Martin Stranka's magical world

Martin Stranka is a self-taught professional photographer, born on April 13, 1984 in Czech Republic. Martin's distinctive vision of photography etched as a unique space located in a balance and serenity, while his sophisticated and rewarding images exists in that narrow space of a few seconds between dreaming and awakening. During the last three years Martin has gathered over 40 remarkable international photography awards, from different competitions including Professional Photographer of the Year, Emerging Talent Award in Nikon International Photo Contest, Sony World Photography Awards, EISA Photo Maestro or International Photo Awards and Digital Photographer of the Year both two times in a row.

His solo and group exhibitions were possible to see from South and North America, through Europe up to Asia. His photographs were exhibited in places like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Milan, London, Miami, Paris, Dubai, Germany, Prague, Brussels, North Carolina, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Vienna and many more. Martin's work was presented in prestige galleries such as Getty Images Gallery, Saatchi Gallery and Robert Fontaine Gallery. His work was exposed next to artists like Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, Banksy, Damien Hirst and Roxanne Lowit.

He has created book covers for the biggest New York publishers like Harper Collins Publishers and Sterling Publishing. Also he has co-operated with other book publishers, music publishers or artists in person around the world.

He loves the smell of autumn and sparkling grains of dust floating in the sunset.

For more of his fabulous works, click on the link: http://www.martinstranka.com/ 

12 hours in Hyderabad

0900 am: Taj Mahal Hotel, Abids.  

Go there for scrumptious breakfast consists of typical south India style. Dosa, Idly, Wada, Puri-Bhaji, Rasam, Sambar, Coffee and Tea. Though someone not used to Andhra fare may find it spicy.

1030 am: Go strolling Birla Temple on Naubat pahad.

You will actually see half of the city from the temple premises. Built on a 280 feet (85 m) high hillock called the Naubath Pahad on a 13 acres plot the temple took 10 years to complete and was consecrated in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Another unique thing to notice about this temple is, it does not have traditional bells, as Swamiji wished that the temple atmosphere should be conducive for meditation. This temple is one of the most important religious places in India. Spend some idyllic moments.

1130 am: Birla Planetarium and Science Museum:

Located next to the temple premises, the planetarium (inaugurated in 1985 by N T Ramarao)  is one of the most modern and one of its kind planetariums in India. With technological help from Japan, the museum is located in a doom-shaped building, which stands to educate those who visit. In fact, it is a place that both entertains and educates.

The sky shows are conducted every day along with periodically varying themes about the various elements of the universe, such as comets, meteors, the cosmos, the eclipses. With its startling sound quality and the amount of information disseminated, Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is one of the places that a visitor should not miss in Hyderabad.

The museum is closed on the last Thursday of every month.

0100 pm: Lunch at Indu's.
Time for some feast. Get down from Ravindra Bharti side, cross the road and head straight to Indu’s for their unlimited south/north Indian thali. For the non-veggies they have many options as well. Go with sometime on hand as this place is crammed full with people during lunch.

0230 pm: Chowmahalla Tour:

Lunch done, leave for Chowmohalla palace in the old part of the city. The palace belongs to the Nizams of Hyderabad state. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official residence of the Nizam.

Built in neo-classical style, the courtyard of the main complex consists of four more palaces Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal worth visiting.

0500 pm: Lad bazaar:

After a through two hour excursion of the palace you may be in mood for some speedy shopping for typical Hyderabadi bangles. Look no further and walk down to Laad Bazaar; the old market popular for bangles is located on one of the four main roads that branch out from the historic Charminar.

Laad meaning lacquer is used to make bangles, on which artificial diamonds are studded. In this 1-kilometre (0.62 mi)-long shopping strip, most of the shops sell bangles, semi precious stones, pearls, jewellery, 

including products such as silverware, Nirmal, Kalamkari paintings, bidriware, lacquer bangles studded with stones, saris and handwoven materials of silk, cotton,  brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics, traditional Khara Dupattas, lacquer bangles and perfumes.

