the French Embassy
Where: Tundikhel, Kathmandu
When: 31 October to 1 November (Friday and Saturday)
Entry: Free
EventSchedule
31 October, Friday
Concerts
NIGHT |Concert - 8:15pm
waste. It also focuses on finding
alternate ways for the disposal of
waste.
Night, a neo-folk band that blends
traditional genres of Nepali and
Wastern music, is influenced by the
cultural explorations of sounds across
different regions of Nepal.
The Seeds War|Clement Montfort and
Stenka Quillet - 5:30pm
Performances
KomplexKapharnaum|Do Not Clean6:00pm (Tebahal)
KomplexKapharnaum is a French
company that takes urban space
as its stage. Do Not Clean is a
multidisiplinary show that will share
new ways of upcycling and recycling
through people living in the margins
of society.The show is based on the
work of a one-week residency in
Kathmandu.
Inaugration Speeches - 6:45 pm
1 November, Saturday
Concerts
Kutumba|Concert - 8:45 pm
Kutumba is a folk instrumental
ensemble committed to the research,
preservation, and celebration of the
diversity that exists in indigenous
Nepali music.
Performances
Dance Conscious|DJ Oof - 7:30 pm
DJ Oof will convey a strong message
of hope, calling on people to fight
for a better world. Dance Conscious
is a series of committed videos for
the common well-being and an audio
visual show constructed to unveil and
accuse the back stages of a capitalist
system
Documentaries and Film Screenings
My Dear Little Planet - 10:15 am
My Dear Little Planet is a series of
short stories about the ecology that
explains major issues regarding the
environment in a fun and poetic way.
Dark Cloud On The Top Of The
World|Agnes Moreau - 11:30am
Dark Cloud On The Top Of The World
is a documentary about the shocking
headline “The air of the himalayas is
just as polluted as that of European
cities” that came out in October 2008.
My Trash Is My Treasure|Martin
Meissonnier and Pascal Signolet 1:30pm
My Trash Is My Treasure is a
documentary that showcases the
urgency of reducing the amount of
The Seeds War is a documentary on
fighting for food independence. It
is about an emerging regulation in
Europe that imposes strict controls on
the use of agricultural seeds. The film
travels from India to France and even
the Polar Circle.
Other Activities
Children Eco Corner|Children for a
Green New Nepal - 10am to 4pm
Children for a Green New Nepal is a
non-profit organization of young and
aspiring youth who have a vision of
raising awareness about environmental
issues. Children Eco Corner is an
educational as well as an entertaining
corner dedicated to children to provide
them the opportunity to experience
and learn from various activities such
as paper mache, newspaper bag
making, and different games, among
others.
Vermicompost Workshop|Nepal
Breakdance Foundation - 1pm to
4:30pm
The Vermicompost Workshop is
organised by the Nepal Breakdance
Foundation to provide knowledge
on the process of composting using
various worms, usually red wigglers,
white worms, and other earthworms
to create a heterogeneous mixture of
decomposing vegetable or food waste,
bedding materials, and vermicast.
Save The Earth Right Now|Nepal
Breakdance Foundation - 4:30pm
Save The Earth Right Now, organized
by the Nepal Breakdance Foundation,
is a dance performance by B-Boys
and B-Girls based on the theme environment.
Farmer’s Market - 1pm to 5pm
The Farmer’s Market contains stalls
with a selection of organic fruits
and vegetables to breads, honey,
tea, cheese, and jams from Nepali
agricultural and agro processed
producers.
Red Panda Trust|Action Theater - 5pm
The Red Panda Trust is a public
discussion space provided to share
problems that affect the environment
in Nepal, with a focus on the issues
of the conservation of an endangered
species, the Red Panda.
Events information more on page 9
Ruchi Upadhya
Kickstart//Out & About
8
OUT
& ABOUT
MISCELLANEOUS
First steps towards photography!
Photography Foundation Workshop
Date: 28 October to 3 November
Time: 7am to 9am
Venue: Image Park, NewRoad
Contact: 984127955
This special week-long photography foundational workshop, conducted
by six experienced and professional mentors, will cover history, aperture,
shutter speed and ISO, technical speed, outdoors, white balance,
caption writing, and much more. The registration fee is Rs.3499 and
seats are available for eight participants. Various internship programs
will be on offer for the participants after the completion of the workshop.
Are you a good shooter?
A top tournament
Date: 23 October
Time: Starts at 9am
Venue: Lasermaxx Kathmandu, Civil Mall
Contact: 981-8171067
Entry: Rs.2000 (Rs.500 per person)
How about a game of laser tag this Tihar? Lasermaxx Kathmandu is
organizing a tournament that comes with a little twist. Each team will consist
of four people - three bodyguards and a VIP. The VIP will be worth 500
points when shot (instead of the usual 100) while they will also have limited
lives (10) and limited ammo (10 shots). However, if the VIP gets a correct
shot, the victim will be eliminated right away. The winning team needs to
keep their VIP alive the longest, or have the most points on the board at the
end of the game. The teams can change their VIPs in between the games.
The tournament follows the knockout format, but the losers will get another
fight to get back into the game. The cash prizes are as follows – Rs.8000 for
the winner, Rs.4000 for the runner-up, and Rs.2000 for the third runner up.
Run the streets!
CriticalMassRideinremembranceofthe
late Dr. Prahlad Yonzon
Date: 31 October
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: The rally will start from Newroad Gate
Contact: 9851000214, 9841298400
The Critical Mass Ride that’ll take place on 31
October will emphasize on bringing road accidents
to a halt. A few years ago, Dr. Prahlad B. Yonzon,
a wildlife biologist, met with an accident while
cycling to work. In order to prevent such accidents,
the event is aiming to raise public awareness about
road safety. On top of the list is the importance (for
cyclists) of being visible while riding in the dark.
The Bhaktapur Highway and Ringroad, from Kalanki
to Koteshwor, are being expanded to eight lanes, and
these busy roads do not have space for pedestrian
sidewalks or overhead bridges, which can be
detrimental for the public. So put on your helmets,
run the streets, and be a part of the change. The
participants must bring their bikes, LED lights,
reflectors, and masks. KCC2020, also known as
CCNN (cyclecity.org.np), are the event organizers.
Let the green be seen!
Planet Nepal 3 (Festival of arts and
environment)
Location: Tundikhel, Kathmandu
Time: 31 October to 1 November
Entry: Free
With the manner in which the planet is
degrading, it seems that we are in dire need
of Captain Planet. These major issues are
now ubiquitous and not just the responsibility
of scientists. The Planet Nepal festival is
organized by Alliance Francaise of Kathmandu
and the Embassy of Nepal every two years.
The two-day mega earth event includes films
screening, exhibitions, concerts, dances,
circus, farmer’s market, performances, children
corner, workshops, and debates. The organizers
intend to let the common people know about
the importance of the environment through
these activities. Be a part of this festival
because we all have a Captain Planet within us.
Outdoors
Shivapuri Climb
Duration: 2 to 3 hours to Nangi and 6 to 7 to
the summit
Difficulty level: Easy - Moderate, can be
strenuous at some points
Contact: 4381214/9802095999, info@
nature-treks.com
Have you ever hiked at Shivapuri National
Park? Take a leisure walk along the national
park trail through Buddhist monasteries or
march all the way to the summit, either way
it will be an indulging experience. Shivapuri
National Park, with the sub-tropical forest
covered Shivapuri Peak standing at 2732 m,
is the closest hiking trail to the capital. The
park is also where the sacred rivers Bagmati
and Bishnumati originate.
Friday Destination: Sunkoshi
Tihar the ‘festival of light’ is celebrated for five days.
The festival that is celebrated right after Dashain is
about worshiping different animals and the Hindu
Goddess of Fortune and Wealth (Goddess Laxmi).
The Package:
24 October 2014
Departure: 2pm from Sorekhutte
Arrival: 4pm at Sunkoshi Beach Camp
6pm – Music with (Bhaili and Deusi)
8pm-BBQ dinner
25 October 2014
Breakfast: 8pm
Hiking: 9pm Hiking at Majhi Village
Lunch: 12pm at the resort
Departure to Kathmandu: 2pm
Attractions
Private transportation, Welcome drinks, Bhaili deausi
program, Musical night, BBQ dinner and Hiking
Cost: Rs.3000/ USD.60
From
storeroomsto
the library
Donate books
Date: From 24 October
If you are looking to get
rid of the old books and
newspapers piling up in
the store room, here is
a solution. Interested
individuals can either
contact Gwahali for
Differently-Abled People
(GDAP) through their
Facebook page or call
9849250931or9813043484
to arrange for donations.
Books that are appropriate
will be used to build an ecofriendly library, while the
others will be re-sold.
These educational
materials will be used to
assist the visually impaired.
A competition is also being
organized to motivate and
honor the donors. GDAP is
aiming to make access to
the library free. They also
intendtofacilitatethelibrary
with assistive devices like
audioplayers,headphones,
computers,andtypewriters.
