Come December

Genetically Yours
Vikram Singh is proud of his Punjabi origins as he steps up the Bollywood ladder, reports Parbina Rashid
He is grateful to his Punjabi genes. He has a reason to be, if it bagged complements from none other than John Abraham and most importantly a lead role in a Bollywood big banner. Little wonder this Chandigarh bred model- turned-actor Vikram Singh likes to flaunt his Punjabi origin by wearing a half-an-inch thick kada on his right arm.
                                                                                                   Vikram Singh

Back to the Books
They fascinate, mystify and even have a cathartic effect on our emotions. Gayatri Rajwade delves deep in the delightful world of something that never ceases to captivate—books.

It is a captivating world of solitary splendour and salty emotions, of crunchy words which mingle to create a palette of fables that whisk you away to another world. The whiff of ruffling pages, the feel of paper carefully sprinkled with words forming magical pictures in the mind’s eye—books delight. BOOK WORMS: Books seemed to done the vanishing trick with the advent of the televison first and Internet next. But there are still those who love to read volumes other than text books among the old as well as the young. Readers of different age groups at the Panjab University reading room. — Photo by Pradeep Tewari

• What they like

Brands for the asking A second-hand market is flourishing in Sector 19 where one can buy branded stuff for peanuts, says Sanjeev Singh Bariana Don’t be surprised if you lay your hands on an original pair of Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Levis or GAP jeans or jackets at the at the rehri market of Sector 19. The price varies between Rs 100 and Rs 300. The product is original, though it is second hand. Interestingly, the second-hand stuff has a lot of buyers. A visit to the market in the afternoon and one sees a big rush. Hemlata, a student of BA II, says, “What difference does it make? The quality is good and the stuff here is very clean. One can always wash them properly at home with disinfectants. You get a very good deal here”.

Hot accessories
Anandita Gupta
Whether it’s a FabIndia shawl that you are wrapped up in, or a rehri market skirt that you are sporting, ‘they’ can instantly make your outfit fabulously wearable. However dull your dress may be, ‘they’ splash it with loads of spunk and sparkle. Didn’t get the time for make-up? Worry not.

Drive tension away with Yoga
Jyotii Subramanian
Yoga is a process of refinement. As in any other refining process, impurities are bound to be released depending on the individual practitioner. These may surface as allergy, excess mucus, sweat, headache, constant yawning, sneezing fits or sleep disorders.

World AIDS Day: December 1

It is not just Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, who is busy spreading awareness to control the spread of AIDS. City-lad Gaurav joins in the campaign. — Photo by Vinay Malik

Film & FASHION
Cindy wants Kate to mellow down
Supermodel Cindy Crawford has spoken out about Kate Moss’ recent drug woes, insisting the British beauty should realise she’s a mum now and should put her wild ways behind her. The American stunner admits she had her wild days too when she was in her 20s but they stopped when she first gave birth and became a mum to her first child Presley in 1999.

• Health and Fitness

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

Come December

You may mix your colours with brains but when it comes to mixing the Christmas cake it is the heart that counts, says Nirupama Dutt

The Christmas month is here promising fun and festivity galore. Preparations for the big day started this afternoon at Taj, Chandigarh, with a long table set on the Terrace Garden and the executive staff and guests gathered in joy and bonhomie to mix the nuts, currents, peals, liquor and more weighing some 120 kg for the cakes and puddings to be made at Christmas time.

General Manager Anil Malhotra said it was the first time that such a traditional ritual was done in the city or for the region for that matter. “However, it has been a tradition at the Taj group of hotels elsewhere. Usually, we do it early November but this time the weather was warm so we waited till the last day of the month, “ he said.

Spirit of sharing

GETTING READY: Taj Chandigarh held the Christmas pudding and cake mixing ritual for the first time in the city. Chefs setting the mixing table (top) and some festive cakes (above). — Photos by Kabir Singh

Festive food

The hotel is all out to make it a tasty Christmas and festive food will be offered at all the restaurants. In a week’s time the hotel will also put out Christmas decorations, which will be subtle for the GM has no wish to make the business centre hotel look like a Christmasy shopping mall. But there will be mistletoe hanging around corridors for there is no ban on kissing even when out on business. But there will be no dearth of good turkey, goose and what else you may desire to eat in the festive week.

