www.fridayweekly.com.np Every Thursday | issue 125 | Rs. 20 subscriber copy 4 July 2012 | @) cfiff9 @)^( ISSN 2091-1092

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3 4 6 10 12 14 PAGE 3 FeATURE events hallofframe entertainment gourmet The captain of the The recent student Don’t miss Nischal Basnet and Beautiful and talented Hitmaan Gurung is Chef Khatri encourages national football team, suicides over SLC his story to fame with the movie faces present at the striving to acquire his the use of local spices Sagar Thapa is under our results raises serious “Loot”, at the Last Thursdays. launch of “Visa Girl” - the target for a hundred and ingredients to give celebrity surveillance this questions on our For more information turn to first look, were caught in works for the Kathmandu conventional recipes a week. education system. our events page. our frames. International Art Festival. Nepali twist.

Euro Cup Festivities Euro Cup 2012 is making its presence felt in every soccer-loving corner of the world, and Nepal is not left out. Better still, dominating the recreational and entertainment facets of our lives, the tournament is carving out a huge slice of the events pie in Kathmandu.

— Akriti Shilpakar ahim Diallo & Vibha P rajapati Heazy R ahim Diallo & Nirupesh R upakheti, Models:

For more, turn to page 2 2 Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 Fr!day cover

Euro Cup 2012 - The Festivities Carry On

epal has always been a the Euro Cup seems to be in Thamel among others, people have one more reason to the winning team will win a gift soccer loving nation. the pivot for all the events flaunt Carlsberg ‘sEuro Cup stay.” The crowds on the night hamper. But the most exciting The games began around town. Restaurateurs displays successfully reiterating of the matches are prompters of them all are the drinks. Nwith the eagerness to have taken this opportunity Carlsberg’s long football of the popularity of the teams. The Factory is preparing some witness, who lifts the Cup this to boost their sales after the association since 1970s. Beyond At Station BBQ, an eatery special themed concoctions for year and on the way, consciously no-tolerance breathalyzer the restaurants, it is palpable located in Jhamsikhel shared the crowds which will be named or not, it has turned into a huge that Spain, Germany, France after teams’ nicknames, such as celebration – a celebration that Since Fr!day is an events and and Italy have been the most Azzurri, The Three Lions, Les just grows on you. And now that crowd drawing teams. People Blues etc. So you can choose we are so close to the finale the entertainment weekly, we couldn’t belonging to respective nations to drink a cocktail dedicated to zeal is more palpable than ever. fall behind either. Fr!day and The are part of these crowds too so your favorite team. The soccer craze is tangible Factory, one of the well known clubs the enthusiasm is immense. All of this is exciting for in the urban life, be it in Since Fr!day is an events the football aficionados and multiplexes, or in a local tole in town, are collaborating to organize and entertainment weekly, inescapable even for those who or community ground, be it on Fr!day@Factory on a Euro enthused we couldn’t fall behind either. aren’t too enthusiastic. For big LCD screens, projections, theme. Fr!day and The Factory, one of the last couple of weeks, the or small CRT televisions. The the well known clubs in town, Euro Cup has dominated the game has become more of a checks that discouraged how integral to communal life are collaborating to organize entertainment and recreational festival for the Kathmandu customers. Restaurants are it has become in these weeks Fr!day@The Factory on a Euro facets of our lives. It has broken denizens. Now, unlike the other running schemes like a drink of the game. All the Durbar enthused theme. 29 June, the last the monotony of our regular championships (for instance free with the purchase of two Squares, small or big chowks Friday of the month when the recreation with its sporty twist. the recent EPL), the Euro cup or three of its kind. Others have arrangements for the finalists will have been declared, Whether we really follow all has not been confined to an have scratch coupons free projection of the game. Fr!day@The Factory will be the matches or not, or recognize enthusiastic spectrum of young with beers. Recently, Cube the The popularity is further a celebration in the Euro Cup every star of every team, we have football fanatics. The people Club organized a dance party emphasized by the fact that spirit. With elaborate decors of been swept off by the football of Katmandu at large have all on the theme of Euro with even QFX multiplex is showing participating team’s flags and mania. And before it is even become part of a global event jerseys as the dress code. In the finale at Jai Nepal cinema footballs adorning the space, over, we’re already anticipating and nothing has been able to Manny’s Eatery and Tapas Bar, this year. However, the chance and a ‘predict and win contest’, the next season of soccer – the dampen the zeal, neither the the screening of the game is to watch the finale is through where a lucky winner that picks World Cup in two years ! sky-rocketing prices of fuel, accompanied by discount offers invitations only, which has been nor the political turmoil, and in drinks and food for people arranged by Coca Cola. not even the mounting heat, arriving in groups. There is a buzz and it humidity or showers. Clearly, Carlsberg Group is will continue till 1 June; and Read there is an undying passion sponsoring the UEFA Euro Cup hopefully linger on. According for international football and 2012 and the popular beer brand to an insider at The Factory in entrepreneurs are making sure cannot be missed around town Thamel, “The crowd has been they cash into it. during this time of football pretty good lately. There is a From Euro themed parties, craze. Not just the prominent lot of cheering and hooting and eateries screening the matches hoarding boards, but numerous cursing around while the game live, to special schemes on restaurants and lounges around is on. Keeps the place alive. food and alcoholic beverages town like Bhumi and Trisara And since, our kitchen is open Every Thursday during the Euro rush hour, in Lazimpat and The Factory till 12 am during game nights, celebrity surveillance page3 Sagar Thapa make your statement The captain of the national football team, Thapa scored an incredible goal in the last few 8:30 a.m. minutes of the match securing victory over Jersey Number : Practice 19 Bangladesh after 18 years last November,. Sessions Thapa spends So far, he has played He is hailed as a hero by the many football three hours enthusiasts in the country. The easy going yet practicing and preparing for ardent footballer shares a day that does not football which 47 entail a football match to divulge what his includes a lot of National Matches workout. regular routine is like. — Eren Shrestha 19 11:30 a.m. International Matches Thapa then hangs out with his friends at Malinga, Durbarmarg to 7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. have a good time with his squad A Poached Breakfast 6:00 p.m. Skipper Thapa wakes up and members. Social Time freshens up for a fresh start to Thapa never gets enough of poached eggs for breakfast, and usually takes He rides off to Moksh where his a new day. He does some quick friends are waiting. The footballers exercises to stretch his muscles a cup of milk tea, and two pieces of toast along with his poached eggs. call for beers and a loud “Cheers!” before leaving his room. starts the evening fun.

8:00 p.m. A Ramen Meal He’s home and the snacks were 12:15 p.m. filling. He skips dinner on most days He eats a regular Nepali meal with anyway, but makes sure he eats ‘daal, bhat, tarkari, masu, achar’ at a small portion of ramen, and an home. The footballer, however, is energy drink. fussy about his greens. So veggie delights are the starchy potatoes and absolutely no greens for this 8:45 p.m. sportsman. Skype Time He sits on his laptop and logs on to skype. He chats with his friends 1:00 p.m. scattered around the world. Nap Time Thapa sleeps for an hour. The midday nap is a routine for all his no-match days.

3:00 p.m. This 28 years old athlete flips through national dailies at this part of the day and keeps himself up-to-date. 10:45 p.m. He watches TV programs on channels like VH1, MTV, National 3:30 p.m. Geographic and Star Movies while keeping a close watch on the clock. Well-built Thapa goes to the gym for one and a half hours of workout including 12:30 p.m. Euro Cup Fever! Its time to change to Neo Sports 120 for the Euro Cup match. push-ups and sit-ups. Thapa has watched all the matches of the Euro Cup. This night it is - Spain Vs France. A die-hard fan of La Furia Roja, he 5:00 p.m. considers Sergio Ramos his idol. Out of the gym and to the panipuri stall. Thapa is crazy about the Indian On asking him to predict the sour delight and it is on his schedule finale’s result – he says Germany every day. He makes time for will be the team to hold up the panipuris no matter what. prestigious cup. “Every sportsperson needs some source of citric acid that helps in fast 2:15 a.m. recovery and builds a good immune A late end to his day, he’s off to bed. system.” feaissues that matter ture The Mis-education of Nepal The recent student suicides over SLC results, questions the country’s understanding of education and the quality of education provided by schools.

— Utsav Shakya

ressed in a tattered daura schools have figured out ways Figures show that the highest suruwal, he smeared to turn their services into the pass percentile is from urban red vermillion on our best business model in Nepali areas – cities like Kathmandu, Dforeheads with an cities today – high school fees, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Chitwan and aggression that followed the voice annual re-admission fees etc. – Nepalgunj. Passing the SLC is not in which he spoke. “Spread our the government schools across a concern for most students who message in the city,” he said. His the country remain in dire straits. go to schools here; it’s securing eyes were stone grey, I noticed, From teachers in absentia to free enough to get admitted to a top almost the same color as the stone text books not finding their way ranking college. For at least the used for building everything here to children’s hands, there are month that follows, education in the mid-western mountain numerous problems that need seems to take the front seat in all town of Jumla. The person telling immediate attention in rural media outlets from dailies and me this was a primary school schools. Not the least of these radio stations to TV stations. teacher and not a disgruntled problems is the uninspiring Most of this coverage comes, not rebel threatening revolt but in curriculum itself and the rote in the form of feature stories on these ‘top’ colleges pick the best face the world? And for many city a way, I thought later to myself, learning methods prevalent in the importance of education or students, who have mostly gone parents, in our race to outdo each he might as well be. Frustrated at most schools. Without failing about wholesome education, but to the cities’ best private schools other at everything from storied the government for not getting to give credit to the few and as advertisements of the country’s and have had additional private houses to the diagonal inches of textbooks to the students on time thriftily scattered government ‘top’ colleges, promising bright tutoring, and when these students our TV sets, have we abused our and not allowing them to open up school teachers who do a very students a chance to further do well, give the lion’s share of children as mere assets too? a secondary school in the area, the fine job working with limited brighten their futures. Along with the credit to their faculty and At least seven of those who person would often get carried resources to inspire and educate mention of the various features infrastructure. It takes no rocket died were girls, putting forth away while speaking, complaining their students, the general trend that make their institutions the science to see how flawed this some rather uncomfortable about brain drain, deforestation in in many government schools best, the colleges also unfailingly trend is and who it benefits. questions on the table. Does Jumla, women’s rights and local is of teachers migrating from mention the cut off percentages One of the most important Nepali society, intentionally or migration. Seemingly unrelated the school soon after his or her for applicants, i.e. the minimum questions that no one seems unintentionally, put too much at first, on closer inspection it minimum service period is over to percentage scored by students in to ask or get coverage in most pressure on girls? Or were these is clear that the issues are tied a private school in the city. their School Leaving Certificate dailies is the reason an almost students counting on their marks inseparably to education and it’s For these schools, come result (SLC) examinations. A marks equal percentile of Nepali as a means to pursuing a future far reaching consequences. time for the School Leaving sheet that declares a below students fail the SLC each year. that was so starkly differently The state of the state’s Certificate (SLC) exams, everyone 65 percent score rarely gives The student is blamed by default, from their present that the death education sector is beyond flawed. talks about the percentage of students a chance to even apply to but how many of these young of this dream had to result in While most if not all private students who passed that year. these top colleges. In other words, children fail because they just the end of their own lives? Also At least seven of those who died were girls, putting forth some rather uncomfortable questions on the table. Does Nepali society, intentionally or unintentionally, put too much pressure on girls?