0600 pm: Charminar:

The English name is a transliteration and combination of the Urdu words Chār and Minar, translating to "Four Towers"; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches.

The Charminar, built in 1591 CE, this landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India.The Charminar is on the east bank of Musi River. To the northeast lies the Laad Bazaar and in the west end lies the granite-made richly ornamented Mecca Masjid. The eastern side is occupied by another beautiful Nizamia Unani Hopsital building.

0830 pm Paradise:

End the day by relishing the status symbol of Hyderabad, dum biryani, (remember its called pulav if cooked with chicken. So go for the real meat!) at the best place in the city. Do not forget to try Khubani ka meetha or Double ka meetha or Kheer another specialty of Hyderabad. You will love it.

Little Crazy

“But we're never gonna survive unless we get a little crazy…” every time I hear the soundtrack from Devil Wears Prada, am reminded of people who are in their own world, disquiet about what others think of them. Generally people say artists are eccentric, but I hold opposing views.

I have always seen these men (excuse me for being gender biased) in the vicinity of dargahs, often referred to as Majnu (mad man), as a unique visual character in themselves. What they wear, what they say, what they do, what they eat, where they live, what work they do, it really does not matter to them or to anyone but attract lots of attention. But they are ubiquitously. Contented. At ease.

During one of my countless escapades to Charminar (Hyderabad) on a Sunday morning, I came across one such person.

He was cheerfully singing. Dancing. And laughing. All by himself. I mustered enough courage to talk to him only to realize what a wonderful and friendly person he is. Full of anecdote from religious books. Often breaking into Kabir’s couplets or saying things that will blow you off. Not at all bothered about who, what, and why.  He was enthusiastically geared up to pose for me by showing off his rings and jewelry that he had adorned by hundreds.

In my own excitement I forgot to ask his name. But that’s beside the point. What I got in return was worthy enough to survive as an artist. That we got to be little crazy.

Home Sweet Home.

It’s good to have a home. Still better if the home reflects your personality. And a lot better if it’s done the way you wanted it to be.

Secretly I have been dreaming of having my own home and not sure when that miracle going to happen but that does not prevent me from dreaming and looking around.

Over a period of time I have collected various images of homes across the globe and inshallah I shall integrate a ‘little this and little that’ in my own abode very soon.

I even considered taking up interior designing to fulfill my vision. Imagine making someone else dream house is also an accomplishment in itself. Right?

For now sharing my ideas with you all.

More inspiration here: http://www.lonny.com/    http://18kerut.blogspot.in/   

Left Photo: I want that Veranda.

Sigh. The door. The wash basin. :) 

Love the things and the space here.

Am a sucker for cushions/pillows/bolsters. Can do anything to have a corner like this.

Low seating is another thing I appreciate.

Nice Bathroom.

Adding quirky things makes it more interesting. Like the different cattle skulls here.

I prefer whites on wall/furniture/upholstery. That's when the art will come out.

Just want it to be like this.

Stunning usage of artifacts.

Differently Alike

There are three kinds of people in our lives.

First comes family. We don’t pick them. They are just prearranged for us. Whether you like them or not.

Next comes friends. We become friends because we are different. Because we are alike. We certainly choose our friends. We share scores of stuff with them. For most of us they are the existence of our being. We are mirror image of each other.

Then comes people who are not outsiders, yet not friends either. It can be anyone for that matter. Your maid. Neighbor. Someone in the office. Milkman. Newspaper guy. But they do play a major role in our life. They unquestionably make our lives easier in much unspoken means.

Presenting here a list of people who have influenced me in practically few ways and made me learn lot just by observing them.

For various reasons am not counting my family in the list, as they are ahead of one picture and three lines. And I don’t want to be biased ;)

And if you don’t see yourself in the list? Don’t lose heart. Maybe you have more than few good qualities to pinpoint just one or two. J

Inderjit Nagi: He taught me to fall in love. He is the reason am in love. Simple. Love one and all. Does not hold any sort of grudge against anyone, I repeat anyone. Got some magnetic effect on people that they become his fans. Extremely knowledgeable. Very creative. Very mine.

