Every Thursday issue 218 Rs 40 1 MAY 2014 18 a}zfv 2071
The Smarter Entertainment Weekly The Genius of
Sulkpg.21 Electronic duo Sulk Station’s melancholic tunes introduces fresh sounds to rock- dominated Kathmandu music scene
Newsfeed 4 k ckstart Lamatar MTB Race The 4th International National Date: April 26, Time: 8:00am (registration time at Lamatar), Tattoo Convention Top 4 Events Venue: Lamatar, Lalitpur (Shuvatara International School), Contact: 9803661496 (Shyam Limbu), 5539482, By The Numbers Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Entry fee: Rs. 500. Female participants get a 50% discount., Electronics and Branding Expo 2014 URL: www.switchbacknepal.com/services/events/lamatar This year, ICT Association of Nepal is organizing its seventh Lamatar MTB Race is an outdoor event that !branding expo, a “must attend” event for businesses looking to celebrates cycling as a recreational and 91 share their sustainable solutions. With more than 200 stalls, competitive sport over a fun weekend filled with Artists and vendors will be present at visitors can experience the latest technology, and if you want to adventure. Organized by Switchback, this biking the convention this year be an exhibitor, spaces for this show are limited so hurry up if you affair in the valley’s serene countryside takes want to get your business on the list. Date: 24 April (Thursday), Time: 11:00 am onwards place on a 4.1km circuit (around Shuvatara Venue: Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu School) passing through small settlements as well as jungle sections, and is composed of jeeptracks 67 1Lamatar XC Cycling Challenge (60%) and singletracks (40%). You don’t have to Foreign artists will The Lamatar MTB race celebrates cycling as a recreational and be a professional cyclist to join the event as there showcase their talents competitive sport over a fun weekend filled with adventure. You are several categories depending on your riding don’t have to be a professional cyclist to join the event as there are level and experience: Elite (professional, men), several categories depending on your riding level and experience: Open (amateur, fun racing), Women (professional Elite (professional, men), Open (amateur, fun racing), Women and amateur), Junior (below 18 years), and (professional and amateur), Junior (below 18 years), and Master 24 (above 40). Winners will receive cash prizes and gift hampers. Master (above 40). Cash prizes and gift hampers Nepali artists will prove their worth Date: 26 April (Saturday), Venue: Lamatar, await the winners, making this a mountain biking Time: 8:00 am onwards, Contact: 9803661496 2 spectacle you definitely don’t want to miss! 22 Tee N’ Tee Tee N’ Tee is the first t-shirt exhibition in Nepal showcasing locally It will be an amalgamating point for made t-shirts. More than 200 varieties of shirts with unique tattoo artists from 22 countries designs will be made available at the exhibit. All the shirts that will be available are from local producers, which makes Tee N’ Tee a great opportunity to support the local economy. + Date: 26 April (Saturday), Time: 12:00 pm onwards 18 Venue: One Ugly Mug Coffee Bar/ Base Camp Outdoor Lifestyle, Lalitpur The minimum age requirement to Entrance: Free 3 get a tattoo is 18 years Life is Flow Life is Flow reveals Susanna Ferran and Frederic Hoffmann’s insights gained from their daily meditations, along with the principles they learned from the ancient teachings of India, Nepal, and Thailand. Approaching a new way of understanding Insider’s Tips and transcending their emotions, feelings, and states of mind, Shyam Limbu, Director / Event Manager they associate images and words in an exhibition, which will (Switchback MTB) be accompanied by Sound Healer Chaitanyashree. Date: 24 April (Thursday) to 22 May (Thursday), Time: 6: 00pm onwards 1. The first female participant to register will get a free 300 Venue: Image Ark, Kulimha, Patan Durbar Square, Contact: 5006665/ bike to use on the race day. Approximately 300 people got a www.image-ark.com 4 2. Helmets are a must and gloves are strongly tattoo in last year’s edition recommended. 3. There will be an exhibition, along with stalls hosted 8 days TO GO by bike shops, etc. Do keep some cash handy in 8 days to the Grand Finale of Fanta The case you come across something you like. Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2014 4. Fun activities such as Cycloball (football played on May 2, 2014 at Pragya Pratisthan bikes), track stand (balancing your bike) and BMX (Nepal Academy Hall) Kathmandu, will make for an exciting weekend. If you are not Nepal. racing, cheer for your favorite rider! The 18th edition of the Miss Nepal pageant, organized by The Hidden 5. This race is the first in a series that Switchback Treasure, will crown one individual has planned for this year to promote cycling as a With events to the left and right, Fr!day makes it a little bit easier for you to choose events to from its vast pool of competitors. The check out this week and the next. Here are our top four picks. healthy outdoor lifestyle. organizers are in search of a personality 6. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Riders with the ability to combine beauty and POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or Empowerment Fund, which trains deserving female brains with confidence and a positive call 5011571/ 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but mind, and who can represent Nepal as a inclusion is not guaranteed due to limited space. riders and youths from underprivileged families in worthy ambassador to the outside world. the field of professional mountain biking.
Kickstart//Get Started 6
last two days, and Sana XXX from Japan will INK INC. be presenting the traditional Japanese hanya dance on the 26th. Additionally, Nepali HCH Hotel Yak and Yeti will once again play host to the pioneering Services Pvt. Ltd. will demonstrate traditional Nepali music and dances, besides the range tattoo convention of South Asia. The International Nepal Tattoo of handicrafts and magnificent thangkas that Convention is in its fourth year already, and it appears to be will be on sale. getting bigger with each edition. The stalls Samyam Shrestha Apart from traditional handicrafts, the product stalls will have an array of items including tattoo colors, machines, tattoo- attoos are a form of art, a mode of expression, a manifestation of the based t-shirts, and other accessories. self, and none know that more than the millions of proudly inked Quantum Ink, Hollywood will be launching people around the globe. The fact that South Asia’s pioneering tattoo their organic pigmented ink as well. In convention is held annually in Kathmandu is an indicator that the art form a collaboration with Quantum Ink, the has caught on tremendously with the Nepali youth. renowned Mohan Gurung will be introducing It was in 2009 when Bijay Shrestha and Mohan Gurung mutually his ‘Dragon Series’, making Gurung the first conceived the idea of organizing a tattoo convention in Nepal to showcase tattoo artist in South Asia to develop his own Nepali artists and to bring tattoo artists and enthusiasts from around the brand of ink. world together in one venue - Kathmandu. Seeing the lack of an effective platform for Tattoo culture in Nepal Nepal’s rich art culture was another motivator. Five years down the line, the convention Tattoos are not a new phenomenon in Nepal. has not only exposed Nepali tattoo enthusiasts to prominent international artists, the Numerous cultures, including the Newars tattoo culture of Nepal has also been given a place in the international circuit. and the Tharus, have adorned their bodies with aesthetic tribal ink for centuries. The modern version of the art, though, is still new to the country. Although still looked upon negatively by wider society, the general perception of tattoos is changing by the day. “The transformation of the tattoo culture in Nepal has been phenomenal,” says Shrestha. “In the past, most people asked for designs popularized by famous footballers or actors. Today, they come with their own ideas.” The most popular designs in Nepal are those of Hindu and Buddhist deities. As a downside, there are many negative tattoo approaches prevailing. A couple of examples are incorrect techniques and the At a glance use of cheap needles, which, according to What Shrestha, give the industry a bad reputation. 4th International Nepal Tattoo Getting inked? Convention If you are planning on getting tattooed or Who want to learn more about this art form, there Nepal Tattoo Pvt. Ltd. won’t be a better opportunity than this. Where The entire list of artists are available on the Hotel Yak and event website (www.nepaltattooconvention. Yeti, Durbar Marg, com). It would be prudent to pre-register Kathmandu and book your desired artists, which can be When done through the site itself. The entrance 25 April (Friday) to 27 April (Sunday) is Rs. 250 per day (and Rs. 500 for three days), but the price of a tattoo depends on Time 10:00 am to 7:00 the artist. The good news though is that rates pm (day 1 and 2), will definitely be discounted throughout the 10:00 am to 6:00 convention. The artists this year scarification and body modification artists, pm (day 3) This edition of the convention showcases notably Quentin of Kalima Emporium, the Tickets are available at Mohan’s Tattoo an incredible roster consisting of 91 tattoo first to start the discipline in Europe. Price Rs. 250 (for a day), Inn, Thamel. Please write to info@ artists and vendors from 22 different “The International Nepal Tattoo Rs. 500 (for three nepaltattooconvention.com for countries. “It was based on invitation in the Convention is all about harmony and the days) queries. first two years, but now it is mostly done exchange of ideas. For foreign artists, through word of mouth,” says Bijay Shrestha, more than money, it’s about meeting like- Director of Nepal Tattoo Pvt. Ltd., explaining About the organizers minded artists, and exploring Nepal’s art how they get hold of the artists. “We got in “In 2009, when I was getting inked by Mohan Gurung, and architecture through traveling,” says contact with a lot of our artist friends through we shared a dream of organizing a tattoo convention Shrestha. international tattoo magazines and websites in Nepal with the purpose of showcasing Nepali artists, and to gather tattoo artists and enthusiasts from around the and by meeting them at bigger festivals such Besides tattoos world in Kathmandu. Soon, we started working on making that as the London Tattoo Convention and the DC Also in the package will be piercing artists, dream a reality. The National Tattoo Convention in 2010 turned out to Tattoo Expo.” The foreign artists who took yoga sessions, performances, product be a successful pilot project and, with the support and enthusiasm from part in the previous editions of the gathering stalls, and a lot more. Tattoo yoga sessions, Nepali tattoo artists and artist friends from all around the world, we were also instrumental in spreading the word conducted by Priyanka Gupta from India, decided to host the first International Nepal Tattoo Convention in 2011, about the convention, which, in turn, led to will be held in the mornings and evenings which was actually the first tattoo convention to take place in the Indian more connections. Influential artists such of all three days. This will be particularly subcontinent! With participation and encouragement from local and international artists, and through the support of the Nepal Tourism Board as Rich Cahill, Laurent Maina, Kali, and helpful for improvised postures during body as well as some corporate sponsors and the media, we have been able to Daniel Bergman, to name a few, will be a part suspensions. Professional body suspension organize the International Nepal Tattoo Convention for three consecutive of the event this year. Also present will be artists from Spain will be performing on the years.” – Bijay Shrestha, Director, Nepal Tattoo Pvt. Ltd. 7