aren’t bright enough, and how interesting is the fact that most many because the education of these suicides took place not they receive at government in rural areas, but in relatively schools can barely equip them urban areas such as Kathmandu, to tackle the questions asked Nepalgunj, Biratnagar and in the final exams? How many Janakpur. Why this impossibly of these inquisitive young high pressure on students to do minds fail because they have no exceptionally well in their SLCs? interest in the subject matter Where does this pressure come being taught in class, and how from – peers, parents, the owners many because the teachers of private schools, the owners of who are ‘teaching’ them don’t top colleges – who? Even load know how to get the students’ shedding, that inevitable truth attention? How many of these of living in Nepal is affected as students fail because they don’t it gets cut down to a minimum attend school regularly, and how during the evenings to allow many fail because their teachers the students to prepare for their themselves don’t seem to find exams. their way to the school? These suicides are not to be Perhaps the mother of all done away as a statistic. They these problems, possibly even the prod us, the public, to look into cause of not one, not two, but ten the lives of our young, and take student suicides this year because the time to question curriculums they failed their SLCs, is our own and teaching styles besides our flawed perception of education own impossible expectations and itself. Do we understand what tendencies to live symbiotically it means to be educated today? through our children. They also Is it enough that students can call into question the quality of solve problems of geometry and education, and the failure rates in understand passages in English? public schools, which add to the How wholesome is the education growing numbers of the restless, that most of our young are frustrated, unemployed youth. getting in their schools, both And that youth force, as we have private and public? Do high been seeing for these past few marks guarantee their success years can be used in ways, good in life and are these the only and bad. The future, as always, in markers of their preparation to our hands. !

TOP 3

With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for eget morevents out of your weekends you to choose events to check out this week and the next. Here are our top three picks: 1. Fr!day @ Factory Fr!day @ Factory is a new line of events being organized by Fr!day weekly and Factory that will be held on last Friday of every month. what’s 2. Ultimate concert with on MAZZIKA Come and enjoy Middle Eastern / Egyptian music this June at Délices de France restaurant. . things to do 3. Last Thursdays with sun . mon . tue . wed . thu . fri . sat Nischal Basnet This time Last Thursdays has director Nischal Basnet as the guest speaker. 28 29 30 Get to know him even better, now that he is a household name. 1 2 3 4

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. A Month of Nepali Music Opening Date: 15 June (Friday); Closing Date: 15 July (Sunday); Time: 7:15 pm Time: 11 am to 5 pm more. After two months of training, they shouldn’t miss out. Even onwards; Venue: House of Music, Thamel; 4442615 Venue: Siddhartha Art Gallery, the groups will then get a chance others, who are interested to join Baber Mahal Revisited to perform a drama of their own along, are welcome at the party. So House of Music is making this month of Asar a musical one. This 4218048, 4438979 in the theatre hall at Sarwanam. go get your partying shoes and be All interested participants can join ready to enjoy all night this Friday. celebration is dedicated to music and the talented artists in town. The The paintings with the theme, the workshop through registration. audience can expect a variety of Nepali folk, fusion and classical based “peace” are being displayed Registration forms and other Ticket price: Rs. 1000 with music. The rhythm of the rain setting the backdrop for a reflection of at Siddhartha Art Gallery. The details are available at Sarwanam Complementary Drink (tickets are contemporary Nepali music – it makes a great combination for the season. artist thinks the audience will itself. available in Tranzit Woodfire Pizza 22 June saw Night, an innovative Nepali fusion band’s performance. On connect easily to his paintings Restaurant and Bar. 29 June, Rudra, Nepali folk-fusion band will be on stage. On 6 July, Re Sa, because the theme itself is very Fee: Rs 3000 pertinent and sensitive. And Ultimate concert Nepali eastern classical-fusion band, led by Tabala guru Nawaraj Gurung will in the present scenario of our with MAZZIKA be performing. Likewise, on 13 July, Rock Sitar, A Nepali rock-fusion band, country, he claims that everyone MUSIC AND PARTIES Date: 29 June (Friday) Time: 7.30 pm onwards led by Sitar maestro, Bijaya Vaidya (of Sur Sudha fame) will be performing. is in search for peace, in their Fete de la Musique 2012 own ways. Also, the forms and Venue: Délices de France For past three years House of Music has been focusing on promoting live Closing Date: 28 June (Thursday) restaurant, Ganesh Man Singh symbols used in his paintings are Time: 6 pm onwards music through frequent events. So this music event is a call for all music familiar to everybody; like Monk, Buidling, 2nd floor, Thamel; 4260326 enthusiasts to support the local artists. Venue: Khula Manch, Ratna Park, Buddha, Asthamangal, prayers 4241163/www.aliancefrancaise.org.np Come and enjoy Middle Eastern / Cover charge: Rs 300 (with a can of Tuborg beer) flag, mantras etc. Do come and Egyptian music this June at Délices check out this world of art that Fete de la Musique, a music festival, de France restaurant. You will get speaks of peace. is being organized to mark the to hear fine music of instruments International Music Day followed by like flute, sarangee and percussions. a series of other events throughout MISCELLANEOUS A Special Middle East menu will the week. AFK organized for the also be provided. Last Thursdays third time the music contest for Qs with Nischal all the interested young creative Most Valuable Party musicians below 25 on 22 June Date: 30 June (Saturday) With Sanjay Shrestha Basnet Date: 28 June (Thursday) (Friday) at Alliance Francaise. The Time: 9 pm onwards Founder/ Co-owner, House of Music Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm winners will get an opportunity to Venue: Club Insomania, Durbarmarg 3 open for No Jazz, an International 4479488 Venue: DECC hall, 4th floor of UWTC, Tripureshwor French band at Nepal Academy Hall Appreciating and conserving our Identity on 28 June that will start from 6 pm. A special party themed “Most 9851010218 Valueable Party” (M.V.P) is going to Co-owner of House of Music shares details about the event that Live Sufi and Hindi Ghazals be held at Club Insomania, Date: 28 June (Thursday) Durbarmarg. The party will be aims to boost the local music scene to greater heights. Time: 7 pm onwards organized by record label Hustler Venue: Maharaja Restaurant, Grand Entertainment along with media How was the ‘Asarai Mainama’ idea conceptualized? Hotel, Soaltee Mode advocate of Image channel, In February this year, House of Music in support from the American 4282482 Partynepal.com and a reputed Embassy organized Black History Month, a month long music event monthly magazine. The monthly dedicated to African American musicians. So, we thought we should start The Indian Restaurant, Maharaja magazine is seeking beautiful, brings to you ‘Live Sufi and Hindi a similar culture to dedicate a month to Nepali music. That is how ‘Asarai This time Last Thursdays has glamorous girl to debut her modeling Mainama’ was born. Ghazals’ by Rajesh Khadga and career ahead. So this is a multifaceted director Nischal Basnet as the Pooja Sunuwar all week long, guest speaker. Basnet rose to affair. What is the purpose behind organizing the concerts? except on Tuesdays. If you enjoy Entry: Rs.499 The main purpose behind organizing Asarai Mainama is to remind and fame with his box-office hit maker moving ghazals and the passionate recognize how good our Nepali music is and how good the musicians are. movie “Loot”. The movie was his Sufi numbers you may want to give Fr!day @ Factory Also to give good Nepali folk/fusion and classical music and musicians an directorial debut and his skills were this a try. Date: 29 June (Friday) opportunity to celebrate Nepali music at its best. exhibited through the successful Time: 6 pm onwards commercial film. Introducing a very Friday BBQ and music Venue: Factory What kind of response have you been received so far? new genre of movies to Nepali film Date: 28 June (Friday) The response so far is amazing, from both sides – the musicians and industry and the audiences, “Loot” Time: 7 pm onwards Fr!day @ Factory is a new line of the audience. The musicians enjoy performing, and are encouraged by was a huge success and a big Venue: Fusion Bar & Pool, Dwarika events being organized by Friday the audience’s response. This is a platform where the musicians and part of the credit goes to Nischal Hotel weekly and Factory that will be held music enthusiasts can both grow together while enjoying the melodious Basnet. Get to know him even 4479448 on last Friday of every month. Each creations. (Suprasanna Aryal) better, now that he is a household party will have different themes, If Friday nights are getting name. Hear his story of success keeping the excitement and thrill of monotonous with crazy music and and his plans for future endeavors. this monthly event intact. The first of parties then maybe it is time for ART AND THEATER (The display is closed on Mondays.) their event is taking place this Friday Entry: Free, but come early for seats. you to look into something else, and the theme is “Euro Cup 2012”. Portrait of Everest ‘Maya’ at Sarwanam for a change. Enjoy mouth watering The party is a celebration of the Production Oriented BBQ along with live music by Date: 28 June (Thursday) Opening Date: 15 June (Friday) Theatre Training Euro craze present in Kathmandu Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm Closing Date: 29 June (Friday) ‘Dinesh Rai and Sound of Mind’ at and everything from the decors to Opening Date: 24 June (Sunday) Fusion Bar in Dwarika Hotel. Venue: Image Ark Studio, Patan, Kulimha Time: 5:30 pm Closing Date: 24 August (Friday) the drinks will pay homage to the Tole Venue: Sarwanam Theater Time: 7 am to 9 am Price: Rs. 1500/ per person + 10% fabulous game of football. Contests 9813186573 4438947/ www.sarwanam.org Venue: Sarwanam Theatre, service charge (includes BBQ will be carried out too which can Kalikasthan dinner, a can of beer or soft drinks) give you a chance to win amazing gift Image Ark Gallery has been inviting everyone Sarwanam is once again bringing to hampers. But the most fun element to come and explore the photographic you another theatrical performance, 4438947 / 9841978353/ Australia and Overseas 9813121034 of the party will be the drinks. The exhibition by the American photographer, but this time by it is a production of Reunion Party cocktails and mocktails will be named Jeff Botz. The collection showcases M. Art Theater. The drama titled ‘Maya’ Ashesh Malla and his team Date: 29 June (Friday) after the nicknames of every team outstanding black and white photographs is written by Hari Maya Bhetwal and are coming up with an two Time: 6.45 pm onwards such as Azzurri, Les Blues, The Three of the Himalayas taken by the artist in the directed by Birendra Hamal. month production oriented Venue: Tranzit, Thamel Lions, La Roja, et al. Football fanatic last 30 years that he has dedicated to his Entrance: Rs. 100/ per person (50 theatre training cum workshop. 9801032067 or not, be there to celebrate the fascination and passion for the Everest. The The training will divulge on spirit of the Euro Cup and revel in a percent discount for students) For all the Nepalis presently living artist has exhibited dramatic spirit and sacred every aspect of theatre such night of fun. in Nepal after a stay from Australia, nature of the world’s tallest mountain and its In Search of Peace as direction, acting, gestures, Tranzit has in store a party that surrounding regions. Closing date: 30 June (Saturday) expressions, dialogue writing and Entrance: Free events Fr!day Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 7

