HOT STEPPING HEROES
Akshay Kumar is doing a Travolta in his next'Action Replay', while Shahid was a dancer in last.Here is the story of Bollywood dance,by male lead actors,down the ages-
Its 4 a.m. at Clark Quay, by the Singapore river.DJ Harvey is playing to a full house at the Rupee Room. The crowd is a mixed breed of Asians and Europeans; the song - ‘koi kahey kehta rahey’, from Dil Chata hai.
“Weekends are always jam packed”, says Dhruv Luthra, 23, a regular here” my friends and I love teaching the enthusiastic firangs Bollywood dance steps. Our favourite is,’Go-Hrithik’ a combo of Govinda and Hrithik’s steps. Everyone always joins in.”
Since circa 1935,Bombay, when K.L.Saigal ran around the trees, singing to his amour, to Danny Boyle in L.A., acknowledging Slumdog Millionaire’s choreographer (our very Bandra boy Longinus Fernandes) in his Oscar acceptance speech,Bollywood dancing has surely come full circle. Male leads in Indian Cinema have often shot to fame by the mere magic of their moves.
Magic of Imagination-Kalpana….
Dancing on celluloid by a lead hero, was first taken seriously when Indian critics sat up and noticed Shri Uday Shankar’s,’Kalpana’ (1948).The entire movie was in ballet form, depicting a dancer’s dream of setting up an academy.Shankar, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar’s elder brother, had shot for this in Gemini studios, with his wife Amala.He was known world wide for his Hindu ballet troupe and performance with Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.
‘We were shown’ Kalpana ‘at the SDCI, it is an outstanding piece of work, ‘votes Vaibhavi Merchant, Bollywood’s ace choreographer,’ Udayji has depicted dance and music through his body, for the audience’s imagination.’
Yahoo! Chahey koi mujhey junglee kahey……
“Dance has always been an integral part of our leading men in cinema, “states Jaaved Jaaferi,” we have had it in classical and folk forms, in Gopi Krishna and Bhagwaan dada, in the facial expressions and body language of Raj Kapoor ji. While movements of other matinee idols like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Rajesh Khanna were accepted because they were popular for their acting, Shammiji had an original style of dance, with stylish feet movement and the way he would jerk his head.”
Nicknamed ‘Rebel star’ by film publicist Bunny Ruben; Shammi Kapoor in his avatar of a cross between James Dean like looks and Elvis Presley like steps broke all norms of the then prevalent 'gentlemanly behaviour'. Dressed in tee shirts and leather jackets as per his wife Geeta Bali's advise.He started getting jiggy with it, gleefully tumbled down hills, raised arched brows above flirty eyes, made his heroines and audiences melt. Crooning away on screen, as the face for Rafi Saab’s voice. Numbers brilliantly composed by O.P.Nayyar and R.D.Burman for super hit Nasir Hussain played a major role for this hot stepper to set a cult that continues till date.
Taa thayya taa thayya ho…..
Few people know that Jeetendra’s first movie was as Sandhya’s double in Navrang, at the age of 17.Later,when he danced in a tee shirt and legendary white shoes, in Farz,to,’Mast baharon ka main aashiq’ he began his journey as ‘Jumping Jack.’
“My dance master, Shri B.Hiralal, was a very hard task master, but fabulous at his work.I owe him all the credit. A student is just as good as his guru is. The white shoes in that song were just incidental because I like to team the colour of my footwear with my trousers “Says young tarang Jeetendra who continued to enthrall audiences with dance performances; through 70’s, Caravan, to Tohfaa in the 80’s, often accompanied with dozens of extras and props.
Kaml Hassan who shook a talented leg in Sadma and Ek dooje ke liye on ta thayya beats ,too,was grace personified.
I am a Disco Dancer…….
Armed with a B.Sc degree in Chemistry and one from the Film and Television institute, Gouranga Chakraborty aka Mithunda won the National award for Mrigayaa and critical acclaim for Hum Paanch. It was Disco Dancer that made him the hero of the aam janta.
Dance show Boogie Woogie’s finalist, Ritu Gupta, 34, claims,’ when we mummies were asked to perform to male hero numbers, I was thrilled to be given Mithunda’s number .I have grown up watching ‘auva auva koi yahaan naachey ’and all the gals and guys at college always danced in Mithunda’s style.
The pioneer of the very sexual pelvic thrust in India, Mithunda points out,’ I loved watching Fred Astaire and Elvis Presley .I mixed my own style to theirs to create a unique one. These days, since everybody simply copies and follows western steps, dance has become monotonous, without any distinct style.
Bol baby bol, rock and roll……
Breaking the mould in the 1980’s, as a negative lead in Meri Jung, came Jaaved Jaaferi.Dancer par excellence, he brought trained, clean lines. In a combination made from ballet, jazz, martial arts, side thrusts and body control while refraining from facial expressions.
“Bandra was the place to be in,’ reminisces Jaaferi who also co produces India’s pioneer dance show on television-Boogie Woogie.My brother Naaved and I would watch videos of our favourite-Fred Astaire.Later, Saturday Night Fever and Michael Jackson numbers on VHS were available and very inspirational. Travolta brought the whole disco revolution and pelvic involvement in dance and sexuality in it with,’you should be dancing tonight’. Men started strutting after that. We would practice for hours and go to the discs and perform our thing by adding our own steps to memorized moves.”
Govinda aala re aala………
Chichi, as he is fondly called, means ‘little finger’ in Punjabi, but this ‘Virar ka chora’ turned out to be a big package. Inspired by Travolta, he made a VHS of himself, showing his groovy dance styles and circulated it to producers. When given a chance, his movies and moves made the upper stall go hopping haywire.
