Every Thursday ISSUE 254 RS 40 8 JANUARY 2015 24 kf}if 2071
The Smarter Entertainment Weekly
The Race to Glory Three riders, three stories. Fr!day this week pays tribute to the winners of the recently concluded Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture
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! CYCLING FOR AWARENESS A voice from the east Earthquake Safety Cycle Rally Born in Darjeeling, performing, backed by Date: 10 January Banika Pradhan is the Kripa’s house band, are Time: 9am onwards holder of titles such as Sustari Sustari (lyrics Venue: Mangalbazar, Lalitpur ‘Himalayan Idol 2005 and music by Pushpan Onus Nepal and the National Society for (Darjeeling)’, ‘Khoj-Voice Pradhan), Thiyena Kohi Earthquake Technology-Nepal are teaming up of Bengal 2013 (Calcutta)’, Mero (lyrics and music for the Earthquake Safety Cycle Rally to mark the and ‘Sa re ga ma pa 2012 by Gopal Yonzon), Harr 17th Earthquake Safety Day. The event follows the (Theater Round).’ She has Raat Sapanima (originally slogan: “Earthquake may strike any time, be ready been pursuing a career in by Deep Shrestha), and and prepared every time.” The rally, which has been music in Kathmandu for Galbandhi Banayie endorsed by the National Committee of the 17th the past seven months. Berana (music by Sachin Earthquake Safety Day celebrations, is also included Her first performance in Singh). in the national program. The event aims to prepare the Valley was at ‘Gopa- “This session for the public for earthquakes and related problems. laya: a tribute to late Kripa Unplugged was Gopal Yonzon,’ and now an excellent experience,” 5 things you need to know about the event: • Since there is no registration fee, everyone is welcome to her second performance says the singer. Banika participate to help make the cause effective. will be aired on the is currently working on • All participants will receive certificates, and 10 fortunate upcoming episode of her solo album and has participants will win gift hampers. Kripa Unplugged. already dubbed vocals for • Cycling Route: Mangal Bazaar, Kumveshwor, Sankhamul, UN Park, Baneshwor, Maitighar, Singha Durbar, Shahid Gate, The songs that the a few upcoming Nepali New Road Gate, Jhochhen, Lagan Chowk, Teku, Sanepa, Photo Courtesy: Prasit Humagain Banika will be seen movies and compilations. Jhamsikhel Chowk, Pulchowk, Jawalakhel, and Mangal Bazaar. • Prior registration is necessary for renting cycles. • Participants will be informed of further rules during the program.
AS ART TRANSCENDS TOP 3 EVENTS Presentation and Discussion by Regina Höfer and PEEDA GEET WANDERLUST Prof. Dr. Nobert M. Schmitz Date: Until 10 January Journeying for Art Time: 5pm Date: 11 January to 12 April Venue: Theatre Village, Date: 8 January global art and the current Schmitz will be discussing Time: 11am to 5pm Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat Time: 4:30pm trends in South Asia, such as global art. Venue: Park Gallery, Contact: 4001089 Venue: Himalayan Bank the monumental movement • The presentation and Pulchowk, Lalitpur Auditorium, Kamaladi of Tibetan thangkas that discussion will shine light Contact: 5522307 Contact: 4246218, 4246219, have been going beyond the on the requirements of FOR A LIVABLE NEPAL! Entry: Free 4227749, 4250201 traditional. South Asian art. Interaction with A presentation and • Regina Höfer is a curator • There will also be a Q&A MP GaganThapa POST US: Email event details discussion on contemporary and art historian who session. to [email protected]. Tibetan and global art will specializes in Indian • The event will focus Date: 8 January np or call 5011571/ 5011639/ be taking place on 8 January and Tibetan art. While on how contemporary Time: 3pm 5011730/ 5011731 for Venue: The City listings. Listings are free but at the Kamaladi branch of she will be talking about Tibetan artists can alter inclusion is not guaranteed due Himalayan Bank. The event the fields she specializes and mold their skills into Museum, Durbarmarg to limited space. will basically dwell upon in, Prof. Dr Nobert M. modern art. Entry: Open to public
Kickstart//Out & About 6
BAJRACHARYA’S STROKES OF NATURE Nature and Eternity Date: 26 October 2014 to 16 January 2015 OUT ABOUT Venue: Park Gallery, Pulchowk & Opening Hours: 11am to 5:30pm Widely known for her work Nature and Eternity that was first showcased in 2004, PramilaBajracharya is currently displaying no less than 30 of her new paintings under the same title at Park Gallery, Pulchowk. Rich colors like black and red are WANDERLUST he has brought forth provides a ART AND THEATRE unifying framework for his visual predominant in the paintings with Journeying for Art accentuated outlines to stress on Date: 11 January to 12 April elements. En-route developing the shapes and figures. The artwork, Time: 11am to 5pm a personal art philosophy, ALL ABOARD THE EARTH SHIP! AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY Dhwoj is currently pursuing Recipe for Change – Ushuaia Yomari Night with Jimmy Thapa mostly representing figures and Venue: Park Gallery, Pulchowk, the third year of his BFA at Earthship Build Date: 5 December until January landscapes, has been hugely inspired Lalitpur Lalitkala Campus.Originally Date: 17 January 2015 by Newari and Bangladeshi lifestyle, Contact: 5522307 from Daraundi, Dhwoj is an Time: 11am onwards Time:10 am- 5pm the latter a product of various Entry: Free avid traveler and cyclist, having Entry: Free Venue: Galleria Ishadine, inspirations during the SAARC Art covered an impressive tract of Kupondole, Lalitpur Camp 2014 held in Bangladesh. Young artist Dhwoj Gurung ground all over Nepal: from Clean-up Nepal, in collaboration presents his take on plein- Nuwakot to the ABC circuit to with Action Films, brings to you a Artist Jimmy Thapa, after having air watercolor and acryclic Janabahal, he depicts all the must-watch screening of Ushuaia experimented with variousart INTERACTING WITH THE STARS landscapes and scenes. inspiration into his art. This Earthship Build. Earthshipsare forms such as miniatures, line Utsav in the 22nd edition of Basically, the term ‘plein-air’ quarterly exhibition represents off-the-grid buildings that catch art, and a t-shirt line, will now be Cinemandu is a French expression which a step in Dhwoj’s journey. More their own water and create their own showcasing the memories of his Date: 9 January means "in the open air" and is than 25 paintings selected from food and energy. The documentary five-month journey from Gomoukh Time: 3pm particularly used to describe the his trips will be showcased from focuses mainly on how they to the Ganges, by bringing us Venue: Nepal Bharat Library, Nepal act of painting outdoors.Dhwoj’s 11 January to 12 April as part work. The film has the potential majestic pieces using Himalayan Airlines Building, New Road work resonates with color and of Park Gallery’s fourth quarterly to provide food for thought to Lokta paper along with the local Entry: Free (Limited seats, on a first form and his freestyle appoach show. An artist-in-progress, green-earth enthusiasts. It seems artistic equipment of the regions come first serve basis) balances visual drama with these landscapes represent the almost surreal to conceptualize but he visited. This will also be the academic painting.His images foundations of Dhwoj’s visual viewers can grasp onto something first time Thapa will be displaying Starring Saugat Malla and Prakriti may seem carefree but the environmentally friendly. And, of his art in a gallery setting – just Shrestha and directed by Kumar thought and composition that sensitivity. course, the screening is free. one more reason to visit! Bhattarai, Utsav is a film that revolves around friendship, love, and joy.At the 22nd edition of ALL ABOUT THE ART! Cinemandu, you will get the Contemporary Tibetan Art: Between Tradition and Globalization opportunity to watch the film and Date: 8 January interact with the cast and crew. Time: 4:30pm OUTDOORS Venue: Himalayan Bank Auditorium, Kamaladi REVIVE THE JOY OF STITCHING Contact:[email protected], 9849519933 Handicraft exhibition ‘Sketch to Stitch’ GETAWAY Date: 22 December, 2014 to 31 Shivapuri Climb Love art and want to know more about Tibetan art, January, 2015 Duration: 2 to 3 hours to Nangi and 6 to 7 to the summit, Time: 10 am to 7 pm daily Difficulty level:Easy - Moderate, can be strenuous at some globalization, and tradition?If yes, don’t miss the Venue: Café Mitini points, Contact: 4381214/9802095999, info@nature- discussion/presentation by German academicians Contact: 4002068 treks.com ReginaHoefer and Dr. NobertSchmitz, who will The hand embroidery workshop Have you ever hiked at Shivapuri National be talking about contemporary Tibetan art and conducted by Design Academy Mitini in collaboration with fair Park? Take a leisure walk along the national Global Art respectively. The lecture investigates trade producer KTS (Kumbeshwar park trail through Buddhist monasteries or the requirements of globalization, including the Technical School) ran for a month in November, 2014. The workshop had march all the way to the summit, either way historicity of art terminology and its Eurocentric 11 participants, all KTS’ knitwear it will be an indulging experience. Shivapuri projections. Thediscussion contributes to the self- producers. They persevered through the month to learn a wide range National Park, with the sub-tropical forest reflection of contemporary art in Nepal. of hand-embroidery skills that add value to their beautiful products. covered Shivapuri Peak standing at 2732 m, Every year KTS publishes a calendar, is the closest hiking trail to the capital. The #OCCUPY IN A SERIES OF IMAGES which includes the works of children #OCCUPY: an expression of global who are the chief beneficiaries of park is also where the sacred rivers Bagmati conscience their core philanthropic belief ‘Equal and Bishnumati originate. Date: 15 December to Opportunities for All’. To celebrate 7 January 20 the initiative of KTS 2015 calendar, Venue: The City Museum Design Acadamy Mitini and KTS’s Kathmandu embroidery workshop participants will re-imagine the children’s sketches The globally renowned #Occupy into hand-made embroidery. The changed from a local expression exhibition will run for over a month. MUSIC & PARTIES of social injustice into a social movement. Its escalation can be credited solely to social media. It SONGS OF SORROW THE MAGIC OF DISNEY completely