SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2016 (PAGE-4)

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ PERSONALITY "Great honour to be compared with Suchitra " Weaving high hopes Burman is setting a record ferent individuals who never meet. What they have in of sorts with her balancing act between common is this desperate desire to make it big in Bol- with ‘Kachcha Dhaga’ lywood. The character I play is ready to bend every and . Where does rule in the book, to bend over backwards to pay any she find her comfort zone? How does price to find her place in Bollywood. How do you react to comparisons with she pick and choose between and your grandmother ? among films? On the eve of the I consider it a great honour when people point out how closely I resemble her. So far as comparison in release of her Hindi film Bollywood acting styles go, I do not feel any pressure or take it Diaries, she talks about her career either as an advantage or as a disadvantage because things are very different now in terms of the kind of with Shoma A. Chatterji. films that are made, the kind of acting that these films demand, the directors who make different kinds of Why does one see you less frequently in films and their approaches, etc. So there is no point Bollywood films than in Bengali films where in comparisons. The style of acting is very different you often have back-to-back releases? from what it used to be when my grandmother was There are many reasons. I do not care for audi- leading lady. She was a great actress in her time. tions and never go for them. I do not have a P.R. per- Which of your grandmother's 60-and-odd son, a manager or even a secretary that is manda- films you love watching? tory if you are working in Mumbai. I never had Harano Sur (Bengali), Aandhi (opposite Sanjeev these people managing my career. I am not Kumar, Hindi) and Saat Pake Bandha (a Bengali film a go-getter and perhaps lack the killer that won her international award). The films are eter- instinct needed to breast the tape first. nal and incurably romantic and she is just so beauti- Basically, I am very lazy. ful and brilliant in all these films. So far as my moth- Then how do you land films in er's (Moon Moon Sen) films go, I love Andar Bahar Bollywood at all? in Hindi and Tumi Kato Sundar in Bangla. The most surprising thing is that I When you are offered an assignment, what still work in Bollywood and am called criteria do you use to say 'yes'? for good assignments in significant The role is the top criterion and the rest come lat- films. I never go out of my way to get Adrija Shukla, Nidhi Nagpal into the jacket, what appeals to eyes is a er. The character must be significant in terms of its design inside it.”, he says. People feel these roles or films. Besides, Bollywood is a positioning and visual presence, not necessarily in A thread and a needle can create mil- designs are one of their own kind. He much larger industry than the Bengali terms of the footage. An intelligent director and a good lions of designs together on a cloth. Each recalled the time when someone wrote in film industry. So, my Hindi film releas- script come next. An intelligent director can work ide- of them begins with a stich. ‘Kachcha Dha- visitor’s book, “each piece says so much.” es happen once in a while. For example, ally with the script and can draw the best out of his ga’ comes from the concept of this stitch Kachcha Dhaga currently provides Children of War released 18 months back actors. I have just done a film directed by Kamalesh- that is formed by amalgamating the employment to 30 women from the vil- and Kaagaz Ke Phool released a year back. war Mukherjee and I believe he is a fabulous director threads of passion and dreams. The organ- lages of Tindi and Chakrohi. The women Now you have Bollywood Diaries that is also because he is a brilliant actor. It is an untitled film isation comprises of people who weave associated with the organisation mainly why you see me less frequently than you see of triangular love where I play Prosenjit's sophisticat- their destinies by filling lives with happi- come from the lower income groups. They me in Bengali films. ed wife and Paoli Dam plays the other woman. ness. also organize workshop to teach their style What kind of actress would you say If asked to pick your personal favourites Kachcha Dhaga is a social enterprise of to the women. Renu, who Mr. Sethi’s part- you are - a spontaneous actress, a direc- from the films you have already done which Jammu that is a confluence of passion and ner coordinates these workshop, is defi- tor's actress or a trained actress? ones would you mention? art, which empowers many women from nitely the backbone of this enterprise. “We I am a director's actress. I need the direc- Among my Bengali films, my favourites are - the far flung areas of Jammu Villages. Chokher Bali and Noukadubi directed by Rituparno want to make their lives better”, she said. tor to guide me. My work shows excellent There is something unique about the results with good directors. Fortunately, I have Ghosh, Bastushaap and Shobdo directed by Koushik The garments produced by Kachcha apparels of this organisation. The weaving worked with some of the best directors both in Ganguly, The Japanese Wife directed by Aparna Sen Dhaga are high end products. That hap- done on each piece speaks volumes about Mumbai and in Kolkata ranging from Rituparno and Abby Sen directed by Atanu Ghosh. So far as my pens because each piece takes days to com- the amount of efforts that goes into its Ghosh through Vinay Shukla, Aniruddha Roy Bollywood films go, I would tick Honeymoon Travels plete. “People don’t believe the products making. Choudhury, Anjan Dutt, Sandip Ray, Srijit Pvt Ltd directed by Rima