Every Thursday issue 226 Rs 40 26 June 2014 12 ciff( 2071

Can You Hear The ? World Music Day is right around the corner. Although the scene is thriving, there are those who have been ruing the lack of government support.

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Top 3 Events “The lady” in : A brief timmeline

Experience Thailand Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of Foodies, get ready to excite your taste buds with exotic food Burma’s independence hero, General from Thailand! Celebration of Thailand, hosted by Hotel Aung San, who was assassinated in de L’ on 18 and 19 June, will feature exquisite July 1947, just six months prior to !culinary creations by famous Thai chefs, and exotic Thai the country gaining independence fashion accompanied by Thai music. The event will also from Britain. Suu Kyi was only two present The Nepal-Thai Fashion Show that will have outfits when her father was killed. by popular Thai designers and four Nepali designers, as well 1960: Suu Kyi went to with as a performance by a famous Thai . The event also her mother Daw Kyi, who had includes a cooking class facilitated by a renowned Thai chef been appointed Burma’s ambassador on 19 June. The event is organized by Royal Thai Embassy to Delhi. and Nepal-Thailand Co-operation Society in alliance with Hotel de L’ Annapurna. 1964: She went to Oxford University in the UK, where she studied Date: 18 & 19 June, Time: 7pm onwards, Contact: 4221711 Venue: Poolside Garden, Hotel de L› Annapurna, Durbar Marg philosophy, politics, and economics. 1 There, Suu Kyi met her future husband, Michael Aris, an academic. Refugee Stories 1989: She was put under house From 20 to 30 June, the United Nations High Commissioner arrest as Burma’s military junta for Refugee (UNHCR) will be marking World Refugee Day declared martial law. by putting together a photo exhibition, film shows, and talk programmes that showcase the life and plight of refugees. 1991: Suu Kyi was awarded the Hosted at The City Museum , the event is free Nobel Peace Prize. and open to everyone. 1990: When the military government Date: 20June - 30 June, Venue: The City Museum Kathmandu 2 called the national elections, Aung Time: 10:00 am (20 June) 7:00 pm (30 June) San Suu Kyi’s National League for Free event Democracy (NLD) convincingly won the polls, despite the fact that she was under house arrest and disqualified from standing. EXCLUSIVE FRIDAY RETREAT 1995: She was released from house arrest, but her movements were restricted. Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort offers a peaceful and serene rafting event every Friday, a retreat for those who 2000- 2002: Second period of house arrest. want to get away from the hassles of modern day life. 2007: Suu Kyi made her first public appearance since 2003, greeting protesting The package helps you find your own space, to read a Buddhist monks. book, indulge in fun activities, and quench your thirst for adventure. 2009: She was charged with breaking detention rules. 3 Date: 20 June (Friday), Time: 2:30 (pick up point at Sorakhutte) 2010: Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. Contact: Cell: 9801136111, [email protected] 2012: Stood for parliament in a by-election, arguing it was what her supporters wanted even if the country’s reforms were “not irreversible.” During her early years of detention, Suu Kyi was often in solitary confinement. She was not allowed to see her two sons or her husband, who died of cancer in March 1999. Her last period of house arrest ended in November 2010, and her son Kim Aris was allowed to visit her for the first time in a decade. When the by-elections were held in April 2012 to fill the seats vacated by politicians who had taken government posts, Suu Kyi and her party contested for the seats despite the reservations.

Huawei Hollers! Huawei’s Honor 3c Specs, a new midrange smartphone, comes with 2 GB RAM, 8GB ROM, and a Quad –Core 1.3 GHz CPU processer. It functions on the Android Jelly Bean 4.2 OS and has a 2300 mAH battery. Some of its important features include a network manager with 3G With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events to and WiFi access, and a memory that can be expanded check out this week and the next. Here are our top three picks. to 32 GB. Its five-inch HD screen, 8.0 Mega Pixel Sony BSI AF with flash and 5.0 mega pixel front cameras, with POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or panorama selfie and photo selfie preview, is convenient for call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but the selfie generation. inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space.

Kickstart//Get Started 6 Parler De La Musique! As a part of the World Music Day weekend celebrations, the Alliance Française of Katmandou is all set to put together two mega events: Dj Missill Live and Fete De La Musique. We take a close look at the two happenings via a conversation with the organizers. Girish Subedi & Samyam Shrestha

DJ Missill Live Get ready to groove to the beats of Missill, the French What will the be DJ who has performed at shows all over the world. In order to gather the details of the show, we talked doing on World Music Day? to the Director of Alliance Française of Katmandou, “I will be performing with my friends Ophélie Belil. Yuvash and Subash at Basecamp in EM: Could you give us a brief background about Jhamsikhel. We will be playing indie/ world music and jazz standards.” - DJ Missill? Shreeti Pradhan (Jazz singer) OB: Missill is an exceptional DJ. In fact, she is considered one of the best in Europe. Missill plays electro music mixed with hip-hop; a lot of her music features renowned rappers. EM: Could you elaborate a bit on her live show that’s happening on 20 June? OB: This Friday, Missill will be introducing her new set to the audience. She will only be performing her has reached a very high level of quality. Daft Punk, “I haven’t made plans yet. I will probably own compositions; she won’t be playing one Justice, and C2C are big around the world. So it’s a be jamming with my friends at home.” - after another like nightclub DJs do. To be precise, rare chance for Nepal to witness a DJ like Missil on Rohit John Chettri (solo artist) what you’ll see is a “real show” on stage. stage. EM: What do you have to say about France’s EM: Are there any other artists who will be eletro music scene? performing with or opening for her? OB: Electro music that’s made in France is OB: Yes. Fimzok and DJ Niral will be performing internationally recognized these days. In fact, France before and after her.

“Although I won›t be playing, I will Fete de la Musique definitely be celebrating International slogan Faites de la musique (Make music), Music Day. I still do not know how or Started back in 1982 in France, International World a homophone of Fête de la Musique, is used to where as I won’t be in Nepal, but I’ll Music Day (i.e. 21 June), or Fete de la Musique, is an promote this goal. probably attend some festival.” - Bikrant occasion solely dedicated to music. Pravin Bikram Many free concerts are organized, making all Shrestha (Underside) Rana, the Deputy Director of Alliance Française, genres of music accessible to the public. Two of the shares with us the present and past of the Fete de la caveats to being sanctioned by the official Fête de la Musique in Kathmandu Musique organization in Paris are that all concerts The origin of World Music Day celebrations must be free to the public, and all performers donate in Nepal their time for free. This is true of most participating cities as well. We started celebrating this music festival when the Alliance Française of Katmandou was established in The Restrictions 1994. This year’s event will take place on the 20th. Despite there being a larger tolerance for the “I was supposed to perform with my new band - Kanta dab dab - but, So far, we have organized the fest at different places performance of music in public areas after usual unfortunately, I won’t be able to do so in , including the Durbar Squares hours, noise restrictions still apply and can cause due to personal issues. But I will be of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, along with some establishments to be forbidden to open and checking out programs for the day and other prominent locations such as Ratna Park Khula broadcast music out of their doors without prior might also jam with whoever is playing if things turn out right.” - Rizu Tuladhar Manch, Mandap ground, Durbar Marg, and authorization. (Looza/Kanta dab dab) reputed music schools. About the World Music Day celebrations this year As for the present, various other institutions such This year’s annual musical program will be held in Lay- as Nepal Saskritik Samsthan (Nach Ghar), Nepal ku, the historical square of Kirtipur. It is situated near , and music centers across the country Bagh Bhairab, by the steps of the Uma Shakar Temple. also celebrate this day. Likewise, the festival has been recognized by the Nepal government as International Why Kirtipur? Music Day since 1998. This year, Alliance Française decided to organize the The event promotes music in two ways: event in Kirtipur to promote the musical cultural of the historic town, which has a rich musical tradition “I will be on a tour with Astha Amateur and professional musicians are Tamang Maskey in Sikkim, India.”- encouraged to perform on the streets. The attached to it. Rohit Shakya (Jindabaad/Topi) About the musicians/performers There are a total of 23 sets comprised of rock/blues/jazz/ traditional bands and musicians, some of who are prominent musical groups and artists in the local mainstream scenario. During the changeover of the bands, a small play prepared by the students of Alliance Française will be presented.

Kickstart//Events 8 Out &

Nepali time About FIFA Schedule: Week 2 19 June 22 June 25 June Vs Vs Vs 09:45 pm 09:45 pm MISCELLANEOUS Colombia Cote d’ Ivoire 09:45 pm Belgium Russia Nigeria Argentina Vs Vs Vs Bosnia and Iran

Uruguay England Korea Algeria 09:45 pm 00:45 am Republic 00:45 am Herzegovina Vs Vs Vs Japan Greece USA Portugal Honduras Switzerland 03:45 am 01:45 am 03:45 am Vs 20 June 23 June Ecuador France 01:45 am Vs Vs 26 June 09:45 pm Italy Costa Rica 09:45 pm Netherlands Chile Corporate Swimming Competition Vs 09:45 pm Date: 20 June, Time: 2 pm Vs Vs Portugal Ghana Venue: Godavari Village Resort Switzerland France 00:45 am Australia Spain 09:45 pm Vs USA Germany

On 20 June, Media Act Pvt. Ltd will be putting together 09:45 pm the Corporate Swimming Competition 2014 with the aim Vs Vs of creating a fulfilling and rejuvenating event for corporate Honduras Ecuador 03:45 am Cameroon Brazil Vs executives and, at the same time, promoting the spirit of 01:45 am Belgium Korea competitiveness and team work in a sporting manner. The Republic 01:45 am swimming races are divided into three segments, including 21 June Vs freestyle, men and women, and triple lap relay freestyle. Croatia Mexico

