CHANDIGARH INDEX

 





Feathers & Rhinestones
In the 90’s, the hoteliers called a singer from Delhi and gave her the name of Chandni to pull crowds. Over a decade later, some are offering an evening with belly and cancan dancers for the same reason, says Saurabh Malik after taking stock of the New Year Eve’s party scene
Belly dancers from Russia are doing in 2005 something Chandni did way back in 90’s — pull crowd. Sounds confusing? Just read on to find how the hoteliers in the city have all along been creating magnetic phenomena to draw revelers into “out-of-the-ordinary” celebrations on the New Year’s Eve. 

HAWK EYE:Damsels no longer in distress with bouncers at their service.Bouncers for the Eve
As the New Year rises from the ashes of old, bouncers deployed by youth haunts in the city will jump into action for taking care of the hooligans with that extra spring on the big day’s eve, says Saurabh Malik
You have fore-suffered it all in nightclubs, even discotheques. As you twirl around the polished dance floor of life illuminated by nice little psychedelic lights with your muscular arms around her reed-thin waist on the New Year eve, resentful watcher give you those envious smiles.

HAWK EYE:Damsels no longer in distress with bouncers at their service. — Photo by Vinay Malik

City decks up for New Year
Naveen S. Garewal
The city is all prepared to welcome 2006. Most city hotels, clubs and restaurants have organised New Year’s bashes. This year several bars and pubs in the city too are organising a New Year dance and dinner. Of course, dinner and dance nowhere is less than Rs 1,000 a couple .

 City slum kids enjoy the New Year bash at Aerizzona.Party time for slum kids
Festive time usually caters only to the privileged sections of the society. There are many who remain outside the orbit of fun and festivity. It takes a special effort to bring joy to the less privileged, Spice Telecom organised a special New Year bash for children of the city slums. A luncheon party was organised at Aerizzona discotheque on Thursday. Around about 200-300 underprivileged children dressed in fancy outfits danced their hearts out to loud music. The children belonged to Zulfikar Khans’s group, Theatre Age. Various organisations and individuals had helped out in making the event a success.

City slum kids enjoy the New Year bash at Aerizzona. — Photo by Pradeep Tewari

FIRST TAKE: Sunil Babbar rolls on his camera for ‘Chandigarh Calling’.Canning the city
Vinod Kumar
Remember Sunil Babbar, whose feature film ‘ANTS’ bagged the ‘Best Foreign Film’ in Yellowstone International Film Festival—2002. He is back with a documentary on city called ‘Chandigarh Calling’.
The shooting began at Sukhana Lake with well-known architect Adtiya Parkash facing the camera for the inaugural shot.

 

FIRST TAKE: Sunil Babbar rolls on his camera for ‘Chandigarh Calling’. — Photo by Pradeep Tewari

Singing into the New Year
The favourite Hindi songs at the end of the year are: “Right here right now” - Film: “Bluffmaster”; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The song marks Abhishek’s debut as a singer and Sunidhi gives him company in the rhythmic number.

Kiss me Quick
Out of a world of laughter
Suddenly I am sad. . .
Day and night it haunts me,
The kiss I never had.
From Midsummer by  Sydney King Russell
Wanna set your lovers’ pulses racing this New Year? Then simply seal their lips with a simple ‘kiss’, as a poll has voted the sensual smacker as the top turn-on for wannabe lovers.

Deadlines are amusing
Cheshta
Life, just like the television, is full of situational comedies. We cry when we should be smiling, feel worried when we should be ecstatic, contemplate when we should act, regret when we should be finding ways, say no when we mean yes, eat ice-creams in winters and peanuts in summers.  There is a thrill in going for a walk on a chilly winter evening and a same kind of thrill in paying cricket on a sweaty summer Saturday afternoon. A little funny, but that’s the way with the whole world. And in this world full of activity, one thing that we all are short of is time. Is there ever any time for us to do the unexpected? Or not to do the unexpected? To stick to the deadlines?

LEADING LIGHTS: Shahid Kapoor and Ajay Devgan come face to face in John Mathew Mathan’s ‘Shikhar’ NEW RELEASE
Mathan back with ‘Shikhar’
John Mathew Mathan who made ‘Sarfarosh’ years back is once again in the news with his much hyped new film ‘Shikhar’. John’s debut Hindi film ‘Sarfarosh’ tackled a serious political issue — cross-border terrorism. In his second original fare he deals with the subject, which revolves around tussle of power and humanity.  After a hiatus of six year John Mathew Mathan joins hands with Ajay Devgan, Shahid Kapoor, Pakistani super-star Jawed Sheikh, Bipasha Basu and Amrita Rao. Trade pundits says “It is a family social with a compelling story. 