version of the same; this one for a year. “I am a few months into the pact and I already feel good about it. I feel like I am leaving gentle footprints,” she says. Fossum continues, “Of Bare Blings course, we cannot force consumers to do the A trek to Mustang resulted in two Norwegian ladies same. But as a fashion label we do want to venturing into the realm of fashion. A/BARENESS, contribute towards reducing pollution, and we also want our consumers to reflect on the the outcome of that trip, takes products that have choices they make.” been carefully crafted in Nepal to the world beyond. Nepal: Where it Began Akriti Shilpakar Under their Give Back project, A/BARENESS aroline Hestnes and Anne-Marthe is collaborating with SmartPaani to install Fossum have been best friends since compost toilets at Maya Universe Academy, they first met in junior high. 21 years the first and only free private school in Klater, they co-own and run a year old Nepal. Fossum lived in Nepal for a couple fashion brand called A/BARENESS, a moniker of years when she was very young. “I that seems apt once you realise what the always knew I wanted to come and live company stands for. here someday,” she states. Hestnes, on “Many people we sought advice from the other hand, remembers seeing several thought that the label name was too long and keepsakes from Nepal at Fossum’s place accessible in Nepal is an exhibition that is to difficult to remember,” recalls Fossum. “But which made her want to visit the country. be held on 24 April, Thursday at Yala Mandala we decided on it for a reason. We were trying In 2010, they jumped on the opportunity to Gallery, Kwalakhu, Patan from 6 to 8 pm. to play with the word ‘awareness’ because work in Nepal as a part of Norwegian Peace we wanted to make consumers aware about Corps’ exchange program and since then, The Exhibition the pollution that the fashion industry has it’s like they’ve never left. In fact, they have The exclusive open exhibition will showcase on the environment. We also wanted to be as taken Nepal around the world in the form brass and silver jewellery from A/BARENESS, transparent as possible about the resources of designer jewelries and knitwear crafted all of which will be up for sale. The evening and process of the final product. So, the by skilful Nepali hands, all under the A/ will also feature live art performances by name also suggests bareness or nakedness.” BARENESS brand. Artlab. 50% of the art work sold will go to the Following the movement of eco-friendliness In Norway, where the company is Give Back project. and sustainability, A/BARENESS strives established, A/BARENESS is already making The venue will henceforth also work as to bring out limited designs every year. At A Glance its presence known through various retail a retail outlet for the label’s products. If Even better, the ladies are faithful to the Who: A/Bareness stores. Their products have been featured in plans of putting up an online store work out, movement on a personal level. Where: 24th April, 2014 different magazines and fashion websites. consumers will have the luxury of ordering the A few years earlier, Hestnes made a pact When: Yala Mandala However, in the country where its production designs online within the next few months. to not buy clothes unnecessarily for four Gallery – Kwalakhu Café takes place, the promotion activities have You can view more information at months. Right now she is on an extended Time: 6 pm – 8 pm been delayed. Their first effort at being abareness.blogspot.com. Kickstart//Events 8 Food Out & 3rd Italian Food & Film Festival Lotus Land Organic Farm at Date: 9 April (Wednesday) to 14 May (Wednesday) Summit Hotel Time: 6:00 pm onwards, Venue: Black Pepper Café and Pub, Jawlakhel Date: 27 April (Sunday) Ticket: Rs. 950 (inclusive of Italian dinner) Rs. 100 and RS. 150 Time: 10:00 am (exclusive of dinner, only movie watching) onwards About The Italian Food and Film Festival is an established tradition in the Venue: Summit cultural panorama of Kathmandu. It has attracted hundreds of people Hotel, Jhamsikhel Free during the last two editions. The main idea behind the festival is to Contact: 5521810 combine high quality Italian food with the most relevant Italian films Lotus Land Organic Event! of the last decade. Movies such as IlPostino, Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, Farm places its open Il Divo, and Habemus Papam have been screened, all in Italian with market at Summit Hotel MUSIC & PARTIES English subtitles. This year, the festival is endorsed by the Italian every Sunday and Wednesday Embassy in New Delhi. With some of the greatest Italian films, food and of each week. The market is drinks, the event that goes on for six weeks is expected to attract a large one such place where you will Nothing but The Beat 2 Sensation White with Miss number of attendees who enjoy and love cultural sharing. The platform is find desired and seasonal edible Date: 26 April (Saturday), World an opportunity to get closer to the Italian lifestyle and culture. organic products. From all kinds Time: 3:00 pm onwards Date: 25 April (Friday), of seasonable vegetables to rare Venue: Pop’s Restro and Bar, Time: 6:00 pm onwards fruits like Kiwi and Avocado can Kupondole Venue: Embers, Pulchowk, be found at stalls of the organic Contact: 9808897938/ Contact: 9803932253, farm. They also have special 9841277705 Ticket: Rs. 999 seasonal fruits like Strawberry and After the success of Nothing Lucky Ace Events presents Blue Berry. As special attraction But The Beat comes the second a white-themed party where to tourists, organic pickles and edition of the party with added attendees will have the opportunity lentils are also sold in the market. fun elements such as party to meet Miss World 1999, Yukta games and colorful cocktails. Mookhey. Also included is a Pool BBQ Making the attendees move to full-course dinner buffet, with DJ Date: 26 April (Saturday), Time: their beats will be DJ Ajen and Lazy Monk providing the musical 11:00 am onwards DJ Maniz. entertainment. Venue: Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Contact: 4221711 French Singer Dantès Dai Liang - Hotel Annapurna recently Live in Kathmandu unveiled its large new pool that Date: 1 May (Thursday), Culinary Writing Workshop will be playing host to a barbecue Time: 7:00 pm onwards, Date: 25 April (Friday) to 12 May (Monday) Free every Saturday. Special meal Venue: House of Music, Bhagwan Bahal Time: 11:00 am onwards packages will be made every Dantès Dai Liang is a French singer and Venue: Alliance Francaise, Tripureshwor Event! week exclusively for the event. songwriter whose pop-rock compositions Contact: 4241163/ 4242832 are famous in France as well as China. At the culinary writing workshop, students will be taught the basics Mother’s Day at Hotel Liang has four studio albums under his of writing cookbooks so that they can record their recipes for future Annapurna belt. He is also a trilingual host (French, generations. The classes will be the perfect starter for cooks who are Date: 29 April (Tuesday) Chinese, English) and a writer with looking to preserve their recipes and secret ingredients. Contact: 4221711 four published books to his name. This Venue: Hotel Annapurna will be the Liang’s first performance in Live BBQ Make this Mother’s day the one Nepal. Date: 25 April (Friday), Time: 6:00 pm onwards she will always cherish forever. Venue: Nepal House, Baluwatar, Contact: 9803573260 Enjoy the day, and a scrumptious LIVE JAZZ & ECLECTIC MUSIC NIGHTS Nepal House might just be establishing its niche in the restaurant meal, together with Mom, and Date: 24 April (Thursday) and 27 April (Sunday) and eatery market but the cuisines they serve definitely have already make her feel extra special. Hotel Time: 6:30pm to 9pm , Venue: Casa De Cass, Contact: 5010100 established relishing memory on people’s taste buds. From coming Annapurna is also offering special Matt Warnock, a jazz music lecturer and renowned music journalist, Friday, Nepal House will be hosting a live BBQ set every weekend. discounts at Ghar-e-kabab, Arniko is all set to put his audience into a mellow trance with his guitar You may just walk in, no entry fee hassle and lay back to relax at the Room, Juneli Bar, and the Coffee progressions at Casa De Cass this Thursday. Joining him will be our soothing ambience of the Restaurant. Drinks that go along the smoked, Shop (15 % discount on food and hometown jazz guitarist, Rajat Rai. Likewise, French musician Frau sophisticated meat are also available at the eatery which makes the beverages, when you dine at any will be appearing with Frau Schneider from Germany to perform avant Friday evening visit even better. of our outlets with your Mom). garde pop rock at the restaurant on Sunday. Mother’s day is the time to show Mom how you feel. Make sure she All-You-Can-Eat Urban BBQ knows how grateful you are to have Date: April 25 (Friday) - April 26 (Saturday) her in your life, and thank her for Time: 05:00 pm onwards, Venue: Cafe Mitra, Thamel all the things she does