combusts the orthodox Peeda Geet Disney Fiesta idea of staying silent and promotes Date: Until 10 January Time: 12pm onwards the culture of speaking up against Time: 5pm Venue: United World Trade Center injustice.The year-end exhibition Venue: Theatre Village, Uttar Dhoka, Entry: Rs.1000 (drink included) at The City Museum Kathmandu pieces. The curator Kashish Lazimpat is an acknowledgement of this Das Shrestha, Director of The Contact: 4001089 World Class Entertainment, in association with Soul spirit, as well as art and art forms City Museum Kathmandu, is Shakers, brings you a Disney themed dance party where you that inspires, and is inspired by, curating ‘#Occupy: an exhibition Peeda Geet is a monologue can dress up as your favorite Disney princess and win the it. The exhibition being held is an of global conscience.’Kashish written, directed, and acted by Miss Disney crown! The party, the first to follow a Disney uncanny depiction of Hong Kong’s himself was present at KhagendraLamichhane. It tells theme in Kathmandu, also features new and upcoming #UmbrellaRevolution (2014), #OccupyWallStreet (2011), so the story of Dal Bahadur, a person DJs(DJ Saushan Rai, DJ Dasrath, DJ Bikas) at a totally Kathmandu’s #OccupyBaluwatar his images will be incorporated displaced by the armed conflict. The Disney themed venue, where you can play out your Disney (December 2012), and New York’s too along with that of artist play talks about his struggle after fantasies with someone special. There is also a surprise #OccupyWallStreet (2011). It Aditya Aryal, alias Sadhu-X.The having lost his home and family female DJ performing, so you might not want to miss this. includes reproductions of creative exhibition will be hosted from and the situations he faces when he dissent as well as the three original 15 December to 7 January. comes to the city. 7
STORIES OF THE BALLOT BOX Speakers at the event will AdityaAdhikari's "The Bullet include Dr. BaburamBhattarai And The Ballot Box: The Story (former Prime Minister, MISCELLANEOUS of Nepal's Maoist Revolution" senior leader of the United Date: 12 January Communist Party of Nepal - LIVE WIRE A REGIONAL ECONOMIC DISCUSSION Time: 3pm Maoist),KhagendraSangroula Venue: TheCity Museum, (writer and columnist), and Asia Liberty Forum, 2015 Durbarmarg PrashantJha (author, Battles MOKSH Date: 8 to 10 January, 2015, Venue: Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Fee: Every Tuesday Entry: Open to public of the New Republic: A Individual- $150, Individual (Think Tank)-$100 and Student- $50 Rohit John Chhetri (Seatings on first come first Contemporary History of Nepal) Contact: [email protected] Time: 7pm onwards served basis) Location: Jhamsikhel 250 participants—including intellectuals, think tank leaders, policy Contact: 5528362 AdityaAdhikari will be makers, and freedom champions—from over 30 countries will be launching his book The Bullet discussing economic policies and good governance in Asia at the EMBASSY RESTRO& BAR and the Ballot Box: The Story third annual Asia Liberty Forum. In partnership with Samriddhi, Wednesday: 7 December (New of Nepal’s Maoist Revolutionon The Prosperity Foundation, FNF South Asia, and Atlas Network, the Year Eve) 12 January. The book is based forum provides a unique opportunity to interact closely with experts Prayash (band) on his research, analysis, as on topics such as development challenges and economic policies. Thursday: 8 December well as personal observation. Salsa workshop with Riyaz and DISCOVER THE FILMMAKER about anyone with an interest in his crew Friday: 9 December IN YOU this workshop. The participants FOR A LIVABLE NEPAL! will have the opportunity to Unplugged show by ‘Prayas Climate + Change Documentary Interaction with MP GaganThapa Band’ Film Making Workshop learn the basics of audiovisual Date: 8 January language,shooting angles, and Date: 20January to 3 February Time: 3pm Every Sunday, Monday and (Saturdays off) various other important working Venue: The City Museum, Durbarmarg processes i.e. pre-production, Tuesday Time: 2 to 5pm Entry: Open to public Piano night by Pema Venue: America Corner script writing, shooting, and editing. The documentaries Pokhara, Pokhara Public Saturday: 10December Library, MahendraPul produced in the workshop are going to be a part of Climate + Live acoustic show by Application Deadline: Dharmender and Bittu 12January Change outreach activities in Pokhara. Creative Director and Contact:Sijan LIVE BARBECUE FROM 6PM Shrestha 9806559166 scriptwriter Raul TidorOlloquiwill be instructing the workshop. ONWARDS Entry: Rs.3000 per participant Time: 6:30pm onwards Location: Lazimpat Want to tell a story through Contact: 4424040 documentaries but have no idea what how to make one? No TAMARIND RESTRO AND BAR problem at all. Join the Climate Every Thursday, Sundayand + Change Documentary Film On 31 December 2014, the Kathmandu Post published in its Monday Making Workshop and be a Live piano by Sunil Singh part of this fruitful experience New Year supplement an op-ed by MP GaganThapa, and The City Museum Kathmandu's Director, Kashish Das Shrestha, on Wednesday: 7 December for aspiring filmmakers, OM (band) the policy directives and actions that should be taken in 2015 photographers with an interest in Saturday: 10 December to deal with Kathmandu's air quality problem. The solutions film making, people interested Supersonic (band) proposed would also help Kathmandu deal with its energy in environmental issues,or just Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm crisis, groundwater recharge, as well as public health issues. On Location: Jhamsikhel Thursday, MP Thapa will speak briefly about his policy visions Contact: 5522626 CLICK CLICK! and planned actions for a Livable Kathmandu, a to-do list for Basic Photography Workshop this year, and how it helps set a course for Nepal's sustainable Date:18 to 24 January JAZZ UPSTAIRS urban development. This will be followed by a Q&A and Time: 7am to 9am (extendable timings) Wednesday: 7 December interaction with the audience. Venue: The Image Park, Jawalakhel Cadenza Contact: Type your name and send an SMS to 9841279544/9841 240341/9803309513 Time: 7:00pm onwards Entry: Rs.2499 for Rotaract/Rotary members and ISIC(International Location: Lazimpat Student Identity Card) holders / Rs.3500 for others Contact: 4416983 FOOD MADHUSALA If you want to gain or brush up your photography skills and have Every Friday till Wednesday the desire to learn the what’s-what of basic photography, The Uday& Manila Sotang live with Image Park with the Rotary Club of Jawalakhel presents the Basic A GRAND FOOD AFFAIR JeewanKalapremi and Nava Photography Workshop. DSLRs are preferred (and also hirable), but Winter Menu Ratna (band) not required. You will be instructed by five experienced mentors Date: 1 to 31January from various institutions and media outlets who will help you focus Venue: Rox Restaurant & Bar, Time: 7:15-11:30 pm on personality development and critical discussions along with Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Location: Durbar Marg photography ethics and various other technicalities such as camera Contact: 4223613 SIM and how to judge a photo. Learn the 10 secrets of camera Keeping in mind the deary settings, learn how to take well-composed and artistic photos, and winter days, Rox Restaurant TAMASLAYA if you have it in you, maybe you’ll land a good internship! & Bar at Hyatt has come Wednesday: 7 December up with a delectable Open Night with Jovan menu for winter. The CYCLING FOR AWARENESS MAGAZINE LAUNCH @CITY menu includes a lot of Friday: 9 December (Naxal) Earthquake Safety Cycle Rally MUSEUM options for both vegetarians Accoustix Date: 10 January Diaspora: Southasia Abroad and non-vegetarians alike Time: 7:00-10:00pm Time: 9am onwards Date: 17January when it comes to soups, salads, Location: Naxal Venue: Mangalbazar, Lalitpur Venue: The City Museum, main courses, and desserts. Contact: 4414395 Durbarmarg Onus Nepal and the National Time: 4pm DEGAA Society for Earthquake Suresh Kumar Chhetri Technology-Nepal are teaming FLAVORS OF AMERICA! Himal Southasian will be Friday:9 December up for the Earthquake Safety Soaltee’s American food promotion launching its latest issue, Time:6:30 pm onwards Cycle Rally to mark the 17th Date: 12 December onwards Diaspora: Southasia Abroad, Location:Kumaripati Earthquake Safety Day. The event Venue: Garden Terrace, Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu which delivers a broader Contact: 5008679 follows the slogan:“Earthquake perception of South Asians Contact: 9801067070 may strike any time, be ready overseas. The stories explore MULCHOWK and prepared every time.” The The Garden Terrace at Soaltee Crowne Plaza has a tantalizing the negotiation of races, also Live performance every Friday rally, which has been endorsed emphasizing on the political American cuisine menu, with a wide variety to choose from, by Mul (band) by the National Committee of and ethnic drifting of the be it appetizers, main courses, or desserts. The restaurant is Genre: Fusion and classical the 17th Earthquake Safety Day Pakistani and Bangladeshi a great place for a meal with the family with ample seating Attractions: special chef menu celebrations, is also included community abroad, and the arrangements, bar areas, dessert counter, live show kitchen, Time: 6:15pm-9:15pm in the national program. The matter of non-resident Indian as well as a private dining room that opens up to the sundeck Location: Babar Mahal Revisited event aims to prepare the public citizens. It also provides where you can enjoy your food looking at the beautiful landscape Contact: 01-4259801 for earthquakes and related information about other around you. It is open throughout the day and offers Indian, problems. relevant issues. Continental, Oriental, as well as Italian cuisine. Shalina Agrawal, Gaurav Golochha, Manvi Agrawal and Salisa Giri 1 3 2
NEW YEAR’S SUMMIT 31 DECEMBER THE SUMMIT HOTEL, SANEPA New Year’s Eve at The Summit Hotel had a little 4 bit of something for everyone. The night saw Shalu Chettri and Bharat KC a dance performance by Pratima Rai and live music by 1974 AD. A few of the lucky guests won door prizes including spa treatments and night stay at hotels. The event also had a buffet with barbeque and packages that included New Year breakfast at the hotel itself. The guests spent a pleasant New Year as they counted down to 2015 with the band members of 1974AD.
