CHANDIGARH INDEX

 





Kish Mish
Smiles are not enough as so many girls are greeting each other with mirthless shrieks, emotionless hugs and hollow kisses, says Saurabh Malik

K
isses - the tiny sparks of emotions that ignite flames of passion in youngsters - are turning platonic, and hopelessly hollow. Feigning excitement, Aysha rushes forward to greet pal Tanisha as she steps out of a semi-limousine in the college campus, gorgeously. Holding her tightly in an emotionless grip, the under-grad gently brushes her fair visage against Tanisha’s winter-rosy cheek before exuding a mirthless shriek. After paying lip service to their relationship, Aysha moves ahead in college, and life, before kissing other friends, comfortably and impersonally.

That is the way female friends like to greet one another

That is the way female friends like to greet one another

COOCHIE COO: That is the way female friends like to greet one another — Photo by Pradeep Tewari

Doggie Delights
Colouring, hair cutting, nail filing, body massaging and tattooing is available for Gen-X dogs in the city and there are many takers for it, reports Anandita Gupta

T
he air in this grooming-cum-colouring studio is expectant. Waiting in the earnest are five young clients, who are about to undergo a colourful change. They have been very patient, almost as if they knew that good things come to those who wait. A few more minutes to go and their hair would support subtle hues — golden brown, copper mahogany, electrifying blue and mushy Magenta to name a few. 

A well groomed Labrador takes a basket of flowers to the temple

Anamika grooms a dog client at her saloon

pret pets: A well groomed Labrador takes a basket of flowers to the temple (Left) and Anamika grooms a dog client at her saloon(above). — Photos by Parvesh Chauhan and Pradeep Tewari

Brand yourself cheap
Thriving on urban sensuousness, mannequins on the move are picking up designer wear that’s attractively priced. For less than Rs 2000, they are buying once out-of- reach stuff from the pret collection, says Saurabh Malik.

G
arments embleshied with delicate interlacing, intricate cutwork, embroidery, and a label. Udita settles for nothing else. As she walks down the aisles lined with silhouettes inspired by flashes of nature or the rhythm of colour, she picks up only the best. That also without pulling out much from her leather handbag. For, the undergrad knows flagship stores all across the city are selling more designer wear for less. In fact, she has just picked up printed T-shirts with crystals and logos, a couple of cargo-look pants, skirts with animal prints and bustiers for just-round-the-corner Christmas bashes. All from her own savings.

PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS
Healthy Hair

H
air is a conspicuous feature in many cultural definitions of fashion and youth. All of us cringe at the sight of coarse, dry, chemically damaged and thin hair. It’s simple— if our hair looks great, we feel great. But few of us go through life with healthy, fabulous head of hair. No matter what type of hair nature blessed you with, there are ways you can maintain the good health of your hair. Here’s everything you need to know about your steps towards healthy hair.

Painterly Patterns
T
here is a little painter in many people but what way that artist will express the innate talent is quite another matter. Some will, of course, go for the canvas, paper or fabric and paint their visions out to be hung on the walls. Others will paint with words, musical notes or dance steps. Young designer Azalea Singh chooses to paint in clothes putting in her talent for colour and design to the use of fashion. All set to launch her collection this spring, she says: “I liked to paint as a kid and as I grew up I found myself painting figures wearing clothes with wild colours and motifs. This is what led me to make my career choice and I decided to study fashion design.” So after completing her studies at the British School in Delhi, Azalea went to do a course at the London School of Fashion.
COLOUR RIOT: Garments designed by Azalea. — Photo by Kabir Singh
Garments designed by Azalea

Watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S the MTV way
Parbina Rashid

A
little bit of Archie digests, a little bit of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and lots teenage problems— what you come up with is the recipe for ‘Pyaar Vyaar and All That.’ Hear the title song Ghusta nahi hain in my head, pyar vyaar and all that and you know what you are in for. Meet Kush (Mishal Vaheja), Pia (Freishia) and Gaurav (Rohan Tiwari), three of the four main characters of the serial, who came to town on a promotional tour. Twenty-three-year old Mishal plays the dreamy character Kush, while Gaurav (whom you have seen as junior Saif Ali Khan in Parineeta and a couple of serials like Kitni Mast Hain Zindegi) is the guy whose entire world revolves around girls (sounds like Archie?) and there is Pia—the girl with an attitude.