01:45 am Vs The event offers a great sporting experience followed by a Vs Algeria Russia delicious dinner, accompanied by music and social synergy. 01:45 am

Argentina Iran 09:45 pm 24 June Zumba and DJ Dance Event Vs Germany Ghana Vs Vs Date: 27 June (Friday), Time: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm 00:45 am Japan Colombia 01:45 am Venue: Hotel Radisson Italy Uruguay 09:45 pm Vs If you dance to have fun and stay fit at the same time, Nigeria Bosnia and Vs Vs

the Zumba party is just the event for you. With 21 Zumba 03:45 am Herzegovina Costa Rica England Greece Cote D’Ivoire 09:45 pm instructors from all over Kathmandu to direct you, all you 01:45 am have to do is move to the DJ’s beats. Once you’re done with the dancing, you can look forward to a delicious dinner, amongst the various other attractions. The ticket also provides you with a free Zumba class at Next Step Fitness & Training centre (NSF), a 15% discount on any membership at NSF, a 30% discount on any membership on the spot at live wire NSF, and a 20% discount at Kiki’s Fashion House in Naxal. Moksh Jazz Upstairs Capital Grill Every Tuesday, 7pm onwards Wednesday: 25 June Saturday: 21 June Rohit John Chhetri Monsix (Gypsy Jazz) What the funk!! Location: Jhamsikhel Time: 7:00pm onwards Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Contact: 5528362 Location: Lazimpat Location: Bhatbhateni Contact: 4416983 Contact: 9849196991 Embassy Restro & Bar (Jacko) Thursday: 19 June Madhusala Salsa by Riyaz Shrestha Every Friday till Manny’s Eatery & Tapas Friday:20 June Wednesday Bar Saturday: 21 June Unplugged show by Prayash Uday & Manila Sotang “ROCK TILL U DROP” with Every Sunday, Monday, live with Jeewan DINESH & FRIENDS Tuesday Kalapremi and Nava Genre: Retro Rock Piano night by Pema Ratna (band) Come rain or shine. Dance to Saturday: 21 June Time: 7:15-11:30 pm your old favorites: Hit Live acoustic show by Location: Durbar Marg of The Rolling Stones to Dharmendra Sewan and Contact: 4223613 Bruce Springsteen & more. Bittu Entry: Rs 500 per person. Time: 6:30pm onwards Tamas Laya Time: 7pm onwards Location: Lazimpat Wednesday: 25 June Location: Jawalakhel, MUSIC & PARTIES Contact: 4424040 Open Night with Jovan Shaligram Hotel Complex Friday: 20 June (Naxal) Contact: 015536919 Super-Heroine- DJ Missill Tamarind Restro and Bar Accoustix Date: 20 June (Friday), Time: 11:30 pm Thursday(19 June), Time: 7:00-10:00pm Venue: The Factory, Narsing Chowk, Sagarmatha Complex, Sunday(22 June) and Monday Location: Naxal Bourbon Lounge Mandala Road, Contact: 01- 4241163 (23 June) Contact: 4414395 Friday: 20 June Live piano by Sunil Singh Soultease Tuesday: 24 June DJ Missil, “The Super-Heroine,” is all set to play her original Wednesday: 25 June 8 Degrees fresh mixes with a boundless amount of energy so contagious Sign (Sonam and Sunny) Prayash (band) Friday 20 May you can’t help but dance to her tunes. With over 800 gigs at Saturday: 21 June Wednesday: 25 June Loadshedding (band) Ladies night with Accoustix clubs and every major festival, DJ Missil has entertained crowds Supersonic (band) Time: 7:00pm onwards of up to 100,000 in 35 countries across five continents. The Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Time: 7:30pm onwards Location: Jhamsikhel Location: Lal Durbar Marg best part of it all is her sound, which is versatile enough for her Location: Jhamsikhel Contact: 5543740 to fit happily between all types of acts and DJs. Contact: 5522626 Contact: 4441703 9 Food Outdoors LIVE BBQ ROPAIN THE RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL Date: 20 June (Every Friday), Time: 6:00 pm onwards Date: 28 and 29 June, Time: 6:30pm - 10:00pm in UTC+05:45 Venue: Nepal House, Baluwatar, Contact: 9803573260 Ticket Price: 1950/- Adults 1000/- Children below 10 yrs. Free for children below 5 yrs. Tickets available at : http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ropain-the-rice-planting-festival-2014- Nepal House might just be establishing its niche in the restaurant tickets-11536751735 and eatery market but the cuisines they serve definitely have already established relishing memory on people’s taste buds. From coming If you want to have fun by connecting with nature, the Ropain Rice Planting Festival Friday, Nepal House will be hosting a live BBQ set every weekend. is just the event for you. Rice, the staple meal of the country, is planted every summer You may just walk in, no entry fee hassle and lay back to relax at the as the rain sets in the valley. The Ropain Festival is being organized this year at soothing ambience of the Restaurant. Drinks that go along the smoked, Bajrabarahi, Lalitpur in the southern outskirts of the valley. Celebrate the rain showers sophisticated meat are also available at the eatery which makes the this summer by celebrating ropain (along with sumptuous Newari dishes!). Friday evening visit even better.

Kathmandu Kora Late nights @ The Coffee Shop Date: 18 &19 July, Time: Jul 18 at 6:15pm to Jul 19 at 4:15am Date: From 28rd May, 2014 Venue: Patan Dhoka (Starting Point) Registration:http://kathmandukora.net/2m4pyutar/ (Every Wednesday to Sunday) Time: 7pm onwards, The Kathmandu Kora Cycling Challenge 2014 will start from the third Saturday of July Contact: 4221711 with riders undertaking a personal challenge of 50 km, 75 km and 100 km around Venue: The Coffee Shop, Hotel de L› Kathmandu Valley. In each of the editions of the Kora Challenge, riders have pledged Annapurna, Durbar Marg to raise money for a cause. Nearly 3.5 million rupees have been collected in the past editions, and this year’s pledge is even bigger - the campaign aims to raise two million to Too busy during the day? Hotel de L› build an eco- designed birthing facility in Pyutar, South Lalitpur. Annapurna›s Coffee Shop is now open late for your convenience. Along with a new late night menu, the cafe has Corporate Futsal an ideal setting and great atmosphere, Date: 7 June to 28 June, Time: Various, Venue: Futsal Arena, Bouddha, with superior service and live music Contact: 9841564647 setting the mood just right. The 2nd Corporate League Futsal, organized by Project A studios, a research based advertising agency will kick-off on 7 June with twenty-four teams representing various organizations, from banks to insurance companies, media houses, telecoms, ISPs, etc. Experience Thailand The squads are arranged into eight groups of three each, two of which will be advancing to Date: 18 & 19 June the round of sixteen, then starting the knockout stage. This year’s proceeds will go directly Time: 7pm onwards, Contact: 4221711 towards addressing a noble cause. According to the organizers, the motive behind the Venue: Poolside Garden, Hotel de L› Annapurna, Durbar Marg tournament is to “make corporate houses aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility.” (For more information go to Page 4)

Pool BBQ Date: 21 June (Every Saturday), Time: 11:00 am onwards EXCLUSIVE FRIDAY RETREAT Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Contact: 4221711 Date: 13 June (Friday), Time: 2:30 (pick up point at Sorakhutte) Contact: 9801136111, [email protected] Summer is here and so is the season of swimming. Keeping that in mind, Hotel Annapurna recently unveiled its large new pool that will be playing Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort offers a peaceful and serene rafting event every Friday, host to a barbecue every Saturday. Special meal packages will be made a retreat for those who want to get away from the hassles of modern day life. The package every week exclusively for the event. helps you find your own space, to read a book, indulge in fun activities, and quench your thirst for adventure. ART & THEATER Koseli School’s “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai with #metadata Anupam Kher” Date: 6 June-19 June Date: 11 July (Friday), Time: 5:00 pm Venue: Siddhartha Art Gallery, Venue: Army Officer’s Club, Bhadrakali Baber Mahal Revisited Ticket Price: 5,000/- Golden tickets (main event + entry to the after party) Subash Thebe, artist-in-residence 3000/- Silver tickets (main event + entry to the at the Kathmandu Contemporary after party) Arts Centre, has put together a new 1,500/- Bronze tickets (main event) exhibition at Siddhartha Art Gallery. Contact: 9801034345, 9801074430, Titled #metadata, the paintings 9801037873, [email protected] Refugee Stories reflect the artist’s latest theme i.e. Date: 20June - 30 June the observation and criticism of Koseli School Nepal presents Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Time: 10:00 am (20 western mainstream media, along Hai with Anupam Kher [Live in Nepal]. Kuch Bhi June) 7:00 pm (30 June) with a few gestural illustrations Ho Sakta Hai has received acclaim from millions Venue: The City Museum that were inspired by music. Thebe of people around the world, and will also be aired Kathmandu works on canvas, steel, mirror, and on Colors TV soon. Proceeds from the show will go (For more information go readymade frames. The exhibition towards educating the children of Koseli School. to Page 4) also includes video installations. Diaries of the Enlightenment Tree 13 June, Kupondole Heights There are pieces of art that take you to another world and make you want to believe in the power of meditation and perseverance. Jimmy Thapa’s second exhibition entilted “ The Enlightenment Tree” is one such art exhbition where the minute detailed workings provide an aesthetic touch to the artwork. The miniatures, line art, and water color paintings displayed at the exhibition are a part of Thapa’s journal, from when he travelled for a spiritual experience to Bodh Gaya. “The more we grow old with our stories the stronger we become with time,” said the artist, who is planning on sharing his life’s work.

