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They are together in Play
Cosy ‘n’ chic! Owls by calling
MATKA CHOWK YOUTH SPEAK The storyteller
Schoolgirl Star Film & FASHION
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They are together in Play
They share a special bond and it is not just the umbilical cord. More than the bond of nature, Pamela Singh and Payal Choudhary Manchanda cherish the bond gifted by theatre. For this mother and daughter, the experience of growing up on stage together is something, which only the most fortunate ones get to know. Payal was doing her plus two when she realised acting on stage was something she wanted to do in life. Coming from a conservative background, her passion raised quite a few eyebrows in the family. This is where her mother stepped in. And to cut a long story short, both eventually joined Neelam Mansingh’s ‘The Company’, Payal as an actor and Pamela as singer. The year was 1984 and the production that bought them on stage together was Kissa Heer te Ranjhe da and ever since they have been together, acting on more than 13 productions and travelling all over the world. “The fact that my mother supported me by joining the group despite she being an working woman, bought us closer than ever. And this is the reason that I am a better mother today for I understand my daughters’ needs and respect them as individuals,” says Payal, a mother of two. Pamela, who retired as head of the Music Department, started singing career under doyen of Patiala Gharana Bhagwan Das Saini’s first disciple Amrit Bala Anand and later Jagjit Singh. It was Pearl Padamsee who had encouraged her to act. “She saw me singing and came up to me to tell me that I infuse a lot of drama elements into my singing. So why do not I act on stage,” she recalls. But her biggest drawback on stage was her inability to memorise dialogues when she was given an opportunity to act with Neelam Mansingh. But her singing talent was utilised for The Company and now she has become a permanent member of the troupe. “Besides having a powerful voice, she understands the nuances of singing on stage, which is no less than acting. As far as Payal is concerned, I have seen her flowering from production to production and her acting in Nagamandala was so powerful that I had to create a parallel role for her” —this is what Neelam had to say about the duo. A law officer with the Chandigarh Housing Board and a single parent, Payal attributes her very existence to theatre. “Theatre gave me exposure, confidence and courage to tackle life head on. It has also made me a better person for it has taught me to be more sensitive to other people’s needs. In fact what started as my fascination with abhinaya has become the basic fibre of my life,” says Payal. Ask her the most memorable performance of her life and she gets all emotional, “be it the play with one-liner or a play with main role, they all are close to my heart.” But for Pamela it was the play Yarma, a Punjabi adaptation of a Spanish play, which had B.B. Karanth’s music that gave the most memorable experience. So what about the future plan? “We would like to continue till the last breath of our lives,” says Payal. As we part company, she asks us to put forward a request to all parents on her behalf —“support your children in developing their hobbies. Do not thing a hobby can hamper in your child’s academic pursuit. If you give your child the space to grow as an individual, he will work harder to fulfill your expectations.” With two gold medals from the Law Department of the university hanging there in support of her statement, we do believe her.
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Expressions
in Tribal ART The cooperative was set up in 1987with the aim of raising the socio-economic status of the tribals through self-help and mutual cooperation for undertaking the marketing of the tribal products. Their outlet TRIBES INDIA at 9 Mahadev Road in New Delhi is a virtual treasure chest of tribal expressions. And they have brought some of these wonders to town. So here is a chance to add some rare tribal weaves to your wardrobes or embellish your homes with curios. What is more, all these products are eco-friendly as well as pocket-friendly. These have been crafted from naturally available raw materials. Metal crafts There is an interesting assortment of metal crafts created by the deft hands of tribal artisans from Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal. The Bastar bell-metal crafts are hard to resist. The Bastar metal-smiths are experts in casting the metals through the lost-wax process. There is a variety of these metal casts including figurines both animal and human. There is also a collection of utilitarian crafts like candle stands, lamps, bells hangers, containers and lamps. These objects lend class to the interirors even when casually scattered on the side tables. They make for ideal gifts for people who like something out of the ordinary. Hand weaves Tribals of the countries have been fashioning their own handlooms down the centuries. The very special quality of these handlooms is the incredible wealth of prehistoric memories, legends, mythology and history. These are woven through the cloth and the range of material of material used is inventive indeed. Tribal textiles of India are thus popular all over the world today. The Kinnauri shawls made by the Bodhi tribe of Himachal are a rare handicraft with festive motifs woven bright colours. The Mizo stoles are woven on the fly-shuttle loom with attractive traditional patterns. Many more interesting hand weaves from different parts of the country are available as bedcovers, cushion covers, tablecloths and mats. Some breathtakingly beautiful dupattas and sarees too are there with warmth of the human hand that has fashioned them coming as a bonus. Paintings Tribal paintings are something that are being used extensively in interiors these days for they have to them a long tradition yet a folksy simplicity of the form which appeals to people who may have problems grappling with modern and abstract art. The Warli paintings are a class apart, incorporating the sensibility of the individual and its manifest expression. Then there are the Pithora paintings that were traditionally made for worship as they were supposed to have the element of wish fulfillment. The colours from these paintings are made from leaf extracts, vermilion, lime lamp black and other natural extracts. The palm-leaf paintings from Orissa are very attractive and these are also worked out on tassar silk. So those wishing to add some warmth to their homes at wintertime, it is time to visit the stall of TRIBES INDIA. The exhibition is open till December 11 at Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector 15, Chandigarh.