FOOD
Executive Breakfast
Date and Time: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 10:30am,
Saturday to Sunday: 8:30am to 11am, Contact: 4221711
Venue: The Coffee Shop, Hotel Annapurna, Entry: Rs.999
Enjoy an executive five star breakfast at The Coffee Shop, Hotel
Annapurna. Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast in
one of the most decorated hotels of the capital, but make sure
to carry your business card as the offer is only valid for patrons
with business cards.
Kababs at Ghar e Kabab
Date: Lunch (Every Friday & Saturday), Dinner (Every Saturday)
Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Entry: Rs.2222
Craving Indian food? Ghar e Kabab at Hotel Annapurna
has just introduced 12 varieties of juicy kababs. The dozen
varieties include six vegetarian and six non-vegetarian (a fish,
two mutton, and three chicken ranges respectively) dishes,
including the ever-popular biryani.
9
livewire
Manny’sEatery&TapasBar
Every Fridays
Shabnam Gurung and Dinesh
Neupane (Live Ghazals)
Time: 7pm onwards
Location: Jawalakhel,
Shaligram Hotel Complex
Contact: 015536919
Moksh
Every Tuesday
Rohit John Chhetri
Time: 7pm onwards
Location: Jhamsikhel
Contact: 5528362
ARTANDTHEATRE
Registered yet?
First steps towards photography!
Photography Foundation Workshop
Little Picasso
Time: 7am to 11am
Venue: Artudio, Swayumbhu
Contact: 9851180088/9851182100/9843245117
Date: 28 October to 3 November
Time: 7am to 9am
Venue: Image Park, NewRoad
Contact: 984127955
Registrationforanartworkshopdesignedforschoolstudents,
aptlytitledLittlePicasso,hasstarted.Theworkshopwillprovide
kidswiththeperfectplatformtofurthertheirinterestinart
whilemakingtheirvacationsproductive.Theprogramwillbe
conductedover10Saturdaysandthechildrencanlearnand
have fun simultaneously. The registration fee is Rs.3500.
This special week-long photography foundational workshop,
conducted by six experienced and professional mentors, will
cover history, aperture, shutter speed and ISO, technical
speed, outdoors, white balance, caption writing, and much
more. The registration fee is Rs.3499 and seats are available
for eight participants. Various internship programs will be on
offer for the participants after the completion of the workshop.
Embassy Restro & Bar
Thursday: 23 October
Salsa workshop with Riyaz and
his crew
Friday: 24 October
Unplugged show by ‘Prayas
Band’
Works of stencils
CityMuseumPresents:StencilsbySadhu-X
Date: 23 October
Time: 5pm to 6pm
Venue: City Museum Kathmandu
Every Sunday, Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday
Piano night by Pema
Saturday: 25 October
Live acoustic show by
Dharmender and Bittu
Time: 6:30pm onwards
Location: Lazimpat
Contact: 4424040
TamarindRestroandBar
Every Thursday, Sunday and
Monday
Live piano by Sunil Singh
Wednesday: 29 October
Prayas (band)
Saturday: 25 October
Supersonic (band)
Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Location: Jhamsikhel
Contact: 5522626
Jazz Upstairs
The City Museum Kathmandu and artist Aditya Aryal, alias Sadhu - X, first
collaborated in May 2014 for the fundraising concert and live-art event
Khumbila. The artist and CMK once again worked together for the “Oho!
My Word” festival at CMK earlier this year. And just this month Sadhu
- X created the City Museum Kathmandu mural, the first street mural in
Durbarmarg. On 23 October, CMK will be presenting an exhibition of stencil works on
various materials and mediums by Sadhu - X. The exhibition will continue
till the first week of November. Please check CMK’s Facebook page for
their Tihar holiday schedule, or email them at [email protected]
MUSIC&PARTIES
Headbanger’s ball!
The Ugly Duckling Show
Date: 24 October, Time: 12pm
Venue:TheUglyDuckling-FoodsandDrinks,Saatghumti
Chowk, Thamel, Entry: Rs.150
AmokkshanandShadowinShadearebringingyouacomplete
undergroundshowthisDeepawali.Prepareyourselfforadayof
loudmusicandheadbanging!Thebandsthatwillbeplaying
areShadowInShade,Asphyxiate,Amokkshan,ElbowRoom,
SquirtGuns,DesperateMile,CryptDesolator,andVowInEcho.
Wednesday: 29 October, Monsix
Time: 7:00pm onwards
Location: Lazimpat
Contact: 4416983
Community Seed Banks|Li Bird
Li Bird is an NGO committed to capitalize on local initiatives
for sustainable management of renewable natural resources.
This exhibition aims to promote easy access to diverse types
of seeds and planting materials for farmers. The exhibition
will include seeds from 15 community seed banks and will
also display seed storage stuctures.
Tangi Pernard | Concert – Friday (6pm), Saturday
(12:30pm)
Tangi Pernard is a passionate French clarinet player who
also loves to play the Bombard, soprano sax, accordion, and
guitar. He pursues traditional Brittany folk music, which
includes a variety of vocal and instrumental styles.
Tamas Laya
Wednesday: 29 October
Open Night with Jovan
Friday: 17 September
Loadshedding (band)
Time: 7:00pm onwards
Location: Jhamsikhel
Contact: 5543740
Exhibitionsandperformancesonbothdays
Family farming, an asset for the planet|CIRAD
Madhusala
8 Degrees
art for
theplanet
CIRAD is a French research center working with developing
countries to tackle international agricultural and development
issues. This exhibition is set out to explain to what extent and
how family farming can address the challenges of providing
jobs and allevating property, food security, preserving the
environment and natural resources and global warming etc.
Every Friday till Wednesday
Uday & Manila Sotang live
with Jeewan Kalapremi and
Nava Ratna (band)
Time: 7:15-11:30 pm
Location: Durbar Marg
Contact: 4223613
Friday: 17 September (Naxal)
Accoustix
Time: 7:00-10:00pm
Location: Naxal
Contact: 4414395
Ataglancecontinued..
Swagatam|Circus Kathmandu – Friday (7pm),
Saturday (3:15pm)
Dust off your air guitars!
Tribute to Guns N Roses
Date: 15 November
Time: 3pm
Venue: Purple Haze Rock Bar, Thamel
After constitutive tributes to legends like Pantera, Pink Floyd, Led
Zeppelin, and Tool, yet another tribute gig will be taking place at
Purple Haze, this time to the legendary hard rock band, Guns N
Roses. Although way past their heyday, Guns N Roses remains one
of the biggest names in rock music. Get your air guitars ready!
Circus Kathmandou is a company of talented acrobats,
aerialists, and physical performers who will welcome the
audience into their world of spectacular stunts and visual
delights on both days of the event.
Installations & Artistic Interventions|Kathmandu
University of Arts and Design
Installations & Artistic Interventions by Kathmandu
University of Arts and Design is an art series directed by
French artist Karl Knapp who will talk about making a given
space look attractive and appealing by using different kinds
of decorations.
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NEW FiaT
ShOWROOM
LauNchEd
13 OcTOBER, NaxaL
1
WELcOMiNG ThE
aMBaSSadOR OF ThE
REPuBLic OF POLaNd
Life automobile launched
an exclusive Fiat showroom
in Naxal during a gala
launch that is scheduled
to last till 19 October.
Officially inaugurated by
ananda Raj Batas of Life automobile,
the weeklong celebration, Grande
itlaliano di’Festa, has been organized
to welcome two new Fiat models – the
Fiat Punto Evo and the Fiat New Linea.
The event will play host to events such
as face painting and games along with
an italian pizza stall. There’s also the
Fiat café, which offers an exotic blend
of italian coffee for all the guests. The
cars will also be available for test drives
on request.
3
16 OcTOBER , hOTEL aNNaPuRNa
a reception dinner was held by the honorary consul
General of the Republic of Poland in Kathmandu,
Lokmanya Golchha at hotel annapurna in durbarmarg
to welcome the ambassador of the Republic of Poland,
Tomaz Lukaszuk and his wife Maria Lukaszuk to Nepal.
This was the ambassador’s first visit to the country.The
evening also included an exhibition on the life and works
of Polish journalist, photographer and poet Ryszard
Kapuscinski, whom the ambassador also spoke of as one
of the influences in his life.
1.Rabi Thapa
2.ambassador Tomasz Lukaszuk
3.Sushrut acharya 4.Bharat Rawat
5.Lokmanya Golchha
1.devshworup Maharjan
2.Suraj Manandhar
3.anand Raj Batas and
Vishnu Kr agarwal
haLL OF FRaME
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a STaR-STuddEd
NiGhT
18 OcTOBER, SOaLTEE cROWNE PLaza
Vishal Kapoor showcased his exquisite
designs in a fashion event titled “Vishal
Kapoor’s Panache – Galaxy of Stars.”
Kapoor’s designs were flaunted by the
models in three main sequences:
swimwear, fusion dress, and couture
(bridal wear). along with the fashion show, a
unique dance and ramp walk combo was also
performed to Bollywood tracks. The entire show was remarkable as
personalities like Nisha adhikari and Vijay Lama walked the ramp
wearing Vishal Kapoor’s designs. The special guests, Bollywood actors
zarine Khan and ajaz Khan, totally stole the show in the end as they
walked on the ramp along with the man of the night, Vishal Kapoor.
