CHANDIGARH INDEX

 



 

Radio Ga Ga
First it was FM and now satellite radio has hooked many enthusiasts, reports Parbina Rashid
T
hey are a demanding lot when it comes to music. They do not like interruptions - be it the advertisements or requests or the incessant jabbering of ‘know-it- all’ radio jokeys. Worse still, they are not even willing to settle down to the monotony of a cassette or a compact disk. A hard-to-please tribe? You can say that. But with WorldSpace Satellite Radio providing all that, they are getting away with their demands. What is more, this tribe is now swelling like a monsoon-fed river. The trend came from outside. But it has invaded many living rooms in the city and all set to replace your car stereo in its latest version. With prices of the receiving sets going down, and ads appearing in TV and newspapers regularly, one cannot ignore it for long.


PRIZED POSSESSION: R.K.Chhibbar tuning into his satellite radio set. — Photo by Vinay Malik

R.K.Chhibbar tuning into his satellite radio set

Many faces of Ramanjit
Be it Yerma, Fida, Naga-mandala, Kitchen Katha and many other plays, Ramanjit lives her role to the hilt. Nirupama Dutt meets this city-bred actor who has gone places on the strength of her talent
T
he backdrop was Chandigarh’s Rock Garden and the play was Heth Wage Dariya, staged by Neelam Mansingh. In the intense drama about war and women that had seasoned actors like Paramjit Tewari and Uma Bagla, there came on stage a waif-like sixteen-year-old in the last scene. She was Ramanjit, a pre-university student of the Government College for Girls, Sector 11, playing a bride who is widowed soon after she is married. In that short appearance, Ramanjit left such a fine impression that in a couple of years she was the Prima Dona of The Company, Neelam’s group, and continues to be so. In the city this month from Kolkata, where Ramanjit has made her home, for rehearsals of Naga- Mandala, staged a second time by the group after a gap of some sixteen years, Raman looked back fondly at the time when she was first given the lead role by Neelam in Naga-Mandala.

Watch out for Harry
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ releases today

Following the precedent set by the successful global release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Warner Bros. Pictures is set to unveil the fourth filmed adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s celebrated series of novels - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - in key countries around the world on November 18.

Colour Auburn
The warm and snug atmosphere envelops you and the place, spic and span, is a treat for the eyes. Gayatri Rajwade recommends the place that is the unhurried coffee aficionado’s delight
W
hiffs of coffee waft through the air, the aroma bracing, like manna from heaven! For the city, which loves its cup of coffee, this café is picture perfect—literally! Bakes & Beans, which opened its glass doors on August 12 this year, is the unhurried coffee aficionado’s delight! The warm and snug atmosphere envelops you and the place, spic and span, is a treat for the eyes. Spiffy chrome and wood chairs, cheery lemon yellow and white walls and an alluring array of ‘kitchen art’ strewn above—coloured beans lining glass jars, a basket full of wheat stalks and loaves of bread—and a ceramic jazz band on slots overhead make for a charming and picturesque coffee shop! For owners Mandy and Nagina Grewal, the ambience goes beyond a cup of coffee, “we would like to think of it as a place which nurtures relationships, be it two friends, a mother and a daughter or just a gang hanging out over good brewing coffee.” A gentle ring brings the attention onto the charming brass bell hanging over the bill counter—‘come and collect your goodies from the counter once they are ready’ it tinkles!

GREEN SPACE
Plan a nourishing schedule
Joyshri Lobo

J
ust as we human beings wilt and wither in over- crowded spaces with polluted air, so do our plants. Therefore do not place flower pots in a crowded manner.  After a week of watering, the soil gets hard—in other words, your plant will find it difficult to expand its roots and to breathe. It is time to take up that fork and loosen the mud.

youthspeak
Marriage: compromise or sacrifice?