1.Sanjay Shrestha 2.Nirakar Yakthumba 3.Rohit John Chhetri 4.Manoj K.C HALL OF FRAME
Rojisha Shahi Saurav Jyoti and Shrijana
Roshan Dhakhwa and Aaruni Waiba Nirjana Dhakhwa Prasant Tamrakar and Prabina Tamrakar
WISHFUL SINFUL 31 DECEMBER HOTEL YAK AND YETI The latest edition of Sinners in Heaven—The Sinners Reloaded, was hosted at Hotel Yak & Yeti, marking Kalpana Karki and Rita Singh the end of 2014 and the start of 2015. The New Year’s celebration kicked off early at the hotel, with guests pouring in flocks by nine o’clock. The floor was set alive by DJ Varun, with the crowd dancing to the beat of both English and Bollywood numbers. The hall was laid out with an eclectic buffet, complemented with a live food counter—all of which Sahana Bajracharya was served with an unlimited supply of drinks. Furthermore, the event with Anupama Aura Gurung, as the host, also had door prizes for the partygoers
Dj vik and Dj varun and a flair show to mark the starting Aura Gurung, Lumanti Shakya Aishworgya Shahi of 2015. Mukti Shakya Garima Rana 2 3 1
4 5 ATOP ALL CELEBRATIONS INFINITY AND BEYOND 31 DECEMBER, EVEREST HOTEL 31 DECEMBER, HOTEL ANNAPURNA A swinging performance by Deepak Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Hotel Bajracharya kicked off the evening at 6 Annapurna began the glitzy evening with Everest Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The six glorious international cuisines and musician sang his popular tunes with upbeat performances. Infinity Night enthusiasm to a room filled with reputed welcomed the New Year with a gala personalities, who were surrounded by dinner featuring several international friends and family members. cuisines: Kerala, Kashmiri, traditional Much to the delight of the guests, a Nepali, Italian, Spanish, and Oriental. dance group entered the stage afterwards. Infinity Night, running in its fourth year, Later, everyone grooved to the beats of DJ had Sanjay Gupta hosting, a dance K.Anzill as she led the way for Bajracharya troupe performing, DJ Zen Ney’s beats to carry out the final countdown into the and, saving the best for last, Mukti& year 2015. Revival. Some fortunate people won Namrata Shrestha New Year’s Eve gift hampers and the 1.K Anzii 2.Deepak Bajracharya grand prize, the first elite membership 3.Rojan Kayastha 4.Sandhya K.C card of HotelAnnapurna worth Rs.50,000 5.Prahlad R. Kunwar 6.Ricky Shakya was also given away. Supriya Tuladhar
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2 TO INFINEON AND BEYOND 31 DECEMBER, RADISSON HOTEL The Radisson Hotel hosted one of the biggest New Year’s Eve bashes in town, Infineon XV. The celebration began in the Radisson ballroom at 6pm where guests were treated to a flow of unlimited 1 drinks while the band, The Sound of Stream, provided the entertainment. Additionally, DJ Punit 11 and the MC of the show, Srijana Regmi, kept the ambience alive throughout the event. The clincher of the night was the lavish gala buffet dinner that followed the appetizers at the garden with live cooking stations that ranged from Japanese ,Indian to Continental and Middle Eastern.
1.Rishma Shrestha and Daniel Pradhan 2.Sujendra Khadgi and Niraj Shahi 3.Rachana Regmi, Sareena, Srijana Regmi and Sabita Karki 4.Karuna Manandhar 5.Eresh Shrestha 6.Sabita Karki 7.Anita and Divya 8.Abhishek Thapa Magar 9.Pooja Jaiswal 10.Punit Bikram Shah 11.Umesha Bhatta Kickstart//Week That Was 10 WEEK THAT WAS
WAKE UP CALL FOR ART LOVERS #IMAGINE The Yellow House, Sanepa,3 January Kathmandu, 31 December
Sometimes you just need to know order to find the inspiration to On 31 December, Imagine, John what’s out there to motivate your continue weaving their own craft. Lennon’s anthem for peace art. The art market organized by Notebooks for writers, posters and hope took center stage TRANQUIL EVE AT MACHAN Image Ark and The Yellow House for artists, coffee mugs for in capitals across the world, GG Machan, Pulchowk, 31December reminded people of how much is coffeeholics, postcards for poets, inspiring the global movement being done in that particular field calendars for busybees, and good towards a better future for every GG Machanhosted live music performances on New and how people are finding new music for all music lovers – on child. Live performances took Year’s Eve, with SanupPoudyal and Prasansa Shrestha ways to promote the culture of that breezy Saturday, art really place in cities like London, art in Kathmandu. It’s definitely warmed up people. Cape Town, New York, and complimenting the tranquil evening with their soulful a market all art lovers should The art market will continue Rio de Janeiro highlighting voices. Later, DJ Bimalfired up the night and got visit not just to shop but also to take place on the first Saturday the urgent actions needed for to meet like-minded people, in of every month. Do join in! addressing the challenges faced everyone on the dance floor. The guests enjoyed the by children all over such as poverty, violence, and climatic chilly evening sitting next to warm fires along with great barriers that prevent them from food and good music. reaching their full potential. STARRY, STARRY NIGHT Yoka Brandt, Deputy Executive 31 December, FC Sports Bar, Jhamsikhel Director of UNICEF, stated that ATM AND SPA AT SHANGRI-LA children must be at the heart of Hotel Shangri-la, 1 January developmental agendas as they New Year’s Eve at FC Sports Bar was are the future of the world. The If you think you are spending too much and will be left with only a starryaffair with Rotten Apples events featured the debut of your ATM card then there is good news for you. The 79th ATM the World Version video of the Booth of Himalayan Bank Limited was inaugurated in the exquisite organizing’Promise You The Stars’. The place classic John Lennon song made premises of Hotel Shangri-la, Lazimpat, on Thursday. The cash was incredibly happeningwith live music, a in collaboration with renowned machine was jointly inaugurated by the CEO of Himalayan Bank DJ and music producer David Ashoke SJB Rana and Chairman of Hotel Shangri-la Shyam dance bar, barbeque, and food stalls. The event Guetta featuring several famous Bahadur Panday. The executives and officials of the bank and the saw performances by Jovan Bhaiju and DJ voices. People from all over the hotel were present. globe uploaded their version Any card holder who retains Visa, MasterCard, American AlishMr 909 as well as B Eight who pleased the of Imagine on UNICEF’s Express, JCB, UnionPay or SCT can withdraw money from the ATM crowd with their popular singles. website. For every upload, throughout the day. The bank’s Point of Sales facility will also be UNICEF partners, to support the provided by the hotel to the cardholders for payment service. The organization’s work, donate $1. services of the ATM will be available for both the guests of the #Imagine, led by UNICEF, is hotel and the walk-in locals and tourists. joining forces with action/2015 On the day, a new outlet of Tranquility Spa was also and a coalition of 1000 inaugurated in the premises of the hotel. “This is the ninth outlet organizations from around the of Tranquility Spa in addition to the one that we are opening in world to inspire global leaders to Malaysia in the premise of Hotel Marionette,” says Bhuwan Phaiju, take significant action for these Chairman of Tranquility Spa. Outlets of the spa are also located in children. Hotel Radisson and Hotel Malla.
