Miller's worth

IIPM BBA MBA Institute: Student Notice Board

Since breaking out of prison on tv in the highly acclaimed and popular 'prison break', the good looking wentworth miller is back strutting his stuff in the latest installment of the resident evil franchise. Neha Sarin catches up with the actor to find out what challenges chris redfield's character had for him

How was it for you to come to this franchise? Were you familiar with "Resident Evil"?

I'd heard of it! (laughs) I hadn't seen the movies; I had never played the video games. I was aware that it had a significant presence in pop culture but it was new to me, so I knew I had homework to do and my approach was to try and balance a number of influences as best I could and one of them was to watch the video games. I had the producers cut together sequences that spoke to me (about my) character's back story and then I went online and did my research as there is a lot of conversation and expectation among the fans as to who Chris Redfield is or should be and then there is also Chris Redfield as imagined by Paul. I had to fit into his vision. It was a good time. I especially enjoyed coming from an experience like prison break.

Did you ever feel like "I have no control over my fate, so I am sticking to acting"?

Yeah, you stick to it because you have a choice. You stick to it because you like to do it above anything else in the world. Even when I wasn't working, I was in class and doing scenes and doing what I love, which is to tell stories... to touch people and to inspire people whether it's on stage or in front of the camera. It makes no difference at the end of the day. I am lucky enough that I am at a place in my career where I can pick and choose. I wasn't always like that, but now that I am, I want to proceed as carefully as possible.

What were your early experiences on stage?

As a kid, I think it was a Thanksgiving Day play and I got to play one of the pilgrims and my parents came and they all toddled out on stage with homemade costumes. I think it was that first round of applause that clued me into that very special connection between an actor and his audience. There is nothing like it and that's why I can't walk away.

How was it working with Milla Jovovoich?

I think she is the walking embodiment of this movie. I think one of the reasons this franchise is so successful is because her character is so distinct, strong, smart, driven' a vulnerable woman who happens to be the action figure in the centre of an action adventure franchise. I don't think we tell enough of those stories, but if you look back to Sigourney Weaver in 'Alien', her character Ripley, Milla is kind of the direct descendant of that line and it's at the core of this movie's appeal. And for me to jump on to this train that's many miles down its track, it was important to look to on the set, to copy, to role model myself after, in terms of what is this universe, what's the level of expectations, what's required of me and like I said, she is kind of the walking example of all those things. Now that your role in the series, 'Prison Break", is over, would you come back to TV?

Absolutely! I think there are some amazing stories being told on TV and let's be honest, the things you can do with a character over the course of four seasons, you can't do in a movie. Therefore, that is tremendously appealing. At the same time, having come from a TV show that went for four years, we shot for ten months and the other two months were spent promoting. It's nice to be involved in a movie where I shoot it for two months, come back for a month of press and I am done, so I can turn my attention to something else.

What's your favourite TV show?

I am watching reality competition shows actually ' 'Top Chef', 'Project Runway' and 'Work of Art' which was great and unexpected, going through the artistic process.

Have you seen the completed version of Resident Evil 4? Since the movie is shot in 3D, how was the experience?

I have not. I have seen only bits and pieces. While we were shooting in 3D which in its best usage is not a distraction from the story but is actually being used to tell the story. It's a nice integration of the technology with the particular tale they wish to tell. I wish to see amazing kick-ass stunt sequences, that's why we put it together, that's why people will want to see it. My job as an actor is to try and layer the character in and around the gun fights and the battle sequences when something horrible happens to Claire or Chris or Alice It registers with the audiences who care at some level.

What do you like about the pop culture. No video games?

Naah, no video games! I grew up in a house where it was all about homework. There wasn't really any opportunity for video games or comic books, they were kinda frowned upon. So this is my opportunity to have a second childhood. But I love going to movies, I love certain kinds of TV. I love classical music, not in a know-it-all, aficionado kind of way. I couldn't tell you the name of composers or different pieces. I just like it as a background music; it's inspiring and music is something I use when I am approaching a character or a scene. It can be anything that gets you in the right mood .

So what did you listen to for this role?

Ummm! I think it was some Eminem' playing it kind of loud and aggressive.