Sequel to Basic Instinct in March
P
ost-production is in full swing for the long-awaited sequel ‘Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction’. Kamal Jain of Superfine Films in association with Anil Vig and Param Kalra holds Indian Rights to the film. Superfine Films in association with Anil Vig and Param Kalra hold the Indian rights to the sequel. Starring Sharon Stone and David Morrissey, the film is slated for a worldwide release sometime in March 2006.

SNAPSHOT

BACK INTO TIME: Reliving the magical splendour of the bullock cart race at the rural sports event in Mohal. — Photo by Vinay Malik

MARKET PULSE
Colourful collection

A
vigorous burst of colour and design has been added to it bath compilation by Tommy Hilfiger. This season Hilfiger brings the Italian Riviera to bathrooms by eight new colours to its Tommy towel collection: Capri blue, Positano pink, Fresco, summer breeze, weathered ivory, willow green, millet yellow and dune

Film & FASHION 
Who is the queen?

I
t seems the queen of pop, Madonna wants her royal status to re- affirmed now and then by her kids, as a scene in a documentary film on her shows The documentary, which gives new insights into her family, shows the American superstar and her children trying out the bed in her suite in a Paris hotel, and when she asks her five-year-old son, Rocco “Who’s the Queen, Rocco?”






Kish Mish
Smiles are not enough as so many girls are greeting each other with mirthless shrieks, emotionless hugs and hollow kisses, says Saurabh Malik

Kisses - the tiny sparks of emotions that ignite flames of passion in youngsters - are turning platonic, and hopelessly hollow. Feigning excitement, Aysha rushes forward to greet pal Tanisha as she steps out of a semi-limousine in the college campus, gorgeously. Holding her tightly in an emotionless grip, the under-grad gently brushes her fair visage against Tanisha’s winter-rosy cheek before exuding a mirthless shriek. After paying lip service to their relationship, Aysha moves ahead in college, and life, before kissing other friends, comfortably and impersonally.

Shocked? No need to be. Aysha’s gentle nips and sucks on girlfriends’ cheeks are nothing but a newfound habit. Passion, emotion and warmth? Well, those are the last things on her ever-shifting mind as she steals kisses in broad daylight, blatantly.

You see, brought up in the time of remix videos where lips lock even before the songs begin, she thinks little before planting butterfly-soft kisses of recognition on her chums’ visages, indiscriminately.

If the kisses leave on-looking guys aghast, Aysha is not bothered about it. In fact, the little miss gives a damn even if the guys mistake her caresses to be unfair signs of attraction towards the fair sex.

“What’s wrong with kisses?” Aysha questions casually. “They are nothing but ways and means of greeting ol’ pals. Why should anyone object to it? After all, we are not living in bad old days of Doordarshan where flowers, instead of lips, used to meet on the small screen”.

Parting her lips just a little bit, she shoots, “Wanna know where the problem lies? In Victorian age, a kiss on the cheek or touch of the hand between friends in public was considered a taboo. The traces of that mind-set still exist. In any case, parents, and of course guys, associate kisses with the rumblings of a hungry heart. They just do not realise that the end result of even a perfect kiss is not just sex.”

Sliding her arms around the fragile shoulders of a friend while coming out of college, she affirms, “Handshakes and innocent smiles are a passé for our gang of six.... Don’t you agree they are so mundane and out dated!”

Flashing her charming smile, Aysha asserts, “All of us have kissed goodbye to conventions and keep a stiff upper lip before sealing our relationships with gentle smacks”.

Oh boy! If you have been biting you lips thinking about Aysha and her overboard gang, go to any discotheque, even a fast food joint in the city. You will see face-front puckers replacing handshakes and hugs in greetings and goodbyes.