1.ajaz Khan and Vishal Kapoor 2.zarine Khan 3.anupama Gurung
4.Nisha adhikari 5.Paramita RL Rana 6.Reema Biswokarma
7.Prashant Tamrakar 8.Sunny Tuladhar 9.Shanaya Joshi
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TaKE NOTE
1
16 OcTOBER, hyaTT REGENcy
1.yubeom Won
2.dikesh Malhotra
3.Subexya Bhadel
4.dipesh dhungana and
Pranaya Sthapit
5.zenisha Moktan
6.ayush Shrestha
7.dibyata Vaidya
8.Sanjay Gupta
The extravagant launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 took place at the
Regency Ballroom a little later than scheduled. Organized by integrated
Mobility Solutions (iMS), the authorized national distributor of Samsung
mobiles in Nepal, the party saw the representatives of Samsung and
the who’s who of K-town. The event kicked off in style with a musical
performance that was coupled with cultural and modern dances. The hosts
for the evening, Sanjay Gupta and Sadiccha Shrestha, kept the audience
entertained and informed about the new Galaxy Note 4 with an interactive
session with the company representatives. The phone was launched by
the chairman of iMS, deepak Malhotra, the director of Samsung, yubeom
Won, and Miss Nepal 2010 Sadiccha Shrestha.
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BON VOyaGE,
MiSS NEPaL!
2
19 OcTOBER, hOTEL RadiSSON
Miss Nepals for international Representation
kicked off with an opening speech by Gopal
Sundar Lal Kakshapati, the chairman of The
hidden Treasure, who wished good luck to all
three Miss Nepals who will be participating
in their respective international pageants.
Miss Nepal World Subin Limbu will fly to
London, uK on 19 November for the Miss
World pageant, which is scheduled to take
place on 14 december, whereas Miss Nepal
Earth Prinsha Shrestha and Miss Nepal
international Sonie Rajbhandari will depart
for Manila, Philippines on 31 October
and Tokyo, Japan on 21 October for their
respective events.
1. Raj Bhai Suwal, Prinsha Shresha, Subin Limbu
and Sonie Rajbhandari 2. Gopal Sundar Lal
3.Rachana Gurung
5
dOuBLE BaSS aLL ThE Way
17 aNd 18 OcTOBER, BhRiKuTi MaNdaP
3
The not-so-silent Silence Festival that took place on
Friday and Saturday gave the crowd something to scream
for. a number of local bands played on Friday including
Jindabaad, metal bands such as Breach Not Broken,
damagera, and Kalodin. Tumbleweed inc., a rap-rock
band, pumped up the crowd with their creative music
and lyrics. underside, arguably the most popular metal
band in Nepal right now, hit the stage with style. a
body suspension artist took the stage to the surprise
of the audience and hung from a rope hooked to his
shoulders.Sikth, the headliners of the fest blew up the
stage with their progressive metal and gave the crowd
their money’s worth.
1.Justin hill 2.Mikee Goodman 3.Graham Pinney 4.Rohit Shakya
5.dan Weller 6.avishek K.c.
6
Kickstart//Week That Was
12
WEEKThaTWaS
K2d RidERS KicK-STaRT JOuRNEy
Godawari Mela
The families of two plastic and burn surgeons from the uK started
their Kathmandu-dhaka bike trip on 19 October. The five riders
taking part in the Royal Enfield ride are: surgeon Tom Potokar
(director of interburns), his wife dominique Potokar, and surgeon
Sian Falder and her husband caradoc Jones. also in the team is
filmmaker Tom Woodrow, who is documenting the 1,200km long
journey. The couples are accompanied by their children. The trip,
organized with the support of Sacred Summits (P) Ltd, is aimed
at raising awareness of burn care and funds for improving the
same. a total of £19,500 has been raised so far for the cause, the
participants of the tour said. The riders are to return to Kathmandu
by air in the first week of November. To contribute and to follow
their journey visit http://interburns.org/donate/k2d/
different varieties
of flowers were
showcased at the 8th
GodawariFlowerMela
in Jawalakhel. Flowers
worthoverRs.2million
were sold during the
event,saidFloriculture
associationofNepal,the
organizer of the event.
a total of 35 stalls were
put up to sell flowers
rangingfromGodawari
to ornamental plants,
the organizers said.
19 October, ishan hospital, Basundhara
19 to 22 October, Jawalakhel
FREEdENTaLcaMP
15 October, Kuleshwor
Nyayik Sansar, an NGO working for
social justice in collaboration with
Tevel israel, organized a daylong
free dental camp on Wednesday
in Kalimati, Kuleshwor. The event,
which lasted from 10am to 6pm,
was conducted to raise awareness
among the local residents and
to provide them with free dental
services. Beginning with an
orientation about dental health,
the camp proceeded towards
dental check-up, teeth extraction,
and teeth refilling. dr. Eyal
Shachar from israel led the camp
with assistance from dr. Suvit
Maskey and health assistants
from dhulikhel hospital, with
the added help of 18 youth
volunteers. around 150-200
people were targeted to receive
free service. The camp was
supported by the israel Embassy
and dhulikhel hospital.
ShaNGRi~La’SaWaRdFOR
ExcELLENcE
14 October, Lazimpat
RacEFORSuRViVaL
18 October, Kathmandu
1050 students, representing
17 public schools, participated
in a 5km road race around the
capital. Rajiv Bikram Shah, ca
Member and the President of
Nepal athletics association,
flagged of the race at 7:30 in the
morning. after the completion
of the race, children raised their
concerns about the poor health
facilities and human resources
for health services in rural areas
directly to the chief Guest, Ranju
Jha, MP, who said her committee
would reach out to the health
Ministry to take up the concerns
raised by the children. as an
ambassador for saving newborn
lives, she would raise policy and
implementation aspects in the
parliament, she added. “child
mortality is declining in Nepal,
but more needs to be done to
prevent newborn deaths which
account for 33 deaths per 100
live births,” said Jagat Khadka,
acting country director for Save
the children. Sushila Khadka
from Pragati Shiksha Sadan
School and Bikash Tamang from
Swarna Shiksha high School won
the gold prize in the boys and
girls section respectively, whereas
all three winners in both boys and
girls categories received medals
and cash prizes of Rs.10,000,
Rs.8,000, and Rs.5,000
respectively.
hOuSE OF WaSaBi
15 October, Embassy Restaurant, Lazimpat
a series of wasabi products, which included mayonnaise, powder,
sauce, and paste, were put on display at Embassy Restaurant. along
with the display, a food tasting promotion was conducted as well.
The chief aim of the restaurant was to promote wasabi related items.
Embassy is the only outlet in the capital that provides wasabi products.
Shangri~La hotel, Lazimpat
held a press conference at
their Baithak hall after their
staff returned from a trip to
india where they attended
the 21st annual World Travel
awards (WTa). at the event,
which had taken place at The
Oberoi in delhi on 10 October,
Shangri~La Village Pokhara
was declared Nepal’s Leading
hotel. The award was presented
to Raju Bikram Shah, Group
General Manager of Shangri~La
hotels and Resorts, to
recognize their contribution in
the tourism industry. The award
ceremony hosted delegates
from 20 countries across asia
and australia. Known as the
Oscars of the travel industry,
the WTa aims to celebrate
the organizations that are
pushing the boundaries of
travel excellence. The WTa’s
global partners include the
international New york Times,
TV5Monde, cNBc arabia,
Outlook Traveller, and Travel &
Leisure, and has a readership
and viewership of 1.7 million
and 90 million people globally
respectively.
JazziNGuPMOKSh
16October,Moksh,Jhamsikhel
The first day of the annual
Jazzmandu festival was held
at the auditorium at Moksh.
amidst the presence of reputed
jazz veterans as judges, several
upcoming jazz bands competed
with each other during the event.
during the competition, the
members of Mr. Green turned out
to be some of the most versatile
amongst those who had taken part
in the competition. The guitarist
of the band, Subash Pastorius,
was the star of the event, rightfully
winning the “Outstanding
Musician” award. however, the
judges saw doxy Ltd. as the most
deserving candidate amongst the
other two bands (including GT
and the Nikesh Shakya Quartet).
They were thus handed out the
“Outstanding Band” award for
this year.
PEPSi VOicE OF NEPaL REachES SEMiS
17 October, Kamal Pokhari
Last Friday, city centre saw an evening filled with musical
performances as the Pepsi Voice of Nepal contest proceeded to
its semifinal phase. a stage in the heart of the mall was the main
attraction as a throng of people gathered around to witness the musical
spectacle. The competing bands performed in front of a supportive
and enthusiastic crowd. assessing them were three esteemed judges,
including Mukti Shakya of Mukti and Revival, and Manoj Kc of 1974
ad. The ten bands selected in the semis will proceed to compete in
the finals. The top two finalists will then get to perform live in india,
besides getting a chance to record their own album. Pictures of the
bands will also be printed on Pepsi pet bottles. according to anil
Banskota of Thompson Nepal, the Pepsi Voice of Nepal contest has
been organized in association with Pepsi MTV indies to provide an
international platform for aspiring Nepali musicians.