If you had to pick your next favourite character, what would you like to play?

I would love to find 'My Shining'. I would love to do a Jack Nicolson in it. I think it's a great example of a horror movie that has a lot of psychological meat on the bone.


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Dabangg for your buck

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TSI Five-O: Action packed entertaining Salman starrer; 'nuff said!

Getting into the skin of Chulbul Pandey would have been perhaps the easiest thing for Salman Khan, given that he was pretty much playing himself ' someone with a mischievous attitude combined with a heart of gold. Salman seems to be enjoying every bit of the antics he gets to do on screen (from implausible looking stunts to delivering punch lines specially crafted for the seeti-taali set) and it shows. 'Dabangg', with its plot stitched together from shreds of clich'd story line fabric, seems to revel in celebrating the irreverent (check out the comic book fight scenes and you'll know) and Salman is the face of that celebration. Sonakshi Sinha also gives a good account of herself and proves an able foil for Salman.

The story is that of Chulbul Pandey, a cop who calls himself Robin Hood Pandey and acts pretty much the same way. Local goon Chhedi Singh (Sonu Sood, trying the hardest he ever has to ape Amitabh Bachchan) doesn't quite see eye to eye with Chulbul's methods and decides to manipulate Chulbul's brother Makhan (Arbaaz Khan, quite average) into acting against him. There are some other subplots that do enough to present one entertaining sequence after the other.

The timing of the film and its over the top execution works wonders to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable ride, one where you'll keep pointing out mistakes yet get mysteriously enamoured by the silliness of it all. Even the songs have a fun factor about them. And you will have Sallu to thank for that. If you're going, one suggestion ' learn how to whistle!

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RESIDENT EVIL, AFTERLIFE: Uber-cool Zombie land

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TSI Five-O: If you love video games, you'll fancy this one

The fourth installment of 'Resident Evil, Afterlife' is an action packed graphically-sound sci-fi flick which is clearly not cut-out for critics. The movie resembles an ultra-cool video game, sadly giving no more depth to the characters or the plot.

Dressed in a sleek black leather suit, Alice (Milla Jovovich), the protagonist, and a number of her clones have taken it upon themselves to destroy the cruel company Umbrella Corp. A matrix-style fight scene in the Tokyo headquarters of Umbrella follows. The target man, Chairman Albert Wesker (Shawn Roberts) senses danger and flees from the 'bloody' mess in a super-jet. Mid-journey, Alice ambushes from nowhere and attempts to kill Albert, only to be injected by a serum which neutralises her super powers. As the two are busy exchanging dialogues, the plane crashes and burns to ashes. As fate would have it, Alice survives without a scratch and within months is flying around in search of survivors.

The irony is she is impeccably dressed and flaunts fabulous lipstick and make-up. Wonder who she's trying to impress with no one around!

After months of solidarity and speaking to her camera, she finds a rather savage looking amnesiac, Claire (Ali Larter) who she takes into custody. Further, they get lucky as they spot a few survivors residing on the roof of a high security prison which is surrounded by swarms of zombies.

The movie will impress a masala-action aficionado. Though the cinematography is visually appealing and the techno-metal score suits the nonstop action, the movie is no-brainer. It is also hard to ignore that the fight scenes share striking similarities with the ones in 'The Matrix'. The dialogues are below par and the sporadic humour raises laughter for its sheer stupidity.

That said, 'Afterlife' reiterates that there is a market for its kind and the producers are more than happy minting the millions guaranteed with each sequel.

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This haat beats for art

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Bringing artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious citizens together, Art Mart II proved to be much more than just a platform for buying and selling art. Anu Gulmohar paints the picture of Art Mart II in a little less than 1000 words'

Gurgaon is the millennium city with its high rises, posh hotels and a fair share of people with a taste for the finer things in life. It's of little wonder then that an art fair has begun to be held annually here and artists from all over India and beyond converge at the Art Mart. On one hand it aims at meeting the needs of Gurgaon and NCR residents who wish to deck-up their homes with affordable paintings and sculptures, and on the other hand it offers works of a hundred and more artists for the pick of connoisseurs and corporates. While the capital plays host annually to the prestigious Art Summit, which boasts of some of the biggest names on the art scene, its satellite city got a sampling of a unique melange of art, in this second edition of Art Mart, which was held between 10th and 12th September. The three-day event featured not just art works but even workshops and seminars that gave regular people a rare opportunity to interact and learn from the artists and experts in the industry.