THE NORTH FACE ULTRA OUTSHINES THE WEATHER Shivapuri National Park, 3 January The sport of trail running includes best runners present. Mira Rai Kathmandu Ultra courtesy of Visit hiking and running over less began her year with another win. Karnali Travels. The 80km route trodden trails. One such race, Tirtha Tamang, first in the Ultra proved to be tumultuous due organized by The North Face, Trail World Tour’s Hong Kong to the rains. Upendra Sunuwar took place on 3 January. The 100km race a year ago, went finished at 8:01, an hour ahead weather had been perfect with head to head against Khagendra of Bhim Bahadur Gurung who clear skies only a few days earlier Bhat for the pole position in came in second. The women’s but it took another turn during the the 50km before finally taking 80km category only had Ang race. Although it was expected second in a downhill sprint Chhutin Sherpa partaking so she to be a downer, amusingly the finish. Special guests Rojina decided to head home in the late rain added more vigor to nature Bhandari (18) and Bishnu Maya afternoon. Even though it was a and made the trails slippery and Budha (19), the first and second local race, the finish times were cool. The 50km and 80km races place winners in the Jumla Rara quick and the prize was split over had a top turnout with Nepal’s marathon, joined The North Face four races. 11
BOLSTERING THE HIMALAYAS BAZAAR North Face has inaugurated its iconic store in The INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Himalayan Java building to Running late for work but have NA
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“I expected a younger crowd, which is why I managed the performance “2014 has been a of the dance troupe in a different great year for the way. But, overall, the night is going band as a whole. great and I’m really enjoying myself.” We’ve been doing Renasha Rai, the choreographer of the dance troupe at Infinity Night, which a lot of tours, in took place at Hotel Annapurna, on being fact, we just came asked if she was enjoying the event back from Sikkim yesterday and I’m happy with how the music industry is shaping up.The crowd is great and I’m hopeful for 2015 too. As for “I believe nothing is resolutions, I have impossible when it none. I just want comes to achieving some DESSERT your desires if you and DANCE.” work hard enough. Mukti Shakya, thefront man of Mukti & Revival Otherwise, the only at Infinity Night, which hurdle might be a took place at Hotel Annapurna,talking about natural disaster!” his New Year’s resolution. “My New Year’s resolution since Hari Man Lama, Managing 2012 has been to get six pack Director of Incentive Tours, abs. Basically, being healthy is sharing his mantra for success during the New Year’s Eve my motto.” celebrations at The Everest Hotel Sanjay Gupta, the emcee at Infinity Night, which took place at Hotel Annapurna, on being asked about his New Year’s resolution CLASSIFIED
Read Every Thursday Issue 254 | 8 January enterta nment
Re-vamping Visual Music The man behind Kripa Unplugged
TEXT BY: GIRISHSUBEDI
From his youthful days at A-division league teams, Aman Pratap Adhikary dreamt of scoring something big. His first breakthrough came to him when he got a job as a commentator at the 8th SAF football matches held in Nepal. Little did he know back then, his 16 year old career in the broadcasting media would one day position him to be the help create the biggest musical television series of the nation: Kripa Unplugged.
How would you remember your channel program on food. Likewise, I yester years? provide my expertise in any of the shows I used to be a football player during my that my team is working upon. I have been college days in the national A-division working here since 2010. teams. In fact, I was probably the only player who was also pursuing his higher What happened during the second studies at the same time. I had played season? at the ‘Friend’s Club’ in Kupondole since After a shooting break of four months, we my teenage days. Hence my passion for all got together to gear up for the second sports led me to stay updated with the happenings in the international football scenario, which eventually primed me to become eligible for a career in sports How did Kripa media. Unplugged happen? I had always wanted to When was your first break in the produce a program that meets media then? It was back in 1998 when Madhav Karki the caliber of Coke Studio used to be the head of Nepal Television and MTV Unplugged. Co- (NTV’s) sports bureau. He approved me incidentally, I learned that the as a commentator for the 8th SAF games in Nepal. In fact, my audition in front of team at Kripa Drishya Digital NTV’s general manager Durganath Sharma Studios was also thinking of and his bureau members impressed them the same. Hence we all got so much that they decided to cancel hiring a commentator from India and designated together to pair our ideas on me for place instead! what could be done next. When the countdown started, I laid What came next? I worked at NTV as a presenter/producer down all my years of experience of the show ‘Khel-Khel’ for five years. in the production as the season. This time, I wanted something show’s YouTube channel are a proof Then I joined Kantipur Television in 2003 program’s visual director and bigger and more comprehensive. So did in itself. We have so far, bypassed and worked for the program ‘Weekly the other members of our production the level of ordinary count of views Scoreboard’ as the same. I used to host producer. Shootings of the first team. Hence, Studio 4 at Bhainsipati (46,56,104+) and it is still adding up programs both in English and Nepali. Then season took place from August became our shooting venue. It took us a at a rapid rate. There are also positive in 2005, I went to Edinburgh University 2013 and had 25 episodes lot of effort to pull the strings together comments from people from all over the to study Film and Television Production. though. I was cramming my head more world and the musicians have reported This was the second time that I had left that featured twenty-one solo than usual this time as I had the visual to have get requests for tours and gigs. Nepal for studies abroad, as the first was singer and four bands. The challenge to depict a proper set of props I guess this was much more than we when I left for Delhi University to study motive was to make optimum and camera angles despite the technical had previously expected it to be. philosophy. arrangements for the audio outputs that usages of the resources at the sound engineer Samir Jha wanted for the What other projects are you What’s your involvement with Terai time hence I came up with the live recordings. Ultimately, a suggestion involved in? by Pramod Karki to place everyone in Television (TTV)? I love making documentaries. A recent idea to decorate the terrace of different ‘islands’ worked like magic. We Shortly after my arrival in Nepal from one that I made is about the ‘Dey the studio building with the held shootings for about ten days and Scotland, I became the Executive Pukhu’ festival of Khokana and is titled featured a total of sixteen bands and ten Producer of TTV. My first production was props that would match the ‘In God’s Pond’. Likewise, ‘A Day in the solo singers who were backed up by our ‘Venturing Nepal’ of which I became the Life of Jungaydai,’ is about a prop man lights and the camera during hired musicians. host myself. I now supervise a series of night time. The case however, who worked on the set of Maha duo’s programs amongst which Kripa Unplugged shootings. This 18 minutes film was is of utmost importance for my team was altogether different during How do you see the reactions of premiered at the Edinburgh Festival and me. Other notable programs include the second season. the viewers? (Film House Show), London Short Film ‘Khazamandu’, which is a kind of TLC It’s quite unbelievable. The views in the Festival and KIMFF in 2004. Entertainment//Look Out 14
Check in Baker’s Den, Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu
Baker’s Den is probably one of the finest gourmet bakers in town. Here you can enjoy sumptuous and heavenly confectionery, but the place is not just for the sweet toothed. There are a variety of sandwiches, patties, and wraps too. Baker’s Den accommodates a moderate amount of people (17 to 18) at a time, and a detached, petite coffee shop next door is also a part of the establishment. The pâtisserie highly recommends the croissants and foot long sandwiches. Baker’s Den is the go-to place for cakes with personalized messages, images for birthdays, anniversaries, and so forth. If you’re looking for a wedding cake to steal the show, look no further, Baker’s Den is the answer to your prayers.
Top 3 bestsellers: Baked cheesecake, opera pastry, and croissants Wi-Fi: Yes, Parking: Yes
3 2 1 YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY 13 Tired of toiling day-in and day-out, constantly worrying about family and career goals? A weekend getaway with the guys will be the perfect way to recharge your batteries. But as you rejuvenate yourself, make sure you invest in the essentials that define you.
14 Stand out in the crowd feeling fresh and smelling good, but don’t forget to stay updated. Whether you prefer wilderness escapadesor luxury retreats, Fr!day has come up withsome essentials that you have tohave in your duffel bag.
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Entertainment//Cover Story 16
The votes (and likes) are in, and we have the winners of TheNepal’s first bike reality show, BajajTop Pulsar Dare Venture 3
TEXT BY ABHISHEK MISHRA
he ride of a lifetime is what they are of the land, and how there is a lot up there that calling it now. The route from Pokhara we are yet to experience. But what it came down to Tatopani to Jomsom to Chaile and to was the competition. Santosh Adhikari took back, that’s what they went through. the top honor of Most Popular Rider, with Aqib Rough terrain, muddy and narrow Abdul Atique being bestowed with the Most Troads, waterfalls, tasks, and community work Disciplined Rider title, and Anil Kushwaha given – all of it made the first season of Bajaj Pulsar the award for the Most Daring Rider, all decided Dare Venture a success. The entire show focused by the people through SMS voting and Facebook on the intestinal fortitude of the riders besides likes. And now here’s a chance to know more showcasing the landscape of Nepal, the people about the top three:
Aqib Abdul Atique Most Disciplined Rider At first glance Aqib seems like a shy lad. And while he is soft spoken and carries himself well, what stands out is his sense of humor and that big beaming smile that comes out once in a while. Having completed his BBA, he promptly started work as a Business Development Officer at an IT company. What is little known though is that he satiates his artistic side by being a part of The Room Painters, a graffiti group involved in street art. Aqib’s foray into Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture did not come as a surprise to most of his friends; he has had nearly eight years of uphill moto-adventures after all. He has spent a lot of time on his bike exploring new places, and the road to Chaile was another (rather big) feather in his cap. Aqib’s riding was mostly immaculate and the best I got to know him was when we rode back together from Nagdhunga to Kathmandu. In those couple of hours I realized how fast and how much in control the riders had been all this time. It is something that comes with riding constantly and working in a team sphere, headed by Marshalls like the ones we had from Bikers Nepal. Aqib was always in control, and was a constant worker during the community tasks and challenges. There aren’t many jokes that I can share about him here, but take my word when I say that he is one funny man who has the best punchlines. All in all, a well deserved recipient of the Most Disciplined Rider. Kudos to you Aqib Abdul Atique! 17
Santosh Adhikari Most Popular Rider And that leads us to the big winner himself, Santosh Adhikari. A chef by profession, he certainly showed us that he was no slack when it came to the road. Consistent and dependable, Adhikari’s prior experience paid dividends as well since he had already been to Lomanthang and was familiar with the terrain in and around Upper Mustang. Santosh was a quiet man, usually so composed you’d mistake it for a lack of desire. Not true, he wanted it just as much as anyone there. Talking to him you realized that he was here for a reason. One can watch his interview from the Attitude Test on Pulsar Nepal’s YouTube Channel to get a glimpse of his self- assurance and confidence. On the road he partook in all the mischief, rode like a champion like everyone else, and was humble to boot. Let’s not mince words, Santosh was probably not everyone’s first pick to win, but that just means he worked extra hard to get the support. While others can bank on that without breaking a sweat, those who work for it are the horses for the long haul. Here are a few words from the man himself: “I look upon my participation on the show as a once in a lifetime opportunity and an achievement that will be cherished and remembered till the very end. I’ll never forget getting the accolades for the Most Popular Rider in the very first season of Dare Venture and creating history with Nepal’s first bike reality show. Overall, becoming a familiar face among millions matters a lot. All thanks to Bajaj for giving me the chance to do that.”
