Amol Palekar at The World Book Fair

By Eby John

Noted actor and film maker Amol Palekar was at the World Book Fair today for a book launch and a panel discussion. The Golmaal star spoke quite briefly on Indian Cinema, Theater and Books. 

He highlighted as to how every Maharashtrian as himself has immense love and passion for its 160 years old theater industry. Commenting on how cinema has been acting as a binding force among Indians since the beginning he said that every second person in India knows and is capable of commenting on how probably SRK should act or how bollywood films should be made.

When asked why he doesn’t act in films anymore, he very humbly responded by saying  " I would rather like to be asked this question for the rest of my life than to be asked ‘Why the hell do you act?’ "

On comparisons between contemporary films and yesteryear films he made his views very clear that films change with time. He believes that nowadays everything is loud and has to be shouted from the rooftop to be heard. According to him making good films while taking social and cultural evolutions into consideration is what should be done. 

His advice to young  theater, film and literature enthusiasts is to change the trend themselves if they don’t like something rather than wanting someone else to do it for them.

Taking one last question from one of the audience who had asked that why are films with positive social messages not made nowadays, he had just four words to say before he smiled and took leave- “Aap Banaiye aisi Filmein !!!”

Javed Akhtar at the World Book Fair

By Eby John

Eminent poet, lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar had come to preside over a book launch function at the World Book Fair today. Two original Urdu Titles were released namely ‘Jauhar-E-Adakaari’ by Latafat Hussain Kazi and ‘Urdu Aur Bollywood’ by Suhail Akhtar Warsi.

Javed enlightened and amused the audience by his witty and brief speech on Urdu Language. Pin pointing at the general incorrect assumption of moviegoers he said- “jab tak dialogue samajh aa raha ho log usse hindi samajhte hai, jab samajh se bahar ho jaye toh kehte hai ye urdu hai”. The audience continuously received laughter jolts throughout his speech.

He explained through examples how a normal sentence in a conversation contains words from different origins. He commented on the present trend in films and dialogues in them, stressing the need to preserve the actual ‘Hindustaani Zubaani’ that he said the youngsters have forgotten. The veteran congratulated the two authors at the occasion of their book release.

In the end he was presented a momento by NBT chairman MA Sikandar, to which he playfully responded by saying “isse kehte hai ghanto ka kaam, ‘momento’ mein karna”.

Japan Stall at the book fair

The Japan Foundation has put up a stall at the World Book Fair, New Delhi
whose main focus is on promoting Manga comics. The Manga collection on
display cover action, detective, dramas, romance and many more genres.
A screen at the entrance of the stall shows anime films through the day.

In an interview, Machiko Yamamura, the Assistant Director of Japan
Foundation said that their aim was to introduce Manga, something that
is hugely popular among the Japanese youth to the Indian youth. She
added, “Everyone knows about Ikebana and Origami so we wanted to
introduce those aspects of Japanese culture that are not that well
known in India through the medium of this exhibition of books.”
Talking about the reading habit among Japanese, she said that Japanese
like to read a lot. They use it to unwind from their stressful work situations.
Machiko Yamamura said she was curious to know the reactions of people,
 especially the youth visiting the book fair, to the Manga comics.

Alongside the comics there are small figurines of these Manga characters
and their costumes on display at the Manga Cafe. The figurines exhibit
the popularity of Manga in contemporary Japan and raise the interest
of those who are gradually being ushered into the magical world of
Manga through this exhibition.

For the uninitiated... Manga is the Japanese word for 'comic' or 'cartoon'.
In the west the word 'Manga' has come about to be used for cartoons or
comics produced in Japan or by Japanese authors in Japanese language
in a style that was developed in late 19th century.

Photos courtesy: Safal Choudhary

Delhi Pavilion

Joining into Delhi government's celebration of 100 years of the capital, NBT in association with Roli books has organized a pavilion dedicated to Delhi. Here is a sneak peak into the space. For a detailed view, visit the fair!

A Stroll Through the Cinema Pavilion...

35MM camera at the cinema pavilion, Photo: Safal Choudhary

The cinema pavilion of the book fair is lively with film discussions, screenings, releases of books on cinema and interaction with film directors such as Muzaffar Ali ( best known for his Umrao Jaan released in 1981), veteran actors such as Sushma Seth and Satish Kaushik, writers such as Javed Akhtar. Images and stills from films are displayed in the pavilion. The main attraction however remains the 35mm camera that was used by early filmmakers like Satyajit Ray. Books on cinema, film theory and scripts of films have also been displayed at the pavilion. 