Inaugurated by Dr Karan Singh (MP, Rajya Sabha & President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations), an enthralling performance by Sidigoma, the tribal Sufi Community of East African origin based in Gujarat, set the stage for Art Mart II, an initiative by Old World Hospitality. Playful installations by artists like Dharmendra Rathore and Anjolie Ela Menon welcomed people, while stall after stall of paintings brought here by galleries and artists awaited them inside. Showcasing contemporary art in its multifarious forms ' drawings, sculptures, ceramics, installations, photographs, prints, digital and video art, mixed media and performance art ' Art Mart II went on to also hold an Art Appreciation Course, a Draw and Paint workshop, Snap it Up photography workshop, Face 2 Face for buyers with artists, On The Spot Painting Competition for children, an Art Camp for artists, a Panel Discussion for experts, live sessions of portrait-making and caricature painting for the public. There was even an Art Book Caf' and a Collectors' Lounge at the Mart. These courses and discussions were meant to further engage and encourage people toward art.

So if you're relatively new to the world of art collecting, the 2-day Art Appreciation Course could've provided you with a leg-up. Conducted by Sushma Bahl, she shared with us some rules of the trade. 'Before the investment, one should look at the quality of the art work and how one responds to it, in terms of technical finesse, what the work is saying to you, how it looks, how the artist has created it, who's the person who has created it. And then of course, its value in terms of the cost, whether the artist has done well so far, which way he's going. One needs to study all this. It involves knowing, understanding the work itself, knowing about the artist, where he comes from, from where he's started, where he's today, which kind of shows he's done so far. All of these factors ought to be considered before one decides to buy a work of art. And if you spot talent at a young stage, then you are a gainer in every respect. First of all, the quality of his technical work will improve and of course the value of the work also jumps quickly,' said Bahl. Amandeep Singh, a resident of Gurgaon and an amateur photographer, was among the participants of Snap it Up, a photography workshop by Sandeep Biswas. Sharing his experience with us, he said, 'I was not too sure what to expect, but needed some clarity on certain issues. To some extent, I got critical answers, along with a better understanding of photography. I got some new ideas and perspectives from the workshop.' Dinesh Khanna curated another photography initiative, the Gurgaon Wall, which was a community effort and featured photographs of Gurgaon sent in by professionals and amateurs.

Claiming to have garnered business worth crores in its first year, Art Mart had considerably heightened the expectations of all parties involved. Bahl filled us in about this year's sales. 'Almost all galleries did sell something and the few that didn't sell made some important contacts and links that they're now pursuing,' he said. Of the 40 paintings brought in from Africa by Muzu Sulemanjee, nine were sold. 'We haven't got all the figures yet; I think some more sales will materialise in the next few days,' reassured Bahl.

As Art Mart II claimed to be promoting emerging artists, the more prominent artists and galleries were seen missing from action. Whether it's a deliberate decision or a teething problem we're not sure, but it left some people rather discontented. Alakananda Saha of Montage Arts gallery was among one to comment. 'Only five-six stalls had good serious art. Next year the organisers should select more judiciously and select serious art. So the serious buyers are attracted and even if someone buys something small for their homes, they should have something they can cherish all their lives, and it would also be something that will have future value,' said Saha. In its effort to be so much at once, Art Mart II might have missed the bull's eye on certain parameters, but overall it was a laudable effort by Old World Hospitality. As a resident of Gurgaon, I am already looking forward to Art Mart III.

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Mysore sex workers run and man a restaurant as an attempt to reintegrate themselves with the mainstream

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Almost every eating joint in the city claims to have a USP. But before we delve into Mysore-based Hotel Ashodaya's USP, let's talk about the food served here. In the morning, they serve idly, dosa, ricebath and a variety of side dishes for the breakfast. In the afternoon, proper lunch is served. As one enters the hotel, waiters would hand over the menu with a smiling face and a gesture of respect. The food here is delicious, the surroundings clean.

