|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pyar ki
Nishani Twain shall
meet: Vallaya TECH TALK Hide and
Seek Aana
dobara
Film
& FASHION
Obsessed
with cars
Stylish
sofas Interesting
options available to working students
|
||
|
|
||
|
Girls today expect their boyfriends to shower them with expensive gifts. The girl shops and her Automatic Teller Man has to pay, reveals Saurabh Malik She
invests in relationships only to reap gifts later. Plastic money is not
required as Taranum carries along with her an ‘Automatic Teller Man’ -
ATM for short - to the arcade for picking up pleasure. Ambling through the
aisles lined with temptations, she picks up a faux leather jacket dazzling
under the synthetic daylight. Cash is the last thing on her mind as she
wraps the jacket around her fragile shoulders before asking ATM Rahul to
admire her. Not even waiting for his response, she tucks the jacket under
her arms, flutters her eyelids coquettishly and walks out of the showroom,
leaving Rahul to pull out crisp currency notes from his thick wallet.
Rahul is not the only one. Others have also purchased presents for
Taranum from time to time. In fact, the not-so-innocent plus two student
has a cuddly teddy bear and a couple of wrap-arounds at her house.
Besides, an imported watch and a few "hot" deodorants. All
picked up after perspiring out for hours in discotheques to the thumping
beats of bhangra music. "Trophies of love" that’s exactly how
she describes them. Passing ivory-chiseled fingers through her streaked
hair, she questions, "What’s wrong in accepting gifts? If the guys
are willing to part with their parents’ hard earned money, why the heck
should I hesitate? In any case, I do not compromise with my principles,
and dignity, for presents. I earn them from the sweat of my brow by giving
them the honour of my company. Anyway, it is just buy now and pay never
policy." Her best pal Sangeeta, putting up in a hostel, has a
different justification to offer, "I can either ask dad or my guy for
a gift. Since I am staying away from my family, I do not hesitate in
asking my guy Sudhir to buy me a present". Taranum, Sangeeta and
her likes remind city-based socio-psychologist Suveen Sharma of Alexander
Pope’s The Rape of the Lock. Comparing Taranum with Belinda, he says:
Favours to none, to all she smiles extends, oft she rejects, but never
once offends. Bright as the sun, her eyes the gazers strike, and, like the
sun, they shine on all alike. Analysing them, he says, "In days
that are no more and will, perhaps, never come back, girls would consider
gifts as an obligation. They would refuse them unless, of course, the
presenter was someone close. Then also, they would wait for occasions like
Diwali, even Valentines, to exchange presents". After tarrying a
little to regain breath, he adds: "But in today’s materialistic
world, the guys do not have to look for opportunities to display their
love through gifts of affection. For, so many gals all over the city
simply make no bones about asking for chocolates, even mobile phones. For,
they think chivalry means showering them with presents". That’s the
way it is, folks. |
||
|
With changed times reading habits have declined and there are few books around. Also a single flower will not do anymore. It has to be a designer bouquet or several of them and the flowers should be orchids or some other exotic variety. Else, these can be crafted in silver or gold with a couple of diamonds thrown in. With times becoming expensive, gifts of love too have to keep pace. Come to the world of Bollywood songs that the young still tap their feet to, the keepsakes are much appreciated. Even though the songs make for foot-tapping numbers, the gifts that are sung about would make the young laugh, or rather, sneer. For there is the silly-billy chhala (thin ring) as the guy calls out loud and clear: Aaja meri raani deja chhala nishani. Close on the trail of the humble chhala is the reshami rumaal: Doongi tujhe reshami rumal, O’ banke zara phir aana. Hold your breath! There would be other nishanis too as the old song went: Yaad rakhna, pyar ki nishani gori yaad rakhna. And what pray were these nishanis? Well it could be anything from an accidental caress to a broken heart, from a sad sigh to wet tears. Well it is farewell to teary times and awful gifts. It is time tokens of love became more than mere
tokens! — Nirupama Dutt |
||
|
Vallaya further stated that that there was a parallel progression of fashion now, “It is no longer about Indian or western, it is a mix and as I see it, it is Indian clothing with a western edge that will dominate. Also earlier our infrastructure was not that strong, now we are better equipped.” Commenting upon his diversification into lifestyle, he stated that it was “a natural evolution for any designer to do so.” “Lifestyle directly compliments fashion. Clothing, perfumes are direct accompaniments, so if you have a designer venturing into it, it is but natural and good.” Speaking about FTP he stated, “It is a privilege to be associated with such a novel concept. Also, with the global fashion market opening up to the Indian Fashion Industry, we need to streamline and consolidate resources and talent and set up a support base and FTP is a step in the right direction.” The fashion technology park today announced the first fashion knowledge forum which will serve as a platform to facilitate dialogue between designers, manufacturers and retailers across India. The forum will be held on November 8 and 9 at Hotel Mountview. The two day event will have seminars and workshops, which is expected to be attended