What to see in Shirdi, Mumbai and Goa

Coastal sojourn 
       

   When you think of western India, you cannot escape Shirdi, Mumbai and Goa. We did the same when we planned our first Goa trip, we added Shirdi and Mumbai in our itinerary too. Do read our plan trip at the end

Two years back we missed our Pondicherry trip as we could not confirm our railway tickets till the last moment. So this year, we planned our trip much in advance. First we zeroed in on Goa and then we added Mumbai to our itinerary. Then we thought, if Mumbai why skip Shirdi? We tried to book our train tickets exactly two months in advance but in spite of that, our tickets from Delhi to Shirdi, and Goa to Delhi landed in the waitlist. But as we were in the first 10, we thought no issues. But till the last moment, our position did not move even one seat forward. And on the last day, we were waiting with our bags packed and bated breath for the tickets to give us green signal. Exactly two hours before the train’s departure, we got to know that actually our trip was actually on. By then we were already thinking of alternative destinations. Everybody who knew about our trip were advising us about ‘positive affirmation’ and that if Sai Baba wants, we would definitely go as our first destination was Shirdi.

But we almost missed our train, we thought it was scheduled for 12 noon on the 9th of June but actually it was 12 midnight between 8 and 9. Luckily, we noticed the timing 00:00 hours just hours before and we couldn’t stop laughing. When my mom-in-law heard about it, she too said: ‘How can you not spot 00 hours’. She once missed the train because of the same confusion, so she sounded more cautious now.

At last, we were waiting for our Sai Nagar special train at Nizammuddin station at midnight. The train got little late but it was okay, as at last our journey started. Since it was only a five minutes halt, we caught the train in DDLJ style and our six-year-old son found it very funny. Throughout the journey we got to hear tales of Sai from our co-passengers as how their belief on Baba got stronger. Passing through the ravines of Madhya Pradesh was by itself a riveting experience. As we entered Maharashtra, we passed through banana and sugar cane fields and we got busy showing our son the humble living of villagers. We entered Shirdi dot on time, may be with Baba’s blessings. Though it was 10.30 pm, there was a feeling of safety and there were no touts around. We got an auto and we reached the Maharashtra tourism hotel exactly behind the Sai temple and as luck was on our side, we got a good room too. We did not miss dinner just by few minutes. After a simple vegetarian fare, then we set our alarm clock for 4 am and within seconds we were in deep slumber. We reached the temple premises at 5 am but the queue was already endless, as if people started pouring in since midnight. After two long hours in queue, we had our Sai darshan. Everything was smooth except for a few overenthusiastic devotees who tried to bypass others, the security guards who did not allow us to stand near Baba’s statue even for five seconds, and the pujaris who did not even put our flowers on Baba’s feet. The two days in Shirdi were over-relaxing as we had nothing much to do except for our evening stroll, street food and observing people.

Our next stop was Mumbai and we boarded our train on time. This time, we decided to skip bus journeys as trains are always better and less tiring. Our co-passengers were decent Keralittes and we heaved a sigh of relief. Around 9.30 pm, we thought of slumping into our berths as there was nothing much to do. Suddenly one man came from nowhere and said he had a berth in our compartment. He argued that it’s in the railway rule book that we cannot sleep before 11 pm and we should let him and his friend sit. We protested and told him that he cannot bring an extra passenger even if he has a single berth in a reserved compartment. He tried to raise his voice and give a different logic but we knew we were right so we did not give up and he had to give up his ‘itna to chalta hai’ attitude. Later we got to know that he was without ticket and shifted to a different train with his grumpy face, maybe he faced a protest of this sort for the first time. He surely would remember this for quite some time. It was a small triumph for us and we were all smiling from ear to ear.

In the morning, we moved into a hotel near CST (the hub of Mumbai) but as the check-in, check-out timing was 12 noon, we had to pay for an extra day. The charges were quite high but the room was not even decent. Moving around in Mumbai, unlike in Delhi, is always a smooth and pleasant experience as taxis can be flagged down anywhere, they would seldom refuse passengers and would religiously go by the meter.

 Our Siddhivinayak, Haji Ali darshan was smooth without much crowd. We were disappointed when we reached Gateway of India it was barricaded because of the high tide. We planned a boat ride in the seas like we used to do when we were Mumbaikars a few years back, but everything was closed due to the high tide. As we were walking near the Taj, a huge wave left us all wet, washing away all our tiredness. We had hot tea from a roadside vendor and hopped into a taxi for Girgaum Chowpatty. The sea made me forget all my worries. People from even conventional background were seen soaking their feet, enjoying the waves -- some even bathing, leaving all their tensions behind. Mumbai has two sides like a coin -- one that was in front of us and the other we see in movies.

A lot has changed in Mumbai since we left the city six years back. The Bandra-Worli sea link, flyovers at critical clog points, metro, the long elevated freeway from CST to Chembur and wider roads have made commuting in the congested city much smoother. But it was the swanky new airport that left has awestruck.

