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What’s in a name? A lot
Music in his veins ENCOUNTER YOGA Writeback
Saira Bano calling shots in Bhojpuri movie BOLLYWOOD BUZZ Film & FASHION Sculpting the campus Canine Success
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Changing surname after marriage is fast becoming out of the ordinary for so many maidens-no-more living in a material whirl of malls, multiplexes and mobiles. An impressive number of young brides in the city are sticking on to the identities they were born and brought up with, says
Saurabh Malik
Automatic fingers furiously striking the computer keys type in the maiden name before Deepali Sharma clicks the send tab for shooting off the mail to a friend across the seas. Three years have lapsed since she legalised her relationship with school-time friend Rahul Khaurana by tying the knot, but the maiden-no-more has just not changed her name. An interior decorator by qualification, and a housewife by choice, the Sector 20 resident gave up “every thing” after marriage - her job, her career and even her individual bank account. In fact, she is happy sharing bank lockers with her business executive husband. But she simply refuses to surrender the name she was born and brought up with. Call her “high headed” or “obstinate”, Deepali and so many others like her, living life in the posh northern sectors or existing in the bourgeois southern ones, just do not “give a damn”. No not anymore. Belonging to the new generation of urban Indian women breathing in a material whirl of malls, multiplexes and mobiles, they believe in sticking on to their identities even after a change in circumstances and environment. They either squeeze husbands’ name in between their first and the surname or indicate the maiden name by using the word “née” - pronounced as nay or nee. Or else, continue using their maiden name. “Oh, yes! They were there earlier also, but their number was limited to a few IAS officers, lecturers and other professionals,” says a sociology lecturer with a local government college. “Their explanation for not changing the name was not hard to comprehend. All documents, including passports and appointments letters, even bank accounts, were in their maiden names”.
But now you meet even housewives with maiden names in private parties organised in and around the city every now and then. “Initially, I thought the process of changing the surname would come naturally to me,” says a freelance journalist writing for an English daily. “But then I realised it was not all that easy. After all you just cannot give up, along with your name, everything you have ever achieved in life”. Inhaling a deep breath, she says, “The idea of acquiring a new name and identity started giving me the creeps. I realised all my achievements would be buried, along with the particularity I cherished since my maidenhood days. The readers would simply think a new reporter has joined in, forgetting all the stories I broke. Phew! The idea was scary. In any case, no man is worth changing your name for”. Her sister Renu had to encounter “identify crisis” upon opening the door to married life. In the reception banquet, she was introduced as Rajinder Chauhan and Mahesh Chauhan’s second daughter-in-law. “Even after several months, she failed to realise that change in name does not imply a loss of individuality. It only indicates the addition of new roles,” says the sociologist after examining her case. Renu’s refusal to “follow the custom” resulted in serious arguments with her thirty-something husband Rajinder Chauhan. He went up to the extent of accusing her of being self-centered and indifferent towards his family. “Asking her to change the name is like indulging in a wild goose chase, where the goose refuses to budge,” says Chauhan sarcastically. In Neki Nalwa’s case, refusal to change the birth name and give the same to her son reportedly led to serious problems with husband Sukhwinderjit Singh. In a letter written in distress to his father-in-law before he was shot in the head, Sukhwinderjit Singh expressed anguish over his wife’s refused to change her name, perhaps, because Neki though she belonged to a superior race. Neki and her friend Brandy are currently behind bars on the allegations of hatching a conspiracy and eliminating Sukhwinderjit Singh. Well, folks, the debate goes on and on despite good old William Shakespear’s famous quote: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Guess no one listens to him, anymore.
