SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015 (PAGE-4)

MOVIE-REVIEWS TREND Exquisitely crafted epic Flower power Saibal Chatterjee Flowers never go wrong when it Controlled hysteria is what whips comes to fashion and prints, find up with panache in his first-ever historical epic, . designers. Pramita Bose reports The director, with his sweeping narrative touches, blurs Be it in painting or across the field of fashion, petal pow- the line between fact and fiction in his quest for the grand er rules the roost. Keeping this in mind, designers often con- dramatic moments. Bajirao Mastani has no dearth of sciously choose floral and foliage prints as their creative tool sequences designed to dazzle the eye and move the heart. of expression. So make no mistake to think that springtime The pace of the film, especially in the first half, is some- is the only season to grow gardens in your wardrobe. You may what sluggish. But thanks to the strong central performanc- flaunt a flower-shower all the year round. es by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, the impressive “Floral motifs are refreshing, feminine and have a time- sets and costumes, and the power of the visuals rustled up less appeal. They are now popular choices all through the year by cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee, Bajirao Mastani is whether in prétlines or haute couture ensembles,” says never less than watchable. designer Pranay Baidya. According to him, “Digital prints, The film gathers momentum in the second half and especially colourful blossoms will hold sway in the history of Priyanka Chopra, playing Bajirao Peshwa's first wife 21st century art and fashion scene.” Kashibai, gets her due in the drama. Botanical elements are now a favourite around the globe, The CGI-enhanced battlefield action is impressive – Baji- right from international runways to high-street fashion rao Mastani is after all the tale of an 18th century warrior departmental stores. As draper Radhika Singhi says, “Blooms who never lost a battle in a short but eventful life. and buds invariably signify a happy mood and a positive mind It is, however, the love story of the Peshwa and the half- to look young and mint-fresh all the time.” Muslim Bundelkhandi princess Mastani that takes cen- Designer Ritu Seksaria feels that “Only colours, patterns trestage for the most part. and styles keep changing from season to season. Otherwise The principal conflict point in the film hinges on the stiff floralfetish spurts a vibrant splash in all twelve months of the opposition that that the married Peshwa faces from Pune's couturiers’ yearly calendar. At the end of the day, it actually Hindu clergy and his own deeply offended family when Mas- in enhancing the dramatic impact of the tale, but the songs depends on the source of inspiration and how it’s been styled.” tani arrives and lays claim on the man she believes she is do not appear to be organically linked to the narrative. A Also depending on the seasons, designers’ petal passion betrothed to, having received his personal dagger as a gift. restrained but laboured confrontation scene between varies on the sketch-page. “Daisies are best for sunny sum- The two women in Bajirao's life – his wife Kashibai and Kashibai and Mastani sets the stage for the Pinga number mers, while roses in different shades for the lush spring,” says his true love Mastani – are at odds with each other, but in in which the two women come together in an unlikely dance Singhi. Bhansali's universe, neither is allowed to lose her feminine routine. Bajirao Mastani is riddled with several such flights Baidya draws a parallel between evolution of fashion sen- calm and composure in the face of the severest of provoca- of fancy and Bhansali admits as much in a long disclaimer sibilities with that of the natural flora and fauna. “You will tions. The film has another very strong female character – at the film's outset. notice, exotic hues, decadent shapes and innovative printing Bajirao's widowed mother Radhabai. Tanvi Azmi invests the Bajirao Mastani might not be reliable history, but it cer- textures result in new prints every season,” he points out. figure with great force. tainly is pure entertainment of the kind that only Bhansali Lilies and cherry blossoms are his hot favourites. Lately, Bollywood actress and style icon Even when she plots brazenly to humiliate and hound can deliver. So, notwithstanding its flaws and avoidable in, party in or lounge around. Fluid tropical colours import- forayed into the world of fashion with her maiden autumn- Mastani, Radhabai does not turn into a heartless manipu- detours, this is a film that stays on course right down to the ed from natural resources like the sky or the sea capture the winter collection — Marquee — from the premium interna- lator. She is seen only as somebody who is compelled by her bitter end. Bajirao Mastani is an exquisitely, if not accurate- soul of my resort-wear collection,” she sums up. tional fashion brand of Vero Moda. She showed off with flair conditioning to uphold tradition. ly, crafted epic designed for those for whom history might The designers are unanimous in their view that petal and bold dandelions and red velvet prints. Music is supposed to play a key role in Bajirao Mastani not be a big draw. peduncle prints are extremely popular both in domestic mar- Out of the five distinct lines she launched, two were ded- ket