Events Index THURSDAY Friday BBQ and music (Music and Most Valuable Party (Music and Business Plan Competition Fete de la Musique 2012 (Music and Parties) Parties) Parties) Fr!day @ Factory (Music and Portrait of Everest (Art and Theater) Date: 2 July (Monday) to 6 July (Friday); Time: 9 am to 6 pm; Venue: Prime College, In Search of Peace (Art and Theater) Parties) Production Oriented Theatre Nayabazar, Khusibu (Old Building); [email protected], 9802020179, Last Thursdays with Nischal Basnet In Search of Peace (Art and Theater) Training (Miscellaneous) 9818705185 (Miscellaneous) ‘Maya’ at Sarwanam (Art and Live Sufi and Hindi Ghazals (Music Theater) SUNDAY For all those having the passion and motivation to succeed as a social and Parties) Portrait of Everest (Art and Portrait of Everest (Art and Theater) entrepreneur, Gazab’s Business Plan Competition is here to help them ‘Maya’ at Sarwanam (Art and Theater) Theater) Production Oriented Theatre out. The competition will provide the selected participants with the Portrait of Everest (Art and Theater) Production Oriented Theatre Training (Miscellaneous) opportunity to not only develop their business plans but also connect with Production Oriented Theatre Training (Miscellaneous) prominent local Nepali entrepreneurs. The winners of the competition Training (Miscellaneous) Ultimate concert with MAZZIKA TUESDAY will receive an investment funding of up to Rs. 500,000 depending on the (Music and Parties) Portrait of Everest (Art and Theater) FRIDAY business idea. This fund will be given in exchange for a share of the business Australia and Overseas Reunion SATURDAY WEDNESDAY started by the entrepreneur in a profit sharing agreement. Party (Music and Parties) In Search of Peace (Art and Theater) Portrait of Everest (Art and Theater) Gazaab Social Ventures is a social enterprise where they organize competitions and invest in entrepreneurs. Since 2009, they have helped start more than 20 micro enterprises in three communities in India and Nepal through seed money that they disbursed as grants. Seeing that the model worked so well in creating social entrepreneurs in these villages, Gazaab Social Ventures did not stick with the charity model and has made their operations more sustainable. For the competition, they are expecting a diverse crowd of aspiring or established entrepreneurs who are motivated to change their lives and impact the community around them. Individuals who are looking for essential entrepreneurial skills, interested in interacting with other entrepreneurs and want to be empowered with tools and resources including funding to start their businesses are the type of individuals that will be participating in the competition. The participants will get an opportunity to work on their business plans and make it concrete - ready for execution. They will also come out inspired and motivated to turn their dreams into reality whether they receive the funding or not. Cost: Free

Qs With Akash Gurung 3Founding partner, Gazaab Social Ventures Plans for Social Entrepreneurship A founding partner elaborates on the competition designed for social entrepreneurs.

Could you divulge more on the concept of “Plan Competition”? The competition has been designed to give participants different opportunities. During the competition the participants will have access to business consultants to help participants refine their business ideas and create a comprehensive business plan to help them start their entrepreneurial journey. The participants will also get a chance to be familiar with basic business concepts that will help them with starting their businesses. These include marketing, financing, business plan writing and presentation skills. We will also be introducing cutting edge technologies that these entrepreneurs can capitalize on to solve some of the problems currently plaguing Nepali communities. Technologies include solar power, water filters, bio fuel etc. What kind of responses have you been receiving from the participants so far? Participants see the competition as a great platform to help kick start their entrepreneurial journey where they will be equipped with not only essential business knowledge, but also receive funding if they win the competition. So in that sense, I would say the response has been tremendous. Harkaman Tamang, our first pilot investment is doing extremely well with his mushroom farm. He is now putting himself through college and helping other smaller farmers start their own mushroom farms. How will the winners of the competition be awarded? Besides the funding, the winners of the competition will also have mentoring opportunities with prominent Nepali entrepreneurs after they win the competition. Besides mentorship opportunities, we will also be attaching the winners with Gazaab’s business consultants to help them through the beginning stages of their businesses. (Suprasanna Aryal) eget morevents out of your weekends

mark your calendar events in the next few weeks

15th ASA Architectural Exhibition Date: 20 July (Friday) to 22 July (Sunday); Time: 10 am to 5 pm; Venue: Department of MUSIC AND PARTIES After having done some (there will be only one winner) Architecture, Pulchowk Campus premises, 9841765452 very diverse themes in the will be announced on 1 September Shuffle Get Tipsy past, Galleria CUC is back (Saturday) on the TCI Blog. Association of Students of Architecture (ASA) is organizing the 15th ASA Date: 21 July (Saturday) with another edition of their Architectural Exhibition. Based on the theme, “Spaces: the Architectural Time: 1 pm tp 12 am photography exhibition series. The scholarship does not include Perception”, the exhibition aims at bringing together students and Venue: Tipsy Lounge, Durbar To recall themes of few recent accommodation during the Marg workshop. professionals and create awareness among general people about ones: the fifth installment was architecture. They are also organizing a photography competition with a Panchatantra, sixth was wildlife Teej Festival deadline of 9 July (Monday). photography titled “Life” and the Opening Date: 23 August seventh featured photo stories (Thursday) The exhibition mainly focuses on providing a good platform for students, about tattoo artists,self-portraits Closing Date: 26 August (Sunday) professional architects, engineers and everybody related to this profession based on the Navarasa and lives Time: 9 am to 7 pm to view the students’ work, share ideas and interact amongst themselves. of brick factory workers. They Venue: WTC, DECC, Tripureshwor It will try to illustrate architecture as a means of creating a built space as have not limited themselves to 4425898 any particular type of storytelling well as an apt environment pertaining to the function of the space. The through photographs and Teej is approaching ever so near exhibition has a fair share of the exhibits to be displayed in human scale, MStella Events and Shuffle Jerk they have proved it with their and with that comes a long thus enabling the observers to actually experience the spaces. Moreover, Productions Present “Shuffle Get latest series as well. The theme shopping list. To make the tiresome various workshops, competitions, presentations, aimed at the students, Tipsy”. Dance to your favorite for this installment of the job easy and fun, the 11th Teej the professionals as well as the general public will be held to unravel the beats from electro to shuffles. photography series is titled Cycle Festival is back. With a line of talent and creativity of these groups. As pre-exhibition events, the art, Different DJs from Kathmandu 8: Soulhealers and will feature different exhibitions and stalls, design and photography competitions are being conducted in various will be making music the entire heart-warming photographs of displaying pictures related to colleges, institutions and among the interested public. The exhibition will be day to give you a good time. children in our everyday lives. the festival of teej itself and also the pictures of the past ten Teej culminated by a cultural program on the final day on which the winners of Moreover, be ready for a Shuffle The photography exhibition has been designed to reflect the lives Festival, the visitors will also get the respective competitions will also be announced. Battle too. Top shuffler groups will be going head to head of young children in Nepal. The an exclusive chance to do their on a challenge so, expect the exhibition will be opened for Teej shopping under one roof. One unexpected. visitors on other days from 10 am of their major attractions of this to 7 pm. year’s festival is a Teej fashion show Tickets: Rs 300 (Pre-sales), Rs on the last day. For those willing to 500 (Door) Entrance: Free put up a stall, call the concerned bodies for more details. Qs Nepfest 3 Open Band Kids Dance Performance With Namrata Maharjan Competition Date: 21 July (Thursday) Regular stall: Rs. 9500/ 4 days Time: 11:15 am onwards Secretary, 14th ASA Committee Nepal Date: 25 August (Saturday) Time: 12:45 pm Venue: Salsa Dance Academy, Food stall: Rs. 10,500/ 4 days 3 Bhatbhateni Sharing Spatial Knowledge Venue: Fun Park, Bhrikuti Mandap International Night Market 4420564 – II The students of Pulchowk Engineering Campus are up with sharing The groups that have been Date: 27 August (Monday) whatever they have learned and at the same time bringing different learning Kathak and Freestyle Time: 4:45 pm onwards people together. Namrata Maharjan, Secretary of ASA Nepal gives Bollywood Dance in the dance Venue: Garden of Dreams, Thamel further information regarding the event. classes being done by Salsa Dance 4425340 Academy will be M.A.A.U.R, an upcoming new Could you elaborate more on the photography competition? showcasing their talent on 21 July. boutique in town will be featuring What kind of people will be allowed to participate? The session performance will be handpicked shoes from many The photography competition revolves around the theme “What I see a short one, with each dance style international destinations at a night on the road”, so the participating photographs may contain any subject The time has come for all the group giving a performance on market at Garden of Dreams. The matter related to the various activities that occur on the road, the metal heads to prove their one song shoes on display will compliment expressions and emotions of people or other beings on the road, various worth. Romanov is coming up Nepal’s fashion world. Wooden views and vistas that the road provides or any other subject matters that with an opportunity to prove each. carved shoes are some of the we come across while travelling on the road. It is an open competition, it. Romanov presents NEPFEST Entrance: Free samples that will be on display for the winners of which will be decided considering 50 percent marking of 3 “AUGUST” Open Band the visitors to explore. the jury members and remaining 50 percent on the basis of voting done Competition. The winner of Free Scholarship by the visitors during the exhibition period. The photographer may also the competition will have the Competition place a price tag on their respective photographs. chance to share the stage with Submission Deadline: 15 August legendary Polish Technical Death What are the main attractions of the architectural exhibition? (Wednesday) Metal Band “DECAPITATED” Workshop’s Date: 18 October The main theme of the 15th ASA Architectural Exhibition is “SPACES: on 8 September. Along with that, the Architectural Perception”. As suggested by the theme, this (Tuesday) to 27 October the winning band will also get to (Saturday) exhibition demonstrates the realization of the fundamental purpose celebrate the title with Rs. 5000 of architecture, to design a space. Unlike the previous exhibitions, this http://www.thecompellingimage. cash. The first runner up will com/ year’s event focuses on the experience of spaces in the human scale. get Rs. 20,000 cash. Registration The exhibition will incorporate design projects along with the display of forms are available at Nepfest Kathmandu and Dashain Festival art works, installations, photography, landscape design and furthermore, Office, Sanepa. Photo and Multimedia Workshop, the organization of presentations and seminars. It will also encompass a free competition is open only to a special attribute, a tribute to the seniors passed out from the Registration Fee: Rs. 5000 all emerging still and multimedia Department of Architecture, Pulchowk Campus, illustrating their work in photographers from India, Nepal, the professional field and a seminar on their experiences. MISCELENEOUS Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The How will the exhibition help in reducing the gap between submissions will be judged by students and professionals? Cycle 8: Soulhealers Panos photographer and TCI The visitors of the exhibition will comprise of students, professional Date: 9 July (Monday) instructor, G.M.B. Akash, along architects, engineers and the general public, so it will act as a common Time: 11 am with Corbis Images Photographer platform for the interaction of all the above mentioned factions of people. Venue: Galleria CUC and TCI Founder, David Bathgate. Moreover the ‘Tribute to seniors’ component of the exhibition will From your “Student Area”, you give the students an idea of the difference between the theoretical and will be able to upload your 12- to practical aspects of our field by giving them a chance to view the seniors’ 15-image photo-story submission, professional work. This will also help them in developing contextual along with a brief description of designs based on the technological facilities available in the country. your submitted work and a short- The exhibition will also have a number of firms related to architectural form of your resume. To enter, products and services, which will give the visitors an idea of the advanced sign up for a free TCI account materials available in the market. (Suprasanna Aryal) and enroll on the free scholarship competition course. The winner events Fr!day Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 9