Jonty: She does what she does. And with love and enthusiasm. Turned her passion into profession. There isn’t any better person to take you around Hyderabad than Ms Jonty for those historical and street food tours. She runs a very successful De Tour Company. Another extremely knowledgeable person. Very well travelled. Crazy about street food. Hassle free. Bindaas with gigantic heart.

Sashikant Naidu: An accomplished fashion designer in his own league. Brought back kalamkari in vogue. Loves to shop in Charminar. Does not need an explanation to stroll the old city of Hyderabad. Excellent cook. Has an eye for art and artifacts. A friend in need is friend indeed suits aptly for him. Whenever am in Hyderabad I end up spending extra time with him than anyone else ;) 

Kanak Khanna: Too adorable. Too sweet. Too simple. Good theatre artist. Irksome because she is too real to be true at times. Great company.

Sachin: Complicated. Drama queen. Non bitchy. Hard working. Like to party hard. Believes in love. Good at work. Does not call/meet you if there is no purpose.

Andy: an avid traveler. Always with stories. Excellent knowledge of politics, history, food and films. Always right with his choice of food. I go blindly by his preference when it comes to where/what to eat. Too much fun to be. Loves doing things with a flow. Full of life. Great company.

Aai: my neighbor in Mumbai. Diligently cooking for her family all the time. She hardly steps out of her house or rather her kitchen. Always smiling. Always giving out something to munch.

Aditi Bhagwat: Excellent kathak dancer. Based out of Mumbai but travels all over the globe for her shows. I don’t know how when and why we became friends. A person dedicated to her passion. The most talkative person. One can discuss anything under the sun. Irritating at times. Yet adorable.

Akthar Miya: I always bump into him while strolling sunday chor bazaar in Charminar. We became good friends over the period of time.

Samad Saab: Owns one of the biggest and best artifact stores in the vicinity of chor bazaar in Charminar, Hyderabad. Brilliant businessman. Many times I had gone to his shop only to say salaam and came out buying stuff worth thousands. Awfully friendly. Treat his customer with outmost care. Utterly lazy in his promises.

Swami Ji: Another neighbor. Sweet and talkative. We mostly have conversation in chaste Telugu mostly discussing politics.

Feel Good Feeling.

Sridevi outdid herself in English Vinglish (EV). Bravo. What a comeback. Restrained, sweet and moving performance by everyone. But then EV is not about Sridevi. But as much as cine-goers are excited about seeing an actress who has been away from filmdom for more than 14 years, the debutant director of her comeback vehicle, Gauri Shinde, deserves the most applause for an uncomplicated and touching story of a woman not knowing English and trying her best to get acceptance from her own family.

That brings us to the woman in question, Shashi (Sridevi’s character in EV) who is the soul and passion of EV.

EV tells the story of Shashi, a middle-class housewife who is mocked by her family for her inability to speak English properly.  She fumbles, mispronounces words and is ridiculed by the people closest to her – her husband and teenage daughter. When Shashi finds herself in the bustling landscape of New York — to help plan for her niece’s wedding – she tries to master the English language in order to gain confidence, and more importantly, as said by her, “…I need THE respect from my family”.

While she is feeble in one department and never unseen beyond that, Shashi was established as a very forward thinking woman who does not mind her teenage daughter spending time with her friends at coffee shops or wearing miniskirts to trying wine while flying alone to New York, and hello what about her showing a very strong support over alternate sexuality as being ‘normal’ as gay (majority of gay community idolize and literally worship Sridevi, this thought will only make it more stronger. Yay!!!) But the top most thing about EV is, it does not show Shashi as helpless or lament over her weak point (she just want them to accept her the way she is and respect her), rather it puts her in the foreign land where everything is strange to begin with!

She does not want to master the language but rather take English learning classes to converse correctly/properly with her family. The final speech (I love the way how it was not perfect), where Shashi talks about loving your family irrespective of their flaws and accepting them whole heartedly, silence all her near and dear ones.