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Cosy ‘n’ chic! Sakshi Kohli from Solan, presently Assistant Manager with a fashion institute in Chandigarh is a leather lover to the boot, it seems. “Leather boots have been my eternal favourites. High-heeled leather boots make you look tall, upright, slim and very confident. Besides, smush your feet in them and have that snuggly comfort!” smiles the young lady who’s planning to buy leather gloves this season. Neha Barman, “Belts, jackets and handbags in leather are very appealing. They make you look hip at parties, without making an overstatement.” Adds Palkin Sharma, a B.Sc student, “Leather will always be evergreen, thanks to its superior quality and cold resistant properties. But the best thing is that leather jackets and handbags in those blacks and browns have given way to dyed leather in vibrant hues. For example I have a green leather jacket and a beige buffalo leather hand bag of Louis Vuitton. tattoo leather with embossed leather –jackets So, be it an embossed leather bag, patent leather boots, a bead leather belt , a Faux leather mobile holder or a glamourous leather long coat, its sure to give you that ready-to-kill look from head to toe. No doubt, flaunting leather in winters has been forever fashionable!
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Owls by calling
Meet these call centre employees. World is easily accessible and within the touch of a button. They work through the nights and sleep through the days and by he end of the month they come home with pocket full of hard cash. Do you want to know more about them, then read on. Jaskaran and Meghna Bhinder and Raman andTamana Makkar are two such couples who are following a lifestyle which once upon a time who have been frowned upon. Jaskaran and Meghna work in the only functional International BPO at Mohali. He shifted base from Gurgaon for his roots are in Chandigarh.He met his wife Meghna in Mumbai while working for the same call centre. Married for one year, Jaskaran is working as Senior Technical support Executive and Meghna, in the customer care branch. Raman and Tamana both belong to Chandigarh and work in call centers. Raman is a graduate with an MBA and Tamana, a hospitality expert. About coping up with night shifts, Jaskaran says, “ It sure was tough in the beginning and often one feels sleepy around 3 am but then thanks to the strong coffee, we manage to remain alert. It is a hectic 9 hour schedule that we follow.” The shifts start normally at 4 pm and each hour onwards with one-hour break for dinner and two 15 minutes breaks in between. Every thing is done through the computer here, even ordering food. “Every time you want to break off Aux (Auxiliary), log out number three for food and number two for 15 minutes breaks. Buttons have to be pressed for the control room or the team manager to understand why you are not responding,” Jaskaran says. The company provides recreation facilities— an in-house gym, table tennis, snooker, sauna and steam bath. Raman adds, “ I am basically a team leader and deal with health services. We get a half-an-hour break for food and two 15 minutes tea breaks in between.” Jaskaran sighs, “ It is pity that we hardly make use of these facilities as we hardly have the time. Sleep and food is foremost on our minds as we leave for home.” So how do they cope with the daily routine of managing a home? Jaskaran Shrugs, “ It is Meghna’s domain or my mother’s. The food is cooked and kept handy whenever Meghna gets up. Shopping for groceries and vegetables are also her responsibility, which is normally done on the off days.” Raman and Tamana too live in a joint family which makes life relatively easy. Jaskaran and Meghna both agree that working together in the same company makes one more understanding to one’s needs. If either one is to catch on to their sleep, the other does not wake up him or her up. And guess what, they do not fight as there is hardly any time to settle scores. Jaskaran smiles and confirms that in one year of their married life they have hardly fought. However, Tamana is quick to add, “We have our weekends off and thus have time for both entertainment and fights. We mostly fight as Raman wants to sleep and I like to go out.” “Entertainment? Where is the time?” Jaskaran asks. He has friends in town but is unable to keep up with them as his day off falls on their working days. All said and done, this MBA guy still finds his job exciting. Meghna, the Mumai girl, on the other hand finds Chandigarh a bit dull. Both the couples zip off to Kasauli resorts to enjoy nature, tall trees and calm atmosphere or chill out just by watching a movie on their day off. They also go in for fast food, preferably continental outings or just spend some precious moments together with the parents.