Rather, everywhere you look, you will find damsels of the world kissing girlfriends after swinging together. Or else, guys planting kisses without the fear of getting slapped.

Among the kissers is Nekee. She too believes in going kissy-kissy for looking hep in her day-to-day existence. In fact, the youngster often wears a top with inscription: ‘Kisses blown are kisses wasted’. ‘Kisses are not kisses unless they are tasted’. ‘Kisses spread germs and germs are hated. But you can kiss me baby I am vaccinated’.

This is not the end of it. She smears wont-kiss-off gloss on her luscious lips before turning into a kiss miss. “No fun in scandalising my friends’ parents by leaving tell-tale marks on the collar of their shirts and tops,” she sighs.

Phew! They make socio-psychologist Nitya say: “Hugs and kisses now-a-days have nothing to do with soul-stirring. Also, kissing in public is not just for 3-year-olds. No, not anymore. For, kisses have been reduced to the level of pleasantries, to be exchanged with acquaintances in an ostentatious world where affectation is considered a positive value”. Well, folks, it is time for you to kiss the reality. 

Doggie Delights
Colouring, hair cutting, nail filing, body massaging and tattooing is available for Gen-X dogs in the city and there are many takers for it, reports Anandita Gupta

Cosmetics and hair accessories for the fashionable doggies of the City Beautiful
cute n’ cuddly : Cosmetics and hair accessories for the fashionable doggies of the City Beautiful.

The air in this grooming-cum-colouring studio is expectant. Waiting in the earnest are five young clients, who are about to undergo a colourful change. They have been very patient, almost as if they knew that good things come to those who wait. A few more minutes to go and their hair would support subtle hues — golden brown, copper mahogany, electrifying blue and mushy Magenta to name a few. Their nails would be cut, coloured and filed with finesse and their bodies may even get a tantalizing tattoo. This would follow that relaxing body massage and a trimming of those untrimmed long, silky hair.

Frisky fashion

Well, don’t mistake these clients for gutsy women in glamorous professions, for they are the furry, fluffy and frisky fashion conscious of the city. The cute and cuddly creatures that cuddle up next to your beds, zoom around on the floorboard between your legs, and make you smile with their playful antics. Yes, they are the Gen-X doggies that are dabbling in many delightful luxuries today. And when luxury abounds, can beauty and grooming be far behind?

Meet Casper—an adored pet. You won’t spot her hanging around languidly in doorways. It can rather be seen luxuriating in a plush grooming studio, where its owner enjoys seeing her ‘turn beautiful’ over a steaming Cappuccino! A bevy of beauty and grooming services are being provided for the pet dogs today, thanks to Chandigarh based Anamika Kaushal, who launched her air-conditioned beauty saloon for the dogs on March 27, 2005. “I happened to see a programme on dog grooming on Discovery and the idea clicked. My husband, who’s been a dog trainer for 24 years, started working on the idea and this beauty saloon happened,” beams the enterprising yet very humble lady.

Trimmed tattooes

Opines Shiv Kaushal, whose name rests comfortably in the ‘Limca Book of Records’ as the best dog trainer, seven times in a row, “I’m into dogs since I was a puppy myself. So, I tame the most aggressive and untamed dogs and my wife gives a revamp to their looks.” The parlour provides a bevy of services, right from colouring, hair cutting, nail filing, body massaging and tattooing, which involves shaving off the dog-hair in a pattern. Laughs Kaushal, “It could be a heart, love sign or an alphabet. Whatever the tattoo pattern is, it helps to prevent dog stealing .”

The dog-lovers seem delighted too. Opines Sharad Sharma, a pet lover to the core, “India, I believe, is getting more and more Americanised in this respect. Tote tiny puppies are being pampered like kids by people. We already have separate, TV shows, websites, therapists and accessories for dogs. The latest addition to the city is a dog’s beauty parlour.

Adds Aditi, another dog lover, “Though my poodle looks very cute with its profuse mantle of untrimmed silky hair, it gets a shabby look every three months and needs a cut. A grooming studio clips away these and my doggie worries.”

