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2011 Saffronart’s Spring Online Art Auction starts on March 16-17

Editorial Team — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:40:08 +0000

Saffronart Spring Online Art Auction

The online fine-art auction house, Saffronart, will showcase the works of 57 Modern and Contemporary Indian artists at its annual Spring Online Art Auction. The auction will take place online at www.saffronart.com on March 16 -17, 2011. With a total of 120 lots, the auction features a selection of prominent works including paintings, drawings, installations and sculptures.

Saffronart’s, this year Spring Online Art Auction features includes, several iconic works by modern masters – Rameshwar Broota, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, Akbar Padamsee and Jehangir Sabavala alongside exceptional works by contemporary artists -Shibu Natesan, Subodh Gupta, Anju Dodiya and G. Ravinder Reddy among others.

The Spring Auction catalogue is geared toward both new and seasoned collectors and brings together a carefully selected range of masterpieces and contemporary works of art with a total low to high estimate of Rs. 21.2 crore ($ 4.8 million) to Rs. 27.3 crore ($ 6.2 million).

Featured on the front cover of this auction catalogue is Rameshwar Broota’s monumental canvas, ‘Traces of Man – The Unknown-Soldier – I’ from 1999. Estimated at Rs. 70,00,000 – Rs. 90,00,000 ($ 159,095 – $ 2,04,550), the work portrays the figure of a soldier in dress uniform is faintly visible against the mottled ground.

Among the contemporary lots is Shibu Natesan’s ‘Heavens Declare’ (2000), a large and quiet canvas portraying a group of swimmers gathered on a multi-level diving platform, in which Natesan captures and dramatizes an ordinary moment that would otherwise go unnoticed.

S.H. Raza’s ‘Tanava’ (2001) is another significant modern painting featured in this sale. In an idiom created using a vibrant primary palette and distinctively arranged geometric forms, Raza communicates to his viewers the eternal processes of nature and the universe that sustain the cycles of life. Among these are the perpetual balances maintained between the polarities of male and female, day and night, life and death.

The 2011 Spring Online Art Auction catalogue also features a large selection of sculptures and works on paper. Some of the significant sculptures on offer are Sarbari Roy Chowdhury’s ‘Woman’, Himmat Shah’s ‘Untitled’ (2005), G. Ravinder Reddy’s ‘Bearded Man’ (1989), Arunkumar H.G’s ‘Untitled’ (2010), Debanjan Roy’s ‘India Shining VI’ (2009) and Valay Shende’s ‘Gun of Counter Revolution’ (2007).

An important collection of works on paper forms the last closing of this auction. They include drawings and mixed media works by renowned modern and contemporary artists such as Jehangir Sabavala, F.N. Souza, Akbar Padamsee, Tyeb Mehta, Jogen Chowdhury, Arpita Singh, Prabhakar Barwe, Shibu Natesan, Jitish Kallat and Jagannath Panda.

Speaking about the auction, Dinesh Vazirani, CEO and Co-founder of Saffronart said, “This year has begun on a positive note for the art market. We are seeing strength and continued value in the art market, and are looking forward to opening the season with a spectacular sale. At Saffronart’s first 24-hour auction in February, many lots crossed their higher estimates which reflected collectors’ confidence in our online platform. We have always strived to offer a catalogue with great provenance and competitive estimates to draw interest from both seasoned collectors and first time buyers.”

The total lower and higher estimates for the Spring Online Auction are Rs. 21.2 crore ($ 4.8 million) and Rs. 27.3 crore ($ 6.2 million) respectively. The sale will be accompanied by an illustrated print catalogue, an online catalogue and preview events and private viewings in New Delhi, Mumbai and New York. The sale will take place online on March 16-17th, 2011. Collectors may place bids at Saffronart’s website www.saffronart.com, or via Saffronart’s proprietary Blackberry and iPhone mobile applications.

Guzaarish movie pre review

Editorial Team — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:31:49 +0000

By Harpreet Kaur

Guzaarish movie

Guzaarish movie, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, it stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Raiin the lead. To release on November 19, 2010 it tells the tale of a bond between a paraplegic magician and a married nurse who is taking care of him. Hrithik Roshan plays Ethan, the magician while Aishwarya Rai is the nurse. Guzaarish is the third film for Aishwarya Rai with both Bhansali and Hrithik Roshan.

