Every Thursday issue 246 Rs 40 13 November 2014 27 sflt{s 2071

The Smarter Entertainment Weekly

TheTheJewelJewel inin thethe CrownCrown Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen talks about her love for jewels, the legacy of her crown and walking the ramp for Classic Diamond’s Timeless Paragon Jewellery Fashion Show.

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Whats on? SERENADING THE SQUARES Deepak Bajracharya and his band Fusion live Date: 15 November, Saturday Venue: Nyatapole Mandir, Bhaktapur k ckstart Time: 5pm, Entry: Free

Trending A parting salute Yant!ra 3.0 Art/Tech/Science After two successful editions of Yantra that saw robots competing in a range of obstacles, Yantra 3.0 promises to be even bigger. For its third edition, organized under a collaboration between RAN, Karkhana and Siddhartha Arts Foundation, Yantra goes beyond technology and explores the realms of art; and this time the event extends for eight days. The event has been divided into four parts: Art + Tech Exhibit, Robotics Competition, Speaker Series (12 November) and Workshop for Children (9-13 November).

Date: Friday, 14 November Date: 8 to 15 November Location: Army Sports Training Center Location: Nepal Art Council Yantra 3.0, the National Robotics Competition, will see 215 participants bring forward their robots and set them Art + Tech Exhibit head-to-head with each other in three different categories. is the product of The main event, Bridge to Lanka, will have participants a collaboration Alok Nembang, a veteran of Numafung, and then as a director build a smartphone-controlled robot that will assist Lord between artists and the television and film industry, of movies like Sano Sansar and Rama in finding a way across the water to Lanka. The technologists, and deals was found dead in his Dhapasi Kohi Mero. Through Sano Sansar other two categories, Yantra Racer and Yantra Akhada, will with issues of identity, have intelligent automated robots race each other, and education, and shared apartment on 6 November. he introduced actors like Vinay have robots knock each other out of a ring, respectively. cultural heritage. Nembang, who directed hundreds Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, of music videos, was also a very Suvash Thapa and Karma, all talented choreographer. His of whom have gone on to attain GET FIT with Bimala Tamang frequent collaborations with the fame on their own. Renowned actress Jharana Bajracharya have for his kindness towards animals left behind popular videos for and a gregarious friend in public, How does one train for success at the Bimala Tamang, winner of a bronze songs like Anil Singh’s Dubna Nembang was also famously fond international level? in karate at the recent Discipline is key. I train twice a day medal Asian Deu Malai. After graduating of his solitude, and protective during holidays, a two-hour session in the Games, talks about getting fit. from college in the US, Nembang of his privacy. Nembang’s morning and a two-hour session in the chose to return to Nepal to work forthcoming movie Ajhai Pani is afternoon. On a regular weekday, I attend Any particular diet you stick to? college in the morning and train in the I eat healthy. Lots of fruits and soups. I eat as a VJ on Image Channel, and slated for release in February. In evenings. But I train everyday without light before training and eat moderately at continued to leave his mark in the his demise the industry has lost a exception. other times. You can’t perform well when entertainment industry. Known talented advocate for everything you are bloated. I absolutely love eating What does your training regiment look for his refined visual aesthetic, showbiz, and the Nepali grapes before and after workouts. like? Nembang went on to enjoy entertainment industry is the I start by running and doing warm-up Any food you have to avoid? success in the movie industry – poorer for this loss. May his soul stretches. Then I do my basics and my I avoid acidic delicacies like pani puris, kaanta. Then a regiment to cool down. chatpates, and titauras. Those don’t go well first as an actor in Nabin Subba’s find liberation and eternal peace. with training. Do you prefer working out alone or in a POST US: Email event details to [email protected] or call 5011571/ group? Any recommendations? 5011639/ 5011730/ 5011731 for listings. Listings are free but inclusion is not Don’t tell my friends, but I like to train Eat a good balanced diet and constantly guaranteed due to limited space. alone. I am a lot more focused that way. stay active. The rest takes care of itself.

Kickstart//Get Started 6

Kathmandu Blues, a movie about the festival has also been released worldwide High hill blues by the well know Kiwi filmmaker Costa Botes. With internationally acclaimed blues musicians and outfits such as Chris Sutton, Botes is known for his Kinki and Mike Beale Project, the Mr. No Money Band, and Lloyd Williams in the work in the Lord of the lineup, the 7th Himalayan Blues Festival cannot be ignored. Rings and Candyman.

Text BY: Girish Subedi This year’s international bands he Himalayan Blues Festival Kinki and Mike Beale Project (HBF) intends to promote the Hailing from Australia, the Kinki and Mike Beale blues—a genre that originated Project has been described as “dynamic, vibrant in the United States—with the and refreshingly different.” objective of integrating it with the The band’s repertoire includes sharing Troots and folklore of Nepal. the stage with Charlie Musselwhite, along After a successful inception in 2007, with performances at major Australian and international music festivals such as The Phuket the festival headed across the border Blues and Rock Festival, The Gympie Muster to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi in QLD, Bridgetown Blues Festival (WA), Fourth 2010. “Our chief aim is to promote the Valley Blues Festival Tasmania, and Blues Alive Himalayan Blues Festival as an Asian Rockingham (WA), amongst many others. music festival that will be hosted by as The Kinki and Mike Beale Project’s debut album many nations as possible in the future,” Dead On, released in 2010, was engineered and produced by the legendary Adrian Stuckey. says Samik Kharel, one of the founders of It led them to be nominated as finalists in the HBF. Australian Blues Music Awards for the ‘Best New As in the previous years, the HBF Talent’ and ‘Best Female Vocalist’ categories. will offer several musical outings for the audience. These include concerts, musical Mr. No Money Band clinics, and conferences with international Formed in Bologna, during their many Italy, the album is Italy in 2005, this performances (over widely recognized in musicians. As always, a big crowd is Lloyd Williams expected at the venues hosting the events. blues band started 600). their home country. out playing standard The Mr. No Money Several internationally renowned The Mr. No Money This famous British songwriter is blues and rock n Band’s performances Band launched their known for his unique banjo and blues musicians were part of the HBF in roll, incorporating at the Himalayan debut full-length guitar techniques. Inspired by Nick previous years, and this edition will be no elements of Money and Fear… Blues Festival will different. So be sure to get to the venues traditional music Never Had in 2012. feature their latest Drake and John Martin, his music early, or buy a ticket in advance, so that into their originals. The album also unreleased song has a darker folk Americana as well They are regulars at you don’t miss out! featured some well- Moustache Women, as classic British folk sound, along the Italian summer known Italian blues a blues tune with festivals and have musicians. Presented elements of disco/ with haunting church organs and Event dates already collaborated during a summer funk, country, hurdy gurdies. Blues Around Town - 13 Followed by a jam session with a long list of tour of more than 40 bluegrass, and rock November Time: 6:30pm onwards leading musicians concerts in southern n roll. Williams is currently under the Attic (Tangal) - Kniki and Ticket: Rs.999 Mike Beale Project wings of producer John Wood, the Contact: 9851018800 For The Road sessions - Chris Sutton 15 November A performer who is well legend responsible for all three Nick The City Museum Blues @ Trisara, Lazimpat known for making his Drake albums, John Martyn’s Bless (Durbarmarg) - Lloyd - 7pm onwards audience stand up, the Weather and Solid Air, besides Williams Performances by Lloyd shake, clap and holler, Williams, Chris Sutton and Contact: 9860033647 Chris Sutton incorporates his work with Pink Floyd, Fairport Mr. No Money Band La Grange (Thamel) - Mr. Contact: 4410200 his skillful art of Convention, Sandy Denny, Cat No Money Ticket: Rs.500 storytelling with mature Stevens, Incredible String band, Contact: 9841410886 guitar skills. With a truly Blues @ Manny’s Eatery masterful voice, he has and Nico and Squeeze. De La Soul (Thamel) - and Tapas Bar, Shaligram been observed whispering Chris Sutton Complex, Lalitpur – 6pm into the crowd’s ears one Contact: 9803073630 onwards Performance by Kinki and minute and rattling the walls the next. Time: 7pm onwards Mike Beale Project Entry: Rs.300 Contact: 5536919, 9851108851 Born and raised in West Virginia, Sutton’s Blues Big Bang @ Ticket: Rs.500 methods of sprinkling in 1905 (Kantipath) - 14 Ticket available at the sly doses of self-effacing November venues and Nepa Music *All star session with humor and inviting the outlets international and local audience next to him musicians during his performances For bookings is something that has and inquiries, Chris Sutton (USA) call 9803918267, been vested in him by his Kinki and Mike Beale 9841433370, songs that depict the lives Project (Australia) 9801009928, and the language of rural, Mr. No Money Band (Italy) 9841297451 working people. His songs The Midnight Riders Email: himalayanblues. are regarded as timeless (Nepal) [email protected] Lloyd Williams (UK) and Sutton himself is Mukti and Revival (Nepal) Website: www. popularly considered a “no himalayanblues.com field recorded replica.”