But despite that Ashodaya was not a hit with the locals even after quite a few months of its opening. The reason? Well, the hotel was actually founded and is manned by the city's sex workers. So, many people avoided it.

Hotel Ashodaya was founded by the Ashodaya group, an NGO that works for the welfare of sex workers and transgenders. 'It was in 2008 that we started the hotel to help men and women from our community and even the non-community people who support our work,' informs Prakash, a male sex worker who works for Ashodaya.

In 2004, a core team working for the welfare and safety of sex workers launched the Ashodaya group, to unite them and bring them to the mainstream by brushing aside the social stigma heaped on them. 'Dr Sushena, Dr Sundar Raman, Senthil and Kaveri were in the core team and Ashodaya was their brainchild. In the beginning it was a small group of sex workers with technical support from the non-community people.

As days passed by, sex workers of Mysore city started joining this organisation,' says Akram Pasha, a male sex worker serving as the deputy director of Ashodaya Samithi and coordinator for the hotel project.

It is hardly a five-minute walk from Mysore Palace. The road next to Dalavayi School will take you directly to Ashodaya. 'We provide breakfast and lunch facilities to the customers and by 6 pm, our outlet is closed as the sex workers move on to their usual profession. Sex work is their profession and hotel work is like a side business. At present five sex workers and three non-community workers are working in this hotel,' says Prakash.

'The profit from the restaurant helps the progress and empowerment of sex workers. The income generated here directly goes to our Care Home project,' says Nagarathnamma, a female sex worker. Those care homes are exclusively for the safety and protection of exploited sex workers. 'We have started our 'care homes' in six districts of Karnataka. In the evening, doctors visit our care home and treat men and women who are neglected and uncared for,' explains Shashikala, a sex worker of the group.

Shashikala had no idea about a condom before she joined hands with Ashodaya. 'I didn't know what a condom was and how it could be used... I was ignorant of all those preventive measures. But after entering the Ashodaya group, I learnt the safety measures. Thereafter, I insist on condoms for my clients. If a client does not accept it, he can take a hike,' says Shashikala. Akram Pasha is also one of the trainers at the Ashodaya Academy. 'We use our personal stories to educate the female, transgender and male sex workers in preventive healthcare, legal literacy and skill-building for HIV prevention,' he informs. Ashodaya hotel also provides catering service to several educational institutions, corporations and companies. 'Many of them gave good feedback about our service and food. It's really helping us to improve ourselves and provide more services to our customers,' says Prakash.

Previously, only sex workers used to work in the hotel, but when non-community men came forward to work for the hotel, sex workers were actually surprised. 'That was a progressive move. The restaurant has paved the way for parity and has lessened the gap between sex workers and the public,' observes Rathnamma, a sex worker and a senior member of the group.

'When Ashodaya hotel was opened, locals avoided it as the staff were professional sex workers. But reasonable pricing, good taste, hygienic food and cleanliness perhaps made them rethink,' recalls Rathnamma.

An assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh from the World Bank eventually paved the way for the hotel project in 2008. Since then, it has completely changed the mindset of sex workers. They have started thinking as a part of the mainstream.

The families of some of the sex workers have started accepting them back after the latter found a space for themselves in the mainstream after joining Ashodaya. 'But more Ashodayas are needed for this to happen fully, only one association in Mysore cannot reach all the sex workers,' opines Jinendra, a male sex worker and a member of Ashodaya.

'We do not force men or women here to carry on with sex work. If they are happy about the profession, then it's our duty to make them aware of all the safety measures and to avoid complications. We have managed to check the number of HIV-positive cases in Mysore, which was on the rise, over the years,' says Fathima who works as a technical supporter in Ashodaya.

Ashodaya hotel is a ray of hope for the sex workers but no one wishes to leave the profession. 'This is our profession. We are going in the right path without harming the public or anyone. The society needs to accept it,' is the argument of these sex workers.

'We are happy that even the government is supporting us, especially people like Shobha Karandlaje, the former rural development minister of the state. We don't need anybody's sympathy but acceptance as a part of the society,' concludes Girija, a transgender.

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