Kagti, Mirch, directed by have been made by hands. We never com- Elegant colour combinations with enig- Mukherjee, Koushik Ganguly, Reema Kagti and Vinay Shukla, Children of War directed by Mrityun- promise on the quality of raw material”, matic patterns on the clothes make the view- Kalpana Lajmi. I have learnt from each of them. jay Devrat, Parineeta directed by Pradeep Sarkar and said Mr. Sethi. An admirer of Kantha art- er curious to see the design closely. But these I really work well if there is a good director who Bollywood Diaries. work, Mr. Sethi believes in the magic that ideas come to Bhisham Sethi, who is an NRI, knows how to draw the best out of me. What are your current assignments in simplest form of handmade stitches create out of the simplest things of daily life. Suf- You have played a prostitute in Bolly- Mumbai? on the cloth. He says that to preserve an fering from a rare spinal cord disease, that wood Diaries. How did you find the expe- One is called 3 Days with a multi-starcast with art, valuing artist is equally important. doesn’t have a cure, he is on a wheel chair. rience? Kunal Roy Kapoor, Ravi Dubey, Karan Grover, Tisca Kachcha Dhaga is Mr. Sethi’s dream Chopra, Kay Kay Menon and Prosenjit. It is sched- His passion for fabrics and love for colours It was a lovely role because it was full of hope. project that took shape of a social enter- uled for a May release. Another film which marks the takes him into another world. “My pockets The red light area does not feature in the film. prise. His love for work was visible in his directorial debut of Rana Bhatia called Ishq Kabhi got torn by getting entangled into this wheel- Sonagachi, the famous red-light area in Kolkata, shining eyes when he showed his creations. Kariyo Naa in which I have a significant role. chair, so, I have come up with the idea of is the backdrop I belong to and this is just a frame This thread of aspirations has woven the Which directors do you look forward to pockets on front side of Kurtas”, he said. of reference. I loved to work with K.D. Satyam dreams of Mr. Sethi and many women of work with in the near future? Mr. Sethi says that you can cherish what and I also loved the story. Bollywood Diaries Jammu villages together. In 5 years down Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bharadwaj, Anurag Basu you wear when you feel free in it. “During chronicles three separate stories about three dif- the line, he aims to transform his organi- and Anurag Kashyap. (TWF) the time of light breeze when wind blows sation into world class trendsetter. BEAUTY TIPS HEALTHLINES Time to detox your hair Embryonic screening for detecting genetic disorder Dr Kshitiz Murdia wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Avoid When Sameera (38) had experienced vigorous massage and rubbing when multiple IVF failures, her gynecologist you apply oil. Keep the oil on overnight and wash hair the next day, using a mild advised the couple to opt for IVF along herbal shampoo. Avoid very hot water. with preimplantation genetic diagnosis After shampoo, wrap a towel around the head and allow it to absorb excess (PGD). In fact, preimplantation genetic water. The best way to disentangle the diagnosis (PGD) is being used hair or comb wet hair is to use a wide- toothed comb, starting at the ends and increasingly at the fertility institutes working upwards. Avoid hair dryers to improve and maximise the chance and styling rods for sometime and allow the hair to dry naturally. of a successful IVF pregnancy, For oily and limp hair, apply a hair especially among couples where prior pack once or twice a week. Make a clay pack by mixing Fuller's Earth with aloe IVF failures have remained unexplained. vera gel and apply on the hair. Wash off It has been estimated that over half of all IVF failures are after 20 minutes. Multani mitti absorbs blamed on the poor embryo "quality". But what exactly is PGD oil and dirt, while aloe vera softens and and how is it different from standard IVF? "PGD is a sophis- moisturises the hair. Or, soak a cup of ticated scientific technique to determine any genetic or chro- broken "moong" dal overnight. Then mosomal disorders present in embryos produced through in grind it in a mixer with enough water, vitro fertilization (IVF). The only difference is that during the to make it into a smooth paste. Part the PGD, embryos are screened before they are transferred to the hair in sections and apply, so that the uterus so that couples can decide accordingly about their next entire hair is covered. Keep it on for half step in the IVF process. an hour and wash your hair well with The problems with IVF are pretty well known: pregnancy plain water. These packs cleanse and rates are not as good as they should be. If some reports are to revive the hair. be believed, then approximately 25-30 per cent of embryos Hair conditioners, rinses and created, either via natural conception or IVF don't survive the serums help to soften the hair and add first 3 months of pregnancy and many don't achieve implan- shine. They also coat the hair and help tation because of either genetic or chromosomal abnormali- to protect it. Apple Cider Vinegar makes ty. "This is where these embryonic screening tests act like a specific disorder. "The accuracy of PGD in determining genet- an ideal hair rinse. It detoxifies and also saviour as they are performed while the embryos are develop- ic abnormalities exceeds 98 per cent. These tests have empow- restores the natural balances. Add 2 ing in the IVF laboratory. A few cells are removed from each ered the doctors to save the couple from getting into a difficult tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar to a embryo and tested to ensure a healthy baby. situation like termination of