as well as abroad. “The floral images have thrived annu- icated to floral stories. The sartorial segment titled Dande- ally in both desi Indian and overseas fashion sectors, because itself. He and his girlfriend run into resistance from quarters they lion Dreams unveils a dreamy array in wasabi and cream it is somewhat effervescent and elegant. It’s a world-wide fad have no control over exactly as his brother had done a decade and chromes with a botanical bouquet, artfully crafted with bead- that both men and women can sport with flair,” says Seksaria. Soulless Dilwale a half ago in Bulgaria. This story of warring guardians and heart- ed embroidery in a buffet of diffused dandelion drawings. On Apart from breezy party-wears and romantic dates, for- breaks is less about affection than about hate and abhorrence, two the other hand, red velvet delineates a radiant classic line In showbiz, nostalgia is a powerful emotion indeed. It can pro- mal social functions like weddings are a perfect plea to parade emotions that come in the way of love. The director, in his signa- heightened with drama and accentuated with laces and rich pel even mediocre cinematic products to enviable heights of suc- floralprints. “Floral outfits with floral jewellery on occasions ture style, throws in a few big action sequences in which cars are floral needlework. The colour palette is concentrated with cess. It is, therefore, understandable why Dilwale has been such like mehendi are a current chart-topper,” shares Baidya. blown up and bodies are riddled with bullets and glossy black and fiery red. The entire sequence has a quality a keenly anticipated Bollywood release. Does the film Movie stars like Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Aishwarya also falls back on some comic scenes for relief. of grandeur, sophistication and vintage charm to it. meet the expectations? Not quite. Shah Rukh Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Ranvir Singh, Preity Zinta and In women’s wear section, Baidya roots for outfits like shift Khan and , back together on the big The humour in the film is coarse, but with Natalie Portman appear awesome in floral printed attires, say dresses, evening gowns, jumpsuits, swimwear, saris and screen for the first time since 2010's My actors like Boman Irani (as the drug- designers. blouses to look best in floral-leafy prints. For men, shirts, dealing mafia don King), Varun “A lot of other motifs besides flowers can be invested to Name is Khan, are in their elements all casual jackets, Nehru jackets and even floral trousers are ide- Sharma (as the younger hero's develop quirky prints. For example, leaves, seeds and trees the way through. al for the sartorially adventurous. He picks reds, yellows and best friend) and Sanjay Mishra can be innovatively used on a neckline, along the hemmed But, sadly, Rohit Shetty's Dilwale oranges for the shade-card and fabrics like silk or mercerized (as a funky seller of stolen cars borders or even to germinate across a top or a camisole to is such a run-of-the-mill film that cotton to bring out the best in floral designs. and auto parts), a few of the lend an avant-garde twist. It would be all the more interest- even the SRK-Kajol combo cannot Singhi also eyes men’s waistcoats alongwith jackets, while gags do work. But the love sto- ing if added with a teasing texture,” observes Seksaria. lift it out of its morass. It has two dis- the colour-code bends towards muted shades like milky ry is too contrived and convo- To balance a base of heavy floral prints which may involve tinct strands both in terms of its star- whites and beiges. She favours chiffon and satin to flourish luted to be effective. If one still the risk of looking cluttered and congested over a dress, there- cast and with respect to its storyline. floral and foliage themes. keeps watching right until the fore it is important to don the correct jewellery and acces- Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon Anupama Dayal takes her floral art to sandy beaches for end, it is solely because of sories to mitigate the overall garish look. as the younger romantic pair simply water- babies and beach bums. She recently unveiled her col- “While wearing bold prints, style your look with a mini- cannot keep pace with the tried-and- Kajol, playing a tough woman lection in the second season of Gionee India Beach Fashion malistic approach. Whether it’s make-up, bags, footwear, hats caught between her duty to her Week at the Lalit Golf and Spa Resort of Canacona, Goa. She tested star duo. or even eyewear, solid tones must be wisely coordinated with gangster dad and her feelings for narrates her floral tale through influences derived from It is no wonder, therefore, that the floral prints to give it a graceful impression,” advises Baidya. the son of the head of the rival crim- “beautiful sunsets, endless emerald paddy fields, delicious second part of the film, which unfolds 15 “Simple basic wooden or plain gold jewellery without motifs inal syndicate. riots of unruly creepers and green sprouts”. The entire col- years after the first encounter between the would be the game, set, match for you,” is Singhi’s tips, Once the mystery unravels and the lection was reminiscent of fond memories, thereby evoking a characters played by SRK and Kajol, pales com- adding, “You may pin up a brooch, a hair-slide or corsage, drama boils down to figuring out how and feeling of