Small talk

Directors in the making
The films made by the students of Film and Television Institute of India, Pune have found place at various film festivals across the world. Here is another example. The diploma films 8212; Narmeen directed by Dipti Gogna and When This Man Dies by Arun Sukumar have been selected for 13th International Film Festival of Kerala scheduled between December 12 and 19. Narmeen was also one of the five FTII films selected and screened during the 7th Third Eye Asian Film Festival held at Mumbai in October. It has won the prestigious HBO Short Film Competition Jury Awards during 5th South Asian International Film Festival held at New York in October. When This Man Dies is about the monotony of an office worker8217;s life which is disrupted when he receives a letter offering him money when a particular person dies.

Divine and demonic
In the wake of global terrorism and violence, when love, compassion and humanity are dying a silent death, golden words in between the sacred lines of religious books can put in some sense and resurrect the good old ways of a happy and a peaceful world. Delivering a public lecture on chapter 16 of The Bhagavad Gita, Swami Parthasarathy will enlighten the Puneites on the subject of Qualities of the divine and the demonic, as explained in the chapter. The concept of the lecture revolves around aspects like distinguishing the good from the bad, self-reform and consequent reforming of the society. Swami Parthasarathy, came up with a book last year The Fall of the Human Intellect, which speaks about the importance of developing the intellect, and has been incorporated in prominent business schools as it imparts secrets of self management. Known for his inspirational lectures and thought provoking sessions, Swamiji is also set to deliver lectures across 20 US cities being organised by The Young Presidents8217; Organisation in the near future. Swamiji8217;s Vedanta Academy trains youngsters from all over the world through its three-year residential courses to develop the intellect. In contrast to the world today, it is a community of different races, religions and nationalities living in peace and harmony. The lecture has been organised today at Ravindra Natya Mandir.

Praying for peace
As paranoia grips the nation and unrest casts its shadows, artist Santosh Shelke calls for peace with his creations. The artist displays his series of Buddha paintings for the art lovers to revel in the serene feel of Lord Buddha8217;s spirit. Shelke uses multiple texturesand layers to achieve the peace residing in Buddha8217;s soul. Theexhibition is on till December 23 at Arvee Art Gallery, above Vidyasahakari Bank, Next to Hotel Sarjaa, Aundh.

Laura8217;s spell
Sunday evening came alive as popular British singer-song writer Laura Critchley kept the audience spellbound by her live-wire performance. Vh1 in association with LG and Rayban, jointly presented Vh1 Global Music Xpress at the Hard Rock Cafeacute; recently.

A thrilled Critchley says, 8220;I8217;m happy everything went well. I was actually excited about coming to India and spending a week touring India. I look forward to meeting all my fans and friends in India. I enjoy music.8221;

Speaking on the initiative Ferzad Palia, associate general manager explains, 8220;It is our aim to present the best musicians and artists to our audiences and make them part of a truly world-class musical experience. After the successful stint of British R038;B artist Jay Sean, we decided to bring down the young and popular British singer Laura Critchley live in your city.8221;

The evening was definitely a treat for music aficionados and the audience just couldn8217;t get enough of the Laura magic.