the week Dhukuti’s New Range Launched that was Suprasanna Aryal Kathmandu, 24 June The annual launch event reviews of the of new products at Dhukuti took place on 24 June, Sunday. The launch past week saw introduction to different categories of at 1905, Kantipath, was successful in between our fingers and our intrinsic products including World Music Day generating an enthusiastic audience. qualities i.e. strengths and weaknesses. tableware, floor A test is required to link the patterns, mats, bed covers, Celebrated in Purple Events Dot Com is planning to which costs Rs. 10,000. pillows, cushion Pokhara organize a fun day for the differently- covers, ceramics, abled children of Asha Bal Bikas Sewa, The presentation emphasized that this copperwares, kitchen textiles, paper crafts, wood items, clothing, bags, knitwear, Mannat Shrestha Bhaisipati. analysis gives a comprehensive insight Pokhara, 22 June toys, baskets, leather items, felt items, jewelry, candle stands, glass-pendants and of one’s innate intelligence distributions, pashmina. The items are made out of copper from Tansen, textiles from Kirtipur, A musical night was organized to mark potentials, and preferred learning and Patan and Thankot and other raw materials from places like Baglung and Kalaiya. the World Music Day in Pokhara at communication styles. Vora elaborated A Program on Fair Trade Group, Nepal, in collaboration with the founding member, World Fair Mount Kailash Resort. Titled Purple that this is a helpful and effective Trade Organization, Asia and Association for Craft Producers (ACP) came up Monsoon Fiesta, the program saw Dermatoglyphics medium to learn a kid’s potential and a way to build up his/her strengths, a full with the launch this June as a continuation of their annual program that has been artists like the band – Prism, Kapil Akriti Shilpakar report will be available in 24 hours. Vora, taking place since 2003 A.D. They encourage local products for the international Lohani, and Nattu and the band. Kathmandu, 25 June also mentioned her own innate results market and provide different opportunities to the people of remote areas having Purple Events Dot Com had collected Sattya Media and Arts held a as well as provided a reference material skills. “Branding is important in order to get international market. Keeping this Rs. 80,000 cash and 300 kilograms of program which witnessed Sejal Vora, to authenticate the reliability of the test. in mind, we work on refining the locally produced goods and bring them to the clothes and utensils for the victims Vice President of IMI (Institute of market”, shared Meera Bhattarai, Executive Director of ACP. “The production not of Siraha fire outburst and the Multiple Intelligence) Academy give a only encourages small scale producers to exhibit their talents and earn a living, but representative of the company went to presentation regarding the science of also provides the customers with a change from the available markets with similar the site and distributed the relief. Dermatoglyphics. Dermatoglyphics designs. 70 percent of our products are exported while the rest 30 percent is sold refers to the branch of science in the domestic markets. The institutional buyers include Hotel Hyatt, Radission, The new event management company which studies the patterns of skin Shangri-la and others”, added Bhattarai.The products from the association have had also held the Purple May Jam up on (dermal) ridges present on human 1200 direct beneficiaries in 15 different districts of Nepal. Out of all employees 8 June. This event had been postponed fingers, toes and the soles. Everyone’s involved, 90 percent are women and the association stands with the concept that from the initial date due to the bandhs Dermatoglyphics pattern is unique and women cannot be empowered without their economic empowerment. and political turmoil. However, the event unalterable. It reveal the congenital links Sunsilk Bridal Makeup and Hair-Do Competition they produced a complete bridal look in 40 minutes. Nearly 300 professionals participated from all over the country and were judged on the basis of several criteria including base makeup, eye makeup and hair style. The participants have Rachana Gurung Sharma Suprasanna Aryal as their grooming Kathmandu, 25 June instructor while Prashant Tamrakar as the choreographer. Event ‘Sunsilk Bridal Makeup and Hair- partners for this contest include De Do Competition’, sponsored by Runway Pvt. Ltd., Wiz International, Sunsilk, Nepal’s hair care brand, Diamond Jewellery Designer, in partnership with Saundarya Downtown Housing, Naturent Kala Byawasayi Sangh (Beautician Herbal Products and Sunrise Bank. Professional Association of Nepal) held a press release on 25 June, Monday. The press meet was held at Red Carpet, Sherpa Mall, Durbar Marg, announcing the details of the event to the media. The grand finale, featuring 33 finalists will take place at Hotel Radisson on the 5 July (Thursday). The event will be offering an exciting and educative experience for professionals in the glamour and beauty industry. The grand finale will provide grooming sessions before they showcase their bridal hair and makeup looks on stage, of which three top winners will be selected. “This is an important platform for beauticians and hairstylists. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and learn from other experts in the industry”, shared Kamala Shrestha, President of Saundarya Kala Byawasayi Sangh (Beautician Professional Association of Nepal). Short listing of the participants for the finale began on 19 June with auditions held in Kathmandu in which hallofframe

1 2 3 4 A Poetry Recital 22 June, Manny’s Eatery and Tapas Bar It was almost as if nature had designed the evening to suit the mood for a poetry recital. The early monsoon showers brought a heavy patter of raindrops outside while Manny’s Eatery and Tappas Bar was resonating with Murad Ali’s carefully constructed poems.

The poet began his performance with a Jim Morrison quote, “O Great Creator, grant us one more hour to perform our art and perfect our lives.” During the event, some photographs, which were taken by Ali, were also displayed at the eatery. He recited some of his own poems along with the creations of the 5 6 7 8 acclaimed Kaifi Azmi. After the performance, H.E Jayant Prasad, the Ambassador of India praised the poet, “Murad’s poetry takes you to another place. It has philosophical elements from old roots and the new generation. It’s wonderful because it’s located in the setting where he finds himself.” Murad Ali, for the very first time recited his own poetry. “I have not done my own poetry before. I have just been reading other’s poetry, but it’s an honor to have an audience for my own works,” Ali shared. 1. Suren Thami 2. Purna Lama 3. Merina De Marquis 4. Dr Geeti Sen 5. Sabine Lehmann and Murad Ali 6. Renu Lama 7. HE Jean Charles De Marquis 8. HE Jayant Prasad

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“Visa Girl” First Look 6 7 21 June, Moksh Live Restaurant & Bar The launch program of the official first look, music CDs and website of the movie “Visa Girl” took place on Thursday. Launched as the first film venture of CG Entertainment, the first look poster of the film was unveiled by Annie Gardner Vaidya, Managing Director of Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd. The official website of “Visa Girl” was launched by Nakim Uddin, Chairman of QFX Cinemas, and the music CD of the film was revealed by Chairman of CG Entertainment – Basant K. Chaudhary. Starring Reecha Sharma, Vinay Shrestha, Karma, Raymon Das Shrestha, Reema Bishwokarma, Saloni Rajbhandari and Menuka Pradhan in the lead roles, it is Prachanda M. Shrestha’s directorial debut. Reecha Sharma, who was looking gorgeous draped in a saree said, “I have done five movies so far and “Visa Girl” is the closest to my heart. We have worked so hard on every aspect of this movie and now that the release is so close, I feel like I am giving away my baby to the audience.” Basant K. Chaudhary commented, “It is said that the morning shows the day. From what I have seen, “Visa Girl” is going to be one of the best upcoming movies. All artists have dedicated their hearts and souls to this project. I am very sure it is 8 9 going to be well appreciated.” “Visa Girl” is scheduled to be released on 28 September 2012 across Nepal and will be screened overseas thereafter. 1. Basant K Chaudhary 2. Rohit Man Pradhan and Saloni Rajbhandari 3. Shruti RL Singh 4. Prachanda M Shrestha 5. Raymond Das Shrestha 6. Avinav Kasajoo 7. Nirnaya Shrestha and Ashtha B 8. Rabin Sharma 9. Samiksha Rai, Basant Shrestha and Nima Rumba 10. Rima 10 Bishwokarma 11. Reecha Sharma 12. Shreya Sotang 13. Vinaya Shrestha and Annie Gardner Vaidya