13
Tattooed capital
To the mainstream market
17 to 19 October, Bhrikuti Mandap
Exhibition Hall
17 October, Narayan Chaur
The Something Special store was recently inaugurated in the capital.
Something Special is the parent company of Moni’s Creation, Mimz,
and Mc Chocolate. Moni’s Creation specializes in stained glass paintings
and art work, home decors, trays, saipata, tables, candle stands, cooperative gifts, souvenirs, tissue covers, bead works, and much more.
“Although we have been in the business for almost 15 years, we didn’t
have a proper outlet earlier. This means we are entering the mainstream
market for the first time now,” said Shristi Joshi, the founder/owner of
the store. Moni’s Creation is the first and only company to specialize
in the stained glass business in Nepal. “The response has been good.
Most of the visitors so far have been our regular customers, but I am
seeing a lot of new faces as well”, she added. Joshi also has a deep love
for chocolates, which led to the formation of Mc Chocolate. “We have
put in a lot of effort and hard work into these chocolates. Our products
are innovative and the first of their kind, and we equally emphasize on
packaging,” said Joshi. Also on display in the store is Mimz, a clothing
line. The Mimz collection includes party dresses, gowns, and other
women’s wear. “We are slowly planning on designing casual men’s wear
as well, and the prices of the clothes will depend on the fabrics used,”
said designer Mamta Gurung Joshi.
Tattoo artists from Nepal and
abroad were seen showing their
talents in the second edition of
Nepal Inked. The convention
not only saw hordes of tattoos,
it was also host to vintage cars
and bikes, art shows, and other
fun activities. On the first day,
Niyazi Avi Tau grabbed the first
prize in the Small Tattoo Healed
category, while Cat Handa won
the Small Color Healed prize.
The Best Of The Day was won
by Daniel Hutmolar. The second
day was more about sleeves with
Bimal Rai bagging first position
in the Full Sleeve Black and Grey
category, while Sudip Khadka of
Jads Tatoo won the Full Sleeve
Color award. The Best Of The
Day belonged to Bimal Rai and
John Ma, leaving Pralad Shrestha
and Sabita Maharjan Shrestha of
Tiki Jhya Tattoo in the runnersup position. There were more
tattoos on the third day along
with magic shows as well as bike
stunts by Riders of Bhaktapur
(ROB), Riders Unified, and Flo
Riders who ended the event with
a touch of excitement.
Musings on silk
Oktoberfest @ Radisson
17 to 19 October, The City Museum
17 and 18 October, Radisson Hotel
A full 18 years after her last exhibition, The City Museum of
Kathmandu played host to Binita Basnet’s much awaited new
collection. The exhibition was a fine display of Basnet’s vibrant
paintings, all of which were done on silk. Binita Basnet started out
with clay pottery and crafts in the early 1990s, her journey has
taken her from strength to strength. More recently she has found
wide national and international acclaim for her silk art, which
range from framed paintings to designer saris and shawls.
Oktoberfest is a German festival
that’s celebrated all around the
world. The Radisson Hotel has
been hosting the fest for the third
time, and this year the hotel is
offering a German cuisine-based
specialty buffet along with a free
flow of Carlsberg beer for Rs.1800
per person. With delicacies such as
gammon, getriede meal laib, and
grilled basa that fit perfectly with
sweet apple and rum custard cake,
an evening at Radisson during
Oktoberfest is one thing that no
food lover in the Valley should miss.
Basnet describes the color yellow as her muse— a color that gets
her calm and contemplative and it was a hue that dominated the
exhibition. In line with the growing trend of selecting more bold
and vibrant colors for homes, Basnet’s paintings seemed destined
for posh and vibrant modern living rooms. Each painting, though,
had its own unique tale and were uniquely reinvigorating. Binita
Basnet’s long awaited exhibition was well worth the wait.
Bazaar
A TV with a Curve
Samsung Electronics’ new Curved TV range has hit the
Nepali market. The brand is starting a new era of Curved
TVs with the ultimate viewing experience. With the launch
of world’s first Curved UHD TV, Samsung is blending its
innovative Curved form factor with its UHD TV technology.
Digitalizing Nepal!
D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67
ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571.
No. 243 23 October 2014
Color Separation & Printed at:
WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd.
Bhaisepati, Lalitpur
5590306, 5591112
Distributor: Kasthamandap
Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241
Disclaimer
Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the
weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes.
Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable for the
same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected]
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Subisu is digitalizing Nepal with
its new digital television service.
Subisu ‘Clear TV’ is a service
that hopes to provide a better
TV viewing experience through
Nepal’s first Digital Cable
Television Service. Clear TV will
offer a variety of channels that
will include local channels,
news, entertainment, movies,
sports, kids, and documentary
and lifestyle. For a better
viewing experience subscribers
need to install a Set Top Box
(STB) along with Subisu Cable
Connection. Other features in
the STB include an electronic
program guide, catch up TV
view for missed programs, video
on demand, and many more.
HuaweientersTop-100
Huawei became the first
Chinese brand to enter the
Top 100 Interbrand list by
appearing in the 15th annual
Best Global Brands report.
Interbrand is a division of
Omnicom. The third largest
smartphone provider in the
world was able to snatch
the 94th position. Interbrand
quoted: “With smartphone
sales volume up since Q1
2014, Huawei is moving
at full speed and making
its mark on the world.”
Huawei, which has become
a household name in Asia,
is now looking to become
one of the leading brands in
Western markets.
PaRTyLiNES
Kickstart//Partylines
chiTTER-chaTTERhEaRdaTEVENTS
“We Nepalese have the tendency to
brag about Mount Everest when the fact
is, a majority of the people have not even
been anywhere close to the mountain.”
“There is nobody to
play for!”
Prinsha Shrestha, Miss Nepal Earth,
during the Miss Nepals for international
Representation event at hotel Radisson
Sunny Tuladhar, guitarist of Jindabaad,looking
at the almost empty venue during the first day
of Silence Festival V.
“I’ve always loved the aura
of peace in Nepal despite all
the conflicts. It is, after all,
the birthplace of Buddha.”
Nafisa Binte Shafique at the Girl Power conference on
the best thing she liked about living in Nepal.
“It’s a metal festival! How can
you not have fun?”
Rémi Gallego of The algorithm, on being asked
whether he was having fun at Silence Festival V.
Nafisa Binte
Shafique
cLaSSiFiEd
Read Friday
Every Thursday
14
Gear Venture
Issue 242 | 16 October
enterta nment
Where only the
fittest survive
The Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture on Kantipur TV has hit the ground
running and is introducing Nepali viewers to a form of reality TV only
seen overseas. Continuing with our look behind the scenes, this issue
we examine the physical trials that the riders had to go through.
T
he glamor on TV is the masking.
The strenuous hours, dedication,
and preparation that go behind
it makes a good documentary in
the end. Perhaps that is the folly of
human understanding; we chase the elusive
fame but are left wanting when it comes to
the journey that takes us there. In this case
though, we provide an education, piece
by piece, as to how the Bajaj Pulsar Dare
Venture was put together and all the aspects
that were incorporated into it.
The strenuous trials began with the
Physical Fitness Test. So brutal were they,
in fact, that only the toughest made the cut,
only to endure even more punishment in
the mountains. The Physical Fitness Test
was held on 8 September and it was the
second selection hurdle the contestants had
to cross to be selected for the next round.
First came the Obstacle Test, which saw 50
participants, from which 27 were selected
for the Physical Fitness Test held at the
Armed Police Force Ground, Halchowk.
The lucky 27 were summoned at 9am sharp
and then had to prove themselves through:
1. 100 Meters Run
2. Sit Ups
3. Push Ups
4. Chin ups
Through all of these, there were
particular standouts and highlights that
were noteworthy. Like how Kamal Nepali
performed like an all-rounder in his
physical test and was, by and large, one of
the best contestants. There was also great
camaraderie amongst the participants
as they could be seen motivating each
other. Finally, 22 of them advanced to
Abhishek Mishra
the next round (the Medical Test) while
five contestants were sent home. One last
better late than never story was of Sandeep
Sharma from Pokhara who was (no prizes
for guessing) late for the Physical Test.
While the powers that be were mulling to
eliminate the tardy hardy, he was granted
some leeway considering that he had
come all the way from Pokhara and was
not well acquainted with the locations in
Kathmandu. He was given time, and thus
completed his tests.
Another great role played in all of this
was by the medical crew from Vayodhya
Hospital who were a constant help
throughout the filming. Dr. Sagun, who was
one of the medical personnel on the trip,
talks about what the team went through:
Only the fittest were sent for the ride.
This was a trip that required one’s body
functions to be at an optimum level; hence,
all the eliminations.
The Riders mostly complained of
wrist pain due to all the revving, some
lacerations from the falls, and a few cases of
minor silencer burns as well.
When we reached the upper region,
oxygen levels were checked and found to be
stable. We then trudged on.
We conducted a health check up for
the people of Chaile as well. We mostly
had aged people complaining of aches and
pains. We prescribed them medicines and
told them about the dosage required as
well.