Opines dog trainer Rajesh Kalyana from Panchkula, all set to take his dogs for a dog show in Ludhiana today, “Dog shows where trained dogs enthrall with their cute antics are getting more and more in the region. And so, people are more and more into the beautification of dogs. Even, I’m planning to organise a dog show every weekend, where well groomed dogs will show antics.”

So all you doggie lovers out there, you no longer need to bend over your pet, for that do-it-yourself-dog-wash or an unprofessional hair clipping. The tub, towels, soaps, dryers, hair clippers, massagers and nail filers are all there in professional hands. All you’ve got to do is burn a small hole in your pockets and watch your doggie darling enjoying its rub-a-dub-dub!

Brand yourself cheap
Thriving on urban sensuousness, mannequins on the move are picking up designer wear that’s attractively priced. For less than Rs 2000, they are buying once out-of- reach stuff from the pret collection, says Saurabh Malik.

Garments embleshied with delicate interlacing, intricate cutwork, embroidery, and a label. Udita settles for nothing else. As she walks down the aisles lined with silhouettes inspired by flashes of nature or the rhythm of colour, she picks up only the best. That also without pulling out much from her leather handbag. For, the undergrad knows flagship stores all across the city are selling more designer wear for less. In fact, she has just picked up printed T-shirts with crystals and logos, a couple of cargo-look pants, skirts with animal prints and bustiers for just-round-the-corner Christmas bashes. All from her own savings.

It may come to you as a pleasant surprise, but the fashion siren has not handed over more than Rs 2000 for any dress. Nay, not even for the garments drawing inspiration from the contemporary Victorian style, lace and romanticism.

“Until a few years ago, you could not buy a designer tube top or any other stuff for less than Rs 3,000,” says Mamta, Department Supervisor with a Sector 9 showroom. “But now, the things have changed. You can pick up stuff from Gunjan Arora and Rahul Jain’s line for less than Rs 1400”.

Explaining the trend, Mamta says, “The budding designers are realising that finish is not the only factor that matters. Price is also a consideration. So, great many young designers are widening their market base by offering the garments at reasonable rates, while established designers like Rohit Bal remain expensive”.

The effect, another city-based fashion designer Sunidhi says, is there for all to see. “Everyday we have 20 to 25 walk-in customers as against 10 to 12 a year ago. Needless to say, the popularity of designer wear is increasing in the city”.
But why? Well, for Udita and other on-the-move mannequins buying stuff from the funky Western pret collection is more of a compulsion. After all, they have no intentions of being the odd girls out in a trend-setting crowd that thrives on urban sensuousness.

Rather, they stand in the spotlight by donning stuff from the vibrant and colourful line that is attractively priced. In any case, both parents working and timely changes in the jobs have sent the salaries swirling up, making the prices even more alluring.

Trying on a black chiffon skirt with red lining by a Delhi-based fashion designer, Udita giggles, “Gee, with the stuff on I will be the centre of attraction at the late night party being organised at a friend’s farmhouse in the outskirts on the Christmas Eve”. Well folks, very haute, indeed.

PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS
Healthy Hair

Hair is a conspicuous feature in many cultural definitions of fashion and youth. All of us cringe at the sight of coarse, dry, chemically damaged and thin hair. It’s simple— if our hair looks great, we feel great. But few of us go through life with healthy, fabulous head of hair. No matter what type of hair nature blessed you with, there are ways you can maintain the good health of your hair. Here’s everything you need to know about your steps towards healthy hair.

Remember hair responds to what you eat, the same way your skin and rest of the body does. Your hair are a reflection of your health and overall condition of your body. Frizzy and brittle hair could be result of under active thyroid where as greasy and oily hair are a result of overactive thyroid. Any health problems or lack of nutritional deficiencies will effect the growth of your hair and show damage.

Excessive stress and some medications are conclusively known to retard hair growth. If you have a medical problem, always consult with your doctor before you undertake any vitamin, minerals or herbal programme of any type to make sure it does not interfere with any medical treatment you are on.