for you. Contact: 4256336/ 9803382445 Entry Fee: Rs. 1000/- Per Person Special Easter Treat Date: 24 April (Thursday) Venue: The Cake Shop, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu Contact: 01-4221711 The Cake Shop, at Hotel Annapurna, invites you to a special Easter treat for you and your family. It’s an “EGGStravaganza” with Easter Eggs, Easter Chocolate House, and Hot Cross Buns, and many more! Glamorous Evening Date: 26 April (Saturday), Time: 3:00 pm onwards, Venue: J-Bar, Thamel With the best of lights and sound, Glamorous Evening by Series Events is a party that promises a sophisticated ambience. The entry depends strictly upon proper invitation and ticket purchase, and the organizers make it clear that no drugs or other similar substances are to be abused. Farmer’s Market at The Yellow House Date: 27 April (Sunday) Time: 9:30 am onwards Free Venue: The Yellow House, Jhamsikhel Contact: 5553869, 5522078 Event! The Yellow House hosts a farmer’s market every Sunday with loads of local and organic products. They have a variety of stalls which sell products by Nepalis as well as foreigners, but everything is natural. From German Sausages to Nepali Buckwheat noodles, you can get it all in the market. Also they have a live performance by Hari Maharjan while you can enjoy your breakfast under a big jacaranda tree or in the garden where your kids can run around while you soak in some sun. 9 Outdoors MISCELLANEOUS Honda Scooter Diva Cup II Date: 3 May (Saturday), Time: 10:00 Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 Electronics and am onwards, Venue: Honda Safety Branding Expo 2014 Training Center, Gwarko, Lalitpur Date: 24 April (Friday), Time: 11:00 am onwards Contact:9841204561, 9841927317, Venue: Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu 9851119088, 9813905769, Ticket Price: Rs. 99/- Honda Scooter Diva Cup is an event Kumaripati Jawalkahel Festival 2071 Opening Date: 25 April (Friday) where participants and onlookers will Closing Date: 26 April (Saturday) get to learn about the importance of Time: 8:00 am onwards road safety. The Cup is basically a Venue: Kumaripati-Jawalkhel road, Lalitpur scooter race where female riders will Kumaripati Jawalkahel Festival 2071 is an annual event that celebrates compete to win the title of Honda local products and entrepreneurs. The festival is a gala event comprising of Scooter Diva 2014, attractive gift Business Stalls, Food Court, Traditional and Cultural Dance Show, Fashion hampers, and winner prizes. Show, Musical Concert, Street Carnivals, Bike Stunt, B-boying, Children Funfairs, Face Paintings, and Paint Ball. The highlight of the event is Kutumba’s live concert. Kathmandu Bike Tour De’ Lumbini- Pedal for Peace Festival 2014 Date: May 11 (Sunday) to 14 May (Wednesday) Time: 7:00 am onwards, Venue: Rally starts at Boudha One-week Introduction Course to Yoga Date: 17 May (Saturday) Opening Date: 26 April (Saturday), Closing Date: 30 April (Wednesday) Contact: 9841729965/ 9841303867 Venue: Gyanodaya Residential Time: 8:00 am onwards, Venue: Pranamaya Studio, Boudha Tour De’ Lumbini-Pedal for Peace is a promotional cycle rally organized School, Lalitpur Registration Fee: Rs. 12,500, Contact: 9802045484 jointly by Tour De Lumbini and World Cyclist Foundation Nepal. The Contact: 5521120 The course introduces the practice from a holistic perspective: physical, rally, which celebrates Nepal’s peace and prosperity in the birthplace Organized by Epic Events Nepal, meditative, breath, philosophical, historical, and cultural, to provide an of the Buddha, is designed to take place during Buddha Jayanti. The in association with E’s Nest, intensive and focused introduction to yoga, its context and its benefits. It rally was initiated by World Cyclist Pushkar Shah and is now celebrated Kathmandu Bike Festival 2014 is offers five hours of contact time each day, with asana practice (postures), each year by cycle enthusiasts. The route this year looks like this: Day a bicycle race open to all cycling teachings on philosophy and context, meditation, and technique workshops, 1, Boudha - Pashupatinath - Swyambhunath - Kurintar (Night Stay), enthusiasts. Participants of all with a study and brunch break for you to reflect or discuss with fellow Day 2, Kurintar-Chormara- Arunkhola (Night Stay), Day 3, Arunkhola - ages, given they know how to ride students and to learn about the local Boudha area. a bike safely, are welcome to join Daunne - Bhairhawa (Night Stay), Day 4, Bhairhawa - Lumbini (Candle the race. lighting, sightseeing of pilgrimage sites in Lumbini and Kapilavastu).
Critical Mass Kathmandu Date: 25 April (Friday) Time: 6:00pm onwards Venue: Tudikhel, Kathmandu All you need is a bicycle to ride on and you are up for Critical Mass Kathmandu’s (CMK) first anniversary celebration. CMK Walk to S.E.A is a monthly cycling event that Date: 3 May (Saturday), Time: 11:00 am onwards takes place on the last Friday of Venue: Embassy Restaurant and Bar, Lazimpat, Contact: 4002068 the English month in over 300 Social Enterprise Activating (S.E.A) Center is a social organization that countries. Since CMK supports operates Fair Trade and Fair Tourism in Nepal. S.E.A is now celebrating energy efficiency, anyone with its first anniversary with Walk to S.E.A., an event comprising of a a non- motorized vehicle can Lamatar XC Cycling Challenge fashion show by Design Academy Mitini, an open bazaar by Bihani participate, even if all you have is Date: 26 April (Saturday), Venue: Lamatar, Time: 8:00 am onwards Social Venture, and the opening of Gallery Mitini, all of which will a rickshaw. Contact: 9803661496 introduce the work and effort put in by the people associated with S.E.A. The event will also include a screening of the documentary In Search of Education, and a photo exhibition, along with a 10% live wire discount at Café Mitini. Hemanta Rana (ladies night) Tee N’ Tee Date: 26 April (Saturday), Time: 12:00 pm onwards, Entrance: Free Casa De Cass Bourbon Lounge Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Venue: One Ugly Mug Coffee Bar/ Base Camp Outdoor Lifestyle, Lalitpur Friday: 25 April Thursday: 24 April Location: Jhamsikhel Rock n Roll Rebels (rock band) Sign (Sonam and Sunny) Contact: 5522626 Saturday 26 April Friday: 25 April Jazz Upstairs Ramshackle blues | desmond and Soultease Wednesday: 30 April marcus (country music) Monsix (Gypsy Jazz) Saturday: 26 April ART & THEATER Wednesday 30 April Accoustix Time: 7:00pm onwards Others (jazz vocal quartet: jazz Location: Lazimpat Life is Flow vocal standards and modern jazz) Sunday: 27 April Contact: 4416983 Date: 24 April (Thursday) to 22 May (Thursday), Open Night Time: 6:00pm onwards Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm Tamas Laya Venue: Image Ark, Kulimha, Patan Durbar Square, Location: Pulchowk (Harihar Monday: 28 April Friday: 25 April (Naxal) Contact: 5006665/ www.image-ark.com Bhawan) Live music (band) Accoustix Contact: 5010100 Wednesday: 30 April Czech Castles Monday: 28 April (Naxal) Date: 9 April (Wednesday) to 25 May (Sunday), Time: 5:00pm onwards Embassy Restro & Bar Ladies night with Accoustix Open Night with Jovan Thursday: 24 April Venue: Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal Revisited, Kathmandu Salsa by Riyaz Shrestha Time: 7:30pm onwards Miloslav Stašek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, invites everyone Wednesday: 30 April (Naxal) to the inauguration of Czech Castles, an art exhibition of the National Location: Lal Durbar Marg Open Night with Jovan Friday: 25 April Contact: 4441703 Museum of the Czech Republic. Bhim Prasad Acharya Prayash (band) Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government Friday: 25 April (Thamel) of Nepal will grace the inauguration as the Chief Guest. Tamarind Restro and Bar Electronic music Saturday: 26 April Thursday (24 April), Sunday (27 Dharmendra Sewan with Bittu April) and Monday (28 April) Time: 7:00-10:00pm Live piano by Sunil Singh Contact: 4414395 Sunday (27 April), Monday (28 April), Tuesday (29 April) Friday: 25 April Piano light by Pema Dharmendra Sewan and Bittu 8 Degrees Wednesday: 30 April Saturday: 26 April Friday 25 April Hem Lama Hem Lama Loadshedding (band)
Time: 6:30pm onwards Tuesday: 29 April Time: 7:00pm onwards Location: Lazimpat Salsa Night by Riyaz Shrestha Location: Jhamsikhel Contact: 4424040 Wednesday: 30 April Contact: 5543740 10
Step Up: To The Streets 19 April, Durbar Marg The eleventh edition of the annual Durbar Marg Street Festival saw a large turnout. Apart from the much-anticipated performance by Indian band Euphoria, the festival also witnessed a number of Nepali bands and artists (Kutumba, Nepsydaz, Indira Joshi, Mt. 8848, etc) entertaining the crowd. Besides the concert, there were b-boying performances, bike stunts, face painting, and magic shows that kept the audience occupied. Anti Clockwise: Vinayak Gupta, Debajyoti Bhaduri, Palash Sen, Ramesh Tandukar, DJ Prajwal, Darshan Rai, Bhola Bikram Thapa, Sugam Pokhrel, Pharendra Limbu, Malvika Subba, San Jay Hall of Frame
“We are the only movie theater in the world with this system in all our auditoriums,” - Gaurav Goel, Managing Director of Cine de Chef
Cine, Unparalleled 17 April, CTC Mall Cine de Chef launched their new 5-star cinema theater, and introduced two auditoriums - Cine and Cine Dine. Inaugurated by Hari Bansha Acharya, Madan Krishna Shrestha, and Nisha Adhikari, the venue also has a kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cine de Chef offers a new experience to the patrons, maximizing the value of the customers through recliner leather and luxury sofas, cushioned seats, the latest Meyer EXP sound system, and Christie Digital Projectors. After the inauguration, the movie Need for Speed was screened letting attendees experience the features of the theater first hand. Clockwise: Madan Krishna Shrestha, Nisha Adhikari, Hari Bansha Acharya, Priyanka Prasai, Gaurav Goyal, Ichhya Raj Tamang, Ankesh Gorkhali 11