W
omen, when they are married, have to go and live in their husband’s house along with his family. Issues of status, caste and religion figure in the discussions while deciding one’s life partner but money is nevertheless a central issue in the transactions between the families of the bride and groom.

Japanese Flavour
Gayatri Rajwade
A
lively performance that harvested delighted giggles and sprays of laughter embodied the panel theatre group, Twinkle’s, spirited ‘paper puppet’ performance preceded by Elena Tomioka’s delightful recital on the Alpa, (a Guatemalan, stringed instrument which drew its inspiration from the Spanish Harp) at the KB DAV School, Sector 7. The glee was evident as was the curiosity in the style of presentation, which involved sticking cut outs of people, animals, flowers, birds and laughter bubbles on a board accompanied to cheery music and bonhomie by the two leading panel theatre artistes, Nobuko Furihata and Kumiko Mori. “It is not difficult to learn this art,” insists a charming Nobuko who was introduced to panel theatre during her stint as a kindergarten teacher.
Photo by Manoj Mahajan

Peddling knowledge
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
H
e lives on newspapers. They do not just broaden his knowledge but provide him bread and butter for his family too. We are talking about one of the senior-most hawkers of the city, Ram Sumer. “Newspaper vending gave me an opportunity to interact with certain leading lights of the print media and an illiterate like me sub-consciously had a decent knowledge about the happenings in the country. The exercise every morning gave me an air of self-confidence,” Ram Sumer, probably the senior-most newspaper hawker in the city, reminisces about the period between 1965 and the current day when he paddled on his bicycle daily to drop newspapers at doorsteps of the local residents, the list which also includes a large number of leading lights of the print media. A resident of Sector 30, Sumer has been delivering newspapers to all The Tribune editors. “I have always been addressed decently by the editors. I have had a close relation with a number of other senior journalists in the English, Hindi and Punjabi editions of the newspaper, he says.

LONG INNINGS: Ram Sumer. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

Ram Sumer

SNAPSHOT
Artistes of the theatre group CEVA raise their voice against pollution caused by polythene bags during a play enacted in Sector 17
PLAY ON POLLUTION: Artistes of the theatre group CEVA raise their voice against pollution caused by polythene bags during a play enacted in Sector 17. — Photo by Vinay Malik

Film & FASHION 
Manisha thankful to God
M
anisha Koirala, who is now busy working for Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh’s “Khela”, is thankful that good directors did not forget her despite a nearly two-year-long sabbatical. Manisha, who took time off after doing some 60 odd films in various Indian languages, including Bollywood flicks, is one of the few mainstream film stars to have ventured into non-Hindi movies. “I was bored with the roles offered to me and was waiting for the right offer all this while. I started shooting again in August. Thank God, good directors did not forget me while I was away!” she said. Akbar Khan’s “Taj Mahal

How COOL is NOVEMBER
In response to this question, our photographers Vinay Malik and Pradeep Tewari clicked different age-groups and found out that generation gap not only divides their responses but also their activities

For these kids, the water heated up by the sun was cool enough to play and make a splash in

The ones in the older generation pass time playing cards as they absorb the warmth that the golden sun provides

These students study in the warmth of the sunlight filtering in through the leaves

It’s cool, man: For these kids, the water heated up by the sun was cool enough to play and make a splash in. JUST CHILL, chill: The ones in the older generation pass time playing cards as they absorb the warmth that the golden sun provides. FIFTY-FIFTY: These students study in the warmth of the sunlight filtering in through the leaves.




 

 

 

 

 

Radio Ga Ga
First it was FM and now satellite radio has hooked many enthusiasts, reports Parbina Rashid

They are a demanding lot when it comes to music. They do not like interruptions - be it the advertisements or requests or the incessant jabbering of ‘know-it- all’ radio jokeys. Worse still, they are not even willing to settle down to the monotony of a cassette or a compact disk. A hard-to-please tribe? You can say that. But with WorldSpace Satellite Radio providing all that, they are getting away with their demands. What is more, this tribe is now swelling like a monsoon-fed river.