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MATKA CHOWK Can we even imagine that once upon a time there was nothing called a cell phone? Pretty hard to imagine- if you just look around the city today. This little instrument has invaded us. I hear it everywhere, except maybe in the British Library. You hear the hello tunes at the lake, in Sector 17, in Tagore Theatre, in Shanti Kunj and in Fun Republic, even while the show is going on! Cell phones are ringing all around us – almost at all times. The youth – their social life will come to a standstill if you took away their cell phones. I see girls talking on their cells in Fabindia trial rooms, office bathrooms, elevators and in rickshaws. People are talking on their cells while panting on the treadmills, taking money out at ATMs, ordering hamburgers, fishing for change to pay auto-wallahs and getting their blood pressure checked. I know of a tailor, who notes down design details of your salwar-suit on his cell phone. My electrician verifies the length of Internet cable by calling me on his cell phone. My cousin’s mali calls her long-distance on his cell phone, to enquire about her choice of seeds. My sister’s driver has made his own life miserable by procuring a cell phone for himself. Now he cannot hide and he is getting non-stop instructions while at the market. My ex-part-time maid too brought her own cell to work and spent more time giggling away on the phone, than peeling potatoes or washing dishes. One evening, while she talked away on the phone, the dal almost caught fire! A cell phone rang so loudly at the lake the other day that a beautiful migratory bird took flight! I am also forced to listen to a lot of tales of domestic-help woes, while walking in on an otherwise perfect morning. While waiting to pay at a city store last week, I couldn’t help but hear some serious business deals interjected with zeros reaching lakhs and crores. My cell phone is a source of great fear to me sometimes. People I like to avoid catch me at all odd times – while driving, while writing my piece for Tribune, while eating sweets, and even while I am looking at a beautiful snow-capped peak in Naldehra. Cell phones can be so inconveniently kept switched off when you are in dire need to get in touch with the carpenter, the insurance agent or the washing-machine repair man. And since all the numbers are stored in the cell phone itself, and not in notebooks or memory like we did earlier, in absence of it, we are completely helpless. Now that cell phones have almost replaced the sense of security once inspired by traveller’s cheques, address books, friendly neighbours and cash in pocket - perhaps we can say “A cell phone is a (Wo)man’s best friend!” The dog and the diamond have definitely lost their edge.
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YOUTH SPEAK
This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.” - Robert Kennedy. Youth, a beautiful time of life with gleaming illusions, aspirations and dreams. A time to weave hopes and putting one’s best to nurture and achieve it. To be young is the enchanting experience of human beings. But today’s high-pitched lifestyle has inflicted youth with innumerable health and psychological problems. Health is the real wealth one can cherish all the life but the restless and reckless youth of modern times are losing this wealth. By being immensely careless in their living style and food habits, they are diverting themselves from the pathways to the abode of health. Unnatural food and untimely eating is the root cause of all internal impurities. They are compromising their long life for this tasty fast food. Youth is the time to do and be something. It is the time to widen one’s knowledge base, to learn and experience new things, to marvel at the beauty of everyday life and to work passionately for your goals and to build a strong foundation for future. The modern youth has to realize this fact that there is more to life than mobile phones, trendy clothes and hair colorants. The ever fast-moving and competitive world have thrown up a glut of problems for the youth, as a result of which they don’t pay heed to their physical and mental health and are suffering from the diseases which used to be doomed for elderly. Emphasis to dietetic righteousness and proper thinking will ensure their emotional equilibrium, proper lifestyle and would help in achieving eternal bliss. Discarding lethargic, sedentary and unhealthy life style will work wonders in their career and life. It will not only boost their confidence but will also proffer myriad opportunities to prosper in life. The need is to revive and reform this self-defeating lifestyle to be physically and mentally strong so as to achieve one’s highest capabilities. Youth ought to acknowledge the fact that one thing they can’t take for granted is health because bad health will have its repercussions sooner or later. Moreover, it is rightly said that in a healthy body lives a healthy mind. He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. After all, life is not merely being alive but being well. — Puneet K. Pardal Young and bubbling with creative vibes? Have something to say? Well, send your views on something you feel strongly about to lifestyle@tribunemail.com or Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C Chandigarh.