Social Entrepreneur of the Year 21 April, Hotel Annapurna “If you want to treat the The World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub hosted an event to celebrate Dr Sanduk Ruit’s “Social Entrepreneur of the Year powerless, you also have to Award” for 2014 from the Schwab Foundation. Pioneering microsurgical treat the powerful.” procedures with inexpensive intraocular lenses on cataract patients in remote eye-camps, Dr Ruit has helped restore the eye sight of tens of - Dr. Sanduk Ruit on how thousands of Nepalis beside other countries. Dr Ruit shared his story along with the challenges he faced as a social Tilganga Institute manages to entrepreneur, stressing on the need for ‘compassionate capitalism’. Members of Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub – The Kathmandu Chapter, serve people from the remotest of an international network of city-based hubs led by young leaders, and various guests from Tilganga Institute, Change Fusion Nepal, and other communities sustainably. social entrepreneurs were present at the event. Clockwise: Luna Shrestha Thakuri, Anuradha Koirala, Shivanth Pande, Abhinab Basnyat, Catrin Froelich, Suhrid Ghimire, Raju Shrestha, Rita Gurung, Dr. Sanduk Ruit
the talents are in! 21 April, Russian Cultural Center A war for the subtitles kicked off among the contestants of the Fanta The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2014 pageant as the Berger Miss Talent 2014 show began. 19 beautiful girls engaged in 19 different variations of art and artistry in order to strike a chord with the large audience and the jury panel, which included the Chairman of The Hidden Treasure, Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati; former Miss Talent Bishnu Chemjong; and Miss Nepal 2013 Ishani Shrestha. They were marked according to the presentation and weight of the act. The final event will take place in May. Clockwise: Alisha Kunwar, Neha Bajaj, Rashmi Adhikari, Aastha Pokhrel, Sitoshna Ban, Pranayna K.C., Lhakpa Tamang, Subin Limbu Kickstart//Week That Was 12
Euphoric Nepal Kathmandu, April 19 Euphoria, the popular Indian band, rocked the 11th Pepsi Durbar Marg Street Festival on Week That Was Saturday. As if the vocalist donning a Dhaka topi and singing a couple of Nepali songs was not enough, Hotel Annapurna had a dinner program laid out for those who wanted to get up close and personal with the band. Dr. Palash Sen, the vocalist of Euphoria, expressed Covering the Blindsight his excitement at being in Nepal in the program that was attended by the bigwigs of Nepali Lalitpur, April 19 commerce. (Ashmita Rijal) Organized by Rotary E-Club of District 3292 and Rotary Club of Kasthamandap, the documentary Blindsight was presented to around 80 visually impaired people at Dhokaima Cafe in Patan. The event was sponsored by The Rose International Fund for Children and Nepal Ability Development Foundation. Blindsight is about six visually impaired Tibetan teens who set out to climb the LhakpaRi. Audio narration was provided in both English and Nepali so that the visually impaired audience could follow the documentary. R.R. Pandey, President of the Nepal Ability Development Foundation (NADF) and a narrator at the event, stated that through the documentary they intend to “empower and motivate them (the visually impaired) and show that they can achieve anything if they want to.” He further said that despite the changes in how society views the visually impaired in Nepal, it was not enough. According to Rajan Raut, the Vice President of (NADF), the visually impaired face a lot of discrimination and NADF hopes to “advocate the fact that the visually impaired are not without ability.” He also said that NADF hopes to develop this ability that they have so that they can become an asset and not a disability. Apart from the screening of the documentary, Sristi K.C, the founder of ‘Blind Rocks’ spoke a few words, and visually impaired singer Namrata Adhikari gave a short performance. (Pooja Pradhan) To the Top Kathmandu, April 15 The Fig Blooms Kathmandu, April 19 Reporters Club Nepal bid farewell to the climbers who were proceeding towards the world’s highest peak under the Seven Summit Expedition While the Durbar Marg Street Festival was in full swing outside, The Fig Café opened for Global Peace Campaign 2014. This expedition to Everest held by its doors to coffee lovers looking to take a break from the crowd and the heat of the Climbing Club Nepal with the theme “save the environment for the festival. The café serves delicious chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, and brownies, and global peace” has the objective to generate awareness and solutions a number of sandwiches as well. Iced coffee and sandwiches were on a discounted rate about the adverse effects of global warming. Apart from Mt. Everest, exclusively for the opening. Apart from the coffee and food, the café, which is part of the expeditions to six highest peaks of six other continents will also be City Museum Kathmandu (CMK), sells Nepali organic coffee beans and CMK mugs. CMK taking place under the same campaign. In this Everest expedition, the also has a museum shop for people who want to take the traditional crafts of Nepal home. first Newar Everest summiteer, Ram Krishna Shrestha, and the first Wes Anderson’s Darjeeling Limited was screened at the gallery space in the evening. summiteer from the Jirel community, Lal Bahadur Jirel, will also be (Shuvechchhya Pradhan) participating. (Samyam Shrestha)
Narayangadh Gets Trendy Chitwan, April 16 Chitwan Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. inaugurated its first venture, CMAX Cinema, a luxury movie theater, in Narayangadh. It was a grand celebration attended by a host of celebrities and social figures. The theater, located on the sixth floor of KL Mall, was jointly inaugurated by veteran actor Shiva Shrestha, actress Nisha Adhikari, and director/ producer Ashok Sharma. Equipped with the latest innovations in audio and visual technology, modern interiors, and sophisticated amenities, CMAX Cinema is designed to provide a world-class cinematic experience to movie buffs. Facilities such as underground parking, advance ticket reservation, phone bookings, baggage counters, and dual box offices located in both the top and ground floors, add to the comfort of the D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 patrons. The theater, which can accommodate up to 160 people, will ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. No. 218 1 MAY 2014 screen all genres of the latest Nepali, Hindi, and English movies. In The Smarter Entertainment Weekly partnership with Himalayan Java, CMAX also offers a full-service food Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha Sub-Editor: Sujan G.Amatya Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya counter with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks. Copy Editor: Vishal rai Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA CMAX Cinema will be open to the public very soon. (ECS Media) Editorial Manager: utsav shakya Editorial Co-ordinator: Samyak Moktan, ASTHA JOSHI In-house writers: ashmita rijal, girish subedi Design Executive: Sunil Maharjan Assistant Design Executive: Rabi Maharjan Design Assistants: Narayan Maharjan, Sudip Maharjan Manager, Photography: Dash B. Maharjan Color Separation & Printed at: WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. Assistant Manager, Photography: Hari Maharjan Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Photographers: Prajwal maharjan, Rabindra Prajapati, 5548861, 5552335 Umesh basnet, Yogendra Maharjan, niraj maharjan, Distributor: Kasthamandap Ashmin maharjan Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 Business Development Head: Angiras Manandhar Assistant Manager, Business Development: Sachin Tamrakar Disclaimer Sr. Executive, Business Development: nirbheek subedi Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Ad Enquiries: [email protected] Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: Bikram shrestha reflect the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: Sujan shrestha 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 Our sister publications 13
A workshop on journalism New Year, New York Winner Kathmandu, April 16 – April 22 Kathmandu, April 18 Matthew Warnock is the senior media consultant of the online Malvika Subba, former Miss Nepal and magazine ‘Guitar International’ and a lecturer of jazz music at media personality, drew the name of Sunila reputed music colleges in the UK and the United States. Last week, Shrestha of Yeti Travels as the winner in he conducted a workshop on music journalism at Kathmandu Jazz front of members of the press and trade Conservatory in Jhamsikhel. Aimed at shedding light on the issues partners at Etihad Airways’ office in Metro related to the topic in the local scenario, it was certainly a one-of-its- Park. Etihad Airways, the national airline kind class in Nepal. of United Arab Emirates, which carried 11.5 million passengers in 2013, and flies “However rich or famous a musician may be, they are still normal to 103 existing or announced passenger human beings like us,” said Warnock while explaining what it was and cargo destinations in the Middle East, like to interview musicians who belonged to that category. Warnock Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the has interviewed famous musicians such as Slash (former member of Americas, announced the lucky winner Guns and Roses) and Sammy Hager (ex-Van Halen) alongside a long of their New Year, New York internal list of musicians from genres such as jazz, rock and blues. During the marketing promotions in a short interaction lectures, he discussed the various techniques of interviewing, writing program. The promotion covered all staff articles and self-promotion. members of Etihad’s trade partners in Nepal and served as an introduction to Giving examples of the different situations that he had to face during their Business Class. “In conjunction his career, Warnock talked about the dynamic ways of writing album with our double daily operations to New and event reviews, music news, and feature articles on topics related York, Etihad Airways now offers pre-USA to music, amongst several other categories that he has lectured on. custom clearance prior to departure from He also discussed the endless possibilities of using the Internet as a Abu Dhabi,” said the General Manager of promotional tool for writers. (Girish Subedi) Etihad Airways. (Sujan G. Amatya)
Innovation through Reality Shows Kathmandu, April 17 Kathmandu University, an autonomous, not-for-profit public institution, and UNICEF, a United Nations Program headquartered in New York, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Dhulikhel in Kavrepalanchok launching Innovation Incubator at the premises of Kathmandu University School of Management in Lalitpur. The best ideas for social change nurtured at the incubator will be showcased through the National Competition on Innovative Solution (NCIS), where business leaders interested in the ideas will partner with innovators to put sustainable solutions in place.