The trend came from outside. But it has invaded many living rooms in the city and all set to replace your car stereo in its latest version. With prices of the receiving sets going down, and ads appearing in TV and newspapers regularly, one cannot ignore it for long.

“I was in Delhi for a few years and got hooked to FM. When I came back to Chandigarh, the natural progression for me was to a satellite radio,” says Rohit Khanna, an advocate of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The switch was, because he was fed up with the intermittent ads and long chatters.

For a senior journalist, his only companion was his satellite radio when he first moved into the city. “I first heard about the satellite radio about five years back when a friend of mine, who lived in the jungles of Africa, had requested me to get one for him. I went, I saw and I was bowled over. I bought one immediately for myself and ever since it is my constant companion,” he says.

If you are wondering what is it about a radio that inspires this kind of affection, the answer lies in their catch line - “All the music in the world now comes to you for a song.” Twenty-four hours of pure unadulterated music for every mood.

The WorldSpace is currently giving about 42 channels that include music and news channels. If you are a pop fan then it is U Pop for you. Classic rock, western classical, Bollywood hits, Hindustani classical, old Hindi songs, instrumental, Malayalam, Carnatic classical, BBC, NDTV; they have it all! The concept is similar to cable TV - different channels, single source. But the big relief comes from the fact that there are no ads or requests or no radio jockey to take you for a roller coaster ride.

The latest satellite and telecommunication technology has made it possible to reach all corners which otherwise remained inaccessible. Satellite radio has certainly made a splash in remote areas like Siachen. “A couple of years back I gifted one set to my nephew who was in the Army and posted in Siachen and it instantly hit the right chord among the jawans,” says Rohit.

To gain popularity, the prices of the sets have come down considerably. “At present we are selling three models, the cheapest one costing Rs 1,999 and the highest Rs 8,590 which has the recording facility too, says Upkardeep Singh of Melody House in sector 17, adding that they soon would be adding car radios in their collection. Though the subscription package comes for Rs 1,800 per annum, at present WorldSpace is proving a free package for five months at installation.

The element of surprise or just love for variety, whatever may be the reason, satellite radio is here to stay.

For senior Advocate R.K. Chhibbar, a proud owner of three such sets, after the hustle-bustle of the day at the High Court, the radio is the link to his sanity. “What is more, I use it as a protection against noise pollution, specially on occasions like Divali. I just switch it on and it ensures a good night’s sleep,” says this avid radio lover who had once requested the Governor of West Punjab (Pakistan) to put Lahore station on the satellite network so that he can listen to the pure Punjabi.

Now who had ever heard of radio working as a sleeping pill? That’s what I call music to my ear!! 




Many faces of Ramanjit
Be it Yerma, Fida, Naga-mandala, Kitchen Katha and many other plays, Ramanjit lives her role to the hilt. Nirupama Dutt meets this city-bred actor who has gone places on the strength of her talent

The backdrop was Chandigarh’s Rock Garden and the play was Heth Wage Dariya, staged by Neelam Mansingh. In the intense drama about war and women that had seasoned actors like Paramjit Tewari and Uma Bagla, there came on stage a waif-like sixteen-year-old in the last scene. She was Ramanjit, a pre-university student of the Government College for Girls, Sector 11, playing a bride who is widowed soon after she is married. In that short appearance, Ramanjit left such a fine impression that in a couple of years she was the Prima Dona of The Company, Neelam’s group, and continues to be so. In the city this month from Kolkata, where Ramanjit has made her home, for rehearsals of Naga- Mandala, staged a second time by the group after a gap of some sixteen years, Raman looked back fondly at the time when she was first given the lead role by Neelam in Naga-Mandala.

“This play was always very special to me because it was my first lead role in The Company. Our first show was at Kamani Auditorium in Delhi. Girish Karnad was there and the play in its book form was being released on the occasion and my picture was on the cover and it was too much happening for a 19-year-old, “ she says with her infectious laugh.