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6 7 8 Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrated 23 June, Hotel Annapurna Nepal Britain Society, celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II of Great Britain with flair, followed with some good deeds. Established in 1964, it is one of the oldest friendship societies in the country and is working continuously to foster better relationship between the people of Nepal and Great Britain. Every year they have been doing social activities and this year it was no different. Reminding the work values and ethics of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II, Nepal Britain Society and the British School along with the New Shakespeare Wallahs jointly presented a cheque of over Rs. 2,00,000 for the ‘Burn Violence’ children of Kanti Hospital. The donation was from the fund raised through the stage act ‘The Winter Revue’ hosted in November 2011 at the British School and jointly produced by the children and teachers of the British School and the New Shakespeare Wallahs for three nights and a matinee. 9 10 1. Pratima Pande and Sangeeta Thapa 2. Prithvi Raj Pande 3. Sandj Wilderspin 4. Yogendra Shakya 5. John Anthony Tucknott 6. Dr. Alexander Spachis 7. Bindu shakya 8. Kristjan Edwards 9. Gautam Rana 10. Lohnim Prasai Dixit and Shreejana Rana

CORRIGENDUM In the ‘Hall of Frame’ section of issue 124, Bikash Bajracharya has been mentioned as Bikash Jyoti in the ‘Philips Showroom Inauguration’ event. The error is regretted.

Letting Off Steam 22 June, Russian Cultural Centre ‘Letting Off Steam’ was organized by the Indian Culture Centre inside the premises of the Russian Culture Centre, Kamalpokhari, on Friday. The show began at 6 in the evening. The program featured a concert by Abhaya & The Steam Injuns who kicked off the show with the 4 song “Sirima Siri” and then followed “Sadhai Sadhai”. In all, Abhaya & The Steam Injuns performed 5 14 songs from both their previous and upcoming albums. Abhaya Subba dedicated the song “Gauna Deuna Hamila” to the zero-tolerance drinking law, “The song goes out to the ‘Ma-Pa-Se’ who trouble innocent musicians like us who are not allowed to perform beyond 10 p.m.” The band also raised their voice on social issues like domestic violence. The zeal of the songs and the enthusiastic audience made the evening special. The event was also graced by the Russian Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Dr. Sergey Vasilievich Velichkin. 1. Dr Sergey V Velichkin 2. Dr Singh Bahadur Basnyat 3. Subrata Das 4. Rajiv Rinchin Palzar 5. Abhaya Subba Weise

1 2 3 enterlet the good times begin tainment Canvas Conversations Striving for a Century A young artist with gigantic projects, Hitmaan Gurung is currently busy acquiring his target for a hundred works for the Kathmandu International Art Festival. — Nischal Oli

ust a few minutes from from the first batch to receive a So what are you working on the Dasrath Rangasala MFA degree in Nepal. But the these days, since Lumbini? stadium, is a narrow soon to be graduate is not new Actually the two paintings I cobbled path that veers to the art scene or exhibitions; came up with during the trip have J been selected to be featured in deep into the middle of city. To he has been steadily involved in a place, unusually isolated and decorating art spaces and eyes World Bank’s ‘Imagine a Future quiet for its location. The path with poignant and sublime works Together’ exhibition. And as ends at a rusty door, hanging on of art, as early as sophomore you know, I will be featured aged hinges in front of a yellow year of his Bachelor’s degree. in the upcoming Kathmandu house. In the same compound Recently, along with 12 other International Art Festival. towards the back, stands a much visual artists, he travelled to The work that was selected taller building, it is here some of Lumbini, to get inspired and was my portrait series on Nepal’s most promising artists help conserve the surrounding pollution, which was displayed work and live. Hitmaan Gurung, trees of the region through at the beginning of this year one of the artists from this his artwork. Fr!day caught up at the American ambassador’s collective, is eagerly awaiting his with Gurung at his studio in residence. Five portraits to be results. After which he will be Tirpureshwor. exact, since then I have sold one and I need to complete a 100 for the exhibition. 14 or 15 are done so far, long way to go but hope I make it, after all, my name is at got them to write down “why because of its depiction, but stake (chuckles…) they thought air pollution was Michelangelo did explain his The done portraits are grey happening.” The photographs motives. My interpretation is and the faces fashion a color mask and statements were exhibited going to be a bit different, my embroidered with spike like cut- on two giant canvases alongside central figure will not be as calm outs of plastic packaging. The each other. And today, in a way as Mary, she will rather show backgrounds are stretched plastic the two previous incarnations of her inability to bear the pain. I bags, creating a reserved yet this project have been combined. do have to admit, it has been a colorful horizon. Next to the portraits are little difficult. The central figure paintings covered in paper, and in my painting is of course my This is an ambitious project, bubble wrap. One painting lies mother, and she will be dressed so there must be a premise for facing the empty middle, it’s in traditional Gurung attire, Movies at QFX the inspiration… incomplete. The main figure is so—without the folds that Mary It’s a long story. As an art hollow, and it holds another figure has in her garment, it will be Bol bachchan student I was very interested covered in images of violence and harder to replicate the unusual Release date : 6 July in what people thought, street death. The background is red and balance. It’s a work in progress. Abbas Ali (Abhishek interactions were important, dark, and pasted on top are passport Finally, there is a triptych of Bachchan) is new to Ranakpur. so I had been doing a lot out In an attempt to save a child, sized photographs of more graphic portraits in the last stretch of the he breaks open the lock of in the streets. For one, I had imagery. The top half of the canvas room ending at the door. A pup and an ancestral temple. On being Cocktail people cover their heads with asked his name, Abbas’s friend Release date : 13 July is covered in Gurung’s own picture, the same dog at different stages comes out with a fake name, a plastic bag, while took stills The Amazing Director : Homi Adajania one where he is unrecognizable as a of its life. An acquaintance of Spiderman as it would create a rage if of their face. They would hold villagers came to know that Gautam is an dead version of himself. Gurung’s days living on a campus, Release date : 29 June the lock of a temple had incorrigible flirt, who their breaths for as long as they a dog they had adopted and Peter is trying to figure been broken by a Muslim. runs after every girl he could, and I would capture their out who he is and how From here starts a series of sees. Meera is a pretty Is this a personal project? somehow died untimely, after he left he got to be the person cover-ups, goof-ups and comic girl with desi values and reactions and the time. Later I Oh yes, I wanted to reinterpret the university. Gurung admires the he is today, along with situations where to cover one attire, who comes to made those photographs into finding his way with his first lie, Abbas starts padding up London from Delhi for the ideological essence of ability to tell stories through a set high school crush, Gwen with a bigger lie. a fresh start. Veronica paintings. Then last year, at an this Michelangelo’s Pieta. But or series. Owning some inspiration is a spoiled bombshell Stacy. The discovery of a Cast: Abhisekh Bachchan, Ajay art festival there was slightly more than that what intrigues mysterious briefcase that Devgan, Asin thottumkal, Prachi who loves partying from the works of Francis Bacon, belonged to his father, leads Desai, Asrani, Tusshar Kapoor and drinking. Though tweaked version of it exhibited me about the sculpture is the Gurung’s triptychs are too bold a quest to understanding Director: Rohit Shetty different, these three are his parents’ disappearance. perfect friends staying at KCAC. Laid out a few boxes harmony that Michelangelo and provocative. His “Mr. Mouse It leads him directly to under one roof until in Patan durbar area, with creates with mismatched size. is Strong Everywhere” was used Oscorp and the lab of Dr friendship becomes Curt Connors, his father’s confusing, and love different colored masks and one His Mary is big and young, as the poster piece for an exhibition former partner and his becomes complicated. full of blank papers. Anyone Jesus on the other hand is featuring graduate students of KU alter-ego, The Lizard. Cast Saif Ali Khan, Deepika was invited to participate, feeble, old and small, as he lays Cast : Andrew Garfield, Emma Padukone, Diana Penty, and TU at Siddartha Art Gallery. Stone, Rhys Fans Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani they would choose a mask, I dying in his mother’s arms. His own academic history is one that Director: Director: Marc Webb Homi Adajania would take their picture, and It’s a controversial painting will be a unique accomplishment.! Fr!day Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 13