joy. She opts for fluid silhouettes and feather-light pletely in comparison with the first. The film, as a effortless neckpieces or cute bracelets to minimize the flashy where the two estranged lovers will reunite, Dil- organic fabrics that smoothly transform hours from morning result, is both lopsided and uneven. When it reveals the look.” wale loses steam completely. till evening yet remaining fresh and durable for long. “These back story of the affable Raj (Shah Rukh Khan), a car modifier who (Trans World Features) now lives in Goa and dotes on his kid brother Veer (Varun Dhawan). Dilwale is strictly for Shah Rukh Khan fans and for those that are comfortable to wear and convenient to carry, live in, walk The elder sibling is so indulgent that Veer gets away with taking a miss the brilliance of Kajol. lot of liberties. In a role tailor-made for her, the latter is brightest spot in the But when he falls in love, it becomes a case of history repeating film even when scenes written for her do not do justice. HEALTHLINES LIFE STYLE Twins in Demand Getting in Bed With Gadgets Dr Kshitiz Murdia major role in the success of IVF cycles. But if you choose to have more than one embryo trans- Anamika Gupta, 31, had her twins, Amayra ferred during your IVF cycle, your chances of having twins DK Kotwal catch line of one of the advertisements of a telecom and Arman, who were conceived through IVF, or triplets jumps significantly. It's more of a trend among company,'Karlo Dunia Muthi M ein' .This gives you a feeling that It is advisable to make the most of any technology that makes eight weeks early. And that was after 11 weeks young couples these days, especially the ones who yearn to you can have access to anyone,anytime and anywhere. have twins and find it "cute" to have two kids but one preg- our life easier,comfortable and cosy but today we are coming The psychiatrists say that the young children are going to of bed rest after going into preterm labor when across a trend that is widespread,alarming and nonsensical,to nancy. Also, IVF is more in demand because the common them for treatment of the problems unheard before -----abnor- she was 20 weeks pregnant. Anamika and her notion these days is whether you have singleton or twins, put it mildly---fidgeting with electronic gadgets late into night mal aggression,severe headache, depression,abnormal atthe cost of sleep. What follows, there is a progression from husband, Kaushal weren't trying for twins. But the cost remains the same. Therefore, some couples weight,anxiety and epilepsy.When people are advised to sleep demand for twin pregnancies as IVF is expensive and they sleeplessness to depression. Watching movie at 2,have chats with early ,most argue that they may be sleeping late but they also get the two embryos that their IVF doctor had trans- friends at 3,surfing TV channels late at night ----what the peo- want to complete their family in one go with twin birth; up late and the number of slept hours is particularly the same .Is ferred implanted, resulting in twins. Just two while a few couples don't want to go for IVF again and again ple young and old are doing with electronic gadgets at the ungod- this argument a sound one ? Not at all. The psychiatrysays ,'The ly hours ?.This practice is generally being followed by urban weeks after Anamika's positive pregnancy test, so they feel having twins in one go is much better and cost body has a natural biological clock which is in syc with sun rise effective. Usually couples may not be blunt, but they often dwellers. and sun set .This controls the internal hormonal system that is ultrasound reports revealed that there was not Not very long before, there was a time when having dinner one but two distinct sacs, and within each of mention their desire to have twins, especially in case of responsible for the reparation , recuperation and growth in the working mothers, as they are able to focus on their career at 8 or 9 and after that going to sleep was a normal habit and is case of children . If this clock is disturbed,severe consequences these a tiny flickering speck of a heartbeat. still being followed in some areas. Now dinner is had close to once their family is complete. follow. There is no substitute to sleep. Six weeks later those two specks had grown into dis- midnightor later and then getting active on line has turned the So, it doesn't matter if you're pregnant with one or more Stanley Coren, noted professorof Psychology and author of cernible foetuses, with bulbous heads, limbs and noses, and natural pattern of sleep upside down. Psychiatrists say that peo- than one baby (a multiple pregnancy), a healthy lifestyle the very popular book,'Sleep Thieves' says,' Not sleeping enough both looked to be normal and healthy. Needless to say, the ples'preoccupationwith the internet, cell phones,and TV sets and and balanced diet will help you cope with your pregnancy can compromise your immune system '. You eat well and exer- couple was overjoyed and, once past the 12-week milestone, excessive use of these and give your babies the best start in life. If you feel hun- cise in order to keep your keen to spread the news. gadgets has had dev- gry, fill up on healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, low-fat immune system up.Coren But unlike Gupta's, astating effect upon goes on to explain, but if there are couples deliber- their health. you are not sleeping, you ately opting for IVF to have Medical experts undo all that good work. twin babies. Infact, half say that 6 to 8 hours 'The immune system the time when couples sleep is an absolute works best when you are looking into in-vitro fertil- must for young and sleeping,' he says. 