Since hair is protein, a diet that is low in protein may effect growth. A protein rich food results in improved hair growth. Good sources for protein are fish eggs, beans and yogurt. For vegetarians, soya could be a great source to stimulate hair growth. Tofu is a great source for protein.

Vitamins address variety of hair concerns from hair that grows too slow or thinning hair .Any nutritional deficiency can lead to thinning of hair or baldness- the right vitamins and minerals play a huge role in keeping them healthy for you.

After 40, roller-coaster hormones and the onset of grey hair makes you take on new challenges. Non- genetic hair loss is much worse in women who are deficient in iron. Evidence collected reflects very clearly that about nine out of ten women between the ages of 16 and 50 are deficient in iron.

Beta-carotene is found in green and yellow vegetables and fruits and is also essential for hair growth. Include lots of leafy green vegetables and sweet juicy fruits in your diet. Fresh coconut is excellent for hair growth.

you can maximize your genetic growth cycle through taking the proper blend of amino acids and B-vitamins. Your supplement must include B-6, folic acid and biotin. To maintain shiny healthy hair, it is extremely important to include certain minerals including magnesium, sulphur and zinc.

Some nutritional experts suggest the dietary utilization of calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ and a daily dose of two tablespoons of granulated lecithin to maximize hair growth, strength and beauty.

Ice cold drinks hamper the process of digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Processed and canned fruits are not helpful in supplying nutrients to your body

Cumin, black pepper and turmeric are hair friendly spices. Take a pinch of these and add to the vegetables.

Unending stress can effect the colour of your hair as well as health.

Massage your scalp daily to stimulate and promote circulation to your scalp.

Avoid tight hats or caps as they contribute to poor circulation.

Minerals and vitamins are very important for your hair.So avoid crash diets.

Chlorine is bad for your hair and scalp so after a swim, get rid of the residue build up on your hair.

Pregnancy, nursing, menopause even birth control medication can also contribute to hair loss and fallout

Another secret hair helper is rest and sleep, hair need an adequate amount of sleep- seven to nine hours is what is suggested

Your hair will love you if you keep them stress free. Try meditation or relaxation to cut down the major stress in your life Your hair can be your crowning glory if you treat it right!

Painterly Patterns

Azalea Singh
Azalea Singh

There is a little painter in many people but what way that artist will express the innate talent is quite another matter. Some will, of course, go for the canvas, paper or fabric and paint their visions out to be hung on the walls. Others will paint with words, musical notes or dance steps. Young designer Azalea Singh chooses to paint in clothes putting in her talent for colour and design to the use of fashion.

All set to launch her collection this spring, she says: “I liked to paint as a kid and as I grew up I found myself painting figures wearing clothes with wild colours and motifs. This is what led me to make my career choice and I decided to study fashion design.” So after completing her studies at the British School in Delhi, Azalea went to do a course at the London School of Fashion. What attracted her teachers there to her designs was the great feel for colour.

Of course, an Indian designer cannot but have a feel for colour for there is so much of colour in our lives and environments. In fact, to the foreign eye the first vision of any ordinary Indian bazaar can be blinding. But once the eyes learn to view the riot of colours, the feeling is beautiful. In her clothes that include trousers, tops, skirts and scarves Azalea has used colour very well in most interesting motifs. Her dotcom designs are a delight and she uses dots big and small to give circles of intense primary colours to paler backgrounds and at other times she combines the dots with stripes.

Royal grandeur attracts her and so her clothes have gold and silver touching them in fleeting moments. “I like to do things differently and make my own designs for sequins and embroidery.” Her other favourites are the leopard and tiger patterns and she also likes to put the rough and fine together. So it comes as a surprise when a denim jacket is bordered with brocade.