This pioneering collaboration between an academic institution and a humanitarian and development organization will work together to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nepalis. The competition will be broadcasted primetime on national television in the form of a reality show. The MoU also seeks to develop academic programs on child-sensitive policies, create opportunities for research to fill technical gaps on issues related to the impact of poverty and inequality on children’s and women’s rights, as 400 runners, 5 km, one cause well as establish a think tank to generate ideas for social change. Kathmandu, April 19 “This partnership is both timely and important as it comes at a critical moment when Nepal aspires to build a Miles for Million Smiles 5K run, organized by Chakrabarti HaBi College socially inclusive and economically productive society,” said Hanaa Singer, UNICEF Representative. “Our joint of Law and JingoistYouth Network, was a youth initiative that saw more initiative is aimed at providing hope to the young and motivated Nepalis to come forward with creative and than 400 people coming together to run a distance of 5 km. The run, innovative ideas that can solve the social issues faced by their local communities.” Singer also emphasized which started from Tudikhel, aimed to raise both awareness and funds on the importance of monitoring and developing ways of dealing with the new global generation of Nepalis so for Down Syndrome Society Nepal (DSSN). The event managed to that their tremendous potential could be unlocked to ignite social change. The sentiment was reiterated by collect a total amount of Rs. 1,50,000 for the organization. Prof. Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha, Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. (Sujan G. Amatya)
Apart from the run, the event also saw performances by children from the DSSN and a Zumbathon that was facilitated by trainers Zin Sivish And Zin Sheili. This element to the event was added for the dancing- loving children of the organization. (Yukta Bajracharya) Kickstart//Tiara Talks
Contestant Name: Sonie Rajbhandari Contestant Name: Pranayna K.C Age: 24, Height: 5.5 Age: 24, Height: 5.8 Residence: Kaski, Gandaki Residence: Southern Heights, Lalitpur Tiara Talks IV Contestant Name: Aastha Pokharel Contestant Name: Richa Bhattarai With only a few days to go, and in light of the charging Age: 22, Height: 5.9 Age: 20, Height: 5.6 ½ anticipation, Fr!day introduces you to the participants of Residence: Sinamangal,Kathmandu Residence: Ithara, Morang the Fanta The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2014 pageant. Contestant Name: Rajnita Bhetwal Age: 21, Height: 5.5 Residence: Balwatar, Kathmandu Sadiksha Upadhyay
Sonie Rajbhandari Is there a social cause that’s close to you? by being genuine, not being How did you stay fit before joining the How do you think it can be supported? judgmental of others, and being competition? I would like to help the poor and needy focused on what I am there for. I particularly love running early in get food, shelter, clothes, and basic the morning, and have also been health facilities. It can be done if we What is the one thing you had never attending Zumba classes lately. But, become more empathetic and aware of imagined you would do, but are so far, my favorite workout regime such situations. happy and proud to have done, after has been the high intensity interval being a part of the competition? What do you think will set you apart from I am an introvert with a really 16 training, which is really extreme. your competitors if you get a chance to small friend circle. But after Is there a social cause that’s close to you? represent Nepal internationally? coming here, I have made a lot of How do you think it can be supported? I will stand out because each country friends. I am a business student and my plan has its own specialty and diversity, and is to be an entrepreneur, one with Nepalese women in particular are exotic, Pranayna K.C. the ability to help women in general. humble and lovable. How did you stay fit before joining I also really want to uplift the living the competition? standards of the people of my country. What measures are you taking to groom Yoga is my go to for staying fit yourself? and healthy. What qualities do you think are I groomed myself by looking for essential to be a pageant holder? inspiration from other independent and Is there a social cause that’s close Any pageant holder should possess intellectual women. to you? How do you think it can be confidence: to wear the crown, supported? elegance: to wear the sash, and Rajnita Bhetwal Nepal is amongst the top five dignity: to represent her nation. How did you stay fit before joining the places with the highest child competition? malnutrition rates, and that is not What is the one thing you had never I used to practice yoga and walk on a something I want my country to be imagined you would do, but are happy treadmill. known for. and proud to have done, after being a part of the competition? Is there a social cause that’s close to you? What measures are you taking to My perception of beauty pageants has How do you think it can be supported? groom yourself? broadened immensely after the training. There aren’t many organizations that Endless hours of YouTube videos I’ve seen all the hard work, discipline work for street dogs. In order to support regarding pageants and pageant and intellectual growth that goes into this cause, I think the mindset regarding guides. 17 making a beauty queen. Also, I had street dogs should be changed. People never thought I would be able to spend keep expensive dogs just for prestige What qualities do you think are as long as 10 hours in 5-inch heels! when they could be providing a home to essential to be a pageant holder? street dogs instead. She should be a confident young Aastha Pokharel woman who is passionate about How did you stay fit before joining the What do you think will set you apart from life. competition? your competitors if you get a chance to I stayed fit by eating healthy and represent Nepal internationally? Richa Bhattarai doing the right workout at home. I will stand out from my competitors How did you stay fit before joining the competition? I drank a lot of water for a healthy body. A fresh mind, exercise and a smile on my face also made me fit and strong.
Is there a social cause that’s close to you? How do you think it can be supported? Since I have been working in an orphanage with street children, I 19 20 spend a lot of my time teaching them something new every day. What I teach may not be big, but I believe small things make a 18 greater impact.
What do you think will set you apart from your competitors if you get a chance to represent Nepal internationally? My confidence and positive attitude will make me stand out from my competitors.
What qualities do you think are essential to be a pageant holder? Seriousness, positive attitude and confidence.
It’s on! Having established themselves in the market with the annual electronic and branding expo that has been taking place for six years, ICT Association of Nepal adds more to their seventh installment with more exhibitors, more offers and more of the latest technology, making the 7th ICT Electronic and Branding Expo 2014 an event that has to be attended.
7th ICT Electronic and Branding
Offers and discounts on various electronic products
Exhibition of the latest Samsung products such as Galaxy Grand 2, Galaxy S5, Gear 2, Gear Neo and Gear Fit, along with various other products from the company
InFocus Chalk less Whiteboard
Free distribution and exhibition of Vidhya- laya, a school management software Indoor Floor Plan T 55 T 54 T 53 T 52 T 51 T 50 T 49 T 48 T 47 T 46 T 45 T 44 T 43 T 42 T 56 Exit T 29 T 30 T 31 T 32 T T 34 T 35 T 36 T 37 T 38 T 39 T 40 T 41 33 T 28 T 27 T 26 T 25 T 24 T 23 T 22 T 21 T 20 T 19 T 18 T 17 T 16 Entrance T 10 T 11 T 12 T 13 T 14 T 15 T 3 T 4 T 5 T 6 T 7 T 8 T 9 T 1 T 2
Outdoor Floor Plan Besides providing an ultimate opportunity for authorized dealers of big companies, ICT Association of Nepal has also been catering to local business related to IT with Expo 2014 Spotlight a stage to sale their products. Hence, ICT Expo has an outdoor floor for this purpose where one can view and buy simple IT products like pen drives, speakers, headphones, earphones, along with other IT related products like antivirus softwares and networking device.
Exhibitors’ Quote Sirish Murarka, Director of Pashu- pati Trade Link (Authorized Distributor of Micromax Mobiles) “People should come to the ICT Expo 2014 to see and compare all the products available under one roof. Plus, Exhibition of the latest Micromax is launching the Canvas Knight Panasonic mobiles there making it yet another reason to visit.”
Puskal Khatiwada, Marketing Head, International Marketing Service (Authorized Distributor of Samsung Mobiles) “The ICT Expo is a platform for people to know about the recent Information and Communication Technology Develop- ment that has taken place globally. I believe ICT is a two-way interaction where one can Exhibition of the latest Huawei mobiles interact with the companies/importers of those technologies and get adequate information about the technology directly. Visiting the ICT Expo would be a great chance to observe tech- nological developments from Samsung and other participating companies/organizations.”
Roshan Bhandari, Managing Director of Hu- man Click Enterprises (Authorized Distributor of InFocus) “ICT Association of Nepal has provided an opportunity to the exhibitors and the public to learn more about current technology through the expo. As for Human Click Enterprises, we have been in the IT business for almost 15 years, and, like technology itself, we provide people with whatever new and unique has More than 100 stalls displaying come up in the market.” various electronic products Platform for 10 startups to showcase their talent Celebs’ Quote Blast from the past Umes Shrestha, Founder, KtmRocks “It’s overwhelming seeing the number of new gadgets and innovations in the For the past six years, ICT Association of Nepal has been known to deliver a well-managed market. By going to the expo, one can expo. With the aim of promoting Nepali products and marketing them in the electronic inquire, compare, and try out new products sector, it is also a platform to motivate people to get in touch with the latest and most in- before buying them directly from the experi- novative technologies. As for the companies, they are provided an opportunity to promote enced people there.” their business as well as to display their products. The entrance charge is priced low at Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 25 for students, which is a steal considering what one can witness within. The five-day long event has basically been targeting students to get in touch with Rupy Singh, Founder Director, Rupy’s Inter- the latest in tech and providing them with special discounts. Your money doesn’t go in vain national School at the ICT Expo. It has been giving gift hampers to lucky draw winners, along with offers “One has to keep up with the latest devel- and discounts with the purchase of any product inside the expo. Another factor that makes opments in electronics and brands, retain- the ICT Expo a disciplined exhibition is its well-managed paper disposal program. ICT As- ing quality in the fast moving technology of sociation of Nepal has been placing more than twenty volunteers just to pick up the papers. our times, as well as future inventions.” What are the other things that people can look forward to at the ICT Expo? Innovatively designed stalls by various companies, getting to know new products, along with meeting various people associated with electronics and branding directly.