The pre reviews given by many what seemed like students on etc showed that most of the audience will not be watching the movies because of the previous flop films by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. But I would say that do not judge a movie just by its cover. Hrithik and Ash bring out the best in each other, the previous two movies Dhoom and Jodha Akbar has proved that.

The promos I have found very interesting – a magician, a nurse who is always pulling his leg, a student and beautiful magic will make it a very interesting movie to watch.

The color, the backdrop, beautiful landscape and great magic hmmm!

The story goes Ethan Mascrenhas, the magician who is paralysed, does magic, laughs, teases which is difficult to imagine. He hosts a radio show and charms everyone with his charm. Immobilized for fourteen years and loves his nurse Sofia D’Souza, but their love is never talked about it is expressed in silence, and sometimes verbal sparring.

On the fourteeth anniversary of his accident he wishes to end it all and files a court petition, but then a young magician walks into his life – Omar wants to learn magic from the very best who is Ethan.

While giving him the knowledge of magic Ethan fights to get a hold of his life – The right to live or die. His journey makes for a remarkable story.

This time I think Sanjay has done true justice to his story with two good actors and fantastic landscape.

Indian Ocean to release new album “16/330 Khajoor Road” on July 25

Editorial Team — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:01:55 +0000

Asheem Chakravarty

Indian Ocean, the legendary band, is now ready to release its new album “16/330 Khajoor Road” comprising seven songs on July 25. The band plans to present all seven songs of the album on their website www.indianoceanmusic.com enabling free downloading in mp3 format with one song a month over the next seven months. Listeners will have to just log on to the website, register, and will get an e-mailed code that shall let them download the song.

The album is named after their jam-pad in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, 16/330 Khajoor Road, where the band has rehearsed and composed since 1997, producing Kandisa, Jhini and Black Friday. Before partition, Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz also used to live in the same house. The new album is a tribute to the almost spiritual energy of the house that has allowed the band to grow unfettered. The album also comprises almost all the last few songs in which the band’s former percussionist and vocalist, Asheem Chakravarty, participated in composing, performing and recording. Asheem passed away on December 25, 2009, but the plan to release the album had been formulated with his full knowledge and consent last summer. So, in away, the album is a tribute to him.

The songs are vintage Indian Ocean, with a few surprises thrown in. The classic line-up of the band comprising Susmit Sen, Asheem Chakravarty, Rahul Ram and Amit Kilam has produced songs ranging in mood from the contemplative to the inspirational to the political. The band is planning to tour all over the country with the album over the next few months.

Bal Hanuman 2 will hit screens on May 14

Editorial Team — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:17:38 +0000

Photo: Bal Hanuman 2 3D Digital animation feature film

Bal Hanuman 2, India’s first 3D Digital animation feature film, will hit the screens across the country on May 14, 2010.

Bal Hanuman 2 depicting adventurous childhood antics of Lord Hanuman is full of action, adventure & at the same time informative also. He is shown as the protector of the weak and is known for his power. Produced and directed by Pankaj Sharma, Bal Hanuman 2 explores cute little, mischievous, strong & brave Bal Hanuman’s child hood pranks as he takes on demons appearing in different forms.

Pankaj Sharma said, “Bal Hanuman 2 explains beautifully the story of the young Hanuman and his innocent joyful pranks. 3D digital animation has seen an unprecedented growth with unforgettable characters that seem so life-like and now the Indian market is steadily growing to towards this phenomenon. With Bal Hanuman 2, we give India its first 3D digital animation film and we are certain that kids and families will enjoy watching this film.”

Bal Hanuman-2 is a film by Astute Media Vision. Astute Media Vision’s previous films like Bal Hauman, Bal Ganesh, Bal Ganesh2, Pangaa Gang were huge hits especially among kids.

Bharti Airtel launches ‘Airtel digital TV Recorder’

Editorial Team — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:42:14 +0000

Airtel Digital TV

Now record TV from your mobile with ‘Airtel digital TV Recorder’. Airtel digital TV- the DTH service from Bharti Airtel launched ‘Airtel digital TV Recorder’, an enhanced Set Top Box (STB) with capability to record live television, anytime, anywhere. A first of its kind example of convergence between the mobile and TV screen, Airtel offers customers the convenience to record their favourite shows using their mobile phones from anywhere in the world.