How does she plan to launch her garments? Azalea says, “Some months in the quiet of Chandigarh in my grandmother’s home I got a lot of time to work out my designs but I move to Delhi with them and work on more. Ultimately, I would like to set up a fashion studio there.” However, initially she would like to concentrate only on the clothes and not spend time setting up her own shop so she will be marketing through the existing stores like Ogaan and others. “I will have similar arrangements for Chandigarh too for I would like my designs be in the home ground too,” she says with an infectious smile. And what are her other interests? She loves books, music and meditation. In short all the finer things of life. And so one can expect her fashioning out well. Good luck, pretty girl!

— Nirupama Dutt

Watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S the MTV way
Parbina Rashid

A little bit of Archie digests, a little bit of F.R.I.E.N.D.S and lots teenage problems— what you come up with is the recipe for ‘Pyaar Vyaar and All That.’ Hear the title song Ghusta nahi hain in my head, pyar vyaar and all that and you know what you are in for.

Meet Kush (Mishal Vaheja), Pia (Freishia) and Gaurav (Rohan Tiwari), three of the four main characters of the serial, who came to town on a promotional tour. Twenty-three-year old Mishal plays the dreamy character Kush, while Gaurav (whom you have seen as junior Saif Ali Khan in Parineeta and a couple of serials like Kitni Mast Hain Zindegi) is the guy whose entire world revolves around girls (sounds like Archie?) and there is Pia—the girl with an attitude.

They look young and fresh enough to fit into their characters. They speak and dress up like today’s youth and sans the melodrama of Ekta Kapoor’s characters. Picturesque Goa as locales play a key ingredient in the serial while a heavy dose of popular songs by the Backstreet Boys, Michale Learns to Rock, Mariah Carey, Brian Adams- songs that today’s generation has grown up with-gives a contemporary mood to the plot.

Though on air every Monday to Thursday since November 14, we express our ignorance about the content of it. Vaibhav Modi, supervising producer of MTV network, India, is too helpful to give us an update. “Through this serial we are trying to address everyday issues in a teenager’s life in a simplistic yet interesting narrative way, through realistic storyline and ordinary situations and characters.” His everyday issues comprise MMS scandal, drug abuse, bisexuality, alternative careers, peer pressure —the list goes on! Produced by Cinevistaas, the show is being presented in a ‘seasons’ format, the first season having 40 half-hour episodes and each episode addressing one issue picked out of the lives of the four characters. The serial is written and directed by Sidharth Anand Kumar, who earlier had directed a film Let’s Enjoy.

That is not all! After finishing one episode the MTV team goes out on the street to take people’s viewpoint.

Sandeep Dahiya, Director, Communication, MTV India, explains the logic for coming up with its second daily serial, “There are 73 per cent households in India having one TV set. So teenagers are mostly watching what their mothers are watching. So this serial is for them.” We are left to wonder if mothers have the sole control of the remotes in those 73 per cent one TV homes, how does MTV plans to reach their target group?

He is also quick to add that the serial is not the ‘run-of-the-mill’ kind.

We agree. With Hinglish as the language, Bombay Vikings singing the title song and four baby faces staring from the giant screen that captured bits and pieces of the show, we got a fair idea that we are given a show that represents the true MTV style.

Sequel to Basic Instinct in March

Post-production is in full swing for the long-awaited sequel ‘Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction’. Kamal Jain of Superfine Films in association with Anil Vig and Param Kalra holds Indian Rights to the film. Superfine Films in association with Anil Vig and Param Kalra hold the Indian rights to the sequel. Starring Sharon Stone and David Morrissey, the film is slated for a worldwide release sometime in March 2006.

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the worldwide smash hit ‘Basic Instinct’, which grossed $350 million at the box office, comes from the Producers of Terminator 1, 2, 3, Rambo 1, 2, 3, Die Hard, Cliffhanger and Total Recall. The sequel was shot at Pinewood Studios and on location in the UK with Sharon Stone reprising the role that put her on the road to international superstardom in 1992: that of novelist Catherine Tramell. David Morrissey — one of the UK’s most versatile and highly regarded acting talents — portrays Dr. Michael Glass, a brilliant and charismatic psychiatrist who becomes entangled in Catherine’s erotic and deadly game of cat-and-mouse. A slick and erotic thriller, ‘Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction’ explores what happens when the darker side of human nature is uncovered. Has the intelligent, seductive and manipulative Ms Tramell finally met her match?