Opening Today!
Shovan Sainju, Expo Coordinator of ICT Association of Nepal “Last year’s show was such a suc- cess, that we have renewed our partnership with international or- ganizers and supporters to ensure maximum exposure for our exhibi- tors, and showcase the best of product, services and more which our exhibitors will offer this year. It is sure to be a “must attend” event for people looking for ways to save money and to let the visitors feel the latest technology.”
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The Smarter Entertainment Weekly EVERY THURSDAY Issue 218 | 1 May 2014 enterta! nment
The arrival of electronica introduced the world to a new form The Genius of music, one with emotions as well as a digital sound. Sulk Station is a duo that has mastered both. of Sulk Abhishek Mishra 22
Musicians these days can produce“ and release an album without leaving the confines of their homes...they also have the liberty of choosing how to distribute them.
odern music Rao and Rahul Giri, the is an ever Bangalore-based Sulk Station evolving has been around since 2009. being. It went Their music is an amalgam from the of contemporary electronic old country, music styles (trip-hop/post- Mfiddle based tunes to rock and dubstep/ambient) with traces roll in the 1950s, and kept of Indian classical. The result shifting and growing as the is a sombre and unwinding decades passed. Nothing is state of music that can’t be certain but change itself, they confined to a single genre. say, and the music industry Sulk Station released their embodies this perfectly. debut album Till You Appear in It wasn’t just the styles of 2012, which amassed praise music that evolved through from various online social the years, music formats circles and critics. The album and business practices too also earned them a slot at went through tremendous the World Event Young Artist transformations. festival held in Nottingham, Today, albums are UK. More accolades have digital, and “likes” on followed with vocalist Tanvi Facebook and views on Rao recently being nominated YouTube play a big role in the Best Female Vocalist in promotion. Musicians category at the Jack Daniel’s these days can produce Annual Rock Awards and and release an album Giri being picked as the #1 without leaving the producer to watch out for in confines of their homes. 2013 by Border Movement With the onset of music and Wild City. Soundcloud.com hosting websites such - the world’s largest community as Soundcloud, not only of sound creators - picked Sulk do musicians own their Station as the “Soundclouder creations, they also have of the Day.” the liberty of choosing how to distribute them. Making use of this technology in its entirety is Sulk Station. Consisting of the duo of Tanvi 23
Rahul Giri gives us further insight into the changing culture of music and how Sulk Station has tapped into it for their success: RVL Radio What has the evolution of music been like for you? CHARTS Well, when I was studying at Budhanilkantha School some 12 years ago, I listened to all the classics. I was into bands NEPALI CHART like Iron Maiden, Pantera, and Metallica like everyone else. 1. Pani Paryo - Rohit John Chettri And then I heard Amnesiac by Radiohead. Talk about a life 2. Ma Ra Malai - Albatross altering record! The sound on that album can be described 3. Namaste - Cadenza as the precursor to what we call “electronica” today. It 4. Hami Nepali - Ugesh Limbu ft. Diwas Gurung certainly left a mark on me and I soon began exploring 5. Fulbutte Chari - Ashesh Kulung Rai this side of music further when I left for the U.S., and 6. Rang Haru - Topi ft. Aastha Tamang Maskey subsequently when I went to India thereafter. 7. Mountain High - Bipul Chettri 8. Aafailai Khojdaichu - Subani Moktan How has it been making music in India? 9. Ma K Garu - Soul Tickler 10. K yo Maya ho - B- 8Eight It has been great. The music scene has changed in recent years and keeps on changing. In a city like Bangalore, ENGLISH CHART people are now musically empowered enough to not have Top to compromise on their creativity. You have all these 1. CAN’T REMEMBER TO FORGET YOU - SHAKIRA FT. RIHANNA 10 musicians, who make music as they want to from start to 2. HAPPY - PHARELL WILLIAMS finish, coming up. And then there is a vast pool of listeners 3. WHITE WALLS - MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS who pick up on these artists thus giving the indie circuit FT SCHOOLBOY Q & HOLLIS a widespread coverage over the internet. It’s all word of 4. WHO YOU LOVE - JOHN MAYER FT KATY PERRY mouth and it is so with us too. All the sharing, posting, and 5. ADORE YOU - MILEY CYRUS retweeting has helped us a great deal. 6. HEY BROTHER - AVICCII 7. WAITING FOR SUPERMAN - DAUGHTRY How would you describe your music? 8. UNCONDITIONALLY - KATY PERRY There are traces of downtempo and minimal beats or trip 9. THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE - AMERICAN AUTHORS hop, but it’s all that and something different too. When we 10. SAY SOMETHING - A GREAT BIG WORLD FT. CHRISTINA AGUILERA work on a song, we are not concerned about deviating from facebook.com/rvlradio www.rvlradio.com @rvlradio our genre; the music itself just ebbs and flows on its own. There is a certain melancholy attached to the tracks, but it goes past that as listeners can have a different experience listening to the same song. Lastly, why did you choose to call yourself Sulk Station? Because my wife used to sulk a lot. (laughs) Sulk Station will be playing at House of Music on 26 April. With Tanvi Rao’s mesmerizing voice soaring over the plethora of sounds emanating from Rahul Giri’s panel, it is a show that needs to be experienced. A visit to their Soundcloud page is also highly recommended; tracks like Bindiya and Piya I certainly deserve a listen. Entertainment//Outdoors 24
Along with summer comes the festivities. This year, the celebrations will include more than just traditional jatras and melas, as youths from 24 major colleges inside Kathmandu Valley gear up to compete against each other in the basketball court...even during late hours. Girish Subedi Kathmandu College of Management is all The matches will follow the league cum 4 Quick Facts on KCM competing in matches that will have four set to host the KCM Basketball Bash 2014, knockout format, and will have four quar- Basketball Bash Night quarters with six minutes stop time (for a fifteen-day event that begins on 20 April. ters with 10 minutes stop time for men, and Game: men). As for the night games, the event will The annual meet, which will take place four quarters with eight minutes stop time 1. It’s an all-star match include skills challenge (30 minutes), three- in the college premises at Gwarko, is a for women. The timings for the games are: comprising of the point shootouts (30 minutes) and third best performing representation of KCM’s enthusiasm for the 12 noon to 1: 30 pm; 2 pm to 3:30 pm; and players handpicked place games for men (four quarters with 10 sport. The tournament this year will have 4 pm to 5:30 pm. “The corporate matches from the colleges minutes stop time). several new attractions, including night and will be held according to the conveni- taking part. KCM’s official statement defines the corporate basketball, along with the regular ence of the participants, which is yet to be 2. The game was competition as “an event that promises to college competitions. decided,” says Prabhu Bhetwal, one of the introduced in 2012 deliver thrill, excitement and jubilation to Initiated in 2005, the tournament is jointly event coordinators. According to him, the and has been one of players seeking a platform to demonstrate the major attractions organized by the students of KCM’s Bachelor popular Basketball Bash Night Game will be of the tournament their talents.” The meet also attempts to of Business Information System (BBIS) fac- an all-star match that will take place late in ever since. foster cordial relations among colleges ulty, KCM Student Council and KCM Sports the evening, at around 7pm. while filling the existing dearth of com- 3. Hi-watt halogen Club. The Bash will see the participation of 32 3 on 3 Corporate Bash is the moniker lights will be used. petitive tournaments and events at this teams, of which eight will compete separately given to the corporate matches. As the level. As always, those aware of the Bash 4. No female players for the corporate title. Likewise, the setup name suggests, they will include three on have been picked appreciate what KCM is attempting to do. for the usual games will include 16 male and three games and three-point shootouts. for the all-star The only question is: who will win this eight female teams from various colleges. The eight teams under this category will be match...yet! year’s title?