“I did not like the idea of sitting outside offices for long hours, dwindling my thumbs and making small talk.I concentrated on what would make me stand out from the others. My gurus Raam masterji, Saroj Khanji taught me well.I tried my best to please them. Worked hard to improve on what I was taught.Shammiji is my most favourite Bollywood dancer, rare is the ‘umda noor’ (superb illumination) that he had, amongst the industry.”
Stalwart Saroj Khan smiles as she talks about Govinda ,”When one enjoys dancing, it comes out in the pure form.Govinda has that quality ,where people who watch him ,feel like getting up to dance as well. No one can beat his expressions and timing.”
Kaho naa pyaar hai……….
Known to be the perfectionist when it comes to dance moves and grooves, Hrithik Roshan is the universal favourite.Since his debut, his Hotstepping moves are on the hot list of every dancer worth his grooves.
Famed choreographer, Terence Lewis points out,’Hrithik is the rare star who dances better than the chorographer. He takes a simple step to the next level and turns it to poetry in motion. There is such precision and clarity in his moves there is no confusion or awkwardness, however difficult the step. Generally it’s difficult for people with long limbs to dance so gracefully, he is an Ace.”
Yogen Bhagat, 35, Director of Bollywood Step Dance, in Los Angeles, U.S.A. notes,’Hrithik has a very strong connect with the audience. All our students want to learn to dance like him. While working with him for his moves, for the ‘Heartthrobs ‘world tour, I learnt how hard he works, giving more than a 100 %.There was a time when Indians learnt from foreign artists. Now, Hollywood wants to learn from Bollywood.”
Ba ba ba bhangra se le ke pop tak…….
A protégée of the Shiamak Dawer dance institute, his story reads like what every dancers dream would .First seen on screen as a background dancer to Aishwariya Rai in Taal and Karisma Kapoor in Dil Toh Pagal Hai. Shahid Kapoor’s dream debut in Ken Ghosh’s Ishq Vishk Pyaar Vyaar not only won him critical acclaim but also the Filmfare best debutante award. Besides, the film was a perfect showcase for him to show his talent at dance.
It’s Dil Bole Haddippa, from bhangra beats in Jab We Met, freestyling in Kaminey, Fancy footwork in Kismet Connection, or the recently released ‘Chance pe Dance’, Shahid’s skills are in his smooth serenades and he never fails to impress with the same.
All lead choreographers from Saroj Khan to Ahmed Khan agree that he is very sound in technique.
Popular choreographer for male leads in Bollywood, Ceaser of the Bosco Ceaser team couldn’t agree more.”Shahid is an excellent, fabulous and perfect dancer. He is very versatile and can do full justice to any kind of dance. He has no hassles and moves freely. He is smooth with traditional steps as well as modern technique. Since his core is very strong, be it B boying, krumping, pop and lock, he can synchronize it all to perfection and make it look great on screen.Definatley ,the dancing super star ”
PAPA KEHTEY HAI-
Bachna ae haseeno-The charming Rishi Kapoor had girls going crazy with his moves in movies that had foot tapping chartbusters; popular with the youth.Son Ranbir Kapoor has inherited lineage of Kapoor showmen with superb sense of rhythm and timing.
Kajrarey Kajrarey-From the bulb lit bodysuit in Yaraana to Auro’s infectious prance, from fun loving hip hop in Bluff Master and ‘Rock n roll soniye’, to perfect comic timing in Bunty and Bubli, the AB duo is hard to beat.
Hai muscular,hai popular…….but Pappu cant ….Dharampaji with all his good looks and kind nature, failed to over come two left feet as did son Sunny Deol, who would rather break limbs than the dance floor.
Box-2
Jaaved Jaaferi’s Jukebox-
TOP 5 Hollywood Song n dance numbers-
1. Singing in the rain make em laugh Donald O Conner-funny
2. Blue Skies Putting on the Ritz Fred Astaire.-classy
3. Moonwalker Smooth Criminal Michael Jackson.-trendy
4. West side story Cool Group dancing.-best group number
5. Singing in the rain Singing in the rain Gene Kelly.-best baarish number ever.
Jaaved Jaaferi’s Jukebox
Top 5 Bollywood song n dance numbers-
1. Teesri Manzil O haseena zolfonwali Shammi Kapoor.
2. Hum kisise kum nahi Competition medley Rishi Kapoor.
3. Chik puk chikpuk and Muqabla Prabhudeva.
4. Jis desh mein Ganga rehta hai, Prem jaal mein phans gaya mein toh, Govinda.
5. Lakshya Mein aisa kyun hoon? Hrithik.
Vaibhavi’s Merchandise (Ms.Merchant’s comments on the hot steppers)
Amitabh Bachhan-Abundance of talent, great sense of music, extremely gifted.
Shah Rukh Khan-Overcame his drawbacks as dancer via hard work and immense energy.
Hrithik Roshan-Was very conscious, is very sensitive and emotional feels a call to music, tireless.
Aamir –Application actor, performer. Puts in lots of effort to be the character to bring in that aspect of personality of the role played.
Salman-Really stylish, very lazy, like a baby needs to be pushed. Excellent once he believes in doing it.
Saif Ali Khan-Intelligent metro sexual .Has to mentally prepare to overcome awkwardness, but comes along and delivers.
Shahid Kapoor-Exceptional has come of his own. Very well trained and quick learner. Capable of holding longer beats. Balances face and body language perfectly.