Finally, it was destination Goa and I was busy dreaming the Goa scenes that we see in glamorous Bollywood movies. After we reached Madgaon station, we hired a taxi for south Goa. The one-hour journey was breath-taking with greenery all around with beelines of coconut trees and we inhaled as much oxygen as we could. It somehow resembled my home state Assam as the small towns back there have a similar landscape.

My husband then explained me the theory that this region and Assam was once part of the land mass millions of years ago but due to constant changes during the formative stages of earth both the regions got separated, but the climate and landscape remained the same.

After the hotel in Mumbai had left a bad taste, when we climbed up the stairs to our guest house room, we were a little sceptical. As we entered the room, we were left amazed. With a huge balcony and a studio apartment look, it made us more satisfied. The beach was just two-minute walk away and in fast forward mode, we freshened up and headed towards Palolem beach. I could not believe my eyes as we entered the beach. The water was crystal clean along with the beach and there was hardly any crowd. My first question was, ‘Is this Goa?’ My husband smiled and asked ‘Why?’ I said, “The Goa I have seen in movies and heard from friends is supposed to be ‘hot and happening.’” But the place was just the opposite with simple living and helpful people all around and a very few tourists. His simple explanation was: “You have come to enjoy the beach, just do that. We are lucky that not many people have yet explored this place.”

There was a restaurant on the beachside and the waves were rocking its door step. Monsoon was about to strike and the sea was showing its rough side. All sea activities were put to halt so we kept our adventure side to rest till our next visit. We stayed for four days but we never got bored walking on the beach, soaking ourselves or admiring the waves sitting on the sea-facing restaurant. One day while we were walking on the beach, some black sticky sand got stuck on our slippers my husband’s journalistic mind immediately started working. ‘Something is fishy’. Our guest house owner cleared our doubts. It is this time of the year when ships in high sea shed old grease which makes its way to the shores because of the rough waves. And this is why this is considered as an off season.

We also went to old Goa to have a feel of the majestic famous ancient churches of the city and experienced peace of mind sitting inside and admiring the statues of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. We also went to Colva beach in central Goa which was little crowded and my husband asked me, ‘Are you feeling like Goa now?’ But somehow I liked the beach near our guest house more after the busy noisy Delhi. The free culture in Goa also amazed me, the local people were simple, traditional but were least bothered about what people wear or do and there was no eve teasing, which was so unlike Delhi. On our last day, monsoon struck Goa and it turned into a breezy hill station. We admired the continuous rain through our window panes, switching off our AC and fan. At last it was time to say bye Goa and with heavy hearts we packed our bags with a dream to spend our retirement in this small sleepy town near Palolem beach. No harm in dreaming right? As our return tickets were not confirmed, we again returned to Mumbai by train and from there we then took a flight to Delhi. Mumbai also attracts my husband a lot but I am somehow tired of shifting but can’t say what future has in store for us. At last we were back to hot and burning Delhi and read that monsoon was delayed. Welcome back to the grind!

Our travel plan

When we planned our first Goa trip, we added Mumbai and Shirdi to our itinerary too. We boarded the Sai Nagar special train from Delhi’s Nizammuddin station at midnight. Passing through the ravines of Madhya Pradesh was a riveting experience. In Maharashtra, we crossed banana and sugar cane fields. We reached Shirdi around 10.30 pm the next night. The town had slept by then but there was a feeling of safety despite the emptiness. We took an auto to the Maharashtra Tourism hotel right behind the Sai temple. After a simple vegetarian fare, we went to bed early. If you want to experience the morning aarti, which calms your spirit and mind, you have to enter the temple before 4 am.

For the palki procession, you have to stay in Shirdi on a Thursday. During his last years, Sai Baba used to spend alternate nights at Chavadi, near Dwarkamai mosque, from where the palki procession of Sai Baba along with his followers was carried out. The procession happens even today on every Thursday.

When in Shirdi, you can also visit the Shani Shingnapur mandir, around 65 km away, by bus or taxi. Interestingly, this village has no doors in any of the houses or shops. People here believe that their Lord Shaneshwar is always present, protecting them from all the evils.

The Sai Heritage Village in Shirdi showcases the major events that took place during Sai Baba's lifetime in the form of statues.

Our next stop was Mumbai and we took a train from Shirdi. In the morning, we moved into a hotel near CST Station (the hub of Mumbai), which was rather expensive. There are cheaper ones if you look around near Dadar and other places. Moving around in Mumbai is always a smooth and a pleasant experience as taxis can be flagged down anywhere, and they would religiously go by the meter.

Our Siddhivinayak, Haji Ali darshan was smooth. We were disappointed when we reached Gateway of India as it was barricaded because of the high tide. If there is low tide, you can plan a boat ride in the seas nearby. Walking near the Taj or riding a horse tanga is an amazing experience. We had piping hot tea from a roadside vendor and hopped into a taxi for Girgaum Chowpatty.

 

The Bandra-Worli sea link, flyovers at critical clog points, metro, the long elevated freeway from CST to Chembur and wider roads have made commuting much smoother. The airport also has a swanky look.