Girls on Wheels Lamatar Cycling Race invites all female cyclists to enjoy an easy-paced fun race along Lakhuri’s quaint foothills on April 26. Anuj Adhikary
“ o reiterate, sports in Nepal see more ladies excited about cycling. A Among a handful of trainees preparing very few women”, said professional separate circuit has been marked for rigorously for the race are Saria Sato, cyclist Laxmi Magar, who tore her women cyclists to make it more fun 16, homemaker Hama Limbu, 23, and Tracing certificate to pieces at Cross- and inviting than challenging. Female Categories Everest summiteer Asha Kumari Singh, country National Championships in Pokhara participants and racers in the “junior Elite - Professional Male 27. Moreover, around twenty ladies are last year. The reason: she was denied the categories” get a 50% discount on the Cyclists expected to join the gala festival that will female championship title because she had entry fees, and the first few ladies to Women - Amateur and also see great music and food. To top no competition in her category. As grim register get a free bike for hire. “We’re Professional Female Cyclists off a great day of cycling, Switchback is a situation this may seem, the number quite pleased to take the initiative Junior - Cyclists below 16 introducing a five-a-side Cycloball tourney Years of female participants in 2014 Cycling to promote cycling among women,” - football played on bicycles - with prizes Open - Fun Category for Championship shot up to a modest eight, says organizer Shyam Limbu. “In fact, Amateur Cyclists for the winning team. Speaking of gifts, though the ratio is still skewed if you we’re providing cycling workshops to Master - Cyclists above 40 there are numerous attractive lucky consider 80 male riders. ladies, focusing mainly on basic riding Years draw prizes for participants and also for skills like shifting gear, braking, and Grand Master - Cyclists above spectators who can purchase a raffle Enter Lamatar MTB Race. pedaling uphills. We want to ensure 50 Years ticket at the door. Grand prizes include a With three flavors of race trails to choose safety among newcomers.” Conducted getaway to Hetauda (Life Cycle Resort), Entry Fee: Rs. 250 from, Lamatar Race, organized by by professional cyclists at Switchback, Pokhara (Atithi Resort and Spa), and for Women and Junior Switchback, and co-sponsored by TAAN, the brief workshops are free for female categories; Rs. 500 for Chitwan (Royal Park Hotel). Thamserku, The Bakery Cafe, HAN, and riders who are interested in partaking others. Free bike hire for the So gear up, ladies! It’s time to Dawn Till Dusk, seeks to get particularly in the race. first few ladies to register. dominate, and stay in shape! 25
SummerA Taste of This April, let the Mediterranean and its varied cuisine indulge your taste buds. Dorothy Lysandra Lu
Moroccan, Greek, Spanish, to the otherwise smooth red wine, lamb juice and common to the region, but and Lebanese in its elegantly soup, and its anise liquor lentils compliments the salty so is seafood. From Monaco cosy domain. flavoring adds a tangy kick. sweet lamb. The rich taste skewers, to Mediterranean Stepping into Alfresco The accompanying shrimp is is balanced out by the sides, Salmon, to Chicken Gyros is akin to entering a rustic fresh and well cooked, giving which are a tad vinegary. — the menu has quite the lodge: with corncobs and the soup a little meat. No meal is complete variety to cater to the patron’s dried goods serving as the Garlic bread follows, without dessert, for which preferred choice of meat. decor. Within, the chef toasted crisp. It is served with the chef chose to serve up an The array of choices has chosen a sampling of garlic and eggplant pastes, Italian Tiramisu and Cream is not unexpected: the the menu for our taste and both of which complement Caramel Medley. Made with Mediterranean includes s the warm weather speaks perusal. the existing garlic flavor marzipan cheese and sponge, many countries and spans of beach and surf, so does On the surface, the without overpowering the the cocoa-powder dusted different cultures and styles theA food at Soaltee, with the first course appears to be basic taste of the toast, which cream of the tiramisu melts of food. An indulgence, additional Mediterranean some form of tomato soup, clears the palate rather well in your mouth, leaving a perhaps, but if you feel the a la carte dinner menu at until its very long name is for the main course. liquor-y aftertaste. When need for a respite, partaking Alfresco. Although typically announced: Shrimp and The Tagine of Lamb Chop paired with the equally soft from this menu could be serving Italian cuisine, the Millet Greek Saganaki Soup. is a traditional Moroccan dish, caramel pudding, it becomes something to consider. restaurant has branched out A single spoonful proves that served with peas, zucchini a concoction capable of The Mediterranean menu to temporarily include other it is anything but simple. The and pasta. The meat is cooked appeasing any sweet tooth. has been available (7 pm Mediterranean fares such as millet lends a grainy texture just right, and the sauce of Those, of course, aren’t onwards) at Soaltee Crowne the only dishes. Salads such Plaza’s Alfresco since 18 as the Borani Chogondar April, and is expected Rock Leaves Salad, as well as to continue for the next Dolmades, are also available. fortnight. Meals include A notable choice is the a complimentary glass of Mediterranean Salad. A fresh Carlsberg beer. lettuce salad with boiled eggs, celery, baby carrots and cherry tomatoes, it is dressed Mediterranean style: with salt, pepper, olive oil, feta cheese and yogurt. The dish is served with garlic dip created by blending roasted garlic with olive oil and herbs for seasoning — garlic and olive oil being the pillars of Mediterranean cuisine. The mains are also varied. Goat and lamb meat is Entertainment//Sports//Football 26 New Rules, New Fun With the 2014 FIFA World Cup looming, it’s not just football fans that are gearing up for an exciting time but establishments that cater to them as well. FC - The Sports Bar, in particular, has tons of plans underway for the football season.
Tan Pei Lin
lthough FC - The Sports Bar is just a new coffee shop soon. Plans for a nightclub rooftop on Saturdays and public holidays. four months old, it has already are also in the pipeline. Owing to the lack of According to Poudel, these barbecues will been making waves as one of the genuine nightclubs in the valley, the owners be held in the daytime so that people can Ahottest sports bars in town. With have been inspired to open one right next come with their families, and also enjoy an a 9 ft. x 17 ft. wide screen hanging above to the sports bar, using the club to their aerial view of the place. These events will the bar, it’s no wonder sports fans flock to advantage as a means of entertainment for also begin during the World Cup season. the establishment. Now, with the 2014 FIFA fans watching late-night sporting events. Ultimately, FC - The Sports Bar’s main World Cup getting closer, the owners of the “With a nightclub on the premises, focus is on entertaining their customers bar have come up with new plans for the patrons can enjoy themselves while “For Brazil, through all means possible. Even a gaming football season. waiting for the late-night matches to start,” for instance, area is in the process of materializing with “During the World Cup, we will mainly explains Poudel. foosball, snooker and pool tables, and an focus on the games that start at 9:30 pm. The club is scheduled to open in two the drinks will entire section cordoned off just for XBOX Along with live music, we are also planning months. Additionally, in a bid to mix things be yellow and and PS4 consoles. on hosting a ‘predict and win’ contest,” says up for the World Cup, the bar is planning on green, which Gearing up for the World Cup season, Subrath Poudel, one of the three owners. creating a variety of drinks that correspond are the colors the team is hard at work creating new Customers looking to book a place for with the colors of the participating teams. of the team activities to cater to all sporting fans. In the later games (12am or 1am) must let the bar Not restricting themselves to just sports end, what they are really aiming for is to know in advance (at about 6 – 7pm). fans and night owls, Poudel and team jersey,” says live up to their name - that of being a true FC - The Sports Bar will also be home to are planning to host barbecues on their Poudel. sports bar. Issue 218 | 1 May 2014 Issues That Matter th nk
The No Nonsense Nun Shuvechchhya Pradhan
Ani Choying Drolma was 16 years that energy to do something old when her colleague started productive or destructive,” she calling her keme. Later on, Drolma shares. went to her guru to talk about what A part of this thinking came from had happened. growing up with a drunkard father “Keme means ‘lower birth’ in the in a neighborhood where almost all Bhote language; it’s a derogatory men drank, were polygamous, and term used to address women,” she beat their wives. “Subconsciously, I explains. “He explained that nima, think the environment I grew up in which means sun, has ‘ma’ in it influenced what I’ve become now,” and so does lama, the word for says Drolma. But the majority of guru. This is because both are said her inspiration came from her guru to have the attributes of a mother, who taught her self-belief, along the strongest and most beautiful with the teachings of the Buddha. quality. Hence, no woman is keme.” That her religion and the words of Her displeasure at being called her guru have played a major role keme possibly still lingers for in her life is clearly apparent in her Drolma admits to getting angry beliefs. “The advantage of coming when women are called the weaker from a Buddhist background is that sex. “They are actually the stronger you can always be who you are and ones, for women have the capacity thus be at peace with yourself,” she to take care of themselves as well says. “Even when someone calls as others,” she states. you a keme.” Drolma doesn’t let anger gain control over her. Instead, she takes Ani Choying Drolma is popularly a long breath, stays calm and known as the Singing Nun. She thinks carefully before reacting. was recently nominated as the first “Anger is normal and it all depends national ambassador for UNICEF in on whether you are going to take Nepal. Think//Review//Theatre 28
What Transpires Beneath the Royal Skies Ujeena Rana
Beneath the Royal Skies deserved four stars but ended with two, all because of the 100-page-script (the fact was announced to the audience before the show got underway), which resulted in the play being too long for its own good. The director, Archana Sarda, could have put forth a tight production but the playwright in her clearly carried her away. Beneath the Royal Skies was a Hindi translation of Sarda›s own English play by the same name. On to the plot: Mimi serves as a nanny in the palace of Ramnagar, a province in Rajasthan. As a rule of the royal household, she is forbidden from going home to her three children. It is only after 17 long years that she is able to reunite with her family. Once home, Mimi vows to bring out the skeletons in her closet before she dies. What follows is a tale of anger, mystery and surprises. As stated earlier, the incredibly long script was the play›s biggest weakness. A couple of scenes that had the potential to pack a punch were diluted in the pool of unending anecdotes, and commendable performances were taken over by too many subplots. In short, there was too much of everything. The only saving grace was the fact that the play cashed in on the element of mystery. But it wasn›t all bad. In fact, the actors were decent and, in some instances, they really shone. Whoever the casting director was did a fine job. All the actors looked their part, except for Nandu, the child artist, who seemed lost simply because he had nothing to do. Mimi›s Rajasthani dialect was on point in every scene, and Princess Mallika looked and acted like a true royal. The over-the-top gestures and loud acting of Birju and Sushila, a married couple, was balanced by a composed performance by Princess Mallika and Mimi. But it was Sushila who brought life to the otherwise barren scenes. Spouse-bashing one-liners and quick repartees by the wife were a hit with the audience, receiving the loudest applause and peals of thunderous laughter. Beneath The Royal Skies, a presentation of Pink and Grey Unlimited, was staged at the Russian Cultural Centre, Kamal Pokhari on 10 April. 29
What does Ram Babu Gurung have to say about:
Daya Hang Rai (actor): He is Wide Awake an inspiring personality and an outstanding actor—at times he’s so natural it doesn’t even seem like he’s acting.