It is a welcome ritual that has been added to the city and there are many myths and legends that surround the mixing of the Christmas pudding for cakes came later. Some traditions say the pudding should be made by the 25th Sunday after Trinity with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples. Traditionally every member of the family is to take a turn stirring the pudding with a wooden spoon from east to west, in honour of the three kings. It is also said that setting the brandy aflame represents Christ’s passion. A sprig of holly as garnish is a reminder of Christ’s ‘Crown of Thorns’. Holly is supposed to bring good luck and has special healing powers. Some add coins and charms for luck. Everyone then stirs the pudding and makes a wish. The universal wish, of course, is for peace and prosperity as was made today.

Genetically Yours
Vikram Singh is proud of his Punjabi origins as he steps up the Bollywood ladder,
reports Parbina Rashid

He is grateful to his Punjabi genes. He has a reason to be, if it bagged complements from none other than John Abraham and most importantly a lead role in a Bollywood big banner. Little wonder this Chandigarh bred model- turned-actor Vikram Singh likes to flaunt his Punjabi origin by wearing a half-an-inch thick kada on his right arm.

Life has been a smooth ride for this tall, dark and handsome Punjabi munda. After completing his Plus two from YPS, Mohali, he along with his family shifted base to Delhi. This also proved to be his step towards stardom. A portfolio with famous fashion photographer Subha Das opened the door to the modelling world. He was still soaring high when he met Raju Kariya, the public relation man to many stars and producer of two films Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Madhubala.

It was time for Vikram to shift once again, this time to Mumbai. It began with grooming sessions under different experts and after one-and-a-half years, he is ready to dazzle on the silver screen, playing a rich boy who romances Mahima Choudhury and her stepdaughter Kiran Rathore at the same time, a la Ridge Forrester style of the Bold and Beautiful.

“The film is called Sautan and is a love triangle between a young guy, a teenager and her step-mother,” says Vikram, who was in city today. And who does he live happily ever after with? “To know that you have to watch the movie. The climax is fantastic,” he says. Produced by Naveen Tak and directed by Karan Rajdan, the film will be released sometime in December end.

How about sharing screen space with seasoned actors like Padmini Kolhapore, Shakti Kapoor and Mahima Choudhury? “I never had acted before I came to Mumbai, but I had the confidence,” says Vikram, exuding an air of confidence. “It works, because even before any of my films have been released I have got good offers from big banners,” he adds. He did not want to reveal the big names but could not resist saying that his opening scene in the next film will be with Aishwarya Rai, a dream every newcomer dreams of!

Is he fussy when it comes to choosing the banner or script or the character? “Big banners matter for they are associated with good movies. As far as roles are concerned I would like to play doctors, Army officers, anything that I can be in the real life,” he says with a smile. But his dream role will be something like what Shahrukh Khan played in Veer Zara.

He is working hard to achieve his dream. “I sweat it out in the gym for at least one-and-half hour everyday to keep myself in shape. After all, it was my physique that got this role in Sautan without having to go through an audition,” says our hero.

And having John Abraham as his gym partner, we are sure he is no lack of inspiration!

Back to the Books

They fascinate, mystify and even have a cathartic effect on our emotions. Gayatri Rajwade delves deep in the delightful world of something that never ceases to captivate—books.

University students taking time out to read their favourite authors.

It is a captivating world of solitary splendour and salty emotions, of crunchy words which mingle to create a palette of fables that whisk you away to another world. The whiff of ruffling pages, the feel of paper carefully sprinkled with words forming magical pictures in the mind’s eye—books delight.

After the flutter the boy wizard Harry Potter created in our world of “Muggles” (commoners!), there is a motley assemblage of books that have come to captivate, enthral and make our senses dance!

Dan Brown remains the king of the bookshelves, however, creating a big buzz right now is our very own Chetan Bhagat—with his two offerings glittering aisles at bookshops—‘One Night @ the Call Center’ and ‘Five Point Someone’—continuing to pull the crowds at all leading bookstores in the city.

Sidney Sheldon’s new autobiographical offering, ‘The Other Side of Me’, has caught the fancy of readers purely for the large tome of work the author is already known for.

Non-fictions like Vikram Seth’s ‘Two Lives’, Amartya Sen’s ‘The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity’, and ‘The Mitrokhin Archive II: The KGB and the World’ by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin have held readers’ attentions.

According to Pankaj Singh, owner of Browser, “Reading is a habit that has to be encouraged from a young age, only then will the child grow up to read right through his or her life.”

So, for the young ones, there are a splendid variety of excellent choices to be made. “Christopher Paolini’s ‘Eldest’ has been a huge success despite coming on the heels of ‘Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. The book has been appreciated by a gamut of people, not necessarily just children,” avers Pankaj.

He points towards a series of Puffin books that have come into the market, stories with Indian content and good Indian authors. “After decades of hand-drawn, cheap paper and books with flimsy bindings, publishers are waking up to a whole new world of children’s books. Publishers like Tara, Katha even Zubaan are coming up with wonderful books for young ones.”