Javed Akhtar and Satish Kaushik with the director of NBT

Biographies of noted film personalities such as Dev Anand, Rajnikanth, Pran, Raj Kapoor and many others have been exhibited for fans to get a glimpse of their favourite star's life. Three braille books - "Cinema of Satyajit Ray", "Balraj, My Friend" and "Dada Saheb Phalke" – have also been released at the book fair for the benefit of the visually impaired. Famous film adaptations are being screened at the pavilion. Films like Pather Panchali (Satyajit Ray, 1955), Shib Biwi Aur Ghulam (Guru Dutt, 1962), the TV series Malgudi Days (Shanker Nag), based on R.K. Narayan's novel by the same name are screened at the cinema pavilion.

Audience watching Umrao Jaan.

The pavilion not only entertains but educates the visitors of  the book fair about the deep relationship of literature and cinema, how they are often compared to each other, often seen as antagonistic forms of art but together they form culture that constantly influences and sometimes even inspires us.

Find the complete schedule of films screenings and  other events at the cinema pavilion @

 http://www.nbtindia.org.in/download/Feb2012/WBF/Theme.pdf

The book fair's Souvenir shop

When you come to the wold book fair you can take back with you much more than just books. First time in the last 20 years the World Book Fair New Delhi has brought out souvenirs-

T. Shirts, caps, badges, magnets, mugs and stickers are all for keeps. There are varied and interesting designs to choose from with cool slogans on them. The souvenirs are available in Hall no. 7, near the Information Desk.

So this time when set out on a sunny day to spend the day under a tree with a book go wearing a T. Shirt and cap that flaunts your identity as a 'bibliophile', with a cup of tea in hand that declares your love for literature. The magnets of 'Just read' and 'I love books' can go up on your fridge or the metal cupboard in your room. Flaunt the badge of "book worm" on your T Shirt or attach it to your bag for it's no less than a honorary medal to flaunt! :)

Photos courtesy Safal Choudhary

Children's Hour

Children are the unofficial chief guests of the 20th World Book Fair, New Delhi.

Many children were seen enjoying browsing and purchasing books with their guardians and teachers during the weekend. Surrounded by books, they seemed ready to embark upon the adventurous journey of books.

There are many activities and workshops being organised for children at the fair besides the thousands of children's books on sale by various publishing houses. 12 noon to 1pm everyday of the 9 day fair will be Sterling Children's Hour where many activities will be organized for children.

These efforts are in order to inculcate the reading habit among children so that they use books not just as reservoirs of knowledge but as good companions and a source of endless joy!

Panel discussion on "Filming Fiction: Tagore , Premchand and Ray"

Still from Ray's Charulata (1964), based on a story by Tagore

On the opening day- the 25th of February the afternoon session in the cinema pavilion was a panel discussion on the book Filming Fiction: Tagore, Premchand and Ray. The book addresses the mutual relationship between literature and film in the Indian context involving three iconic figures -- Rabindranath Tagore, Premchand and Satyajit Ray. The discussion that revolved around the theme of the book was held between Anuradha Ghosh, Brinda Bose, Shohini Ghosh and Ira Bhaskar who put forth their stands on the film versus adaptation debate. 

The discussion ended on a consensual note that cinema and literature are two different forms, each enjoying its distinct character which is brought for by an "adaptation". A film adaptation of a literary piece is constantly in conversation with it, as it reiterates it's cultural or aesthetic significance.  

Unveiling of Poster of Film actors

Dr. S. Y Quraishi, Chief Election Commissioner of India and and Mr. Sandeep Marwah, Director of Asian Academy of Film and Television jointly released the Pink Ribbon Book Tag and unveiled a poster of film legends who struggled with cancer. Priya Dutt, the daughter of Nargis who was supposed to unveil the poster could not make it to the event due to her busy schedule. However, she sent her warm wishes and congratulations to NBT and the cancer society.

Hindi film actor, Nargis, who died of cancer

Interview with M.A. Sikander, Director-NBT

By Manjari Kaul

Excerpts of an interview with M.A. Sikander, director, National Book Trust:

M.A. Sikander

 Manjari Kaul: How do you feel about the Union HRD Minister declaring the World Book Fair to be an annual event?

MA Sikander: I am happy that the government has considered that the biennial event be made annual. However, an event of this magnitude requires a lot of organization, planning and depends heavily on funding. There is many a thing to be done between a decision and it's realization. Having said that, the fair  becoming an annual affair is a welcome decision. 