Nischal Basnet (actor): He is the smartest and probably the most talented director I have come Dreamer across. He has a future in acting too. Kabaddi is the talk of the town these days. The second presentation Rishma Gurung (actress): She is of Black Horse Films, the production company that gave us the mega an innocent lady who made her blockbuster Loot, has been riding on a cloud of hype. Behind all the presence felt in every scene. And yes, she is also a talented dancer. noise, Ram Babu Gurung, the debutant director of the film, silently Bijaya Baral (actor): Bijaya has a waits for the din to die down before the storm begins. bright future. He has the potential to Bijaya Adhikari make it big in the industry. Buddhi Tamang (actor): His ot all dreams come true—not all of a real Nepali community the main theme of the film. screen timing is amazing. He is a hardworking fellow who is very true dreams have to come true. A young was an idea worth turning Kabaddi tells the story of Kaji, to his profession. Ram Babu Gurung from Rumjhatar into a film, the story and, the son of the village landlord, once dreamt of becoming a lahurey, subsequently, the finances who intends to “capture” and Rajan Khatiwada (actor): The but when that dream came crashing for Kabaddi gradually started marry a girl related to him—a Nepali film industry hasn’t quite utilized the diamond that is Rajan down, he felt like he had lost his way. shaping up. concept ubiquitous in the Khatiwada. He hasn’t been given Wide awake with the carcass of his “Kabaddi is a contextual, Thakali community. But when that space to shine yet. shattered ambitions, Gurung moved contemporary but a very a man from the city enters the Pushkar Gurung (actor): He is a very to Kathmandu and readied a new dream: to become a film specific tale of the Thakali picture, things change. special actor. Whenever I sit down to “hero.”N This was back in 2005. community of Mustang,” Gurung believes that portray a character, Pushkar comes For Gurung, being a “hero” meant becoming a dancer and a states Gurung. dreams are based on reality; to mind automatically. fighter. But an alliance with Navin Subba brought out a newer Why Mustang? The direc- the experiences that people Purushottam Pradhan and more sophisticated version of his personality. “I powered tor states three reasons for gather serve as the building (cinematographer): I have never my way through books about films,” he recalls. “I started his choice of location. First blocks to a dream. This belief seen a crewmember with as much watching non-mainstream movies and discovered newer is the visual delight that the carries on to his narrative energy as him. He breathes life into paradigms of filmmaking. As my dreams evolved, so did my place has to offer. Second is style as well. “I give dreams every frame he captures. understanding of films.” Mustang’s socio-geographical to my characters and make Nimesh Shrestha (editor): Nimesh In 2006, Gurung came up with a docu-film titled Anagarik, positioning. As Gurung them drag those dreams into Shrestha is “the” editor for Nepali which also served as the debut of actor Daya Hang Rai. Since himself hails from the West, reality,” says the debutant films and I don’t think I am the only then Gurung and Rai have been brainstorming their way into he has an emotional connec- director. “Kabaddi is also a one who says that. His editing skills are unparalleled. community-based stories and creating true Nepali tales. The tion to the story. And thirdly, product of a dream.” duo, together with director Nischal Basnet and actor Rajan for the inspiration Gurung Ram Babu Gurung, it ap- Rohit Shakya (background scorer): Khatiwada, have ensured that Kabaddi sees the light of day. has drawn from Dr. Krishna pears, is a wide-awake dream- His sense of timing, mood and essence of the story is awe-inspiring. “A film cannot exist without context. Context cannot exist Bhattachan, who illustrated er through and through! He moved me with just the trailer without life. And life only exists where people and community the concept of “Chopuwa” or (Kabaddi will be hitting and has, obviously, done excellently are,” says Gurung. After Basnet suggested that the portrayal captured marriage, which is theaters on 25 April) with the entire film. Think//Feature 30
sparkling dark eyes, or casting an askance glance without seeming mysterious. The masking of deep misogyny masquerading as women’s empowerment or humor in 2 States wouldn’t succeed without the vitality she brings to the screen. She gets to lecture the audience about dowry and the role of the woman in and out of the kitchen, and about a man’s self-worth. But, when a man allows a woman to stand strong and lecture on the worth of a woman, it doesn’t, Not a by induction, make the man pro-woman. Therefore, when Bhatt’s Ananya comes off as a strong woman onscreen, it feels merely like the cowardice of the men behind the State of movie being provided with validation. As competently as 2 States is produced, it fails to engage with larger ideas about the Engagement Indian nation – how is it possible to talk Prawin Adhikari about a polity without being political? Is India really just the North and the South? What of the North East – now under rape and repression by the center for decades? ust like the groom featured in a Punjabi must travel to Chennai, and the What of other, more problematic parts of raucous Punjabi wedding in 2 States, Tamilian must travel to Delhi. Heartbreak India? Or, are we going to say that it isn’t India is a corpulent nation, but not will mildly threaten the feel-good falsehood the business of cinema to answer these necessarily a mature one. It is still of love. That is about all there is to the plot. questions? Sure, stereotyping is a mainstay insecure about its women, and has In that, it is tempting to praise 2 States for of comedies arising from differences. But, Jan uneasy relationship with its father figures. its restrain towards intellectual rigor and is it okay to treat as a joke ideas that are It is deeply racist and casteist, is hypocritical ambition. Why ask popular Bollywood to deeply racist? about its sexual morality, and is utterly be thoughtful and provocative? It was frustrating to watch something blind to anything that registers outside of a (But, watch Queen, released a few weeks so obviously crafted and curated lack any middle-class worldview. That – and not the ago, and you’ll find yourself marveling substance. Sometimes, while watching a colorful romance in it – sums up 2 States, a at the deep thoughtfulness brought to Nepali movie that is rife with technical competent but mediocre adaptation of yet something so lighthearted. What does it shortcomings, it is still possible to see the another Chetan Bhagat bestseller. mean when a protected, naive girl from engagement it attempts with ideas larger Released in the middle of the national a city notorious for its attitude towards Movie: 2 States than can be held in the circumference of elections that has been taking place across women travels to Paris and Amsterdam, its narrative. 2 States attracted viewers India, 2 States is a fantasy about the shares a hostel room and makes fast friends Director: Abhishek Varman in droves for the Saturday matinee. Will power of love to bring together people of with a black man, a Japanese man and an the same people return to watch – say – very different backgrounds – Alia Bhatt’s Eastern European man, and shares her Starring: Arjun Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kabaddi, when it releases the next week? Tamilian Ananya and Arjun Kapoor’s first kiss with an older Italian man? And, Rewathy, Ronit Roy, Will they demand of Nepali filmmakers a Punjabi Krish. The mothers are difficult all of this after being abandoned at the Amrita Singh more thoughtful cinema, as the audience and the fathers aloof – the task of the mandap by a man who never lets her make Producers: Karan deserves? Or, will we exclusively patronize protagonists is to win the hearts of either decisions! What does that say about the Johar, Sajid loud, thoughtless mediocrity? set of parents, and show them that a emasculation of Indian men?) Nadiadwala Tamilian girl and a Punjabi guy can make Bhatt is incapable of smiling without Running Time: 149 Prawin Adhikari writes fiction and a marriage work. Towards that end, the hinting at a certain mischief under those minutes screenplays. Facial Inks With the fourth edition of the annual convention only a day away, we explore how far Nepal’s tattoo culture has progressed, and the degree of tolerance society has for walking canvases, especially those with inked faces. Tan Pei Lin “Tattoos have always been a part of our says Maharjan. In his 12-year career, carry it. Employers may not approve Nepal Tattoo Convention, amateur and culture, but in the last 40 years or so, Maharjan has tattooed the face of just of inked faces, and there are places seasoned artists have the opportunity perceptions changed. They were seen one solitary customer, and only a small where tattooed people are looked upon to showcase their designs and skills as the domain of criminals and drug piece at that. with suspicion.” next to international artists. addicts. But tattoos are coming back Although small isolated face tattoos However, one of the organizers “The convention is a good platform again, and people are becoming more are attracting a niche market in Nepal, of the 4th International Nepal Tattoo for us. Hopefully, it will make people accepting,” begins John Maharjan, some artists feel that full facial tattoos Convention, Bijay Shrestha, reasons aware of not just tattoos but also our owner of Jads Tattoos. are still too extreme. Even so, the that it doesn’t have to be different from skills,” says Manish Maharjan, owner However, there’s no denying that artists admit that despite the negative the things that people put on everyday. of Deeper Shades Tattoo, who has there are still some forms of tattoos labels that a facial tattoo brings, they “People who wear ties and suits all been in the business for seven years. that others find hard to stomach. Inked still are open to the prospect of inking the time are looked upon as important Nepal’s tattoo artists have bright faces, for instance, are uncommon in their own faces. individuals. So why can’t a person with expectations for the future, and Nepal. “Facial tattoos are not advisable,” tattoos simply be seen as someone many hope that despite the country’s “Facial tattoos are viewed negatively says renowned tattoo artist, Mohan really into art?” relatively late entry into the field, it’ll all around the world. They are not Gurung. “It’s okay for me because I Nevertheless, despite all these be the go-to place for quality tattoos. completely accepted even in Europe am a tattoo artist and I don’t really reservations, tattoo culture is As Gurung says, “When people think and America, so it’ll be quite a while care what people say. But for others, it progressing at a favorable pace. of tattoos, I want them to think of before Nepal accepts inked faces,” depends on what you do and how you Through events like the International Nepal.” 31 Entertainment//Fr!day Films