SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015(PAGE-4)

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PERSONALITY “Bollywood is a different environment” Epitome of selfless service

Despite belonging from a non-filmy Ashok Sharma background, actress Pallavi Sharda has Men are here and men are there, managed to get a foothold in the But great men are very rare. Captain Balbir Singh fondly called'Captain Sahib' by the Bollywood industry with her first film local residents and friends lived in the sleepy village of Chak Rakwalan, about 14 kilometers to the south east of Tehsil and 'Besharam'. She has now appeared in a District Headquarters of Udhampur. He belonged to the band of those selfless people who sacrifice their everything-com- fort, money and even life for the social cause. Born to Sant new avatar in her latest film Ram on Jan15, 1926 in village ChakRakwalan about 14 Kilo- meters from Udhampur,he lost his mother at a young age.He Hawaizaada' with Ayushmann Khur- received his early education at various places as his father served as a Nazar in the Revenue Department during the rana. Shabarni Basu caught up with the Maharaja'sregime and he served at various places in the then Jammu &Kashmir princely state.He said that he received his actress on films and more early education upto 2nd standard from 'Katra' school at What made you take up the Hawaizaada project? Udhampur.During this period, he was the classmate of I was very excited by the idea that it was an Indian who LalaShivCharan Gupta, the veteran BJP leader of Udham- made the first flying machine. It is a hidden moment in his- pur, who left for his heavenly abode a few years ago. He tory and I had the chance to be part of something revolu- passed the 4th class from Azad Kashmir andthe 10th class tionary. I also adored the character, Sitara, that was offered from the then Govt.High School Udhampur.However, it is very to me, a tamasha dancer with a pragmatic head who much certain that he studied at Prince of Wales College (now becomes one of the backbones of Ayushmann's charac- G.G.M.Science College, Jammu) and obtained the degree of B.Sc(Non- medical) from Lahore university in 1946.After ter Shivi. Furthermore I was getting to work with a power- graduation,hewas recruited in the Armed Forces of house of talent like Ayushmann Khurrana and a stalwart J&K.When the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir signed the like Mithun Chakraborty. I have also known how talented Instrument of Accession with the Republic of India, he joined Vibhu Puri is and was sure he was going to make an epic the Indian Army to serve in Army Education Corps.It is said film with wonderful aesthetics. that he also applied for Commissioned Officer in the Indian You have been paired up with Ayushmann Khurrana Army but being married, he was found ineligible to join the in this film, how was it working with him? Indian Army as commissioned officer.It was in the Army Edu- was only after a lot of persuasion and when the old house I had a great time working with Ayushmann. He is fun cation Corps that he developed Interest for teaching, which crumbled down that a pucca house comprising 3-4 rooms was loving and relatable, always making sure the people lasted through out his life.He retired as Subedar Major(Hony. got constructed perhaps in the late nineties. around him are happy. We come from pretty similar 'non- Captain) in Feb,1974 after serving for 28 years in the Indian He was the highest example of simplicity and would filmy' backgrounds so I think we share a common sensi- Army and devoted himself wholeheartedly for social work , always wear white PVC sleepers, trousers and often sky bility and way of thinking. I feel very lucky to have worked dance as a part of them. I am very fond of the old school especially for the promotion of education in his native village blue shirt.He would buy a new set of clothes and shoes only with him, he is supremely talented - both as an actor and musicals which inspired me to come to Bollywood in the of Chakrakwalan which had only a Primary School function- when the old got torn.He never craved for name and vocalist. first place. In the role I played in Hawaizaada, being a ing in a single 'kucha room'at that time to cater to a large area fame.Once, some eminent educationists of Udhampur Tell us about your role in Hawaizaada. trained dancer had been very helpful in allowing me to and population. including the legendery acadaemician and administrator I play the character of Sitara who is a tamasha dancer seep into the skin of the character. To begin with, he constructed a room for the local pri- Dev Raj Gupta, decided to honourCapt.Balbir Singh for his in the 1890s era. She is the love interest of Ayushmann's Do you have a role model in the industry? mary school out of his own money.The late Dev Raj Gupta outstanding and exceptional services to the society.As soon character and one of his sources of strength in his plane- After working with the stalwart Mithun Chakravarty, he ,the then Tehsil Education Officer Udhampur was so pleased as,he came to know about this fact, he stopped coming to making journey. has definitely become a role model for me. He has worked with his dedication and selfless service that headded 6th class school saying that he didnot deserve any reward.It was only to the school in 1975.Captain Balbir Singh hired the services after he was told that no award would be conferred on him While both your parents are IIT alumni and have his way up from scratch and reached insurmountable of two local educated young persons to teach the students, that he restarted coming to school.Whenever somebody PhDs in science and engineering, you have made a heights as an actor. Yet he is completely grounded, warm and encouraging of others. I am so grateful to have got- in addition to the Government appointed teacer.The school told him that he was doing a great service to the society, complete different career choice. Was there pressure was raised to the level of 7th class in the year1976 and he he would say