For me, a personal milestone was
bungeeing in Pokhara. They sent me last
saying, “Let everyone do it, let them get
checked by you, and then you go!” (laughs)
Entertainment//Buzzmaker
16
Half Man
When he first stepped into the Nepali film scene with Manoj Pandit’s Badhshala,
Khagendra Lamichhane was not just an unknown name; he was also an unknown
face, for he remained completely masked for almost the entirety of the film. Now, with
Nischal Basnet’s Talakjung vs Tulke, Lamichhane has come unmasked.
Bijaya Adhikari
D
uring the trailer launch
program of Nischal
Basnet’s second
directorial venture,
Talakjung vs Tulke,
the writer of the film,
Khagendra Lamichhane slipped in
a secret. “I had this rooted hunger
that I would feature myself as the
lead character of Talakjung Singh
Thakuri while I was writing the film.
And this wasn’t an idea that sprouted
suddenly; I have nurtured this dream
for almost a decade,” he revealed.
Khagendra Lamichhane holds
a Bachelors degree in Geography,
but somehow fate led him towards
drama and films. “I would pen down
my ideas, however big or small, ever
since my school days. In the year
2000, when I had the opportunity to
compete in the Pokhara Naachghar
Contest, I unknowingly made my way
into acting. It has been 14 years now,
but it seems like yesterday.”
Lamichhane is an avid student of
playwright and director Anup Baral.
He has studied under his guidance
and even shared a house with the
maestro.
Atal Bahadur Atanka was the last
play staged at Aarohan Gurukul, for
which Lamichhane served both as
the writer and director. He marks
this as the midpoint of his career. “I
did a one-man show in 2007, which
was titled Pidageet. It was selected
for various festivals, and showcased
abroad as well,” he says.
As guest director at Aarohan
Gurukul, Lamichhane doled out his
ideas and concepts for the larger
part of his career, but he humbly
accepts that life has been a cakewalk
for him. “People say struggle is the
key to everything, every success
and achievement,” he says, getting
philosophical, “but I cannot nod
my head in approval to things that
haven’t been a part of my experience.
Writing comes to me naturally and
acting comes to me by default. I am
a believer of a higher truth though—
that if you love what you do, then you
are happy with it.”
When it comes to theater,
Khagendra Lamichhane isn’t a new
name. He has managed to make
a mark with his acting through
Hajurba ko Katha (selected for the
Kathmandu International Theatre
Festival 2008), Paniphoto, Katha
Desh, Katro, Siruma Rani, and the
critically acclaimed and commercially
successful Mayadevi ko Sapana.
“Flaw is a word that should be
omitted from the vocabulary of
everyone seeking a higher plinth of
excellence in life,” he states. In line
with his beliefs, Lamichhane tends
to tear out entire pages of his scripts
if he has to scratch even a single line
in the dialogue. “I am inexplicably
inclined towards tidiness because
it’s my writing, and not my face, that
reflects my innermost image,” he says
of his habit.
And that’s how Khagendra
Lamichhane unmasked his potential
in moving pictures - by not showing
his face for almost the entirety of
his debut film. “Badhshala was an
opportunity unlike any other,” he
recalls. “I had to move away from
my comfort zone, bring nuances
rather than wholesomely developed
dialogues, and of course, I had to
match up with other actors duly
acquainted with films, while I was a
newcomer.”
Talakjung vs Tulke is the second
film for both Nischal Basnet and
Khagendra Lamichhane. While
Basnet is already an established
name in the industry (thanks to the
success of his directorial debut Loot),
Lamichhane is taking toddler steps
through film scripting for the movie.
“I am a perfectionist, a one-minded
fellow,” he says, drawing contrasts
between Basnet and himself. “But
I should say that Nischal is a far
better visionary than I can ever
become. He can picture an entire
scene, as though edited, in his mind.
While writing the film, I would see
a healthy long scene, but Nischal
would see montages, cutaways, and
sharp bends during the shooting.
While making the film, I learnt that
I have a long way to go to become a
good script writer.”
Lamichhane, an accomplished
actor and a professional at that, says:
“I still need to become the man
that I’ve dreamt of becoming. My
primary goal is to write and excel in
it. Writing dramas is easier but by
writing a film, I have come to realize
that I need to practice self censorship,
become a good script editor, and,
possibly, work on visualization as
well.”
Before bidding goodbyes, I
requested Lamichhane, the writer, to
pen down his identity. This is his selfintroduction:
I am
a complete person, visually.
But
by knowledge, by mentality, by
experience
a half man.
Analyze this:
There is but a different charm being
just a halve!
Entertainment//Kripa Unplugged
17
Photo courtesy: Prasit humagain
astha goes acoustic
GiRiSh SuBEdi
T
he “Jhumke Bulaki” girl, Astha
Raut, will be mesmerizing the
audience with her powerful vocals
on this week’s Kripa Unplugged.
Raut, backed by Kripa Unplugged’s inhouse band, will perform four songs for
the show. These will include the singer’s
popular tracks Chaubandhi Patuki
Badheko Chaina Vandaima, Khai Ta Mero
Jhumke Bulaki, Fatyo Maiti Ko Chino, and
Birsideu Hijo Ke Ke Vayo.
On the set, Raut has a “bold” presence,
a huge contrast to the soft-spoken
personality that appears during the
intervals. Her feisty nature is well defined
by her showmanship during the show,
which is an attention-grabbing factor for
sure. When Raut sings, she takes gentle as
well as sturdy leaps into powerful octave
swings, letting her voice soar.
While performing Khai Ta Mero
Jhumke Bulaki (which appears on her
album Aadhar), the singer appears to be
full of enthusiasm. Like in the original,
the intro starts with the swinging sound
of an ek taare. Raut’s straightforward
singing technique is also prominent in
Chaubandhi Patuki Badheko Chaina
Vandaima, which has been done in a
reggae style just for the show.
If you are already familiar with her
songs, you’re probably in for a treat.
Known by many for having a “sexy” voice,
Astha Raut’s performance is bound to
break some barriers this Monday night.
Watch Astha Raut perform on Kripa
Unplugged this Monday at 9pm on
Kantipur Television. To watch previous
episodes of the first and second season,
visit the program’s official YouTube
Channel: KripaUnplugged.
Entertainment//Global Shapers
18
Global Shapers:
Kathmandu’s youth take charge
A collective of Nepali youth from diverse backgrounds, the Global Shapers Kathmandu
Hub’s recent activities and accomplishments raise expectations for the future.
ECS Reporter
I
n early October, as most Nepalis
kicked back for Dashain, four
Nepali youth prepared to
represent the country at Shape
South Asia in India, hosted by
the Global Shapers Ahmedabad
Hub. The event was attended by 66
other youth. Amod Rajbhandari,
Gaurav Kandel, Sneh Rajbhandari
and Shristi Mishra are members of
the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub.
The Hub is part of a global network
of 356 other hubs developed by
like-minded youth, looking to make
a contribution in their communities
through continued commitment to
generating positive impact.
Shape South Asia celebrated the
Gandhian spirit of ‘Doing Good For
All’, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Shapers came together under the
theme of ‘Roaring South Asia’ to
mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 145th birth
anniversary, addressing the common
challenges that bind our region, and
exploring opportunities to resolve the
same through sharing and bonding.
Kathmandu’s Shapers are starting
to make their presence felt in the
global platform. At the event, their
Young Adults Mentorship Project
(YAMP) came in as one of top five
projects among the 36 selected for
the Gandhi Change Award. YAMP
focuses on helping marginalized
young adults in exploring their
potential to develop soft skills, and
provides exposure so that these
children can become independent,
contributing citizens. Currently,
YAMP sessions are being held at
I found this session particularly helpful to
truly internalize the idea that wars begin in
the minds of people, so it is important to
practice self-constraint and find creative
outlets for stress
CNN Hero Award winner, and
fellow Shaper Pushpa Basnet’s Early
Childhood Development Center.
Acknowledging the active
participation of the Kathmandu
Hub in Shapers’ events, projects
and sessions, Vijay Raju, Head
of Collaborations and Associate
Director for South Asia region
of Global Shapers Community,
recognized it as a very active Hub.
“Shape South Asia was not
just about meeting and building
connections but also about discussing
tangible solutions. The best part was
the realization that we all shared
common South Asian values and
identity,” said Gaurav Kandel. Kandel
is also the Regional Leader for the
Shape Love Project of the Global
Shapers worldwide community.
One of the youngest shapers in the
region, Shristi Mishra led a harvest
learning session on ‘Education: Is it
merely a Paradox?’ and talked about
how Shapers can bring change from
within the community as education
is the foundation of initiating that
change. “It helped me strengthen
my perspective on collaboratively
bringing a postive change in the
society we live in,” said Mishra.
A conference highlight was
the session on Applying Gandhi,
in which Shapers were asked
to solve present-day problems
taking inspiration from Gandhian
principles. All Shapers participated
actively in resolving challenges
of climate change, corruption,
youth empowerment, literacy,
women empowerment, and gender
discrimination through roleplay
applying Gandhi’s quotes. The
sessions concluded with remarks
from India’s National Award winner
Darshan Zariwalla, social activist
Ravi Gulati, and Sunil Pareikh,
founding curator of the Ahmedabad
Hub.