Ranbir Kapoor-Born for the camera, great potential, natural dancer, very talented.
Abhishek Bachhan-Brat, wonderful timing, reads the move very well, understands work, trusts his choreographer.
Farhan Akhtar-Very new, very stylish, knows good moves, has come out of his shell.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
GUJARAT’S GANDHI INSPIRED AYN RAND’S HOWARD ROARK
Over the weekend, Essar Steel had organized an exhibition in Mumbai, which displayed models of iconic buildings, renderings, drawings by Richard Meier.
Youngest architect to receive the Prtizker prize, Meier’s spectacular talent is seen in some of the world’s finest structures-Jubilee church Rome, Getty centre Los Angeles, Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona, to name a few.
Speaking about the exhibition, Richard Meier said, “The remarkable beauty and rapid growth that is to be found in all parts of India is intoxicating for architects who have the opportunity to work there. I hope to soon be among them.”
The exhibition was held at the Sir J J College of Architecture which is celebrating its centenary year. The college annually gives The Nari Gandhi trophy ,which is named after its most brilliant student. A master craftsman, who never believed in sketches, drawings or samples and yet worked at brass tacks to create a medley of free flowing space along with organic materials like stone,rocks,wood,leather,earth and terracotta.
Born in Surat, Nariman Dossabhai Gandhi, who studied architecture in this very same college for 5 years, in the early 1950’s ,thought way ahead of his times. A favourite and most talented apprentice of the famous architect Frank Llyod Wright, Nari holds special place till date at the Taliesman, where a huge rock named after him, stands at its entrance.
He also studied pottery from the Kent State University, which made him innovative in the art of masonry. He would stack earthen pots as arches, make brick and stone stairs.Suryakant Patel’s brick bungalow in Surat and The Kino’s cottage at Versova, are some fine examples of his existing work.
Asha Parekh’s stone bungalow at Juhu was made by him, it is said once a thief could not figure his way out of it.Asha also joked about the doors being only two feet wide asking him,’you expect me to squeeze through this?’ To which he replied,’Sure.Since you are an actress, this will ensure you stay in shape.
‘Nari a famous nature-lover architect, used to disappoint many rich clients by building small toilets when they wanted huge magnificent bathrooms. He was labeled an eccentric because no one understood why he persisted with small bathrooms. Some of his physically well-endowed clients had to actually enter and exit their washrooms sideways. But he was well aware that the larger and fancier the bathroom, the more time and water wasted in it! ‘Wrote eco-nutritionist Kavita Mukhi, of Mumbai ,on why she appreciated him.
Carpenters, who worked under him,recall how he worked his magic on a leather couch without a single stitch and just wrapped it in its frame.
Architects blog online of how this genius would give wood the old, mossy effect by getting carpenters to rub it with curd and lime juice for a month! He never wasted any material. Everything was recycled to be put to re use. There was method in his madness.
He hated his work being tampered with and believed doors created barriers. When his friend and patron, Sadiruddin Daya once added a glass door to ‘keep the birds out’ at his home constructed by Nari, Nari angrily asked him,’Do you change the colours of your paintings too?’ post which he did not visit Daya for two years!
Amrutlal Thakker, his close friend stated, “I have heard him being called an eccentric genius, talent gone wild, even crazy- but he was not crazy, it’s the world around him that was! Here was humanity personified, art and expression exemplified, in a normal, humble, down to earth Parsi gentleman, who wore simple old clothes and possessed a wealth of mind and intellect, that would humble the most enterprising and exacting philosopher”.
Tall, heavy built with a gentle white moustache matching his white khadi kurta and pyjama, a liking for leather kolhapuri chappals, he always carried a cloth bag (jhola) with him. For him simplicity did not mean plain, it meant harmony. His brother Jimmy once said at a book launch in Nari’s honour, how Nari lived by the principle that, ‘A rose does not speak the virtue of beauty, does not show, but surely spreads its fragrance.’
Many articles suggest that it was maverick Nari and his guru Wright, whom Ayn Rand visited while writing The Fountainhead and based the character Howard Roark on, who states, ‘A building has integrity, just as a man and just as seldom. It must be true to its own idea, have its own form and serve its own purpose. ‘
For Nari Gandhi, it was just a way of life, as Howard says, ‘I don’t build in order to have clients; I have clients in order to build.
Over the weekend, Essar Steel had organized an exhibition in Mumbai, which displayed models of iconic buildings, renderings, drawings by Richard Meier.
Youngest architect to receive the Prtizker prize, Meier’s spectacular talent is seen in some of the world’s finest structures-Jubilee church Rome, Getty centre Los Angeles, Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona, to name a few.
Speaking about the exhibition, Richard Meier said, “The remarkable beauty and rapid growth that is to be found in all parts of India is intoxicating for architects who have the opportunity to work there. I hope to soon be among them.”
The exhibition was held at the Sir J J College of Architecture which is celebrating its centenary year. The college annually gives The Nari Gandhi trophy ,which is named after its most brilliant student. A master craftsman, who never believed in sketches, drawings or samples and yet worked at brass tacks to create a medley of free flowing space along with organic materials like stone,rocks,wood,leather,earth and terracotta.
Born in Surat, Nariman Dossabhai Gandhi, who studied architecture in this very same college for 5 years, in the early 1950’s ,thought way ahead of his times. A favourite and most talented apprentice of the famous architect Frank Llyod Wright, Nari holds special place till date at the Taliesman, where a huge rock named after him, stands at its entrance.