that he was just whiling away the time as a ten to know him. on you to pursue science and take up academics as started devoting himself fully to the teaching activity and him- selfish person.He continued to render this selfless service your career path? You have acted in several international films, how self took all the six periods in the Time Table.He also con- for 31 years after his retirement when he suffered an injury I was a very good science and math student as a different is the working style here in Bollywood? structed two more rooms out of his own moneyto accomo- at home and was rendered incapable of going to school.He child, but somewhere I rebelled against this, maybe Bollywood is a very different environment to any- date the increasing number of students.Not only this,he also started the construction of two roomsand erected the because I was surrounded by engineers and scientists. thing overseas. Things happen here more sponta- donated Rs 10, 000 (a huge amount in those days) in 1982 walls but before he could complete them,he breathed his I went from being a maths award winner to purposely neously, and while initially this was a bit of a cultural to Govt. High School Krimachi where his daughter was study- last on Sep30, 2007 at Jammu and his mortal remains were failing it the next year so I could just take up humanities shock, I think gradually I have come to love this way ing in the 10th standard,in order to upgrade the Sc. laborato- consigned to flames at DevikaGhatUdhampur.God reward- subjects. Having said this, I remained very much aca- of working. It is difficult as I live between India and Aus- ry of the said school . It was primarily due to his untiring and ed him for his services in His unique way.He is survived demically inclined and went on to do an LLB/BA (Media tralia, so it is very hard to plan things in advance, some- sincere efforts that the Chakrakwalan school was raised to by his two sons ,one of whom retired as Colonel in the Indi- & Communciations/ Diploma in French). My parents thing that it not well understood by the Australian work- the 8th standard in the late seventies and then upgraded as an Army and two daughters, one of whom named Dr.Rani, never pressured me to do anything, they have always force so much. I think Bollywood also puts lead actors High School in 1992 which was his cherished dream. Now he is serving as Professor of Physics in the University of Jam- encouraged me to make my own decisions and support- on a huge pedestal, which does not happen in Aus- would spend all his time in the school teaching the students. mu.His wife and his elder daughter - in -law left for their ed my choices. tralia where hierarchy is largely shunned - that's some- He also helped the poor students in pursuing their education heavenly abode only a few months ago.My respectful trib- You debuted as a lead in Bollywood against Ran- thing I miss about Australia. and encouraged the brilliant students by giving them rewards ute to such a noble soul who was a saint in the real sense bir Kapoor in Besharam, and now you are paired up You have been crowned 'Miss India Australia'. How in the form of dictionaries, books, uniforms etc. He donated of the word.Few people will believe that such a noble soul with Ayushmann. Which top league heroes you aspire would you define your style statement? aboutsix kanals of land to the school and constructed many ever existed on the earth and contributed so valuably to the rooms. Besides devoting full time to the school and taking all society.He led a life of detachment from wordly pleasures to work with in future? Being an original has always been my style statement. the periods,he would assist and guide the teachers including and sacrificed his everything-money, time and even life for There is a whole new crop of actors who are wonder- I definitely feel more stylish when I am in Australia than India as I can be myself 100%. In Bollywood you are the writer as to howto maintain the school records and offer the promotion of education in the rural areas of ful and I would love to work with - from Aditya Kapoor to them his valuable guidance and help, especially in teaching Udhampur.He earned legendery stature in his native village always being critiqued and judged which somewhere hin- Rajkumar Rao to Varun Dhawan. There are also more English, Mathematics and Science.He would never disclose and Udhampur and commanded envable respect among established actors that I am very fond of, such as Farhan ders free expression of oneself, this is something I still how he arranged money for the construction of rooms but it the people.People often quote him as the highest example Akhtar and the Khans. I would love to work with Ayush- have to come to terms with. is believed by the people close to him that he used to deposit of selflessness whenever there are discussions in literary mann again. What is more important for you-awards or Box- a major amount out of his pension in the bank in the name of ,social,educational and other circles.May his soul rest in Being trained in Bharath Natyam, do you feel Office collections? the school and as the deposit amounted to about Rs 50000- peace and may people derive inspiration from the life of actresses are benefited with such traits? I have never thought of either as 'important'. It's about 60000, a new room for the school would be constructed.In this great man!It will be a befitting tribute to this great man I think in the past it was imperative that a Bollywood doing interesting work, working with good people and mak- this way, he constructed many rooms for the school though if a memorium is constructed in his honour to inspire peo- heroine could dance well. I think this trend is changing ing a product you can feel proud of. Hawaizaada is one he, alongwith his wife, daughter, one of the sons,daughter- ple to emulate his ideals and serve humanity with a self- with the acceptance of films that don't have song and such experience. (TWF) in - law and grandchildren used to live in a kuchhahouse.It less and missinary spirit.