by the likes of Jaya Jaitely, Shankar Singh Vaghela-Union Minister of textiles, Rinku Kaicker, design head, ITC Wills Lifestyle, Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of science and technology, Gauri Kumar, Director General and NIFT, New Delhi among others. Addressing the media Jagjit Singh Kochar, CEO, Fashion Technology Park informed that the forum would help facilitate a dialogue between different nodes of the value chain of the fashion industry. The Fashion Technology Park is a composite product-innovation-service-technology-package of physical and intellectual infrastructure to help the Indian Fashion Industry achieve growth and acquire global reorganization. It will provide a common ground for the fashion industry to come together. Situated at Sector 90, Mohali, Punjab the FTP will be spread across 14 acres and is expected to be complete in two years.
— TNS |
||
|
TECH TALK What
do Nandita Das, Anupam Kher, Shekhar Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Deepak Chopra, Muzzafar Ali and Vandana Shiva have in common? No it is not a movie script they are all involved in. It isn't even a social cause that they are endorsing. All of them Blog! A Blog (short for a "Web log") is a cross between a personal diary and a list of links to articles on the Web. Internet users have created thousands of them, and anyone surfing the World Wide Web can read them. Blogs are the new age journals and dairies with an added advantage that since they are online you can share your thoughts with your friends and family. They have names like Bridal Beer, Fresh Hell, Jaundiced Eye, Nimbupani and can be serious, irreverent or trivial. Just a few years ago there were maybe a hundred Web Logs on the Internet, and most of those were geared on to the computer programmers. Today there are Blogs on parenting, movies, books, politics, health, teenage crisis, bad hair days, complex mathematical equations to advice on how to get married — you name it and you've got it. Since Blogger first appeared in August 1999, more than 100,000 people have registered at www.blogger.com. So what is all this about the Blog mania? Creating a Blog is easy, free and great fun. And if you are an ideas person, you'll really connect with your readers. There are different types of Blogs. Some Blogs are updated every day and some are updated only once or twice a week, and a few may be updated only once a month or so. While some Blogs are maintained by a single person, others are maintained by a group. Blogging is a social activity. Typically, people who Blog on similar topics or subjects such as music, bollywood, art etc. link to each other, comment on the entries in each other's Blogs and sometimes even organize a virtual conference on their area of interest. For example, a set of people maintain a blog dedicated to bollywood called the "Bollywood Rumors" (http://www.bollywoodrumors.com). This way, they also ensure that lesser known members get a chance to show their knowledge and expertise. Then, there is http://indianbloggers.blogspot.com/, which offers a list of Indian bloggers worldwide. Blogging has become such a rage that it has given birth to a new term, 'Blogaholics'- referred to people addicted to Blogging! There are several sites today such as www.blogger.com, www.xanga.com , or www.microsoft.com , which not only offer advice on how to create and maintain a Blog, but also provide easy and readily available design templates and web hosting services. All you need to do, to create your own Blog is to just create an account with this website and there you have it—your very own Blog. And it might be interesting to know that like your yahoo or hotmail email accounts, most of the sites that offer Blog features are for free. You just need to log in, choose a template and begin voicing your opinions to the world. Blogs haven't entirely been a means of entertainment and a place to vent your anger or issues. Recently Blogs have taken on and achieved feats which several governments thought impossible. As the news of the tsunami was spreading across the globe on December 26th 2004, there was a group of people Blogging (http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com ) with information they had about the massive disaster. Their Blog became a constant source of information and updates, which were happening in real time across the world. More than a million visits were recorded within a week of the Blog coming into being. Photographs posted on the site have helped people trace their relatives and friends. It hosts news, help line numbers, information on missing people and instructions. Then there is "Baghdad Burning", (http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/ ) where a young Iraqi woman talks about conditions in her country after the war. While most Blogs have been for a personal use or some social issue, Blogs are also increasingly being used to promote business and Internet marketing. You can use a Blog to create a buzz - word of mouth advertising for your company besides informing people about new trends, technologies, issues and concerns in the industry. Whatever the nature of your business, and whether you have a Website or not, you should consider starting a Blog to communicate with your customers and potential customers. So whether it is Monday Blues weighing you down, sharing your opinions and wild ideas with people or it is the looking for new prospect for your business, Blogging it away may just be the solution you were looking for! Courtesy: Atul Gupta, the CEO of RedAlkemi, an Internet Marketing and Web Development Company.
