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Talk the Walk
Stars vie to be Indian Diva
Voiceover girl
The look-alike
Dance is his thing
FILM & FASHION
yoga
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Let's go Fire dancers, theme shows and celebrity guests are the baits used by young party organisers to woo the crowds, reports
Mahima Pushkarna
Afternoon bashes Suyash and Nainoor, the Nasha-duo, have gone the more professional way. With Smirnoff and Fosters sponsoring their last party, they believe that for a party to be successful, there should be at least a time-gap of a month between two consecutive parties. “Our target crowd consists of all those guys and girls who can’t attend night parties, and so we arrange afternoon parties,” Suyash adds. Popularity is another motive, and what about the booze? “The city youth is pretty responsive to that, when it comes to drinks. We served drinks free of cost but in a limited quantity. No party can really be that successful without drinks,” they claim. The psychedelics have their own thing at this. “There’s a cash-flow cycle that needs to be maintained. At times, when we have a lot of cash, we sponsor the drinks, ” they say. And their fundas to woo the crowds: theme parties, fire dancers, prop introduction and celebrity guests. Say the Nasha guys: “We ‘re planning to introduce hookahs at our next party, which we ‘re planning in the first week of December.” “The city is catching up on theme parties. We ‘re planning to have a rain dance party in January with hot water flowing!! And yes, we have had celebrities like Upen Patel and Wendell Rodericks crash at our party!!” smiles AD. Music mania Avneet, a first year BA student from GCG-11 beams at the success of her first party, Second Sin. She believes that everybody must have committed their first sin, so why not let the second sin be to eat, drink, make merry and party! Her invite goes “Let the music intoxicate your senses, over power your minded consume your soul”. Her main motive— to arrange afternoon and evening parties, especially for girls, who have a problem staying out at late-night parties, and can’t manage at night. Being a party animal, she wants to make a name in the city to get more and more people for her parties. Eventually, she would like to get into the event management, and well, this is her first step forward! Says Avneet: “To keep parties exclusive, they should be held once a while and should be different. We had a fire dancer at our first party, and yes, themes definitely make the difference. People witness regular parties everyday. My main aim is to give them something which is different, which they crave for and wait for.” “Profit is not a motive,” quips in her partner- Inate. Adds Avneet, “Alchohol is no longer a taboo, even with the girls. Ninety per cent of the crowd is open to the idea. Even if they don’t drink or smoke themselves, they don’t mind others doing it and just go ahead enjoy the party.” Pooling in It’s no longer restricted to the rich lot to have their parties in discotheques. With the birth of groups and parties being organised by more than a single soul, even those who are not born with a silver spoon in their mouth are able to afford such fun. Chorus Nikhil, Aparna, Swati and Ashish, “It’s a better deal when two or three of us celebrate our birthdays together. We get a bigger, better crowd and it’s more affordable and it goes without saying, two-three times the fun! ”With the party scene getting more glitzy by the day, our sweet city shall soon be ready to compete with the metros. So what are you all waiting for?? Put on those dancing shoes, get ready those moves, all you people, and let the music take control!!