Somewhere we all have/had that weakness (EV focused on the language it could be anything for anyone) that took away self-confidence level from our lives. How many of us in reality fought and care-a-damn to that weakness? Or how many of us sat in the corner sobbing over the very same weak point.

I had known a dear male friend way back in college with an awfully girly voice and knew that nobody in family or friends (he literally had none actually) took him seriously. This took a heavy charge on his personality. Is he to be blamed for this? It did not make him bad boy. He was very good in studies, artistic and a helpful friend. I guess somewhere the whole episode made him more of depressing, offensive and hostile to many things. He used to look for excuses to avoid school or gatherings. And most of the time, used to shut from the reality, till another very dear friend introduces him to a yoga instructor who with few techniques converted his girly voice into a manly one. And voila he was ‘accepted’!?

Know another friend who used to get bully for being fat and dark. He did not feel sorry for himself, rather started making friends who accept him the way he is. Kudos to him.

An aunt of mine dint knows ABC of computer and was considered ‘illiterate’ by her own son. Although she was educated and could converse very well in English, but that one missing link in her life made her low in her own son’s eye. I knew how hard she tries to learn and prove herself to her own blood.

Let’s make it a point from now on to be considerate to one and all. Let’s not look down upon someone for their flaws. Remember we have many as well. And lastly, let’s love one and all.

“English Vinglish” is more than just an English lesson – it’s a feel good film that opens our eyes and our hearts to characters like Sridevi’s Shashi. And three cheers to director Gauri Shinde, for making such a soul-touching movie.

You will fall in love with Sridevi all over again. It's a fantastic tribute to motherhood and womankind. Make sure you take your folks along. The perfect way to say, ‘I love you, mom.’

By the way my English no good…so am off to master it, not to impress anyone but to feel good about myself. J

Ganesha!

While exploring old city one afternoon, we took a wrong-turn to Dhoolpet by fault. I am awfully grateful for this one mistake. Dhoolpet is one of the old suburbs in the historical part OF Hyderabad, India. This place is inhabited by people who migrated from Uttar Pradesh during the Nizam rule.

Let’s not get there. J

I was looking forward to see something more attention-grabbing that this place is acknowledged for.

Dhoolpet is popular for its Ganesh idols which are made for the festival Ganesh Chaturthi! And was just right time to visit this place prior to the gala festival.

People from all over the state come here to buy from this market. Irrespective of your budget you will find something worth taking home for the season.

Although we were running out of time but were fortunate enough to get into one key shed which had a number of similar-looking-and-sized-idols standing by for send out.

I squander no time clicking them.

Enjoy.

Rozey Rakhai!!!

Rozey rakhai, is a function wherein the relatives and friends gathers in their dazzling tasteless costumes (they think its Eid time already. Huh!), to inform you stridently, “Beta your time has come to initiate fasting in Rama’dan from now on.”

From the age of 9 it’s obligatory for any able Muslim male or female to commence fasting during the holy month of Rama’dan, save for rozey rakhai which can be ‘celebrated’ anytime amid the ages of 5 to 9. Mine took place when I was 5!

For once it’s not originates in Islam for sure or even anyplace in the world for that matter, but has an impressive place in Nizam’s Hyderabad. Indisputably the Nizam’s has lot to do with it, I assume.

So it was decided that one evening there will be a grand gathering of the whole khandaan for my rozey rakhai function in the holy month of Rama’dan. I, for all obvious reasons, cherished every bit of it, first I was not permitted to go to school (am I day dreaming!!!), secondly I was granted wishes/demands to eat/cook whatever I like and lastly I get to wear on that white kurta-pajama which ammi had stitched for me some days back.

The day passed with the bawarchi giving out the list of ingredients to cook Dum Biryani, Tarkari ki Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, Tamate ka Cut, Haleem, Dahi bade, Raita, Khubani ka Meetha and of course my favorite Kheer, for the evening.

Ingredients arrived. Chopping is in progress. And while some relatives started pouring before time (I love them for that), the ultimate cooking started post lunch under the supervision of my mother.