In the fiction category, the publicity behind Booker Prize winner John Banville’s ‘The Sea’ has prompted people to pick this one up to read as has the huge reputation of Salman Rushdie which has pumped sales of ‘Shalimar the Clown’. ‘Kardamom Kisses’ by Shinie Antony has also caught the imagination of readers which “despite little publicity has done well through word-of-mouth”.

Ajay Arora of Capital Book Store-17 believes the slant towards fantasy, especially for 18 years and above is the swinging mantra for the day! “Reading parents have reading children”, he declares, so Harry Potter, the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud (the third one—Ptolemy’s Gate is out) and self improvement books like the Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends’ are some of the hot picks. “In addition, J. R. R. Tolkein’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’, is popular as are Agatha Christie and Sidney Sheldon.

Christina Singh, Deputy Manager at the British Library, has a definite pulse on young readers since she is “at the desk” a lot! “Computer Science books, career oriented books are popular amongst the city’s 18 year olds.”

Amongst the piles of fiction doing the rounds, there are British author Andy McNab, Dan Brown (of course!), Robin Sharma, Robin Cook and Vikram Seth’s ‘Two Lives’ for which the demand is very high.

British Library’s biography section is very popular. “Young people dream and they want to know how to achieve these dreams.” So queries on Kalpana Chawla, Anoushka Shankar, Sachin Tendulkar even Sania Mirza flow in.

However, the final word belongs to Chetna Sethi, a housewife and an avid reader living in Phase 9, Mohali. “If there is anybody who knows how to write, it is Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison.”

So peruse, pause, ponder and pick—for reading is food for the soul, no less.

What they like

Noted theatre personality Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry is an avid reader of writer Amitav Ghosh. “I have read all of his works—‘Shadowlines’, ‘In Antique Land’. What I like is that they are a combination of history and fiction. The backdrop is historical, the characters humanised and the language is so extraordinary.”

Akaitab Bhattacharya a first year student of B.Com at DAV-10 says his all-time favourite is Dan Brown, “I have read ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Deception Point’ because the plots are easy to read and understand.” An avid sportsperson, he loves reading sports magazines, biographies of sports personalities as well. Agatha Christie’s mystery tales are another favourite.

Manisha Sandhu, a II-year student of the Functional English Department, GCG-11, dreams of being a news reader no less. So her reading is to improve her pronunciation and build on her reading habit. Ruskin Bond’s ‘Time Stops at Samli’ is a favourite for the ‘sheer pleasure of reading this wonderful author.’

Books are as important as food for Supneet Virdi, a student of II year, BA, GCG-11. According to her books are food for the soul. The last book she read was Michael Crichton’s ‘The Lost World’. As a budding journalist, she believes reading is as essential as that slice of bread in the mornings!

Parag Jain, senior police officer presently posted as DIG, Ludhiana Range, loves reading and is presently riffling through several books. “Jeffrey Archer is my all time favourite and I have read everything of his including the prison diaries. I have just finished reading Suketu Mehta’s ‘Maximum City’ and am also going through ‘The World is Flat’ by Thomas Friedman”.

Brands for the asking

A second-hand market is flourishing in Sector 19 where one can buy branded stuff for peanuts, says Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Don’t be surprised if you lay your hands on an original pair of Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Levis or GAP jeans or jackets at the at the rehri market of Sector 19. The price varies between Rs 100 and Rs 300. The product is original, though it is second hand.

Interestingly, the second-hand stuff has a lot of buyers. A visit to the market in the afternoon and one sees a big rush.

Hemlata, a student of BA II, says, “What difference does it make? The quality is good and the stuff here is very clean. One can always wash them properly at home with disinfectants. You get a very good deal here”.

Ram Naresh, a salesman says, “A buyer has to be patient to find the right stuff. We get the products in bulks from Azad Market in Delhi. After segregating the clothes into different price groups, they are kept in a heap for the customers to choose. The better ones are segregated and hung separately”.

Roshan Lal, a rehri owner says besides the middle class routine buyers, the stalls get special attention of college students, particularly hoteliers. “They want the brand names and do not mind buying a second hand things at lower rate,” Dorjay Wangchuk, a former student of Panjab University, says. He adds, “Instead of buying a single pant from markets like Sector 17 or 22, I have bought two jeans and a good jacket from sector 19. Similar stuff is also available in sector 22.”