Our stay in Mumbai this time was short as we had already lived in the city for three years. There are many places to visit in the dream city: some of them are Marine Drive, Essel World, Elephanta Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, etc.

 

Finally, it was destination Goa. We reached Madgaon (Margao) station by train, which was very clean, and hired a taxi for Palolem in south Goa, where we had booked an apartment at a guest house. The one-hour journey was breath-taking with greenery all around.

 

The Palolem beach was just two-minute walk away from our apartment. The beach was spotlessly clean with very few people as we visited in the monsoons.

 

There was a restaurant on the beachside, where we spent the time, glancing at and the waves rocking its door step. We stayed for four days but we never got bored walking on the beach, soaking ourselves or admiring the waves sitting on the sea-facing restaurant.

If you are a party person you should stay in north Goa.

We went to old Goa to have a feel of the majestic famous ancient churches of the city, which include The Basilica of Bom Jesus.    Popularly known as the St. Francis Xavier church, Se Cathedral, church of St. Francis of Assisi, Catherine's Chapel and Augustine Tower.

 

Then there was the capital of Panjim’s Latin quarter Fontainhas, full of snaky alleys and colourful Portuguese villas with balconies and red-tiled roofs.

 

We went to the Colva beach in central Goa, which was a little crowded, and the famous Mangeshi Temple, which houses Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and the spice market in Margao.

 

Other prominent landmarks in Goa are the Reis Magos Fort, which offers stunning views of the Mandovi river, Calangute, Baga, Agonda and Candolim beaches, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of Our Lady Of Hope, the Saturday Night market, and the local spice and fish markets.

The milky Dudhsagar Falls on the Mandovi River is 60 km from Panaji by road and a must visit.

On our last day, heavy rains hit Goa and it turned into a breezy, cold hill station. We returned to Mumbai by train and from there took a flight to Delhi.

 

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Interview with Zubeen Garg in Mumbai, published in North East Sun, Delhi

Interview with Zubeen Garg in Mumbai, published in  North East Sun, Delhi

My people are my biggest inspiration: Zubeen Garg

 

Ya Ali may have catapulted him to the big league of Hindi film music world, but that doesn't mean Zubeen Garg is taking it easy. For, rising in the popularity charts means he shoulders a much bigger responsibility now – to maintain the position. Even he knows nothing is permanent in Bollywood.

How has life changed after Ya Ali? "It's more hectic. I'm tired of travelling abroad and in India. It's tough to balance," says Zubeen.

Right now, Zubeen is working on several projects, including preparing music for two Hindi films, readying his new Hindi album, singing in Hindi and South Indian films. He has something for Assam as well. It's an album titled Mur Prio Geet, a remake of old popular Assamese songs.

His Hindi album Zindagi evoked wide-spread response and crossed platinum, means it sold more than 4 lakh of copies.

Besides music, Zubeen is an actor-director too and he's working in this direction too – a truly multi-faceted personality. "For direction, I' m writing my Hindi script Chakra. I want to start shooting in December."

Now that he is a known face in Mumbai, how does it feel? "It feels great to represent Assam nationally and internationally."

This dream boy also has a dream, "to do a song with Sting, Kenny G, Joe Satriany and Eric Clapton someday."

Reality shows are something that don't attract Zubeen too much though he did have to go at one such show in Sahara TV and quit after initial episodes. He also judged a singing show in Zee Bangla. But why did he really quit the Sahara show? "I didn't like the show. I never wanted to get in a contest. I liked Zee Bangla because I was a judge there. People shouldn't try to use artists."

Zubeen's musical journey started right from his childhood. He was in nursery when he started humming under the tutelage of his mother, his first guru. After his matric, Zubeen started playing keyboards and composing songs. "I wasn't sure about singing but I wanted to be a music director." In 1993, he released his first album Anamika, which went on to become a huge hit. And there was no looking back.

In 1995, Zubeen decided to try his luck in Mumbai. Initially, he faced some problems as he was alone. "Gradually I made contacts and people started calling me for work," says Zubeen.

Ask Zubeen the difference between Mumbai and Assam and he says, "Assam is my place and I have good hold there. In Assam, I can experiment according to my wishes. But in Mumbai, I have to be careful what I do."

He says language barrier is one reason why many talented Assamese singers find it difficult to set foot Mumbai. "We are from a simple background. Language is also a barrier for some. We also don't have an Assamese promoting company here. But slowly it's gaining momentum."

Zubeen thinks his biggest achievement to date is his popularity in Assam. "The way people love me is really wonderful. It keeps me going strong," he says.

And what about acting? "Cinema was my all time love. I took time to get into it because I wanted to know it totally. I love acting and it's in my blood." He has acted in Assamese film Mon Jai. His film Dinobandhu has won a national award. "I'm going to make some real good movie," he says.

Inspiration? And pat comes a reply. "My people are my biggest inspiration. My close friends and my family inspire me a lot."