And after that there have been so many plays and so many laurels for Neelam the director and Ramanjit the actor. “We have been both asked a hundred times why always the same director and why always the same actor. It is just that Neelam and I clicked. In fact, so many plays together and yet each time she breaks me to start all over again from the ashes. Repetition will just not do for her. It is not easy but I love to take the challenge,” she adds.

Among the plays they have done together include Yerma, Fida, Shehar Mere di Pagal Aurat, Un-posted Love Letter, Kitchen Katha and Sibo in Supermarket. Her remarkable performances have brought many opportunities and one that she remembers most happily was a training programme in France with Ariane Mnouchkine, the famous director of Théâtre du Soleil. In 2003, Ramanjit got the Charles Wallace Award that took her to the Academy of Speech and Drama, London. “As a part of this award, I spent time in Italy working with Firenza Guidi and I cherish that experience greatly.”

Married to an entrepreneur in Kolkata, Ramanjit is mother to four-year-young Ruhani and runs The Creative Arts Workshop there in which the best talent of the City of Joy gathers to do experimental theatre. And how does she balance home and work? “I had made it clear at the time of marriage that my work was important to me and the Chandigarh chapter would never end. At time there was resistance to my travels and being away but then I convinced them that this was my world too. So the Chandigarh chapter has not ended.”




Watch out for Harry
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ releases today

Following the precedent set by the successful global release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Warner Bros. Pictures is set to unveil the fourth filmed adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s celebrated series of novels - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - in key countries around the world on November 18.

Warner Bros. Pictures ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ has a new director, celebrated British filmmaker Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), who brings a unique perspective to the much-loved Harry Potter series. Keeping in with the storyline and the personalities of Rowling’s fourth book, Newell has set out to establish a more serious and darker tone to the look and feel of the film.

Dubbed in two languages, Hindi and Tamil, the movie will be released nationwide. Riding on the successes of the earlier three Harry Potter movies, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ is sure to fulfill the huge expectations from Indian audiences.

The most exhilarating and difficult times of his life await Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his fourth year of study.

Not only must Harry compete in a dangerous international tournament among the three largest and most prestigious wizarding schools - the Triwizard Tournament - which will pit him against his older and more experienced peers, but he will also be forced to confront his nemesis, the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), who is determined to return to power - and finish Harry off once and for all.

With a new director, cast members and characters in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, fans can look forward to seeing the world of Harry Potter with fresh eyes. The cast includes Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Timothy Spall. Directed by Mike Newell, the film is produced by David Heyman from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. The movie will be released at Kiran in sector 22 and Fun Republic at Manimajra.—TNS




Colour Auburn
The warm and snug atmosphere envelops you and the place, spic and span, is a treat for the eyes. Gayatri Rajwade recommends the place that is the unhurried coffee aficionado’s delight

Whiffs of coffee waft through the air, the aroma bracing, like manna from heaven! For the city, which loves its cup of coffee, this café is picture perfect—literally! Bakes & Beans, which opened its glass doors on August 12 this year, is the unhurried coffee aficionado’s delight! The warm and snug atmosphere envelops you and the place, spic and span, is a treat for the eyes.

Spiffy chrome and wood chairs, cheery lemon yellow and white walls and an alluring array of ‘kitchen art’ strewn above—coloured beans lining glass jars, a basket full of wheat stalks and loaves of bread—and a ceramic jazz band on slots overhead make for a charming and picturesque coffee shop! For owners Mandy and Nagina Grewal, the ambience goes beyond a cup of coffee, “we would like to think of it as a place which nurtures relationships, be it two friends, a mother and a daughter or just a gang hanging out over good brewing coffee.”

A gentle ring brings the attention onto the charming brass bell hanging over the bill counter—‘come and collect your goodies from the counter once they are ready’ it tinkles!