Clockwise From Bottom Right : James Giambrone, Linda Kentro, Somuny, Jimmy Thapa, Tenzing Ukyab, Bharat Basnet, and William Forbes.

«We all should be involved in some form of art; it should be brought back to schools because without art there is no creation.»

Tata, updated 12 June, Kamal Pokhari On 12 June, Tata Motors, in collaboration with Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., introduced two major automobiles in Nepal: the Tata Indica CR4 and the Indigo eCS, both promising to be the most fuel efficient cars to be launched in the country with their 25 kmpl mileage. Both vehicles sport new CR4 diesel engines, new interiors, and class defining features while claiming to increase fuel efficiency by a whopping 46%. The cars were unveiled at the star-studded premiere of the much-awaited movie Mukhauta, directed by Arpan Thapa. The cast, along with Shambu Dahal, CEO of Sipradi Trading and Hemant Puranik, Country Manager of Tata Motors, helped unveil the cars to a packed audience at Kumari Hall, Kamal Pokhari.

Clockwise From Top: Hemant Puranik, Priyanka Karki, Keki Adhikari, Reema Bishwokarma, Deepak Raj Giri, Nirmal Sharma, Shambhu Prasad Dahal, Robin Tamang, Sunil Thapa, Rabin Shrestha, Prashant Tamrakar, , Arpan Thapa, Min Ratna Bajracharya, and Gauri Malla. “Once you start getting energy from waste, it becomes a resource.” - Ashish Shrestha, Sustainable Development, The World Bank

Turkish Biogas, For delights The Win 13 June,Hyatt 12 June, Everest Hotel Regency The World Bank ( WB) hosted the Biogas Technology Experience that was attended by biogas experts from On 13 June, Turkish Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. The objective of the Airlines held a press meet, according to Ashish Shrestha, South Asia conference at Hyatt Sustainable Development, WB, was to “Share knowledge Regency Kathmandu on the topic of waste energy and to explore the scope to inform the public of large scale biogas plants in Nepal.” Samir Thapa, about its new flight Assistant Director of the Alternative Energy Promotion schedule. A member of Centre, further stated: “Biogas plants in Nepal which Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines had introduced four weekly round-trip so far has been promtoed with the objective of poverty flights between Kathmandu and Istanbul on 2 September 2013 and reudction now needs to focus on productive use. Its had been operating on a daily basis since June 14 as per the new promotion can help to address the critical issue of schedule. The General Manager of Turkish Airlines, Celal Baykal, energy security in Nepal through the abundant waste in spoke on behalf of the company. Turkish Airlines has been chosen Nepal.” The event hoped to inform entrepreneurs about ‘Best Airline in Europe’ for the third time and, for five consecutive the opportunities available, to form partnerships, and to years, has held the title of ‘Best Airline in Southern Europe’. bring the required technology to the local market. Anti-Clockwise From Bottom: Jay Dewan, Mr.Celal Baykal, Reshu Singh, Archanna Shrestha, and Benazir Khan Anti-Clockwise From Bottom: Sanjay Nandre, V.K.Jain & A.K.Sen Gupta, Sundar Thapa, Radhika Singh, and Samir Thapa. Hall of Frame

Let’s Go On A Ride 10 June, Trade Tower Thapathali V.G Automobiles, the authorized importer and distributor of Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd. in Nepal, recently launched the company’s new scooter - LET’s. LET’s has a mileage of 63 kmpl, easy pickup, tubeless tire, and maintenance free battery, in a 98 kg frame. The vehicle is also equipped with Jitender Singh Rathore Trilok Chandra Agrawal telescopic type front forks and rear suspension settings, which makes riding on local road conditions very convenient. Other additional features of LET’s are the large foldable bag hook, single key operation with shutter log, and additional utility box with mobile socket (optional). LET’s, with its sporty and trendy look, targets the city youth who want a fun ride that’s also easy to operate. Sadikhchya Shrestha Kickstart//Week That Was 12

PET Recollection Hotel Radisson, June 12 Nepal’s first legal, responsible, and environment friendly PET Recollection initiative was launched amongst a multi-stakeholder partnership involving Coca-Cola, Bottlers Nepal Limited, Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI), Ganesha Ecosphere, Practical Action, and UN HABITAT. The initiative will take the form of a self-sustained social enterprise (non-dividend distributing) that will create substantial numbers of green jobs for disadvantaged women, improve the livelihood of thousands of waste workers, and contribute to a cleaner environment through an efficient and responsible mechanism for the collection and disposal of used PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles in Nepal. At the occasion, Prashant Singh, designer of the enterprise and Founder of HCI said, “Hamri Bahini - The Green Angels is constantly coming up with ways to help the disadvantaged young women of Nepal by creating green jobs for them.” After the launch program ended, Salman Rawn, Managing Director, Bottlers Nepal Limited, Coca- Week That Was Cola SABCO, and Bhushan Tuladhar, Country Director, UN HABITAT, felicitated two female waste collection workers, while Alok Kohli, Country Manager Nepal and Bhutan - Coca Cola, and Achyut Pyakurel, Head of Practical Action, felicitated two students as part of the HCI Scholarship Announcement. Shopaholics Delight! Nagpokhari, June 13 The Shopaholic Exhibition is a monthly event that brings one-of-a- kind accessories, dresses, and various other goods to shopaholics in Kathmandu, with each event being based on a certain theme. This time, in light of the Indian wedding season, the theme was weddings. The exhibition featured jewelry pieces that had a very traditional Indian feel, along with bags, shoes, dresses, and saris - all the accessories necessary for the wedding season. Our exhibitions also help uncertain buyers decide what they want for these events, weddings for instance. We then take orders from the prospective clients after the exhibition,” stated the organizers. For the current exhibition, the jewelry items were brought in from Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

A Fluid, Creative Treatment of Reality The Bakery Café, Sundhara, June 10 A discussion about documentary filmmaking On Documentary Practice: A Talk By Sameera Jain,led by Delhi-based filmmaker Sameera Jain, took place with roughly 150 attendees which included filmmakers, photographers, film festival organizers, artists, and film students.“The turnout was great and there was With Bellies and Ears Fulfilled a good mix of people,” continued Nayantara Gurung Kakshapati Lalitpur, June 13 of photo.circle, the organizers of the event, “I think what Sameera was talking about in the form of documentary applies Amidst the presence of about 150 across all forms of media – to film, photography, and writing.” people, the Living Lounge Open Café, Jain showed clips from three documentaries to analyze the in the premises of Nirvana Wellness use of archival footage, narration, and different interview styles, Center, Jawalakhel had its soft and also commented on the current trends in documentary opening on Friday. Held in the Café’s filmmaking. “Documentary, and the creative treatment of reality, poolside, it was a barbeque event with is moving very fluidly between fiction and documentary, without live music where Dutch pianist and any deceit,” she said. Filmmaker Kesang Tseten, with whom vocalist, Marloes Oudeman, performed. Jain is currently collaborating with on a documentary, believes The Director of the School of that there is a growing audience for documentaries in Nepal. Performing Arts, Kathmandu, also had “It’s growing slowly because it’s not everybody’s cup of tea,” few Nepali songs in her set. The subtle said Tseten. “Anything good takes time to grow, and it›s a long light in the evening took while before there’s a critical mass of filmmakers and viewers.” the ambience a notch higher.

Yes, Radisson Hotel Can! D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. Radisson Hotel, June 5 No. 226 26 June 2014 To mark World Environment Day, the training department of Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha Sub-Editor: Sujan G.Amatya Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya Hotel Radisson organized the annual cleaning campaign of Copy Editor: Vishal rai Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA the hotel and its surroundings following their “Yes I Can” Editorial Manager: utsav shakya Editorial Co-ordinator: ASTHA JOSHI philosophy. On the occasion, Anil Malik, General Manager Legal Advisor: Hira Regmi In-house writers: girish subedi Design Executive: Sunil Maharjan of Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, said: “The campaign is Assistant Design Executive: Rabi Maharjan, Samir Raj Tamrakar about encouraging the staff to work together as a team.” Design Assistants: Narayan Maharjan, Sudip Maharjan Color Separation & Printed at: Manager, Photography: Dash B. Maharjan All the employees of the hotel actively participated and the WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. Assistant Manager, Photography: Hari Maharjan Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Photographers: Prajwal maharjan, Rabindra Prajapati, management presented the group that put in the most effort 5590306, 5591112 Umesh basnet, Yogendra Maharjan, Amar Rai, Distributor: Kasthamandap with the Best Team award. niraj maharjan, Ashmin maharjan Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 Similarly, Radisson Hotel also sponsored an event Business Development Head: Angiras Manandhar organized by Children for a Green New Nepal by acting as the Disclaimer Assistant Manager, Business Development: Sachin Tamrakar Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the Sr. Executive, Business Development: nirbheek subedi hospitality partner for the World Environment Day - Raise your weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Ad Enquiries: [email protected] Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: Bikram shrestha voice, not the sea level event held at Basantapur, Kathmandu. reflect the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: Sujan shrestha The program included an environmental awareness/ for the same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected] Official Digital Marketing Partner - ADS MARKET PVT. LTD [4218069] www.facebook.com/fridayweekly demonstration rally by school children, an art competition/ Our sister publications exhibition, and a fashion show with a concept based on World Environment Day. The event concluded with a concert. 13

Tai Chi for Seniors. Namlo Restaurant, June 13 Bihani Social Venture organized a Tai Chi program for seniors with the aim of introducing them to the art of internal Chinese martial arts, which is known to have health benefits similar to yoga and meditation. A total of 17 participants practiced Tai Chi in a one bazaar and half hour session under the guidance of instructors. Bihani Social Venture aims to continue Tai Chi programs in the future, with the addition of home based Tai Chi. Not Just Toothpaste With a new logo, Close Up, one of the top toothpaste brands, is fresher than before. Close Up has always encouraged young people to stay close to each other with the assurance of fresh breath and now, the new Close Up Deep Action pushes them to leave their comfort zone and make a long- lasting impression on people by providing fresh breath for 12 whole hours. The new Close Up Deep Action is available in two flavors - Close Up Deep Action ‘Red Hot’, which has an edgy flavor that stays long after you brush, and Close Up Deep Action ‘Peppermint Splash’ which remains ice-fresh on your gums. The toothpaste consists of Active Zinc Mouthwash that cleans the germs that spread to the deepest cavities of your mouth, and Micro Shine Crystals that remove the yellow film from your teeth for a sparkling white smile.

