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Glittering Art
A Dog’s Life MATKA CHOWK YOUTH SPEAK Film & FASHION
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Breaking stereotypes Challenging conventional norms, today’s women are choosing to follow their dreams, even if it involves those hair-raising ‘late night shifts’.
Anandita Gupta walks along with some of these trailblazers
She’s no longer a red-ribboned, powder-faced girl who’s easily pushed aside by a short- panted snooty nosed boy. Neither is she a bespeckled Jassi who suddenly throws her spectacles to the winds to emerge a proud swan, successful in grabbing both business and the love of her life. She’s rather a struggler who knows that she has to strive hard for whatever she wants in life! And despite all those fairness cream commercials drilling it constantly into her head, she’s not shedding her salwar kameez and dark skin to get off the bus and onto the aircraft of life. For, she’s smart enough to realise that there’s no way anyone in a tacky, pink skirt suit and matching lipstick is going anywhere. What’s needed is thorough professionalism, persistent hard work and always being on the move. She may be a homemaker, mother or caretaker, but that doesn’t stop her from pursuing the kind of lofty careers that once seemed impossible. Even if her career circumvents the conventional three [teacher, doctor, engineer] and the many minuscule (beautician, salesgirl, secretary). And even if her career involves not-so-convenient timings. But is it all a bed of roses for her? Let’s find out. Hue and cry Laments media professional Rajiv Sharma( name changed on request), “Definitely, there’s tremendous pressure on working women, especially if they are working in night shifts. We are traditionally conditioned that working in the late nights is unsafe for women. And so, most Indian husbands are not open to the concept. I still remember how my younger sister had to leave her job post marriage, as it involved night shifts. Now, with her only son grown up, she misses the high her job in the print media gave her.” Manju Wadwalkar, Public Relations Officer at the PGI, seems angry, “Women have established themselves quite a while ago as equal in many of the boy’s club activities —politics, law, medicine, media and sciences. So why this hue and cry about things like timings? If a person’s working with an organisation, he or she will be treated alike at all timings by it.” Agrees Jyoti Khanna, a happily married young woman, “We women put so much into our work. There’s that bunking of lunches, dinners and those happening social do’s! And yes, taking charge, being in total control and never saying ‘no’ to responsibilities. For, there are many professional rivals, waiting in eager anticipation for her embarrassing and painful stumble down the aisle. On top of that if our own people crib about a minor thing like timings, it’s terrible. Luckily, when I met my husband, both of us were BPO professionals. So he understood and respected my career really well. But most girls are not as lucky!” Nonetheless, most Indian families remain anxious about night shifts. Says Pankaj Shrivastava, a Panchkula based businessman, “ Somehow I’m very uncomfortable with the idea of my wife working late nights. She’s a doctor and has night shifts at times. Despite her being in such a noble profession, I’ve actually started hating it as it gives me sleepless nights.” However, ask women who’ve actually worked at late nights and you’ll know late nights are no big deal. Beams Nalini Ajay Narang who is presently teaching at Sacred Heart, Chandigarh, “I worked at the front office with Maurya Sheriton way back in 1991.My timings were from 8 in the night till 8 in the morning. However, the whole experience was very good. The atmosphere was very congenial and protective and I had no regrets about it. Actually, I feel that if one is working with a reputed organisation, it’s very safe.” But how about the strings of inconvenience attached with such jobs? Here, women themselves have diverse viewpoints. Says Mohali based Rashmi Dhir, “Post marriage, one has many responsibilities and one can’t put all of them at stake just for the job. Like after my first baby was born, I simply couldn’t afford to be away from my little baby on cold winter nights .It was the time he needed me most. So I gave up my job happily. Differs Vandana Chhabra, an executive with a software company, “We’ve lost many great minds to the absurd notions of duty. According to our traditional mindset, a woman can only fit into one role. Either, she’s a goddess sacrificing everything for her family or a selfish vamp who doesn’t care, come what may. For heaven’s sake, when will anyone realise that we are humans too. And being ambitious is not being selfish!” They do indeed have dreams. Undeniably, there must be something about this species that does allow them to find a pair of scissors, snip the tied together shoelaces, romp through the football fields and play with the boys. And as they run around in life’s playground excitedly (bending their moves in truly Beckham style!), there’s a song on their lips: The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
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Glittering Art
Talk about Tanjore paintings and the image that comes flashing into your mind is gods and goddesses embodied in the richness of colour, gold and semi-precious stones. Step into Aarti Verma’s studio-cum-gallery and you get see all that and much more. Aarti’s art evolved from her passion to do something meaningful in life, besides being a good homemaker. So when her adopted city Chandigarh presented an opportunity to dabble her hand at creativity through a workshop in Tanjore paintings, she grabbed it. After that, as they say, the rest is history. In this profession for about eight months, Aarti admits her work have not just been appreciated but also been sold. “People do not mind spending money when it comes to gods and goddesses and what other art form lends such richness to a deity other than Tanjore,” she asks. As she explains the entire process of sketching, then filling up the image with clays and semi-precious stones and finally embossing it with 24 carat gold, we come to know how tedious a process that can be. “In fact this art has taught me patience, which was not among one of my finer qualities earlier,” she says. Though Tanjore, a south Indian form of art, mainly consists the themes of gods like Balaji and Krishna, Aarti has dabbed a little North Indian flavour to it by creating paintings of Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, scenes from Ramayana and even Mughal figures. “I want to diversify this art form. I even tried making flowers in Tanjore style, but it did not work out. Because of its rich nature, it suits the images of our deities only,”
she says. We agree, for nothing could be more befitting to match our rich cultural heritage. The exhibition is on at house no. 540, Sector 18.