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Bloodlines surely run deep. First, it was Jaspinder Narula who zapped music lovers with her deep-throated voice and now, it’s brother Micky who’s all set to create music-magic, reports
Anandita Gupta
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resonant full-throated voice, immaculate accent and flawless sur. Immense talent that’s glided from spicy to Sufi genre with the ease of a proud swan. Thankfully, he’s not one of those mimicry artists who embark on their tour de fame by imitating singing sensations. No claim to fame or songs racing up the charts either. Still, what strikes as special about this young music-composer, singer and animal behaviorist is much more than his sister Jaspinder Narula. When sis Jaspinder sang the chirpy number, “Munda tu hai Punjabi sohna,” in that full-throated, melody-wrapped voice, she was perhaps referring to her younger bro. For, the young lad first strikes the eye as some à la mode model. Only later, his forte dawns upon you. But where’s all this charm springing from? It’s perhaps his humility. Moving beyond that, it’s his ability to mingle love for Hakiki (God) and Habibi (beloved) in his songs. What’s more, he’s not just embraced Sufi singing but made it more sensual, by giving it techno beats. Thanks to his forte for composing music This music composer who’s composed music with Sunidhi Chauhan, Kumar Sanu, Bali Bramabhat, Sonu Nigam and sis Jaspinder Narula breezed the City Beautiful this sunny Wednesday morn to formally launch his album Ranjhan Yaar by Frankfinn Music, the new division of Frankfinn Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd. The album has eight Sufi songs, all based on the pious Heer-Ranjha love. The title song Ranjhan Yaar by Narula, that exudes charm, mysticism and romance, speaks of his classical singing skills. Ask the singer-composer and he seems hopeful, “I’d hate to blow my own trumpet. Just wanna say that I’ve dabbled in singing since I was a five-year-old toddler. And I’ve given my best to this album. It’ll surely win your hearts.” But why’s he selling his music through a video album? Muses the artist, “Well, music nowadays is more for the eyes than ears. That’s how the trend is. So what’s the harm in establishing oneself through it?” And how does it feel to have music running in his veins? Laughs Narula, “It’s amazing to have a family who understands and supports your talent so well. My father K.S Narula has always been my best critic and sister Jaspinder my best buddy. I can’t even breathe without them! Mention his fondest memory with sis Jaspinder and he smiles gleefully, “Both of us are animal lovers. So at a shoot we had at Africa, we went for a terrific safari ride. I had the time of my life,” he grins. Any future plans? He definitely has his hands full, with having Hollywood flicks named ‘Gold bracelet’ and ‘My Nanaji’s Wedding’ besides Lollywood movie ‘Dil se Dil Tak’ to compose music for. “Gold Bracelet has a subject very close to my heart. It’s based against the tragedies that struck Sikhs abroad post the 9/11 attacks. The very mention of this movie moves me to tears,” he gets emotional. And how about acting? He quips, “I believe in specializing in my chosen field. But I’m also open to singing and acting, if opportunity knocks on my door.” Perhaps he’s right. You never know, after all, when the Gods smile down upon you and make you another A.R Rehman!
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ENCOUNTER Alka, who till a few years back was known as her better half’s best, had lots too celebrate and little to worry, the closest she came to difficulty was finding time to attend to all her social responsibilities which came upon her owing to her family obligations, social and economic status. Sounds familiar? Till, one day like Alka says, “I learnt the difference between demise and sorrow, that losing a person you love is something so deep than losing a husband, Yes, I lost Channi. I lost will, I lost hope, I lost faith, maybe I lost Life.” Today, Alka is an unusually energetic person. Warm, as one would perhaps call her, she gurgles a hearty laugh that merges merrily with her ringing Punjabi accent. “I used to think cosmetic surgeries transform people but losses do too. From seeing an electricity bill for the first time in my life, to realising that the world of kitties, dinners, and cards is so fake, so unreal. The journey has been long. Therapy always comes from within and it brings along with it added benefits that besides dealing with the pain and loss also does its bit for evolvement and spirituality.” Life is a balancing act. And the weights have done their job here as well. “I have the most wonderful kids that I could ever ask for. And they have encouraged me to be my own person. Today I believe in myself today I have stopped asking and praying for things to happen to me. I make then happen. Today I give more attention to myself and to the growth inside me. I am stronger today. I have a mind of my own today. “ Charanjit Chandhoke, Alka’s husband was a well-known architect. She picked up the threads from his profession and of course the innate artist in her decided to express itself. “Whatever I am today is because of Chan (fondly addressed by Alka), I owe everything to him. I wish he could see me today for the person I am.” Resettlement? “I have never felt more settled than today. Great girlfriends make it worth it.” She does not fight the cyclical process of development, sees it as evolutionary and firmly believes that the essence remains permanent.” Whatever has to happen, will happen. I live for today. The jewellery today I adorn is my attitude.” Catharsis is what Freud would have termed this dialogue. I see it as
self-actualisation.