A Piece of Thailand Hotel de L’ Annapurna, June 13 Rocking Rox in June With the intention of promoting Thai culture in Nepal, the Royal Thai Embassy and As a part of its planned food onion, coriander, tomato, lemon Nepal-Thailand Co-operation Society, along with Hotel de L’ Annapurna, are bringing promotion that’s set to take juice (NRS 775 plus taxes), forth Celebration of Thailand, a two-day festival starting on 18 June. The evening will place throughout the year, shredded chicken, organic lettuce, start at 7:00 with the Nepal Thai Fashion Show in which famous fashion designers from this June, the Lounge at mayonnaise at (NRS 775 plus Thailand as well as three prominent Nepali designers will be showcasing their creations. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is taxes), sauté cottage cheese, green The evening will also feature authentic Thai cuisine prepared by five chefs flown in from introducing a range of interactive pepper with mint chutney Thailand and live exotic music by famous Thai bands. On 19 June, the five Thai chefs menus, including mixed organic (NRS 775 plus taxes), and Greek will facilitate a cooking class to create opportunities for Nepali chefs to try their hands at herb Panini sandwiches with salad with milk feta and greens at authentic Thai cuisine. The proceeds from the event will go to Jayanti Memorial Trust, in varieties of fillings, Mango NRS 775 (plus taxes). support of the needy heart patients, and to the Nepal Thai Friendship Society, which has Crumble, Mango Cupcake, and They also have pastries on been involved in several socio-economic ventures throughout the country. “In the past Mango Flambé. display, which includes Mango one year we’ve had a Turkish night, an Egyptian night, and now this Thai festival. Working The guests have a choice of Swiss roll (NRS 350 plus taxes), with these different cultures gives a wider exposure to our people and our staff, which will either partaking in a combination Mango cheese cake (NRS 350 plus ultimately benefit us,” said Upaul Majumdar, CEO, Hotel de L’ Annapurna, while Pratima platter (Mango Mania) with a taxes), Mango jelly mousse (NRS Pande, an Executive Member of the Nepal-Thai Friendship Association, added, “People Mango Crumble, Mango Cupcake, 350 plus taxes), and dark and here love to go to Thailand for vacations so I’m sure they’ll enjoy this festival.” and Mango Flambé served with white truffles (NRS 100 plus taxes, mango ice cream, berry compote each). Likewise, at Rox Restaurant, and brandy snap at NRS 650 guests can enjoy different varieties got coffee? (plus taxes), or alternatively of Risotto for the month of June. Durbar Marg, June 13 trying them individually at NRS These include Seafood Risotto at 400 (plus taxes). NRs 1900 (plus taxes), Saffron Himalaya Java Coffee House officially inaugurated its tenth outlet at the first floor of At the other counters, and Mushroom Risotto at NRs Woodland Complex. The opening witnessed the attendance of reputed guests and the the guests can also try the 1750 (plus taxes), Blueberry coffee shop appeared to be packed with customers on the first day itself. Mixed Herb Panini Sandwich Risotto at NRs 1700 (plus taxes), “I have tried to include something new to this location in the form of a breakfast with fillings of their choice: and Asparagus Risotto at NRs menu,” said Gagan Pradhan, the owner of Himalayan Java, the biggest coffee chain Tuna flakes marinated with 1750 (plus taxes). in Nepal. “Customers in this particular location will include working professionals alongside the regular crowd of individuals belonging to different age groups who frequent our other outlets,” said Ratna Bahadur Karki, the manager of the company. Kickstart//Partylines 14

“I love the Nepalese people. Partylines They are very friendly” Chitter - chatter Heard at Events – Kanthong Unakul, Ambassador of Thailand, at the announcement of “Celebration of Thailand”, a two-day festival starting on June 18, at Hotel Annapurna.

“If the machine breaks down, they’ll fix it. That will make them more responsible.” - Ashish Shrestha, South Asia Sustainable Development, The World Bank, on encouraging the private sector to invest their own money with incentives from Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) and the Nepal Government, at the Biogas Technology Experience held at Everest Hotel.

“This completely bypasses the financial problem. You use your phone to tell a story.” - Asif Shah, film maker and music video director, on the lack of funds received by filmmakers, at the launch of “Drishyansha”, a nationwide cellphone Nepali short film competition, at Sarwanam Theatre

“Anything good takes time to grow.” - Filmmaker Kesang Tseten, on the number of devoted audience for documentaries, at ‘Documentary Practice: A Talk By Sameera Jain’ held at The Bakery Café.

“Let’s use the two things we all have – cellphones and life stories.” - Sampada Malla, 360 Degree Mountain Films, at the launch of “Drishyansha”, a nationwide cellphone Nepali short film

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(Walls) Filled with Inside Hitman’s World newspaper clippings, Anutara Shakya this is Hitman Gurung’s news wall. A small corner For how long have you occupied this on the opposite side space? of the room houses a We have been renting this place for two to project wall that displays three years now and a lot of changes were some of the team’s made to it within that period. There were previous work, including only two rooms and an outside space earlier, the Climate+Change but since that proved to be inadequate, we exhibition and a poster rebuilt it. Now, the showroom opens up to the of Fitkiri, a movie for outside studio, which we use for storage and which they provided art also to build sculptures. We also utilize the direction. area to work with different mediums, such as the synthetic resilin that were used to make the cubes for the Climate+Change exhibition.

How important is your space to you? (Paintings) Gurung has Very important. On some occasions, we his artwork stacked have even ended up living here in order to around various corners meet deadlines! I do most of my work here, of the rooms, some except for sculpture installations, which of which include the have to be done at the site itself. I wanted paintings he made for to create a playful space that’s inspiring. For a series called Future that, we have a news wall that we named of History and his work Art Surrounds Us. It is filled with newspaper on migrant workers. clippings about news on art from around the world. The corner wall displays the projects that we have worked on; it showcases a little bit of our history. Do you plan to change your workspace in the near future? We are planning to add more furniture to our workspace. We were quite busy for a while with the Climate+Change exhibition and other projects, but now that we have more free time, we will probably be designing and installing the furniture ourselves pretty soon. (Sculptures) Since Gurung (Coffin) The coffin, which What projects are you currently working shares his art space with has been covered with copies on? Sheelasha Rajbhandari, of passports of migrant I am planning to put together an exhibition it is not uncommon to workers, is no mere prop: it that will focus on the plight of Nepali migrant find her sculptures placed was used to transport the workers. [Pointing towards a wrapped coffin alongside his. This is a actual body of a migrant in the corner of the room] That coffin is a recent work she made for worker. Gurung feels that the part of the project; it was actually used to her Masters in Art degree. casket has a story of its own. carry the body of a migrant worker. Classified

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The Smarter Entertainment Weekly EVERY THURSDAY Issue 226 | 26 June 2014 enterta! nment

Frozen Treats The humble vanilla ice cream has revolutionized cock- tails; there’s just so much that can be done with it. Nitesh Sharma

It’s summer and the days are dusty, sweaty, and scorching. For me, and I’m sure for a lot of others as well, the hot season means minimal clothing, low appetite, and a lack of sleep but an abundance of fluids (drinks!). From breakfast to lunch and dinner, you need a chilled glass of water, or beer, to cool your body and senses. But when I think of the summers I spent as a kid, there was only one thing I craved for - ice cream. Those days may be gone now but my love for ice cream remains, except I have now learnt of better ways to enjoy it. As they say, “Ice cream is great Entertainment//Feature 18

when you want to make shakes for grown Here’s the recipe for the Hummer ups.” It’s thus time to enjoy the same treat • 1 part spiced rum but in a very different way. It’s surprising • 2 parts milk how cocktail culture has been evolving. • 1 part Kahlua (coffee based liqueur) • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream Apart from the classics, bartenders are experimenting with all that they can get, and let me tell you - it works! wine glass. My favorite ice cream flavor has It’s like a milkshake: the only difference always been blackcurrant but the one that is there’s no milk. You can pour in rum, bartenders use the most is vanilla - for that vodka, whiskey, brandy, tequila, or any old school touch. drink of your choice and experiment. Vanilla has been the top choice because Five things to remember What’s In It? its not too sweet, blends perfectly, and has Keep in mind that you are dealing with Grasshopper a mild taste. Moreover, if you are aware • 3/4 ounce green milk products and alcohol - drinking too creme deementhe of the ageing process of most spirits, you much can upset your belly! • 3/4 ounce white will know that they acquire vanillin flavors Start with basic drinks such as creme de cacao from oak barrels. Therefore, vanilla ice Grasshopper, Hummer, or Frozen • 3/4 ounce vodka cream is the ideal choice for any cocktail. • 2 scoops vanilla Mudslide. ice cream Depending on your taste, you can club ice Pouring the wrong volumes in the drink • 1/2 scoop crushed cream to your choice of cocktail and give it can be bothersome. ice that smooth, frosty finish. Stirring or shaking the ice cream won’t I have a particular fondness for rum, Combine ingredients do; always blend the ingredients together. in a blender; blend which I used to think was a winter drink. You can also top it up with another until smooth. Serve in However, a visit to a bar changed that scoop of ice cream to make it even more a tall specialty glass. perception. I was going through the menu chilled and inviting. when a drink, simply titled Hummer, Frozen mudslide- I doubt that bars in the Valley serve these • 2 oz vodka caught my eye. The name itself was catchy, exotic drinks, which means you’ll have to try • 2 oz Kahlua so I ordered one. A sip later, I knew I had it out yourself. Give it a go, and I am sure you • 2 oz Bailey’s Irish stumbled upon something worthwhile. As won’t be disappointed - you will definitely Cream I finished it, I told myself: “So what if you • 6 oz vanilla ice take your love for ice creams to the next level. cream can’t afford a Hummer, you can definitely Remember, it’s always good to make use of Blend alcohol with drink one!” things from the past to keep you happy for ice cream. Serve in Fill a blender with ice cubes and put in the present. frosted glass. all the ingredients. Blend and pour it into a Drink responsibly! Cheers!