He also studied pottery from the Kent State University, which made him innovative in the art of masonry. He would stack earthen pots as arches, make brick and stone stairs.Suryakant Patel’s brick bungalow in Surat and The Kino’s cottage at Versova, are some fine examples of his existing work.
Asha Parekh’s stone bungalow at Juhu was made by him, it is said once a thief could not figure his way out of it.Asha also joked about the doors being only two feet wide asking him,’you expect me to squeeze through this?’ To which he replied,’Sure.Since you are an actress, this will ensure you stay in shape.
‘Nari a famous nature-lover architect, used to disappoint many rich clients by building small toilets when they wanted huge magnificent bathrooms. He was labeled an eccentric because no one understood why he persisted with small bathrooms. Some of his physically well-endowed clients had to actually enter and exit their washrooms sideways. But he was well aware that the larger and fancier the bathroom, the more time and water wasted in it! ‘Wrote eco-nutritionist Kavita Mukhi, of Mumbai ,on why she appreciated him.
Carpenters, who worked under him,recall how he worked his magic on a leather couch without a single stitch and just wrapped it in its frame.
Architects blog online of how this genius would give wood the old, mossy effect by getting carpenters to rub it with curd and lime juice for a month! He never wasted any material. Everything was recycled to be put to re use. There was method in his madness.
He hated his work being tampered with and believed doors created barriers. When his friend and patron, Sadiruddin Daya once added a glass door to ‘keep the birds out’ at his home constructed by Nari, Nari angrily asked him,’Do you change the colours of your paintings too?’ post which he did not visit Daya for two years!
Amrutlal Thakker, his close friend stated, “I have heard him being called an eccentric genius, talent gone wild, even crazy- but he was not crazy, it’s the world around him that was! Here was humanity personified, art and expression exemplified, in a normal, humble, down to earth Parsi gentleman, who wore simple old clothes and possessed a wealth of mind and intellect, that would humble the most enterprising and exacting philosopher”.
Tall, heavy built with a gentle white moustache matching his white khadi kurta and pyjama, a liking for leather kolhapuri chappals, he always carried a cloth bag (jhola) with him. For him simplicity did not mean plain, it meant harmony. His brother Jimmy once said at a book launch in Nari’s honour, how Nari lived by the principle that, ‘A rose does not speak the virtue of beauty, does not show, but surely spreads its fragrance.’
Many articles suggest that it was maverick Nari and his guru Wright, whom Ayn Rand visited while writing The Fountainhead and based the character Howard Roark on, who states, ‘A building has integrity, just as a man and just as seldom. It must be true to its own idea, have its own form and serve its own purpose. ‘
For Nari Gandhi, it was just a way of life, as Howard says, ‘I don’t build in order to have clients; I have clients in order to build.
Wadias-Surat's benevolent architects.
Essar Steel’s Masterstrokes, an exhibition of models of the iconic works of Richard Meier was held at the Sir J J College of Architecture.
The college is a fine example of Parsi philanthropy by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhai whose generosity extended to Gujarat as well.
In Surat, the Sir J J School is one of them, built by Framroze Pestonji Wadia and Hoshang Wadia of Surat’s P. B.Wadia Sons, who have given our city many of its most well known structures.
Framroze and sons Hoshang and Zal Wadia built many buildings most on a non profit basis.
Science and MTB Arts College,Vanita Vishram,Bhatt hospital,Surat People’s Bank –Parsi sheri,Uttaran Power House,Parsi General Hospital,Chola Hospital in Ahmedabad,Msc.University Baroda’s Kala Bhavan,Polo club are some.
Architect Louis Khan once said, “Even a brick wants to be something.” Pestonji Wadia believed even a ship’s beam wants to be a beam of the building; his skills put good quality teak and mahogany from wrecked ships to good use in the construction of buildings.
The Wadias stayed at Dr.Behramji ni wadi,” Located by the riverside at the Variyavi bazaar near Mugal Sarai, its garden had the many exotic seedless fruits like bors and lemons also, bougainvilleas that flowered in four colours from a single plant.” reminisces Zawareh Wadia, Pestonji’s great grandson.
Mugal Sarai was originally, just a single floor with its present frontage; the entire supporting catacomb of modern structure behind it was built by the Wadias.
In 1935, Pestonji had built India’s first cement concrete road, beyond Hope Pul, through a depression in the Tapi River, to join Surat to Rander, forming a causeway. His brother Dhanjishaw simultaneously built one in Pune
Pestonji also developed Athwagate, Policelines and built Dumas Palace for Nawab of Sachin .The British bestowed him with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur ‘.
Pestonji bought the river facing French gardens from the French, it is the by lane that goes towards the Tapi between the Athwa petrol pump and Mysore Café at Chowpatty. The meeting of the Indian National Congress took place here, when Aurobindo Ghosh and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Surat.
Part of it was donated to Lashkari ladies club and also to the Parsi Gymkhana. Three villas were also rented out to the Surat Electricity Company, (then Killick Nixon) for a mere Rs.1.25.In 1920; they were sold to the same.
A Wadia mansion donated for women’s education to Vidya Mandir trust, in the name of Zal .F.Wadia.A national body building champion, Zal accidentally died young at 27 while cleaning a gun he owned.
The college is a fine example of Parsi philanthropy by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhai whose generosity extended to Gujarat as well.
In Surat, the Sir J J School is one of them, built by Framroze Pestonji Wadia and Hoshang Wadia of Surat’s P. B.Wadia Sons, who have given our city many of its most well known structures.
Framroze and sons Hoshang and Zal Wadia built many buildings most on a non profit basis.