HEALTHLINES Why apple a day Blood in urine Prof (Dr) R D Gupta Stomach disorder: For upset or disordered stomach, a Dr Ajay Anand tor, if any. whole apple is prepared by slicing and pounding it till it Urinary calculi are almost always associated with pain as The apple fruit is a highly nutritive food. It is rich source of becomes slightly mashed. And after sprinking honey or cin- Blood in urine referred to as haematuria in clinical prac- predominant symptom, which may be accompanied with minerals and vitamins. Apple fruit is a carbohydrate rich food. Its namon should be chewed thoroughly prior tso swallowing. tice is an unwelcome ominous sign.There are innumerable haematuria. Proper work-up and definitive surgical treatment sugar content is about 9.5 per cent. Of this, fruit sugar consti- This preparation should be taken several times between causes of haematuria but common urological causes broad- depending upon stone size, location and composition, is the tutes about 60 per cent, glucose nearly 25 per cent and cane meals for more benefits. In all, natural medicinal substance, ly encountered in our clinical practice, in order of frequency, only curative option for this group of patients. sugar or sucrose about 15 per cent. The acid content generally pectin in the mashed apple serves to create a protective coat- include:- Renal cell carcinoma is a rare cause of gross haematuria increases with sugar content and is mostly dominated by malic ing action by virtue of its qualities as an absorbant and *Carcinoma of urinary bladder/urothelium as presenting symptom.It has different modes of presenta- acid which is completely used by the body. demulscant. *Benign enlargement of proState (BEP) tion. Usually small RCCs are discovered as an incidental find- The skin of the apple should not be discarded when taken Headache: Apples can be used in the treatment of all types *Urinary tract infection ing on ultrasonogram for some other abdominal complaints. raw as the skin and the flesh below it contains more vitamin C of headache. A ripe apple after removing its rind, the inner hard *Urinary calculi Triad of lump, flankpain and haematuria is seen in only 16 % than the inner flesh. The skin also possesses five time more vita- *Renal cell carcinoma portion should be taken with little salt every morning during emp- of patients. Rarely patients present with paraneoplastic syn- min A than the flesh. However, these days it is apprehended that *Radiation cystitis ty stomach by the patients suffering from headache. This should dromes that is symptoms because of metabolites or hor- the apple skin is toxic due to the presence of pesticides and Haematuria in carcinoma of urinary bladder and BEPare be continued for a week. mones secreted by tumour, which is seen in 13% of patients. chemicals, which are sprayed to save the fruits from the assaults painless, whereas other entities may be associated with This needs thorough radiologic evaluation to assess size of Heart disease: Apples are of special value to the heart painful haematuria. patients. It is because apples are found low in sodium con- Urine examination and ultrasonogram are initial baseline tent but are rich in K and P. From ancient times, apples are investigations to arrive at an initial clue to diagnosis and plan- considered a very effective remedy for functional disorders ning further investigative and treatment protocol, depending of heart. Recently Dr Elizabeth B Conen of California Uni- upon theetiology. versity (USA) has revealed that people who consume plen- Haematuria in carcinoma of urinary bladder and BEP are ty of K through food items are likely to escape from heart usually associated with clots which are usually amorphous trouble. Apples being a good source of K help in alleviation and round in shape, whereas clots are vermiform in shape of heart disease. when source of haematuria is upper tracts, that is kidneys or Hypertension: Apples are considered invaluable in case ureters. of higher blood pressure. It is due to its diuretic effect caus- Carcinoma of urinary bladder is four times more common ing, thereby, increased secretion of urine and ultimately in smokers vis a vis non-smokers; and is more common in bringing the blood pressure to normal. males than females. Patients present with painless haema- Kidney stones: Use of apples by the patients suffering turia and at times with acute urinary retention. There are cer- from kidney stones has been found useful for their removal. tain high