MITA HOSALI loves to observe, comment and sputter – but she hopes you take everything with a pinch of salt. When she is not penning her columns while living in Nepal, she works for the United Nations in maverick’s musings New York. So Many Films, So Little Time

love rainy days in the I tend to see it as the ultimate voices of famous actors behind “Midnight in Paris” nostalgic where the Stasi intelligence summer and being snowed love-story with an incomparable the animated characters. The romp through the ages. Steve ruled, is a nail-biter. in in the winter – the ideal and gripping performance by “Austin Powers” series equally Martin tends to make us all Period films suck me in Ioccasions to indulge in film Daniel Day-Lewis. has us rolling in the aisles and chuckle and his “Parenthood” because I have a passion for bingeing. Curling up under Then there are the films I despite some disapproval over did so while it touched on history and films that recreate covers, fishing out comfort love to watch with my spouse, the profanity, we cannot but find poignant and moving issues. the past by showing a slice foods and watching films back to and which he can actually bear to Mike Meyers side-splittingly Bertrand Blier’s “Préparez of life from a particular era. back. I have deliberately left out watch repeatedly. “Casablanca”, funny. A truly touching vos mouchoirs” (Get out your For me Catherine Deneuve the prolific South Asian oeuvre the Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid children’s film that never fails Handkerchiefs) is the kind of in “Indochine” captures the because there are too many films Bergman classic set in World to have all of us sighing is the French romantic comedy that history of a former French to fit into the column inches at War II in the city of the same story behind the creator of tugs at your heartstrings while colony through the realization my disposal; and given short name has both of us dabbing Peter Pan, with a captivating you crack up. of the Margeurite Duras shrift to directors like François novel is absolutely delicious. Truffaut or Zhang Yimou, both I am a sucker for political films so I tend to immerse Equally, Meryl Streep in “Out associated with new waves in myself in those that take on a political issue, overtly of Africa” is remarkable in their respective countries, and bringing to life a gutsy Danish whose many films rank among or otherwise. It’s for this reason that Warren Beatty’s woman’s journey to Kenya to my favourites. “Reds” set in the early days of the Russian Revolution farm unknown and potentially So, without any pretensions was so entrancing; as was Robert Redford’s “All the hostile territory. Although to being a film buff, here are not an upbeat film, “Downfall” some favourites. President’s Men” . about the last days of Adolf The chick flick, that Hitler and the Berlin bunker is sometimes unfairly reviled our eyes as we watch Humphrey role played by Johnny Depp in I am a sucker for political fascinating. Bertolucci’s “The genre, has much to offer say his farewell and Ingrid “Finding Neverland”. Another films so I tend to immerse Last Emperor” is exquisitely and I readily succumb to play the stoic woman who is film version of an all time myself in those that take on filmed in the Forbidden City this diversion depending on married to the wrong man. “Il classic is the Italian version a political issue, overtly or with its sumptuous detail of the company. “Breakfast at Postino”, the Massimo Troisi of “Pinocchio” – light years otherwise. It’s for this reason the life of the last monarch Tiffany’s”, the all-time Audrey charmer about an ordinary away from the Disney version, that Warren Beatty’s “Reds” set of China, Pu Yi, before the Hepburn classic where the postman who learns to love this Italian original acted and in the early days of the Russian Communists came to power. famed introvert plays a New poetry while he delivers mail to directed by Roberto Benigni is Revolution was so entrancing; But my all-time favourite York socialite and falls for a guy Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, has heart-stoppingly touching as it as was Robert Redford’s “All films, regardless of genre, who moves into her apartment endless charm and bitter-sweet revisits the Italian tale of yore. the President’s Men” which would have to be the much building, has a timeless charm moments. “Amadeus”, in which The family movies we tend to chronicles the unravelling of the loved and timeless Satyajit Ray despite its period setting. “The we learn about Mozart’s rise to watch over the holidays, even if Nixon Administration. Spike trilogy starting with “Pather English Patient”, an epic tale set prominence at court while the we’ve seen them before, include Lee’s “Malcolm X” captures Panchali” in which Ray took against the backdrop of World talented but envious Antonio the unbeatably soppy “Love, one of the most colourful and the world by storm, his actors War II, sketches the love affair Salieri stayed silent in the Actually” and the animated “The controversial characters in serving as the spontaneous of Count László de Almásy shadows and was suspected to Grinch who Stole Christmas”. recent American history. It is and natural raconteurs of life (Ralph Fiennes) who is the lead have plotted Mozart’s demise; In the comedy genre, the for the same reason that films in Bengal’s countryside; “Lust, character named in the title and that irrepressible, demonic family generally has poor taste like “The Constant Gardener” Caution”, Ang Lee’s bold yet a married woman during the laugh of Tom Hulce playing the because my kids and spouse which is set in contemporary subtle exploration of sexual war which leads him to be badly young Mozart and the haunting tend to be engrossed by truly East Africa or “The Year of politics against the backdrop wounded and recovering in Italy. music is unforgettable. ghastly and embarrassing films.. Living Dangerously” against of a 1940’s era political thriller “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, Of course, there are the days “Zombieland” is one where they the tableau of Indonesia are in Japanese-occupied Shanghai; the decidedly sentimental I want to hang out watching a can sit and watch and laugh enthralling. Liam Neeson in Fellini’s “Amarcord”, a story and whacky tale of a group film that seems to have riveted loudly as zombies take over “Schindler’s List” provides a about Titta growing up in of British friends who race my kids, as I try to understand the world; but then they can heart-warming reminder of small-town Italy, which amuses around the English and Scottish why! The Shrek series has us also watch the Coen Brothers’ the industrialist who did so me to this day; and Gunter countryside being breathless all laughing and tapping our “Brother, Where Art Thou?” much to save lives in Nazi Grass’ dark and mesmerizing 30-somethings plagued by the feet and feeling for the gentle which I find absolutely engaging Germany; while East German tale about a young boy called trials of marriage, life and giant, his ungainly lady love and wonderful. In the Woody director Florian Henckel von Oskar brought magnificently death. “My Left Foot” is hardly and the goofy friend, Donkey. Allen repertoire, I actually loved Donnersmarck first feature to the silver screen by Volker everyone’s idea of a popcorn The charm of the film has much “Manhattan” more than “Annie “The Lives of Others”, set in Schloendorf in “The Tin and pajama party evening; but to do with the music and the Hall”, and enjoyed the recent East Berlin’s cultural scene Drum”.! gourfor the adventurous palatemet Be Contemporary Go Local

Our culinary identity can emerge from our local ingredients. So, attempting to go totally authentic is Sandeep Khatri Executive Chef not only difficult, but I’d say even conventional. Don’t blame the dearth of ingredients here, instead go GG Machaan for local spices and ingredients, and give the conventional recipes a Nepali twist.

right with a reasonable profit own ingredients instead of margin should do the trick. sticking with original recipes. Another essential is don’t Try experimenting with imitate recipes, instead just put chyakhla. Season and marinate a little bit of your originality choyella in your own style. and intuitiveness into it. Make Try the favorite Nepali spices the recipe your own. Give it a – cumin, turmeric, coriander, twist that reflects you. For me it salt, black pepper, toss it in is fusion that keeps the science mustard oil and finish it with and culture of gastronomy grilled tomatoes, simmered evolving. garlic and mustard seeds. Serve You can strive for the choyella with bread. Spice up authentic, but some facts are the usual sandeko bhatmas with undeniable. The tomatoes that a different set of spices. Do our grow here won’t taste anything local version of corn on the like those grown in Italy cob infused with our very own because of the obvious climatic spices. difference. So your tomato sauce I am inspired by recipes will not satisfy an Italian. But around Nepal, and there is no the tomatoes grown here have dearth of variety of methods, a distinct taste, so maximize styles in our beautiful multi- on that flavor. Yak cheese has ethnic country. This cultural a distinctness that no other diversity is a culinary treasure. cheese will have. Use that zing Explore it. Enhance it. Build to alter the flavors you would on it. And that will evolve our usually create with mozzarella. very own style and identity on here is no lack of variety I am inspired by recipes around Nepal, Nepali chefs should use their the culinary map. ! when it comes to cuisines served around the capital. and there is no dearth of variety of TThe popular Indian methods, styles in our beautiful multi- and Chinese, the European ethnic country. This cultural diversity favorites – Italian and French, Asian delights of Korean, is a culinary treasure. Explore it. Japanese, Vietnamese, Malay Enhance it. Build on it. And that will and Singaporean food, and of evolve our very own style and identity course our very own Thakali, Newari, Tibetan and generic on the culinary map. Nepali foods. Most restaurants don’t specialize in a particular assortment of cuisines. The masterstrokes at various points cuisine and instead authentic taste, however, you in culinary history. So maybe populate their may find is missing. Of course, we need to change the lens menu with lack of ingredients plays a role we look through, and see this popular dishes in this, and it may be particularly ‘dearth’ more as an opportunity from an disheartening for natives who to create flavors and dishes seek a taste of their authentic that reflect the our identity no foods. But, isn’t the spirit of matter the cuisine. Food for contemporary gastronomy also thought – don’t you think? about experimenting, and There is a story linked to about creating wonders the conception of the popular with available resources. chopsuey that a chef at a Could it be a little on restaurant in San Francisco the conservative side stirred up some leftover scrap to be thinking that to pacify a group of rowdy authentic tastes customers who ignored the are unchanging? chef ’s pleas that he was out of After all food. Chopsuey is a reflection experimentation of a blend of contrasts. So and blends twists are good. If it makes a have been good combination, popularity is guaranteed. I tested the formula with a dish I call Akbare aloo – boiled potatoes spiced with Jalapeno and dry chili mix. Tried and tested, the formula worked – I’ve had customers come back for more! The key to popularity among customers, I think, is the perfect combination taste and price. In my experience customers aren’t afraid to taste and tryout new dishes, but the price can definitely be a disincentive. So doing your calculations gourmet Fr!day Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 15

vicinity picks Flavors Beyond Hotel Restaurants — Akriti Shilpakar

very busy location, Lazimpat includes a hub of hotels. With hotels Acome shops catering to tourists, so handicraft shops are aplenty. Of course the other variety of showrooms that comes along as a corollary of an important avenue is present. The corollary includes restaurants which you’ll find a good variety of. A trendy Newari eatery, a café, a popular fast food, a sandwich bar, a Korean twist, a multi-cuisine eatery with hookah available – like I said, a vivid assortment. This week, we choose Hotel Ambassador as our landmark and scour through the sprawl of eateries located nearby.