This is a place where you linger over your ‘auburn’ beverage. You can select from an array of hot and cold coffees and teas—a simple espresso (Rs. 20), the city’s favourite mocha or the exotic vanilla latte (Rs. 40). If your tastes run towards soothing tea, then masala chai it is or the more unusual mint, rose and strawberry tea (Rs. 30).

The cold coffees delight as well, tropical iceberg or the mocha surprise or the ice-cream blended coffee with a hint of chocolate, the fantissimo (Rs. 45) are all delicious.

And accompanying these wonderful beverages is a host of treats to nibble and munch on! Sandwiches, open, grilled, triple-decker savouries, excellent pizzas, fresh, hand tossed dough with gooey melting cheese—Pizza Ala Casa with BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, seekh, ham and black olives (Rs. 119), the scrumptious Pepperoni pizza or the Gardenia with farm fresh onions, capsicum, tomatoes with a hint of jalapenos, red paprika and olives(Rs. 109).

Bakes—quiches, puddings and desserts—a delicious slice of chocolate gateau (Rs. 30), a fruit gateau (Rs. 40), divine tiramisu or the luscious chocolate marquise (Rs. 40) are just a few of the delights on offer!

Freshly baked breads—brown, white, whole wheat, multi-grained, foccasia, cheese and garlic loaf—sugar doughnuts (Rs.20) even vanilla stick-jaws and chocolate chip cookies to crunch on.

Everything is fresh, crisp, warm and everything is baked in-house, every slice of cake, every single stick-jaw! The care, the attention and the love shows, the music, the posters even the look of the cake is designed by Nagina, who loves ‘dressing’ every aspect of their lovely little nook in the city. Check out ‘Bakes & Beans, Coffee, conversations and beyond’, opposite Hotel Mountview, Sector 10. 




GREEN SPACE
Plan a nourishing schedule
Joyshri Lobo

Just as we human beings wilt and wither in over- crowded spaces with polluted air, so do our plants. Therefore do not place flower pots in a crowded manner.  After a week of watering, the soil gets hard—in other words, your plant will find it difficult to expand its roots and to breathe. It is time to take up that fork and loosen the mud.

Be careful not to injure the roots. Dig around them, not at them. Give a minimum of eight hours breathing time, before the next watering.

The best rule for liquid nourishment is to push your finger into the soil. If it is dry up to the middle of your index finger, the plant needs a drink.

Keep watering till you see a little trickle fall into the under plate. In fact, if you are going out on a short, week end trip, water your plant well and also fill the under plate. By your return, it will have taken all the water it requires.

Some of my friends give a mild dose of water and milk to their plants. I have not tried it but I’m sure you can experiment with one pot and let me know the results!

I would recommend watering only in the evenings, specially in summer. This allows a plant to absorb nutrients all through the night, when the sun is not out to dry things up.

All plants breathe through the cells in their leaves. In the kitchen, if you do not have an exhaust fan, the surface of leaves can get a fine film of grease. Buy yourself a plastic, all purpose, spray can. Melt a quarter of an inch of bathing soap (you cannot use detergents as they have  dangerous chemicals) in a can of water and spray the leaves once a week with this solution.

Aphids and mealy bugs (those awful, cotton like creatures!) hate the stuff and will avoid your plants. Apart from that, the leaf surfaces will remain grease and dust free. Besides, who says a plant doesn’t need a wash like us? They love it and smile their way into quicker growth.

I would suggest a watering, weeding, digging chart to be made on an old greetings card, to be stuck on your kitchen window or wall.

This will help you remember manuring dates, compost calendars (I hope you did not forget to put those peels into the ornamental pots?) and suggestions regarding planting seasons. The cards also add colour to your kitchen.




youthspeak
Marriage: compromise or sacrifice?