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Talk the Walk Walking back and forth to office is a good resolve but there are many hurdles on the way, So what if most people don’t walk to their workplace in Chandigarh? So what if they choose to burn fuel to reach the neighbourhood market even if it is just 100 steps away? I decided not to tread on the beaten track — the idea was to take small steps to shun the hardcore car culture. Can’t say the righteous thought was fuelled by some long-term global profits like the save-fuel, save planet campaign. May be, the last read ‘get-original’ manual or that ‘walk your way to health’ book prompted the decision. . The penny wise, pound wise motive, also backed the thought. Now, could there be a better way to reduce the fuel budget as well as fight those, to put it kindly, sedentary-lifestyle symptoms. Bluntly put, call it shedding that extra 10kg. If the 3-km trudge to the office required much sweat then a marathon effort went into setting off from home half an hour early. And that could be done only when much of the previous evening was consumed in locating the sun-block cap, glares and cream and readying the right outfit and footwear, suitable for the road as well as office. Different feel Though one has been a regular evening walker yet the march to office on foot felt different. For one, there was no getting away from the charging traffic and, gosh, lost count of the roads to cross. The ‘look left-look right’ drill learnt in school came to the rescue here. One had to mind one’s steps even on the much-publicised safe cycle tracks that had scooterists crazily speeding on them. I was swamped by a feeling of vulnerability: without the protection of being cocooned in the car, one felt exposed to all kinds of elements. The not-too-benign winter sun suddenly appeared more omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. It was impossible to shake it off one’s back, and all that fancy protection seemed of little use. But wasn’t it a rich source of Vitamin D spoke the positive thought as I focused on maintaining a steady pace. Class divide The traffic too sounded noisier. Racing in the car, I’d never heard so many honks lashing out from all sides. Now, with cars, scooters, buses whizzing past me, everybody except me appeared to be in a tearing urgency to reach their destination. I could have suffered a feeling of alienation had I not been on a high keeping tabs on the calories lost. Guess it is this lone-walker awkwardness that keeps many Chandigarians off roads. Not to forget the backward glances, which came as major dampeners. Though one isn’t oblivious of the fact that the teeming millions in India are not Honda and Maruti owners, this reality was driven home rather forcefully as one quietly crossed listless juicewallahs, busy labourers repairing roads, wandering rag pickers, puncturewallahs, cyclists and rickshawpullers. Somehow, the class divide appeared more real and stark from the ground. Interestingly, what prodded me on and lengthened my strides was noticing the effort put in by cyclists and rickshaw-pullers as they strained and exercised their muscles. Such display of physical effort is hard to witness when one moves about in air-conditioned comfort. Another ground-level observation: the roadsides that look unkempt from a distance are actually carpeted with litter. Pieces of paper, rags, pan masala packets lay strewn between grass blades on the pavement. Since the idea was to relish the walk, the mind refused to work overtime on the state of cleanliness or the burning heaps of leaves. Also, by the end of it I’d decided to pay no heed to the noise pollution that comes with traffic or the pestering rickshawallahs eager to offer you a ride. Counting calories The purposeful walk finally ended in good 40 minutes. There was a feeling of exhilaration. Wondered if it came by the feel-good hormones released by aerobic activity or sighting the office at last? Whatever, I again intend keeping my date with calorie-counting and my walking shoes as well as the traffic, pollution and squalour on the way. Hey, anything for that yummy oil-dripping canteen samosa.
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Stars vie to be Indian Diva
This six-episode special series will begin this Friday at 8 pm. Subsequent episodes will be aired on successive Fridays and the Grand Finale will be telecast on December 25 at 7:30 pm. These eight electrifying Bollywood sirens, gunning for the title of Indian Diva 2005 will dance to the latest film tunes. Week after week viewers will get a unique opportunity to watch the likes of Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Shamita Shetty, Udita Goswami, Rimii Sen, Parmita Kakkar and Koena Mitra perform on the latest Bollywood numbers. The viewers will have the power to decide their favourite India Diva 2005. All one has to do to vote for one’s favourite Diva is to send an SMS. The comperes for the show Rohit Roy, former Miss World Diana Hayden and Hussain will keep the audience entertained with their witty one liners. The Indian Diva 2005 contest is supporting children from the Vatsalya Trust, Sanpada, and a part of the proceeds from the contest would go to fund the trust’s activities. — TNS