Vootoo Road Station Opened for service from 10 am to 10 pm, The ultimate food stop is what they call themselves. Opened from 8 am to 10 pm everyday Vootoo is known for its celebrity status. Owned and 11:30 am to midnight on Friday, the place is adorned in chocolate brown hues and together by DJ Raju Maharjan and DJ Ashutosh contrasted with a little bit of bright red here and there. Serving multi-cuisine, they specialize Shrestha, Vootoo specializes in Newari cuisine. in Indian and Chinese. The chef recommends their Bacon Potato Roll, Chicken Katti Roll, Vootoo Aalu, Samae Baji and Newari Meat Chicken Concern Tree, Chicken Cordun Platter are the kitchen specials here. Shaappu Blue and Vegetable Bubble Squek. With a Mhicha, buff tripe stuffed with bone marrow is smoking and non-smoking zone, find a table the chef’s recommendation. Difficult to perfect, for yourself or better yet jump unto one of this dish is the eatery’s pride. Other than the the comfy chocolate brown sofas. The menu Newari dishes, the menu also holds place for price ranges from Rs. 110 to Rs. 650. They Italian and Sub-Continental dishes such as pasta, also feature shisha hukka and an elaborate bar sizzler and sandwiches. The menu price ranges menu. For reservations ring them at 4005015. from Rs 70 to Rs 550. The place is big, with Enjoy the free Wi-Fi too. both table and couch seating. Ample parking space and free Wi-Fi makes it even more Location: Take the road heading towards comfortable. BBQ is available anytime Maharajgunj from Hotel Ambassador. Road of the day. For reservations, buzz them Station is around 50 meters ahead on the left. at 4005222. Location: Opposite Hotel Ambassador, Vootoo is situated on Bali the top floor of Anand Bhawan A Korean restaurant, Bali also features a little bit of continental. With walls painted green, yellow and orange, the interior is adorned in Korean decors like the wooden furniture. Try their kitchen special, Bul Go-Gl which is Bawarchi available in all meat variety including beef. Pork Ribs, Chicken The interior is dressed in brick red and Breast and Kim Bab are something to look out for when in case the air conditioning is not on, it here. They are all done in Korean style, giving these usual might get a little too hot. Opened all days dishes a different approach. The drinks available here are also of the week, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., highly dominated by Korean flavors. Enjoy the dishes and they specialize in Indian cuisine. The Katthi the amiable ambience along with free Wi-Fi. They also have Rolls here are famous. Nawabi Kebab, a Lunch Box service, which can be either delivered to your Biryani, Tandoori Naan and Curries are work places or you can enjoy it at the eatery itself. equally loved by all. Try their Tandoori Platter which includes a variety of Location: Situated in the premises of Hotel Ambassador, Bali is on your right when you take the road heading towards the British Council.

Cibo Cafe A small, clean, hygienic place to take a break from your work and satiate you hunger, Cibo is well known for their sandwiches. Serving a variety of sandwich, along with hot and cold kebabs. The menu price ranges from Rs. coffee and soothing cool drinks such as mint lemon soda, this cafe is a quiet place to enjoy 100 to Rs. 1000 and they dish out few a relaxed lunch break. They also serve different Chinese dishes as well. Call them at pastas and soup. The price ranging from Rs. 295 4436673 for home delivery, but to Rs. 340, they also feature free Wi-Fi and home it isn’t free. 10 percent service delivery service inclusive of 10 percent service charge is included. charge. Don’t bring in cigarettes here, for it is a Location: Right next no-smoking zone. to Anand Bhawan, Location: When you head towards British on its left if you’re Council, Cibo is on your right. Housed in the looking from Hotel premises of Hotel Ambassador, it is the second Ambassador’s eatery after Bali. side of the road.

Coffee Escape Despite seeing some people sipping away at coffee through a large glass window from the sidewalk, you might be confused about the entry. Walk up some steps of the Anand Bhawan complex into an adventure gear shop called Vaude on the ground floor just raised a bit from the road. In the same space you will see a coffee shop to the left. You’ll see Illy written around a lot, so many people refer to it as the Illy Café. A comfortable looking sprawl with little couches and tables and chairs to choose from, the café is well stocked with beverages and quick snacks to accompany the drinks. WiFi is available. A quick glance at the menu reveqals that all the food and non-alcoholic items are within Rs. 400. Location: In the Anand Bhawan building (opposite Hotel Ambasador) you’ll spot an “Illy” sign or you’ll see Vaude- the adventure gear store. That is where the café is. On Stands Now SUMMER ISSUE gourmet Fr!day Issue 125 | 4 July 2012 17 The Italian Rendezvous advertisement Casa Toscana brings Italy’s bold flavors and aromas to the Kathmandu denizens. — Andrea Newton

talian cuisine has been a a heavy breakfast, opt for a late Chef’s recommendations: favorite in the sub continent lunch to do justice to the large Minestrone Soup for years now. Because of the portions! Chicken Ravioli with cheese full-bodied aromas and strong For the main course there Slow cooked lamb with steamed I veggies flavors in the food, the Asian are a number of vegetarian and palate has grown to love and meat-based dishes to try. From Prosciutto and cheese covered enjoy Italian fare like their own. pizzas and pastas to creamy garlic bread Lasagna We found one such restaurant risottos and ravioli, one really Chocolate Fondant that brings to Pulchowk a fine has to pick and choose what selection of choicest home-style to have because all the options Italian dishes. sound tantalizing and extremely Casa Toscana is a spacious appetizing. and airy restaurant with large Casa Toscana is the first windows and humble décor. venture of the company that has The cheerful staff will help restaurants in Kolkatta, India you decide what to order if and is their pride and joy here you consider yourself inept to in Kathmandu. Chef Shyam decipher the menu. To start Sharma who did his training with, try the rocket leaves salad in Italian cuisine in Kolkatta and a hearty soup of carrot and was very thrilled to share his coriander accompanied with experience of cooking Italian The restaurant has a fine some oven toasted garlic bread food with us. His passion for the selection of wines and alcoholic topped with meat and cheese. cuisine is hard to miss and you beverages to whet your taste The portions are very generous find it in the tiny details in the buds while you dig in to your and mind you, if you have had dishes he serves up. delectable food. And, while the dessert menu is a tad bit small, we did find that it is as delicious Read Tandoori Fish Gulnar Rs 300++ “I enjoy cooking Italian food and for as the rest of the food at the me it comes straight from the heart!” restaurant. – Chef Shyam Sharma Casa Toscana is open daily for lunch and dinner. ! Every Thursday

Degaa Resto-Lounge Kumaripati (Old Campion Building) Tel: 9849136479 marketsba & launcheszaar

sale of 150th CBR 250R, Syakar Contact: IMS, Kamaladi, 01- “Bajaj Chhootko Coca-Cola’s EURO Trading Company Pvt. Ld., the sole Hisense introduces 4428378 and 01- 4441571 Loot” concludes Campaign activations distributor of Honda Motorcycle 42” 3D LED TV The New Year scheme Bajaj across Nepal in Nepal is also offering a Special Navin Distributors Pvt. Ltd., sole Chhootko Loot announced by HH Honda racing tri colour CBR 250 distributor of Hisense Electronics Soaltee Crowne Plaza Bajaj, the authorized distributor R to one of the buyers. The lucky has introduced 42” 3D LED ‘Celebrate Service and marketer of Bajaj Motorcycles, winner selected via lucky draw was television in the market. Hisense has come to an end successfully Kutbuddin Sheikh from Chandrauta, products are one of leading Week’ kicks off on 22 June, 2012. All together 49 Kapilvastu. electronic brands from China, being Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu is lucky winners from all over Nepal sold in more than 200 Countries. celebrating service week from 24th to were announced on Avenues The company claims that the 29th June as a sign of appreciation for Television. The scheme as an offer, Etihad Partners with HIsense goodsmatch the quality of the efforts of its employees. Various provided every Bajaj Motorcycle Safi Airways prominent brands in the market workshop and activities, including customer with sure shot instant but come with a lesser price tag. awarding the outstanding staffs, as well as Etihad Airways, has formed a sports day, quiz contest and free meal is cash discount up to 1 lakh through Navin Distributors is also launching being held for the staffs during the week. scratch coupon as well as an partnership with Safi Airways, the an exclusive showroom at New opportunity to win 1 lakh everyday national airline of Afghanistan and Plaza in the near future. ‘Celebrate Service Week’ is an initiative through lucky draw. In the presence the best news is that you will also launched by IHG (InterContinental of Chirnajivi Shah, Deputy General earn Etihad Guest Miles when Price: Rs. 1,11,450 (inclusive of VAT) Hotels Group) in 2010 as an effort to acknowledge the hard work and Manager of Hansraj Hulaschand you fly Safi Airways. As an airline, Coca-Cola’s global EURO 2012 Contact: Navin Distributors, dedication of more than 345,000 IHG & Company Pvt. Ltd and Nischal Etihad Airways has received a range Campaign, with the tagline ‘Let’s Putalisadak, AT Complex, 01- corporate and franchise employees Basnet, director of the movie of awards that reflect its position get Crazy’, is organizing on ground 4428196, 01-4430785 around the globe. This year’s event is “Loot”, the last lucky draw winner as the leading premium airline activations in colleges and malls the third consecutive time Soaltee has was declared. brand in the world. Safi Airways taken part in the event. across the country, to reach is a private airlines established by out to all football fans and instil the owner of the Dubai-based Safi Samsung Galaxy Tab in them passion and ‘craziness’ Group, a diversified conglomerate 2 in Nepal Bird Mobile’s new for the game. Coca-Cola Nepal owned by an Afghan business family Thousand Fords in IMS Pvt. Ltd has launched Samsung handset has reached out to more than with the same name. The airline Nepal 30,000 consumers by organizing Galaxy Tab 2 in the Nepali market. Bird mobile’s new handset ‘Dove has its headquarters in Kabul, Ford Vehicles have reached the exciting, football centric games and The second generation Tab has 1 Wireless Model’ has recently Afghanistan and an administrative milestone number 1000 after activations. The activations have GHZ dual core processor, 1 GB entered the consumer market. office in Dubai, United Arab operations of just 19 months. Five garnered participation from 8000 of RAM, and 16 GB of internal Gadget Nepal, the authorized Emirates. different Ford models have already students from various colleges memory. And supports both Wi-Fi company for the distribution of been introduced in the Nepal Market across Nepal and have enjoyed and 3G services. The gadget comes ‘Bird Mobiles’ is giving consumers – Figo, Classic, All-New Fiesta (Manual playing football related games and pre-loaded with readers, games and a new choice to experience the Everest Bank Ltd. and Automatic), Ranger and Everest. In clicking ‘crazy’ photographs wearing movie hub, which gives access to various features offered by the appreciation of the support they have Coca-Cola EURO 2012 branded opens in Kapilvastu more than 500 movies and 2,500 handset. The mobile phone is received, a free service and check up top hats. During the activations, music videos. exclusively designed to facilitate its camp is being organised from 26 June 190 lucky participants won tickets user with its remarkable 3D sound Price: NRs. 40,000 (approx.) to 3 July 2012. to the screening of the finals of the with a wireless FM radio playback. EURO 2012 Championships to be The mobile also features a 1.3 held at QFX. Apart from on ground megapixel camera, bluetooth, video D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 consumer activations, the Coca- ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. player/recorder, audio player and No. 125 4 July 2012 Cola EURO 2012 campaign has a metallic body with scratch proof Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha also connected with the football Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: Neeraz Koirala finishing. Supporting a memory of 8 Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya Asst. Editor: Srishti rl shah fans through newspaper contests Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA Editorial Coordinator: Eren Shrestha GB, the company believes that the Sr. Manager, Business Planning & Development: RUPESH across 4 national dailies, retailer Inhouse Writers: Akriti Shilpakar SHAKYA mobile is bound to be popular in Editorial Secretary: prAGYA POKHREL contests, television programs, TV Manager, Editorial & Promotions: Niladri S. Parial the local market. Gadget Nepal is Everest Bank Ltd. has established Assistant Design Executive: anjan ale commercials and radio jingles. a new Extension Counter with Sr. Photographer: Dash B. Maharjan offeringthe buyers 6 and 13 months Color Separation: Photographer: Umesh basnet, Yogendra ATM at Chandrauta, Kapilvastu. CTP Nepal Pvt. Ltd, HATTIBAN, Maharjan warranty scheme on the battery 525.0466, 525.0468 Head, Business Development: Bijendra pradhan, and the mobile set, respectively. Similarly, the bank launched a new Printing: Jagadamba Press, Hattiban, Angiras Manandhar ATM at Jorpati, Kathmandu as 525.0017/18/19 Sr Executive, Business Development: Repair and maintenance services Honda announces Distributor: Kasthamandap Distribution Sachin Tamrakar well. With this the network of the Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 Assistant Executive, Business Development: nirbheek are provided through the 28 the Lucky Draw Disclaimer subedi service centers of the company bank reached to 45 branches, 2 Details of the event listings are accurate as per information Assistants, Business Development: Extension Counters, 20 Revenue received before the date the weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is Babish Maharjan, Bivek Rajkarnikar, Samar located in the major cities of Nepal. winner not responsible for any changes. Manandhar, Chand Singh Collection Counters and 57 ATMs. Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do Ad Enquiries: [email protected] Winner of the scheme offering a not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ECS Media and Sr. Subscription & Distribution Executive: Price: Rs 2,999 The bank aims to provide modern the organizaton cannot be held liable for the same. Readers are Bikram Shrestha free CBR 250 to one of the first encouraged to write to us at [email protected] banking services through out the Promotions & PR Executive: atulya acharya Available: Gadgets Nepal Pvt. Ltd. 150 bookings was announced Our sister publications on 23rd June 2011. Upon the nation by reaching into the rural Contact: 01-4366239 areas. repopular cultureview revisited The Debt