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Lakme Spring Summer Collection, 2008 in Mumbai, Published in North East Sun

Lakme Spring Summer Collection, 2008 in Mumbai, Published in North East Sun

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

 

The Lakme Fashion Week Spring/Summer Collection'08 was more than just a gathering of the glitterati and hi-flying fashionistas. It was serious business blended with a strong commitment to social causes.

When I got the invite for another season of Lakme Fashion Week, I was rather skeptical – after all, fashion week after fashion week can be a bit too much even for the most ardent fashion aficionado. But when I landed up at Mumbai's NCPA, where the event was organised, and as the days went by, I was surprised: this season of the LFW had actually much more to offer than was thought. Another fashion week before the hangover of the previous one gets over can tend to get monotonous. But, every time, the organisers as well as the designers – both established and emerging – managed to do their bit to present something different and new.

This season's uniqueness was the social theme – the effort by some of the designers to get through messages and causes associated with them. Right from helping the block printing community to eradication of illiteracy, the LFW Spring/Summer 2008 had it all.

If Gen-Next designer Bijoya Mukherjee used the opportunity to raise the cause of Rajasthan's block printing community with her 'Tryst with fundamentals' collection, Agnimitra Paul highlighted the dying kantha style of embroidery with her theme, 'Stitch Story-The Kantha Tale', and paid tributes to the kantha artisans by taking the bow with two of them on stage.

Then, there was master designer Narendra Kumar, whose day 3 collection was titled 'Freedom with Literacy' – an effort to blend education with style. And just like his glittering men's bridal wear, Kumar's social theme also made an impression with the audience. Environment and global warming were the themes of Gayatri Khanna, Ekta Jaipura and Ruchira Kandhari, who laid emphasis on eco-friendly organic fabric.

If social issues made an impact, the kid's-wear special by Gini and Jony and Rocky S was a surprisingly pleasant treat and proved that children's wear will never be the same again.

Think of kid's wear with attitude and style and Freedom Fashions by Gini and Jony comes to the mind. The show started with trendy jeans for a strong fashion statement. Denims came in shapes, sizes and designs with fun embellishments like patches, prints and detailing. The accompanying shirts were striking in khaki with the military look. The girls' section was full of pretty little pink shirts, skirts, knits with all the little ornaments which little girls love to own – tiny bags, shoes, hair, perky accessories and colours for mix and match clothes.

After dressing up the Bollywood brigade, Rocky S' collection for Gini and Jony gave kids a new fashion angle. His designs had the elegance and the excitement to take children's wear up the fashion ladder. For the girls, Rocky has dreamt up a line of ivory panelled skirts with gold braiding and tiny pleated hemlines worn with short knit tops or tie up cholis. For the guys, it was sharply cut jackets in white or denim cut close to the body in the latest silhouette. With Gini and Jony and Rocky S teaming up to dress the kids, a fashion revolution that will rock Gen-Next with their style seem in the offing.

The preview of the Pakistan Fashion Week was an added delight. Garments of several designers, including Sonya Battla and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, were showcased. Sonya and Hassan are known for their stylishly crafted garments that reflect a fusion of Pakistan's sensibilities with western silhouettes. Men's wear had trendy jackets juxtaposed with long regal sherwanis embroidered with peacock motifs and kurtas with traditional embellishments. Women's wear ranged from long sensuous gowns with beautiful ornate necklines, to chiffon halter dresses.

The Lakmé Fashion Week, which catapulted Mumbai amongst the fashion capitals, had 54 designers and 12 sponsors for this season for their Spring/Summer Collection'08. This year's line-up had exciting names such as Falguni and Shane Peacock, Arjun Khanna, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Narendra Kumar, Neeta Lulla, Wendell Rodricks and Vikram Phadnis. Ace designer Manish Malhotra presented the 'Grand Finale' collection. This year, Gitanjali Lifestyle, Levi's, Allen Solley, Aza, Freedom Fashion by Gini and Jony, Portico, Chivas, NCPA, The Taj President, Nikon, Peroni, Hitachi, Giordano and Buzz18.com shared the stage with Lakme Fashion Week.

Opulence, grandeur, beauty, and dazzle came together for the opening show, as Gitanjali Lifestyle and famed designer Neeta Lulla presented one of the most stunning ramp shows. The presentation opened with a romantic sequence by ace dancer Sandip Soparkar, who set the mood for the sizzling show.

Narendra Kumar's men's wear show was one the delightful highlights of the week – from the start of the 'Nan Khatai' band walking down the ramp playing a popular bridal tune; it was evident that the show was going to be a festive one. Western bridal wear with an Indian touch was the theme and adding to the glitter was Bollywood hot boy John Abraham who made several appearances on the ramp to an excited audience, which included his flame Bipasha Basu. Narendra chose a collection of fabrics ranging from printed silk, brocade, chino, corduroy, velvet and very shimmering specially coated linen for the ornate look.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee's formal and bridal wear collection was another attraction. Shararas, lehengas, floor length angarkhas, kurtas, kurtis, waist coats with shawl lapels, glittering dupattas and odhnas, shimmering flowing pajamas, saris in all their ethnic splendour – the show had everything and much more in terms of fabrics, prints, embellishments and glitter. The finale creation – a black multi-panelled patterned silk lehenga with exquisite glittering embroidery worn with a glittering blouse and odhani – was the ultimate bridal offering as singer Sukhvinder Singh ended the show on a high note.