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Voiceover girl
Punjabi television viewers know her as the Mubarakan (Zee Punjabi interactive music show) girl. Live show aficionados recognise as a live wire presenter, be it of the Limca Fresh Face 2005, the PTU extravaganza and other similar productions. “I’ve anchored the DD Punjabi’s live show ‘Sunehe’ in 2003; and also for DD Bharati’s Classical Music Concert organised at the Tagore Theatre in November 2003” she informs with a twinkle in her eye. A post-graduate in Mass Communications as well as an MA in vocal music, she can sing in four languages, viz., Hindi, Punjabi, English and French. She won the second prize for singing in French for the French Nightingale Night organised in by Alliance Francaise, Sector 36. Apart from singing at the Plaza Carnival at Sector – 17, Chandigarh, and solo bhajans and ghazals at the Lecma Theatre, she has performed in the Mohammad Rafi Nite, and was selected for the Coke (V) Pop Star Band in 2001. To top it all Kamaldeep is an accomplished whistler, and can whistle any tune. You can enjoy her art in Jagtar Jagga’s forthcoming music album. She has also composed lyrics in music. Considering her film star looks she ought to have been in Bollywood. “In fact, I did act in an English movie, “A Different Sunday” co-produced by Shekhar Kapoor. “But, frankly I feel ill-at-ease in the Bollywood milieu” she replies when asked why she didn’t pursue the filmi career. What’s she doing now? “Presently I lend my voice to different advertisements and productions especially of prestigious companies. For example I featured in the 2004 presentation CD of Mercedez Benz, and the voiceover is mine too. She is also negotiating deals or similar projects with different production companies. “So, are you planning to be the region’s voiceover girl?” “You never can tell. Right now I’m concentrating on improving my singing skills. Perhaps, Waheguru may have something different in store for me. Whatever it will be, it will be for the better, I’m sure.” Kamaldeep ended the interview with this parting shot.
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The look-alike
Everyone who takes a look at him wonders, “What is Sachin Tendulkar doing at the Tribune office, when he should be at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, for the ongoing five-match cricket series between India and South Africa?” Gave him a second look and you are still bewildered! He is not who you think he is. He is Ashok Singh, who looks like Sachin! In the city to act in a Punjabi comedy serial “Jaggi 420 Not Out”, directed by famous Punjabi TV comedian Jagtaar Jaggi, this 28-year-old man looks exactly like the Master Blaster! “Sachin ala re! Sachin ala re!” That’s how Ashok is being greeted wherever he goes. Hailing from a middle class family in Amritsar, this gold medallist in gymnastics from GNDU also served as a coach for three years before he found his calling. What his talent as a sportsperson could not give him, his sheer resemblance to Sachin gave him – fame and money. It was his passion to act in films that took this young man to Mumbai. It was lyricist Panchhi Jalonvi of “Dus” fame, who introduced him as an actor. This was just the beginning and the rest, as they say, is history. “One day while shooting for a film in Rajasthan, the natives mistook me to for real Sachin Tendulkar and thronged in large number to see me only. Then the idea cropped up in my mind to concentrate on this subject,” said Ashok. On Jalonvi’s recommendation, he got to act in “Hum Toh Lut Gaye Sanam” and recently he made a guest appearance as Sachin’s duplicate in the Shahid Kapoor starrer “Ishk Vishk”. There are two to three big banner films on the floor where I play Sachin Tendulkar,” he smiles. Ashok has his hands full making guest appearances on stage shows, acting in cameo roles in films and television serials. His list of accomplishments is a mile long. “I danced with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty during the Cricket CEAT Rating Awards organised in Mumbai. Apart from that, I have done many promotional events for some of the big corporate houses like Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. Singing is another hobby, which landed him on “Chalti ka Naam Antakshri” and MTV’s “Fully Faltoo”. He has never met Sachin he seems to have got even the little nuances of personality down to a pat! “Actually, I am afraid to meet him because I don’t know how would react on seeing me. I make sure that I do not do something absurd which could invite his ire”, says Ashok wryly. Describing his feelings, Ashok said, “Well, being a celebrity double is not uncommon. It is something unique in its own way. It is a God’s gift but if it is blended with talent then it is an art. I keep a close watch on Sachin’s look and try to be like him. It is true that we are recognised by their names only and it is equally true that while imitating the real stars we forget out real existence.”
