ART

Deconstructing The Politician--Satish Sharma
(Eicher Gallery: October 24 to November 11)

Denied easy access to the political powers that be "because I am not accredited", this immensely talented photographer has turned to the images of politicians that they themselves propagate -- through the media, on hoardings and posters, in parks, plastered on street walls. It is not the inner self, but the carefully nurtured public image that Sharma seeks to examine and capture. An impressive display.

MOVIE

Homage to the 50th Anniversary of Cannes
(Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi; November 1-8)

Celebrating 50 years of Cannes, the French Embassy presents 12 masterpieces of French cinema from 1946 to 1996 -- Francois Truffaut's classic, Les Quatre Cents Coup (Troublemaker), Van Gogh, Cyrano de Bergerac, and more. Masterpieces, that's the word.

MUSIC

Namste--Aadesh Shrivastava
(Pen Audio; Rs 40)

This pop craze has gone a little too far with every Tom, Dick and Harry jumping on to the bandwagon. Here's another one. With ridiculous lyrics like Bol baby, sing baby, dance baby, namaste and Meet me daily babe, the songs are monotonous to say the least. Shrivastava must change tack if he wants to survive.

Only One--Mahmood Khan Featuring Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
(Magnasound; Rs 50)

Composed and written by Mahmood Khan, Only One boasts of some of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's final recordings. It's a mix of foot-tapping music (Teri yaad) and some soulful, mellifluous renderings (Only one and in your eyes). Well worth the money you will spend on it.

Bhakti Ras--Lakshmi Shankar
(Navras; Rs 60)

Lakshmi Shankar presents seven bhajans written by Surdas, Meerabai and Narsi Mehta. The most famous of the lot -- Mehta's Vaisnava jana to, Teney kahiye je -- was a great favourite of Mahatma Gandhi. Shankar's devotional voice will endear her to any bhakt (devotee) who begins the day with bhajans.

© Living Media India Ltd