Neha SablokWomen, when they are married, have to go and live in their husband’s house along with his family. Issues of status, caste and religion figure in the discussions while deciding one’s life partner but money is nevertheless a central issue in the transactions between the families of the bride and groom.

My life changed when I got married to a businessman. I was seen as a servant, rather a working servant. I had no special relationship with the members of my new household and no base of support.

I was not allowed to speak to my parents and not even allowed to step out of the house.

After a long phase of this trauma, I decided to talk to my parents. My dad, instead of talking to my in-laws and husband, taught me to be strong enough to face my problems on my own.

I, then, started working in an office against their wishes. I fought for my rights at each and every step.

Through this article, I would like to convey a message to all girls. Know your rights and fight for them. Don’t give any chances to anyone to exploit you. We collectively have to stop being treated as a pariah and subject ourselves to abuse. Together we can make our in-laws and parents proud. Marriage is a compromise not a sacrifice!

—Neha Sablok

Young and bubbling with creative vibes? Have something to say? Well, send your views on something you feel strongly about to lifestyle@tribunemail.com or Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C Chandigarh. The best will find place in Lifestyle




Japanese Flavour
Gayatri Rajwade

A lively performance that harvested delighted giggles and sprays of laughter embodied the panel theatre group, Twinkle’s, spirited ‘paper puppet’ performance preceded by Elena Tomioka’s delightful recital on the Alpa, (a Guatemalan, stringed instrument which drew its inspiration from the Spanish Harp) at the KB DAV School, Sector 7.

The glee was evident as was the curiosity in the style of presentation, which involved sticking cut outs of people, animals, flowers, birds and laughter bubbles on a board accompanied to cheery music and bonhomie by the two leading panel theatre artistes, Nobuko Furihata and Kumiko Mori. “It is not difficult to learn this art,” insists a charming Nobuko who was introduced to panel theatre during her stint as a kindergarten teacher.

The technique founded by Japanese educationist Professor Ryoujun Kouda was primarily done to work with children. “It is all about connection with the little ones. They have good eyes and pure hearts and they are involved and curious,” believes Kumiko, who has studied music and is trained as an Opera singer.

The artistes have been brought to India by the International Institute of Perfect Arts, by its Honorary President, Shahani Nandi, (a Japanese living in India), who wants to continue to bring in cultural exchanges like this especially for young children. “They are our future and it is important to educate them to a variety of traditions.”

The morning began to the elegant strains of the Alpa, whose notes enthralled the listeners, sweet as they were. Wearing a bright red Salwar Kameez, white roses in her hair, Elena charmed the little ones with her Spanish melody, the Christmas song and a Japanese animation song.

As the children clapped along with the music and then to the effervescent act by the artistes duo, the morning gleamed in the light of this spirited ‘experiment’! 




Peddling knowledge 
Sanjeev Singh Bariana

He lives on newspapers. They do not just broaden his knowledge but provide him bread and butter for his family too. We are talking about one of the senior-most hawkers of the city, Ram Sumer. “Newspaper vending gave me an opportunity to interact with certain leading lights of the print media and an illiterate like me sub-consciously had a decent knowledge about the happenings in the country. The exercise every morning gave me an air of self-confidence,”

Ram Sumer, probably the senior-most newspaper hawker in the city, reminisces about the period between 1965 and the current day when he paddled on his bicycle daily to drop newspapers at doorsteps of the local residents, the list which also includes a large number of leading lights of the print media. A resident of Sector 30, Sumer has been delivering newspapers to all The Tribune editors. “I have always been addressed decently by the editors. I have had a close relation with a number of other senior journalists in the English, Hindi and Punjabi editions of the newspaper, he says.

Sumer, hailing from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, has worked as a peon in the office of the DPI(UT) until he retired in 2000. “I wanted to earn a little more for my family so I managed to get the hawker’s assignment of about 30 newspapers. Now I handle more than 500 orders, he adds.