Superfine Films is recognized as one of the leading and regular Importers of foreign commercial films in India from past 18 years. The company is well defined with experience on foreign film exploitation in areas such as distribution, exhibition and imports. Superfine’s acquisition platform includes films like ‘Godzilla — 2000’, ‘Beautiful Joe’, ‘Jeepers Creepers’ (produced by Francis Ford Coppola). Besides this they have also acquired ‘Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of The Ring’. — DP

MARKET PULSE
Colourful collection

A vigorous burst of colour and design has been added to it bath compilation by Tommy Hilfiger. This season Hilfiger brings the Italian Riviera to bathrooms by eight new colours to its Tommy towel collection: Capri blue, Positano pink, Fresco, summer breeze, weathered ivory, willow green, millet yellow and dune. New Jacquards in stripes, scrolls and dots are added too. White ceramic bath accessories from the resort line are offered in a diamond cut as well as in a flat solid. Apart from its bath collection which comprises of towels and bath accessories, Tommy Hilfiger Home Collection also expands to include over five bedding collections.

Revamped look

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd has launched revamped versions of all its brands— Unicorn, Dio, Activa and Eterno. The vehicles have been technologically upgraded to add a touch of class and appeal. The leading two-wheeler manufacturer has also introduced Gen-next aesthetics and graphics in its brands.

Zero calorie sweetener

Sugar Free, the leading brand in sugar substitutes category has recently launched a new product Sugar Free Natura, a zero calorie sucralose based sweetener. This new generation premium sugar substitute can be used as a replacement of sugar in virtually every food as its highly heat stable. It’s targeted at all health and fitness conscious persons who want to control their calorie intake to stay fit.

New soap

Ozone Ayurvedics has launched the triple economy pack of Nomarks Scrub Soap priced affordably at Rs. 55.This pack will be available nationally at all leading outlets. The pack comprises of three No Marks scrub soaps and the customer saves up to Rs. 23/- with every purchase. This scrub soap offers the twin benefits of a gentle scrub as well a regular body cleanser.

Soupy delights

Nestle is now relaunching its range of Maggi soups .The new Maggi Health Soups are sporting the slogan-Taste Bhi, Health Bhi. These soups contain real vegetables, are low fat, Cholesterol free and do not have any added preservatives or colours. These soups will be available in seven different tastes including Tomato, Mixed vegetable, Tamato vegetable, Mushroom, Chicken, Sweet Corn Chicken and Hot and Sour.

Film & FASHION 
Who is the queen?

Madonna
Madonna

Ryan Phillippe
Ryan Phillippe





















Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley

It seems the queen of pop, Madonna wants her royal status to re- affirmed now and then by her kids, as a scene in a documentary film on her shows The documentary, which gives new insights into her family, shows the American superstar and her children trying out the bed in her suite in a Paris hotel, and when she asks her five-year-old son, Rocco “Who’s the Queen, Rocco?” he replies “You, you, you!” In another, Madge’s daughter Lourdes, nine, tells the camera she’s looking forward to the end of her mother’s tour so she can see more of her. —ANI 

Kim Basinger to model for Italian designer

Hollywood beauty Kim Basinger is all set to model for Italian fashion designer Muiccia Prada’s new 2006 spring/summer collection. A source revealed that the Oscar winning actress had been chosen for her special brand of ‘intelleactual sensuality’, and added that being a former model meant that Basinger was no stranger to the fashion world. It was further revealed that the actress had recently finished shooting the spring/summer 2006 Miu Miu campaign in the French capital.—ANI

Ryan Phillippe hottest dad

Actor Ryan Phillippe has managed to beat off competition from other Hollywood heavyweights such as Will Smith And Tom Cruise to be declared the winner of a new poll to find the “Hottest Dad” in Hollywood. According to poll conductors, In Touch magazine, Reese Witherspoon’s hunky hubby was the favourite because of his devotion to his kids, and the fact that he was part of one of the film industry’s “cutest couples”. “Men In Black” star Will Smith came in second while “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Johnny Depp captured the third spot closely followed by Brad Pitt and Benjamin Bratt.