Entertainment//Buzzmaker 20 Adventures with a Movie Camera David Feuillatre, visual effects (VFX) artist, filmmaker, and photographer I love technology. It brings me closer was in Nepal for ‘David with a Movie Camera’, a personal project for which to art. I do not consider myself an artist; he travels to various countries and uses photography and videography as a I don’t feel the need to be one. VFX is about technology, about matrixes; it is a tool to tell the stories of people from these different places. Currently in a lot like computer programming. yearlong transition between careers, Feuillatre has worked in VFX for eight When I was working in VFX, I was years, during which he was employed by major Hollywood companies to creating a fake world. And when you work on blockbusters such as Avatar, The Dark Knight, and Man of Steel. spend ten hours a day in such a world, the life outside becomes less realistic. Yukta Bajracharya The process of VFX is industrial. It is factory-like work in the sense that there are so many people working to create one project and not many know who the people behind these computers are. As a VFX artist, you know the tricks behind the stuff that is happening in a movie so it is a little like killing the magic. I believe there are two ways of learning. One is the kind that you do on your own and the other is through mentoring. I have already done the latter. Working in big projects has been good for me. You learn a lot just by looking at what’s happening around you. Ten of the most successful movies in a year are usually ones that are VFX driven. Take Gravity for instance. Technologically speaking, it was something that had never been seen before. Making something new is easier than doing something old and doing it better. It is not like you live only once, but you get only one go this time. You need to progress. I could spend 30 years of my professional life doing the same job, but I want to do something new. When Avatar came to me, not many people knew about the project. Even I didn’t know what I had signed up for. But then, after signing up for it, I saw what the project was about and a year before the release of the movie, it was obvious to all of us involved that it would be successful, that we would be winning a lot of awards. I’ve landed on good opportunities by being ready. Sometimes, it’s good to not be busy. I rejected a lot of projects, which I didn’t think were interesting enough. I made myself available. I would reject something, and then something else that David’s Big Three was really great would come along. The Dark Knight Avatar Arthur Christmas As a part of his project, Feuillatre has Within a year of Arriving in New Zealand to discover the It was the first (and last so far) time I worked produced three video episodes in Nepal working in features, Avatar world was a blast. I was in the on a fully animated “cartoon” feature. I learned – one where he interviews a Tibetan when I still wasn’t Creature Department, where we were a lot from this project, mostly about production refugee in , another where he very experienced, I developing everything related to the and organization, thanks to the studio, Sony was told that they technical aspects of the creatures, such Pictures Imageworks, where the movie was interviews a monk who is building a school wanted me to work as the “puppets” to let the animator play, made. Working directly inside the studio in Kagbeni, while the third is a video on on the Batman cape the rigging, muscles, and skin simulation that was producing the film was a different Bouddhanath. His work can be viewed and wing. I was and, of course, my specialty, cloth and experience. There were no clients to deal with; at davidwithamoviecamera.com. During thrilled because the hair dynamics. The overall task was we were our own clients. Living in Los Angeles Batcape is iconic. huge, a very long movie, most of it in full is interesting as well. You’re close to the source his stay in Nepal, he also visited VFX and Our team was small stereoscopic 3D, with a level of detail and everyone is, more or less, related to show animation schools in Kathmandu, sharing and we had to find hardly seen before. I had to learn to work business (or hoping to be). It’s not as exciting his knowledge and skills with aspiring a way to make the in a different way, and had to think of as it seems in the long run, but the level of Nepali VFX artists. His journey has taken sequence happen. It “scalability” and programming more than knowledge and power the studios have is took us six months I had ever done previously. Following impressive. They’ve been making movies for a him to Palestine, Jordan, India, Tibet, to deliver less than James Cameron’s direction was extremely long time, and they really know what they are and Nepal, and will further lead him to 30 seconds of it! inspirational; the man is a genius. doing. Myanmar and the Philippines. The wall of separation in Palestine; this part falls between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Upon An Israeli soldier in Hebron. National military service is mandatory for all Israeli citizens over completion, the barrier›s total length will be approximately 700 kilometers. Palestine, 2013. the age of 18. Men serve three years in the IDF, while women serve two. Palestine, 2013.

A Sikh bathing at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. India, 2013. Night market in Amman. Jordan, 2013.

A young Muslim girl in Fatehpur Sikri. India, 2013. On the bus in Jaipur. India, 2013. 22

The Trophy The FIFA World Cup Trophy is the most recognised prize in the world. The current trophy is actually the second version: its predecessor, the Jules Rimet Cup, named after the founding father of the FIFA World Cup, was permanently taken home by Brazil after they were victorious in the tournament on three occasions. It was stolen in 1983 never to be seen again. The current trophy was designed for the 1974 World Cup by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga. It is made of 18-carat gold (6.175 grams) and is 14.5 inches tall.

Venues and Stadiums The 2014 edition of the World Cup is the most This advancement makes decisions clearer by expensive ever with an estimated cost of $14 billion, confirming whether the ball has indeed passed with nearly $4 billion spent on new stadiums and the goal line; if it had been implemented four $900 million on security. A total of 64 games will be years ago, England’s fate might have been played in 12 different cities around Brazil, including different in their match against Germany. the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro where the The goal-line is not the only technology to be 1950 World Cup Final was held to a record attendance. introduced this World Cup - the use of drones has Of the twelve venues, seven are completely new; the added up to the bill as well. These unmanned rest were renovated. The Maracana, where the final aircrafts will monitor the crowds for defence is to be held, is the largest stadium with 71,159 and security purposes. Vanishing sprays, which seats whereas the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba is the enforce the correct distance between the ball and smallest. In a first for the tournament, FIFA agreed to defenders during a free kick, are another addition implement the goal-line technology in each stadium. to discourage unfairness and debate.

Logo, Mascot, Slogan, and Posters The World Cup has more to offer than memorable games and unpredictable scores. There are a lot of elements that make up the Know Your 2014 tournament, such as the logo, mascot, and slogan that add more color to the affair. The logo is named Inspiration and is a design that contains three hands holding the World Cup FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolizing unity, harmony, and a warm Brazilian welcome to the world. The colors green The World Cup fever has taken our country by storm; the streets and yellow reflect Brazil’s national flag. The are flooded with national jerseys of the participating nations and official mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is , a Brazilian three-branded armadillo the results of the games are on everyone’s lips. Brazil, the host whose name is a combination of Futebol nation, has done a decent job of promoting the tournament by (football) and Ecologia (Ecology). Fuleco has been travelling around the world to promote the integrating their colourful culture into all possible channels. host nation and the World Cup. “All in One Rhythm” is the official Sunnivh Subba slogan of the tournament and it perfectly describes the culture of Brazil where rhythm exists everywhere. There is even an official 2014 The 2014 FIFA World Cup is underway and it has been an exciting couple of days so far. The FIFA World Cup poster featuring an illustration of two legs reaching grandest of sporting events commenced on 12 June with an extravagant opening ceremony towards a ball. The poster displays the beauty and diversity of the in Rio Di Janeiro that showcased the colors of Brazil and their football history. Despite the country with vibrant, emotional, and strong exotic colors and shapes demonstrations carried out by unsatisfied locals, the tournament has been sailing in a smooth that illustrate Brazil’s culture, flora, and fauna. FIFA has also created manner. Hosting the World Cup is a huge responsibility and Brazil aims to provide the best posters for each host city that are unique from one another and show possible environment for the players, supporters, and everyone associated with the tournament. local elements relating to nature, history, and culture.