Kickstart//Out & About 8

Outdoors OUT & ABOUT Shivapuri Climb Get away from the rush Duration: 2 to 3 hours to Nangi and 6 to Short and Easy trek to Kathmandu Valley for 7 to the summit 2 nights 3 days Difficulty level: Easy - Moderate, can be Date: 15 November, Venue: Chitlang strenuous at some points ART AND THEATRE Contact: 4381214/9802095999, info@ Walk with the team of Maya, Dawa, and Pasang nature-treks.com Sherpa, the first Nepalese women to scale K2, the Bajracharya’s strokes of nature second highest mountain on Earth. This exclusive Have you ever hiked at Shivapuri short trek, organized by the k2team, will stretch for Nature and Eternity National Park? Take a leisure walk along two nights and three days, with homestay facilities Date: 26 October 2014 to 16 January 2015 the national park trail through Buddhist at Chitlang. Participants will walk across small trails Venue: Park Gallery, Pulchowk, Opening Hours: 11am to 5:30pm monasteries or march all the way to the and base camps will be built along the way. You’ll summit, either way it will be an indulging also get to see the first hydro power plant in Nepal Widely known for her work Nature and Eternity that was first showcased experience. Shivapuri National Park, with - the 113 year-old Pharping Hydropower. The trek in 2004, Pramila Bajracharya is currently displaying no less than 30 the sub-tropical forest covered Shivapuri is a unique opportunity and a medium to introduce of her new paintings under the same title at Park Gallery, Pulchowk. Peak standing at 2732 m, is the closest trekking and camping to ladies. Foreign citizens are Rich colors like black and red are predominant in the paintings with hiking trail to the capital. The park is invited to come along as well. accentuated outlines to stress on the shapes and figures. The artwork, also where the sacred rivers Bagmati and mostly representing figures and landscapes, has been hugely inspired Bishnumati originate. For more details call 9841343775/9813041591. by Newari and Bangladeshi lifestyle, the latter a product of various inspirations during the SAARC Art Camp 2014 held in Bangladesh. Exploring the outskirts with the K2 Team Short and Easy trek to Kathmandu Valley for 2 nights 3 days Date: Saturday, 15 November, Venue: Chitlang Contact: 9841343775/9813041591

Walk with the team of Maya, Dawa, and Pasang Sherpa, the first Nepalese women to scale K2, the second highest mountain on Earth. This exclusive short trek, organized by the k2team, will stretch for two nights and three days, with homestay facilities at Chitlang. Participants will walk across small trails and base camps will be built along the way. You’ll also get to see the first hydro power plant in Nepal - the 113 year-old Pharping Hydropower. The trek is a unique opportunity and a medium to introduce trekking and camping to ladies. Foreign citizens are invited to come along as well.

MUSIC & PARTIES Evening with Lloyd Williams Date: Thursday, 13 November Venue: The City Museum Kathmandu, Durbarmarg (Outdoors) Time: 6pm Ticket: Rs.300 Food and beverage will be available at the venue.

Lloyd Williams will be performing at The City Museum Kathmandu, Durbarmarg, as part of the Himalayan Blues Festival 2014. The British artist is well known for his unique banjo and guitar techniques, and his uncompromising attitude to writing and playing the music he loves. The artist’s work is said to invoke shades of Nick Drake and John Martyn, as he Poudel’s Kaya at Sarwanam intertwines “a darker folk American edge, with Kaya - a perishable layer a classic British Folk sound.” Lloyd’s album has Date: 31 October to 22 November (except Thursdays) been produced by John Wood, who worked on all Venue: Sarwanam Theatre, Kalikasthan of Nick Drake’s albums, as well as with artists Time: 5:15pm to 6:30pm such as Pink Floyd and Nico. Ticket: Rs.200 and Rs.100 (Student discount) Also while you are at the museum, don’t forget to check the Nature in Flux exhibition with Written and directed by Dipesh Poudel, Kaya- a perishable layer is a paintings by KG Ranjit on the topic of climate play revolving around an artist burdened by life’s adversities. The play change. The exhibition will be on till 15 that delves into the truism that adverse circumstances motivate artists November (Opening hours: 10am to 7pm) to produce great work follows Poudel’s first work Sphatik, which was staged last year and was well received. It also looks into matters like the effects of superficial concerns such as the appearance of a person. Dust off your air guitars Newari cuisine with Sufi instrumental Shyam Khadka plays the protagonist. He is supported by Kaushal Tribute to Guns N Roses Live Music Pandit and Sadhna Bhandari. Date: Saturday, 15 November Date: Every Friday, Time: 6pm Time: 3pm Venue: Yala Pasa Restro and Bar, Kumaripati Venue: Purple Haze Rock Bar, Yala Pasa Restro and Bar is hosting live music every Friday. Thamel The house band Utshahha will be setting the mood with Sufi Spend this year’s instrumental, English acoustic, and fusion. While reveling Thanksgiving in a warm After constitutive tributes to in the music, the patrons can order a variety of Newari and atmosphere with a traditional legends like Pantera, Pink multinational cuisines that the restaurant has to offer. turkey dinner and privately Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Tool, FOOD imported pecans for a warm yet another tribute gig will be Pecan Pie. As an added taking place at Purple Haze, Golden Gate Prom treat, a free glass of hot this time to the legendary hard Date: 29 November, Time: 1pm, Venue: Norling Gazal, Durbarmarg Yum yum! mulled wine (Kilroy’s special rock band, Guns N Roses. recipe) will be served with Although way past their heyday, Yuva Events presents the Golden Gate Prom (not to be confused Thanksgiving Dinner every main course. The menu Guns N Roses remains one with the college.) The open party will be held in a safe and Date: 27 November to 29 November includes Potage of Pumpkin of the biggest names in rock peaceful environment at Norling Gazal in Durbarmarg. Formal Time: 6pm and Ginger, Traditional music, with songs like Sweet clothing is mandatory. DJ AN, DJ Vivek, DJ Synk and more will be Venue: Kilroy’s of Kathmandu, Thamel Roasted Turkey, Homemade Child O Mine and Paradise spinning the deck. The prom is supported by AMA Events, along Contact: 4250440/41 Bread Stuffing, Warm Pecan City still seen as quintessential with Ktm Party Lovers, Optimus EA Nepal and The Team. Hosting Price: 3 courses for only Rs.1750 nett Pie, and Vanilla Ice Cream. tunes of the hard rock genre. the party will be Hissi Maicha Lux and Saroj Thapa. For more Get your air guitars ready! details contact 9841729502. 9

MERRY TIMES! CHRISTMAS KATHMANDU live wire MISCELLANEOUS Date: 13 to 14 December, Time: 11am to 6pm, Venue: NASC, Jawalakhel, Manny’s Eatery & Tapas Bar Stories of coffee makers in photographs Contact: 5543018, 5543019 Every Fridays Café Mitini Gallery 7th Exhibition: ‘Story of Coffee Tree & Start the merry season with Christmas Kathmandu, an Shabnam Gurung and Dinesh Coffee Makers’ event brought to you by House of Rajkarnikar. Shop for Neupane (Live Ghazals) Date: 11 November to 12 December gifts for your loved ones from nearly 100 stalls, and enjoy Time: 7pm onwards Venue: Cafe & Shop Mitini, Lazimpat the culinary delights at the food festival while you take a Location: Jawalakhel, Time: 10am- to 7pm well deserved break from all the shopping. Have fun at the Shaligram Hotel Complex amusement park, groove to the beats at the music concert, Contact: 015536919 The exhibition will showcase photographs of coffee plants and the or relive the spirit of Christmas at the Nativity show. various stages of how the fruits they bear are turned to dried beans and, Moksh eventually, cups of coffee. The exhibition will also present the stories of Every Tuesday coffee makers at Café Mitini and how the industry has affected their lives. Robots and Arts Also at the event, the visitors will get the chance to experience a self hand- Rohit John Chhetri drip bar. All profits from the exhibition will go into funding the next Barista Yantra 3.0 Art/Tech/Science Time: 7pm onwards Training Program, which will train young job seekers in coffee making. Date: 8 to 15 November Location: Jhamsikhel Contact: 5528362 The third edition of Yantra goes beyond robotics and also Taking on the streets delves into art, showing how the two are connected and Embassy Restro & Bar Dignity of Labour, Movies that Matter interdependent. This time, Yantra will also include an Thursday: 13 November Dates and Venue: 7 and 8 November in Maruhiti, 14 to 15 November in Art+Tech exhibit, a speaker series (12 November) and Salsa workshop with Riyaz and Patan, 21 and 22 November in Kirtipur. a workshop for children (9-13 November), besides the his crew National Robotics Competition on 14 November at Army Sattya, in collaboration with Movies that Matter is screening another Sports Training Center in Lagankhel. The exhibition will be on display till 15 November at Nepal Art Council. Friday: 14 November edition of Bato Ko Cinema. The films, this year, were selected based on The eight-day-long event organized by RAN, Karkhana Unplugged show by ‘Prayas the theme ‘Dignity in Labor’, their ability to move local audiences, while and Siddhartha Arts Foundation started on 8 November. Band’ also showcasing human interest stories that cross cultural divides. The team has worked diligently to put together films that represent multiple regions, issues, and perspectives, that are inspiring and uplifting. Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday David Brashears on taking technology to Everest Piano night by Pema Mark your calendar Where Art meets Science: New ways to explore Saturday: 15 November change in the Himalayas Live acoustic show by Shopping for Christmas Date: Thursday, 13 November Dharmender and Bittu Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar Venue: QFX Kumari, Hall 1, Kamal Pokhari Time: 6:30pm onwards Date: Thursday, 20 November Time: 4:30pm to 6pm Location: Lazimpat Venue: German Development Cooperation Office, Sanepa Free Entry 11am to 7pm Contact: 4424040 Time: David Brashears, an acclaimed photographer and With Christmas less than two cosmetics, home textiles, furnishing filmmaker who is widely known for his film Everest will be Tamarind Restro and Bar months away, the Fair Trade and decorations, clothing, fashion Group Nepal and GIZ are jointly accessories, organic food products, presenting an illustrated talk on his exciting collaboration Every Thursday, Sunday and with Microsoft. Brashears, whose work surrounding Monday organizing a Christmas Bazaar and Christmas decorations. with the support of the Embassy of Meanwhile, kids can play with Everest spans decades, collaborated with the tech-giant Live piano by Sunil Singh the Federal Republic of Germany. block prints and make their own in 2012 to produce Everest: Rivers of Ice, an interactive The bazaar is a fun filled event cards while watching artisans at website that lets the rest of us explore the world’s tallest Wednesday: 19 October for the whole family plus a good work. And if you need a break from peak. The talk will also focus on the topic of climate Prayas (band) opportunity to shop ahead of all the shopping, simply enjoy the change and its effect on the mountains, and the role Christmas. You can simply stroll Nepali and western food on offer, that technology plays to explore and observe those Saturday: 15 November through the stalls and shop for along with traditional German effects. Apart from Brashears’ talk, the event will also Supersonic (band) gifts, which include natural mulled wine. host a conversation with David Molden, Director General Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm of ICIMOD, and Kunda Dixit, Editor of Nepali Times. Location: Jhamsikhel Contact: 5522626 Bazaar of the up and coming SMEs Jazz Upstairs Festive Winter Bazaar Wednesday: 19 November, Date: Saturday, 29 November, Venue: Baber Mahal Revisited, Monsix (Gypxy Jazz) Time: 11am to 6pm Time: 7:00pm onwards Location: Lazimpat Change Fusion Nepal and Baber Mahal Revisited presents Festive Winter Bazaar, showcasing a range of locally made products by local social Contact: 4416983 entrepreneurs. The event is complemented with exquisite traditional music, culinary delights, art and handicrafts. As the selected entrepreneurs exhibit Madhusala their range of products, the event will also highlight the stories behind Every Friday till Wednesday the ventures, from that of a woman’s struggle to become an independent Uday & Manila Sotang live entrepreneur to a man’s dream of crafting inspired by nature. As for those with Jeewan Kalapremi and looking for gifts to buy for Christmas, the bazaar will primarily exhibit home Nava Ratna (band) décor items, apparels, accessories, handicrafts, books, and gift items. Time: 7:15-11:30 pm Location: Durbar Marg Contact: 4223613 Countdown Shopping for Christmas Tamas Laya Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar Wednesday: 19 November Date: 29 November, Time: 11am to 7pm Open Night with Jovan Venue: German Development Cooperation Office, Sanepa Friday: 14 November (Naxal) Accoustix With Christmas less than two months away, the Fair Trade Group Nepal and GIZ are Time: 7:00-10:00pm Location: Naxal jointly organizing a Christmas Bazaar with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Contact: 4414395 Republic of Germany. The bazaar is a fun filled event for the whole family plus a good YALA PASA Restaurant opportunity to shop well ahead of Christmas. You can simply stroll through the stalls and Live music every Friday night shop for gifts, which include natural cosmetics, home textiles, furnishing and decorations, This week: live English, Nepali clothing, fashion accessories, and organic food products besides the Christmas decoration and Hindi songs by Sthama band Time: 6pm onwards and gifts. Meanwhile, kids can play with block prints and make their own cards while Location: Hotel Goodwill, watching artisans at work. And if you need a break from all the shopping, simply enjoy the Kanibahal, Kumaripati weeks! 2 days Nepali and international food on offer, along with traditional German mulled wine. Contact: 01-5544520 2 3