Badi Aunty (mum’s 2^nd sister) was the first to congratulate me and said with a sheepish smile, “ab maza aainga bachoo” (Now you shall have fun).

I don’t remember if Azhar mama (mum’s elder brother) was there (he moved to Dubai by then after marriage) but Choti Aunty (mum’s youngest sis) was unquestionably there in her yellow sharara, running from corner to corner making sure everything is in place.

Chote mama (mum’s younger brother) on the other hand, hasten in arranging dining tables for those who wear tight pants and some sit-down-dinner table, for the relax hassle free ones.

By evening I was amazed to see what enormous aangan we had. It has room for four dining tables of eight sitters comfortably. The veranada took away the remaining sit down takhat for roughly 50 to 60 people.

Aapi, Asif Bhaiya, I, and more or less everyone is ready by the dining table, over flowing with dates, juices and lots of fruits, waiting for the mousem saab to say the maghrib ki aazan by the sunset  which onset of breaking the fast. And initiation of my rozey rakhai.

After breaking fast (Iftar) and namaz-e-maghrib, everyone leisurely started gathering around me with gifts and best wishes. There were too many garlands and the beautifully wrap up in silver paper and covered with rose is phunna (poor version of the contemporary bouquet) only famous and available in Hyderabad to grip in addition to the gifts galore. The photographer did his best to capture every possible expression. Dinner was laid. The aroma of biryani filled the house.  The entire atmosphere all of a sudden comes across so joyful and beautiful. There was laughter. Talk. Gossip. Togetherness. Gawd everything is so perfect. Just the way we all had considered it. Ammi looked happy that finally am going to start fasting from next Friday, which was four days away.

Unexpectedly all the sound stopped and darkness took over my vision. Why? I passed out naturally. It was way too late for a tiny toddler to be up late in the night. Gee.

But the next day I was in high spirits to leave for school, for I was given extra kheer and biryani in my lunch box (rarity rarity I say) and moreover I can’t wait to share the details with my friends.

Shafi, Mujeeb, Jameel, Shakir all had a bite from my lunch box while attentively listening to my rozey rakhai tale and how am going to start fasting. Soon it was time to go home.

Everyone was having their regular evening chai at home when I walked in howling from the school. Stunned, my sister asked me if something happened at the school. Was I bullied? Teased? Someone stole something? Did I not do the homework? What? Why? No reply except, I was crying.

Finally I came to my senses when ammi hugged me and asked me softly and to everyone’s shock announced that am not going to fast ever.

But why? They all asked in unison.

“My friends at school said that I can’t go to the toilet while fasting!!!”

FASTING: The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (zakat).

Francesco Clemente

Stumble upon this great artist while doing my usual search on world art. a part of his work reminds me so much of our very own Bhupen Khakkar. Heres presenting the artist himself.

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Francesco Clemente (b. Naples 23 March 1952) is an Italian painter. His work shows both surrealist and expressionist references. Clemente was self taught and studied architecture in 1970 at the University of Rome. Following his studies he explored his psyche with the use of psychedelics and traveled to India to experience Hindu spirituality.

 Since 1982 he has spent his time between Italy, New York City and Madras (now Chennai) in India, where he collaborates with local artists. In 1986, he created the Hanuman Books series with Raymond Foye which is a collection of 48 miniature handmade books featuring American and European poets and philosophers, edited by George Scrivani and printed in Madras. He did some paintings in collaboration with Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in the 1980s. Clemente is a member ofAmerican Academy of Arts and Letters.

 He was involved with the ItalianTransavanguardia. A period of experiment resulted in a hallucinatory style which expressed an infernal imaginary world in livid tones, leaden greys, violet-toned nocturnes, olive or petrol green. His painting, which ranges from tragic scenes to ironic self-portraits, begins with a pre-existing image, transforming its meaning by shifts as subtle as they are unpredictable.

He still regularly works in India and lives in New York City with his wife Alba and their four children. His daughter, Chiara, is a film director and producer.