Directed By: John Madden Cast: Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, Ciaran Hinds, Marton Csokas, Tom Wilkinson, Jesper M o v ie Christensen Rating: ***** (5 Stars) Reviewed by: Raju Singh Sondhi is MD of DMI Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Event Manager by profession and a movie buff. Raju Singh Sondhi Synopsis: The espionage thriller begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stephan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed, respectively, by Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, and Sam Worthington tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel (Jesper Christensen) in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team’s mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations. Review: John Madden’s The Debt, shuttles back and forth between a dim, creaky East Berlin apartment in 1965 and the sunshine of elite Tel Aviv a little more than 30 years later. The movie begins with a heroic story that has to do with what happened in cold war Berlin, where three Mossad operatives went on a secret mission to capture a Nazi fugitive named Dieter Vogel. Their daring, widely celebrated exploits become the subject of a book written in 1997 by Sarah Gold, the daughter of two of the agents: Rachel Singer and her ex-husband, Stephan Gold. Rachel, particularly, has been lionized for the courage she displayed in her younger days. She not only had the nerve to entrap her diabolical quarry whose gruesome nickname was the Surgeon of Birkenau, but she also had the presence of mind to shoot him dead when he tried to escape. All of this is shown early in the film; I’m not spoiling anything. But gradually, through flashbacks, the accepted account of Rachel’s actions begins to erode. The third member of the team, David shows up, and his anguished demeanor and alarming actions are the first signs of serious trouble. So back we go, and then forward, through the turns of an absorbing, sometimes improbable narrative of guilty secrets and unintended consequences. In Berlin David is played by Sam Worthington, Stephan by Marton Csokas and Rachel by Jessica Chastain. Chastain, seems a bit too delicate to take down a war criminal or to grow up into the regal, world-weary Helen Mirren, but her exquisite sensitivity nonetheless provides “The Debt” with its emotional center of gravity. Rachel’s colleagues present neatly contrasting temperaments. David is melancholy and introspective while Stephan is rakish, ambitious and cynical. A tense, triangular workplace romance takes shape, as Rachel negotiates her ambivalent attraction to both men and their much less ambivalent attraction to her. The one she falls in love with may not be the one she ends up with. Matters become even more complicated when the carefully planned kidnapping of Vogel goes awry, and he becomes a prisoner in the apartment. Rachel and David are so earnest and idealistic that standing guard over this embodiment of evil, feeding him and enduring his anti-Semitic taunts, seems to put their souls in peril. Three decades later his memory haunts them like a curse. Or maybe it is their own guilt, or the effects of a hidden truth they have worked hard to repress. The claustrophobic, unspoken bonds and rivalries that link Rachel, David and Stephan in their younger and older incarnations are overshadowed by Vogel and everything he represents, and a finely observed study of desire under duress gives way to a breathless and pedestrian globe-trotting thriller. Vogel’s confinement in the Mossad agents’ apartment is the result of an airtight plan disrupted by chance, human fallibility and the sheer messiness of experience. But that is precisely what the film, with its narrowly construed range of ethical choices and emotional conundrums, works to exclude. It errs, if anything, on the side of professionalism, turning a tale full of sticky political implications and emotional undercurrents into a neat sequence of plot twists. While the two Rachels don’t quite seem to be the same person, they are both, in their different ways, captivating: Chastain for her expressiveness and Mirren for her stoicism. The men are all simpler, but the actors do their jobs with efficiency and conviction, and the dashing Csokas supplies otherwise missing elements of humor and sex. The labors of the cast help to make “The Debt” a compact, reasonably clever and sometimes piquant entertainment, but they also make you aware that it could have been more. Now, Read Consumer Lifestyle Weekly

Every Friday highspiritsfor the love of drinking

At first, the Prohibition was first speakeasies were created cupboard for 20 days it would turn more of a religious ideology. But before the prohibition. The into wine. And, people tended to Escaping Prohibition – soon enough it turned political number of licensed establishments forget their grape-concentrates and social. The 18th Amendment selling alcohol went down as the mixed with water for about, well, Ingenious Solutions to the Constitution, had banned cheapest places where workers 20 days – how odd! This was just the manufacture and sale of were going for their regular booze all-good news for the wineries of ‘The Prohibition’ banned alcohol through laws “intoxicating liquors”, and the simply refused to pay expensive California, their production during in the United States. But since ‘necessity is the federal Volstead Act closed every licenses. The term ‘speakeasy’ the Prohibition multiplied by 10 mother of invention’, people’s spirits were not tavern, bar and saloon in the comes from Kate Hester who, folds or so. United States. From then on, it after refusing to pay to renew Then there were the illegal dampened, and some rather ingenious solutions was illegal to sell any “intoxication her license was hushing her but well-hidden solutions. Coffee to this prohibition of spirits were brought forth. beverages” with more than 0.5 customers by whispering “Speak and tea were of course legal and percent alcohol. In appearance, all easy boys! Speak easy!” With the alcohol that could be mixed with — Eloïse Jha-Dussably manufacture or sale of intoxicating Prohibition, speakeasies were them was well hidden. Tea with a liquors was strictly forbidden nothing quite similar to this type bit of rum or coffee with drops of and no one seemed to dare take of low-class saloon. The upper- whisky makes the alcohol tougher the risk to continue production class of big cities were going to detect by just the sight of the or consumption of such liquors. there for “entertainment”, or mug. The Guinness beer, that In appearance, yes, but in reality, more accurately to get drunk and could have been a perfect disguise well creative solutions to escape dance on the famous rhythms of because of its coffee-like colour, prohibition were ingenuous and the decade. For the first time also, was now difficult to find as its aplenty. saloons having lost their macho import to the US stopped suddenly In essence, the prohibition drove connotation, women were seen in during the Prohibition. the liquor trade underground. those sort of private, yet public It took only few years for the US Drug dealers just added alcohol places, and for the first time, they government to lose their credibility to their list of goods. It was a new were seen drinking – credit to the on the matter of Prohibition. The ourtesy: The Factory C ourtesy: Venue easy way for easy money. Famous ‘flappers’. upper class slapped down the he First World War was from ‘ladylike’ norms towards gangs were known for their Except these clearly illegal governments twisted propaganda over and the world at large a liberated ‘breed’. There efficiency in smuggling liquors. and often dangerous solutions, of the Prohibition helping tackle rejoiced in the economic was cross Atlantic cultural Even Elvis Presley mentioned some people could manage to communism. On 5 December Tstability and cultural flux exchange that ensured that art in his song “Jailhouse Rock” the twist the law to produce and, thus, 1933, the 21st Amendment to of the ‘20s. It was the Roaring and culture were thriving. The Purple Gang based in Detroit, a drink wine. Wine production was the Constitution gave control on Twenties for the America. Right mass culture was born where city that is conveniently just a few booming: according to the Volstead production and importation of after the war and before the Wall Americans had extra money to miles from the Canadian border. Act, certain wines were supposedly alcohol to federal states, which Street crash of 1929, it was spend on consumer goods. With Smugglers providing booze to “non-intoxicating fruit-juices for were quick to re-open the market. the time when jazz blossomed everything looking perky, there hidden taverns, or the now famous home consumption”. Producers They realised that alcohol in with the Harlem Renaissance, was one downer that affected all ‘speakeasies’, soon outnumbered added a warning to their “wine moderation was a better option, and “flappers” redefined with a love for the spirits. The the Anti-Saloon League of bricks” or semi-solid grape- and alcohol consumption is also a women with their short skirts, ‘20s were also the years of the America and their followers, concentrates, explaining that after freedom that should not, or rather bobbed hair, breaking away ‘Prohibition’. mainly Protestant churches. The adding water and leaving it on a cannot, be crushed. !