MK: What are the chief features of this year's book fair?

MAS: The theme this year is Literature & Cinema. Over 300 books in English, Hindi, Urdu and regional languages dealing with Indian cinema are exhibited. There is a special pavilion dedicated to cinema. Further, continuing the government's celebration of hundred years of Delhi will be a special focus on Delhi as well through a display of photographs and books describing the city. Through this we have made an effort so that the focus on books is not lost.

MK: Apart from books what else can a person visiting the fair expect to encounter/ enjoy?

MAS: We have organized several book releases, film screenings and cultural events. It is a challenge to keep an event alive for 9 days  but we hope that through these events and the love for books more and 

more people come in to visit the fair. 

MK: Are there any special attractions for children and the youth as this is really when most people pick up the reading habit?

MAS: Yes, childhood is really when one develops the reading habit. A lot of people say that they will read after retirement but that really never happens. This habit must be inculcated during childhood itself so that they enjoy the joys of reading throughout their lives. There is a special children's pavilion and special workshops are being held for children. We will hold one workshop on Mathematics skills for children.

MK: What is your message for those who have not visited the fair yet?  

MAS: My message is really for the parents. They should get their children to the fair and introduce their children to the habit of reading. Books are a tool of character building. Reading books can also be relaxing experience. Lastly, books are our best friends!

  

The World Book Fair is inaugurated!

HRD minister Kapil Sibal declares the World Book Fair 2012 open .

The World Book fair was thrown open yesterday, the 25th of February, in the midst of much joy and excitement. At the Hamsadhwani open air theatre, HRD minister Kapil Sibal declared that the biennial fair would be made an annual affair. He also expressed his dream of knowledge to be free for the children of the country. 

Professor Mridula Mukherjee who was one of the chief speakers at the inaugural event spoke about the importance of books and the written word through the history of the country's struggle for independence. She stressed on the importance and power of books in spreading ideas and empowering people.

Photo courtesy: Safal Choudhary

The fair, which is being hosted at Pragati Maidan will go on from the 25th of February to the 4th of March. It is the 20th in the series of book fairs organized by NBT. The fair has 1,300 exhibitors in 2,500 kiosks in 10 of the 12 halls at Pragati Maidan spread over 45,000 square metres.

NBT's Theme Pavilion- 100 Years of Indian Cinema

This year's theme for the book fair is 'Literature & Cinema'. There will be a special pavilion on this theme. Look out for the pavilion and the myriad book releases, discussions, film screenings and other events this pavilion will host. The pavilion is in Pragati Maidan's Hall 7.



In keeping with the theme of the fair is the National Book Trust Calendar 2012 on Indian Cinema and Literature which will be available for sale at the fair.

The calendar was released at a function held at India International Center by veteran film actor Farooq Sheikh. It has been published to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema.

NBT Calendar Release

The calendar features some of the auteurs of Indian cinema who have made some great films based on literary works. The filmmakers and writers whose film stills are featured in the calendar include, Dada Saheb Phalke, Joseph David Penkar, Ardeshir Irani, Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhaya, Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Shaktipada  Rajguru, Abrar Alvi, Bimal Mitra, Mrinal Sen, Kalindi Charan Panigrahi, Mani Kaul, Mohan Rakesh, Gulzar. The calendar has been conceptualized and designed by National Book Trust, India in collaboration with Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata and National Film Archive of India, Pune. 

The cost of a calendar is 50 Rupees only and can be purchased from NBT Bookshops located in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Mumbai. 

For more information on addresses and timings of the NBT Bookshops please visit us at our website: www.nbtindia.org.in 

An open letter to all book and film lovers of Delhi

Dear book worms, bibliophiles and cine-buffs,

Hope this posts finds you in the best of spirits this spring.

This season- smell the sweet fragrance of, caress the spine of, feel the warmth of books and be transposed to the world... of books

The biennial World Book fair is here again to serenade you in its melody. It begins on the 25th of February, sprawled across the lengths of Pragati Maidan. The fair offers books of various genes and languages. Along with a gala time for book lovers this year the fair brings good news for those of you who love cinema as well. The theme of the book fair is 'Literature and Cinema' as the book fair celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema. 

Alongside Indian publishers the book fair, which will be bigger and better this year, will see lots of foreign participation. Book releases, film screenings, special workshop and activities for children are only a few of the attractions of the fair this year.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and hop on to the metro, bus, auto, scooter or car and join us in this festival of books.

Hope to see you soon.

The love and embrace of books awaiting you,

World Book Fair, 
New Delhi