Sumer is ‘emotionally’ attached with The Tribune as can be seen from his very frequent visits to the office and at all hours. “The office here has become a part of my life. Ever since 1965, I come here at 4 am to take my supply of the newspapers. In fact, majority of the publications arrive at The Tribune office in the morning for the convenience of the hawkers. I start at about 4.30 am and finished with my assignment by about 7 am,” he explains.

Sumer feels the newspaper industry has undergone a sea change in the recent times. However, he does not think the giving free gifts with newspapers have much impact on their circulation.

“I don’t think the freebie, given by the certain newspapers to its readers, have made any great difference in their circulation figures permanently. There are many offers with the newspapers for six months, eight months or one-year circulation. They also get free gifts. People go for that but a majority of them discontinue their subscription the gift offer finishes.”




Film & FASHION 
Manisha thankful to God

Manisha Koirala
Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala, who is now busy working for Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh’s “Khela”, is thankful that good directors did not forget her despite a nearly two-year-long sabbatical. Manisha, who took time off after doing some 60 odd films in various Indian languages, including Bollywood flicks, is one of the few mainstream film stars to have ventured into non-Hindi movies. “I was bored with the roles offered to me and was waiting for the right offer all this while. I started shooting again in August. Thank God, good directors did not forget me while I was away!” she said. Akbar Khan’s “Taj Mahal: A Love Story” which stars Manisha would be the first release in months for the actress. “I utilised the time to do things I wanted to do apart from acting. I learnt moviemaking and indulged in other activities. I even made a short film at New York University,” said Manisha. — IANS

‘Metropolis’ poster sells for $690,000

A poster of the classic German 1920 film ‘’Metropolis’’ has sold for a world record $ 690,000. The buyer is a private collector from the United States, the London gallery which arranged the sale said. The sale beat the previous record for a movie poster of $ 453,500, set in 1997 by a poster for the 1932 film ‘’The Mummy’’. Graphic artist Heinz Schulz-Neudamm designed the sepia-coloured poster featuring the futuristic skyline which helped make Fritz Lang’s film famous. — Reuters

Aishwarya getting ready for ‘Dhoom 2’

Esha Deol went svelte and shapely for “Dhoom”. Now, Aishwarya Rai seems all set to do the same for “Dhoom 2” and has even asked for a couple of months to get into shape. She is concentrating on a sleek look to go with her “Catwoman”-like villainy in the sequel to the hit biker film of last year. But the actress is tightlipped about her role and only says, “All I can tell you is it would be nothing like anything you’ve seen me do before.” Apparently, Rai’s contract stipulates that she will slip into a bikini in “Dhoom 2”. Yash Chopra, producer of the film, laughs off the rumour and says: “I don’t think our contract can specify such things. But, yes, the role does require Aishwarya to convey oodles of sensuality. She has asked for a couple of months to get into shape. Last month, Abhishek Bachchan, Rimii Sen, Bipasha Basu and Uday Chopra started shooting for “Dhoom 2”. — IANS

Kajra Re is the best song: survey

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai

The whole of India is dancing to ‘Kajra Re’, the song from Aditya Chopra’s ‘Bunty aur Babli’ featuring former Miss world Aishwarya Rai along with the father-son duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. ‘Kajra re’ was chosen as the best song by the maximum number of people in a survey carried out by a film trade journal. In the survey, 500 people from different age groups, from metropolitan cities in the country were asked to choose the best song from among six shortlisted songs - ‘Kajra Re’ from ‘Bunty Aur Babli’; ‘Woh Lamhe’ from ‘Zeher’; ‘Just Chill’ from ‘Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya’; ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’ from ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’; ‘Dus Bahane’ from ‘Dus’; and ‘Tauba Tauba’ from ‘Kaal’. As many as 35 per cent of them chose ‘Kajra Re’ as the number one song while 20 per cent selected ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’ from the film ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’ as the best song. The fact that a record number of mobile phone users in recent months have chosen the song as either their ringtone or their caller tone is a further indicator of its popularity. — UNI