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YOGA Now all this is a scientific possibility as the yogis believe that when the energy flows into the human brain, through this reversal, it activates the dormant centres of the brain. It is popular knowledge that the human being today is using only one-tenth of his brain capability; nine-tenth of it is still in a sleeping state shrouded in mystery and topic of many a scientific research. Through pranayama and kundalini yoga, the yogi activates these centres and experiences the power that it unleashes. True masters always warn their disciples not to be impressed by these siddhis or use them for material gains. An exercise in dharana Sit comfortably on a chair or mat. Start breathing gently and move into a mode of watchful breathing without participating in the breathing. Watch as the breath flows in with the inhalation and as it flows out with the exhalation. Then shift your awareness to the cessation of breath between the inhalation and exhalation. That is the gap between when the breath flows in and when it flows out and vice versa. Do this for three to five minutes daily. The fruit of true yoga is in the union of the individual consciousness with the divine consciousness; when the individual experiences oneness with the cosmos, which is the state of self-realisation and the first level of Samadhi, the eighth and final stage of yoga. After experiencing pratyahar—the fourth stage of yoga—the practitioner moves to dharana. With one-pointed concentration, the yogi gathers all the energy to focus on a given object. This may be a sound, a vision, a sensation or a combination of all three, which depends on the guru who is guiding and decides the best possible method suited to the individual disciple. During the practice of dharana, once again, the mind may throw up negative thoughts, doubts and restlessness resulting in an inability to sit for meditation. Since one is dealing with the mysterious depths of the cerebral system, people may even perceive the practitioner to be suffering from bouts of madness. This is the reason that any person seriously practicing yoga at this stage must know the form of yoga being practiced and the lineage of the teacher. Constant concentration on the given object slowly trains the practicing yogi to cut through all extraneous thoughts and mind stuff to gradually reach a centre of silence where the witness consciousness is fully awakened. Like water takes the shape of the vessel it’s poured into, the yogi becomes part of the object being focussed upon. The centres of the brain open up and meditation or dhyana happens without effort. Dhyana, the seventh stage of yoga occurs without conscious attempt. It is a natural extension of dharana, as the yogi sits and melts in the beauty of the concentration, it flowers into the state of
dhyana.
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Writeback THIS has reference to the article “Sukhna jaisi kahin nahin” (Tribune dated December 12, 2005). For the last half a century, we have been trying to preserve a rare environmental feature like Sukhna lake for the coming generations, by spending millions of rupees on its annual desalting by draglines and shramdans, but have failed miserably. Alarmed at the prospect of losing this lake forever, the Govt. has decided to desilt the entire lake in 60 months at an exorbitant cost of as many crores of rupees. As this desalting shall not be preventing the entry of fresh silt in the lake, hence it will only be treating the symptoms and not the disease. This misconceived and expensive remedy shall have to be repeated again and again making our dear Sukhna to become a white elephant. The only method by which this lake can be liberated from the clutches of silt is to prevent its entry into it and thus remove the very root of the problem. A very practical and foolproof scheme for this, costing less than Rs 3 crores, can be completed before the next monsoon season. Prudency requires that before it is too late, the government and people of Chandigarh should start a “do or die” campaign for adopting it and providing by their deeds that they readily believe in “Sukhna jaisi kahin nahin”. The time to start it is now, tomorrow may be too late. S.P. MALHOTRA Alive and kicking Parbina Rashid’s article ‘Where has Doctor Uncle Gone? (Lifestyle, Nov 21, 2005), though thought provoking, needlessly sounds the death knell of the concept of family Doctor, otherwise also known as the general practitioner. All said and done, there still is an underlying need for the doctors with erstwhile missionary zeal, to whom one could pour out the contents of the heart without inhibitions, knowing that they would indeed listen patiently and guide gently, along with prescribing whatever was required, and still not breach your trust. Most of the healing was affected through their patient listening and counselling, besides of course a bit of medicine. They knew the family for generations and indeed many a time they would be considered part of the family. Whereas specialisation and super-specialisation have their undeniable place in medicine, their cold aloofness can in no way replace the missionary zeal and natural expertise that can only be acquired through experience. One cannot blame the modern medicine fraternity if they do hanker to introduce a bit of commerce to their vocation/profession; after all they too have to make their ends meet. The lack of warmth and human touch come across as distinctly inherent stench of clinical antisepsis attached to the concept of commercialisation and automation of specialisation and super-specialisation of modern medicare. No amount of expertise can compensate for the solace provided by the family doctor who has been associated with a family for decades and knows each member of the family by heart, along with their ailments, likes and dislikes. The concept of having a family doctor is definitely not outdated as prophesied by Ms Rashid. In fact, the stress laden coming times, when medical care becomes completely clinically antiseptic, are going to make the family practitioner a sine-qua-non. More Doctor Uncles with missionary zeal are going to be sought. It is either that or it is the patent leather couch of the highly qualified Psychiatrist! Vivek Khanna