Science and MTB Arts College,Vanita Vishram,Bhatt hospital,Surat People’s Bank –Parsi sheri,Uttaran Power House,Parsi General Hospital,Chola Hospital in Ahmedabad,Msc.University Baroda’s Kala Bhavan,Polo club are some.
Architect Louis Khan once said, “Even a brick wants to be something.” Pestonji Wadia believed even a ship’s beam wants to be a beam of the building; his skills put good quality teak and mahogany from wrecked ships to good use in the construction of buildings.
The Wadias stayed at Dr.Behramji ni wadi,” Located by the riverside at the Variyavi bazaar near Mugal Sarai, its garden had the many exotic seedless fruits like bors and lemons also, bougainvilleas that flowered in four colours from a single plant.” reminisces Zawareh Wadia, Pestonji’s great grandson.
Mugal Sarai was originally, just a single floor with its present frontage; the entire supporting catacomb of modern structure behind it was built by the Wadias.
In 1935, Pestonji had built India’s first cement concrete road, beyond Hope Pul, through a depression in the Tapi River, to join Surat to Rander, forming a causeway. His brother Dhanjishaw simultaneously built one in Pune
Pestonji also developed Athwagate, Policelines and built Dumas Palace for Nawab of Sachin .The British bestowed him with the title of ‘Khan Bahadur ‘.
Pestonji bought the river facing French gardens from the French, it is the by lane that goes towards the Tapi between the Athwa petrol pump and Mysore Café at Chowpatty. The meeting of the Indian National Congress took place here, when Aurobindo Ghosh and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Surat.
Part of it was donated to Lashkari ladies club and also to the Parsi Gymkhana. Three villas were also rented out to the Surat Electricity Company, (then Killick Nixon) for a mere Rs.1.25.In 1920; they were sold to the same.
A Wadia mansion donated for women’s education to Vidya Mandir trust, in the name of Zal .F.Wadia.A national body building champion, Zal accidentally died young at 27 while cleaning a gun he owned.
Monday, February 15, 2010
SURTI SHIPWRIGHTS-BEST IN THE WORLD….
An endearing scene in the new, much hyped SRK movie, is when little Rizwaan Khan’s mother, seeks the help of a Parsi gentleman to educate little Rizzu. The child charms Mr.Wadia, by mentioning a certain Lovji Nusservanji Wadia, the world famous shipwright from Surat.
Ship building in Surat runs way back to the ancient ages. Being an important port for sea trade, Surat and Suvali beach have been mentioned in many a historical travel book by authors who sailed the seven seas. A special mention on the ability of marvelous ship building by Surtis is an integral part of historic writings.
Tome Pires of Florence who traveled to India in 1511, wrote,’Gujaratees were better seamen, had larger vessels and more men to navigate.’
Aurangzeb’s navy that was superior in size to that of Akbar’s, had, besides many naval ships, 4 special ships that carried Haj pilgrims, free of cost, to and fro from Surat’s Mecca pool (Makkaipul).
The ‘Ganj –i- Sawai, an 800 ton ship, then considered one of the largest, most magnificent in its times was built in Surat .A heavily armed ship, it had 62 mounted guns and a musket armed unit of 500 guards.
Nicolo Conti, Venetian merchant and explorer, who visited India in the 15th century, wrote, “The nations of India build some ships larger than ours, capable of containing 2,000 butts, and with five sails and as many masts. The lower part is constructed with triple planks, in order to withstand the force of the tempests to which they are much exposed. But some ships are so built in compartments that should one part be shattered, the other portion remaining entire may accomplish the voyage."
Ship building and dismantling in Surat was carried out at yards along the Tapi river belt, one such still exists - the ABG shipyard at Surat’s Magdalla port.
The seaworthiness of the Surti ships was due to the technique and tools used to build them. Deodar teak and mahogany were planked together with iron nails, bolts and screws caulking them to make them leak proof.
Many were often copper bottomed or filled with ‘dammer’Indian substitute to tar. There were shell built sewn boats with wooden pin dowelling, watertight seams. Ships built with’vadhera’system of joints, had internal frames of ribs and cross beams.The ‘rassis’had a special variation of stiching the planks together.
In 1635, East India Company set up a shipbuilding yard in Surat.In its first year itself, 4 pinnaces and other larger vessels were built.
J. Ovington, Chaplain to the British King, the seventeenth-century English traveler, who visited Surat, wrote a book A Voyage to Surat in the Year 1689. He was impressed by the skill of the Indians in ship-building and found that they even outshone Europeans. The timber used by the Indians was so strong that it would not ‘crack’ even by the force of a bullet so he urged the English to use that timber ‘to help them in war’.
Lovji Nusservanji was born in 1702 in Surat to the Wadia family that got its name from the yards (wadis) that they owned. He was educated to be a shipwright and took employment with the East India Company. Extremely talented and skill worthy, he secured many contracts to build ships for the British and went on to form the Wadia shipbuilding industry in Bombay, where he shifted base.
Lovji and his brother Sorabji set up the first dry dock in Asia. Many members of the Wadia family stayed back in Surat, carrying on the family business.
Shipwrights of Gujarat built frigates for the British that went on to fight in the battle of Trafalgar. American sea farers visited Surat and Bombay to watch the skillful Wadias at work.
The HMS Minden -1810 built by Jamshedji Bomanji Wadia is the one on which America’s national anthem ,’star spangled banner’ was written by Francis Scott Key,as a poem.
The HMS Trincomlee -1817 built by Wadias is still in use and known as the TS Foudroyant.Its the oldest sail driven warship and good enough to be afloat for 300 more years!