Anil Kushwaha: Most Daring Rider Anil Kushwaha gave us some of the funniest and most genuine moments of the journey. Hailing from Rautahat, Kushwaha is very much the family man. (His son was actually born when he was on the show). He is grounded and humble, and during his maiden trip to Mustang, he lived a life that he always knew was out there. His humor would spontaneously come out in the most real fashion. During one of the tasks in Chaile, when the contestants had to hunt for a Timex watch, Anil was searching one of the caves when he heard a great “swooshing” sound. Convinced it was a creature of the mountains, he quickly retreated and narrated the story to me. I tried to explain to him that it was the underground breeze making those sounds, but he was convinced that it was a Yeti groaning! Anil has a fear of heights, and it didn’t help when he had to jump off ledges in Pokhara. He was pacing and sweating when we got to the zipline. But he pulled And the curtain falls on the himself together and finally did it. The first season of Bajaj Pulsar Dare greatest sense of achievement was under his belt...until he was told that he would Venture, one that came with so have to bungee jump next. His face went many stories and adventures, some so blank that we feared for him. Then seen on TV and a few experienced the man paced for a while, possibly first hand. The 10 riders have deliberated a lot, and called home (not to say goodbye, I’m hoping). But he did it; become recognizable faces, and despite all the anxiety and fear, he still one hopes it’s all uphill for them went through with it and then had the henceforth. The press team, TV biggest smile on his face post-jump. crew, mechanics, drivers, doctors, That’s the Anil Kushwaha we all remember, the one that conquered his Marshals, and everyone from fears. And that’s why the most Daring hospitality played a part to make it Rider Award sits on his mantle. happen but mostly, a big bow goes to Bajaj for making this show a reality. See you for Season 2. Entertainment//Getaway 18 Haven for Kathmandu’s past Bandipur’s bazaars may be gone but the views of the soaring mountains remain unchanged
TEXT BY KAPIL BISHT
aking faces at the baby sitting is worshipped in a special ceremony across the aisle, chatting with every Dashain. the backpacker from the U.S., From near the path to Khadga listening to the conversations Devi, another trail goes to the open M space of Tundikhel. It is a historic site. of old ladies with leathery faces. All these and much more are not enough In the days when Bandipur still was a to fill the interminable wait inside trading town, traders gathered there the bus at Dumrey, as the driver and to buy and sell before continuing to ticket-collector wait for it to fill up. either Tibet or south to India. Those When the teen-aged driver (or so bazaars are gone but what remains he appears) finally climbs up onto unchanged from those days is the his seat, and the bus begins to move, view of the soaring mountains, which you feel your day itself is finally include Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, moving toward some destination. Langtang Lirung, Manaslu, and The destination comes after the bus Ganesh Himal. has grunted up a winding road for The old Newari houses and If you’re the kind who excels at 30 minutes. Going down the stairs, a few Rana-era white buildings To Carry: Budget: loitering and enjoying a place even Enough cash to Hotel rooms vary after all the to-dos and to-sees have warding off a persistent man cajoling have been preserved and function last your stay and from 300 per you to try his lodge that has hot as hotels and restaurants. The a bit extra because night to 1,500 run out, Bandipur will suit you. You showers and great views, you arrive medieval Newar houses, their old there are no ATMs per night at can wander through quaint houses in Bandipur. A some of the more set in the middle of green or yellow at the stone paved main street of brick walls embellished with ornate good headlamp for expensive hotels. fields, small orchards, or sit in the cool Bandipur. wooden windows making the a visit to Siddha You might be Gufa. The walk shades of large banyan trees. At the The flagstone street, lined with wide street seem almost a movie able to negotiate down to or back cheaper rates in silkworm farm you can see the various medieval Newari houses, flecked with set, complete with people carrying from Siddha Gufa signs of businesses and Wi-Fi, opens things on a pole slung across their is tiring; carry hotels away from stages of silk production. out in front of you like a large open shoulders. The set is complete enough water to the main bazaar. Bandipur is not only about drink. A simple room medieval architecture and temples. gallery. Hemmed in by history and with the most indispensible and and three meals A hike to Siddha Gufa is a thrilling houses, without any sound of vehicles, unmistakable feature of Newari Distance from a day will cost it feels like you have arrived in a place architecture: shrines and temples. Dumre: you around 1000 change from the usual sights of that is a century behind Kathmandu. The Bindebasini Temple, a two-story Bandipur is rupees. Overall Bandipur. The 437 meter-long and a 30-minute expenses for one 50 meter-high cave is the largest in Bandipur resembles Kathmandu’s temple dedicated to Durga, sits at the drive from the person, including past. Newari traders venturing out eastern end of the town. Dumrey bus park transportation Nepal. The cave has several unique of Kathmandu after the conquest Another center of spiritual power (50 rupees per from Kathmandu rock formations beside the countless person). You can to Bandipur and stalactites and stalagmites. There is one of the Valley by Prithivi Narayan is the Thani Mai Temple, which sits get to Dumre back, will be huge cavity over forty feet deep. For Shah settled in Bandipur around the atop a hill on the western end of the on any of the around 2,500- 18th century. Although Bandipur town. It offers spectacular panoramic several buses and 3000 rupees. those who wish to get to the bottom of microbuses leaving this pit, there are a couple of ladders was inhabited by Magars before, the views of the mountains and the from Kalanki for Things to Newars embellished it with their valley below. A longer walk takes you Pokhara (400 fastened by rope and rivets to descend Remember: architecture. It was an important town to the Magar village of Ramkot. rupees). on. Walking back up to Bandipur can The trail to Siddha be exacting, but consolation in the on the ancient trade route between To the north-east of the L-shaped Gufa, being on the To stay: form of the gilded Annapurna Range Tibet and India. Bandipur passed into sprawl of tiled roofs of Bandipur is Khadgamai northern face of the oblivion when the Prithivi Highway the Khadga Devi Temple. It houses Guest House hill, remains dank stretches across the horizon. You was constructed in the 1960s. Trade the legendary sword of Mukunda & Restaurant; and slippery. You can also head down to Bimalnagar, a Heritage Guest need to be careful small village along the highway, from shriveled, and with it Bandipur. It is in Sen, the 16th century king of Palpa. House & on it when going that frozen state that the visitor finds The sword, which is believed to have Restaurant down. where you can get a ride to Pokhara or it today. been given to Sen by Lord Shiva, Kathmandu.
Entertainment//Timeoff 20
Head here for rich, flavorful Indian fare DINE LIKE ROYALS TEXT BY EVANGELINE NEVE In the heart of town, between Marco Polo Hotel and Siddhartha Bank in Hattisar, we climbed to the top floor to check out The Dart Aalishan Gajal & Lounge Bar, rumored to be serving up some great Indian dishes.