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The storyteller It was thus Arun Lata, a mathematics teacher at Jainendra Gurukul Senior Secondary School, Panchkula, embarked upon a journey to teach righteous values to her students. What began as human value lectures in the classroom, soon led this teacher to weave stories based on these values. “I wanted not only my students, but also other children to learn good values- differentiate between the right and wrong. So, I decided to compile my stories in a book,” she says, as she shows her collection of 21 short stories, now compiled in a book called Mera Bachpan Mulyavaan. This book has been published recently and is now available in the markets. The stories, not more than 500 words each, have an easy narrative, so that even a child as young as 10 years can decipher the underlying moral. The stories are based on five human values — truth, peace, non-violence, love and righteousness. But was it difficult writing in Hindi, considering that her field of specialisation is mathematicss? “Not really. In fact, I did my Masters in Hindi recently, just to get a grasp over the language. But even as a young child, I was fond of writing in Hindi. I was a regular contributor to my school and college magazines. A few years ago, I joined the Sri Sathya Sai Sewa organisation as a Bal Vikas Guru, and here I honed my skills in story telling, while I taught children about the human values. So, compiling a book on short stories was a natural progression,” she says. Not the one to sit on her recent success, the lady says she is already thinking of compiling another book on the human values. “But it is all because of the motivation of my husband, Ajay Kumar, that I have been able to achieve this success,” she says.
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Schoolgirl Star ‘Saath Rahaga Always’ is the talk of the town today. Everyone’s curious about this girl who is playing the role of Peehu Bhargava. A few know that the popular serial with campus backdrop has a beautiful young actress Neha Marda. Neha has been dancing since the age of three and continues to do so passionately. This beautiful Plus two student has already made it big in television with her debut in TV serial in Sahara One’s new campus show ‘Saath Rahega Always’. Neha Marda has just begun to take life on a professional note. Talking about the role of Peehu Bhargava in ‘Saath Rahega Always she says, ‘‘I was participating in the dance competition TV show when Ravi Behl told me that I should give acting a shot. I sent my dialogue CD to the producers of the serial when I got to know that they were working on a campus show and that’s how I got the debut rule in Saath Rahega Always. The serial does not focus on just one aspect of the students but also revolves around a lot of issues that students face. Besides, it echoes the sentiment that even if we plan well during our college days about our future the life ahead may not turn out to be as planned. Neha Marda is very firm about what she wants from life.
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Film & FASHION The ‘Princess of Pop’, singer Britney Spears has reportedly sought the help of a psychic to find out whether hubby Kevin Federline will be cheating on her in the future.
A friend of the singer said she was sought the psychic’s help as she was worried about whether or not the marriage would be able to survive Federline’s wild partying ways, that have continued even after the birth of their son, Sean Preston, in September this year.
“She wants to know if the marriage will last,” the Sun quoted the friend, as saying.
— ANI Tongue-tied Woody Comedian Woody Allen has reportedly admitted that his directorial skills far outshine his social graces, as he finds it difficult to strike up a conversation with people.
The Annie Hall film-maker auditions his casts simply by watching their previous work on video, before they visit him for a brief visual check, because he has never mastered the art of chit-chat.
“I am not a great social person. I don’t like to meet people and it’s a very uncomfortable thing when an actor or actress comes in (to audition), so I usually cast from films and videos,” he was quoted by Contactmusic as saying.
— ANI Courtney still misses her husbands Singer Courtney Love has revealed that for years after her husband, ‘Nirvana’ frontman Kurt Cobain, committed suicide, she had nursed the secret hope that he would come back from the dead and be her saving grace.
Love admitted that as unstable as it sounded, she had actually felt that Cobain would come back and save her. “For a long time I had this fantasy - as unstable as it sounds - that my husband was going to come back from the dead and save me. But that’s not going to happen and I know that,” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying.
— ANI Kate will never reveal
Kate Winslet may have set the screen on fire with her nude scene in blockbuster ‘Titanic’, but ‘fat days’ are now forcing the glamourous actress to keep her body under wraps.
The 30-year-old mum of two, who found it an ordeal to bare all in her latest film ‘All the King’s Men’, has vowed never to strip off again for a movie.
Winslet said she had struggled with her weight in the past also, but now she can’t stand to watch her “floppy boobs and big bum” on screen.