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Marriage at 18? Are we ready for it? Vishal Sharma takes a round of the city to find out if the recent government proposal to lower marriageable age draws
favour from the residents ONE does not have to wait till 21 anymore to tie the knot of holy matrimony. That is, if our government has its way. There is already a proposal to make 18 as the legal age of marriage for both boys and girls. But are we ready for it. A one-on-one interaction with the think tanks, and we realise we are not ready to go for such early marriages. The suggestion has been derided as impractical, retrogressive and one which shows utter contempt for the ground realities. “The proposal is unrealistic and ridden with serious pitfalls. In today’s age of materialism, when promiscuity is eroding the traditional values, one can easily imagine what the proposal, if implemented, can unleash,” opines Usha, a postgraduate working with an NGO under the Child Welfare Department. Incidentally, she is 27 and happy to be single. She stresses that at the age of 18, a person is not mature enough to handle the rigours of marriage and is just riding on the crest of physical passion. Moreover, this competition-driven era has made teenagers prone to depression, frustration and violence which puts a question mark on their ability to discharge marital obligations efficiently. There is no doubt that with India’s ever-burgeoning population posing a major challenge, the current proposal is nothing but a mockery of laws prohibiting child marriage and also fails to take into account the psychological and physical well being of the teenagers, says Vikram Bajaj, a city-based lawyer. Dubbing the suggestion as preposterous, he wants govt to do a rethink on the issue. He feels the need of the hourII is to increase the age of marriage to 24 instead of reducing it to 18. “Sixty per cent of the country’s population is below 40 yrs of age. Of this, the 18-35-yr age group forms a significant part for this is the period when fertility ratio is at its highest. The age to marry if reduced to 18 will lead to a whopping increase in birth rate and all population control measures will come to a naught,” he informs. Vipal Singh, a 20-year-old city lad and engineering student, is highly critical of the proposal. He sees the proposal as completely anachronistic and onewhich fails to appreciate the realities of career-conscious youth. “Marriage is the last thing on our minds. Instead of taking steps to improve the lot of the youth by opening more employment avenues, the government is contemplating medieval measures,” he emphasises. His views are echoed by Kamal Singh, an 18-yr-old computer sciences student at the Govt College-11 here. Laughing at the proposal, he rubbishes it off as ridiculous and impractical. When we are unable to shape even our lives at this age, how can we be expected to run a home and chart out a common destiny with our partner? he asks. Balwinder, a homemaker and mother of two teenaged boys, pooh-poohs the proposal as a trap for the youth intending to push them into household chores before they achieve the required emotional and economic security. The message is loud and clear. It is not the marriage that is our youth’s priority. High time the government understood this.
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Saira Bano calling shots in Bhojpuri movie
The movie is the home production of Saira under the banner of ‘Sharp Focus’ with star of South Indian movies Nagma and superstar of Bhojpuri movies Ravi Kishen playing the lead roles. “We chose the tiny but picturesque location of Rajpila town and its palace as our shooting location because of the similarities of the places in Bihar and surrounding areas. Moreover, the industry here is helpful and people are friendly and non-intrusive,” said Arshad Khan, the director of the movie. Producer Saira Bano said she was looking forward to a good shooting schedule in Rajpipla town which was a perfect setting for the love triangle story. “The place is beautiful and village and nature scenes are exactly what we wanted for the movie. It is also more cost-effective to shoot her than in Mumbai and travelling from one place to another is also not an issue,” the producer said. — PTI
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BOLLYWOOD BUZZ However, actor Akshay Kumar insists he is comfortable in all kinds of roles, not merely comedies. ‘’I feel comfortable doing any kind of role be it emotional roles, that of an action hero or comedies. It is just that two of the films, ‘Garam Masala’ and ‘Deewane Huye Paagal’, starring me in comic roles have hit the screen one after the other this year and, what is more, my work in these films has been appreciated by the audiences.” “Hence the impression that people like me only in comedy roles,” says Akshay. As if to prove that he is equally adept at emotional portrayals as in comedy, Akshay s forthcoming film, Suneil Darshan’s ‘Dosti—Friends Forever’ features him in an emotional role of a person who shares a deep bond of friendship with his childhood buddy played by Bobby Deol. Addressing a press conference, Akshay said, “The general impression may be that I am more comfortable in comedy than other kinds of roles. But the fact is that I also like doing emotional portrayals like the ones I did in ‘Dhadkan’, ‘Ek Rishta’, ‘Waqt’ and ones in my forthcoming films, ‘Dosti’ and ‘Family-Ties of Blood’.’’ In this context, Akshay pointed out that the films he had done with filmmaker Suneil Darshan, from ‘Jaanwar’ to ‘Ek Rishta’ to ‘Andaaz’ to the latest ‘Dosti’ as well as the yet-to-be-released ‘Mere Jeevan Saathi’ featured him in emotional and intense roles, all of which he had relished doing. “Infact, it is my roles in these films that have brought me the greatest acclaim and fame as an actor. Perhaps this is because all these roles have, in some way, been closer to my real life persona and had been conceptualised by Suneil keeping this in mind,’’Akshay said.