1.Basana Timilsina 2.Priyanka Karki 3.Ishani Shrestha 1 2 4.Shavona Shrestha 5.Malina Joshi 6.Subin Limbu 7.Raveena Tondon 8.Lakpa Tamang 9.Reema Bishwokarma 10.Nagma Shrestha 11.Raveena Deshraj Shrestha 12.Ruby Rana 13.Sadichha Shrestha

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Let it shine! 5 November, Hotel Yak and Yeti Indian actress Raveena Tandon graced the ramp during a fashion show held at Hotel Yak and Yeti in Durbarmarg. The show kickstarted a jewelery exhibition that was held from 7 to 9 November at the hotel. It was an evening 13 of glamour and fashion, with various other models walking the ramp. The show was organized by the Nepal Gems and Jewelry Association. Nepal’s top nine jewelers presented their collection and about 35 jewelers participated at the elegant event. Raveena might have been the showstopper but Sadichha Shrestha was the talk of the event as the former Miss Nepal flaunted a mesmerizing peacock shaped gold and jewel studded blouse designed by RB Diamond Jewelers. 1

1.Srijasu Gurung 2.Arun K. Chaudhary 3.Abhishek Goyal 1 4.Suman Thapaliya 5.Karan Chaudhary Transitioning to 2 3 the other side 6 November, Sarwanam Theatre

Organized by ART Nepal,Transition, Samjhana Rajbhandari’s fifth solo exhibition, took place at Sarwanam Theatre. Opened by Basant Chaudhary, there were around 18 paintings with trees and colorful leaves on display. According to Rajbhandari, the paintings showcased transitions in her life as an artist. SanjeevUprety, who also wrote the catalogue of the exhibition, shared that while blue was predominant in Rajbhandari’s former collection, her palette has grown richer.

4 1.Erina Tamrakar 2.Ashesh Malla 3.Kiran Manandhar CG’s new villas 4.Samjhana Rajbhandari 5 6 November ,Villas Cityscape, Hattiban 5.Bidhata KC 6.Kailash Shrestha A press meet was held at Villas Cityscape to mark the 7.Basant Chaudhary 3 4 official inauguration of CG Properties’ second phase project. It was revealed that the exclusive 61 villas, which are categorized into six designs, are located within an ample area of 251896 sq. feet. 2 “I assure you that no compromises have been made regarding the quality of these constructions,” said Arun K. Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Properties, during the press meet. He also made it known that the designs of the buildings have been proven to be able to withstand certain levels of seismic activities by the Institute of Information Technology of India.

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A single stop 7 6 November, LG Lifestyle Shoppe, Jawalakhel LG, the leading electronic home appliance brand in Nepal, inaugurated a lifestyle shop in Jawalakhel on 6 November. The store, one of 40 outlets spread throughout the country, is a one-stop destination for all LG products, including refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, mobile phones, vacuum cleaners, and a variety of televisions (3D, Smart TV, Curve TV, and many more).”The economy is growing rapidly in Nepal, and we cannot emphasize how important the Nepali market is to us,” said Scott Jung, an LG associate from Singapore. “Rather than sales, the important thing here is the customer’s experience,” added Nirvana Chaudhary, who was also present at the event.

1.Jay Shim 2.Nirvana Chaudhary 3.Scott Jung Kickstart//Week That Was 12

3 days on adapting to Climate Change International Conference on ‘Mountain People Adapting to Climate Change: Solutions Beyond Week WAS Boundaries Bridging Science, Policy and Practice’ THAT 9 to 12 November, ICIMOD Headquarters and Soaltee Crowne Plaza The Hindu Kush region is a source of water for ten of Asia’s Recollection of memories Taking movies major river systems, which supports a fifth of the world’s 7 November, Park Gallery to the street – population. However, climate change and other changes have Maruhiti Edition already started to impact ecosystems and communities across The places we travel to eventually inspire our art, and this is the region. As it is likely that this rate of change will only particularly true in the case of Pramila Bajracharya. The artist’s 7 to 8 November, Maruhiti accelerate in the future, there is a dire need to build adaptation paintings are a recollection of her memories of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, strategies and techniques to curb the effects. With this objective and also Patan and Kathmandu. Her exhibition at Park Gallery, Nature Maruhiti, a famous public in mind, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and Eternity, brought together her acrylic paintings from 2004 to water sprout, saw a big crowd and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development on Friday and Saturday, but for 2014. Bajracharya started her journey as an artist nearly 20 years ago (ICIMOD) organized the Mountain People Adapting to Change a different reason. On those and her growth since then has been profound. Her art has gradually Conference, which was held at Soaltee Crowne Plaza from 9 two evenings, Bato Ko Cinema progressed and changed. Her paintings of Bangladeshi women dancing to 12 November. The event saw 200 experts and stakeholders (BKC), a Sattya Media Arts from around the globe, including government representative in their traditional attire next to Newari Jyapus who too are rejoicing Collective project, screened and high-level dignitaries from the Hindu Kush Himalaya region in their haku patasi show how little there is to be compared in these documentaries focusing on the for discussion and debate on the status of adaptation. With two cultures. The females in her paintings have been painted golden, theme of labor. The screenings the latest knowledge, policies and practices on adaptation, which perfectly complements the elegance of a woman. She has also began with a brief introduction used various mediums, among which are our traditional lokta papers. of the project and the movies the Conference was held with the aim to strengthen the Pramila Bajracharya’s Nature and Eternity will be featured at Park by different members of interface between science, policy, and practice and improve Gallery until 16 January 2015. Sattya. After the screening, a communication for adaptation to change in the Hindu Kush short interaction program with Himalayan region. Around 80 speakers with extensive knowledge the local audience took place. and expertise in the field of climate change and working in the BKC takes place throughout Hindu Kush region presented at the event. Nepal in public places showing documentaries from Nepal and around the world, creating discussion among the people. BKC – Dignity of Labor is supported by Saving lives Movies That Matter while their media partner is Teenz. The 6 November, Pokhara next edition of BKC is taking place in Patan on 14 and 15 November. Sanima Bank conducted a blood donation program at their Pokhara On plastics and more! branch on 6 November. Staffs, patrons, Where art meets NCell App Camp 5 November, Hotel Annapurna technology kicks off and locals participated to make the 8 November, Nepal Art Council 4 and 7 November, The Everest At a press conference organized Hotel at Hotel Annapurna, Plast Nepal program a success. Sanima has Foundation, an organization that Yantra 3.0 kicked off amidst The first round of seminars for works for the sustainable growth conducted various activities and also a large excited crowd at Ncell’s App Camp 2014 was of the plastic industry in Nepal, Nepal Art Council on Saturday. held on 4 and 7 November announced Plast Nepal 2014, plans to conduct programs to mark a at The Everest Hotel. The the first ever-plastic expo in the The third installation of the first seminar was on Mobile country. Set to take place from decade of successful operations. annual art, science and Application Trends: Marketing 14 to 16 November, the event and Monetization, where a will be held at Bhrikuti Mandap technology festival saw eight panel discussion was held with Exhibition Hall where Plast Nepal art installations prepared by Aadish Shrestha, Chandra Man Foundation will be installing a Shrestha, Sanjay Golcha, Anju 4000 sq. ft. pavilion. The three With Nature! collaborations of local and Upreti Dhakal, Kailash Uprety, day event will see participation 9 November, The City Museum Kathmandu, Durbarmarg and Vahtad Zehtab. Similarly, international artists along from 80 international and 50 The City Museum Kathmandu hosted Nature In Flux, an the second round of the seminar with local engineers. Visitors national exhibitors. According exhibition by the father and daughter duo of KG Ranjit and was held on 7 November where Ashmina Ranjit. As the last minutes went by, the audience appeared to be fascinated experts discussed the potential to the organizers, the point of the expo is to show people how started getting restless in anticipation for the nonstop 24-hour by each installation, whether of mobile applications in the performance art by Ashmina Ranjit to come to an end. The agriculture, health, and tourism plastics have made every day performance was in the theme of climate change and pollution. it was Mane, or Gailancha sectors. Dinesh Gautam, life easier and to demonstrate Ashmina, by pinning her clothes, showed how ironic it is that Bibhushan Bista, Yogendra the potential of industrial or the puzzle. Yantra 3.0 will the simple act of breathing is also a cause of threat, with the Shakya, Pradeep Raj Pandey, growth in the plastic sector have workshops for children, Anil Chitrakar, and Shanta Dixit such as packaging, construction amount of chemicals that we breathe in. A total of 43,569 pins robotics competitions, and were some of the experts present and infrastructure, health, were used and her pinned outfit will be put on display at the at the event. The final of Ncell’s automobiles, and footwear as venue. The paintings by KG Ranjit too were spectacular, with speaker sessions for the whole App Camp challenge will be held well as to make people aware of the canvases portraying landscapes, people, and abstract and week at various venues. in December. the recyclability of used plastics. semi-abstract work. The exhibition is on until 15 November. 13