— ANI
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Health and Fitness Hair fall- A distressing complaint especially from ladies. It could be a part of a major disease process. Usually it is due to nutritional deficiencies, bad scalp hygiene. So take a well-balanced diet and keep your hair clean and well-combed. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.
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TAROT TALK
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Indian tribal art is perhaps the richest and the most diverse in the world. For long years tribals living in small-secluded parts of the country have been fashioning fabric, metal, wood, bamboo, grass and much else into exquisite art artifacts. In recent years, there has been an effort to promote tribal art by both governmental agencies and NGOs with a view to better the lot of the tribals. These handicrafts are now a rage and Tribes India, an outlet of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd, that is a rage in Delhi, have set up shop at the Himachal handicrafts exhibition at Lajpat Rai Bhawan in Chandigarh..jpg)
Come winters and the penchant for la-di-da-swinging sets the wheel of prime party mode rolling. Chandigarh too is witnessing a whirlpool of such parties, where people are letting their hair down and boogie-woogieing till wee hours of the morning. And to get that fun quotient rise feverishly high, one needs to beat the chill by dressing up snug. For that forever fashionable, yet cosy piece of clothing, what else could one vouch for than the à la mode leather! Lets check out what’s making leather long-coats, jackets and boots lend that lively camaraderie to every party..jpg)
Priya Roach, an interior design student believes in accessorising right with leather, “For me it’s not just outfits that matter. Accessories that complement your outfit are very important too. And so, my wardrobe is filled with leather overcoats, wristbands, and belts in colours like beige, black, brown and even pink,” she says. Agrees hostler .jpg)
Adds Kavneet, “Leather today is available in incredibly bright colours like Fuchsia, Red, Green, Pink and Red. Tattoo leather and embossed leather is hot for the parties too. Even leather gloves are available in many colours .jpg)
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After
years of teaching school children, especially the adolescents, Arun Lata
was certain that children were no longer taught about moral and human
values. The break down of the joint family system and stressful lifestyle
of their working parents; and commercialisation of education in schools,
were all responsible for this erosion of moral, human and cultural values..jpg)
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ARIES: “ Ten of pentacles” bode extremely well for relationship and romance. You may have some ideas for new business ventures. Professionally, you gain clarity.
Lucky number : 21. Lucky colour : White.
LIBRA: You are giving a lot of your time to other people. Remember you have your own needs too. Watch what you spend on having fun. Lucky Number : 10.Lucky colour : Pink. 
TAURUS : Several favourable opportunities for investment on a short-term basis will materialize. Those keen on going in for higher studies or research will get all the help and support.
Lucky number : 4. Lucky colour : Brick Red. 
SCORPIO:
You need to consider other people’s feelings too. Everyone has their shortcomings, even you. Be prepared to forgive and forget. Don’t let a small understanding come between you. Lucky Number : 10. Lucky colour: Pink. 
GEMINI : Social activities and outings prove to be exciting. Difference in love will be resolved and will lead to further strengthening of the ties. You will enjoy domestic felicity.
Lucky Number : 9. Lucky colour : Red. 
SAGITTARIUS : Patient and prudent efforts can prove to be fruitful, particularly regarding money matters. Be more prompt with your work and duties. Check your diet chart.
Lucky Number : 11. Lucky colour : Green . 
CANCER : You may be taken aback by the behaviours of your beloved. You may be feeling just a bit isolated or under-appreciated at the moment. Just enjoy this quiet time.
Lucky Number : 2 Lucky colour : Sea green. 
CAPRICORN : New ideas will hinder progress. Stick with what you know and are familiar with if you want to do well today. Visits to friends and family restore your balance.Lucky Number : 20. Lucky colour : Black.
LEO : Have fun and don’t count the cost, at least not yet. If there are disagreements with colleagues or loved ones, don’t lose your temper. Express your opinions and use
diplomacy. Lucky Number : 12. Lucky colour : White. 
AQUARIUS : “ The Emperor” gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Just move cautiously, trying tact rather than foot stamping for best results. More sensitive and emotional than usual, you want happy family
relations. Lucky Number : 17. Lucky colour :
Black.
VIRGO : Don’t look for smooth-sailing at work. Pleasure plans are subject to last-minute changes Wait for a more constant pattern to emerge before implementing new ideas. Lucky Number : 10. Lucky colour : White. 
PISCES:
An ideal day for being at home with the family. Watch that you don’t over react and end up feeling hurt by even the slightest whiff of criticism. Your love life seems to be getting more exciting. Lucky Number : 17. Lucky colour : White