Then came Bolywood dresser Vikram Phadnis. From the gentle twittering of birds to the soothing spiritual music, Phadnis's show was an eternal journey of fashion. He chose the most fabulous silks in solids, checks and stripes; added multicoloured floral and geometric motifs on the hemlines, sleeves necklines and bodice and came up with a story book of Indian textiles that will make a brilliantly colourful offering for the summer. Silk, glitter, embroidery and Vikram Phadnis's creative touches came together to give the Indian woman new options for formal wear this season.

The finale was equally grandiloquent with Manish Malhotra presenting his Winter couture 2007 collection, inspired by Lakme's Freespirit. The theme of the show was La Belle Epoche for a collection that had touches of the Art Nouveau era. With DJ Pearl rocking the stage with his variety mix of music, a jam-packed hall of Bollywood biggies and the hi-flying club of Mumbai making its presence felt, the final show had all the trappings of a Bollywood event. Lakme's four beautiful faces for the Freespirit range – Indrani Dasgupta, Raima Sen, Amrit Maghera and Vipasha Agarwal looked radiant as they sashayed down the catwalk wearing the beautiful creations by Manish Malhotra.

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Interview with northeast girls in Chak De movie in Mumbai, published in North East Sun, Delhi

Interview with northeast girls in Chak De movie in Mumbai, published in North East Sun, Delhi

Chak De North-East

 

 

Chak De India became an instant hit all over India and helped our national game regain some of its lost dignity. The team that sizzled on screen had two girls from our very own NE region too — Masochon V Zimik, a Tangkul Naga from Ukhrul, and Lalhmingkimi Khiangte a Mizo from Aizawl.

Kakoli Thakur

 

Masochon V Zimik and Lalhmingkimi Khiangte share their experiences in Chak De India with North East Sun. Excerpts:

North East Sun: How did the role in Chak De happen?

Masochon V Zimik: Actually, I came to know from a friend that Yash Raj banner was looking for North-East faces for a film on hockey. So, I went to meet them and I got the role.

NES: Are you a hockey player?

MVZ: No, I didn't know even how to hold a hockey stick. Initially, it was tough but later I started enjoying. We had a three-month strict training programme, when we used to practise from morning 5 a.m till 1 p.m. We also used to go for swimming and acting classes.

NES: How was working with Shah Rukh Khan?

MVZ: Everybody asks me this question. It was really great. He is very humble. He helped us by giving acting tips and showing how to face the camera. He is a great human being.

NES: How was the chemistry with the girls? Who was your favourite?

MVZ: It was a wonderful experience. Though we had our share of cat fights, we became friends later and helped each other just like a real hockey team. My favourite among them is Shilpa Shukla.

NES: Your memorable moments during the making of the film.

MVZ: Actually there are many. I still get nostalgic and things come like flashlights in front of my eyes. We had our share of fights, we had great laughs, sometimes the weather was hot and sometimes very cold and we had to run around in short skirts using sunscreen lotion round the clock. We were all together almost around for nine months.

   

NES: Did you have any acting experience? If you get offers, would you like to continue acting?

MVZ: No, I didn't have any acting experience. It was my first encounter. But I enjoyed a lot. I would love to continue if I get offers related to Chak De India or any films related to the North-East.

NES: What are you doing right now?

MVZ:   I am a fashion designer. Since the last three years, I am staying in Mumbai and am looking forward to a good career.

NES: Which state of North-East do you belong?

MVZ: I am a Tangkul Naga from Ukhrul, Manipur.

NES: What do you think of the hockey scenario in the North-East?

MVZ: There are lot talents in North-East. But there are no good organisers. The facilities are very limited, especially for girls.

NES: Do you watch Hindi movies? Who is your favourite actor?

MVZ: Yes, sometimes. My favourite is of course Shah Rukh Khan.

NES: Can you speak Hindi fluently?

MVZ: I am not that fluent but I have learnt a lot from my Chak De India friends.

NES: How was your foreign trip during the making of the film?

MVZ: We went to Sydney and Melbourne. Besides shooting, we did lot of sightseeing and shopping. The cities are very clean and the people are very loving.

NES: What are your hobbies?

MVZ: I love painting, listening music, sketching and travelling.

************************************************************************

Lalhmingkimi Khiangte

North East Sun: What made you accept the role in Chak De India?

Lalhmingkimi Khiangte: I accepted the role for the purpose of development and unity of different players in a team of different states representing as team India.

NES: You are a hockey player. How long have you been in this game?

LK: Yes, it's been eight years since I started engaging myself as a hockey player. Now I am preparing myself to become a successful hockey coach

NES: How was the experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan?

LK: It was a great experience since he is a thorough professional. I found the very deep reality of a real actor. I found things very clear while working with him because he has the ability to show how one should act or express in front of the camera.