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Dance is his thing
A commerce graduate from Hinduja College, Mumbai, Rajiv Goswami was always into dance competitions and had the knack of winning them all. This talent took him a long way. Since last four years he has been working with Bollywood’s famous dance director Vaibhavi Merchant as an assistant and has done big projects like Bunty Aur Babli (Kajrare, Dhadkan Dhadak, Chupchup ke), Dil Maange More (all songs), Baghbaan (all songs), Deewangi (all songs), Veer Zaara (Ye Hum aa gaye hain kaha), Lakhsya (Agar Main Kahoon), Neal & Nickie (all songs) Dhoom (Shikdum and Salaami) and many more. His other commendable work is ‘Honey Honey’ with Salman Khan dancing to his directions. He has also choreographed a couple of songs from Harbhajan Mann’s latest album — Dil Dol Gaya. Besides choreographing in movies and albums, he has also done some fine work on stage and live performances. He has performed with Shweta Shetty and Mahima Chaudhry as a lead and choreographed the GIFA awards and a line up of shows in Australia along with Vaibhavi Merchant. Apart from being a good dancer, he discovered he could sing well too and along with Irfan, he started working on album RG. Mujhe Pyar Se Matlab. Both compose tunes together. Irfan writes lyrics and he sings. This is how they both worked together as a team sincerely and honestly to make this album happen. Rajeev Goswami’s album RG. Mujhe Pyaar Se Matlab’ with the T— Series consists of eight songs of different moods of love and romance. It’s basically a dance album with around three songs being complete dance numbers with very different music arrangements. Two of the songs are soft romantic numbers with an element of pure lust. One song is on the darker side of love and one is a romantic duet number with Mahua (VIVA Fame). The album also provides two remixes of the original songs from the same album. The remixes give the album an extra zing and makes it a complete musical package. — Dharam Pal
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Black magic Back with a bang, yes. But no more as the garb of vampires and voodoo magicians. Black today is the passion with the prêt and pretty party animals, says Anandita Gupta
Black, the enigmatic colour is back with the bang. However, not as an expression of magic, mourning and madness. Rather, it comes as a refreshing style statement shouting sensuality, oomph and class. So, lets delve deep in the hearts celebrating the dawn of the drama of black. Absolutely in love with black is the Chandigarh based young designer Azalea Liberty Singh, a pass out from the London College of Fashion, “Black has been an eternal favourite for many years. Of late, we’ve seen a burst of shockingly bright colours but one needs a break from to many colours all the time. So, black is the rage once again.”
Laughs Sumitra Sinha, psychologist, “Black is, no doubt, a wonderful colour for formal wear. It camouflages the imperfections in ones figure and gives you that instantly slim look.” Agree NIFT designers Suneeta Shankar and Ranna Gill, “A globally favourite colour, black works fantastic as it can be teamed with a number of colours and accessories. Moreover, this bold and beautiful colour can accentuate all kinds of body types and complexions.” Another reputed designer Mini Singh explains at length what’s made black the new-age glamorous colour. “All kinds of embellishments, embroideries and exquisite works get enhanced on black outfits. Moreover, being a neutral colour, it can be both mixed and matched as well as contrasted with virtually every colour.” Chirps Monika Kapil, a Panjab University student, “As a child, the very mention of black colour brought to my mind images of darkness, decay and death. But, now that I’ve grown up, black to me means glamour and evening parties.” She winks. Seems like fashion connoisseurs have started looking beyond fuchsias and blood reds to embrace the drama of black. Time for you too, to get caught up in its spell and stun the world with your black magic!
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FILM & FASHION
‘Harry Potter’ Britain’s richest teenager!
My worst fear is that they would have realised that they are absolutely the stars,” Newell was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying.
Radcliffe has just signed a 14.4 million dollars deal to make the fifth movie in the Harry Potter series, The Order Of The Phoenix.
— ANI Rush Hour III in the making
Bowie teams up with Michael Caine Rocker David Bowie is set to star in a new movie with Oscar winner Michael Caine.
According to ananova.com, the movie is titled “The Prestige” and it follows the story of two competing magicians. Bowie will play the inventor Nikloa Tesla. Tesla is asked by one of the magicians to help him pull off the ultimate trick. Caine plays a veteran magician.
“Batman Begins” director Christopher Nolan will direct the movie. The film also co-stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The movie is adapted from Christopher Priest’s novel and will begin shooting in January.
