Sightings

* IT promised to be a rare evening with the master reciting his best verses. But because Urdu is no longer the language that the masses or the glitterati know best, Kaifi Azmi's book Selected Poems, released on his 80th birthday, had translations by Pavan Varma. The original readings were done by daughter Shabana Azmi while Varma translated. Going by the fabulous response, it was obvious that Varma had managed to make this dicey job a success. "I couldn't refuse when Shabana approached me," said Varma, "I always wanted to take Urdu into the non-Urdu world and the transition is a real challenge when it is poetry."

* HAD it not been for the fatal attraction of the lens, he might have been selling carpets. But for Steve McCurry, life took a different turn when he crossed over to rebel-controlled Afghanistan in 1979 and clicked away some of the most impressive and mind-boggling photographs. After that, awards came fast and easy and as a photographer who has worked for the National Geographic and Time, McCurry has more than established himself. He has published two books and is working on the third. India is a favourite haunt and he feels there is a surprise waiting at every corner. The most memorable of course is the Mahakumbh. "The sheer magic of the Kumbh, the convergence of different faiths and cultures has to be seen to be believed," said he. And what's so special about his pictures? "They have to touch an emotional chord, people must react to them," he said.

* HE wanted to be a rock star but since that did not happen, Pete Frame decided to do what he thought he might do best next. He became a chronicler of the famous rock stars. And mind you, mapping out musical trees, their withered branches and old roots can take more than a lifetime. For Frame it meant total dedication. He believed in "mad" Dr. Timothy Leary's prescription for the good life - "do your own thing." And that's exactly what Frame did. Follow his heart rather than his head. So Frame sat down after years of interviewing rock stars and drew up their "musical trees." Today, 30 years hence, he has published a book called Rock Family Trees with 120 trees in it. In India to promote a BBC documentary on "The Rock Years," Frame is convinced that the film will interest a lot of Indians.

* THEY are stark in red and black . The figure of a mother and child stare almost accusingly out of the canvas. For M. F. Hussain, maverick artist to some, dedicated man to others, this was the best way of expressing his anguish at the devastation in Gujarat. The painting sold for Rs. 15 lakh and immediately Hussain dedicated the proceeds to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for Gujarat. Touring the country, he has been completing a painting at each stop and donating the sale money for the earthquake fund. After Delhi, his stops are Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

* SHE is a gypsy with a passion for all kinds of music. That is how Ishar Eti, the Egyptian-Morrocan singer describes herself. On her road show, there is a little bit of Madonna and a little bit of Steve Wonder but what really captures the audience is the terrific mix of gypsy with modern instruments and rhythms to turn it into pop music," said Eti. And though she has performed all over the globe, she is smitten by her first visit to India. Needless to say she will be back for more of the local colour and cuisine.

SUCHITRA BEHAL

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