The Sound tch Ball: The sound of the referee’s whistle, the cheering of the fans, Official Ma the drumbeats, the horns and, of course, the commentary Brazuca adds to the excitement. The 2010 World Cup in In every World Cup, a new match ball, South Africa is remembered for the infamous representing the theme of the host , while the chosen instrument for nation, is introduced. The official World the 2014 World Cup is the caxirola, which, Cup footballs have been designed and hopefully, isn’t as annoying as its produced by FIFA partner Adidas since predecessor. 1970. The World Cup has a rich history The reported $9 million that was of iconic balls such as the Tango spent on the opening ceremony FIFA Marketing (1978) and Tircolore (1998) to the featured international superstars Hosting a tournament with a total cost advanced futuristic Fevernova (2002) Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, and Claudia of $14 billion is no easy task, and and the controversial Leittle performing the official cover people have surely wondered about Jabulani (2010). This song - . And then there’s the source of the funds. Most of it time, Adidas has the Official 2014 FIFA World Cup comes courtesy of FIFA’s multinational come up with the Anthem called Far um Jeito (We partners such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, Brazuca, made with Will Find a Way), featuring Santana, Sony, Visa, Emirates, Hyundai, and a the revolutionary Wyclef Jean, Avicii, and Alexandre Pires. number of international and national six-panel design. Columbian star Shakira also has an sponsors. Of course, the entire amount The Brazuca was unofficial World Cup song called La La isn’t funded by them but it helps to manufactured in La (Brazil 2014) that features legendary Brazilian compensate for all the costs incurred. Sialkot, Pakistan, a place Carlinhos Brown, while the Cup of Life singer Ricky Martin has with a long history of producing hand- thrown his tune, Vida, into the mix. And then there’s One Love, stitched footballs. One Rhythm: The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup . 23 Entertainment//Timeoff Strength to Strength This summer, Hotel Yak and Yeti is the place to spend your Saturdays. Lounge by the pool with your family and friends before enjoying a spectacular buffet with a whole roast lamb as the centerpiece. Evangeline Neve

t the Hotel Yak and Yeti’s cream with a whole slew of toppings, and new Saturday Brunch, what from the master pastry chef, so many goodies stands out immediately is that I didn’t know where to begin. Chocolate the magnificent whole roast mousse cake, cheesecake, crème caramel, lamb. Crunchy and glistening, and mango panna cotta were but a few of the on a huge platter surrounded by roasted choices. The ones I liked most were the last Avegetables, it’s a food lover’s dream. It two: both were perfectly made, rich, creamy was delicious, too: tender and flavourful, and of an exquisite texture. The crème as were the mushrooms, asparagus, and caramel, particularly, had a most satisfying other goodies that accompanied it. The crunch, as it should. gravy made from the lamb juices was also We enjoyed our meal looking out on Yak heavenly. and Yeti’s famously beautiful garden, which is And while you could very easily spend also home to a group of amusing ducks that your whole meal enjoying just the lamb, the entertained us as they frolicked on the lawn. rest of the buffet is equally sumptuous. I’m The swimming pool there is also part of always a fan of the salad and cheese bar, and the brunch package: so come early with the this one does not disappoint: fresh, organic whole family and enjoy the water before greens, local and international cheeses, and heading in for a leisurely lunch. Contact: 01-4248999 a varied bread selection (the olive focaccia This re-inspired buffet is just one of many was the standout for me). The salad bar also ideas and plans from Yak and Yeti’s new contained two of my favourite items in the General Manager, Philippe Belhay, who in France, and a unique wedding package whole meal: a lovely, fresh prawn cocktail, arrived in Nepal a little more than a fortnight that includes a tree planted in the Yak and retro and delicious in all the right ways, and ago and is already full of enthusiasm and Yeti garden with the bride and groom’s a melon ball wrapped in Parma ham. The innovative ideas. Of French-Greek origin, name and wedding date on a plaque at latter was served on individual porcelain Belhay came in from Qatar, where he its base, along with special programs for spoons, a perfect bite of savoury and sweet, successfully opened eight hotels in just anniversaries. and I went back for extras a lot more times eighteen months. With extensive experience Expect more great things from this than I care to admit! in top hotels and resorts, his philosophy is to historic hotel, which, it appears, is only going After the salads, I moved on to the soups provide an international standard of products from strength to strength. – cock-a-leekie and pumpkin; both were and services while adding a local flavor. Saturday Brunch is served at the Sunrise creamy and had a depth of flavour that made Belhay is passionate about food, and it Trivia Restaurant, Hotel Yak and Yeti between it impossible for me to choose a favourite. shows. “When a guest enters my hotel, I like In Morocco, when 12 noon and 4 pm. NPR 1,800. + taxes for If you’re a meat lover, don’t miss the to ask them what their favorite dish prepared a whole animal - adults, prices vary for children. Includes use grilled sausages, which were among the by their mother or grandmother was. Then, I usually lamb - is of the pool and unlimited soft drinks. best I’ve eaten in Nepal. Their meaty ask if I could have my chef make it for them, roasted over an open fire, it’s goodness was complemented by a bowl at their leisure,” he explains. “These days, called Mechoui and of hot mustard, which is best smeared on with food becoming “faster,” there’s a lack is a special lavishly. The sausages might have been my of old flavors. That is what we are trying to occasion event that favourite part of the meal. Wait! Did I say do with the buffet. We intend to provide a has also spread to France, where a that already? relaxed eating experience, with a centerpiece large group might We later found out that the vegetables roast, like a British roast dinner.” gather for just served are grown in the hotel’s own organic Philippe Belhay firmly believes in Nepal’s such a spit-roast garden, picked fresh as needed and watered enormous potential as a tourist destination, extravaganza. from their own well. Other great dishes and that more must be done to encourage • Rosemary is were the homemade spinach lasagna, the visitors from countries that are not already often used when roasting lamb; fish, tenderloin, and a selection of steamed familiar with Nepal. “Nepal is a small the flavours vegetables with almonds. There’s also a country with a big personality,” he says with marry perfectly Nepali and Indian selection if you prefer enthusiasm. together. curries, with the paneer dish being really Some of his ideas for the future include • Mint sauce is also a traditional well done. women’s nights, a gourmet a-la-carte and delicious At the dessert table we were spoiled for breakfast experience, the first champagne accompaniment choice: a dazzling variety of fresh fruit, ice bar in Nepal with yearly visits from growers for roast lamb. Entertainment//Blogsopt 24 InspirationStrokes of Only in its second edition, the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) has already emerged as a major art destination in South Asia. This year, Nepal had a significant presence thanks to Siddhartha Art Gallery’s commendable private initiative, and revisiting the artists’ works in diverse media, it now makes more sense how it came together to define and question the predicament of the individual within the framework of nation and nationality, and how the artwork can be an inspiration to all. Kurchi Dasgupta I have to feed myself, my family and country Hitman Gurung’s

he performance My Blood, major backbone of Nepal’s economy. Every Your Script and Bull Tongue by day, 1200 to 1600 youth leave the nation Sunil Sigdel investigates the for employment, according to government experience of soldiers, figures. The impact of migration runs deep, who risk their lives on impacting the socio-economic as well as foreign soil in service of foreign nations. cultural transformation of the country, TTheir reality – the trauma, deprivation, sometimes with negative results,” says heartache, and loss bred by war - remains Tuladhar’s artwork statement, pointing to a hidden behind the glossy, exciting myth of burning contemporary issue that requires Gurkha bravery. Sigdel delves into these immediate redressal. untold stories and inscribes them with Hitman Gurung’s I have to feed myself, his own blood – he pierces his skin with a my family and my country is a composite safety-pin to hang a British flag – to make piece comprising a wooden coffin, directly available to the viewers the pain paintings, and photographs backed by and sacrifice that the soldiers undergo. official records and documentation. Gurung “Afterwards, I put matchsticks (as a symbol managed to source an original coffin sent of bullets) in a white bowl and fill another back to Nepal bearing a migrant worker’s white bowl with blood extracted from my body, one of the many hundreds that arrive own body. I strike up a match and douse every year at Tribhuvan International the fire in blood. Then I coat my face and Airport from distant lands. The interior body with blood from the dead matches.” of the installed coffin is lined with Translating violence and the human photographs of those who have applied sacrifice it requires to be appeased into for visas as migrant workers, each image powerful visual metaphors, Sigdel stuns written over with destinations and places the viewers with his own commitment to of origin. Miniscule photocopies of their the cause. For he takes onto his own body passports cover the outer surface of the the narrative of a people whose space in coffin with a world map drawn across the Nepali history is a perfunctory mention surface, zooming in on countries where of mythic bravery and sacrifice. A timely the most number of migrants have lost reminder for a more inclusive history- their lives – an unparalleled visual tool writing in this country. for driving the message home. A set of Both Hitman Gurung and Nhooja twelve headless portraits accompany the Tuladhar tackle the issue of migration piece, each wearing a ‘khaga’ and the icon by S unil igdel S cript and Bull Tongue My Blood, Your of Nepali nationals to foreign lands and its inevitable pitfalls. Based on the Not only have they explored the the red thread symbolizing death, hang unfortunate incident of twelve Nepali above the painting. The entire piece acts migrant workers losing their lives in Iraq overwhelmingly relevant theme of the as a portal into a reality we are divorced in 2004, Tuladhar’s short documentary individual at the mercy of state apathy from – where ordinary, everyday people records how memories of the incident, risk death to support their families and by and its violent aftermath, has lingered and inadequacy, but also taken pains to extension, their nation. For let us not forget and percolated. In 2012, Tuladhar went inspire commitment. that remittance from their meagre incomes around visually documenting the feelings actually form the backbone of this economy. and reactions to the same eight years representing their private dreams of a better A noted curator had commented in her after the occurrence. Juxtaposing these future painted in place of the face – be it review of DAS that she was taken by the against snippets from international news a television set, a schoolbag, or a set of “multivalent expressions of refusal” that reportage and as well as the original audio children’s clothes. The voiceless, powerless permeated the event. In contrast, I find of the execution video, he wove together underprivileged of Nepal leave their home an uncanny embracing of the urgently a poignant narrative of apathy, outrage, and country in search of a better future, immediate in the works showcased by the exploitation and victimization. Iraq but usually end up being badly exploited Nepali contingent. Not only have they Killings’ fragmented narrative is so potent or victimized. Their dreams often ending explored the overwhelmingly relevant that it transcends the neutrality of artwork in death, as in the painting of the mother theme of the individual at the mercy of and slips into the realm of vital archival carrying a coffin bearing the images of state apathy and inadequacy, but also taken documentation. “Labour migration forms a dead bodies. Letters sent home, bound in pains to inspire commitment. Issue 226 | 26 June 2014 th nk