— IANS Plummer absent from reunion Actor Christopher Plummer is being accused of snubbing “The Sound of Music” 40th anniversary reunion because he is embarrassed by the movie.
According to Internet Movie Database, all the cast members were present to celebrate the release of the commemorative DVD in New York. Plummer even provides much of the commentary on the DVD. But his absence from the celebration has led people to believe that he doesn’t want anything to do with the film.
— IANS
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yoga Chakras are spinning vortexes of energy situated above the plexuses and control the inflow of power into the body. When working efficiently they keep the physical, emotional and mental body free of disease. Adept yoga practitioners learn to cleanse, activate and balance them. Vishuddhi is the chakra of purification. Here the elements of the lower chakras earth, water, fire and air are refined to the purest form and become Akasha or ether. It is located in the cervical opposite the dip at the base of the throat and is symbolised by a blue lotus. This is the centre of creativity; all human innovation, arts, music, sculpture and radical scientific inventions are a product of this chakra. People made to constantly suppress their natural need for self-expression by domineering parents, criticisms from spouses or children, constant shouting and yelling in their environment suffer imbalance in this chakra. Thyroid malfunctions, soar sensitive throat, disorders in the lymph nodes, deafness, grinding of teeth and cervical weakness are some of the physical malaise apparent when the vishuddhi is not performing efficiently. Inability to listen to others, extreme shyness, small weak voice, or contrarily a dominating tone, swearing, excessive talkativeness and gossiping are some emotional manifestation. Balance in this Chakra enhances creative expression in one’s chosen field, communication skills, non-attachment to the distracting world of senses and an ability to live life truthfully. Adnya chakra is an indigo coloured lotus with two identical petals that symbolise perfect synchronisation of the left and the right brain. The function of this Chakra is ‘to know’ and here the practicing yogi enters the realm of the spiritual. Popularly known as the Shiva Netra or the third eye, it is located behind the mid-point between the eyebrows and perched atop the spinal chord on the medulla oblongata. The pineal gland is physically associated with the Adnya Chakra and its element is light and sound vibration. Lately, scientists are discovering many of today’s ailments of depression, stress and mental imbalance relate to lack of sleep due to light pollution. With various kinds of lighting such as street lights, night lamps, flickering TV screens when some one watches TV while another is sleeping, lights on hoardings that spill into the house; the pineal gland is kept active even while the person is sleeping. Socially, exposure to extreme violence and cruelty in one’s life, ugly frightening environment, sexual abuse, suppression of unsavoury memories and acute mental stress are some of the reasons for imbalance. The disproportionate secretion of chemicals in the brain leads to schizophrenia, aberrations in the psyche, hallucinations, obsessions, delusions, migraines other related diseases are poor eyesight, poor memory, lack of imagination and sinusitis. Balance in this chakra brings clarity of vision untainted by emotional or mental trauma. Sahasrar means ‘one thousand’ and here the yogi with help from a true master (satguru) learns to reconnect with the higher spiritual energy. The Chakra itself is indescribable and is also called the ‘shoonya’ or void and has to be experienced. Awakening this chakra leads the practitioner to a natural state of bliss called in yogic parlance as Samadhi where the final boundary between the Self and the Divine merge. Imbalances in any chakra can be cleared even if external circumstances cannot be changed. Balance comes from within with practice and gives the strength to face life’s turmoil’s with ease.
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Common cold: Changing season brings the onset of various types of respiratory problems, most common being cough and cold. The type of cough can broadly tell whether it is allergic or infective. A dry hacking type is typical of allergic cough especially if it is non productive in nature. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali
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Flashy yet elegant dresses, gelled-up hair, passes in hand, Chandigarians are all ready to set afire the dance floor. Party culture has elevated to a new level. It’s no longer confined to dance moves and music. With innovative names and even more creative invites on smses, party management “groups” have decked up the city’s party scene with élan. AD, an MBA aspirant from the Psychedelics Group, says: ”We ‘re a group of 10 “psychedelic” people, and our main motive behind arranging these parties is not just to meet more and more people every time, but also to provide them with an opportunity to unwind.”