pregnancy, which can have severe mug of water and use as a last rinse. So, if a woman is in her late thirties and especially if she impact on a woman, emotionally and psychologically as these Both hot and cold infusions can be has a history of recurrent miscarriages or if either partner has embryonic tests provide a true scientific basis for understand- made from hibiscus flowers and leaves. a history of heritable genetic disorder or any abnormality they ing how and why IVF fails repeatedly in some couples. For hot infusions, add the flowers and should definitely opt for this embryonic screening test. "This Though these screening tests save young and hopeful cou- leaves to boiling water and keep for 10 technology can be utilized in the field of assisted reproduction ples from any kind of mental agony or emotional breakdown to 12 hours. The infusion is strained and for aneuploidy screening and diagnosis of unbalanced inher- that may be caused due to abortion or miscarriage, there are then used as a last rinse after washing itance of chromosomal abnormalities, such as translocations a few concerns related to the technique. "While these tests prove to be beneficial, both for doctors and couples hoping to the hair. For cold infusions, the flowers or inversions. It's through these new genetic tools, doctors and medical experts have come to learn that some embryos that have a healthy baby, a few medical practitioners may misuse and leaves are allowed to stand Shahnaz Husain Kingsley, "Too much styling and color- appear on the surface to be of the highest quality may carry a and exploit the technique for gender selection purpose which overnight in cold water, in a ratio of one ing can lead to loss of volume, break- genetic code that makes them "poor choices" for attempting is totally prohibited. to six. The flowers are squeezed and the We see too much hair damage nowa- age, dullness, and split ends." He rec- to establish a healthy pregnancy. And, to the contrary, the Despite their positive results, these screening tests have water is strained before use. Such infu- days. When I say "hair damage" I mean ommends "an easy detox," discontinu- embryos that might have been classified as less than optimal, not yet reached to the level of common men as the awareness sions can be used to wash the hair and hair that is dry and brittle and tends to ing the procedures for some time. based on their appearance, may in fact be of the finest quali- for these tests is very low. "These tests are limited to the high- break off easily, or acquires split ends. Damaged hair is in a fragile condi- scalp, or applied on the scalp with cot- ty and have ten or twenty times more chance of producing a er strata of the society, more because of its cost, which is a lit- Sometimes the splits extend almost half tion, so treat it gently. Avoid brushes ton wool. The paste or juice of the flow- healthy pregnancy than those that would have been selected tle steep. Other techniques like blastocyst culture are well way up the hair shaft. Actually, dam- and use a wide toothed comb with ers can also be applied on the hair. without the use of the remarkable new PGD tools. known to increase chances of pregnancy by choosing an aged hair is weak and can eventually smooth edges. To heal damaged hair, Have herb and spice tea to detox. Genetic testing is the future "In the last four-five years, embryo which has higher chances of being euploid. lead to hair loss. The most common have detox treatments to help nurse the Add spices ginger, cardamom, cinna- genetics has progressed a long way. Apart from the high Most couples going for PGD should have one of the follow- causes of hair damage are hair styling hair back to good health. First of all, mon and pepper to tea. Ginger boiled implantation rates, high rate of singleton pregnancies, and ing conditions: techniques that employ chemical have the hair trimmed to remove split in water can also be had as ginger tea. ability to eliminate the effects of age on a pregnancy and the Prior unexplained IVF failure lotions, or direct heat applications, like ends. Then start with hot oil therapy. Chamomile tea, which removes toxins decreased miscarriage rates, there are a range of over 600 dis- Recurrent miscarriages colouring, dyeing, bleaching, straight- Mix one part castor oil with two parts and induces relaxation, is available as eases which can be now detected by PGD and PGS, that Maternal age over 38 ening and waving. The hair loses its coconut oil. Heat and apply on the hair. tea-bags. includes numerical chromosomal abnormalities and single Polycystic Ovary Syndrome shine, natural elasticity and resilience. Remember to apply on the ends too. If you have a detox programme from gene disorders." History of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome The chemical lotions disrupt the nor- Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze time to time, you can restore the health There is an increase in the number of people who want to Heritable medical condition of haemophilia mal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp out the water and wrap the hot towel and beauty of the hair. Also, the hair is go in for genetic testing. Much similar to PGD, PGS ( preim- Premature ovarian failure or premature menopause too and leave it prone to problems. around the head, like a turban. Keep it like a delicate fabric, so learn to treat it plantation genetic screening) is used for testing the overall Conception of a chromosomally abnormal child or foetus According to U.S. Trichologist, David on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel that way. chromosomal normalcy (chromosomal numbers) and not any (The author is Fertility expert, Indira IVF Clinic and Test Tube Baby Centre, New Delhi)