|
||
|
Opening the store, President Hidesign Dilip Kapur said, “Chandigarh is probably amongst the most cosmopolitan cities in Punjab and we feel our presence here was long overdue. The new store brings our designs, concepts and products to people who appreciate good craftsmanship and quality.” He added that this was the first exclusive Hidesign store in Punjab. Hidesign had a humble beginning in Pondicherry in 1978, but today it has a global brand presence and sells in 15 countries abroad and there are 29 exclusive stores in India. So now Hidesign is in town and now just the effort required to seek out what you would fancy there.
— TNS |
||
|
Aana dobara Avadhoot, a product of Sagarika Music’s talent search wing is a multifaceted talent. He struck platinum with album “Aika Dajiba”, his debut album as a music director. This album was composed by him and five of the eight songs were also penned by him, who started his career as a sound recordist a couple of years back. Avadhoot’s career as a sound recordist came to an early end when his compositions started their getting due recognition. In his initial years Avadhoot Gupte composed numerous jingles, titles for television serials and background music for films, until Sagarika Music recognised his talent. He started his career as a music director in 2002 when he composed a Marathi album on the theme of rain. He shot into limelight with the album and received Alpha Gaurav Puraskar for the best composer 2002. His second album was an Indi-pop album ‘Aika Dajiba’. It was a landmark album in the field of Indian pop music. This album started the trend of Hindi pop songs with a Marathi punch line. The album was followed by another hit album “Meri Madhubala” in which he was launched as a pop singer. Avadhoot also writes lyrics. Aika Dajiba, Meri Madhubala, Halu Halu Chal, Koi Ho, Kabhi Gehre Samundar, Dil Pardesan and Piya Lage Na Jiya are his favourite lyrics. Avadhoot’s has also proved his worth as an arranger. From soft instrumental to remixes, Avadhoot has done them all and with the same amount of creativity and expertise. Advahoot has a variety of music to offer to the music lovers. “Aana Dobara” is just a sample of what is to expect from this talented youngster. |
||
|
The
female lead starring in crime thriller ‘Kohinoor’ at Sahara One is a Punjabi kudi- Kuljeet Randhawa. The first thing that strikes you about Kuljeet is her beautiful eyes. The next thing is her smile. Whatever she does, she does with a conviction to excel. Which is why Kuljeet rarely leaves any scope for complaint in her endeavors. “If I decide to something, I see that I give it my best shot,” she states. So when this model-turned actress decided to try her hand at acting, it was not entirely surprising that she scored an ace. Presently the actress is on high rotation in the serial ‘Kohinoor’. ‘Kohinoor’ is a situation driven story which assures a lot of twists and turns to keep the viewers on the edge-of-the-seat, says Kuljeet Randhawa. This Mumbai-based Punjabi glam doll is seen as a powerful character of Iravati Kohli. The best role has been given to her by Cinevistas. She is doing fine in the serial which has already raised curiosity. This tall model-turned actress made her debut with ‘Hip Hip Hurray’. She excelled in serial ‘Cats’ followed by ‘Special Squad’ in which she plays an aggressive character. ‘By Chance’ is her debut Hindi feature film that will see a release very soon. Kuljeet Randhawa, who plays Iravati Kohli in ‘Kohnioor’ has already won over the wholehearted applause of the viewers. Regarding her role in ‘Kohnioor’ she says, “It was by chance when I was shooting for my debut film “By Chance” that I got a call from Cinevistas and Sahara One. I was impressed by the story and the role. I accepted the offer to play Iravati Kohli”. Talking excitedly about ‘Kohinoor’,Kuljeet stresses that it is a fast paced thriller which is sure to catch-up in a big way. She has been receiving offers to play important roles in serials and films too but she insists that she will opt only for good. She seems to be just another of those Punjabi kudis trying to cash in on the television craze. — Dharam Pal |
||
|
Film & FASHION Pakistan
all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been appointed the new brand ambassador for global watchmaker Rado. A company press note said that Afridi had been signed on for a year, and the contract could be extended by mutual agreement. “I am proud to be associated with one of the leading companies of the world,” the Dawn quoted Afridi, as saying.