— UNI Great to be back in films: Amrita Singh “It’s great to be back on the large screen,” says actress Amrita Singh, who has made her Bollywood comeback with “Kalyug” following her divorce with Saif Ali Khan. “I was initially very uncomfortable with the idea of playing the businesswoman who runs a porno portal,” says Amrita about her role in the just released ‘Kalyug’. “Obviously this character Simi Roy in the film was far removed from me. But I guess the topicality tilted the scale in the role’s favour. I guess the challenge for me at the moment is to play characters that allow me to be what I am not,” she says. Amrita has never felt better. Her life is on an even keel. Her kids are happy, and so is she. “Everything is working out just fine. My television serial ‘Kavyanjali’ started badly. I got scared. Was I going to be a flop right at the start of my fresh lease as an actress? Fortunately, I had a gritty producer Ekta Kapoor who took it upon herself to turn the show around. And now ‘Kavyanjali’ is rocking in the TRPs,” Amrita said in an interview. The comeback queen says she enjoys playing the shrew in “Kavyanjali”. “She’s such a comic bitch, I thoroughly enjoying playing her.” As for movie offers, they are there aplenty. “But I chose ‘Kalyug’. Mukesh Bhatt just called me one day and offered me the role. I was part of the Bhatts’ Vishesh Films when their banner was launched with ‘Kubzaa’. Now God knows how many films later, I’m back in their ‘Kalyug’. When Mukesh offered me ‘Kalyug’ I very arrogantly asked him if it was worth my while. He said he wouldn’t have offered me the role otherwise.” Amrita says she enjoys playing fiery and aggressive roles. “Though I’m not really any of these things in real life. I never was. That was an image. I’m never bad-tempered and rash. But I enjoy playing such women. It’s great to be back on the large screen, more so since Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt are producing ‘Kalyug’.”
— IANS Item songs indispensable Sizzling item numbers have become so essential for the success of Hindi movies that even a serious filmmaker like Prakash Jha can’t resist them. His recent release “Apaharan”, a film about the kidnapping industry in Bihar, has an item number “Aao babuji kuchh baatein karenge”, according to Bollywood Trade. Item songs are not only indispensable, they have become acceptable too. A few years ago, songs like “Choli ke peeche” and “Lotan kabutar” had created a furore in the country. Despite all the criticism, the songs were not chopped off from the movies. After that the trend just took off. Every filmmaker started to slice in an item number and it became a sort of fad in the filmdom. Some songs were really good and complemented the story line and fitted well with the flow of the film. “Makhna”, “Chaiyya chaiyya”, “Chamma chamma”, “Mehboob mere”, “Khallas”, “Babuji”, “Aisa jadoo daala re” and now “Kajra re” have become a rage with the audience. Filmmakers use all kinds of gimmicks to package these item songs with the latest hook-up being promotional music videos. Video culture is popular in Hollywood and now it is fast catching up in Bollywood. Music videos of the title tracks are shot and aired on TV channels for publicity and so far audience response has been encouraging.
— IANS
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Film & FASHION According to newsweek. com, Carrey says, “I love this country. What’s going on overseas has very little to do with the ideal that is America. “I think there is a lot of corruption right now. The basic corporate conglomerate that is America is out of control in certain ways.” He adds, “I’m proud to be here in this country. It has given me huge blessings in every way. It has recognised what I do and given me the opportunity to live out my dreams. I love it here. I’m happy to be here.”