Let the words come out Innovation at its finest 8 November, Kathmandu 3 November, Babar Mahal Revisited Bazaar Kick off! The slam poetry group Word Chaitya Futsal hit the ground running on 20 September at Warriors performed at Basement Soalteemode, opposite Soaltee Crown Plaza. The futsal arena has a on Saturday afternoon. From standard ground size with various facilities and has been designed according to international futsal standards with dimensions of 50ft X Nepali to English poems, Word 100ft approximately. The premium quality turf will give the players Warriors Live saw both veterans the ultimate futsal experience. Separate changing rooms, showers, and ample parking space are the other facilities at Chaitya. The turf is and new performers on the same located in a peaceful environment surrounded by greenery. The rates stage. There were a number of are categorized according to the shift. For the morning shift (from poems that moved the audience, 6am to 9am) the rate is Rs.1500/hr; during the day shift (from 9am to 5pm) the rate is Rs.1200/hr. For the evening shift (from 5pm to including those by Ujjwala 9pm) the rate is Rs.1800/hr. Contact: 9841372093, 014284217, Maharjan and Emily Weitzman. Facebook: facebook.com/chaityafutsal Word Warriors Live is a monthly slam poetry session held in different parts of Kathmandu. Babar Mahal Revisited is the place to be if you want the best there is to offer, be it restaurants, art Story of the Tin Man galleries, Pashmina products, or artifacts. Now the and the Mountain Man two Paulines, the masterminds being the Paulines 5 November, Embassy Restaurant & Bar Guesthouse in Tokha, are adding a hotel to that list in the form of a boutique hotel in the premises of Babar Embassy Restaurant & Bar was Mahal Revisited. 3 Rooms by the Paulines, opened on packed with poetry enthusiasts waiting to hear David B. Austell, 3 November, has just three rooms and no attached Yuyutsu RD Sharma, and restaurant, certainly a novel idea in Nepal. “With Revamp your home members of the Word Warriors. Tattva Furnishing, a new name in the home décor industry, started Austell, Columbia University’s an excellent restaurant like Chez Caroline’s in the operations on 13 October at a swanky red and white store in Kamaladi, Associate Provost and Director of premises, we did not see the need to have one of our Ganeshthan. The outlet has a wide collection of items ranging from the International Students and own, especially since the guests can order from Chez furnishing and upholstery, to wall decals, diffusers, bed sheets, and Scholars Office, recited poems on his life and love for New York Caroline’s as you would order room service in a hotel,” much more. The customer service starts when one enters the store, which is filled with competitively priced products. Tattva Furnishings City while Sharma, the well known said Pauline Driard, one half of the Paulines. As one poet from South Asia, read poems also provide swift delivery. about the Nepali mountains and walked through the rooms on the opening day, you what it is like to be a New Yorker. could hear mutters of praise from the guests. Similar Word Warriors, a slam poetry group Royal Cricket from Nepal, had four members compliments were heard in the courtyard where The indoor version of cricket enthusiasts, children, youths, and performing, moving the crowd. snacks and wine were being served. is quick and needs great professionals. The features of the The poetry-reading program was involvement and participation venue include an international organized by the Public Affairs For bookings, visit paulinesguesthouse.net, call from each player. It is a faster standard cricket pitch imported Section of the US Embassy, titling 9808815202, 9808985890 or email contact@ version of the game where each from New Zealand and high it: “Tin Man, Mountain Man and side is reduced to 6-8 players and power floodlights. All the basic Word Warriors.” paulinesguesthouse.net each innings lasts 12-16 overs. kits (bats, balls, gloves, helmets, Despite sharing enthusiasm for etc) will be provided. Also in the game of cricket, people are the premises is a restaurant and

D.A.O. Lalitpur Regd. No.77-066/67 not able to play the game due to sufficient parking space. ECS Media Pvt. Ltd, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. 5011571. factors like lack of space, rain, No. 246, November 13-2014 and other unfavorable conditions. 6am to 9pm The Smarter Entertainment Weekly Timings: Publisher: ECS MEDIA Pvt. Ltd. Royal Indoor Cricket at Golfutar, Contact: 4372122, Editor: Sunil Raj Shrestha Copy Editor: Vishal rai Director, Editorial & Marketing: Nripendra Karmacharya Editorial Co-ordinator: ASTHA JOSHI, Sashant Pradhan Kathmandu is starting a new 9813736867, Website: www. Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA In-house writers: girish subedi initiative to develop and promote royalindoorcricket.com Editorial Manager: utsav shakya Design Executive: Sunil Maharjan Legal Advisor: Hira Regmi Assistant Design Executive: Rabi Maharjan, Samir Raj Tamrakar indoor cricketing culture. The Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Design Assistants: Narayan Maharjan, Sudip Maharjan arena is facilitated for cricket royalindoorcricket Manager, Photography: Dash B. Maharjan Color Separation & Printed at: Assistant Manager, Photography: Hari Maharjan WordScape The Printer Pvt. Ltd. Photographers: Prajwal maharjan, Rabindra Prajapati, Bhaisepati, Lalitpur Umesh basnet, Yogendra Maharjan, Amar Rai, 5590306, 5591112 Drawing luck Distributor: Kasthamandap niraj maharjan, Ashmin maharjan Canon Camera Nepal announced the winners of the Canon Dashain Distribution Pvt. Ltd. 424.7241 Business Development Head: Angiras Manandhar Assistant Manager, Business Development: Vinay Rajkarnikar, Tihar 2014 Lucky Draw on 3 November at Canon Photo Gallery, New Disclaimer Manish amatya Road. Diwaker Chhetri, Maharajganj won a Canon DSLR camera EOS Details of the event listings are accurate as per information received before the date the Ad Enquiries: [email protected] weekly goes for printing. Fr!day is not responsible for any changes. Sr. Executive, Production & Distribution: Bikram shrestha 1200D while the contestants with warranty card no. 330669 and Columnists are entitled to their own views and opinions. They do not necessarily reflect Subscription & Distribution Coordinator: Sujan shrestha the views and opinions of ECS Media and the organizaton cannot be held liable for the 329843 won a Power Shot SX-510HS. An IXUS-145 was won by

same. Readers are encouraged to write to us at [email protected] Official Digital Marketing Partner - ADS MARKET PVT. LTD [4218069] www.facebook.com/fridayweekly contestants with warranty card no. 329989, 329884 and 329979. Our sister publications The winners will have to bring their warranty card to collect their respective prizes. The prizes include DSLRs, compact cameras, camera cases, camera training courses, lens and CMOS cleaning, and more. Kickstart//Partylines Partylines 14 Chitter - chatter Heard at Events

“The lives of the refugees were appalling. I saw people with empty eyes showing no “It is not only a necessity but a signs of hope, but at the same time saw game changer as well!” faces determined not to let go of hope.” UNCHR Korea Honorary Advocate and well-known actor Nirvana Chaudhary, when asked about the importance of technology in Jung Woo-sung, who was in Nepal visiting the Beldangi and the modern world, during the inauguration of the LG Lifestyle Shoppe Sanischare refugee camps. Photo Courtesy - UNHCR/ Cho Seihon in Jawlakhel.