The Shapers also came together
with local development activists
and social entrepreneurs for a
Co-Create activity session where
they discussed various issues like
social enterpreurship, and the
value of mutliple stakeholders
taking ownership in strengthening
the community. The conference
concluded with a thought-provoking
session led by Ms. Ufra Mir on
the importance of practicing
mindfulness. Ms. Mir urged each
Shaper to cultivate positive thinking,
and live in the present. “I found this
session particularly helpful as a way
of reflecting on the learnings of the
two days, and to truly internalize
the idea that wars begin in the
minds of people, so it is important
to practice self-constraint and find
creative outlets for stress,” said Sneh
Rajbhandari.
To add to this participation by
the Shapers in Ahmedabad, another
proud moment has been the selection
of Curator Amod Rajbhandari as one
of 50 Shapers wordlwide to attend
the World Economic Forum meet in
Davos in 2015. Also, Shaper Surath
Giri was selected to represent the
Hub at the India Economic Summit
taking place in Delhi.
Other Shapers in the Kathmandu
Hub are immediate past curator
Shivanth Pande, Hitmaan Gurung,
Vidhan Rana, Rajneesh Bhandari,
Utsav Shakya, Jyoti Upadhyay,
Kaushal Silwal, and Riken Maharjan.
The Hub was founded by Young
Global Leader Aashmi Rana.
Leading by example, Rajbhandari
and his team have gotten the
Kathmandu Hub to a roaring start
this year. After Shape South Asia, the
Kathmandu Shapers have not only
come back with friends from the
region, but also a flavour of Gujarat,
including picking up on some
Garba! For their accomplishments
as individuals, and as Shapers, the
Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub is a
group to look out for.
For more on the Global Shapers
Kathmandu Hub: www.globalshapers.
org/hubs/kathmandu/ Twitter: @
KTMShapers / Instagram: @shapersKTM
Entertainment//Time Off
19
Start the day off right!
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and
curilo café is a place where you’ll be spoiled for choice.
EVaNGELiNE NEVE
Varied Breakfast Menu
Curilo Café has a special breakfast
menu, and it’s really outstanding. It
covers classics, it’s simple, and yet has
some surprises. The Morning Bruschetta
is an example of this: four little
toasts, scrambled eggs, baked beans,
guacamole, and deliciously fried oyster
mushrooms. It’s like a deconstructed
little breakfast, with some great flavours.
If you’re looking for something a
little heartier, try the Tortilla Beans — a
tortilla stuffed full of beans, egg, sausage,
guacamole, cheese, and vegetables, with
a side of flavorful fresh salsa.
My favourite of the breakfast dishes
I tried was the Egg Bacon Cheese Bagel.
Even though the bread tasted more like
a bun than a bagel, it was still a perfect
combination and the sort of thing I
could see myself craving every morning
— fresh lettuce and tomato, eggs,
cheese, and crispy bacon in a sandwich.
Yum.
If you’re looking for something closer
to home, you should try the Chatamari,
which is also on their breakfast menu!
There are also classics like Eggs
Benedict, pancakes, cereal, and full
breakfast options. Sadly, I was too full
to try the Avocado Toast on this visit,
but it’s something I love to eat so I will
definitely be coming back for that.
With so many choices, it’s hard to see
what else you could possibly want for
breakfast!
What would you like to drink
with that?
And, of course, no breakfast is complete
without your favorite beverage, and they
have a full selection of espresso-based
drinks, as well as several quality teas,
iced tea, and fresh fruit juice. The mint
lemonade is also a refreshing, light option.
décor & Vibe:
Even though you’re only minutes from
the center of town, the atmosphere here
is peaceful and quiet and feels removed
from everything. There’s a cute outside
sitting area, while there’s a great brick
rustic vibe going on indoors. There
are great lights and blinds and it’s got
a very relaxed, laidback atmosphere,
with mellow music playing in the
background. The late afternoon
sunlight comes though in the most
beautiful way, and the light is fantastic.
It’s a great place to sit and relax, read a
book, and enjoy something good to eat.
a few words with the chef:
chef Praveen Shrestha has been at curilo
café since its inception, coming here after he
completed his training at the hyatt Regency
hotel. he’s currently studying for his Ba in
hotel Management, and in the meantime is up
serving interesting, original dishes here.
When i ask him what he’d recommend
from the menu, he suggested the Pizza, Stir
Fried Tofu, or chicken Schnitzel. But when
i ask him what dishes are the most popular
among the clientele, his answer surprises
me: “Each dish gets ordered at least two or
three times a day. We have a small menu,
and everything is very popular.” and i did
notice, just during the time we were sitting
there, that quite a few of the customers
seemed to be regulars, and didn’t even
need to see the menu to know what they wanted.
Who’s here?
The crowd was a mix of locals
and tourists. Many of Curilo’s
customers are either from the
nearby embassies or tourists
on their way to apply for visas
there. People here are from all
over the world.
Actor Rajesh Hamal is a
regular customer and always
orders the salads and juice. The
owner of Hotel Ambassador
has also been here several
times and apparently enjoyed
everything he tried.
More than breakfast:
So don’t limit yourself to breakfast.
Chef Praveen recommended the
pizza, and I could quickly see why
— it was rustic and beautifully
presented on a wooden board.
There’s also a meat option but we
had the Quattro Stagioni, with four
seasonal vegetables, generously
dotted with fresh basil; it was
extremely tasty and satisfying. The
Stir Fried Tofu was also served very
attractively and like everything I saw
here, came generously portioned.
Sandwiches looked good, too!
What’s happening next?
Open a year and a half now, Curilo Café is a
comfortable, relaxed place you can come to for
a satisfying breakfast or lunch. Soon, they will
be open for dinner, too, and I look forward to
seeing what they’ll come up with for that.
I’ve found that many places in Nepal have
long, extensive menus, but without all the
dishes necessarily being authentic or well
prepared. It was great to see a place with a
shorter menu that instead seemed to have
a lot of thought put into it, with dishes that
were actually really well made and original.
And the prices are reasonable too, especially
considering the generous portion sizes.
Curilo Café is directly opposite the British
Embassy in Lainchour.
Entertainment//Tihar In Numbers
20
800,000
garlandsarelikelytobesoldduringthefestival
information courtesy:
Ministry of home
affairs, Floriculture
association of
Nepal, nutritionist
Elita Joshi (Nirvana
Wellness centre,
Jawalakhel)
Theflowermarketisgrowingat
10-15%
areexpectedtobesold
inNepalduringTihar.
Sel roti
givesyou
calories,toburnitoffyou
need to spend at least
hours
on the
treadmill
1.5
Lalmohansgiveyou
760
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ar:
h
i
T
f
o
s
day ers you
Numbto know
ought
3
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give you
555
111
calories,toburn
itoffyouneedto
spend at least
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offmeans
hours
on the
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50
million
Rs.
everyyear
1
384
3
types of flowersMarigold,Makhamali,
andGodawari-worth
2
Khuwabadambarfisgiveyou
125
calories,
to burn it off you need to
spend at least
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minutesonthetreadmill
minuteson
thetreadmill
384
ThehomeMinistry
saysdeusi-Bhailowill
be allowed only till
days to go
for the next
Laxmi Puja
9pm
Entertainment//Tihar Sibling
TheJoyofGiving
22
This Tihar surprise your sibling with these off-the-beaten path surprises
Sanjit Pradhananga
T
ihar is in full swing. With it
has come a week of bright
lights, vibrant colors and
an avalanche of diabetes
inducing sweet delights. There
are firecrackers crackling from
unsuspecting gallies and the aroma
of selroti wafting through the city.
The locals have found another
excuse to make merry all over
again and the jangle of deusibhailo
are being sent abroad into the
night.
More importantly, the most
awaited day of the holiday season—
Bhai Tika— is at our doorstep
again. This day commemorating
the love and unbreakable bond
between siblings is a celebration
that crowns the five day Tihar. It is
a day of countless fervent blessings
and presents changing hands, all to
remind us that siblings have always
been and will be forever thus, our
best friends and closest allies.
If you are still musing about
what gifts will hit the sweet spot
this Tihar, stray from the beaten
path and surprise your sibling with
these novel gift ideas.
1. For the over-worked sibling:
If you have a sibling that has been run
into the ground by a year’s worth of
deadlines and bills, why not treat them
to a packaged day off at Tranquility
Spa. The spa is currently offering
50% discounts on all forms of body
treatment including scrubs, massages
and shirodhara. The spa also has a
variety of parlor services like facials,
pedicures, manicures and hair care.
Their three-hour package that includes
a full body scrub, a rejuvenating
massage and a facial is currently on
offer for just Rs 3000.