— IANS Carmen Electra hates flying Seems incredible, but Carmen Electra is one celebrity who doesn’t like flying high. Well, the former Baywatch actress has said that she hates travelling by flights, because she is often pulled aside and searched by airport authorities. The sexy beauty, who is married to rocker Dave Navarro, finds it quite surprising that everytime when she is just about to board a jet, she is stopped for security checks. “I hate flying. I’m not afraid to fly, but I always get singled out, for some reason. Every time I take my luggage through, they always pick me to get searched. I get so mad - I hate it.” “One man gave me the pat-down, but then he was like, ‘Are you holding any firearms?’ I said, ‘No.’ ‘Fireworks? Weapons?’ ‘No.’ ‘Lotion?’ ‘I think I used a bronzer, like, three hours ago. He was saying that there’s TNT in lotion. I don’t know. I almost got strip-searched for that.” “I’m about to take the bus if this keeps happening,” she added.
— ANI Stallone knocked unconscious According to hollywood. com, Stallone suffered an injury while shooting the film scenes in the ring. He fell unconscious but the film crew failed to raise the alarm believing he was still acting. Stallone’s mother Jackie said, “At first, everyone thought Sylvester was acting when he fell to the floor, but it was serious. Fortunately he’s recovered now.”
— IANS Spielberg hires Sharon’s advisor Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg has recruited one of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s advisers to help him promote his new movie about the 1972 Munich Olympic terrorist attacks. According to hollywood. com, the film follows an Israeli hit squad’s hunt for the Palestinian terrorists who held the Jewish athletes hostage. Eleven of the hostages were killed when a German rescue attempt went wrong. Although unreleased, the movie has received criticism and been accused of historical inaccuracy. Therefore, the director has hired Eyal Arad to help the film’s acceptance in Israel. Arad helped plan the recent Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Arad had arranged a screening in Tel Aviv for the widows of the murdered Israeli athletes and said, “We are talking about a film that has generated a lot of interest. Naturally that sort of interest can entail some negative reactions as well as positive reactions.”
— IANS Steve Buscemi in Van Gogh remake Actor Steve Buscemi is set to star in a Hollywood remake of “Interview” by late Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh. According to contactmusic.com, Van Gogh was murdered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, by an Islamic extremist who was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year. In the new version of the movie, Buscemi will play a political reporter reluctantly interviewing a soap opera actress played by Sienna Miller. Buscemi will also direct one of the remakes of Van Gogh’s films but it is not confirmed if he will direct “Interview”. Some of the stars in the movie include Tony Shaloub and Patricia Clarkson.
— IANS Clinton’s message for Elton Former US President Bill Clinton has recorded a video message for Elton John’s “hen night”. According to ananova.com, the one-minute long film will be played during his cabaret party. A source says, “We knew Elton had good connections, but to see the ex-US president was something else.” Guests, expected to include Sting and George Michael, will get to hear Clinton’s message when they attend the wedding ceremony of Elton John and David Furnish. Clinton says, “If there were more people in the world like Elton, then the world would be a better place.”
— IANS
Movie legend Shirley MacLaine pointed out that she is no Paris Hilton when someone suggested she was an icon. According to newsweek. com, MacLaine was slightly offended when she was referred to as an icon. She said, “Oh, hell, they’re calling Paris Hilton an icon. It doesn’t mean a thing to me.” MacLaine also defended her co-star from the movie “Rumour Has It” Jennifer Aniston concerning her alleged romance with actor Vince Vaughn. She said, “If I were Jennifer, I would slug most of you.” She then joked, “Vince Vaughn prefers older women. Jennifer is my beard. And the truth is that I am basically having a ball and she’s taking all the guff.”
— IANS
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Sculpting
the campus
Pahlad Aggarwal, Principal of the college, says the idea to have sculptures came about during the youth festival organised in October in the college. “We realised that the college has everything but a few sculptures were required.” A meeting with Aditya Prakash, Chairperson, Lalit Kala Academy, during the festival saw the idea materialise into reality with the five-day workshop being organised on the college campus, which commenced today. The sculptures were to be based on a theme of environment and had to be functional. The sculptures have been put up by Shiv Singh, C.S. Matharu, Sumangal Roy, B.M. Chugh, A.K. Pandey, P. Singh Rana, Gurpreet Kaur and Rajinder Kumar. While a few of the sculpture artists have followed the principal of making their sculptures functional like Shiv Singh who has made a round seating arrangement, while rocks and stones of different sizes, have added the environment aspect. “I picked them up from here itself and merged them into my sculpture. I have tried my best to stick to the instructions.” He informed. Similarly A.K. Pandey has made sculptures using mathematic symbols, which can also be used as a sitting place. Other sculptures include a book, Natraja, a bird in flight and a lady in the sitting position.