“All painters go “The mountains are through a stage one of the most affected where they shift regions from climate towards semi- change. However, figurative paintings and then move it is yet to get the towards abstract attention it requires paintings. Samjhana by the international came back to community.” figurative paintings Nand Kishor Agrawal, through this Programme Coordinator of HICAP Initiative, at the pre-conference collection.” press briefing for Mountain Sanjeev Uprety on Samjhana People Adapting to Change Rajbhandari’s collection Conference held at Hotel during the artist’s fifth solo Himalaya. exhibition, Transition, at Sarwanam Theatre. Sanjeev Uprety Classified

Read Friday Every Thursday 15Issue 246 | 13 November enterta nment The Jewel in the Crown FR!DAY caught up with Bollywood star and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, the show stopper for the Timeless Paragon Jewellery Fashion Show by Classic Diamond Jewellers. In an Cover Photo Courtesy: exclusive interview, she talks about her love for jewels, the legacy of her crown, and much more. Classic Diamond Jewellers

the stone caught light and sparkled AM Foundation—or through collaborations represented hope to me; the size with others. I always put human lives on didn’t matter. But as I grew older, the the top of the list—whether by combating size of the stones started mattering thalassemia or cancer, or building old age more and more. That, I think, was the homes and orphanages. element that my mother brought into our environment, where diamonds You have been a true globetrotter. When were to be aspired for. They were not you travel for work, do you manage to things that were readily gifted. squeeze in time for yourself? Is there any place in Nepal that you are particularly eager to visit? Do you have an absolute Pashupatinath Temple, I’m a big Shiva bhakt. I have a very deep connect with him favorite piece of jewelry that and even in my past visits to Kathmandu, you cherish? I have always visited the temple. But yes, being a globetrotter is about experiencing Oh yes! I have too many actually. new places, about understanding new But my favorites are my 11.42 cultures, being around people that tell you about the place and what it’s soul is like. carat and 22.41 carat solitaire So even if I don’t have the time to make rings that represent the two things happen during trips, I make sure I stay back a day if I have to, but I do make decades of my work. All the the most of every place I visit. brilliance, all the hope in the world What is your favorite travel destination? is packed into those two rings. It’s a tough one. I like a lot of places in Europe and I also love South America. I love this beautiful city called Caratgena in This year marks the 20th anniversary Columbia. of you being crowned Miss Universe. In retrospect, what do you see as your Needless to say, you live a busy life. What legacy? are some of the things that you do to Actually, every time someone mentions unwind and relax? the passing of two decades of me winning Oh, I listen to music pretty much all the the Miss Universe title, I wonder who they time. I have a very strong imagination are talking about. I can’t imagine being a and it’s safe to say that I am traveling day older than 18. But on a more realistic even when I am physically in one place. level, the greatest legacy it left behind is Actually, “Alice in Wonderland” would be that prior to that event, the definition of an ideal pet name for me. beauty was limited to people with white skin and light eyes. The pageant changed the way women looked at beauty. Over Behind the scene a period of time, it has come to mean For this exhibition, we have focused something far more real and substantial. on displaying low range, affordable but

Photo Courtesy: Classic Diamond Jewellers The wayw people look at beauty pageants exclusive jewelry. The designs will be have also changed. When I first entered brand new and we’ll also be providing You have been the face of many brands. It’s a big factor to look into and, needless the pageant, my father didn’t like it free cleaning services to our clients What are some of the factors that you to say, they have to have the budget, not because he thought women who took part at our new showroom. We will be consider when deciding on the brands only for me as a brand ambassador but in beauty pageants were only interested launching our Elite Collection for which you want to represent? What was it about also for the marketing to promote what we in the glamour and in parading around in our designer has worked day and night Classic Diamond Jewellers that drew you? create. What drew me to Classic Diamond bikinis. I think that has changed. Another to create a masterpiece of diamonds It’s always been about choosing brands Jewellers? Like everything else in my life, part of the legacy is that women today and other precious stones. The center of that have one of two things. In the case of I believe things have to be timeless. I want to be beautiful without apology. attraction for the event is Miss Universe a fast moving consumer group brand, I opt love the beauty aspect and the brilliance Sushmita Sen. It’s a fact that beauty for those that have been in the market for of a diamond and the journey right up to In the years that followed, you were and diamonds go hand in hand, and years and have consumer trust. What you my fingers, but I also love the fact that involved in many different kinds of Sushmita’s presence will definitely give do then is become the face that represents it’s an investment. People buy art, I buy projects. Apart from the movie and our masterpieces an added standard. those qualities. The other is a brand new diamonds. fashion industry, what are some causes “brand” where they have no connect with and initiatives that are close to your Amir Maharjan, the consumer yet. You then become that Your mother was a sought after jewelry heart? Executive Director, first connection between the two, a case designer herself. Would it be fair to say Sometimes when we choose a cause, Classic Diamond Jewellers in point being Kiah Diamond Jewellery. I you’ve always been around jewelry? How we become a bit too aggressively driven really enjoyed doing their campaign and did that shape your taste? towards that particular issue as if nothing Classic Diamond Jewellers’ launching the brand from scratch. But My mother is extremely well educated in else matters. I had to keep a check on Timeless Paragon Jewellery Fashion yes, it has to be a brand that is about its the diamond culture and is still a much myself through these two decades due to Show takes place on 14 and 15 team and its people and they should share sought after designer. I grew up looking that reason. So I have tried to do the best November at Hotel Annapurna. This an excellent rapport with the consumers. at diamonds as an inspiration. The way I can, whether it is through my trust—I is the third edition of the event. Entertainment//Lookout 16

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Entertainment//Retrospective 18 Thorns & Martyrs Robin N Looza’s Nepal was a gamechanger in the local music scene. 15 years later, we revisit the classic album.

Text: Vishal Rai

ne rainy morning bragged about being in. That day, AD were still obscure, and Mukti in 1999 a classmate ours was just one of the many schools & Revival would release their debut of mine hopped and colleges around the country hit only a year later. Part of the reason into our school by the phenomenon that was Robin N for Nepal’s success was its timing—it bus and popped Looza’s Nepal. dropped during an era of change. It a cassette into the was the start of a new millennium vehicle’s battered tape deck. A familiar The words and the country was going through Otune drifted through the speakers. The music in Nepal was raw, blues- a massive upheaval, political and The song was Cheeso Hawa Ma, the rock. It was a decades old style otherwise. “It was a good time to start Danny Denzongpa oldie, rendered in done very well, but what set the a rock n roll band,” says Robin. The a different style. Playing air drums, my band apart were Robin’s distinctive, band’s lyrical material, which focused classmate claimed to be the drummer heavily accented vocals and his on social issues, struck a chord with of the band. Of course, it wasn’t true. straightforward lyrics, written in the audience. The title track, for I didn’t believe him. No one did. everyday language. instance, compared Nepal to a rose, The guy, for reasons best known to “I didn’t read or write Nepali then but one that had too many thorns to himself, was a legend when it came to and I still don’t today,” says Robin, be touched. making wild statements. Still, the song 15 years after the release of the intrigued me. It was a classic done in seminal Nepal, which arguably can The sessions a style no one locally had attempted be considered the most important Looza was formed in 1996. Riju so far. A week or so later, another rock album in the country. “I wrote played bass, Sunit and Sarad were on classmate, this one more dependable, the way I spoke. All I care about is guitar, and Vicky played drums. Robin excitedly introduced us to a new local making people understand what I’m ran into them in 1997 while they band. The album was called Nepal, trying to say.” were playing at Club Amsterdam in and the band was Robin N Looza. Prior to Nepal’s release, the Pokhara. A few months later Robin N After a quick listen, I knew it was the mainstream scene had little space Looza officially began. From 1997 to band that lying classmate of ours had for rock music. Big guns like 1974 1999, the newly forged collaboration 19

gigged extensively. During this time, Arun Thapa were both regular visitors Vicky was replaced by Prajol. By the there, making it easy for Robin to ask time Robin N Looza was ready to hit their consent for the covers. “The only the studio, the songs that would end permission I didn’t get was Danny’s, up on Nepal had matured. but I didn’t hear any complaints The recording sessions took though,” he says with a laugh. place at the now legendary Namaste Studio, under the watchful eye of The impact sound engineer Hem Bista. The entire Neither Bista nor Thapa had any process took two to three months, on problems with the covers. In fact, as and off. In between, while Robin was Robin recalls, they liked the makeover. occupied with managing the newly Grunts of dissatisfaction came from opened Bamboo Club, the rest of the the old guard—the Nepali music Tracks band had college. purists. “They accused us of ruining Maun Ta Ma Cheeso Hawa Ma Nepal was recorded in the old Nepali music,” says Riju. Much of their Times Are Changing Higher Love analog fashion. The album had eight complaints had to do with Robin’s Jati Maya Nepal tracks, out of which three were covers. pronunciation. Today he declares that You And I Eternally Mine Three covers in a debut might sound the critics never bothered him. a bit strange, but for Robin, it was Despite the lamentations of the borne out of necessity. With a weak purists, Nepal was a massive influence subject matter of the album. The cover the old stuff because that’s how it all grasp of Nepali, he didn’t have enough on youngsters, many of who were just was Robin’s idea. started,” he says. material of his own, so he opted to forming bands. One such outfit was The frontman, however, isn’t rework tunes that were familiar— the now extremely popular Albatross, The legacy too impressed with the past; he Om Bikram Bista’s Maun Ta Ma, who got together the same year the Nepal was a bestseller, with 40,000 admits to hearing plenty of flaws Danny Denzongpa’s Cheeso Hawa album was released. “I had seen Looza copies going off the shelves within a whenever he listens to the album. Ma, and Arun Thapa’s Jati Maya. “I play at Budhanilkantha School earlier, year of its release, according to Riju. “I would be happy to rerecord was brought up in Hong Kong and but when I saw them with Robin at The impact of the album also played a Nepal with modern technology,” England, but I grew up with those Bamboo’s, I was awestruck,” recalls part in convincing Robin to stay back he says. For Robin, Nepal had a songs,” explains Robin. Avaya, founding member and bassist in the country. “I saw a scope for rock time and a place, and he thinks it While the inclusion of those of Albatross. For the then-fledgling music that had been untapped,” he is irrelevant today. songs, for Robin, had to do with bassist, it was Riju’s playing style that recalls. “I was lucky enough to see a Despite what Robin believes, a language barrier, for the rest of stuck out the most, apart from the tone gap I could fill.” Nepal is still selling. Not many the band, it was for purely musical he got from his Yamaha bass and amp. Although Robin and Looza parted local albums can boast of such reasons. “What we were doing was Another iconic aspect of the release ways in 2004 after two more albums— popularity. “There was a sense of new for that time so we included the was the black and white album cover. Adhunik Aaganma and Bhulma change all around us when the covers to add a fresh take, as well as It portrayed the four martyrs of the Bhulyo—the influence of the first album was released,” says Robin. to break the ice,” says Riju. democracy movement—Dharma album is undeniable. Robin still plays “I like to think that our music The fact that Namaste Studio Bhakta Mathema, Gangalal Shrestha, songs off Nepal with Robin & The New went hand in hand, that Nepal happened to be the busiest of the few Dashrath Chand, Shukraraj Shastri— Revolution, the band he formed after had some kind of a part to play, recording studios of that era came as with the constitution of Nepal cut the split. “We’ve gone through two however small, in underscoring an advantage. Om Bikram Bista and into pieces, a perfect reflection of the generations of fans, but it’s nice to play that general feeling.” Entertainment//Timeoff 20