Airtel digital TV Recorder will be available at Rs 6990/- to all new customers and at Rs 5990/- to all existing Airtel digital TV customers going in for an upgrade. To avail the service, customers can buy the digital TV Recorder from a near-by retailer and call customer care at 18001028080 for activation. Customers need to send an SMS from the registered mobile number linked to the Airtel digital TV account with ‘mguide’ to 54325 and download the mobile recording application. Using their customer ID and password they can log on and record shows from any mobile Java and GPRS enabled handset.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajai Puri, Director and CEO – DTH, Bharti Airtel, said, “At Airtel, we believe that the key to our brand is innovation and technology is one vital element of our innovation endeavours. This product would be a lifestyle enabler that will significantly change TV viewing trends in India. It is also strategic as it brings together the TV screen and the Mobile screen. The launch underlines our key strength of understanding consumer needs and using technology to deliver a simple elegant benefit through the most ubiquitous element of ones life today- the mobile.”
The Airtel digital TV recorder offers customers the unique advantage of a HDMI (High Definition Multi Media Interface) port for Video output which means customers with the latest LCD TVs can enjoy the highest picture quality. In addition the Airtel digital TV Recorder allows the customer to search programmes by name or time or click on Most Viewed Channels for easy surfing. These unique features coupled with a great viewing experience are backed by 24×7 customer care.

Airtel digital TV – the DTH service from Bharti Airtel – is a leading national level DTH service in the country on MPEG 4 with DVBS 2 technology. Airtel has introduced the first universal remote in India, 9 interactive (iTV) applications, a multilingual EPG, low battery indicator and more that offer customers the freedom to book movie ticket or update themselves on the latest stock news.

Disney Channel buys Feluda – The Kathmandu Caper from DQ Entertainment

Editorial Team — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:26:20 +0000

disney channel

Disney Channel has announced the acquisition of Feluda – The Kathmandu Caper from DQ Entertainment — an animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company. The Kathmandu Caper has been developed as a 60-minute TV movie and is a 100% home grown production coming exclusively to Disney Channel viewers. The animated movie is based on one of India’s best loved detective series – Feluda, authored by Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray.

Devika Prabhu, associate director, programming Walt Disney Television International India, said, “Disney Channel is committed to building a comprehensive entertainment destination for kids and families driven by local relevance, creativity and timeless storytelling. Feluda is a popular detective series by a master storyteller, Satyajit Ray, whose appeal goes beyond time and age of the reader. In line with our endeavor to showcase local Indian stories, characters and backdrops that appeal to kids and families alike, we are thrilled to showcase Feluda exclusively on Disney Channel for our viewers and millions of Feluda fans across India.”

The story of The Kathmandu Caper is fast paced, invigorating and action packed. A series of mystery crop failures is devastating Nepal and threatens to spread to India. Feluda goes to Kathmandu accompanied by loyal followers Jatayu, Topshe and Bones the dog. Feluda battles his way deep into the mountains of Nepal with elements of drama, mystery and humour.

Tapaas Chakravarti, chairman & CEO of DQE Group, said, “Our objective is to introduce this genre of animated adventure to the new generation of discerning young TV viewers. We are absolutely sure that the combination of this particular genre which is adventure and mystery will definitely have world-wide appeal.”

Shaapit movie reviews

Editorial Team — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:45:13 +0000

By Harpreet Kaur

Shaapit seems like a teen movie although meant to scare you out of your wits it remains unsuccessful. Guess it would be a good home movie to watch with friends while fooling around and enjoying a cool day.

Photo: Shaapit movie-Aditya Narayan and Shweta Agrawal

The story is about Aman (Aditya Narayan) proposes to Kaaya (Shweta Agrawal) and as she wears the engagement ring their car spins off the road. When her parents hear about the accident, they rush to the hospital to find her wearing a ring. The father explains a long story – that three hundred years ago their family incurred the curse of a Brahmin which did not allow any daughter of the family to marry.