How’s the food? The restaurant also has a smattering the stuffing was perfectly seasoned, of Chinese and Continental dishes, and the sauce it was smothered in but the main focus here is clearly was a sort of white cream sauce, Indian food, and specifically Mughlai totally delicious and unusual in cuisine. This is the style of food flavour. Despite the richness of the that was served in the courts of ingredients, it was not heavy as some the Mughal Empire, which ruled curries can be. The chef told us this across Central Asia and the Indian dish is unique to their restaurant, and subcontinent from the 16th to the it›s certainly something I’d come back 18th century. These dishes are still here for. enjoyed in the city of Hyderabad, Another delectable dish was the throughout northern India, and into Mutton Rogan Josh; it was tender Pakistan. They can be mild or hot, and succulent, just falling off the and make heavy use of spices. While I bone. The tomato-based sauce was was already familiar with some dishes very rich, but still balanced. I found from this style of cooking—such as this dish heavier than the Chicken biryani and butter chicken—it was a Pasanda, but still really liked it. joy to taste some that were completely We enjoyed Kashmiri Naan with new to me. our curries: buttery and flecked A dish that I’d never had prior with parsley and slivers of candied to my visit here—and which was cherries. They looked incredibly definitely the standout of the meal— attractive, though I wasn’t too sure at was the Chicken Pasanda. This was first about candied cherries on a naan. simply unlike anything I’ve had in Surprisingly, I loved it. Something Indian restaurants before: a chicken about the combination just worked breast stuffed with minced chicken, and balanced the flavors of the sauces mushrooms, and spices, then sliced really well, and really, they’re tasty after cooking and served in sauce, enough to eat by themselves. sprinkled with bits of candied In addition to more unusual menu cherries, pistachio, and fried onion. items, there’s also Tandoori Chicken The chicken itself was cooked to and all the other popular curries, perfection, flavorful and not dry at too, both veg and non-veg, so there’s all as chicken breast can be at times; plenty of choice for all tastes. The Chef What would you like to drink with that? Recommends… Décor & Vibe Chef Rajendra The restaurant boasts an attractive bar and a fairly The restaurant is on the seventh floor, with great views out of every window. Bhattarai has been diverse selection of cocktails and international sprits. There’s a large dining area that seats up to 80 people, a lounge area with couches, here since the Even simple things like hot lemon and honey were restaurant opened. made with care and attention to detail; I loved the a great little bar, and a stage for live music. There’s gajal music every night from 7 He previously worked to 11pm, and once a week there’s a rotating singer performing pop, rock, or dance at the Soaltee attractive white rounded mugs the coffee was served in. music. If you like gajal and other live music, this will be a great place to visit. Crowne Plaza and The bathrooms were clean and bright, and had huge windows overlooking the the Everest Hotel, What’s happening next? as well as in India. city far below. Talk about a room with a view! Mughlai cooking is Roshan Basnet has just joined Aalishan as its Manager, his specialty, as you and has lots of plans, including a grand opening next can tell after one bite month (they’ve only been open for a year) and other of the food. A lot of new ideas. He got his diploma in the wine industry, and time and care and expertise are clearly has worked in top hotels such as the Radisson and W at work here. Hotels in Qatar and Dubai for many years. While the restaurant is only open in the evenings He recommends for dinner, they are also available for special bookings you try: at lunch or in the afternoon, for family programmes or • Chicken Pasanda birthday parties and so on. • Seafood Biryani • Mutton Rogan Josh • Kabab In conclusion • Paneer Tika If you’re an Indian food lover and would like try out • Tandoori Sabji some new tastes, as well as classics made well, head According to Chef over here and check it out. I know I’ll be back for the Rajendra, both the fabulous Chicken Pasanda! Chicken Pasanda and Seafood Biriyani The Dart Aalishan Gajal & Lounge Bar is open from 6 (with prawns) are to 11pm, and can be found on the seventh floor of unique to their the building that houses Civil Bank, right next door to restaurant. Siddhartha Bank in Hattisar. 21 Entertainment//Drinks PAMPER YOUR SWEET TOOTH This martini with a twist is bound to be a favorite at your next party
From the indomitable Humphrey the drink to suit your unique palate. Bogart to the suave James Bond, And what better way to swig down martinis have come to become a cocktail than with a great blend synonymous with style and panache. of chocolate. The chocolate grappa There are as many variations to martini ought to take your next this cocktail as there are drinkers. cocktail party or family gathering Some like it shaken, others stirred. by storm. This unique twist to the Some drink it dry, others wet. Some beloved martini substitutes gin with demand it be made with vodka; Bottega Chocolate Grappa, making others frown at anything other than it blessedly potent and deliciously gin. So much so, people are even drinkable. For those tired of your painstakingly precise about how usual dry martini, this drink should many olives they want as garnish. be a great alternative. For those at the Recipe: Regardless of styles and tastes, one party who aren’t seasoned drinkers, • Chill a martini glass by thing is certain— martini is perhaps this unique cocktail will be the pouring ice and cold water into it. the most popular cocktail in the perfect drink to sustain them through • In a drink mixer put world today. the evening. together a glass of ice and If you, however, find the taste Either way, the chocolate grappa all the other ingredients. of vermouth overwhelming, know martini ought to be on your to-do-list • Shake well (The key to a good martini, apparently, that you have options. There are an this weekend. is shaking the mixer in the innumerable number of variations to Happy drinking! general direction of Italy as a homage). • Empty the martini glass Ingredients: and strain the drink into Bottega Chocolate Grappa 45ml the glass. • Garnish the drink with Monin Chocolate Sauce 15ml some chocolate shavings Sol de Chile Chardonnay Wine 15ml and enjoy. (Recipe courtesy Varun Thapa, Brand and Beverage Development Manager at Greenline) Entertainment//My Space 22 Simplicity redefined TEXT BY REBECCA SHRESTHA
anoj KC is a versatile personality. He is a music producer, composer, and director Mof the Audio Engineering program at Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, besides being a member of 1974 AD, one of the most celebrated rock bands of Nepal. Although his workplace, housed under Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, is nothing fancy, it is abuzz with lively humming thanks to his infectious zeal.
• He designed the workplace on his own, keeping it simple, comfortable, and purposeful. KC’s knowledge about the necessary equipment assisted him in designing the workplace. • KC’s office wall is adorned with a modern art piece on the right and a traditional Kumari painting on the left, gifted to him by a student. KC’s workplace essentials are simple yet as dynamic Stacked in Not many people know that he used to paint; as the man himself. His a corner we he has an inclina tion towards oil paintings and Mac (loaded with Logic Pro caught a glimpse modern art. Basic and Logic Pro-X with of his prized • His next project is scoring for the horror/ Spectrasonic plug-ins), possessions -- the his Tascam DM 3200 Neumann and suspense film Mala, which he is pretty excited digital mixer, KRK midfield Condenser AKG about since he hasn’t been able to concentrate on speakers, and midi microphones. music much lately due to familial responsibilities. keyboard are used daily.
Think//Theatre Review 24 Peeda Geet —a one man show It won’t be preposterous to call Peeda Geet a one-man-show—literally or figuratively; after all it is written, directed, and played by the same man—Khagendra Lamichhane.
TEXT BY UJEENA RANA
eeda Geet is a well-crafted with moist eyes, and before you actual event and the present, the meager salaries, and even after all monologue. I call it a receive any notification, he takes on recalling of the past always makes this, there’s no guarantee that they monologue because it has the guise of a rebel and then a state the atmosphere somber and arouses will find family, home, or country been promoted as one; but soldier, with rifle in hand, speaking anguish. on their return. to call it a monologue in the to the same friend—the victim of The play, at its heart, is about Lamichhane shines throughout, Pstrict sense of dramaturgy would be the war, in an unsympathetic and ordinary things—life, love, but to say it is to state the obvious. contentious because all the elements authoritative tone. When he switches friendship, death, displacement, Peeda Geet offers an interesting aren’t necessarily monologue-esque. roles, the voice too puts on the garb separation, and isolation, and amidst take on the solo performance To call or not to call it a monologue, of the respective character. In another all these abysmal happenings is hope genre. The stage setting is kept to however, is not the question here. scene, the actor plays Mane and Dal or the power to change life through its minimum and often times, along Both the content and the form of the Bahadur, two friends conversing storytelling. During one scene, Dal with the all-important “walking play refuse to let the attention divert with each other about the perils of Bahadur strikes a conversation with stick,” the lighting design performs elsewhere and thereby successfully livelihood in a foreign land. This a young lad who has packed his bags as a prop in the narrativization put a lid on the otherwise superfluous the actor does by manipulating the to go abroad for work—as cheap of the play. The only fly in the contestation. dialect, Tibeto-Burman in Mane’s labor. The old man aims to steer ointment is the time duration. It The play is the song of sorrow of case. The theatrical techniques the young man’s heart into a new runs for a mere 40 minutes. Dal Bahadur, who comes to the city Lamichhane adopts while playing direction—towards home—to build Lamichhane has everything from his village after having seen different characters in the production (or rebuild) it. going his way lately, but this is death and destruction up close – he of Peeda Geet are: dialects, intonation, Hundreds of able-bodied Nepalis not to say he was introduced to has lost his wife, four children, and and body language. Since every migrate to the Gulf countries or fame overnight. He had to toil a friends to the armed conflict. In the character has a distinct background, India on a daily basis. Dal Bahadur lot before he could reap the yield. city, he comes across a young man that along with the context helps too. recalls his time in India where His Talakjung Vs. Tulke is already (an imaginary character, with whose Although the same play was staged he used to work as a watchman. widely revered, and now comes this help the play breaks the fourth wall), seven years ago, the issues, concerns, His accounts remind one of play. The timing couldn’t have been and to whom he recounts his tales of themes and motifs still resonate loud Delhi Dreams, the documentary any better. For those who have woe. Dal Bahadur takes on the role today. The storytelling by victims showcased during KIMFF ‘14 watched Talakjung and still can’t get of a raconteur and thereon we come of torture, conflict, or genocide is a about Nepali men and women enough of Khagendra Lamichhane, across a politician, a rebel soldier, a form of rechanneling of trauma that from Achham district residing and Peeda Geet is all about him. state soldier, and his friend in India, potentially pushes victims towards working in Delhi in a sorry state The play is a presentation of Mane. During his storytelling, these a healing process. It may help in for years hoping to better their lives Tukee Arts. various characters come to life. forgiving the perpetrators but it is back home. These forced migrants Lamichhane plays a host of not about forgetting the episode(s). leave family, home, country and find Venue: Theatre Village, Uttar characters and the transition from And no matter the years between the work, put their lives at risk, earn Dhoka, Lazimpat. The play runs