Roshan Lal says earlier there were at least dozen more rehris of second hand stuff in the area. However, the Municipal Corporation authorities removed them last week saying they were encroachments. This has created a certain lull in the market, however, the things are soon going to be bright because the winter has just set in.

There are also a number of stalls selling jackets, which are not second hand or having big brand names. These are said to be original pieces and are definitely far superior than the routine stuff bought largely by the workers class.

Sneh Gupta, a housewife, says, “It takes a lot of time to make the right selection. There is no guarantee that you will get what you are looking for. At least, I could not find a single jacket for my son on two visits. Moreover, it is always better to buy a first hand stuff for wearing because of health reasons.

Hot accessories
Anandita Gupta

Whether it’s a FabIndia shawl that you are wrapped up in, or a rehri market skirt that you are sporting, ‘they’ can instantly make your outfit fabulously wearable. However dull your dress may be, ‘they’ splash it with loads of spunk and sparkle. Didn’t get the time for make-up? Worry not. For, we have ‘them’ to bring life to the drabbest of looks. And the best part, ‘they’ provide you a bold makeover without burning too big a hole in your pocket dear. Fashion without ‘them’ is like the sky without stars. Well, they are the beautiful accessories that pep up every woman’s personality. So as the city gets shivery this winter, embrace these trimmings to add warmth, colour and class to your looks. Here are a few cues on accessorising right:

Bold and brazen —Let the glam queen inside you pop out and stun the world. Get bold and beautiful with chunky earrings, brooches, bracelets, bangles and necklaces. Go for the ones in Kundan, Diamonds or gems for that graceful evening wear. You could experiment with silver, Platinum or even semi precious stones or beads for a more casual day wear.

Hair rising — A Diamante hair clip, hair mascara and lots of fresh flowers could make your hair absolutely fabulous. No need to blow mega bucks on hair colour then. And, if the chill is too hard to bear, go for a colourful furry hat or scarf to jazz up your looks.

Bag-piper —Stuff your wardrobe’s bottom drawer with classy evening bags that gel with your dresses. They make you appear very lady like and elegant, besides carrying those little what nots you need to take along on those social dos.

Stand tall —Ok, the chill is getting biting and its time to get into those leather shoes. But you definitely can’t do away with high heels. Step into high-heeled stilettos for those evening parties and formal dinners. They make you look slimmer and add an extra bit of appeal to your personality.

Shawls and stoles —Sheer mystery, grace, feminine appeal and charm. Well, that’s what shawls and their sleeker versions-stoles have always lended to a woman’s appeal. So, embrace these old favourites in the makeover game . Ensure they are in rich fabrics, embellished with bead work, antique work or embroidery.

Drive tension away with Yoga
Jyotii Subramanian

Yoga is a process of refinement. As in any other refining process, impurities are bound to be released depending on the individual practitioner.

These may surface as allergy, excess mucus, sweat, headache, constant yawning, sneezing fits or sleep disorders.

Other emotional and mental symptoms such as anger, grief, frustration, doubts, fear etc may also arise.

Many practitioners at this stage give up the training not realising that it is the body ridding itself of toxins.

Of course, all these symptoms need to be medically examined and proper care taken to cure them wholly.

Indian systems such as ayurveda and diet treat without side-effects creating a climate in the body that leads to healing.

Regular practice of yoga and meditation can tremendously support all forms of medical systems. Awareness is aroused that breaks all boundaries of rationalisation and cures the most stubborn of all diseases.

Imagine the body as a network of wires carrying electric current.

As long as the energy flows freely, the body suffers from no ailments. But when a person undergoes any physical, emotional or mental trauma it causes blockages interrupting the easy movement of energy.

Each individual, dictated by his genetic, social, environmental and behavioural factors, tends to store tension and stress in various parts of the body. If care is not taken to release this stress in a positive manner regularly, it usually translates into an ailment. Regular practice of yoga helps to relieve stress held in different body parts guiding the practitioner towards better health.

While people fine tune and align their vehicles, have its oil checked and changed regularly; pay attention to the external cleansing and beautification of the body; take care of the premises where we live and our surroundings, scant attention is paid to the organs in our body, the muscles, the tissues, the skeleton that support and works for a lifetime.

The body needs the same constant care and detoxification. Generally, notice is taken only after the onset of disease leading to discomfort. To feel ease in the body and mind, a yoga programme of 30 to 40 minutes, four times a week, can do wonders for a beginner.

The joie de vivre that a sincere and adept yoga practitioner knows cannot be expressed in words but can only be experienced. 

Film & FASHION
Cindy wants Kate to mellow down

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has spoken out about Kate Moss’ recent drug woes, insisting the British beauty should realise she’s a mum now and should put her wild ways behind her.