“It’s generally a
Watch Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Shamita Shetty, Udita Goswami, Rimii Sen, Parmita Kakkar and Koena Mitra compete for the title of Indian Diva 2005 on SaharaOne Television.
Mysteriously, it has managed to creep into the City Beautiful’s party circuit. Sultry ‘n’ savvy, it’s making its presence felt by weaving a symphony of style and sensuality. Spreading its nocturnal charm over the prêt and pretty, it’s taken all and sundry under its slinky spell!
Failed “American Idol” contestant Corey Clark, who claimed that he slept with the judge Paula Abdul, isn’t giving up.
According to the New York Post, an anonymous man called up the National Enquirer magazine and said he had photos of Clark and Abdul in a passionate clinch during a romantic weekend.
But when the magazine examined the photos, they said it was clearly not Paula. Clark’s earlier claims were found to be false after an investigation a few months back.
— IANS
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who shot to stardom at the age of 11, after starring in J. K. Rowling’s first magical wizard movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, is reportedly Britain’s richest teenager today.
The actor, now 16 is richer than fellow teenagers Charlotte Church and Joss Stone.
However the director of “Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire”, Mike Newell is relieved that Radcliffe and co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have not been carried away by their wealth.
“They all know exactly what they’re worth but they have not become impossible.
Actors Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker and director Brett Ratner are all set to make a third “Rush Hour” movie.
They have teamed up for “Rush Hour 3” after years of negotiations and speculation, according to contactmusic.com.
Shooting for the film is scheduled to begin next summer and will be released in summer of 2007.
Tucker will earn $20 million and a further 20 percent of the gross from the movie. Chan will get $15 million and 15 percent of the gross.
— IANS
ARIES: You will be extremely emotional today. Be creative in your efforts. A good time to present your ideas and point of view as you express your thoughts clearly.
Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: White.
LIBRA: "The Moon" takes you through a difficult karmic situation today. Not a good day to take others along on a shopping expedition, since there may be disagreements. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Green.
TAURUS: Impulsive purchases based on an emotional urge are not recommended. Don’t splurge on something which, later on, turns out not favourable to you.
Lucky number: 12. Lucky colour: Black.
SCORPIO:
You enjoy sporty, energetic pastimes as well as artistic creative pursuits. A reversal of fortune should work out in your favour. A visit can be expected in the evening.
Lucky number: 18. Lucky colour: Blood red
GEMINI: Emotional impulses are very strong and you are likely to behave in a childlike manner at this time. Relationships, especially professional ones, can be tense. Lucky number: 6. Lucky Colour: Cherry.
SAGITTARIUS: Your personal charm and attractiveness has a positive effect on your career and reputation. Yin and Yang energies are finely balanced to bring success. Lucky number: 12. Lucky colour: Green.
CANCER: You are apt to feel at odds with yourself or other people right now. Over-sensitivity and childish impulses are stronger than usual.
Lucky number: 3. Lucky Colour: Maroon.
CAPRICORN:
Contacting people from your past or supportive friends is rewarding to you now. This is a very good time to go to the theatre, an art exhibition or social gathering.
Lucky number: 7 Lucky Colour: Crimson
LEO: Relatives will want to get together. Be financially prudent. Love could develop at social events. You may feel out of step with the people in your immediate environment now.
Lucky number: 4. Lucky Colour: Red.
AQUARIUS: You feel moody and easily moved by whatever is happening in your environment and less resistant to outside forces. Finances can be taken care. Lucky number: 19. Lucky Colour: White
VIRGO:
Fitness or weight loss programs will help your self esteem. Mingle with those who can help you get ahead. Emotional impulses are very strong. Avoid conflicts. Lucky number: 12 Lucky colour: Sky blue
PISCES: Make your influence felt at this time. Make efforts you make to advance your career. Independent action or taking on more of a leadership position are favoured now.
Lucky number: 2. Lucky Colour: Burgundy