'That is isation (IVF) as an option children may have when your natural killer to experience parenthood more than this where- cells are generated,'It isnot make visit to hospitals, one as the oldpeople may just our immune system of the first questions they a little bit less ,that too that gets adversely affected often ask is, "Will IVF not less than six when we cut down on increase our chances of hours.During deep sleep.According to Dr having twins or triplets?" slumber,reparation Michael Sole, a Canadian Well, the answer to this is, and recoupment work cardiologist,there is a high- "that all depends." Multi- is carried out by the er rate of heart failure ple births are much more internal system of the among people with sleep common these days than body. The mind also disorders and distur- they were in the past, rea- tones up memory dur- bances son being more women are ing the sleep.It Researches in various universities all over the world have dis- receiving infertility treat- ingrains what is necessary into memory system of the brain covered that chronic sleep loss can reduce the body ability to reg- ment. And specially with .Those who are on the line at night tend to become the victims ulate hormones and process carbohydrates. In a study at the uni- both parents working of forgetfulness. versity of Chichago, the researchers reduced participants sleep these days, their common Those people whosleep late at night are generally attitude is "why not to have lethargic,feel drowsy and listless.Their behaviour undergoes a from eight to four hours a night and after less than even two in one time and com- sea transformation and are irritable, forgetful,angry and fall aweek.,they noted changes in the body similarto the effects of plete the family." prey to stress and anxiety.Children often miss schools and even early diabetes or advanced aging. Sleep disturbances increase yogurt or sandwiches filled with grated cheese, lean ham or Basically, with IVF, you and your doctor determine how if they go they are inattentive. Among adults lack of concentra- the likelihood of insulin resistance. mashed tuna. Expecting two babies doesn't mean you have many embryos will be transferred into your uterus. Let's tion is the cause of all sorts of accidents,nonproductivity and Parents are advised to switch off their gadgets and TV sets by to eat significantly more than during a single pregnancy. say, if you choose to have a single embryo transferred, then familial discord,setting apart the devastating effectthat is there 10 pm. IN 50 percent of the cases the parents are directly or indi- You may be offered iron supplements during your pregnan- it would be impossible for you to have twins or triplets. on their health. It is said that less sleep stimulates stress hor- rectly responsible for these technological indiscretions being cy as you're more at risk from anemia during a twin preg- However, it affects the success rate of your pregnancy mones and instead of the body is fresh after sleep it becomes used by their children. Children are immature, they need to be nancy. because there is no guarantee your embryo will successful- subjected to additional stress. Is there the need to stay connect- guided. The teachers have to be encouraged to drill in to the heads While most multiple pregnancies are healthy and result ly implant into the uterine lining. This is why many women, ed 24 hours? Experts are of the view that it is a false sense of of students, the importance of sound sleep otherwise they will in healthy babies, there are some risks to be aware of when especially those who are unable to afford two or more cycles, importance .Most of the information is not of any value------they be victims of insomnia and will be tempted to taking pills. And you are pregnant with two or more babies. So, never miss often opt to have more than one embryo transferred. Inter- are unimportant conversationsand idle gossips. the body will be driven by chemicals; carefully, we will have to or skip your appointment with your doctor. Also, remem- estingly, the chances of being pregnant from multiple People are becoming addicted to the gadgets and are neglect- impart education based on principles of Yoga and meditation to ber multiple pregnancy is not in the hands of any doctor embryo transfers increase only slightly compared with a ing daily routine normal activities that are good for physical and overcome the burning problem------"a sleep deficit" of the cur- because when IVF procedure is done, multiple embryos are single embryo transfer, although your chances of a multi- mental health.The relationships are suffering .Such type of style rent times. transferred and their implantation being a self-regulated ple birth increase significantly. Among many factors, age of of living can be attributed to some extent to the advertisements It is fairly simple at the end, control the remote in your hand process, can neither be altered nor interfered. a woman, her physical health and embryo viability play put across the globe by telecom companies .I am reminded of the or be controlled by it. (The author is Fertility Expert, Indira IVF Clinic and Test Tube Baby Centre.)