14102024-LSTC-01.qxd 10/13/2024 11:03 PM Page 1 c m y b CRAZXY ON THE WAY! The re-release of Sohum Shah’s Tumbbad has been a success. On the film’s sixth anniversary, the makers treated fans with an exciting announcement of their next project. They shared the new motion poster of their upcoming film, Crazxy. TRIBUNE Fun time Actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar took to social media and posted a picture with his dog Tuffy in which he hilariously pretended as if Tuffy aspired to become a trainer. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 14 OCTOBER 2024 Sattriya dance exponent from Assam, Mallika Kandali says one should follow the path laid down by Bhakti saints to deal with complexities of modern-day life Dance ki Mallika! Mona A PHOTO: NITIN MITTAL N author, academician and Sattriya dance exponent Mallika Kandali is a firm believer in the great Indian traditions. The future can be best welcomed by the revisiting the past, believes the danseuse, who was in the city recently for a national seminar on Srimanta Sankardev at the Panjab University. She performed three Aditi Rao Hydari makes a statement in Tarun Tahiliani’s OTT collection at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI Beauty in blue L ADITI RAO HYDARI AKME Fashion Week, in partnership with FDCI, was a spectacle of style and innovation as actress Aditi Rao Hydari took to the runway, marking the unveiling of designer Tarun Tahiliani’s new subbrand, OTT, on October 12. Tarun Tahiliani’s OTT collection is a nod to India’s rich sartorial history, reinterpreted for the modern fashion landscape. He described OTT as ‘modern separates inspired by the rich history of Indian clothing, bringing back traditions in their simplest and most contemporary avatars, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia’. The collection merges traditional Indian aesthetics with effortless modern design, offering a fresh take on classic elegance. Tarun shared his inspiration behind the collection, revealing that it comes from everyday life and the diversity of India itself. “I am inspired by life, inspired by India, inspired by people I see on the streets, museums, and the energy of everyone I work with. There are hundreds of people who work for you, and they bring so much from different backgrounds,” he said. Aditi, dressed in a stunning blue flowy dance pieces — a Borgeet (raga-based devotional song) on Krishna-gopi bond, another Bharat Vandana and one sequence in Sattriya dance based on Japji Sahib from the Guru Granth Sahib. Receiving immense admiration for her performances, Kandali puts humbly, “I am just a medium. But I must admit, I really felt extremely happy, honoured and privileged to perform in Panjab University. It was great to get such a wonderful audience who appreciated the great work of Srimanta Sankardev.” The seminar was organised by Srimanta Sankardev Chair, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Kandali sees many similarities between Srimanta Sankardev and Guru Nanak Dev. “Sankardev was born 20 years before Guru Nanak ji. Both of them preach love, brotherhood, high thinking and simple living,” shares Kandali. Both the seers talk of unity of humankind, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Kandali insists, “Contemporary life is complex, full of conflicts. So in such a time, it is good to remember and follow the path of these Bhakti saints.” Training in Sattriya dance since she was eight, Kan- dali has been learning, practising and now teaching. Sattriya is one of the major Indian classical dance forms that was introduced by the great saintscholar Srimanta Sankardev and Shri Madhavdev in the 15th century Assam. While this used to be an all-male bastion, over the years there have been women who have taken to this dance form. “Even now in the monastic centres that we call Satra, women are not allowed. But outside, on the secular stages, women have been performing from 60s onwards.” While initially there was resistance, Kandali has witnessed growing acceptance of women performers. “The challenges to be accepted as a woman Sattriya dancer were overcome long back during the 70s and 80s, but the society still holds prejudices against women. Following spiritual learning from Srimanta Sankardev, I feel that no matter what happens since I have surrendered myself to this devotion of Bhakti through dance performance, I will keep on trying.” Kandali is passing on her expertise to the next generation through a dance institute — Parampara Pravah at Guwahati. Classical dance forms are only for those who really have a deep interest in arts, Kandali says, “Classical arts are not like the popular item numbers which you see, but there is a constant flow of interest, there is a constant response.” She is happy that the youth is open and enthusiastic about out classical arts. “Quite a few young people are very seri- outfit, said, “I feel style has always been about being authentically you and enjoying what you wear, and I’m enjoying wearing this. For me, it’s very important to feel effortless — that really makes up my style.” She added that fashion was deeply personal, “When you wear clothes, you should be happy wearing them; they should belong to you — that’s your vibe and that’s authentically you.” Sharvari slays in burgundy outfit Dia all for sustainability Diana Penty blooms in rose pink Actress Sharvari on Saturday turned heads in a statement jacket and skirt outfit at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI Day 4. Dressed in a burgundy stylish outfit, Sharvari walked the ramp as a showstopper for designers Pankaj and Nidhi. Her infinity bomber jacket featured texture and unique see-through sleeves that she paired with an embellished top and mini silk skirt. Bollywood actress and former Miss Asia Actress Diana Penty also made heads turn Pacific, Dia Mirza, graced the runway for with her ramp walk. Decked up in a rose pink designer Samant Chauhan on Saturday. lehenga, Diana appeared at the show as a Dia showcased Chauhan’s much-anticipat- showstopper for Romaa Agarwal. Her handed bridal collection, Ethereal Bloom, which made lehenga featured floral motifs, zardozi brought together the perfect fusion of tra- and sequins. She paired it with a stylish ditional Indian bridalwear with a modern blouse with a plunging neckline. After the twist. Samant’s collection offered a show, Diana shared, “I love this outfit. It’s refreshing take on Indian bridal fashion. beautiful. It gives fairytale vibes. The best part The collection highlighted contemporary is that it is 100 per cent handmade. Over 12-20 silhouettes while staying rooted in rich karigars worked on the outfit for almost three Indian traditions. months,” she shared. — ANI Dia Mirza, radiant as ever, walked gracefully in one of the signature outfits from the collection, which drew inspiration from the beauty of flowers. She shared, “This garment is a celebration of flowers. One of the most precious lessons a flower teaches is that it never compares itself to another. They just face the sun and spread beauty and joy in the world.” She added, “I believe in sustainability with all my heart. It’s important to be mindful of what kind of garments we wear, where the textiles come from, and how the people involved in makDIANA PENTY SHARVARI ing them are treated.” c m y b DIA MIRZA ous. I really appreciate that. Despite their busy schedules and complex lifestyles, they are giving their best to learn and practice. Sattriya actually gives you the mantra to lead a good lifestyle. It brings peace of mind and the element of spirituality is inculcated.” An author of three books — Nrityakala Prasanga Aru Sattria Nritya, Sattria: The Living Dance Tradition of Assam and Mati-Akhara: The Grammar of Sattriaa Dance — recitation is another favourite field of Kandali. She has also recited and recorded the poems of many veteran poets of Assam. Her Punjab visit has left her in awe of Punjabi warmth as well as hospitality. “We have always loved the people of Punjab for their heroism, for their warmth. I have had such lovely times here and wish to reciprocate. Come to Kaziranga, watch our beautiful mighty river Brahmaputra — there is a lot to explore in Assam.”