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A Dog’s Life The last time Malhotra tried to laze around, Tiger made a nice little puddle on the floor. Still bachelor, thirty-something, Malhotra’s mother had to spend a good half an hour cleaning the mess with detergents and disinfectants. Since then, Sector 35 resident Malhotra refuses to take any chances. Summers or winters, rain or sunshine, fog or clear blue skies, he forces himself out of the bed to be taken out for a walk by the Doberman - twice a day, seven days a week, year after year. Flashing smiles of empathy, the pet owners - with mufflers covering their ears - strive hard to pull the barking dogs in opposite directions as they puff and huff, struggling hard to break free from the shackles for a round of free style wrestling in open air rings. Gurdeep Singh’s arms ache and shoulders “creek” due constant jerks and pulls. Like all other pet lovers, he grumbles and complaints, even curses the day he decided to go in for a canine. “My life has gone to the dogs,” he says. But simply refuses to give up either the dog or his habit of taking him out for daily walks. Smiling, he says philosophically: “In life you have to pay a price for everything. You only have to see whether the price is less or more than the pleasure you derive out of it. In dog’s case, getting up early and taking him out for a walk in rough weather is nothing but price you pay for love. The effort is worth the price. There can be no doubt about it”. Well said Gurdeep. Happy dog walking!
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MATKA CHOWK It seems like everybody in Chandigarh is always in a terrible rush. At every red light, people are gearing up to zoom off even before the lights turn green. And if you happen to wait till the absolute green, you are almost nudged by the cars behind. Try waiting at a red light at a busy time on a busy Madhya Marg light. The minute the lights turn green - there is a chorus of honking - although every one is moving on. Those at the back of the mass somehow feel that the process of ambulation can be sped up, merely by making incessant and unpleasant noise. The residents of the city have very strong faith in the first come first served principle — except they have twisted it to mean, whoever races to the counter first or pushes other people out of the way come first. Even the cyclewallas and rickshawallas are in terrific haste and have no regard for their own life and the life of the passengers in the game of advancing around the chowks. The milkman in our neighbourhood in is a terrible hurry every morning. He brings a whistle and blows it relentlessly to get going and to remove any constraints —like a car reversing out of a gate. Part-time cooks are in a terrific rush too. If you ask for five rotis and there is ata only for three - then three it will be. Always helps me to count my calories. The car washing man is also in a rush — he likes to take turns washing the outside and inside of the car. In the butcher shop too, everybody else has a chota job and pushes their order in, although you might have been waiting patiently for good ten minutes. The man who collects the street garbage is also in a hurry to get rid of it. He simply makes a pile on the curbside and sets it to fire. I am witness that this process was very successful in setting a small Maruti car on fire and burnt beyond recognition —speedy disposal of garbage can have its downsides too. Haste makes waste. I got what I deserved the other day for being impatient. I was frustrated by the parking attendant’s slowness to issue the ticket, for I was in a terrific rush to get to work. As I vented at him (Shame on me!) — the man with a crooked smile and white beard gave me a generous smile and said -”Arre auntiji, kyon shor macha rahe ho? Abhi to sirf morning ka hi time hain?” I was taken aback - I didn’t think I would qualify as his aunt. Then, I started laughing. I think he showed great finesse and ingenuity in insulting me! If all of us could be so subtle - the world would be a place with far more equanimity. We can definitely do with a helping of that!