— ANI Naomi’s party time begins after 10!
A sundowner at seven seems the perfect way to start a party, but that is for all other than supermodel, Naomi Campbell, for whom no time before 10, is bearable for a bash. And so sticky is she about her time limit, that she won’t make exceptions even for her good friends. Naomi didn’t attend an exclusive party celebrating the launch of a 5th Avenue showroom for the Tiret watch brand hosted by her friend Damon Dash, because it was slated to start at 7, and the organisers refused to change the time to 10. “Naomi asked that the whole Tiret showroom launch party be rescheduled because it started too early for her. Apparently she doesn’t like to go out to parties that are early evening. “With so many VIPs coming arrangements could not be changed just to fit in with Naomi. It’s a sophisticated reception on 5th Avenue not an all-night rave!” The Mirror quoted an insider, as saying. — ANI Brosnan wanted to continue as Bond
Pierce Brosnan, the most successful 007 ever, has said that he really wanted to play the spy agent in ‘Casino Royale’ after starring in four Bond movies. Brosnan, who has been replaced by British actor Daniel Craig for the 22nd installment of the series, said that he was dumped as 007 by the movie producers when was just getting the hang of the role. “It would have been sweet to go back for a fifth. I was just getting the hang of it. It would have been wonderful to go out there for one last game and pass the baton,” femalefirst quoted him as saying to US movie magazine Premiere.
— ANI Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai on Tuesday turned 32 and was busy shooting for a film in Slovakia. Her family members and friends wished her on her birthday on the phone. The actress reportedly told them that for her birthday was like any other day and she preferred to remain busy with her assignments.
— PTI Courtney Love fails to pay bills Troubled rocker Courtney Love is now being sued by the same law firm she hired to dispute the rights to release material recorded by her late husband Kurt Cobain. Love is being sued for failing to pay her bills, reported Internet Movie Database. The bosses of the law firm say they helped Love win $7 million in advances on Cobain material. They won this from Nirvana’s former band members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, but they are yet to be paid for their services. The firm claims Love still owes them $340,000.
— IANS Kate moving to US Beleagured British supermodel, Kate Moss, who has just checked out of an Arizona clinic where she underwent treatment for ridding herself of her dope addiction, has reportedly decided to permanently move out of her native Britain, for seeking a fresh start to her life in the US. She has consulted experts about the tax implications of the move, and has been looking at apartments in New York, where she wants to shift. “Kate has been badly shaken by events of the last couple of months. “She will miss her family but she thinks it might be better to live away from Britain for a while.” The Mirror quoted a source close to her, as saying. A possible motive behind her move may have been her family’s desire to keep her away from her on-off lover and heroin addict Pete Doherty. “The best way for her to avoid temptation is simply not to see him any more.” the source was quoted by the paper, as saying.