John horrified at pig slaughter

Suniel Shetty
Suniel Shetty

Horrified by the video footage on pigs being killed in Goa, Bollywood star John Abraham has written to the State Chief Minister, Pratap Singh Rane, urging him to stop these “illegal killings.” In an impassioned plea, Abraham said he was shocked and saddened to see the video footage, sent by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which was shot at the Baga-Calangute stretch by tourists. Describing the horrific way in which these animals were killed, Abraham told the Chief Minister, “Knives with sharp ends are thrust into the pigs hearts, causing the defenceless animals to writhe and scream in agony while desperately gasping for air for many minutes until they die,” Peta said in a release, quoting the letter. — PTI

Suniel shetty shuns serious roles

Suniel Shetty is dead serious about doing only comic roles. “I’m tired of being cast in serious roles. There’s a funny side to me. And I want that side to be tapped,” he said. J.P. Dutta’s “Umrao Jaan” where he plays a bandit, and Priyadarshan’s untitled film will be the last of Suneil’s serious stints. “After that I’m going into a comedy festival with films like ‘Shaadi Se Pehle’, ‘Mr Black & Mr White’ and ‘Money Money Money’. Now I want my kids to smile when they see their dad on screen.” Subhash Ghai is giving Suniel two opportunities to let his hair down. Ghai himself seems to have discovered a penchant for parody. — IANS

 

 




Health and Fitness

Snack Happy! If snacks are carefully chosen, they can increase your intake of vital nutrients and not just be an additional source of empty calories. Spreading out your calorie intake over the day in smaller meals and more frequent snacks might also make you more active.

— Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.




TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES : Look and the gains not the losses. Socialising adds much to your day and can put a smile on your face. Don't get sidetracked by idle chatter about nothing. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Burgundy. 
LIBRA : You draw "The Fool" today and you feel free, unburdened and happy. No matter how hard you try, you can't fully control the object of your love without changing it. Lucky number: 7. Lucky colour: Green. 
TAURUS : You will find yourself in emotional control. A positive and dynamic day expected. Spendings in the past will get settled while goodwill pays major dividends today. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: white. 
SCORPIO :  Someone is pulling strings and you are supposed to respond just like a puppet. The problem is that the more you resist, the more your freedom is limited. Lucky number: 9 Lucky colour: Silver. 
GEMINI : Put your needs on the line; even if they don't resolve immediately, it's apparent you are finally moving in the right direction. Love life suffers due to your own faults. Lucky number: 10. Lucky colour: White. 
SAGITTARIUS : You may be hesitant or in two minds about an important business decision. It might be in your best interests to be noncommittal till you are sure. Lucky number: 5. Lucky colour: Turquoise. 
CANCER : It may feel as if the weight of the world has temporarily been removed from your shoulders. Still, you might have some obligations left. Focus on meditation. Lucky number: 10. Lucky colour: Purple. 
CAPRICORN :A power struggle at work requires your attention, but things will work out right. This isn't blind faith and it's not that you don't care about the outcome. Lucky number: 7. Lucky colour: Fiery red 
LEO : Spilt your work and delegate responsibility. This new attitude can actually give you the freedom to accomplish what you couldn't in the past few days. Lucky number: 7. Lucky colour: Brick Red. 
AQUARIUS : It's just that your belief in the ultimate good is stronger now than your fear of succumbing to the dark side. Do whatever you must in order to stay the course. Lucky number: 7. Lucky colour: Purple. 
VIRGO : Romance is in the air, enjoy it while it lasts. You may have to take criticism from someone you respect. Remaining open to what is being said is to your advantage. Lucky number: 15. Lucky colour: Black. 
PISCES: Long overdue paperwork is completed with surprising ease. Some unexpected help may be forthcoming. Expenses shoot up, making you dip into your savings. Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: Rusty red.




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