Black Water Restro & Bar is one of the new eataries in Black water, Thamel. It’s been open for just three months, and is working clear flavors hard to become a must-eat If you love crispy, crunchy fried chicken, don’t walk, run to this new place! destination in Thamel.

Evangeline Neve Décor & vibe: You get here through a small courtyard on the right of the Kathmandu Guest House; straight ahead at the back, steps take you up to a small terrace and front coffee area. At first glance you might think this is the whole place, but if you’re here for the food and not just coffee, head down the hallway to where there’s a large pleasant seating area at the back. Relaxing music is playing—traditional and local fusion—and there’s a mix of regular tables and low ones with comfortable couches. There are lots of warm wood tones and the room is pleasantly decorated with Nepali relics, instruments, and artwork.

What’s good? Of the dishes we tried, the standout was definitely of lettuce, chicken, cheese, apples, tomatoes, the Black Water Chicken. If you like American- boiled egg, carrots, cucumbers, olives, and style fried chicken, you shouldn’t miss this, as watermelons. I’m personally not so fond of such it’s absolutely the best I’ve had in Nepal to date. large amounts of fruit in my salad, but if you The large pieces of chicken are perfectly seasoned are you will be delighted at the amount you get. and breaded, then fried till golden and crunchy. I was very impressed with the homemade salad I loved the fact that the meat inside was juicy dressing, which was delightfully creamy, tangy, and succulent and not a bit dry. I was surprised and tart in all the right ways. at the very generous portion size, which is great The coffee served is of the organic high- value for money. As a bonus, the French fries altitude type grown in Gulmi, and they clearly A few words with the management… that accompanied it were perfectly made and had have an excellent barista at the helm, because I spoke with Suresh Maharjan and Ajay Shrestha. a satisfying crunch. This is the dish that I’ll be it tasted great and looked good, too. Recently returned from the UAE and Afghanistan, coming back here for, that’s for sure. I didn’t try the burgers or sandwiches on they both have experience in the hospitality The Meat Lover’s Pizza was also delicious, with this visit, but with the chicken and pizza so industry, having worked in five star hotels and generous toppings of ham, salami, capsicums, well made, I think that those will be worth American coffee shops and eateries. olives, sauce, and cheese on a well-made thin trying too, the next time I’m here. When the long-time friends returned to Nepal crust. This is not the sweeter snack style pizza There’s also an interesting selection of they nurtured the dream of starting their own found often in Kathmandu, but something more snacks, including Mushroom Bruschetta, place. It took them three years to find the perfect similar to an Italian style of pizza. The seasoning Golden Fried Mushrooms, and two kinds location, but now that they have, they’re well on is great and it would be lovely with drinks as a of chicken wings, and a good local snack their way. snack, or as a whole meal in itself. A bottle of selection, all the perfect accompaniment to “We’ve worked a long time for other people, Tabasco was close at hand if you wanted to spice drinks on a night out in Thamel. but we wanted to create a team and do something it up a little, which I thought was a nice touch. And if you’re here on a family outing, there’s of our own,” they explain. “So many young people As with the other dishes, the Black Water also a special kids menu, tailored to their taste are going abroad to work, but our vision is to find Salad was largely portioned: a colorful mélange buds and with appropriate portions and pricing. ways they can use their skills here instead.” The response has been good, and some dishes customers have loved so far include pizzas, sizzlers, lasagna, the Black Water Chicken, and the Bolognese and Carbonara spaghettis.

Other stuff… Chef’s The open kitchen was clean, bright and recommendations: fresh smelling, with glistening stainless Chef Narendra steel everywhere. I hope a little attention Kumar Aryal worked will be given to the restrooms; everything for eight years at else is great but the less than pleasant odors Mike’s Breakfast, an and old fixtures there are a bit of a letdown. experience that is reflected in the nine different breakfast To sum it all up… options available. If you’re in Thamel and you’re looking for good food, and especially if you love fried Other chicken, this place is a must-try. If you’re recommendations like me, it’ll have you coming back for more. are the pizza, pasta, burgers, and of Black Water is open from 8am to 10pm. course, the fried You can also find them at: http://www. chicken. facebook.com/blackwaternepal 21 Entertainment/Music 22 Shreeti’s return GIRISH SUBEDI

his week at Kripa Unplugged, get ready for Shreeti Pradhan. The young singer, who has some legitimate Tmusical credentials, has been a part of the local music scene for almost 18 years. The songs that Shreeti will be performing include Ujyalo Junkiri (featuring Yuvash on the piano) and Kathaa, an oblique and optimistic portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship. Besides these two originals are Let Me Fall In Love (originally by Marketa Irglova) and a vocal improvisational number (featuring Subash

Siwa on the guitars). Photo Courtesy: Prasit Humagain Shreeti was also a part of Kreepa Unplugged’s first season. When asked about the significance of the show, she says, “There are a lot of upcoming and undiscovered artists still to be covered, but whatever Kripa has achieved in terms of delivering music to the audience so far is appreciable.”

The veteran singer, Yogesh he says. This self-interpretation Vaidya is all set to launch a of his consciousness is literary poetry collection that was long in as well as moderate, and might Verses amidst perhaps provide his readers the making with the key to unlock the true meaning of his stream of his melodies Girish Subedi thoughts. It also proves that the poet is true to his writings, ith the launch of exquisite taste in literature. as he was to his songs, for they his book Samayeka This reputation will be evident have been etched during times Prawahama this week with the release of of real sadness and joy, and Chuteka Palharu his book. The launch will take W evidently describe the various (“Residual moments in a stream place at The City Museum in aspects of human nature. of time”), singer/songwriter/ Durbarmarg on 14 November. Recently honored by the composer and a Master’s “I was always inspired and Natikaji Smriti Samaj for degree holder in Food Science attracted by lyrics that had a providing them with the only and Nutrition, Yogesh Vaidya certain level of literary depth, surviving copy of Pinjadako will be revealing his literary which is why I ended up Suga, a musical project by the compositions as a poet— singing songs that were true legendary musician Natikaji written within a time period of to their cause, hoping to give (based upon the famous poem almost 50 years—to the public justice to what they stood for,” by Lekhnath Poudel), Yogesh for the first time. says Vaidya. In his book too, Vaidya is an important figure Known for a melodious readers will find that besides in Nepal’s modern classical voice that gave justice to songs being a singer and a senior music scene. In addition, this by legendary composers, poets, government officer, Vaidya did book of his will definitely put and lyricists such as Natikaji, not miss out on any chance him in a new position - that of Siddhi Charan Shrestha, Kiran to immerse himself in the a poet who represents society’s Kharel, Nararaj Dhakal, and depths of Nepali literature. anguish.in for years! Ratna Sumsher Thapa among His vocabulary and style of others, the 65-year-old singer’s writing in the poems reflect this presence in the music industry interest, in the wonderful way was and still is unlike any other, he has described his thoughts apart from maybe a handful of and feelings. individuals of his generation. So Although from a science far, 350 of his recorded songs background (the singer has have been released within a published books on nutrition), time span of almost 56 years. Vaidya does not view his One of Vaidya’s hits Sapana knowledge in these two fields Vhulayi Sara—written by Shiva as separate. “Development is a Adhikari and composed by term that tends to be plural in Natikaji—still receives frequent nature. Hence, the way I view airplay on Radio Nepal. The my intuitions is similar to the singer is also known for his relation of music and literature,” Read Friday Every Thursday Entertainment//Feature Story 24 On the trail of

Canultra trail running be the new trekking in Nepal?runners Why not? We have beautiful scenery, interesting cultures, and of course, the bhattis!

