August 17, 1998

Himmat Shah's works are marked by a style that is completely his own, as is evident in the visually and symbolically jampacked representations in these drawings. Presented here is his personal worldview as he moves along his solitary path, systematically probing the complexities -- and idiosyncrasies -- of the human race.

MUSIC
Vishnu Digambar Jayanti
(Kamani Auditorium, Delhi; August 16-18)

Vocalist Shanti Sharma opens this year's tribute to the saint-musician who made a pioneering contribution towards the teaching and popularisation of Hindustani classical music. Other artistes include Pandit Jasraj, Suhas Vyas, Nishat Khan, Malini Rajurkar, Neeladri Kumar and Buddhaditya Mukherji.

FOOD
VAU's
(Fraser Road, Patna)

This unique food complex includes Baluchi, a fast-food outlet, Chitral, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and Unicorn, a traditional British bar. One per cent of the profits will go to a trust for underprivileged kids. "Once inside, you forget you are in Patna," said a patron when the place opened last week. By far the best eating place in Bihar.

MOVIES
The Big Hit
(Directed by Che-Kirk Wong; Starring Mark Wahlberg, Robin Dunne)

A good comedy after a very long time. This one is about four gangsters who decide to capture a rich industrialist's daughter. A minor hitch: the girl happens to be the godchild of the underworld don whom they are working for. The resultant mix-ups and slip-ups make this a movie worth watching twice.

Short Feature Films
(Delhi, Bangalore, Bhopal, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai; August 11 -- November 2)

Presented here is a comprehensive package of French short feature films, the longest in the set being just 26 minutes. Count the seconds as you watch the story of Tarzan and Jane relocating to France (John), a day in the life of a photographer (Deus Ex Machina) and a group of witches on a chase (Gisele Kerozene) among others.

© Living Media India Ltd