NES: How was the chemistry with the girls? Who is your favourite among them?

LK: A ll the girls were so good to me and we always cooperated with each other. I should say all are my good friends but among them Seema (Rani in film), Chitrashi (aka Chautala), Balbir Kaur (aka Tania), Nisha (aka Soymoy) came more close to me. I found them very humble and good.

NES: What are you doing right now?

LK: Well, I am doing my diploma course in sports coaching in hockey at the Netaji Subhash Institute of Sports Patiala, Punjab, as an initial step to realise my aim of becoming a good hockey coach.

NES: Which state of North-East do you belong?

LK: I belong to Aizawl, Mizoram.

NES: If you get offers for acting would you like to continue? Did you have any acting experience?

LK: Of course, I would love to act as I found it very interesting. I never had any experience of acting before Chak De India happened.

NES: What do you think is the hockey scenario in the North-East?

LK: The hockey scenario in the North-East as compared to other states of India, with exception of Manipur, is in a very sorry state. But the spirit is not completely off the field. I would like to inform that two players (Rosalind Ralte and Ruati) from Mizoram are still representing the nation, keeping the flame alive. But let's hope a miracle is going to happen in the near future for the hockey lovers of the North-East.

NES: What are your hobbies?

LK: Besides playing hockey, I love both singing and dancing.  

NES: Do you watch Hindi movies? Who is your favourite actor?

LK: Yes, I do watch Hindi movies sometimes and Shah Rukh Khan is my favourite.

NES: Can you speak Hindi fluently?

LK: I can speak Hindi but yet I am not so fluent.

NES: You memorable moments during the making of Chak De India?

LK: During the final shooting in Australia, I felt as if it was a real match when I took the penalty shot, it was just great. The event which made me happy and the most memorable was the time when we sang the national anthem with the big trophy (unfortunately we were only shooting).

NES: How was your foreign trip during the making of the film?

LK: It was wonderful visiting different places and interacting with different people of the world.

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Interview with Biju Phukan in Mumbai, Published in North East Sun, Delhi

Interview with Biju Phukan in Mumbai, Published in North East Sun, Delhi

People's love is my greatest achievement: Biju Phukan

Biju Phukan reigned over the hearts of the Assamese in the '70s and '80s and is still young at heart. Now in Mumbai he wants to do something equally worthwhile so that people all over India recognise him.

Biju Phukan still laughs when he remembers his foray into films. When he was a pre-university student, eminent Assamese director Brajen Baruah offered him a role in the film Dr Bezbaruah. Biju was elated and went on advertising that he had bagged a big project. "But when the film was released I appeared only in a song sequence and became the laughing stock," he says with a smile. But luck was always with him and after some days he got a major break in Nip Baruah's Baruar Sansar. That was the turning point of his life and he never looked back.

The veteran actor, whose smile floored many ladies in the '70s and '80s, still remembers his first shot in front of the camera, "I was very nervous. But when I finished the shot, everybody clapped. Even today when I go to a new film unit, the first shot still makes me nervous."

This was followed by Aranya, which won a National Award. Some of his other films include Lalita, Banariya Phool, Upoja Sonor Mati, Anutap, Rashmirekha, Maa, Mamata, Ganesh, Dharmakai, Abhimaan, Bahagar Dupariya, Antony Mur Naam, Bowari, Ghar Sansar, Brishti, Natun Aasha, Aajali Nobou, Achanta Prahar, Meghmukti, Rajanigandha, Bisesh Erati, Pahari Kanya, Pita Putra, Man Mandir, I killed him Sir, Aie Morom Tumar Babe , et al. As a child, Biju had acted in many plays when he was in Dibrugarh.

Biju had also the opportunity to work in parallel films like National Award-winning Agnishnan directed by Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia. Even the film Brishti directed by Deuti Baruah was much ahead of its times. Others include Aparoopa and Papori directed by Jahnu Baruah.

After a long sabbatical from films, Biju started his second innings and acted in author-backed roles that require huge emotion and histrionics to display like Agnisakshi, Priya Milan, Chinaki Achinaki, Barood, etc. His last Assamese movie was Deuta Muk Bidai Diya.

Ask him about his favourite films and he says: "I enjoyed working in all of them. But if I have to name a few I would say Agnishnan, Bowari, Ghar Sansar, Pita Putra, Aajali Nobou, etc. In my whole career I had given only two flops. Even the songs of my films were huge hits, especially those by Jayanta Hazarika."

Biju had a short stint in Bengali films too. "I acted in Aparajita, Hotel Snowfalls and some others. But somehow my luck didn't click in Bengali films. But I am still in touch with my Bengal friends. Bengal is second home for me."

Who are his favourite directors and co-stars? "Bhaben Saikia, Jahnu Barua, Munin Baruah. I would not name any of my co-stars because if I name some the others will be unhappy."

The superstar of Assamese films also got behind the camera and his first directorial venture was Bhai Bhai . His television serial Deuta written by Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia also became very popular.