Abhaya Joshi

hen Narayan Acharya was living in the UK with his wife Naomi in 2009, he accompanied his friends to participate in a trail run. It was the Wfirst time that he had participated in a formal race. “It was a photo finish. No one knew who came first or second. But when I went to the notice board to look at the result, I could not believe my eyes. I had finished second.” When Acharya, who was already a member of the local running club in the UK, came back to Nepal after a few months, he decided to continue his running. “While on a run, I met people like Roger Henke and Richard Bull. We started an informal group to go running around the hills surrounding the Valley, every Saturday,” recalls Acharya. The sport has taken off since its humble beginnings when race organizers had difficulty finding sponsors; Nepali trail runners are leaving their mark in international races, and famous international runners are coming to Nepal to take part in local races. On the eve of the Manaslu Moutain Trail race, when we asked what attracts foreign runners to Nepal, Richard Bull who runs trailrunningnepal.org says, “I think (it’s) the same as for trekkers -- beautiful scenery, a very different and interesting culture.” The bhattis (tea- houses) have also helped the trail running community in the country. Richard says it is very easy to go from tea-house to tea- house. This is an advantage for us as we do not need to camp like runners have to

in Europe or America. M ira R ai (Photo courtesy: Trail Running Nepal) Acharya says there are more reasons than that. “Richard is doing an excellent job networking with trail runners from around the world. To add to that, the mountain runner), during the 26th Mount famous runner Lizzy Hawker’s Everest Kinabalu International Climbathon Race Mail run has also contributed to making in Malaysia, in October 2012. Similarly, Nepal a destination for trail running.” Tirtha Tamang, Bed Sunuwar and Upendra Nepali runners who have made it to the Sunuwar are also making their presence felt. podium in several races have also put Meanwhile, as this year’s Manaslu Nepal on the trail running map. Runners Mountain Trail race kicked off, trail running such as Aite Tamang, who came second enthusiasts believe that Nepal’s runners have only to Kilian Jornet of Spain (thought made the right start and the trail will lead to by many to be the world’s best-ever a better future for the sport in the country. 25

Upcoming Races Kathmandu Ultra Trail Race ~80km / 50km 80km / 50km / 27km / 11km / +/- 3200m Jan 3, 2015 Single day race, Ultra Trail ~5km maybe in 1 stage(s) Max. 2750m Annapurna 100 +4030m / – 3871m Feb 28, 2015 100km, 50km in 1 stage(s) Single day race, Ultra Trail Max. 2151m West Kathmandu Valley Rim 50km +3900 / -3500m Mar 21, 2015 50km in 1 stage(s) Single day race, Ultra Trail Max. 2529m Himalayan Rush Triathlon 2015 ~200m Mar 28, 2015 10km run - tri in 1 stage(s) Triathlon/duathlon Max. n/a Annapurna Mandala Trail XV 2015, Mustang +/- 10,000

Apr 10, 2015 280km in 10 stage(s) Running Nepal) (Photo courtesy: Trail Multi-day / stage-races Max. 5100m Aite Tamang (right) after the Mount Kinabulu race in 2012. Mustang Trail Race 2015 +/-8200m Apr 18, 2015 190km in 8 stage(s) Multi-day / stage-races Max. ~4250m Approx +2000m / 4th Everest Ultra 65km Apr 18, 2015 65km in 1 stage(s) -4000m Single day race, Ultra Trail Max. 5100m Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon May 29, 2015 42km, 60km in 1 stage(s) Single day race Max. 5300m

Information courtesy: Trail Running Nepal

The Trail Blazers: Any conversation about trail she ran two races in Italy (Sellaronda Trail Race and running in Nepal would be incomplete without Trail Degil Eroi), and in October it was the MSIG mentioning Ramesh Bhattachan, Roger Henke, 50km race in Hong Kong. The girl from Ghorlebann and Richard Bull. Bhattachan, an ex-Gurkha Village in Bhojpur has won all the races she has and a running coach, is one of the pioneers participated in. “If not for Trail Running Nepal and Richard Bull, I would have returned to my village,” of trail running in the country. Together with Photo courtesy: Nilendra Shrestha the British cricketer Ian Botham, he organized says Rai. “I was almost out of money and thinking Trail running pioneer Ramesh Bhattachan (center) with his Nepal’s original ultra running competition, the of returning home as I was running in Nagarjun.” runners after a race in China in May 2014. Annapurna 100 (100km race) in 1995. The next editions of the race took place in 2000 and 2009. In 2009, the race organizers couldn’t find a sponsor. It was then that Roger Henke and the Summit Hotel stepped in as the race’s sponsor. Henke continued to support trail running in Nepal until he was left the country in December 2012. Around 2009/10 Henke and his friend Richard Bull started the Trail Running Nepal website (trailrunningnepal. org) to provide information to trail runners about Nepal and the running possibilities here. “I just list events on the website so all opportunities are presented for anyone who is interested,” says Bull. Trail Running Nepal now organizes races in Kathmandu, the Mustang Trail Race (Apr, Oct) and Manaslu Trail Race (Nov). The website not only follows the progress of Nepali runners competing in international events, but also crowdsources support to help Nepali girls train and participate in national and international events.

The Show-Stopper: For adventure enthusiasts around the world, British endurance Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hawker needs no introduction. Hawker, who was named National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2013, had her and Nepal’s name etched in history, not once but twice. In October 2007, she and Stephen Pyke set a record for running from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu – the route used by Everest climbers to send messages to Kathmandu, in three days, two hours, seven minutes. The athlete, who won the 100km world championship in 2006, did a re-run on the route, also known as “Everest Mail,” and finished it in 63 hours and 8 minutes (less than three days).

Run Mira Run: When 25-year-old Mira Rai was running alone at Nagarjun hill in Kathmandu, she met a few men who called themselves “ultra runners.” The next month, she was invited to take part in the 50km Himalayan Outdoor Festival race, where she caught the eye of Richard Bull and running enthusiast Narayan Acharya. The month after that, she participated in the Mustang Trail race. What position did she finish in both the races? First. In September Entertainment//Outdoors 26

Tune into Kantipur TV every Saturday at A unit forms 9pm to watch Bajaj The diary rolls on and lays the groundwork for what is about to come. More tests Pulsar Dare Venture, of endurance, machines being bonded, and giving back to society. All with a few Nepal’s first bike special guests along the way. reality TV show

Text: Abhishek Mishra

he Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture and, more importantly, making it to is now in full swing with Upper Mustang in one piece! its final contestants making The next day started with the the trip all the way to Upper contestants partaking in a dip in the Mustang. All the while we pool after a good run in the morning. Tchronicle their adventure as they They had a very meaningful day head up to their destination. But ahead of them, as they made their before all that begins, the closed way to Disabled New Life Centre camps that commenced at Gokarna where they were to meet the less Forest Resort yielded the blueprints fortunate children there. This to what would be the hallmark of humbling experience was important the whole trip. With the Attitude to prepare them for the ride ahead Test out of the way, it was time for as the Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture is the contestants to put their mettle to not to be a mere Bike Reality TV the test as the Final 10 started their Show; it is also to be a vehicle to two days at the camp. showcase the fact that we can always The first morning at the closed give back to society, even when camp began and it was all about working towards our goal. Their getting the contestants ready for the visit to Disabled New Life, which is nitty gritty of the ride. The motive a non-profit and non-government of the Bajaj Pulsar Dare Venture, organization, with the mission and at the end of the day, is to ride free. vision of helping children battling Host Nisha Adhikari handed the illness and/or handicap, was contestants the keys to their bikes certainly an enriching one, and one after which their task for the first that they will remember for a long day was simple: off-road orientation time. The riders brought with them with a ride to Shivapuri. As the gifts for the children, and the show’s contestants navigated their way host Robin Tamang sang for the kids, there, they were acquainted with the much to their delight. Along with all basics of how the travel would be this, Bikers Nepal also forwarded a for them henceforth: following the donation to their cause in an attempt marshals from Bikers Nepal, and to help as many children as they can. traveling in an organized, symbiotic After the visit to the Centre, the pack aiding the riders behind them. riders made their way back to the For a few of them it would even be camp where they were treated to about curbing the urge to speed a visit by Nepali cricketing heroes in open roads. While there will be Paras Khadka and Sharad Vesawkar. one winner in the end, the purpose Khadka and Vesawkar both offered here was to form a cohesive riding inspiration and a little pep talk to unit ready for the ride ahead. The the riders. Later, the duo answered off-road test to Shivapuri was the eager questions by the riders. And perfect opportunity for everyone to as that came to an end, the riders gauge their roles, become familiar got a little preview of how it was with riding off-road with a group going to be for the rest of the show. 27 Entertainment//Drinks “Shaken not stirred” Gin, it must be said, is not for everyone. Unlike Vodka, which has no flavor of its own, gin makes a statement with its flavor and aroma and holds its own in the court of drinks. This distilled spirit is made from grain but is then redistilled with botanicals such as juniper berries, the predominant flavor of the drink. There are also new types of gin that include flavors like cucumber, rose petals, orange peels, even bittersweet almonds, and a sensuously wonderful botanical signature, all of which add to that distinct taste, so much so that it’s a challenge to pair with other flavors. Some new gins also have lighter floral flavors and for those turned off by juniper, this is a good way to start appreciating gin. Because it stands out, it is a challenge to concoct a cocktail that compliments and justifies the unique flavors of the drink. Ideally, gin goes with tonic but that doesn’t mean you have to restrict it to just that.