Aman meets Pashupathi (Rahul Dev), who know about the other world. Who informs Aman that some believe that a curse was carried through generations even if the person was dead now. The curse sticks to an evil spirit who becomes its keeper making it come true for generation’s altogether. They choose to fight the curse.

Music score by Raju Rao is good so is the camerawork is brilliant, Aditya and Shweta seem too young and expressionless but Rahul Dev has done a good job. Pretty faces, no scary stuff do not make a good scary movie. A blunder of a teen movie.

Director: Vikram Bhatt
Cast: Aditya Narayan, Rahul Dev, Shweta Agarwal

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? – A clean family entertainment movie

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:55:01 +0000

by Harpreet Kaur

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge is a comedy movie that reveals the experiences that people have when unexpected guests arrive and overstay their stay (according to us).

The working couple Ajay and Konkana live with their son and rarely socialize with their relatives. One day they have guest Lambodar Chacha (Paresh Rawal). They let him into their lives, inviting and welcoming him as al do into their homes and hearts until they can no longer tolerate his presence.

A Still from Atithi Tum Kab jaoge Hindi movie

The director Ashwni Dhir has brought out the contrast between the urban and village life in modern day India very easily. The different values and ways of life clash with each other leaving all bruised all around. The movie goes through funny and frustrating situations through out..

Well timed dialogues and songs make a great comic impact. The movie belongs to Paresh the moment he enters the scene, although Ajay and Konkana have held their own too. A clean family entertainer.
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Konkana Sen Sharma, Paresh Rawal
Genre: Comedy
Direction: Ashwini Dhir
Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes

Road Movie film review

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:46:08 +0000

By Harpreet Kaur

Abhay Deol Road movie

If you like documentary style pictures than this movie is just for you. Slow and easy, the movie depicts some of the most beautiful locales of Jodhpur and the desert. The story is about the son of an oil tradesman who does not wish to sell oil and make it his life’s career.

He takes a trip of delivering an antique truck to a museum as a means of getting away and travels through the desert and has for company a small child and a girl and a repairman. The six day trip changes everything.

The truck acts as a means of traveling through the destinations of life and says that the journey is far more beautiful than the destination. Beautiful locales and scenes will leave you in awe. The music of mix traditional Rajasthani and jazz adds a spice to the movie. The saving grace is the music.

The story is good but the pace of the movie will kill the audience. You could sleep through most part and not miss anything. And the ending of the hero returning to he old mundane job of selling oil makes you feel sad and deprived.

The actors Abhay Deol, Tanishtha Chatterjee, and Satish Kaushik have done a good job to making a movie that is not so hard to laugh along with.

You will sleep through most of it. So if you have nothing better to do than watch this movie for the style itself..

Director: Dev Benegal
Cast: Abhay Deol, Satish Kaushik, Tannishtha Chatterjee

My Name Is Khan-Left me Disabled

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:35:17 +0000

By Harpreet Kaur

photo: My Name is Khan movie poster

My Name Is Khan may have smashed all records but it left me completely mentally challenged.

It was tough work just sitting through Khan’s nods and blank stares and incoherent talking sometimes and Kajol’s giggles for no reason. It may have come easy to him, there was not much acting and Kajol seemed lost in the movie. The movie never does justice to her acting talent or does she really have it as people say.

The story line seems unbelievable, a person who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome is able to accomplice feats that are impossible by normal human beings – defying terrorists, dealing with prison, being friendly with almost everyone, helping people out, saving the world, journeying across America without any money and help…And meeting the President.

Ahhh! We normal humans cannot achieve all that. Kudos to Khan! His name is Khan and he is not a terrorist!

While Kajol is shown to be a normal woman with a son who marries Khan to seemingly find a happy married life that turns upside down after 9/11 and loses her son to hate from other school children. The rest is where she just cries over split milk.

The direction seems to have not worked its charm although the music tried to save the movie and seems to have succeeded. People shed buckets of tears at the characters and their supreme sacrifices because of the well-placed songs that seemed to push the story forward.

The spark between Kajol and Khan is gone forever there can never be another DDLJ between them again. There seemed to be no spark in both their acting and I was tired in the first 25 minutes of the movie itself.

I feel mentally lost and I never want to feel that way again, sorry guys but am going to pass Khan and Kajol the next when I see them and Yash Johar.