Lovji once proudly engraved in the central beam of a British warship,
“This ship was built by a d-----d Black Fellow A.D.1800.”
After all, you can always trust a Surti to tell it as it is.
Tapi town tattle-My name is democracy and no one can dictate me otherwise.
An endearing scene in the new, much hyped SRK movie, is when little Rizwaan Khan’s mother, seeks the help of a Parsi gentleman to educate little Rizzu. The child charms Mr.Wadia, by mentioning a certain Lovji Nusservanji Wadia, the world famous shipwright from Surat.
Ship building in Surat runs way back to the ancient ages. Being an important port for sea trade, Surat and Suvali beach have been mentioned in many a historical travel book by authors who sailed the seven seas. A special mention on the ability of marvelous ship building by Surtis is an integral part of historic writings.
Tome Pires of Florence who traveled to India in 1511, wrote,’Gujaratees were better seamen, had larger vessels and more men to navigate.’
Aurangzeb’s navy that was superior in size to that of Akbar’s, had, besides many naval ships, 4 special ships that carried Haj pilgrims, free of cost, to and fro from Surat’s Mecca pool (Makkaipul).
The ‘Ganj –i- Sawai, an 800 ton ship, then considered one of the largest, most magnificent in its times was built in Surat .A heavily armed ship, it had 62 mounted guns and a musket armed unit of 500 guards.
Nicolo Conti, Venetian merchant and explorer, who visited India in the 15th century, wrote, “The nations of India build some ships larger than ours, capable of containing 2,000 butts, and with five sails and as many masts. The lower part is constructed with triple planks, in order to withstand the force of the tempests to which they are much exposed. But some ships are so built in compartments that should one part be shattered, the other portion remaining entire may accomplish the voyage."
Ship building and dismantling in Surat was carried out at yards along the Tapi river belt, one such still exists - the ABG shipyard at Surat’s Magdalla port.
The seaworthiness of the Surti ships was due to the technique and tools used to build them. Deodar teak and mahogany were planked together with iron nails, bolts and screws caulking them to make them leak proof.
Many were often copper bottomed or filled with ‘dammer’Indian substitute to tar. There were shell built sewn boats with wooden pin dowelling, watertight seams. Ships built with’vadhera’system of joints, had internal frames of ribs and cross beams.The ‘rassis’had a special variation of stiching the planks together.
In 1635, East India Company set up a shipbuilding yard in Surat.In its first year itself, 4 pinnaces and other larger vessels were built.
J. Ovington, Chaplain to the British King, the seventeenth-century English traveler, who visited Surat, wrote a book A Voyage to Surat in the Year 1689. He was impressed by the skill of the Indians in ship-building and found that they even outshone Europeans. The timber used by the Indians was so strong that it would not ‘crack’ even by the force of a bullet so he urged the English to use that timber ‘to help them in war’.
Lovji Nusservanji was born in 1702 in Surat to the Wadia family that got its name from the yards (wadis) that they owned. He was educated to be a shipwright and took employment with the East India Company. Extremely talented and skill worthy, he secured many contracts to build ships for the British and went on to form the Wadia shipbuilding industry in Bombay, where he shifted base.
Lovji and his brother Sorabji set up the first dry dock in Asia. Many members of the Wadia family stayed back in Surat, carrying on the family business.
Shipwrights of Gujarat built frigates for the British that went on to fight in the battle of Trafalgar. American sea farers visited Surat and Bombay to watch the skillful Wadias at work.
The HMS Minden -1810 built by Jamshedji Bomanji Wadia is the one on which America’s national anthem ,’star spangled banner’ was written by Francis Scott Key,as a poem.
The HMS Trincomlee -1817 built by Wadias is still in use and known as the TS Foudroyant.Its the oldest sail driven warship and good enough to be afloat for 300 more years!
Lovji once proudly engraved in the central beam of a British warship,
“This ship was built by a d-----d Black Fellow A.D.1800.”
After all, you can always trust a Surti to tell it as it is.
Tapi town tattle-My name is democracy and no one can dictate me otherwise.
Monday, February 8, 2010
WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN
With V day just a week away, the entire world has already begun its 7 day countdown serenade.
Never in the history of mankind has it been easier for humans to know how to fall in love!
From toddlers of nursery to toothless oldies, there is something for everyone.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, a little red heart will be staring at you.
Television commercials, newspaper advertisements, mobile sms, roadside hoardings, radio jingles, internet sites, florists, choclatiers, coffee cafes, restaurants, resorts, audio c.d.s,card and curios stalls, malls, perfumeries, grocery stores, toy shops, beauty saloons, car showrooms, films……….the virus of V day is so well spread by the multi billion moolah industry that revolves around it, its impossible to escape it.
Bottom line is, men fall in love with what they see and women fall in love with what they hear.
Since everyone only advises what mushy things to do on V-day, here is a rare manuscript that’s not pretty but practical.
Dr.Dilphenk Majnu’s,’ Wise advice on what not to do on V-day or otherwise’-
1. Bill apna aur treat parayi-Never get pressured to over spend on a gift thinking the costlier it is, the happier she will be. Someone, somewhere will always have spent more than you, she will point it out. Not worth it.
2. When Hairy met Saali-A must for all Surti lala’s watch you words and pronunciation. Swearing might come to you naturally but it’s a big no- no when you are trying to impress the lady you love.
3. Step, mom-Agreed you all are mostly mommy’s boys and that’s fine. Mommies are nice, but girlfriends and wives can never compete with one to be good enough. Kindly refrain from beginning all sentences with,’ma kehti hai’in the beginning of a relationship.