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It was of course teamwork, which sailed them through the contest with flying colours. And the team comprises Labrador Deeva and Rex and Rottweiler Goofy. Together they made a clean sweep in all six categories. Deeva won the most obedient award, while Rex created a record by getting 100 per cent score. For five-year-old Goofy, winning obedience competitions has become a habit, which she continued till this latest competition. For Shiv, the success story began in 1985, when Rover, a Doberman, won him the first award in the obedience competition organised by the Federation of Kennel Club of India in New Delhi. Rest as they say is history. — TNS
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TOOTH decay! Sugary residue in the teeth feeds the acid-producing bacteria in the mouth that attacks the tooth, causing caries. Between meal snacks and late-night sweets are particularly bad for teeth as the flow of saliva, which has a natural tooth cleaning effect, reduces during sleep. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant,
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ELFIN like countenance, fragile, almost soothing. Held together by a compelling passion. Meet Alka Chandhoke, interior designer by profession and an evolving lady by persona. 
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HIS brilliant comic timing in Priyadarshan’s Garam Masala has wowed audiences in India and abroad and earned him the tag of the new comedy king in Bollywood, coming as it does in wake of a host of comedies starring the actor like ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’.
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Actor Sylvester Stallone was knocked unconscious while filming a scene for the sixth “Rocky” movie “Rocky Balboa” and needed urgent medical attention.
Shirley Maclaine says she’s no Paris Hilton
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THE winning streak for Shiv Kaushal, the ace dog trainer who has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records by six times in a row, continues. He just won the tenth Best Dog Trainer award at the 16 and 17 All-Breed Championship, Obedience, Wiskas Cat Show and GSD Speciality Dog Show held in New Delhi recently. The show was organised by Bharath Kennel Club.
ARIES : Get ready for some solid competition both in business and in your love life. This is a period when you require a quiet inner reflection to access your true needs. Lucky number: 12 Lucky colour: Pink.
LIBRA : Follow other people's lead today. You'll reach your destination much quicker and with a lot fewer hassles. Pay attention to your love life. Lucky number: 1. Lucky colour: Peacock green.
TAURUS : If you are awaiting the outcome of some event or project, then the card indicates that the news will be favorable. You will now enjoy the rewards and the recognition. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Saffron.
SCORPIO:
You want to get to the bottom of certain financial matters so keep digging in your heels until certain people come clean. It is a time for negotiations. Lucky number: 10 Lucky colour: Royal blue.
GEMINI : If
you do not swing into gear now , you might miss a vital chance in
your career. Beware of deception and be extra-vigilant. Good time to
go on a romantic date. Lucky number: 12. Lucky Colour: Orange.
SAGITTARIUS : You're being tugged in all directions and need a little time to yourself. A guest or a distant news may come to give you a surprise. Lucky number: 6 Lucky colour: Chocolate brown.
CANCER : Let things wash over you today or you will end up losing your cool and looking like its all your fault. Impatience will only cause you to fumble and trip on yourself. Lucky number: 4. Lucky Colour: Lotus pink.
CAPRICORN : If you swallow your pride and let others help you, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. Disruption in a business venture in temporary. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Pink. 
LEO : If you can manage to channel your over-abundance of fiery energy in constructive directions you could achieve a great deal. Beware of rash decisions. Lucky number: 12. Lucky Colour: Rust.
AQUARIUS : Don't budge in in what you truly believe. Your opinions are sensible, so try to rely on your own judgement. Your energy may not be high so try to step back when you can. Lucky number: 8. Lucky colour: Orange.
VIRGO : You're in a dilemma today. You don't know in which direction you are heading. Make up your mind. You can also rectify any tensions in your business partnerships. Lucky number: 19 Lucky colour: Cherry red.
PISCES:
Change is in the air and you want to organise the day's events. Take initiatives but refrain from bossing around. You might annoy the wrong person and have to apologise. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Purple.