Music on Deaf Ears When our own cultural artistic groups and associations have the talent yet no government support, the picture of how the higher ups feel about World Music Day is rather dismal. Abhishek Mishra Think//Feature 26

ne of the most anticipated dates on a musician’s calendar is 21 June, World Music Day. It is an occasion for celebrating music, to create a platform for musicians and fans of various Ogenres to come together. The banner for the World Music Day celebrations has been carried by Alliance Française around the world for three decades now. The brain child of the then Cultural Minister of France, Jack Lang, the Fete De La Musique has been a staple Alliance Française fixture since 1982. “We take pride in organizing the event. It is a stage for upcoming bands and seasoned artists to come together and showcase their music,” says Prabin Rana, Deputy Director of Alliance Française Kathmandu. “It would be great if the government showed some interest as well,” he adds pensively. Rana’s statement does make one wonder about what the government has been doing on World Music Day? When it is, for instance, World Tuberculosis Day or Earth Day, the government can be seen setting up functions or small workshops, all rightfully so and for a right cause. Yet, they have been conspicuously absent when it comes to World Music Day. “In all the years I’ve been in charge, the government has never lent a helping hand on this day,” says Mitra Mani Pokhrel, who has held the post of Administration Officer at Culture Cooperation and Naach Ghar for the last eight years. Because of this lack of support, they have been able to organize only one solitary event in the past decade on World Music Day. “We do not have the funds to organize an event of a grand magnitude,” explains Pokhrel. However, the problem goes a lot deeper due to the lack of cooperation between the leaders of the nation and those looking to organize events on World Music Day. “The responsibility of preserving our culture lies on us,” says Pokhrel, who adds that the Know the Unknown is so vast, a majority of its Nepali Instruments citizens are unaware of how varied it is. “If we don’t give the musicians a stage to showcase their art, they’ll be demoralized. higher-ups,” says Kashish Das Shrestha of The They’ll forsake their art for a regular City Museum Kathmandu. job,” laments Pokhrel. Perhaps what the Perhaps, they should. Not only would it put government has failed to understand is the spotlight on our local musicians, with the that on this specific day, the global media proper backing by the state, the event could Arbaja publishes stories on music from around the encompass a larger audience and incorporate Thanks to the video world. People in Amsterdam or Nairobi artists who have been forgotten by the public. for Lochan Rijal’s Paurakhi, there has or Wisconsin could read and listen to our With the government’s reach, it could be a been a lot of interest traditional instruments, and even see the stage that showcases musicians not just in surrounding this virtuosity of Nepali musicians. Kathmandu but in other places as well. instrument lately. The calls for help also emanate from The music of Nepal has its own story to Although very Afghan in shape and sound, musician and Kathmandu University tell and it needs as much preservation as any the Arbaja has been Department of Music professor, Lochan monument or painting in the city. Kutumba, a a part of Nepali folk Rijal. “In my field of research, I have group responsible for taking Nepali instruments music for ages. encountered musicians who have carried to a global stage, has been doing that for a on their musical traditions for generations,” decade now. The popular folk ensemble, says Rijal. According to him, there’s a currently on tour in Europe, got their big tourism opportunity as well. “With proper break at Alliance Française’s World Music Day encouragement, Nepal can be a musical event. “Kutumba was good to begin with, but I believe our stage helped them a lot as it not only The roots of this destination too,” he states. So, not only are Model: Subani stringed instrument we missing the chance to show the world brought forth their sound, it also helped them Moktan can be traced to get across to a wider audience,” says Benoit what we have, we are also in danger of losing MUA: Amrita Ocean Sound the snow capped the songs and instruments that have been Gillet, Course Director at Alliance Française. Shrestha Simply called Ocean hills of Tibet. A The performing bands will be looking for Sound because the staple instrument part of Nepal’s cultural fabric for centuries. Location & for musicians from There are chances that the government similar opportunities at this year’s World Music pellets inside this Prop Courtesy: goatskin percussion the area bordering may not even have World Music Day on Day event in Kirtipur. The show is free, and Kathmandu mimick the sound China, it has trickled their annual calendar. “In all probability it is our beloved government officials are more than Jazz Conserva- of the ocean when down south over the not even recognized by the government and welcome to attend. tory (KJC) moved. centuries. 27 Think//Feature A Sewing Woman’s Empowerment Founded to support and provide education to underprivileged kids, Children and Youth First now also encourages empowerment among the women of Jhamsikhel. The evolution of the organization not only speaks of the importance of women, but also the need to enhance their skills, while also giving them newer opportunities to succeed. Stéphane Huët

t all started on a December night in mouth, some women from 2008 when a micro-van whisked away Jhamsikhel, where CYF’s I14 kids from an orphanage in Balaju. office is located, got to know about it. Seeing their It was not a kidnapping. interest, CYF gradually opened its doors to the “We rescued those orphans,” explains women of the community. Haushala Thapa, director of Children Ashmita is one of them. and Youth First, who instigated the “I like the fact that I’m not action. A few weeks after she had started forced to stay from 9 to 5,” volunteering at the shelter, Haushala she says. The trainees can noticed that the children were “fed only drop in whenever they’re chiura and weren’t attending school.” So, free. They learn and get along with some friends, she decided to paid for each item they take the children out of the orphanage, make. But it’s not just about with the will to offer them a better life. earning money; it’s also Things weren’t very rosy for a while about allowing women after that night. Because Haushala had to express themselves rescued the kids on impulse, she didn’t freely. Jamuna, assistant have anywhere to take them. Haushala’s trainer at CYF, enjoys these acquaintances didn’t want to support her moments with her friends, without guarantees, as the group that sharing their problems and consisted of her friends and the kids, resolving them together. wasn’t legally registered. For a whole When she joined CYF two Kamala, Jamuna, and Pammi all reveal They also sew better with lesser month, the children lived in a flat under years ago, Jamuna hardly that they’re proud to be a part of CYF. materials compared to their French restraining conditions. As a result, the knew how to sew. “I’ve They repeat the words “freedom” and counterparts”. While observing orphans were confused and started improved a lot since, and “independent” often while talking about the women working at CYF, one doubting Haushala’s motives. “It was the I’m happy to be able to their new lives with the NGO. “We’re can feel it’s a two-way workshop: most difficult situation we’ve been in so teach my sisters,” she says. so lucky to be learning constantly,” says Laetitia has been learning from far,” she reveals. CYF’s workshops are Pammi. her trainees too. “The girls are Fortunately, the group received the help open to all women, even Under the instructions of Laetitia teaching me how to keep it simple, of Prema Zimba, the head of Life Vision to those from wealthy Darou, an employee of H&M in Paris, who which is my company’s code,” she Academy in Bhaktapur, who offered to take families, as Haushala is in Nepal to run a two-week workshop says. And the sharing goes beyond the children into her school for free. It was clarifies. For two years at CYF for a volunteering programme design and knitting. “They taught only then that Children and Youth First now, these gatherings have called Congé Solidaire (supported by the me how to bargain with Nepali (CYF) was legally registered. The NGO fostered empowerment French association, Planète Urgence), the shopkeepers too,” smiles Darou. then started to provide quality education among the women. Before ladies will learn a lot more. “CYF needed CYF and Laetitia Darou will to children of single parents. joining CYF, Kamala a person with a fresh eye, someone with a be showcasing the items produced Even though CYF has a hostel that can remembers sitting idle knowledge of the designs that are saleable during the workshop at an house 50 youngsters, the organization at home. “I’ve always outside our country,” explains Haushala. exhibition at Base Camp in Arun shouldn’t be considered another wanted to get out and do Indeed, the NGO has aims to increase its Thapa Chowk, Sanepa on Thursday orphanage, says its director. The NGO something. Now I have sales abroad – they’re already exporting to 19 June, 5 p.m. onwards. has sometimes had to deal with parents new abilities, and feel Austria, France, and the USA. According looking to discard their children, but useful,” she reveals. Pammi, to Haushala, Laetitia’s arrival has given a CYF wants the kids to keep a connection who is from Darjeeling boost to the women working and training with their parents. “We want to provide in India, came to CYF at CYF. progress reports to the parents so that they when the training sessions “By the end of the workshop the girls From Mauritius, Stéphane Huët, works know what level their kids have reached,” were just starting. At that will know how to make new stuff such as in print and radio, in France and Nepal, says Haushala. time, she had been facing scarves, shopping bags, camera bags, and and likes writing about culture and Children’s education isn’t CYF’s only problems of her own - bags for the disabled – all with the material sports. In September 2012, he was concern. The NGO developed a program financial and personal. they’ve been using before,” says Laetitia selected by Radio France Internationale (RFI) to be a blogger on Mondoblog. to make sure the economic standards of “Being part of CYF Darou. single parents could increase at the same changed my life,” she says Laetitia didn’t know what to expect from her trainees before arriving in Nepal. Children and Youth First: http:// time, and in 2012, the NGO established with sigh. “Even during cyfnepal.org/, and cyf.organisation@ knitting and sewing workshops. In the difficult times, CYF was But, she’s been pleasantly surprised: “They gmail.com learn so quickly. They can reproduce an beginning, the workshops consisted only always there to support Planète Urgence: planete.urgence. of single mothers, but through word of m e”. item perfectly just by looking at a picture. [email protected] Think//Issues That Matter 28 The Eighty-Year-Old Self Can you imagine yourself at eighty? Will you be able to re-engage, re-explore, and re-live at that age? Anubhuti Poudyal

We see old people travel the world all the time. Sadly, not many of them happen to be Nepali. From trekking in the mountains to walking around the city, we’ve witnessed elderly people from around the globe come to our country and explore nooks and crannies with great excitement. When will that attitude extend to our old folks?

The Old Story In our society, old people are taken care of. Slowly, as the years drag, they go from being the bread earners to the bread receivers. But old age, in our region, is usually not a happy time. It is a period filled with nothing but rest. The thought of that phase stretching for years fills us with a sense of dread, a notion that stems partly from our misconception of old age and partly through the society that has presented it in that manner.