one to the next is unadulterated. For till 10 Jan (except for Wednesday). Photo Courtesy: School of Creative Communications instance, one moment Lamichhane 5pm. 4001089 is playing Dal Bahadur, translating the character’s lamentation and wailing over the death of his friend 25 Entertainment//Buzzmaker SETTING FOOT Bacardi, the long-serving liquor company that has already celebrated its sesquicentennial, is now in Nepal—not just to IN NEPAL What does having Bacardi drinks renowned brands that are part of sell but to produce. The Managing Director himself shares manufactured locally mean for Nepali Bacardi. Initially, the brands that his thoughts on the arrival consumers? the joint-company will be officially Bacardi drinks have been available in distributing are Grey Goose Vodka, the Nepali market for quite some time, Dewar’s Scotch Whisky, Bombay TEXT PRABAL SHRESTHA and they have been well appreciated. Sapphire Gin and Martini. All these Having a production plant locally brands are market leaders in their acardi has just built its twenty- means we can provide these drinks at own segments. Grey Goose has been a more competitive price. The 750ml acclaimed as the world’s number one seventh manufacturing plant, this bottles of the flavored rums—Bacardi luxury vodka. The multiple award time in Nepal, partnering up with Limon and Bacardi Apple—are priced winning Dewar’s Scotch Whisky is local companies such as Jagdamba at Rs.950, 375ml bottles are priced the top-selling scotch in the US. B at Rs.490 and 180ml bottles at However, all these products are Overseas for distribution and Rolling Rs.250. The 750ml Bacardi Superior produced in particular parts of the River Distillers for manufacturing. At the that is going to be in the market soon world using very specific type of new plant, the company is set to start with will be priced between Rs.1,200 ingredients, therefore these products the production of two flavored rums— and Rs.1,400. These prices are well will be imported. Bacardi Limon and Bacardi Apple, with in-line with the wide consumers’ purchasing capacity. So we believe our Talking about all these drinks, what plans to start producing Bacardi Superior, engagement with the consumers will are your recommendations for enjoying their iconic product, within this month. be more relevant and more focused the varieties of Bacardi Rum that you Vijay S Subramaniam, the Managing towards the long term. are offering? Director of the company in India and Bacardi is considered the world’s best You mentioned long term. Do you have mixable drink. The Bacardi White the South-East Asian region, was in a goal or a figure that you have set for Rum has been awarded with 550 Nepal a few days ago to mark the launch yourselves? awards, and most of them for this of the new facility and the products Our goal is to become the most particular quality. Some the most in the Nepali market. At the event, relevant brand for Nepali consumers. popular cocktail recipes—like Mojito, Numbers are secondary. Our focus is Daiquiri, Cuba Libre, Pina Colada and Subramaniam shared the history of one on the long term, in which we want to Presidente—were formulated with of the top three liquor companies in the establish the most consumer relevant Bacardi rum. Bacardi Cuba Libre, world, the various leading brands that are engagements compared to any other which is made with Bacardi Superior now part of the Bacardi portfolio (which brand in the market. with Cola and lime is a renowned cocktail whose formulation has constitutes over 200 brands), and what it Bacardi has a huge portfolio. What been credited to a US army soldier means to have one of the few production other brands in its portfolio can we who ordered the drink to mark the plants in Nepal. But, more importantly, look forward to? end of the Cuban war. A very widely he talked about how one enjoys Bacardi Yes, we have a huge portfolio, and appreciated simple cocktail is Bacardi we will be introducing various other Limon with water and lime. Rum in its truest sense. Think//Art 26 BLESSED BIRGUNJ As a border town only three kilometers from the actual demarcation line, Birgunj is often referred to as the “gateway to Nepal.” Subsequently, because of the large volumes of imported goods coming in from neighboring India, it has been dubbed the “economic capital” of the country. While both these labels do little to characterize the sub- metropolitan beyond its economics, Sanskriti, a local institution, has been pioneering collaborations to produce a fitting cultural introduction cum exploration to Birgunj
TEXT AND PHOTO BY NISCHAL OLI
inter in Birgunj, like that of many Terai localities, is marked by thick fog that rises towardsW the Himalayas from the hotter Indian plains in the south. In the white homogenizing haze, Birgunj’s sights and sounds gain more definition. In its shop-lined main street, colorful ads of cement companies appear more vibrant against the white smog. The iconic Ghantaghar too is never out of sight - the steeple of the clock-tower peeks out like the top of a rooted fruit. On a quieter street, in front of the Thakur Ram Multiple Campus, Sanskriti and Kathmandu-based ArtLab have assembled with local Birgunjians to paint multiple murals in the course of a few days. Concluding a 5-day workshop, the artists/facilitators and participants will complete the first mural for Prasad, a CKU (Denmark) funded initiative that will see the creation of similar murals in different cities of Nepal. Although the mural will become one of the last events of the year for Sanskriti, the New Year brings urban artists to support the growing with it more opportunities and growth. street art scene of Nepal and to take it Sanskriti began in 2013, and within beyond the confines of Kathmandu. a year the institution was recognized by Most importantly, the initiative is the state of Parsa for its contributions to about instigating critical reflection on society. Through art, literature, dance, community roles and awareness. music discussions, and public events, In front of his namesake campus, the organization has been teaching and which he established in 1954, the sharing with Birgunj whilst developing portrait of a seated Thakur Ram, a a much-needed platform for the youth. local Birgunj legend, divides a long Amazing yet is the fact that all the wall of colors and images. Participants work has been carried out without a from the city work on various details physical office - something that also depicting the Birgunj lifestyle as a gives premise to all the street-level backdrop to the portraits of celebrated and for-the-public activities of the Nepali personalities. Two sets of palms institution. Starting in 2015, Sanskriti on either side of the figure of the is to benefit from the support of CKU central Thakur Ram are closed and as well and will be able to expand their posed in ritualistic offering. The words programming and nature of work. “Prasad” are scribbled in graffiti letters Street art has been a part of in between the hands, where Thakur Sanskriti’s past agenda. In fact, Ram shares the space with another the Prasad mural is the second prominent educator, Chandra Dutta. collaboration between ArtLab and “From a list of 18 possible candidates, Sanskriti, where the latest is an attempt we settled on Thakur Ram and to give face to the local heroes of the Chandra Dutta for their contributions community. “The idea is to inspire the to the education sector of Birgunj,” says youth, show them all the wonderful Kiran Manandhar, an artist/facilitator faces, people that have contributed from ArtLab. to society and of the opportunities ArtLab’s research into the that very few think exist here,” community’s history was a key explains Romel Bhattarai, the Project component of the project and was Director of Prasad, discussing the supported by Sanskriti. The impact goals of the initiative. Along with the of appropriating relevant heroes campaign to identify community was echoed in the comments of the heroes, ArtLab hopes to train new participants. 17-year-old Alisha 27
Birgunj before living out his 15 minutes faces is unmistakable. “I love painting eyes, of fame in Kathmandu. “I think it should so learning about Dutta’s personal story was have been a portrait of Sharwendra Khanal especially touching,” explains Manandhar. instead,” comments Upendra Thankur, a Dutta, an aged educator, lost his eyesight in reporter for Kantipur Television. “Khanal his late 40’s but continued to teach English contributed much more to Birgunj than in the campus across the street. “These eyes Kharel, he just wasn’t in the media as much,” next to Dutta are of real people,” elaborates adds Thankur, expressing disappointment. Manandhar, as he gently draws thin white These comments evoke the generational lines referring to a photograph every so divide that exists between the communally often, “they belong to his students who were aware adults and the social media influenced inspired by him, and have gone on to teach youth of the city, as is the case in other parts a s w e l l .” of Nepal. “We decided to include Ramesh Manish Paudel, Director of Sanskriti, Kharel as he has done wonderful things believes Prasad and the collaboration for Birgunj,” says Sakchi Shrestha, a young with ArtLab has shed new light on an art participant who says it was her idea to practice that isn’t explored by local artists. incorporate the debated figure. “Here people tend to think that art can only Passersby too have their say as they walk be made with a pencil or a paint brush, Udas, who also works as a coordinator with Sanskriti, says past artists and the mural. Two Janakpuri so I think they have learnt a lot,” he says. she learned a lot during the workshop, including the stories students of the Thakur Ram Campus pose Looking forward, Paudel believes any of Thakur Ram and Chandra Dutta. Udas also participated individually against the mural as the other support that may come their way will help in the first workshop hosted by ArtLab back in 2013 (before snaps a picture. “This has been trending on make Sanskriti’s already extensive roster of the Prasad initiative), and since has continued to paint in the Facebook,” say the duo, “it will be nice to walk programming into regular events in 2015. streets of Birgunj on her own. Of the 14 participants, each past it everyday.” “Once we open up a stationary space, we comes from a different background. A stark contrast to Udas For the facilitators, the experience has will be able to make screenings, discussions is the involvement of Arati Shrestha, an art teacher at the local been rewarding and the first step to realizing and photography exhibitions more regular,” Gautam School. “I did not know about street art before this the larger Prasad initiative. “For me the says Paudel with much enthusiasm. As active workshop,” says Shrestha. “I will probably explore it more and highlight was working on the portrait of cultural players, Paudel and his team will also teach my students about graffiti in class,” she adds. Chandra Dutta,” says Manandhar whose undoubtedly create more buzz in 2015, one Smaller portraits included in the mural includes that of realistic free-hand portraits have been the that will be welcomed by a city starved of a Ramesh Kharel, inspector extraordinaire, who served in talk of the town. His photographic details of fitting platform for expression. Think//Feature story 28 Spilling secrets OR Unseating taboos A dark and dingy store covered in an unwashable layer of sleaze and grime, all illuminated by a harsh, flickering XXX sign – that’s what I assumed Sweet Secret would be like. But this sweet surprise of a shop ended up being quite something else.