Here is the list of the top ten “Hottest” dads

1. Ryan Phillippe

2. Will Smith

3. Johnny Depp

4. Brad Pitt

5. Benjamin Bratt

6. Matthew Fox

7. Tom Cruise

9. Jude Law

9. Guy Ritchie

10. Charlie Sheen. — ANI

Elvis Presley Patrick Swayze’s guardian angel

Millions of fans of Elvis Presley must be wishing that they were in actor Patrick Swayze’s shoes, for the star revealed that according to four different psychics, ‘The King’ is his personal guardian angel. The 53-year-old “Dirty Dancing” star said even though he was not a big fan of Elvis, he had been told by at least four mystics that The King’ watched over him. “Four different psychics have told me Elvis watches over me. They call me with reports. I’m not really a big Elvis fan but a lot of people have compared our sensuality,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying.—ANI 

Health and Fitness
Worm infestations !

If your child passes worms in stools, has itching or discomfort in the anal region , he or she needs to undergo de-worming. The little girls can have redness and itching in their private parts.

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

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

ARIES : What you really want today is peace, bliss and harmony around. Try to iron out problems, act as a peacemaker, and maybe in the process, you’ll stand up for your rights. Working women face mixed trends. Lucky  number : 5. Lucky colour : Creamy white.
LIBRA : Some tensions due to legal matters likely. You need to spend time with your beloved to understand each other better. Look at the gains not the losses.  Check your diet and try your hand at gym. Lucky number : 16. Lucky colour : White.
TAURUS : Advancement will be slow but sure. Take that much needed respite; treat yourself to something nice. Refuse to let guilt prevent you from taking a much needed break. A Gemini is moody but carrying. Lucky number : 7. Lucky colour : Purple. 
SCORPIO:  Today you will find yourself in higher gear at home. You are determined to get things into shape but do beware a tendency to be a little too sharp with others at points. You could hurt sensitive feelings. Lucky number : 17. Lucky colour: Scarlet. 
GEMINI : It’s going to be a confusing and complicated day. Loosen your grip , feel the freedom and expansion that only sharing can bring. A Capricorn person is not a great help.  Lucky number :  4. Lucky colour : Saffron
SAGITTARIUS : Your words are misunderstood and actions misled unless you make your intentions clear. Be in touch with your calm and sensitive side. Try taking up a hobby.  Lucky number: 12.  Lucky colour: Orange. 
CANCER : Do not spend too much on your lover or on luxuries. Work performance will fall, as party fever seems to grip your mind. Keep a check on your weight by changing your eating habits and avoiding rich and spicy food. Lucky number : 16 .Lucky colour : Earthy brown.
CAPRICORN : A budget of expenses will have to  be cut short unexpectedly. Many relationships are in for overhaul. You have to entertain an unwelcome guest. Focus on health. Lucky number: 3.  Lucky colour: White.  
LEO : Aim for cosy relationships and motherly mates. Your mood will be sentimental, rather sloppy and you will want more cuddling and probably tempting food than usual. Not knowing is half the fun. Check your waist line.  Lucky number : 9. Lucky colour : Sky blue. 
AQUARIUS : You will zip into the day at high speed, determined to get a few of your secret plans into gear. Heartaches of the past are forgotten as you get a new lease of life at work. A trip is just on the cards.   Lucky number: 19. Lucky Colour: Black. 
VIRGO : Changes on all levels are favourable and it is a good time to make them. A shopping excursion can set your budget ablaze. A recently made friendship veers onto a more definite footing. Lucky number : 15. Lucky colour : Lotus pink. 
PISCES: Your emotions may be getting in the way of reason, as you are over heated.   You may be talking incessantly about trivia, so mates may not always follow your drift. In love ? You may feel a left out as your partner does not reciprocate.  Lucky number is 9. Good colour is golden yellow.




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