The Morning in the Evening While we think of old age as the “setting of the sun” and “drying up of the river,” there are many around the world who actually look forward to retirement. The years after fifty are when people finally get to enjoy what they’ve worked for their entire lives. Nepal needs a similar approach to life and old age. “We want the older folks to re-engage themselves in activities. Just because they’re old doesn’t mean they have to stop exploring their dreams. That is exactly why we conceived the idea of Bihani,” says Santoshi Rana, Founder/Director of Bihani Social Venture. Bihani views old age with a positive outlook and hopes to change society’s Many of us dread the years after fifty, but it is society that is to perception of it. They want people in their post-retirement age to re-explore, re-live, be blamed for this outlook. Our later years can still be enjoyed and re-engage. with a little planning and help from organizations.

The Three Stands start organizations. Under their organizational in helping older folks achieve their dreams, Working on three core strategies, Bihani services, Bihani helps people who are interested in as small as it may be. “We’ve had women who associates with people and organizations volunteering or creating markets for their products had always desired to become singers, but were that help the venture in attaining its eventual by introducing them to necessary partners. From unable to do so due to family commitments, sing goal of creating a positive outlook towards technological help to package branding, it makes at our musical events,” says Rana, with a smile. life and living meaningfully. sure that the senior citizens have everything they Bihani has also helped people work actively after Firstly, it organizes social activities that need to make it on their own. retirement. The organization has a small but loyal help old people overcome loneliness. “We following who attend their events. “We hope to strengthen interactions among old people Say Yes to Technology take it to a larger scale but we don’t want to force through documentary film screenings, indoor With migration at probably its highest in our memberships on people. We just invite them to games, and musical events,” says Rana. “Our country, the older citizens outnumber the events and if they love it, they come back,” says activities also unite the young and old with youth. These older folks are also parents who Rana. the sole purpose of decreasing the gap we see want to communicate with their children Many of us dread the years after fifty, but it between these two demographics.” abroad. Although technology has indeed made is society that is to be blamed for this outlook. Secondly, Bihani aims to address the communication easier, a lot of them have found it Our later years can still be enjoyed with a little health related issues of the elderly. “We difficult to master. This is where Bihani once again planning and help from organizations. At present, partner with different organizations that steps in. there are hundreds of organizations working in understand our goals and objectives,” explains “We teach them everything - from Twitter Kathmandu for some form of social change, with Rana. “We collaborated with Health@Home to Viber to Skype - in the convenience of their low number dedicated to the aging population, to explain to old people what hypertension homes. We make sure they know how to use and even of those who do, there are lesser who actually is. We also organized a Tai Chi technology to communicate,” says Rana. aim to make activity based changes in the lives of workshop recently, and we tied up with The ability to utilize modern technology older population. There are some who work hard Niranaya to consider making gyms friendlier makes older citizens feel like a part of the for policy development and lobbying, but today’s for older people.” In short, Bihani looks for current world rather than a relic needing society needs more. It needs people who can innovative ways to address the topic of health. constant attention or help. In its own way, provide exemplary actions to meet the needs of Finally, in order to make their earnings technology has been making older people gain aging population. As long as we have time on our sustainable, Bihani provides counseling and confidence as self-sufficient members of society. hands and money that we’ve worked hard for, all suggestions to senior citizens who want to Bihani Social Venture has been instrumental we need is an attitude that bests defeat.

MOVIE Think//Fr!day Films REVIEW 30 False Mask of Competence Prawin Adhikari

he actor Arpan Thapa has created a niche for himself by playing rather intense characters in a variety of Nepali movies: from Murray Kerr’s jittery Sick TCity to the unreleased features Tandav and Suntali, he has proved himself capable of handling brooding, troubled souls. His directorial debut Mukhauta – for which he also wrote the screenplay along with Pratik Gurung – continues in the same vein. It is no exaggeration to say that it is a pastiche of his past roles, and also the best example of his preoccupation with a particular sort of a man: nursed on urban seediness, full of loud grimaces and bloody spittle, a man continuously at odds with the world around him, an undercurrent of violence behind an intense but unmoving mask. The Nepali Brihat Shabdakosh doesn’t acting from the dubbing-booth, and that Mukhauta has no commentary to list this variation of the word – the entry is the audience’s loss. I am sure there are make about anything. It could’ve been there is for mukhauto, for a mask, a designs to use him in the sequel. placed anywhere else in the world, and it false visage that allows for obfuscation , Robin Tamang, and Sunil wouldn’t suffer or improve as a work: such of intentions. (This is ostensibly the Thapa do nothing to help the movie along: is its disconnection from its space. The theme for the movie: the idea is repeated their characters are cardboard cutouts timeline is so muddled that it takes a learned in numerous scenes where characters without any trace of originality. Hamal understanding of different tones and hues deliver lines built around the word, indulges in what has become my pet peeve: to know what is going on where and when. either beseeching or threatening another the villain who laughs maniacally when Nisha Adhikari’s character is a prop so character to remove their mukhauta.) he gets his evil ways. What is especially carelessly sketched that: a) upon retching But the movie seems more of a masque annoying is his habit of breaking the fourth in the morning, she knows with certainty – a dumb show where characters wear wall when he laughs like that. Is that meant that she is pregnant; b) within a few more grotesque faces that allow them to be to implicate the audience complicit in his scenes, the baby is kicking in the womb; c) compressed into clichés usually seen murderous designs toward conquering the upon being captured, is discarded. Adhikari’s Starring only in the movies, with motives and Thamel underworld? Rajesh Hamal, Sunil bar-dancer character first dances, abruptly, expressions seen only in the movies, The most disturbing scene is perhaps Thapa, Saugat Malla, then disappears for a few scenes until she employed here to achieve an end feasible the one where Saugat Malla attempts the Dayahang Rai, Robin reappears to be introduced properly – as only in the movies. Which is to say – pendulum between manic and pathetic: Tamang, Nisha a bar dancer. The chronological shifts are Adhikari, Harshika despite its protestations to otherwise, but his method for that actorly display Shrestha, Prasant either very ambitious, or utterly, utterly Mukhauta has no basis in reality, and includes punching the daylights out of a Tamrakar confused, and therefore a strain on the mind. coked-out girlfriend/kept-woman played therefore comes off as an exercise in Editor Narendra Mainali’s cinematography seems fantasy alone, and therefore lacking the by Harshika Shrestha. As the woman got Nimesh Shrestha to have been ruined by the muddled timeline spine of reality that would have allowed punched around and threatened with that required sequences to be rendered in Screenplay By the work to stand up to more meaningful the loss of her life, the audience cheered. Arpan Thapa & Pratik black and white and through various other scrutiny. Perhaps they only saw Malla’s acting, and Gurung filters. After the gritty, mysterious frames Saugat Malla and Dayahang Rai are forgot that there was something truly Music of The Contagious Apparitions of Dambarey perhaps the most reliable men acting horrific happening on screen, something Kalyan Singh, Dendrite, his work in Mukhauta seems a total in Nepali movies these days. And they that required the audience to accept that Kaliprasad Baskota, waste of his talent. have been wasted here: Malla by being abuse and abasement of women is routine Sunny Sunam After Tulsi Ghimire, perhaps Arpan given meaty scenes which require him enough to not require a second glance. It Produced By Thapa is the next interesting writer- to play a single tone of hysterics, and is not enough to have her character gain Rabin Shrestha director-actor to have come along. But, Rai, inexplicable, by being reduced to access to the gangster’s ring (of power) at Written & there is little evidence in Mukhauta of a voice. It is no secret that Malla can the end, and set her up for a meatier role in Directed By: his capabilities as a director, and as a deliver caricatures very well – Haku the sequel, to justify the narrative choices Arpan Thapa writer. However, after sitting through two Kale was but a caricature, and is now a in this movie. Misogyny for the sake of it viewings of Mukhauta, I felt desperate to part of Nepali cinema lore. But he is also is no more a part of the narrative than it yell at the actresses in the movie and tell capable of nuance and pathos, something is an expression of the individuals behind them – Stop settling for such demeaning we have witnessed on stage before. Here, the work. Same goes for racist remarks: It roles that add nothing to your work as he screams his way through. Even in the is disturbing that the narrator introduces actors, or to your growth as individuals! one scene that humanizes his Ravi to an Tamang’s character as Chepang, whereas Maybe it is people like Nisha Adhikari and extent, when he beseeches his father Mr. D it would have been a forgivable prejudice Harshika Shrestha who should be writing for fatherly love, Malla is still screaming, if another character in the story had used Prawin Adhikari writes roles for themselves, instead of playing still only an inch away from falling into the word to introduce the old gangster’s fiction and screen- punching-bags and rape-dolls for men B-movie villainy. character. And when the entertainment plays, and teaches. He who want only to scream, smoke, and spill is an assistant editor Rai has the most capable body among derives from acts of unspeakable cruelty with La.Lit, the literary fake blood all over themselves. Mukhauta men acting today: the lightness with which – which is not the same as stylized magazine, accessible most audaciously sets itself up for a sequel he uses his somewhat portly frame, the violence – it implicates not the characters online at www.lalitmag. – if one is to be inflicted upon us, let it be unassuming fluidity of his movement – perpetrating the action onscreen, but the com His collection the opposite of this iteration; let it be one of short stories The these allow him to inject menace or pathos people behind the camera, who could have Vanishing Act was pub- that takes the failures of Mukhauta and into a scene with equal ease. In Mukhauta, paused to examine the values espoused by lished in March, 2014, brings us less slow-motion butchery, and however, he is limited in some scenes to their cinematic choices, but didn’t. by Rupa Publications. more nuance and grounded emotions.

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