Tranquility Spa - Lazimpat
Lazimpat (opposite), Kathmandu
Tel: (+977) (01) 4420424
Cell: (+977) 9851021261
Kupondole
(Next to Greenwich Hotel), Lalitpur
Tel: (+977) (01) 5528125
Tranquility Spa - Thamel
ChaksibariMarg, Thamel, Kathmandu
Tel: (+977) (01) 4260850 or 4218396
2.Forthetraditionalandelegantsibling:
The assumption that diamonds are a girl’s best friend
is a cliché thrown around too cheaply. Yet few things
makebetterhead-turninggiftslikejewelry.RBDiamond
Jewelers have introduced a 15% discount for the
holidays with just that in mind. These top of the line
jewelrieshavebeendesignedbytheirowndesignersand
have been taking the market by storm.Their diamond
jewelry starts from Rs 15,000 and make for unbeatable
gifts. Call and inquire about custom designs as well.
R.B. Diamond Jewelers
R.B. Diamond House, Pyukha
New Road, Kathmandu Nepal
www.rbdiamond.com
Tel: 977-1-4253336, 4222291
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm
Business days: Sunday to Friday
ON THE COVER
Model: Richa Sharma
Makeup artist: Amreeta Shrestha
Hair Stylist: Bigen Tamang
Wardrobe: Oodni Boutique, Kupondole,
Contact: 5011827
23
5. For the traveling soul
3. For the sibling in need of a get-away
Everybody is in need of a vacation. If you have a sibling
that is tired of the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu but
has limited time off work, why not send them on a
short Pokhara get-away? Fish Tail Lodge is gem among
the available places to stay in the lake city and the
perfect place to wash away Kathmandu blues. Located
on an island, the only way of reaching the lodge is
through a ferry ride across the Fewa Lake. The price of
standard rooms is Rs 7000 plus taxes for single and Rs
7500 plus taxes for double rooms. The deluxe rooms
that overlook the magnificent Himalayas are Rs 8000
and Rs 8500 respectively. There are few better places in
the country for a proper pampering.
Fish Tail Lodge
P.O. Box 10 Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
Tel: +977 61 465071 / 460248 / 460258
Fax: +977 61 465072
E-mail: [email protected]
City Office: G.P.O. Box 140, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu,
Tel: +977-1- 4229647/4229570/4221711 ext.4904.
Fax: 977-1-4230304
Ifyouarelookingforagiftthatiscompletelyoutofthe
box,howaboutapackagetourtoThailand?Thailandis
theclosestexoticdestinationtocapital,andmakesfor
awonderfulvacationwhetheryouareashopaholicor
beachbum.AbsoluteHolidayshasrolledoutaspecial
BhaiTika vacation offer that will be valid on purchase
till 31st October 2014. The package includes airfare
withtaxes,threestaraccommodation,airport-hotelairport transfers by private car, visa fees and a guided
tour of all the important destinations of Bangkok
includingtheRecliningBuddha,GoldenBuddhaand
Marble Temple and the Coral Islands.
The tour will cost Rs 50,900 per person. It is by all
measures an absolute bargain.
Absolute Holidays
Pulchowk, Lalitpur,(near St. Mary’s School parking)
Kathmandu, Nepal, 5555333, 5550333, www.absoluteholidays.com.np
4. For the Fashionista
The classic saris and kurtas have been overdone. This Tihar why not go for
something more avant garde? Aakarshan Fashion Boutique has rolled out a
special 10-15% special discount for the festive season on all designer wear. Stroll
into their Kupandole outlet and browse a wide collection of designer saris and
bridal wear. The boutique specializes in hand embroidery, and the stones that
they use are all imported from India. Any gift from here is bound to wow your
Fashionista sibling. You cannot go wrong with lovingly crafted designer wear.
Aakarshan: The Fashion Boutique
Kupondole, Kathmandu, Nepal, Phone 00977-1-5547784
Entertainment//Music
24
An end to the singing
Is the old deusi-bhailo tradition dying a slow death?
-Girish Subedi
D
eusi and bhailo are essential elements
of the festive season of Tihar in Nepal.
When the males play deusi and the
females bhailo, the participants visit
houses in their neighborhoods, or of people
that they know, and celebrate the festival in
a musical way – by either singing in a group,
backed by traditional musical instruments, or,
as has been the case for more than a decade,
with loud guitars and drums.
The tradition of playing deusi-bhailo has
changed over the years. For this, there are
quite a few intriguing reasons, including
misconceptions among the public, the influence
of modern lifestyles, andinterception on the
part of the authorities.
I met up with musicians Abhiyan Kayastha
and Brawn KC to talk about the popular
tradition.
“Most people think that we play deusibhailo only for the money, which is not the
truth at all,” says Kayastha, who is the vocalist
and guitaristof death metal band, Antyesti.
Kayastha’s experience playing deusi, like many
of us, goes way back to when he was a young
boy.
“Usually, the cash collected is used to buy
musical instruments,” says KC, the newly
appointed bassist for the heavy metal band,
Santras. Like Kayastha, KC toohas been
performing atdeusi-bhailo programs since his
childhood. Since Kayastha and KCare both
musicians, it is obvious that the money they’ve
collected have gone towards purchasing either
guitars or amplifiers.
The age-old tradition of deusi-bhailohas
come under criticism for a while now. There
have been plenty of instances of people
complaining about ill-mannered, usually
inebriated, deusi-bhailo groups. Apart from
their behavior, accusations have flown about
their unethical demands for more money,
performancesfocusing on foreign music, overtly
loud sound systems, unwanted crowds, and so
on. Such situations may have even taken place
in our very own households during the festival.
How should this be regarded then? Is this truly
a misconception?
The answers are straight. Kayastha and KC
admit that there are instances where thedeusibhailo players have created such problems. But
then on the flipside, Kayastha also talks about
the attitude of the hosts, who oftenlook down
uponthe group. “A lot of people completely
ignore and mistreat the performers in some
cases,” he says. This includes closing theirgates
to the performers even whenthey have
already been given invitation cards a month
beforehand. “If we go by the traditional concept,
theentire family is given an opportunity to
rejuvenate their livesin a musical way thanks to
the performers, which is something they need
to appreciate and admit,” he says.
The way deusi-bhailo is celebrated is
changing along with the times. This is apparent
in the way the performances are presented.
Today, the usual sight is that of loud sound
“Bhana Mera Bhaiho
Deusuray.
Sormelai Kana Deusuray.
Rato Batoo Deusuray.
Chiploa Batoo Desuray.
Laddai Paddai Deusuray.
Akeya Hami Deusuray.
.... .... Deusuray
.... .... Deusuray
.... .... Deusuray”
systems and renditions of songs
from contemporary foreign genres.
Likewise, there is also the prevailing
trend of dancing to the beats of
popular Bollywood songs. “This is
mostly because the mediapushes the
people to live in a different culture,”
says Kayastha. His statement justifies
the dwindling tradition of playing
traditional tunes, along with the usage
of folk instruments such as the madal.
KC recalls that in his teenage
days—a decade ago—his group could
roam the city playing deusi the entire
night. Nowadays, the time limit
has been restricted to 10pm by the
authorities. The government has also
announced that individual households
should give no more than Rs.50 to the
performers. This, however, has not
been strictly followed.
Amidst these inconsistencies,
playing deusi-bhailo during Tihar
is still a well-practiced tradition in
Nepali society. Its main aim has been
to spread happiness and to respect
households with relatives that have
passed away that year. Let’s just hope
that this fun filled tradition does not
die out in the days to come, as it seems
to be heading towardsthat fate at the
moment.
Entertainment//Bhintuna
26
Nepal’s biggest bail-out
Nhu daya Bhintuna 1135 is just around the corner. The Newars of Kathmandu don’t
really need a reason to celebrate and make merry. But wait till you hear why the New
year celebrations started.
SaNJiT PRadhaNaNGa
E
very year at the heart of
the Tihar celebrations, in
between the firecrackers and
the avalanche of sweets and
confections, is an event that
has been celebrated with vim and
gusto for well over a millennium.
The unique, but oft forgotten, Nepal
Sambat turns 1135 this year and like
every year a myriad of events are
being organized to commemorate it.
Nhu Daya Bhintuna (literally
meaning Happy New Year in Newari)
is a phrase most Kathmanduties are
familiar with. Many have been party to
the various rallies and marches that are
held to commemorate it. The reasons
and origins of Bhintuna celebrations
however, like much of the rest of
Nepali history, are veiled in layers
of mythology and folklore. I tried to
unpack some of it, over a cup of tea,
with Kiran Shakya, the president of
Newa Bhasa Mankha Khala.
According to most accounts,
Sankhadar Sakhwa, a local
Kathmandu merchant, stumbled
upon great wealth (although through
accident, hard work, or by shrewd
design depends on who you are
talking to). Legends have it that
instead of using his new found riches
for personal fulfillment, Sakhwa
paid off all the outstanding debts
of everybody in Kathmandu, a
bandwagon all residents happily got
onto. The momentous day did not
slip from memory and evolved to
become a historical marker. So much
so that recently, medieval Tibetan
manuscripts have been uncovered
which dates to the era “according to
the year of the cancellation of debts.”