— ANI |
||
|
Obsessed with cars
If
you think a doctor’s life is just about lasers, lenses and stethoscopes; well, think again. The very skill, speed and precision, which serve him so well in his professional endeavors, also drive this eye-surgeon through the flashy world of automobiles in the top gear. Meet Rajan Chugh, a city based eye surgeon and laser specialist, also a man of many passions and one of the lucky few to strike a perfect balance between his passion for four-wheelers and his profession. Chugh has many firsts to his credit. He was one of the first to buy a Skoda in the region and the tradition to be first continues, his most recent acquisition being a Maruti Suzuki Swift. Like a faithful zealot, Chugh had planned to buy this beauty even before it was launched. The doctor has had an impressive line-up of four wheelers, from a Skoda Octavia to a Volkswagen and limousines, Galants, Nissans and jeeps too. Essentially a “car-thinker”, Chugh is reckoned to be a master on the subject of cars by friends who generally seek his advice on the matter. His fancy for cars began way back in the late 1970s when he designed a whole petrol pump using matchsticks and garages which housed miniature models of the cars. “Since that time, the interest in cars only grew. Since I bought my first car, a Maruti 800, there has been no looking back. I even customised my Contessa into a limousine,” he maintains. And of course he does his own designing - both exteriors and interiors, thereby modifying them and changing their looks from time to time. Also a cricket enthusiast, the doctor’s Skoda is embellished with Sachin Tendulkar’s signatures in a bold hand. Wow! “Sachin came to my clinic and I got him signed on the front door of my Skoda. I got it scanned and transferred to the acrylic sheet. That’s how his signatures were permanently emblazoned on it. Also, I have improvised it to the extent that it has a refrigerator inside,” says Chugh excitingly. One can only surmise the amount of wealth this collection is worth. A regular visitor to the Auto Expo held at Delhi every two years, the indefatigable surgeon has even modeled for some makes. Laughing at the skeptics who doubt the wisdom of taking a risk of buying the new launches, he says, “Yes, it may be true. Looks may be deceptive but you take a greater risk by marrying.” Well, who has the answer
to that! |
||
|
Stylish sofas Everything is changing every day with more comfort, style and features. One can see the vast change in furniture items, with new artistic designs and décor in imported wood. “We are in business of imported Malaysian wood that is very decorative and light in weight” says Davinder Singh, from Santin (deals in imported furniture). The furniture made of this wood is very much in demand. We have the range of all types of furniture like stylish bars, display units, fountains, sofas and beds. The sofas in the shape of a open hand in various colours attract at the first sight. Customers in and around Chandigarh areas prefer that the furniture items should be easy to carry and movable. The Durian (product name) sofas are available in all colours in leather, which not only satisfy ones imagination but also match with their house hold colours. The price of sofas starts from 30000/- to 90000.The furniture is expected to attract select clientele because of the cost involved. He added that people don’t mind to shell out extra money and spend extra time while buying things for their home. “People visit us with the guidance of Interior Decorators and order the style of furniture they want for their living” told Rajinder Bhatia, the owner of Gem Furniture, Chandigarh. As the living standard of the people changes, their choice also changes into comfort, light and multicolored style of furniture. Having thirty years of experience in this business, he added that he always suggests his customers to buy furniture in teak wood as it gives grace ,shine and long lasting strength. He said we prepare small size bed room furniture specially for the people living in flats, which not only gives a decent look but makes the room spacious also. They have furniture of all types from wall hangings to corners, artistic almirahs in three side glass with mosaic designs range from Rs 20000 to 50000. Exquisite pieces of hand picked antique furniture both original as well as replicas are available. These include corner tables, central tables, side tables, sofa sets, settees, mirror and towel hanger. The designs of all the items compliment each other. At Durian’s the beds, sofas and side accessories are made of French wood. They have the entire range of items with different colours and designs. Sofas start from Rs 70000 to 180000. They are having customers for office furniture also. All types of furniture today have various architectural shapes and designs which makes the pieces look unique, aesthetic and comfortable. The new lightning arrangement in them saves a lot of space and add functional value. Furniture made of curved design or moulded wood gives additional beauty to it. Not only are some foreign manufacturers of furniture items expanding their plans to come into this business but business groups Like Usha Lexus and Godrej are providing the items as per the public taste. On the other side, the local manufacturers of furniture have all types of customers and they use wood according to the pockets because the imported furniture is expensive. |