Gin Martini anyone! Things you need to know about Gin! “Shaken, not stirred” is • This 17th century drink was first concocted how James Bond likes in Holland for medicinal purposes(stomach his Martini. The world ailments) and then flavored with juniper to famous spy made the make it more appetizing. Vesper Martini famous • Gin and tonic was first concocted to create in Ian Fleming’s novel a palatable medicine to fight malaria. The Casino Royale. “Three tonic water had quinine, the medicine that measures of Gordon’s, fought off the disease. Quinine, however, one of vodka, half a was not palatable by itself. British soldiers measure of Kina Lillet. introduced gin with it and the rest is history. Shake itvery well until • Gin lovers celebrate World Gin Day on 14 June. it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon Gin Cocktail Recipe by mixologist Varun Thapa peel. Got it?” says Sean Bond Tini- A signature James Bond cocktail Connery, playing Bond, Dry Vermoth 5ml, along with 60ml gin, shaken in the film version. and served with lemon peel. Think//Fair Trade 28 Talking “fair trade” with DougText By: Srizu Bajracharya Dirk

ack home in the United States, Doug Dirk has Doug Dirk on fair trade. Nepali thangkas and woodcarvings hung on his walls. Hats, scarves, hand-knit sweaters, and socks from Nepal are a part of his wardrobe. How did your journey as a fair the time I came to Nepal and priced at that particular rate. If met people from Mahaguthi, they are able to understand the On some days, he plays baghchal with his children. “All trader start? B When I was volunteering as a Dhukuti, and the other FTG hard work behind, say, a mug, I have to do is save the goats, right?” asks Dirk. Here in job development programmer members. the customers probably won’t Nepal, for the last few days, he has been enjoying the in Bangladesh, I realized that bargain as much as they do taste of different Nepali cuisines. “I tried thukpa for a majority of people there What do you find most now. This is why it’s important couldn’t afford consumer rewarding? to make people aware about the lunch today and it was excellent,” he says. Dirk recently concept of fair trade. retired from Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair products. In order to find My motivation was to help people customers for the products with their small businesses. And trade organization based in Pennsylvania. He is currently they made, we needed to look what was most rewarding for me How difficult is it to weigh working with the Mennonite Central Committee who towards England, Germany, was meeting women that I had reality with fair trade had originally developed the concept of fair trade i.e. and the United States. What met in vulnerable states now concepts? being fair to the producer artisans. With Fr!day, Dirk they lacked was marketing and working as CEOs of their own sales. The Bangladeshis knew companies, and consequently We cannot help every person we talks about his career and the fairness behind fair trade. how to make a product but they training local women to improve meet; sometimes we just have didn’t know how to design one. lives of their own. For instance, to let go. We have been through For instance, they knew how to when I met Morium, who used many such situations. At times, Visit the Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, 29 make greeting cards but they to make a living by begging on the producer artisans are not November. The event, organized by FTGN in association with didn’t know what colors and the streets of Feni, Bangladesh willing to understand marketing the Embassy of Germany and GIZ, will be held at the German designs would sell in Japan. We in 1983, she didn’t believe us demands and there have also Development Cooperation Office in Sanepa from 11am to 7pm. thus had to find customers in when we said we wanted to help been cases where the artisans Buy locally and promote Nepali merchandise; this in turn will Japan who could help in sales her. But when we finally got her have not improved their quality. certainly do its bit in boosting the economy of the country. and marketing. So, my wife and to train as an artisan producer, Although it is disheartening, we I decided that after our time in she worked so passionately have had to leave these people Bangladesh was up, we would that she ended up owning her behind. The reality is, not work for an organization that own company called Shuktara everyone we are willing to help could help those lacking in Handmade Papers. This is one are ready to take our help. such resources. We ended up of our success stories. To witness being hired by Ten Thousand this happiness is quite rewarding. Villages, which has products The male to female ratio of from Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru, people working in fair trade is Kenya, Vietnam, and a lot of Bargaining is a right. How pretty unbalanced. Are women other places. I became a part of do you work out fairness in more creative when it comes their marketing team and then the bargaining rights of the later moved on to the producer to craftworks then? relation and purchasing people? Maybe. But I guess it’s social department, which was about It’s hard explaining the conditions that make women developing a relationship with importance of fixed prices to the most obvious participants the producers. This was around the producers. The costing is of fair trade. The world is a as important as the marketing chauvinistic place and men because if the products these have always been in a superior women make are purchased position. And when you are for half the price they spent living poor, it’s the women who in making them, they will need more help. They suffer never be able to afford the most and they are the ones a good living. Tourists who are willing to work for their will bargain but we families. Most women we met have to make them didn’t have an opportunity for understand why the education. That’s just how it is. product has been What really is the importance of handmade crafts today? Well, most people from this generation have no connection to their history. The traditions of handmade crafts are the only things that can make them realize the importance of keeping this culture alive. Today, we take many things for granted but if we begin to understand the hard work behind even a small mug, we may still find humility in our business approach.

For more info: Fair Trade Group Nepal Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur 01-5549848/5542608 email: [email protected] www.fairtradegroupnepal.org

Entertainment//Fr!day Films 30 Of Lust and LOLs “Mere status par sirf 11 likes hain, aur uske – 43! How humiliating!”

Text by: Prawin Adhikari

ritten by the talented actor Tigmanshu Dhulia (with co- writer Sai Kabir Srivastava) and Wdirected by Abhishek Sharma, The Shaukeens, an updated remake of the 1982 movie Shaukeen, is surprisingly tolerable, even enjoyable. If you dislike the vapidity of Big Bollywood – if you loathed Happy New Year, for instance – and if you appreciate discernible intelligence in Directed by Abhishek Sharma your entertainment, you will enjoy The Shaukeens. You don’t have to leave all of your Produced by intelligence at home. Ashvin Varde Anupam Kher as Lali, Pankaj Mishra Murad Khetani Akshay Kumar (whose song Ek Bagal Mein Chaand Hoga Trilogic Digital from Gangs of Wasseypur is enough to attest Media Ltd. for his talents) as Pinki, and Annu Kapoor “tourism” trade between India and despondently throws her honey-browned as KD are three lecherous old men haunting Written by Kazakhstan: every week a few jet planes full limbs over the bald, flaccid old men. But Tigmanshu Dhulia the public parks of Delhi. When a society Sai Kabir of Indian tourists – precisely the sort of men the real fun is happening underneath the so vigorously polices its youths, it also KD, Lali and Pinki are – fly to Kazakhstan, layer that’s onscreen. When did you last hear surrenders its own youthfulness: if, in the Screenplay by with the explicit understanding that there a Hindi club-number dedicated entirely name of respectability and culture, the older Tigmanshu Dhulia prostitution is rampant, if still illegal. Of to the merits of marijuana? Would you let generation tries to keep the daughters at Starring course, there is prostitution in India, too your children listen to a song that extols the home and persecutes young men for falling Akshay Kumar – but these are women sold into sexual virtues of being an alcoholic? But, that’s not in love outside prescribed limits, the old men Anupam Kher slavery, and perhaps that makes them mere the point, see – The Shaukeens laughs the also no longer get to behave like youthful Annu Kapoor meat, less desirable to respectable Indian hardest at Bollywood itself. Akshay Kumar, Piyush Mishra creatures, with youthful lusts. The youth Lisa Haydon businessmen and bureaucrats. But, a woman playing a parody version of himself, asks his then rebel by announcing days dedicated to who shows a degree of freedom, someone director who wants to hit the 300 crore mark kissing in public, while the lecherous Uncles, Music by who could reject them and their money, but with the new movie – What new thing have who frequent the parks to ogle and otherwise Yo Yo Honey Singh doesn’t, seems more attractive to men who you ever made me do? He’s tired of jumping Hard Kaur harass the daughters of others, become Vikram Nagi have made themselves impotent in their own off helicopters, running after bikes, cars, associated with sexual violence characteristic Arko Mukherjee country through moral hypocrisy. In The trains, item-dancers, jumping off cars, trains. of cities like Delhi. Shaukeens, there is but one woman, and the He drinks incessantly, but in a coconut shell, Lali, Pinki, and KD are men in their Cinematography country is Mauritius, full of “Biharis who so that the world thinks he is teetotaler. Chaudhary Amalendu early sixties, who would rather be having settled there a hundred and fifty years ago.” (Kumar is a famously disciplined actor sex than not. Lali’s wife has hit menopause, Edited by Lisa Haydon, the willowy swimsuit who has almost always appeared in terrible and with it acquiring fervor for religiosity Rameshwar S. Bhagat model, plays Ahana Bhasin, the object of movies that make obscene amounts of – thus debasing Lali each time he might the old men’s desire. She walks around in money – so when his mother in law, Dimple, approach her for carnal contact. Pinki is diaphanous dresses, or emerges from the makes a cameo to suggest that she is just as a widower, a semi-literate seller of spices, ocean with a salty, sultry pout. The men react raging an alcoholic, you can’t help but laugh). and without any outlet for a long life of as if their testicles are being electrocuted. The Shaukeens takes everything that sexual frustration. KD is what you’d call When she lounges around at home – with makes a big budget Hindi film click – foreign a shaukeen – someone in whom desire is the old men waiting on her hand and foot – locations, a parade of women in swimsuits still full-blooded, and freedom aplenty in she casually throws out one endlessly long dancing to nonsensical songs, a big name, a a protracted bachelorhood. He is also the leg while coquettishly complaining about couple of pretty girls of obscure but fair- Prawin Adhikari ringleader for the old men – he arranges for writes fiction and her contest with the ex-boyfriend: Who skinned nationality – and laughs really hard escorts to visit his farmhouse to entertain the screenplays, and will get more “likes” for the announcement at all of it. On the other end of the spectrum, three friends. But the young women take one teaches. He is an that they have just broken up? The men plot it also laughs at the tortured but decorated look at the men and decide that it isn’t worth assistant editor with around her – when she says “Whom do I “auteur” who keeps telling Akshay Kumar La.Lit, the literary the medical risk of inducing cardiac arrests magazine, accessible have to please to meet Akshay Kumar?” they that “furniture act better” than he does. So mid-coitus. Thus, worked up into a frenzy online at www. thoughtfully edit the word “please” for what unfold the two: one the story of old-age by all the desirable females around than and lalitmag.com His must have been some other word in the lust, and the other a knowing takedown having no access to the erotic pleasures of collection of short script originally. of familiar tropes that help sell fluff to an stories The Vanishing life, they decide to export their lust. Act was published Ahana clearly is a manic-depressive, opiated mass. It is a well-written, middle- There was a long essay in the Caravan in March, 2014, by certainly in need for psychiatric counseling, range comedy, which nonetheless surprises magazine a while back about the robust Rupa Publications. but makes for good eye-candy if she with its ability to laugh at itself.