4. Hum deal de chukey sanam-Never ever take your woman for granted. They love the idea of being romanced, so make each day special in your own little way and watch them reciprocate tenfold.
5. Sleep less in seattle-Well, contrary to what most of you might think, a woman’s idea about love doesn’t begin and end with you know what. Hence try to think of other, innovative ways to make her happy.
6. Memoirs of gay shah-Parties in Mumbai and Delhi are proof enough of the changing trend in choice for men. While each one is entitled to his own opinion in a democracy, kindly abstain from any activity which gives the slightest inclination to your lady that you are not straight; else, watch her run a mile.
7. Gone, with the wind-Hygiene, guys, is a must. If you must do your thing and burp and break wind, please rush to do so in private surroundings. No chance anyone is going to put up with that, however much in love they might be. (Sorry the ‘natural’ theory doesn’t work here).
8. Love, story-Do not ever sideline a good tale saying,’it happens only in movies’. Women believe in fairytales, however old they are and therefore, love being swept off their feet.
9.Falling ,in love-If you bend all the way backwards, trouble is, she might take you for granted and not value just how much you are willing to do .Hold your own, don’t go beyond a point with something you do not believe in and feel miserable doing.
10. P.s.-I love you-Most important, while men do everything else to make the woman in their life happy; they often forget to tell her the one thing that she would rather hear. Make it the first, not the last.
With V day just a week away, the entire world has already begun its 7 day countdown serenade.
Never in the history of mankind has it been easier for humans to know how to fall in love!
From toddlers of nursery to toothless oldies, there is something for everyone.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, a little red heart will be staring at you.
Television commercials, newspaper advertisements, mobile sms, roadside hoardings, radio jingles, internet sites, florists, choclatiers, coffee cafes, restaurants, resorts, audio c.d.s,card and curios stalls, malls, perfumeries, grocery stores, toy shops, beauty saloons, car showrooms, films……….the virus of V day is so well spread by the multi billion moolah industry that revolves around it, its impossible to escape it.
Bottom line is, men fall in love with what they see and women fall in love with what they hear.
Since everyone only advises what mushy things to do on V-day, here is a rare manuscript that’s not pretty but practical.
Dr.Dilphenk Majnu’s,’ Wise advice on what not to do on V-day or otherwise’-
1. Bill apna aur treat parayi-Never get pressured to over spend on a gift thinking the costlier it is, the happier she will be. Someone, somewhere will always have spent more than you, she will point it out. Not worth it.
2. When Hairy met Saali-A must for all Surti lala’s watch you words and pronunciation. Swearing might come to you naturally but it’s a big no- no when you are trying to impress the lady you love.
3. Step, mom-Agreed you all are mostly mommy’s boys and that’s fine. Mommies are nice, but girlfriends and wives can never compete with one to be good enough. Kindly refrain from beginning all sentences with,’ma kehti hai’in the beginning of a relationship.
4. Hum deal de chukey sanam-Never ever take your woman for granted. They love the idea of being romanced, so make each day special in your own little way and watch them reciprocate tenfold.
5. Sleep less in seattle-Well, contrary to what most of you might think, a woman’s idea about love doesn’t begin and end with you know what. Hence try to think of other, innovative ways to make her happy.
6. Memoirs of gay shah-Parties in Mumbai and Delhi are proof enough of the changing trend in choice for men. While each one is entitled to his own opinion in a democracy, kindly abstain from any activity which gives the slightest inclination to your lady that you are not straight; else, watch her run a mile.
7. Gone, with the wind-Hygiene, guys, is a must. If you must do your thing and burp and break wind, please rush to do so in private surroundings. No chance anyone is going to put up with that, however much in love they might be. (Sorry the ‘natural’ theory doesn’t work here).
8. Love, story-Do not ever sideline a good tale saying,’it happens only in movies’. Women believe in fairytales, however old they are and therefore, love being swept off their feet.
9.Falling ,in love-If you bend all the way backwards, trouble is, she might take you for granted and not value just how much you are willing to do .Hold your own, don’t go beyond a point with something you do not believe in and feel miserable doing.
10. P.s.-I love you-Most important, while men do everything else to make the woman in their life happy; they often forget to tell her the one thing that she would rather hear. Make it the first, not the last.
Monday, February 1, 2010
DRY DAY, DAMAN.
‘Booze is the social glue of all mankind’, said dear old Barbara Holland who really loved her wine. Little did the dear departed soul know that prohibition in Gujarat leaves one asking for more.
Magan Batla and aunty Batli are being hounded in the dry state, post the hooch tragedy by the king of ‘gud’ times.
The intelligent agencies have all of a sudden, brilliantly discovered that 50% or more amount of illicit liquor in the state wades in from Daman via land or the waters of Arabian Sea.
Hence, all of a sudden, Gujarat’s Cavalla, is threatened for its very existence. Back tracking to the source has meant double jeopardy for all in the business of booze and wine shop owners had 19 to the dozen meetings a day to figure out a way to avoid face off situations.
Last Saturday, might as well go down as one of the darkest day in its Hic –History.
The Daman bandh call by the locals was so well supported that even paanwallahs had shut shop to catch up on siesta. Well meaning political parties have offered full support in exchange of vote banks.
Meanwhile, Goa’s country cousin had visitors left in the lurch, stranded on the rocks instead being able to enjoy one on the rocks. There was ‘water water everywhere, not a drop to drink.’