|
Interesting options available to working students What
do students generally do once classes for the day are over? Well they study, go out with friends, surf the net for endless hours and of course they love to sleep. But there are some for whom its time to go to work. The trend of students working along with studying is fast catching up. The options available to them are wide. No longer are they restricted to giving tuitions to neighbourhood children. From call centers to eating joints and shops, you are sure to find students attending you. Everyone is sure to find something that suits their tastes and excites them. Sameer is a final year student of Government College, Sector-11 and also a DJ. He says, “I have been working for the past two years. My job involves making mixes, getting songs which people have not heard and of course making them dance. It is a very exciting profession. I get a chance to showcase my talent and also improve with every performance. The compliments that people bestow at the end of a party give me a high. It keeps me going.” Well, if working gives a high to some people, for
others it is a good source of pocket money and experience. Gunja Markan is studying in Government College for Girls, Sector-11 and is teaching at Alliance Francaise. She says “I get additional pocket money for myself and do not entirely depend on my parents. It gives me confidence and a feeling of independence. I am pursuing French honours in college. So this way, I am putting my qualification to some use.” Gunja adds, “Working does not distract me from my studies. I feel my concepts have become clearer. Also being on the other side of the class is an experience in itself.” Working for media organisations seems to be another lucrative option. Navgeet Kohli is the host of a show ‘Siti Crime’ which is aired on Siti channel. This final year student of Government College, Sector-11 feels that this experience would help him in his career in the years to come. “I like being in front of the camera. Though I like writing also I feel being on screen gives a person instant recognition. After completing my education I would like to become either a news reader or the anchor of shows. I want to be famous and want people to know me. This job has given me an adequate platform”, he says. How do the parents of these students feel about this concept? Gunja claims it was her mother who encouraged her to take up the job. “I completed a training programme, but never gave a serious thought to teaching and was a little apprehensive. My mother had immense confidence in me”, she says. The parents of other working students share these sentiments. They feel proud of the achievements of their children and think these jobs help in the overall development of their personalities. So what are you waiting for? — Khushboo Sandhu
|
|
TAROT TALK
 |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
“W
T
A
I
ARIES : If you want to change your ideas, a trip with your mate will be a good choice. Remember, your partner satisfies your physical, emotional and intellectual needs. Lucky number: 17, Lucky colour: Green. 
LIBRA : A new occasion can increase your qualities and augment your productiveness. Accept those who want to cooperate with you. Health will be good. Lucky number: 11, Lucky colour: Green. 
TAURUS : You'll have all the necessary means to bring your professional projects to a successful conclusion. Don’t get into arguments. The feeling of well-being settles by dusk. Lucky number: 3, Lucky colour: Orange. 
SCORPIO : Your sentimental life will be cheerful, light or without tension. You may be in an agitated mood after 4 pm and are prone to losing your temper. Lucky number: 14, Lucky colour: Orange.
GEMINI : It will be time for you to do everything in your power in order to finish important projects. Expenses are high and you are forced to arrange for money. Lucky number: 6, Lucky colour: White. 
SAGITTARIUS : You'll try your best to maintain a climate of harmony with those whom you love. Those looking for new homes could come across some good options. Lucky number: 13, Lucky colour: Red. 
CANCER : Don't complain so much: high spirits will certainly assure you of good luck this time. It will be in your interest to take some mental rest; do meditation. Lucky number: 11, Lucky colour: Sky blue. 
CAPRICORN : If you've made a promise to your beloved one, you'll have to keep it at all costs. Think of discovering and developing your hidden talents. Lucky number: 5, Lucky colour: Golden yellow. 
LEO : Your health needs to watched over closely. Work pending with local authorities moves slowly but surely. You and your partner need to spend quality time together. Lucky number: 5, Lucky colour: White. 
AQUARIUS : In love, charm and delicate attentions will be very operative. At work, you'll find elements of solutions to your hardest problems. Lucky number: 11, Lucky colour: Olive. 
VIRGO : "The Hanged man" shows tensions throughout the day. Don't let yourself be upset by bad tongues. The health of a family member may be under suspicion. Lucky number: 8, Lucky colour: Green. 
PISCES: Good understanding with your children; your relationships with them will be tighter and more amicable. Work will be hectic and there could be delays. Lucky number: 15, Lucky colour: Bottle green.