Word is Out

They had come together to make the track Templehead at Nation8217;s request but, following its outstanding success, they decided to stick together informally, behind the Templehead mask of anonymity. For a while they produced the odd tune, until they exploded on the music scene as TransGlobal Underground8217;. Though these days the line-up is pretty set, for a long time the group was a continually changing entity, with members wandering in and out as and when required, or desired.

quot;It was more of an ongoing project, with a whole host of people from Budapest to Bengal to Basingstoke, getting involved.quot; Much like the group itself. TGU8217;s music is an indefinable entity, constantly transmuting in its attempt to break down musical barriers. If there is an underlying philosophy behind TGU, it8217;s a dislike for categories.

Morphing anything and everything from Indian classical, Arabic rhythms, and African beats to reggae, dub, hip hop, bhangra and eighties pop, the genre-less concoction seems to defy logic, weaving together the most disparate of sounds. How do the players retain fluidity in such a haphazard process? quot;On a good night the sounds will take off by themselves, really, it8217;s about getting into the right rhythmic groove. The music8217;s essentially a celebration of rhythms.quot; But is there a political message in this rhythmic fusion of cultures? quot;There was a lot of talk sometime ago in the British media about multiculturalism in music, its unifying potential and all that, which is great to a certain extent, but basically we just want to make people dance.quot; Something they without a doubt manage to achieve, five albums later and 10 years on.

Get the picture? Well, if you missed the concert check out TGU8217;s latest record, Backpacking On The Graves of Our Ancestors available at music stores in the city. Or you could log into T-G-U.com.

Mapping Art
Eight experts on Thai art have come together to offer an interesting and elaborate insight into the art that has flourished in Thailand over the last two millennia. In a book called Art from Thailand a MARG publication, the curious art lover is provided a fresh perspective to an area that is both contentious and revisionist. And it does so by taking a close look at different eras in the cultural history of Thailand as well as the influences and trends that shaped it. Touching areas as diverse, yet related, as the coins and medals of Dvaravati, Vishnu images from ancient Khmer architecture, it8217;s more than a coffee table book. Attractive images of the Buddha in stone as well as bronze dominate the pictures, reflecting the rich tradition of Buddhism that Thailand inherited from as early as 6th Century BC. But above all, the book talks of a confluence of a variety of cultures people and their practices, that can be grouped by characteristics of language, religion, place and objects. The cultures are vast,often confusing, but are related to each other, the experts affirm. This, coupled with an impressive presentation, makes the sale price of Rs 1,950 well worth it.

Second coming
Govind Nihalani8217;s foray into mainstream cinema was a non-starter at the box office. Thakshak came and went quietly, just a few months ago. Opinions were divided about the quality of the maker8217;s work. One person whose opinion is deeply valued by Nihalani is Shyam Benegal8217;s. As Benegal has been busy shooting for his own current production with big star Karisma Kapoor, he was unable to see Thakshak when it was ready for release. Apparently, Nihalani had a special screening for his special friend, last week. There were a few other invitees as well, but none as important as Benegal, whom Nihalani respects and values. Friend, philosopher and guide?

Rumour has it that Benegal is none too impressed with Nihalani8217;s hero, Ajay Devgan, but thought the film was good. Most people at the screening are said to have been puzzled as to why the film did as badly as it did, when so many terrible films manage to rock the box office. It is said that one reason could have been the timing of the release, Ramazaan. No self-respecting producer releases his film at that time of the year. Nihalani was exhorted to re-release the film! Unanimous opinions? Some of the songs need the axe, desperately! Rahul Bose is good. Song Rang de8217; is terrific. Film is too edge-of-the-seat heavy, needs lighter moments.

A non-unanimous opinion? Hrithik Roshan should have starred in the film!