Regulars and first timers who had visited Daman from dry states or elsewhere, for a whiff of fun, fags and freedom got no high and were left dry .No more a booze shopper’s paradise, where alcoholics could feast their eyes with the sight of their favourite slugs and new stuff on the block.
Here is a farmaish, from them, about their feelings on Dry Day, Daman-
Hungama hai kyun barpa thodi si jo peeli hai-with random checks at the border for even vehicles that were coming into Daman, tourists were left wondering ‘daka toh nahi daala, chori toh nahi ki hai!”Little did they know someone else was cost cutting on the excise front.
Ek toh sharab kum aur paimaana toota hua-With no dearth –e-daru- syndrome ever in the past, people were caught unawares and had not stocked up. Spanning the quaint town resulted in a no win situation with all possible sources at protest against the injustice.
Hui mehengi bahut hi sharab ke thodi thodi piya karo-Alcoholics were singing this number, not nagging wives. Since wine shops were shut, visitors had no options but to drink expensive alcohol by more than 50%-70%, instead of paying corkage charge and drinking their own in local restaurants.
Nashaa sharab mein hota toh naachti bottle-Sang the poor souls who were fleeing the eerie town, as strict vigilance checkers made them open up boot and bags to find nothing.
Sharab cheez hi aisi hai na chhodi jayee-Stalwarts in the habit, took refuge in neighbouring Udavada and lit up the sleepy town with ‘jaahan char yaar mil jaye’
Ek taraf uska ghar, ek taraf maikada-Surat is to have 25 new city gates at the cost of rs.25 lakhs, to welcome people coming in. With most of its exit points leading closer towards its favourite water hole, booze lovers now shudder to think of what kind of welcome will they get on returning into the city.
Tum nahi, gham nahi, sharab nahi, aisi tanhai ka jawaab nahi-Surtis and others returned home on Sunday after a miserable Saturday, with a lesson learnt the hard way.
We try to hold, in full hypocrisy, to the principles of our dear Bapu, the Mahatma when it comes to prohibition.
It’s a shame then, that the heritage walk path of the Dandi march between Surat Navsari has now been conveniently shoved to non existence due to need of the hour road development.
The only question the now bitter but otherwise sweet Surtis want to ask the people concerned is,’Maine pi sharab, tumne kyaa piya?”
‘Booze is the social glue of all mankind’, said dear old Barbara Holland who really loved her wine. Little did the dear departed soul know that prohibition in Gujarat leaves one asking for more.
Magan Batla and aunty Batli are being hounded in the dry state, post the hooch tragedy by the king of ‘gud’ times.
The intelligent agencies have all of a sudden, brilliantly discovered that 50% or more amount of illicit liquor in the state wades in from Daman via land or the waters of Arabian Sea.
Hence, all of a sudden, Gujarat’s Cavalla, is threatened for its very existence. Back tracking to the source has meant double jeopardy for all in the business of booze and wine shop owners had 19 to the dozen meetings a day to figure out a way to avoid face off situations.
Last Saturday, might as well go down as one of the darkest day in its Hic –History.
The Daman bandh call by the locals was so well supported that even paanwallahs had shut shop to catch up on siesta. Well meaning political parties have offered full support in exchange of vote banks.
Meanwhile, Goa’s country cousin had visitors left in the lurch, stranded on the rocks instead being able to enjoy one on the rocks. There was ‘water water everywhere, not a drop to drink.’
Regulars and first timers who had visited Daman from dry states or elsewhere, for a whiff of fun, fags and freedom got no high and were left dry .No more a booze shopper’s paradise, where alcoholics could feast their eyes with the sight of their favourite slugs and new stuff on the block.
Here is a farmaish, from them, about their feelings on Dry Day, Daman-
Hungama hai kyun barpa thodi si jo peeli hai-with random checks at the border for even vehicles that were coming into Daman, tourists were left wondering ‘daka toh nahi daala, chori toh nahi ki hai!”Little did they know someone else was cost cutting on the excise front.
Ek toh sharab kum aur paimaana toota hua-With no dearth –e-daru- syndrome ever in the past, people were caught unawares and had not stocked up. Spanning the quaint town resulted in a no win situation with all possible sources at protest against the injustice.
Hui mehengi bahut hi sharab ke thodi thodi piya karo-Alcoholics were singing this number, not nagging wives. Since wine shops were shut, visitors had no options but to drink expensive alcohol by more than 50%-70%, instead of paying corkage charge and drinking their own in local restaurants.
Nashaa sharab mein hota toh naachti bottle-Sang the poor souls who were fleeing the eerie town, as strict vigilance checkers made them open up boot and bags to find nothing.
Sharab cheez hi aisi hai na chhodi jayee-Stalwarts in the habit, took refuge in neighbouring Udavada and lit up the sleepy town with ‘jaahan char yaar mil jaye’
Ek taraf uska ghar, ek taraf maikada-Surat is to have 25 new city gates at the cost of rs.25 lakhs, to welcome people coming in. With most of its exit points leading closer towards its favourite water hole, booze lovers now shudder to think of what kind of welcome will they get on returning into the city.
Tum nahi, gham nahi, sharab nahi, aisi tanhai ka jawaab nahi-Surtis and others returned home on Sunday after a miserable Saturday, with a lesson learnt the hard way.
We try to hold, in full hypocrisy, to the principles of our dear Bapu, the Mahatma when it comes to prohibition.
It’s a shame then, that the heritage walk path of the Dandi march between Surat Navsari has now been conveniently shoved to non existence due to need of the hour road development.
The only question the now bitter but otherwise sweet Surtis want to ask the people concerned is,’Maine pi sharab, tumne kyaa piya?”
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