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YOUTH SPEAK
Two years ago, I topped the exam and to my surprise my mother revealed that she had been reciting our Guru’s name all the while.
Then my cousin Sanket got hospitalised and my mom kept fast on Saturdays along with her regular fasts on Mondays.
Do fasts and prayers really work? Do blessings work wonders? All those who have ever experienced this power swear by its existence. In this age, where with every revelation of science, one gets to know how little science really knows, these concepts are still holding ground. Even doctors believe that patients who remain happy and constantly meditate recover much faster than usual ones. All these concepts—praying, blessing, fasting have one root—the power of thought. As Swami Surandan says, “Thoughts are living beings with subtle fine forces.” Every ritual moves us towards good thought for people around us. These thoughts are given strength and focus by tapa (work) like fasting and praying. These phenomenons cannot be understood fully by science. To believe in them is up to each individual. They are as true as you think they are. As Shakesphere said, “Nothing is good or bad. It is thinking which makes it so.” —Mehak Uppal 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. The best will find place in Lifestyle.
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Film & FASHION Stars of the hit TV show “Desperate Housewives” would get a personalised gift from the series creator Marc Cherry.
According to contactmusic.com, Teri Hatcher, Nicollette Sheridan, Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman are all getting custom-made quilts and they are being delivered to their homes.
He says, “I had special ‘Desperate Housewives’ quilts made— there’s only going to be five in the world like it. And all the panels represent something from the show.”
— IANS Jolie ‘entertainer of
the year’
Users of website Hollywood.com have voted Angelina Jolie as the top ‘Entertainer of the Year’ for her tireless humanitarianism.
According to Hollywood. com, other reasons cited for Jolie topping the poll was her relationship with Brad Pitt and a hit movie “Mr and Mrs Smith.” She received 30 percent of the vote followed by “Brokeback Mountain” star Jake Gyllenhaal who gained 16 percent of the vote.
In third place was George Clooney with 12 percent, Jessica Alba came fourth with 11 percent. Tom Cruise rounded off the list with 10 percent.
— IANS No change in 2005 for Aniston Actress Jennifer Aniston is ignoring suggestions that the past 12 months have been the worst in her life and says she wouldn’t change events “for anything”.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the press has hounded Aniston ever since she divorced her husband Brad Pitt but is adamant that the experience has been an important learning curve for her.
She quoted Charles Dickens and said, “It’s been the best of times, and it’s been the worst of times. It’s been difficult, but in many ways it’s been great too.
“I feel I’ve grown a lot as a human being throughout the course of it. It’s been a year to remember, all right but I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
— IANS Aniston subtly attacks Pitt Jennifer Aniston has launched a subtle attack on ex-husband Brad Pitt saying that his relationship with Angelina Jolie was a ‘mistake’.
According to hollywood. com, Aniston has been very reluctant to discuss the break-up with Pitt. But she strenuously condemned cheating spouses while speaking about her new movie “Derailed”, in which she has an extra-marital affair.
She says, “You can have everything wonderful in the world, and you can just make stupid choices because you’re bored for a moment or you’re not fulfilled for a moment, and you take that time and it affects everything.
“And I think we’ve all seen someone make a mistake and then try to get out of it instead of nipping it in the bud right off the start, so that it spirals and spirals down.”
— IANS
Monogamy unnatural for Scarlett Actress Scarlett Johansson has called monogamy unnatural and questioned romance between actors.
Johansson, who has been dating actor Josh Hartnett, took everyone by surprise with her comments, according to the Internet Movie Database.
She said, “I don’t think human beings are monogamous by nature. It’s difficult - you have to put a lot of effort into a relationship. I think it’s hard for actors to date each other because they are so damn moody.”
“You are away from people constantly and having a relationship that is strictly by phone, that is miserable. Or if you say to him or her, ‘Hey, I am doing a very sexy scene with this very sexy girl or boy, I love you and I am going to be thinking of you when I am rolling around in bed with this person!’
— IANS
Laura Dern marries singer Ben Harper Actress Laura Dern, star of such films as “Rambling Rose’’ and “Jurassic Park,” has married her longtime boyfriend, singer-songwriter Ben Harper.
The couple, who began dating in 2000 and have two children together tied the knot on Thursday in a sunset ceremony attended by more than 150 friends and family at a private home in Los Angeles. They became engaged earlier this year.
The daughter of actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, Laura Dern earned an Oscar nomination for her signature role in the 1991 film “Rambling Rose’’ as a sexually precocious Southern housemaid during the Depression era.