The American stunner admits she had her wild days too when she was in her 20s but they stopped when she first gave birth and became a mum to her first child Presley in 1999.

Crawford admits she was shocked by tabloid reports of Moss’ alleged drug use, which sent her to an Arizona rehab clinic.

“As someone who’s a mother also, I hope she can get help and still have a relationship with her child,” Contactmusic quoted her as telling Maxim magazine.     Cindy Crawford 

“I don’t think Kate wants to be a role model. That’s not the route she’s taken,” Cindy   said. —ANI

Elton John planning ‘hen night’

Sir Elton John has revealed that his fiance David Furnish is organising their star-studded “hen night” and wedding reception next month.

“I’m leaving that all up to David, the music and everything — he’s in charge of that. I’m hoping he’ll choose one of my songs but you never know,” he was quoted by The Mirror, as saying.

Elton hopes he and David can tie the knot at Windsor register office, where Prince Charles and Camilla got married. Speaking at London’s Savoy Hotel yesterday, Elton, 58, revealed why they are taking the plunge on December 21.                        Sir Elton John and David Furnish

“We’ve been together for 12 years and we’re able to do it, so why not? It gives us protection with each other, you know. If one of us dies it protects the other person,” he added.

Meanwhile, George Michael is agonising over what to buy Elton after being invited to the do. “Elton always knows what to buy me —that’s what’s so embarrassing. I never know what to buy him. “I’m too embarrassed to try because he’s got so much: what can you buy the man?” George Michael said. —ANI

Charlize grew up with geckos

Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron has revealed that she took running tips from lizards, so that she would be able to give a realistic on-screen performance in the movie adaptaion of the comic book, “Aeon Flux”.

The movie’s stunt coordinator, Charlie Croughwell, said that a scene in the movie required the actress to run on all fours with her stomach barely inches from the ground, and that the actress studied the running of tropical lizards called geckos, to help her with her movements. “We watched National Geographic videos of geckos to analyse their movements,” Contact music quoted him, as saying.

As for Theron, the actress declared that the experience had not creeped her out in any way, as she had often played with the slithery lizards while growing up.

“I’m from Africa. I know all about geckos. I used to play ‘Alcatraz’ with them in my yard,” she said. —ANI

Health and Fitness

Piles is a very common and painful disorder which can very easily be prevented. Small changes in the lifestyle and eating habits go a long way in preventing it. High fibre foods, drinking lots of water, regular walks and an active lifestyle can help keep away piles.

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

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

ARIES : Personal conflicts are resolved and family situations get better. Don't assume if you are not being given lavish presents that you are not really valued. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Purple.	LIBRA : Getting back into the work routine may be a bit difficult. Too many blocks in the way could leave you feeling disorganised. Concentrate on doing one thing at a time. Lucky number: 8. Lucky colour: Brick red.
TAURUS : Spending some time with your family could improve your domestic situation. You may overspend on luxury items for home but they will make you feel good. Lucky number: 1. Lucky colour: Sea green.	SCORPIO: It's a great day for travel. Where business interests are concerned, don't force issues—exercise tact. A new relationship has a spiritual effect on your attitude. Lucky number: 17. Lucky colour:    Pink.
GEMINI : Nothing will make you happier at the moment than peaceful conversations with friends. Your soul mate will be appreciative and supportive of your efforts. Lucky number: 21. Lucky colour: Orange.	SAGITTARIUS : Timing may be a bit off. Figure out when to push and when to sit still. Tonight may come as a relief—you can really get in sync with the fun others are having. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Cherry.
CANCER : You will tend to overeat since you want to pamper yourself. You feel that loved ones are being unappreciative, so you have to spoil yourself. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Red.	CAPRICORN : An overseas journey for business or holiday is likely. Some of you will get favourable coverage in the press. Investment in some property is indicated. Lucky number: 13. Lucky colour: Brown.
LEO : You don't want anything rough edged, or gritty, unpleasant or stretching. There will be moments of leisure and romance with the person you love. Lucky number: 12. Lucky colour: Pale yellow.	AQUARIUS : Try to be practical and don't give in to emotions because there is really very little you can do about it. Follow the trends; resisting will only lead to frustration. Lucky number: 8. Lucky colour: White.
VIRGO : Business and financial gains are favoured. You'll be working hard from the backstage. Most important, a major breakthrough occurs in your thought process. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: Black.	PISCES: You will encounter a few initial hurdles at work, which you need to address rather urgently. The help that you were expecting may not be forthcoming. Lucky number: 18. Lucky colour: Crimson.