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BHARATENDU NATYA UTSAV’S THIRD DAY: A PLAY BY SHAKESPEARE

NEW DELHI : Bharatendu Natya Utsav, a tribute to the father of modern Hindi literature as well as Hindi theatre – Bharatendu Harish chandra is being celebrated at Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House. The theatre festival, organized by Sahitya Kala Parishad, will be being held at Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House until 12th December 2019 and the last two days will be organized at LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg.
The works of eminent litterateurs with some promising contemporary writers and directors are being featured during this 6-day long festival. On the first day of the festival, the audience saw the play ‘Seediyan’ written by Daya Prakash Sinha and was directed by Arvind Singh. This was followed by a musical play ‘Ram Ki Shakti Pooja’ directed by Prathibha Singh and written by great poet Suryakant Tripathi Nirala.
On the third day, the play ‘A journey of Romeo Juliet’ originally written by Shakespeare was presented which was directed by Manoj Kumar Tyagi. The play begins with a scene where Romeo enters the stage without any prior rehearsal of his character and this creates a tension between the actor and the director. Romeo states that he doesn’t feel his character and instead of being a puppet in the hands of the director, he wants the freedom to make decisions on his own according to the criteria. The situation becomes even more tangled when instead of Juliet, Romeo falls for her friend and he has the reason to love her friend. But the director doesn’t allow this because it is against the script. This makes Romeo question the tradition and argue on the life, death, freedom and violence and categorizes them as the two sides of the chess.
Manoj Kumar Tyagi, a resident of Delhi, was a science student and a graduate of National School of Drama. He has worked on various plays and drama across the nation as well as on international level. Manoj Kumar Tyagi has worked with renowned institutes like Delhi University, Ambedkar University, IIT, Delhi to name a few. He has directed many \plays and is currently associated with the noted Marwah Film Institute where he is training the student on acting and direction. Besides, he is also working for various news channels.

Art & Culture Main News

Book Review: “Femonomic: Women Invite Crime”

The book’s title “Femonomic: Women Invite Crime” is a shot at society’s constant victim blaming as women are expected to resist or enjoy crime against them. No matter what happens, women are always either instructed or blamed for one or the other thing.

Book : Femonomic: Women Invite Crime
Publisher: Think Tank Books (1 September 2019)
Author : Lovey Chaudhary
Price : 125 INR
Format: Paperback & Kindle
Review by Swapna Peri     

Book Cover
The cover of the book is an image of a young woman looking straight at you with courage and helplessness.
About the book
The book is a collection of poems that are like distinct fragrances of a flower, a perfect mixture of different emotions, boldness, and innocence.
Aesthetics, observation, and emotional balance are very important while penning a poetry-based book, and the author has excelled brilliantly in it. The poems appear to be inspired by real-life events, encounters, and most frowned upon subjects around the world. It seems as if most of them were personally experienced by the author.
Many poems in the book empower women to create a positive space in life and encourage society to do so as well. In a way, the book is a good medium for communicating the strong message the author planned to convey through her poems to the world.
The poetry talks about everything from body image to homosexuality, from the birth of a girl child to rape of that girl child, from anxiety to suicide, from love to sex, and from chocolate to French fries.
In the present scenario of the world, the violence and the increasing crimes against women are witnessed by everyone across the world in some or the other manner. It indicates the enormity and pensiveness of the monstrosity perpetrated against women in recent years. Most of the times the parents or the relatives of the woman suffering mask out the crime against her because they fear society. It is a myth that such atrocities happen only in the communities of less-educated people. It is most prevalent with the middle class and upper-middle class, in India or America. The changes in the living standards, lifestyle, imbalance in the economic growth, changes in social life are some of the reasons that contribute to a vicious outlook towards women due to which there is multiplication in crimes against women.
Some of the poems like To Love, Tumble, I don’t know what to name it, Who am I, The tragedy of self-love & Prostitution are really very well thought and incredibly written. Kudos to the author for picking up such themes.
Thus the author has taken the emotional turbulence as well as women’s issues that she might have witnessed directly or indirectly as the muse for each of her poems and presented them to the readers in the most unadulterated, authentic and powerful way. There are many poems that are written so intelligently that they will prick the bug in one’s mind.
What I like

A perfect blend of raw human emotions towards subjects that everybody is aware of but no one talks about.
Realism, perception and imagination are beautifully interwined.
Poetry about contrasting topics in a unique way makes for a good read.
The sense of thought provoking and probing poems is admirable.
Reality of today’s world is described coherently and effectively.
The mindset of today’s society towards women is seamlessly illustrated in words.

My Final Verdict: A unique, thoughtful and exceptional read.

Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
About the book: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5

Art & Culture Interview Main News

Footprints – Poetry with a soul

Nisha Tandon, a bilingual poetess from Dubai has marked her name in poetry with her soulful poetry. An entrepreneur by profession, Nisha Tandon has used her life experience in a well-articulated and rhythmic tone in her poetries. Starting her poetic journey with her first poetry collection, Footprints; she has come a long way in her credentials as a poetess. Currently residing in Dubai, she has been an individual with various attributes. Apart from holding a reputed position in an HR & Training Consulting Firm, she has worked in hotels, educational institutions and corporate entities.
INTERVIEW BY NITISH RAJ

When did you start writing or how you feel that you should write down your imagination?
I would say it’s genetic. My father writes poetry and I feel his creativity has passed on to me. As a teenager when one goes through a transition phase in life, it’s very difficult to share your thoughts with anyone. I found solace in noting down my random thoughts in my diary. Just that my words were in the form of poetry.
How are you feeling after publishing your second book in a span of six months?
It is an incredible feeling. I never gathered courage until my family and wellwishers after reading my work encouraged me to get them published.The roughly drafted thoughts were already there and I just needed to compile them into a book. The progression from the first to the second was smooth and the journey was indeed an interesting experience. We better ourselves with each move.
What aspects of poetry makes it more influencing than fiction?
For me I do a lot of introspection and draw inspiration from real life experiences and the people I meet. It’s important that the readers are able to connect with the poet. Poetry being the reflection of a poet’s personality makes it stand apart from other forms of art.
What role does poetry play in influencing the thought-process of mere mortals?
Poetry is a genre that creates an aura around the most ordinary emotion. They help to portray a blend of reality and fantasy and resonate with the reader’s life. It is the bridge between our heart and words spoken from our soul.
At the time when fiction has overshadowed poetry, what initiatives are taken by modern poets in order to attract the young readers?
I always feel the essence of poetry is one’s innermost emotion captured right. Remaining true to the feelings and expressing them has always worked. They may have been overshadowed
by fiction at the moment but they shall never be lost. You will always find readers’ who still believe in the age old charm of literature written in verse. Social media has been instrumental in engaging the young readers.
At the time when English language is becoming a part and parcel of our life, how much a poetry collection in Hindi language hold it’s relevance?
Hindi is the second most spoken language in the world. It will always hold it’s fort no matter what. There will always be raving fans of poetry who appreciate the significant contributions of our language in our culture and traditions. The lyrical recital still enthralls the enthusiasts. You can’t deny the fact that emotions are better conveyed in Hindi than in English.
How do you manage time for writing with your loving child who actually need special care?
I feel finding time for something one is passionate about is not difficult. For me penning down my thoughts is like breathing.I can do it almost anytime, anywhere. It’s all about time management! And as far as writing is concerned, while taking care of my child with special needs, I draw a lot of inspiration from her. Her never give-up attitude and zest for life inspires me to pursue my dream of writing.
What would be your advice to the young budding poets?
I would advise the budding poets to follow their heart while writing. Express yourself in words you believe in , they have an instant connect with the reader. Not everyone is blessed with the thought-process required for writing , especially poetry. So one must exploit this talent to the optimum.
 

Fashion Show Life Style Main News

Designer Siddhartha Tytler launched Bespoke Collection for glamorous mothers-to-be in association Rosewalk Hospital

With the philosophy that ‘Fashion is for everybody’ Designer Siddhartha Tytler showcased a bespoke collection for Rosewalk Hospital at Delhi Times Fashion Week at Hotel Roseate House, Aerocity.
Rosewalk, the most loving birthing facility where excellence, indulgence and holistic healthcare converge, is powered by the expertise of Rainbow Hospitals. Within this sanctuary of all-encompassing wellness, expectant mothers can find the finest and most compassionate medical care where the entire experience spells luxury and class.
The Siddhartha Tytler label rebels against the ordinary and lovingly embraces newer frontiers with aplomb. According to him, “Novel silhouettes, innovative structural elements, new-fangled patterns, ‘wear-ability’ and originality are the essential elements in every creation at my studio. When I create a garment, several factors come into play, be it incorporating changing trends or being inspired by elements that exist as part of our everyday lives, and they all are equally significant to the process. Bringing forth this maternity collection for glamorous mothers -to- be, for ‘Rosewalk’ at this year’s fashion week has been exciting and truly fulfilling”.
He is also getting a few lady Gynaecologists & Obstetricians to walk the ramp at this one of a kind fashion show to breathe life into his astonishing collection, aiming to inspire young expectant mothers to woo the goddess within. This will eventually lead to the unveiling of the Rosewalk logo at the event.
Abrarali Dalal, Director, Rosewalk Hospital, “It gives us great pleasure to announce that Rosewalk Hospital has collaborated with Delhi Times Fashion Week, which over the years has helped to transform the definition of luxury and fashion. Rosewalk Hospital is the perfect blend of top-of-the-line medical services and unparalleled luxury. It was only obvious that Rosewalk Hospital partnered with DTFW in a one of a kind display of fashion for the young Indian moms-to-be. We are very excited to put our support behind Mr. Siddhatha Tytler for the finale show at DTFW,”

Fashion Show Main News News/Events

FDCI India Couture Week 2019 – SUNEET VARMA

One of India’s foremost couturiers, Suneet Varma is a name that immortalises glamour and timeless style. After getting his degree from Europe in 1986, he went on to work with renowned couturier Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Meticulous craftsmanship, a strong design sensibility and an undying love for sartorial research, the Varma brand exudes fantasy, sexy sophistication and unadulterated femininity for the woman of today.
Associations with some of the strongest international brands make Varma a designer whose forte goes beyond a uni-dimensional profile. He has collaborated with brands BMW, Judith Leiber, Azva by World Gold Council , Moet Chandon, Arttdinox by Jindal Steel, Faces by the Sartorialist ,Diacolor jewels and Swarovski.
Amara is the name of Suneet’s 2019 Couture Collection. “India has a century-old love affair with couture or made to measure for pleasure. There is no denying the luxurious indulgence of precious finery, the magical beauty of one-off embellished wedding attire and the sparkle of personalized jewels that are made to match with it,” says Suneet.

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