What's the secret behind the unbeaten innings? Biju thinks that it's God's blessings that he never had to ask for roles for himself, but the offers came to him. "I never asked for roles. I still can't do it. I wish I could do it. But now I am open to good character-based roles and offers are pouring in."

This romantic reel hero had a love marriage in real life too. "The year was 1977. I had gone to Bishwanath Chariali for Upapath. In between shooting, I had to rush to Tezpur for a wedding reception. I came across a girl there. We were introduced and I asked her if she can sing and she sang Na jane kiu hota hai yeh zindegi ke saath… and I loved it. And slowly we began exchanging love letters. Within six months we got married. That was December 6, 1977."

Biju remembers one incident when he went to offer prayers to Sibsagar Shiv temple with his newly married wife Rajashri. "A huge crowd surrounded me and my unit members had to pull me out from the crowd. There were a lot of school students among them. Two girls were suspended. Later, I had to go to their school and request the authorities to take them back."

He loves watching Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan's movies and adores directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Shakti Samant, Mani Ratnam, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ram Gopal Varma,

What about Bollywood? Why didn't he try his luck out here? "You know my role in Ananda Ashram was almost final but somehow it didn't happen. Besides, I was so busy in Assamese films, that I remained confined there. I didn't even get time to think to come to Mumbai and try. But I don't regret. Now I will do something in Mumbai but behind the camera. In fact I am working on two projects, but nothing is finalised yet."

Biju is not too happy about the current state of Assamese films. "The amount of real talent is still missing. The variety of subjects in Hindi and Bengali films are so thought provoking. But our Assamese films are moving around the same theory. When I hear titles like Suren Choror Putek and Junda Iman Gunda I don't feel like watching those films. I feel North-East people should come out to learn more. "

Ask him about his children Anshuman and Sanghamitra and he says, "My children feel their father is not old and still can do a lot, especially in direction. My son and wife help me in TV production work. I am happy that my daughter is interested in acting."

So, what is his greatest achievement to date? "Once I was travelling in the interiors of Sibsagar for shooting. People stood along the tracks during the whole journey, showering me with flowers and gamochas, as the train moved slowly. Even today, when I go to any place in Assam, people recognise me. It is this love that I think is my greatest achievement. But I feel that is not enough I need to do something so that people all over India recognise me."

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Interview with Dr Tapan Saikia in Mumbai, one of India's leading oncologists. Published in North East Sun. Along with video interview on Think Positive Live Healthy

Interview with  Dr Tapan Saikia in Mumbai, one of India's leading oncologists. Published in North East Sun. Along with video interview on Think Positive Live Healthy

I would love to give something back to the people of Assam: Dr Tapan Saikia

Don’t miss the video interview at the end

  

 

Dr Tapan Saikia is among those people who work tirelessly to bring hope to others and live life differently. He is also one of the leading oncologists in India, dealing with terminal cases of cancer. He is the best man in India for bone marrow transplants. Right now he is associated with Prince Ali Khan Hospital in Mumbai.

 

Dr Tapan Saikia wanted to take up a job in Assam as a doctor and settle in his home state. But things didn't work out. He says, may be the people who interviewed him thought he was not good enough. Now he feels his heart is in Assam and body in Mumbai.

Dr Saikia's dream project is to make a very good cancer hospital in the NE. He thinks such a hospital is a necessity in that region so that the people don't have to travel for treatment.

Old man and the sea is one of Dr Saikia's favourite books. The story is about an old fisherman but what fascinates Dr Saikia is the everyday struggle in the character that can be seen also in a common man's life. He draws a lot of strength from that character. He believes whatever one does should be meaningful. His principle is, end will come one day in whatever way may be, but the fight should be well fought.

Dr Saikia thinks everybody influences him in some way or the other. He believes he lives for today because tomorrow is uncertain. He loves to hear Bhupen Hazarika's famous number Bristinna Parore Ashonkya Jonore …which has inspired him a lot since childhood. This doctor also has a regret – that he couldn't sing or play any instrument.

After the lighter side, let's peep into the deeper side of this medical man.

 

 

North East Sun: What is your subject of specialisation and major achievements?

Dr Tapan Saikia: Medical Oncology, my area of specialisation, is study of cancer medicine, a relatively new branch. It started during the Second World War, when it was realised that mustard gas used in the war as a poison, could reduce some of the tumours. Many classified (later unclassified) work took place in the US defense and led to development of a number of anticancer drugs. Most of these drugs are very, very strong and cause side effects. Medical Oncology is not only about using these drugs; the specialist needs to take care of the patient as a whole. He/she is more of an internist rather than only being a chemotherapist.

Currently, many childhood cancers can be cured with chemotherapy. First evidence came with some long survivors of acute leukaemia in children. A number of adult tumours also could be treated very effectively with medicines alone. Bone marrow transplantation (now known as blood stem cell transplantation) has added the number of survivors among patients with blood cancer, lymphoma, myeloma and some non-cancerous conditions. More recently, molecules are being developed to target the basic pathology of a disease (chemotherapy drugs are usually non-specific in choosing targets) and has shown great potential in controlling various cancers. One drug known as glivec (imatinib mesylate) has been very effective in controlling a blood cancer called CML and a solid tumour called GIST.