The modern day celebrations,
however, have other, more political
roots. The once ubiquitous Nepal
Sambat was at first gradually then
vehemently marginalized ever since
the Bikram Sambat was introduced
by Chandra Shumsher at the advent
of the 20th century. In the time of the
Panchayat era, Newari culture and
language faced further repression
during the fervent nationalism drive.
The present day motorcycle rallies
and cultural walks are remnants of
the Newar community’s response;
their attempt to use the New Year as
a rallying call for the preservation
of the Newar language, culture,
and identity. “It is probably the
longest standing political rally in the
country,” Shakya says with a smile,
“it’s been going on for the past 36
years.”
Today, the political innuendos
of Bhintuna are perhaps slightly
tongue and cheek, what remains
is the undeniable spirit of joviality
that descends upon the Valley and
beyond during the New Year. This
year Nhu Daya Bhintuna falls on 24
October and will be commemorated
with hundreds of different events
across Kathmandu. There is no
one organization that oversees
the commemoration; instead,
the rallies and cultural walks can
be as numerous as the Newari
settlements. The three Durbar
Squares and communal Dabalis are
usually hubs for gatherings however.
Find out what event is being held
near you. You are bound to find one
a few blocks away.
Nhu Daya Bhintuna! Happy
celebrating!
Some of the Nhu daya
Bhintuna 1135 events
being hosted this year
1
What: candle Walk 1135
Who: Rotaract club of Lalitpur
Where: Mangal Bazaar, Lalitpur
When: 23 October, 3pm onwards
2
What: candle Rally 1135
Who: dhumbakhel Mahila Samaj
Where: dallu, Kathmandu
When: 23 October, 5pm onwards
3
What: cycle Rally
Who: Ward No.25 youth club
Where: Makhan Tole, Kathmandu
When: 24 October, 7am onwards
4
What: Motorbike Rally 1135
Who: Newa Student association
Where: Mangal Bazaar, Lalitpur
When: 24 October, 11am onwards
5
What: Rally for differently-abled People
Who: Gwahali for differently-abled
People (GdaP)
Where: Basantapur, Kathmandu
When: 24 October, 7am to 11am
Entertainment//Drinks
28
Heavenly concoctions
Celebrate Tihar this year with creative cocktails of the new era, courtesy VarunThapa, mixologist at Monin
Studio. With the constant Ma Pa Se checks that are bound to take place this festive season, we encourage
people to create these cocktails at home. Surprise your family with your newfound concoction skills!
A
Adam’s
heaven
• Stolichnaya vodka 60ml
• Monin apple syrup 20ml
• Monin Cinnamon syrup 10ml
• Lime juice 10ml
• Lemonade Top up
A drink with a mouth-watering flavor. Layered
with apple, lemons, and the spicy taste of cinnamon
it just has the right amount of tangy and spicy
coupled with that neat kick of vodka, which makes
it so irresistible to the taste buds. According to
Abrahamic beliefs, Adam, believed to be the first
male, was cast out of Eden because he tasted a
forbidden fruit – the apple. Now imagine that divine
flavor in a cocktail. That’s what Adam’s Heaven is.
B Lavender bliss
• Sparkling wine 150ml
• Monin Lavender syrup 15ml
• Angostura bitter 5ml
This lovely looking drink can be easily concocted at
home. Lavender Bliss has that unique floral sweet
taste that is laced with lemon and citrus. What makes
this drink special is that taste coupled with the fizz of
sparkling wine and a hint of bitter flavors as well.
B
A
Entertainment//Fr!day Films
30
BangingCacophony,or,truelove.com
“Mere mobile ka tire bhi puncture ho gaya, aur mere battery ka gadi bhi dead ho gayi.”
-Prawin Adhikari
I
s you dumb? Dummm? If you is, Bang,
Bang! Two actors who know how bad
they are at the acting job, and equally
well understand how well their bodies
are coveted by consumers of the
Bollywood fare, do everything mechanical
and gymnastic to sustain the attention of
viewers long enough to let the movie end. If
you pump enough money in for ridonkulous
sequences, you’ll get idiots to spend their
money watching anything. Kaif and Roshan
– yeah, we see you!
Knight and Day – with Tom Cruise and
Camron Diaz – was bad enough; now we
have its “official” Bollywood remake. A
tradition of filmmaking exists that insults the
viewer. It comes from filmmakers believing
they know what the audience wants. The
audience mostly doesn’t know what it wants
when it goes to the theater – do you know
what you want? Movies like Bang Bang
require that we go to the theater like sheep
in a flock, unquestioning, mouths agape at
silly stunts, drooling after the hyper-stylized
bodies of the actors.
Bang Bang runs on the strange fuel of star-power and
pointlessness. It is a direct antithesis to Haider – reviewed
here last week – in that it actively alienates the viewer from
their own political and aesthetic reality.
An international terrorist – are there just
the “domestic” variety in this age? – is locked
up in London. His friends get him out, but
he is an angry old man, so he wants the Kohi-noor stolen from the Brits: this would insult
both India and the UK, and would derail an
extradition treaty between the two countries,
keeping terrorists of the “international”
variety safe. The Koh-i-noor gets stolen, and
the thief travels to Shimla from London, for
the simple reason that the story requires him
to meet Harleen, a bank receptionist who
works in that town. The thief steals away the
bored, boring receptionist, and she gets to
have the adventure of a lifetime. That’s the
story.
Apart from a few song-dance routines and
another couple of action sequences, there
really is nothing in the movie at all. Nothing.
For a big Bollywood release, the music is
surprisingly disappointing. Not a line of
dialogue remains with the viewer after the
annoying loudness of the movie ends. Bang
Bang goes from one pretty locale to another,
from one car chase to another, and fizzles
out, a damp squib that never delivers the big
bang promised in the title.
Why is it that only women have
boring lives, and only a man can come to
their rescue? What is it about women in
mainstream movies that make them easy
to drag along on an international romp of
crime and dispose of, if needed, by sending
them home? Does she not need to have
packed a valid passport on her way to the
local restaurant, if she is to end up romping
in Mediterranean beaches? Kaif does nothing
useful in the movie – she pouts, squeals,
shows how weak and stupid the female of the
species is, and how she constantly needs to
be saved by a hyper-muscular man because
other beefed-up men are also after her. She
plays the insulting role given to women in
most stories since the Iliad or the Ramayana
– that of a trophy over whom men fight. Her
job is to run, duck, scream for help, act cute.
Roshan, whose physique must have been
drafted by a committee of artists who draw
comic-book characters, runs, ducks, beats
up men and says things only the director
must have found funny, and exacts revenge
from an old man – the international terrorist
played by Danny Denzongpa. It is a pity to
see Denzongpa growl and pretend to handcombat Roshan, at his advanced age, and still
play the foreigner baddie. He is the stand-in
for the Muslim threat to Indian nationalism.
Javed Jaffery, another talented man wasted
in the movie, says about a list of his associate
terrorists – “Don’t give me the Pakistani
batting lineup.” Somehow, that is supposed to
be a joke.
Bang Bang runs on the strange fuel of
star-power and pointlessness. It is a direct
antithesis to Haider – reviewed here last
week – in that it actively alienates the viewer
from their own political and aesthetic reality.
Directed by
Siddharth Anand
Produced by
Fox Star Studios
Written by
Sujoy Ghosh
Suresh Nair
Starring
Hrithik Roshan
Katrina Kaif
Danny Denzongpa
Jaaved Jaffrey
Pawan Malhotra
Jimmy Shergill
Cinematography
Vikas Sivaraman
Sunil Patel
Edited by
Akiv Ali
Running time
169minutes
Prawin Adhikari
writes fiction and
screenplays, and
teaches. He is an
assistant editor with
La.Lit, the literary
magazine, accessible
online at www.
lalitmag.com His
collection of short
stories The Vanishing
Act was published
in March, 2014, by
Rupa Publications.
Bang Bang renders Indian locales in
such a style as to make them utterly
unrecognizable: the roofs of a shantytown could have been from anywhere
in the third-world; the snow-covered
terraces of Shimla could have been
shot anywhere with a bit of snow. Kaif
and Roshan are both manufactured
commodities, unlike characters in Haider
who brought local flavor and dialects to
the screen and kept the story rooted to
the soil. That must be the reason Bang
Bang goes as far out into the world as it
can to tell the story of an Indian couple –
so that the story appears alien, impossible
to empathize with. Nowhere in it is the
pretext of reality or relationship to the
concerns of the people who’ll come to the
theaters to watch it. It is not a work that
asks the viewer to think or feel: it asks
merely that the viewer allow the movie
to bang their heads into oblivion, to a
hollow sensation of seeing the world pass
by, but without the volition to enter the
world being shown, or to pull the makebelief world into their own reality.
The asinine minds behind this
cacophonous edifice to mediocrity reveal
themselves as the parting joke in the
movie. At the very end, when the hero
has achieved his aims, and when the
heroine has rescued him away from his
handlers to a private paradise, the hero
says there is just one more thing left to
do. “What?” asks the girl. “Bang, bang,”
says the hero, smirking at the audience.
I’ve heard of the guy getting the girl at the
end of a story. But, this was just crass and
retch-inducing. Don’t watch this movie if
you’ve managed to stay away until now.