risk occupations which predispose to carcinoma of The ripe fresh fruit will be more beneficial in this regard. urinary bladder. These include persons exposed to pesti- Eye disorders: The apple peel water is excellent medi- cides, aniline dye, aromatic hydrocarbons etc. Carcinoma of cine for the inflamed eyes both as beverage and an eyewash. urinary bladder needs urgent urological intervention and fur- Rheumatic afflictions:Apples are found excellent med- ther treatment is guided by findings on biopsy of specimen. icines for gout, arthritis and rheumatism especially when BEP is another cause of painless haematuria seen in eld- these afflictions are caused due to uric acid. Presence of erly male population. Presentation is same as that in carci- of various diseases and insects. To save from this contamina- malic acid in apples is believed to neutralize the uric acid noma of urinary bladder. Such patients usually have prior his- tion, the apple fruit must be washed twice or thrice with cold water and offer relief to the sufferers. tory of lower urinary tract symptoms in form of increased fre- and once with warm water. Dry cough: Sweet apples are valuable in dry cough. About quency of micturition, weak stream, urgency, straining to void Anaemia: Apples being rich in Fe, have proved beneficial in 250 g of apple should be taken daily upto a week to get relief. etc. This can be treated either by medical treatment by use the treatment of anaemia. It will be particularly useful in the form Dental disorders: Tooth decay can be prevented by regular of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors - Finasteride or dutasteride. tumour and to exclude metastasis. Only curative treatment is of freshly prepared apple juice. It may be taken up to 0.5 kg to 1 consumption of apples as they possess mouth cleansing prop- Patients with BEP and haematuria need to be investigated surgical which may be in form of radical nephrectomy or par- KG daily for more beneficial results. erties. It is because malic acid in apple besides neutralizing uric by urologist to exclude other causes of haematuria. Surgical tial nephrectomy, depending upon size and location of tumour. Constipation and diarrhaea: Apples are beneficial in the acid also exerts an antiseptic influence upon the germs present treatment in form of TURP is definitive curative treatment for Radiation cystitis is another rare cause of gross haema- treatment of both constipation and diarrhaea. For preventing con- in the mouth and teeth when it is chewed thoroughly. this disease entity. turia which may be associated with clots. This is usually seen stipation, two medium sized apples should be taken every day PRECAUTIONS Urinary tract infection is a rare cause of gross haematuria in persons who have received pelvic irradiation in past for for clearing bowels properly, cooked or baked apples are good As apple has cooling effect so its direct consumption may unlike above two entities (Carcinoma of urinary bladder and some pelvic malignancy like carcinoma cervix, adjuvant radio- for controlling diarrohea. cause gastric trouble. However, its effect can be pacified when BEP - which may be associated with gross haematuria and therapy for gastrointestinal malignancy etc. This is a debili- Dysentery: The use of apples has also been found its use is made after sprinkling small amount of black pepper urinary retention). UTI can be diagnosed by urine examina- tating condition with no definitve curative treatment. Treat- useful in preventing an acute chronic dysentery especial- powder and black salt (saunchal namak). Prior to consuming the tion-both routine and culture coupled with ultrasonogram of ment options used include alum instillation, hyperbaric oxy- kidney, ureter and bladder to find out any evident cause of ly among children. Ripe and sweet apples should be apples, these must be washed thoroughly. It would help in remov- gen therapy and fulgration, which do provide control of UTI. Treatment is straightforward - antibiotics preferably cul- crushed into pulp and given to child a number of times a ing the poisoning chemicals (pesticides) which are sparyed to haematuria in such group of patients. ture and sensitivity guided. Recurrent UTIs need further day from one to four tablespoonful according to age in prevent insects and diseases. (The author is presently working as Consultant Urologist in Superspeciality Hos- investigation by urologist and treatment of precipitating fac- this order. pital, GMC, Jammu).