TEXT BY POOJA PRADHAN
e live in a society Facts and figure that doesn’t really on HIV acknowledge sex, let Situation of HIV in alone talk about it. Nepal, 2013 Having a conversation Estimate number withW our parents about it is usually a big of HIV infections “NO!” The Internet may have answers, but (2012) by age group there are more misleading explanations Children (0-14): than correct ones. According to psychiatrist 4000 Kapil Dev Upadhyaya, though people Adults (15-49): do come in seeking help for their sexual 41000 problems, the patients don’t come out and Adults (50 and talk about it. This is where sex shops like over) 3600 Sweet Secret, Nepal’s only chain of sex Total: 48600 stores, step in - by giving people a platform to ask questions without being judged, without awkwardness, and without the risk of misleading information like those found on the Internet. Though we call this the 28% Adults (15-49) HIV modern age, where we overlook the archaic prevalence rules that governed our grandparents and parents, there still seems to be an unwritten rule amongst the older generation that people have to be celibate before marriage, keeping their sexual desires suppressed. 28% Adult women living According to Karen A. McClintock, the with HIV author of Sexual Shame: An Urgent Call to Healing, sexual repression can result in feelings of guilt and shame of sexual impulse. Furthermore, as psychologist Ruchira Koirala points out, the suppression 10% of sexual urges and desires have been Young people (15- linked to various societal and individual 24) living with HIV problems. “Sex toys can play a role in reducing frustration in men and women, which may lead to fewer incidences of anti- social sexual behavior,” she says. 3.2 Average number of Sweet Secret is more than just a toy store new infections per day for those looking for safe sexual thrills. They have programs like Condom Day, where they distribute contraceptives, and a part of their website is dedicated to queries “Since Sweet Secret is not a family store, about sexual problems and diseases. Sweet 312 Average number of there is no sense of embarrassment because Secret, in working like a public service new infections among center, is here to spread the message of children per year everyone’s here to buy something similar,” healthy and safe sex. The contraceptives and sex toys that are sold here are geared Average number of risking STDs by providing advice and stands out. In fact, the family running the towards both men and women. Though AIDS deaths in branded sex related products. One of their jewelry store seemed to have no trouble condoms are widely sold, buying a packet 2012 : 4136 main reasons for selling sex toys, claims with a sex shop being right next door. In at Sweet Secret is not as uncomfortable. Manish Poudel, the owner of the store, is a relatively conservative society like Nepal “Since Sweet Secret is not a family Statistics from so that people have the choice of getting where anything related to sex is taboo, one store, there is no sense of embarrassment www.ncasc.gov.np sexual relief without being involved in question begged to be asked: Did they have because everyone’s here to buy something unsafe sexual practices, thus decreasing the any trouble running the store? According similar,” says “A” (name withheld), a chances of contracting or spreading STDs. to Poudel, there were slight problems in regular customer. Sweet Secret was opened Housed on the same floor as a jewelry the beginning but things calmed down store, with a discreet sign advertising later. There have been no cases of police with the objective of making people aware Website http:// about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). sweetsecret.com.np/ the business in the busy New Road area, harassment either. “Police and army men It assists customers in having fun without Contact: 4225927 this seemingly scandalous shop hardly actually visit the shop when they are leaving 29
With outlets in other major cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Itahari, besides a website and the fact that they take in phone orders from people who are too shy to step into a sex store, Poudel boasts of around 10,000 customers in his database. the Valley,” he claims. Sweet Secrets was rather quiet when we visited, in contrast to the time “A” first visited the store. “People kept coming and asking for the owner,” he recalls. “They had all sorts of questions that they wanted him to answer.” But this lack of customers in no way suggests a lull in their business. With outlets in other major cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Itahari, besides a website and the fact that they take in phone orders from people who are too shy to step into a sex store, Poudel boasts of around 10,000 customers in his database. There have also been plans to open a condom store in Thamel, as well as to create their own line of contraceptives. When we talked, Poudel also mentioned plans to upgrade the Sweet Secret website in order to add a chat box. All his customers are above 18, with the age group of 25 to 30 frequenting the shop the most. When we visited the store, products for women outnumbered those for men - with 60% of their customers being female, this seemed like a deliberate choice. Sweet Secret has tried to be more female friendly but since the only store attendant was male, it was a bit awkward for us to ask questions without giggles and awkward pauses. When we did get over this initial hurdle, it was like being in any other store. Unlike India, where selling sex toys are deemed illegal since they are labeled as pornography, the Nepali government has taken a rather liberal stand. Shops like Sweet Secret have gone a long way in promoting safe sex, all while providing a safe outlet for the sexual desires of their patrons. Think//Fr!day Films 30
WANDERESTEXT BY PRAWIN ADHIKARI have a severe earache that would none of the movies catering to the make a visit to the cinema very “motorbike” crowd – the kids who painful. Therefore, I am not able to show up at the cinema in their school write a review this week. However, uniform, riding a modified motorbike the show must go on. I beg both to each couple – have as sophisticated Iyour forgiveness and indulgence a political point to make as did Uma as I talk about cinema in a rather or Talakjung vs Tulke about the roundabout manner, not really urban-rural divide, they do seem to pointing to anything, but making have a current running through that vague gestures at indistinct pictures. unites them against the rural. The An earache is nothing to laugh at, movies being made for the 18-24 and attempting complete sentences year old Kathmandu boys and girls with a sharp pain splitting through seems to hate the rest of the country the eardrum is challenging. either by thinking of it as a dangerous Jerryy, the last big hit among the place where only disasters wait (or “motorbike” crowd, was a road-trip where the locals are untrustworthy, movie, at least the first half of it. opportunistic), or as the place from Come to think of it, there have been where the servant underclass arrives quite a few such movies in the past into the city. Forget about imagining few years. Most Nepali thrillers, it the rest of the country in its nuances seems, have been stories of young of linguistic and ethnic diversity or men and women who travel and get of the many, many grievances they into trouble. Among movies reviewed might have against the city. here, Chihaan featured a bunch of With the rise of the multiplex young men who travel to Pokhara for theater, the divide between cinematic a weekend and end up gang-raping fare aimed at one class or region the woman who will come back to of the country and another class send them to their graves. Ek Din Ek and region of the country has been Raat was a lot more sophisticated in growing. That is tragic. Of course, the way it told its story, but it started there will always be many different similarly: a bunch of friends set out kinds of audiences, and as long from Kathmandu, reach a place But to assume that the rural audience is not capable as they represent wallets capable where they know not what they do, of purchasing theater tickets, get into trouble, are finished off one of understanding the same movie as the urban filmmakers will be discerning enough by one. audience is to discriminate in the worst of the ways, to match fare to fare. But to assume Chhadke, written and directed by that the rural audience is not capable Nigam Shrestha, also starts with a of understanding the same movie as journey: two men take the same bus the urban audience is to discriminate to Chitwan, and their fates become village, and upon arriving at the city, There is nothing new about the in the worst of the ways, through a intertwined. How they treat the changes outwardly, so that, upon his genre in which protagonists travel lowered expectation of intellectual forest determines the outcomes of return to the village, he is able to say - far from their familiar surroundings, or aesthetic capability. It is perfectly their lives. But it is still the story of “Bhanesi aafnai gaaunle ni chinenan!” and are transformed in the process. alright to make another Jerryy or a journey: one of the men returns (Look – my own neighbors don’t All pilgrimages are that: arduous Ladduu, but to not be able to look home and still sets off on the path of recognize me anymore!) In Tsering travel that turns the focus inward, at the people who populate the violence and crime. The other enters Rhitar Sherpa’s Uma, the urban forces the pilgrim to watch closely the picturesque countryside that serves the jungle and finds the forest spirit landscape allows for the muddle and divine within themselves, and come as a rich brat’s playground is to fail within. mystery that makes possible the fatal to a new understanding of their faith. as a storyteller. Just as it would be Kohi... Mero, directed by Alok confrontation between a brother But, how is the road-trip genre being wrong to make a movie based in a Nembang (and disclosure: the and his sister. Without the confusion used in Nepali movies, and what does village and only show a person from screenplay written by me), also of alleyways and crowds of faces in the trend say about the makers and the cities as a purse of clichés. Let featured friends traveling to an exotic which to disappear, the interaction consumers of such fare? us hope that this artificial divide locale – across the Himals, to the would have been different, direct, I think it is possible to claim between the rural and the urban in lime-dashed alleys of Marpha and more emotional that ideological – that Kathmandu fears whatever lies Nepali movies will soon disappear. Kagbeni. But, there the shtick was as their interaction in the village outside the rim of the mountains that used weakly, to add to nothing but showed. cage the valley in. I think it is also video choreography opportunities. I don’t remember, from the possible to claim that Kathmandu At least in Jerryy there is the moment Nepali movies I have seen in the also views the rest of the country as a by the lake when Jerryy is looking past year, anything similar to tourist destination, and sees Nepalis at the girl and seems to experience Talakjung vs Tulke, which is to say, from outside the valley as either an internal change. The Zhingrana with protagonists who come to the servants who will bring food (Jerryy), trailer playing at the theaters suggests city to be transformed. But, it seems or women to be seduced, raped, Prawin Adhikari writes fiction and a story line similar to that of Ek Din urban boys and girls are driving out discarded (Chihaan) or as barely screenplays, and teaches. He is an Ek Raat: a group of friends travel to a in hordes to the countryside – be it civilized barbarians whose rituals of assistant editor with La.Lit, the literary the terai or the hills or mountains – blood and violence will somehow magazine, accessible online at www. strange locale, trip ends in disaster. lalitmag.com His collection of short stories In Talakjung vs Tulke, the either to get devoured by local evils, ruin the lives of the urban wanderers The Vanishing Act was published in March, protagonist is chased out of his or for a fundamental transformation. (Ek Din Ek Raat, Zhingrana). While 2014, by Rupa Publications.