She also is well known for playing paleontologist Ellie Sattler in the dinosaur adventure “Jurassic Park.’’ And she made a bit of television history as the woman to whom Ellen DeGeneres finally came out as a lesbian on the ABC sitcom ‘’Ellen.’’
Harper, a blues rocker whose most popular songs include ‘’Steal My Kisses’’ and “Suzie Blue,’’ has two children from a previous marriage, according to Us Weekly.
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Packing decorative items after Christmas
The golden rule is - label them and keep them apart. —Courtesy: A. P. Singh, Besten & Co.
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Health and Fitness
Medication during pregnancy: Do not indulge in self-medication. Any chemical, radiological or drug exposure during first three months of pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the developing
foetus.
— Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant,
Fortis, Mohali.
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You can call it a dog’s life for the cannine’s best friend. Snuggling in the bed, business executive Rajeev Malhotra covers his head with a quilt to block the morning sun’s rays entering the bedroom after piercing the thin curtains. He succeeds, but still cannot sleep. For the little master of the house lying flat on a cot near the bed’s foot begins to whine. He knows its time to go out for a nice little walk in the sun and nothing can prevent him. No, not even his slave’s lethargy..jpg)
Well, folks, dominating Tiger is not the only tail wagger taking Malhotra out into the rough weather. Leave the warm comfort of your house and you will find scores of dogs rising up early to walk their “masters” even when the minimum temperature drops to less than five degrees, like in the winters of 2005..jpg)
Among them is businessman Gurdeep Singh. You may find it hard to believe, but it has been three years since the Sector 18 resident has spent a night out of Chandigarh even for attending marriage ceremonies. For, his Dalmatian simply refuses to go out with anyone else. In any case, it is next to impossible for any other family member to control the stout young hunter once he begins to chase the squirrels, merrily. .jpg)
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Oxemberg, a fashion brand for men, inaugurated an exclusive showroom in Sector 22.
Oxemberg is one of the brands, which provides a complete wardrobe for men. The range comprises formal wear perfect for office as well as casual shirts and trousers, besides denims and accessories.
It is time to pack away the captivating Christmas decorations. The job of unpacking and packing your ornaments becomes easier if you follow these suggestions:
ARIES : You
might have to step up the pace to assume a more managerial role. The
hierarchy of the office will become more apparent to you. Lucky
number: 10. Lucky Colour: Turquoise. 
LIBRA : Your feelings have deepened, and even if you are uncomfortable with your current process. Don't be afraid to take a stand; you'll learn something about yourself if you do. Lucky number: 9. Lucky colour: Red.
TAURUS : You
may be saying things to others that they don't entirely understand.
You are full of hope and enthusiasm as you make new beginnings in
relationships. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour saffron.
SCORPIO:
The wisdom of "The Hermit" inspires you to make new beginnings. Remember, a healthy attitude will take you farther than overstated confidence. Lucky number: 17 . Lucky colour: Cream. 
GEMINI : If
you want to be flamboyant and exuberant, then get out into the
spotlight, bask in the limelight. Clearly this isn't a day to keep
your feelings to yourself. Lucky number: 16. Lucky colour:
Pink. 
SAGITTARIUS : Remember that a stagnant mind breeds monsters in the back waters of one's imagination. Make a firm resolve to let go and roll with the flow. Lucky number: 12. Lucky colour: Old rose
CANCER : 'The
Wheel of Fortune' brings change and opportunity. When you get the
chance in peace and quiet, think about personal matters. Health and
finances improve. Lucky number:12. Lucky colour: Black.
CAPRICORN : Forget routine chores and duck out if you feel an order coming your way. Just try to enjoy without pinning close mates down. Lucky number: 10. Lucky colour: White.
LEO : Stressed?
take the day off. But even if you're at work, you need some kind of
protective niche where you're not landed with awkward people,
hassles and hustle. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Emerald green.
AQUARIUS : You
are on the edge of something grand and you can feel it right to the
bottom of your feet. Don't rush the beginning; you'll know when to
act. Lucky number:5. Lucky Colour: Yellow.
VIRGO : Colleagues may be the source of uneasiness. You will tend to react to comments where none were intended. Try to put yourself into other people's shoes. Lucky number: 19. Lucky Colour: White
PISCES:
Mental flexibility is surely a good idea for you. On the home front, there will be the impact of all this on your family life as well as your lifestyle. Lucky number: 2. Lucky Colour: Burgundy.