NES: Your greatest medical achievement.

DTS: I consider becoming a physician (by providence, rather than by design) itself is an achievement for me. Also, I have not achieved anything significant yet. If I could continue to help the community at large till my last day of working, my job will be done.

NES: Tell about your experience being part of the team during the first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in India.

DTS: I was fortunate to be a part of it. I was young and even now feel like living a dream. Drs Advani and Gopal, our senior faculty members, were trained at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA, and they taught us on the subject at the Tata Memorial Hospital. We learned everything first-hand. This has helped us learning many aspects of this difficult field. The first transplant was successful. Subsequently, there have been many failures and some successes. We are continuing to learn every day.

NES: Medical profession is more of a business now. What is your say about this?

DTS: I have mixed reactions. Nevertheless, I have consciously managed to keep the faith. It is unfortunate that some of us are looking at the profession from a different perspective. There are good things and bad things and there are good people and bad people. We have to live all through these, is not it?

NES: Cancer treatment is very expensive. What do you do for the poor patients?

DTS: From a very recent personal experience, I have just found out that any illness can cost you a large amount of money; very unfortunate, but appears unavoidable at the present time. Cancer being a chronic disease, often drains the patient/family financially and emotionally.

As many of our patients are poor, we have been trying to find as many means as possible for funding. It is amazing how some hospital authorities (not all of them though), charitable trusts and good Samaritans extend help! I have noted this big heart, especially in Mumbai. However, it is never enough. Until the health care system is revamped in the country, the poor will always be at the receiving end.

NES: How do you deal with the psychology of cancer patients?

DTS: Every one is different. We need to understand the person as a whole and act accordingly. Getting the patient into a positive frame of mind could be easy, tough or impossible. I try to act rather than react (often fail). More often than not, it is the family with whom we end up dealing more. Hence, knowing family members' psyche is equally important. Dealing with a terminal stage cancer patient is extremely difficult. The need for palliative care is increasing.

NES: What is the status of medical care in India right now and what about the North-East?

DTS: Medical care in India is excellent in its own ill-organised way. The word ill-organised means failing to keep a proper document for future reference. We need more human resources to record notes and keep documents.

In the North-East, more efforts are needed. We have brilliant students of medicine. Existing institutes need better treatment from the authorities concerned. I would have loved to give something back to the people of Assam; I owe it to them. However, I do not want to initiate anything in a haphazard way. Also, the people should accept me (a difficult one from certain perspectives).

NES: What is your dream achievement in the medical field?

DTS: I need to be realistic here. In the past, I considered many ifs and buts. It is not feasible to have seminal contributions in the field while working in India. The environment is not truly conducive to do basic research, not because of lack of institutes but due to poor organisational shortcomings. Nevertheless, I have not given up on my dreams yet.

NES: Your memorable moment in life.

DTS: To identify one or several incidents is not easy. Seeing some young people back in their studies, jobs, starting a family gives me immense happiness. Some young people have been very generous in helping needy people. Some would adopt a patient for financial assistance, while the other would send a month's salary every year (earned in dollars abroad) for the poor. Some would form help groups. What else do you need in life to be happy!

NES: Do you get emotionally attached with your patients?

DTS: How could you avoid it? Yes, I usually get close. If someone says we should not, I consider him/her a demon. It is as simple as that.

NES: Do you believe in God?

DTS: I would let the question pass. It is too personal a matter and my interpretation would be misunderstood by others. Only one comment – religion and God are two different issues.

NES: Do you get time from your hectic schedule to spend with your family?

DTS: It is all in day's work. Everything overlaps. We give space to each other. We share responsibilities. I try to do everything – cooking, washing, cleaning, plumbing, ironing clothes, etc., excepting the accounting part. My wife, Beethi, is the expert in that department. She is more efficient in every area.

NES: Your hobbies.

DTS: I have too many hobbies, not necessarily good ones. I like to see the world as a colourful one, no dark glasses (shades) for me. I love to travel, read books (all kinds), occasionally cook, do exercises, clean the house, sit in front of the computer for hours and writing articles. There is no spare time, everything overlaps.

NES: Tell about your hometown.

DTS: I grew in half urban, half rural, Naharkatia. Looking back, I had a fairly happy childhood; can not remember any long-lasting traumatic events. We are nine siblings brought up by maternal grandmother (she is no more to see us surviving this way). Had a great neighbourhood full of events like, Bihu, moina parijat, jungle adventures (it was our backyard, now gone), sports and healthy/unhealthy gossips. It was a normal childhood. The growth depended on one's outlook and dreams. Medicine happened and I became a physician; destiny brought me to Mumbai ( Bombay) 1981. I did not have the opportunity of working in Assam.

Video interview with Think Positive Live Healthy

Link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GevGQ5Ke30&t=294s

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