LEADING LIGHTS: Shahid Kapoor and Ajay Devgan come face to face in John Mathew Mathan’s ‘Shikhar’

Kareena Indian Diva 2005
Koena Mitra and Udita Goswami bag special Indian Diva honours by India’s first diva Zeenat Aman. Eight electrifying Bollywood sirens, gunning for the title of Indian Diva 2005 that recognises the most vivacious and gracious Bollywood star of the year based on the magic they create on the latest film tunes.

Nicole KidmanFILM & FASHION
Kidman’s romance will be short lived
Nicole Kidman’s romance with singer Keith Urban will be short-lived because of his drug problems, says his ex-fiancée. According to contactmusic.com, ex-fiancée Laura Sigler dated Urban for eight years and believes he cannot commit to a long-term relationship because of his problems with cocaine addiction.

  • ‘Revolver’ worst film

  • Arnold’s name dropped

  • Johansson loves New York City

  • Dhamaal to tour India

Health and Fitness



 

 


Feathers & Rhinestones

In the 90’s, the hoteliers called a singer from Delhi and gave her the name of Chandni to pull crowds. Over a decade later, some are offering an evening with belly and cancan dancers for the same reason, says Saurabh Malik after taking stock of the New Year Eve’s party scene




NEW order: The city is all set to ring in the new. — Photos by Pradeep Tewari & Vinay Malik

Belly dancers from Russia are doing in 2005 something Chandni did way back in 90’s — pull crowd.

Sounds confusing? Just read on to find how the hoteliers in the city have all along been creating magnetic phenomena to draw revelers into “out-of-the-ordinary” celebrations on the New Year’s Eve. 

Looking for a bizarre idea to lure the crowd on December 31, the hoteliers were scratching their tired little heads with exhausted fingers in the last decade of the long-gone millennium. Dance `n’ dine parties with blazing bonfires lit to ignite the sparks of excitement were regular. Barbeques? Absolutely unexciting.

“Those were the days when cable television with round-the-clock channels had invaded the living rooms, and lives, of so many residents,” recalls Sameer Gupta, associated with the hotel industry for over 30 years now. “No wonder, something more passionate, loaded with fun and excitement, was required to force the residents into leaving the warm comfort of their houses”. Nagina Singh of The Taj says, “We are having the famous French cancan dance a la Moulin Rouge with feathers, frills, rhinestones and sequins in our Grand Ballroom.”

It was then someone thought of creating Chandni. Searching the trash cans of his memory, Gupta comes out with the incredible story: “Chandni — the famous Bollywood blockbuster starring Sridevi — had generated waves all across the country. Almost everyone was talking about the movie. For cashing upon the phenomena, a city-based hotelier thought of calling Chandni to the city”.

Reposing on a comfortable sofa in his Sector 35 office, he recalls, “Well, inviting Sridevi to Chandigarh would have proved very expensive. Otherwise also, it would not have been an easy task to call Sridevi to Chandigarh when her career was at its peak. So the hotelier simply called a singer from Delhi and gave her the name of Chandni…. The strategy worked”.

Revolving a paperweight on his office table, he recalls, “Believe it or not, the scheme was an instant hit. Soon after the advertisements appeared in the newspapers announcing Chandni’s presence in the city, the telephone kept on ringing incessantly for a date with Chandni. The hotel bagged almost the entire business that New Year Eve”.

Well folks, all that was over a decade ago. In 2005, the hoteliers and others into the celebration business are making an attempt to break free from the routine celebrations by inviting you to savour Arabian belly dance by Egyptian and Russian artists.

“Pick up any newspaper and you will find advertisements broadcasting the presence of belle dancers splashed all over the pages,” Gupta asserts. In fact, you can enjoy Arabian dance sequences by calling up Hotel Shivalikview now. Or else, watch belly dancer generate excitement at Athena. Well folks, rendezvous with belle dances doesn’t sound like a bad idea. What do you say?  

Bouncers for the Eve

As the New Year rises from the ashes of old, bouncers deployed by youth haunts in the city will jump into action for taking care of the hooligans with that extra spring on the big day’s eve, says Saurabh Malik

You have fore-suffered it all in nightclubs, even discotheques. As you twirl around the polished dance floor of life illuminated by nice little psychedelic lights with your muscular arms around her reed-thin waist on the New Year eve, resentful watcher give you those envious smiles. As you feel her warm breath on your clean-shaven visage, they succumb to the temptation and pass comments — sometimes crude, at times naughty. Taking advantage of your graciousness, they get away with it, boisterously.

Well guys, all this is passé, thank goodness. Now, you do not have to bite your angry lips in fury as forlorn guys try to act fresh. For, almost all the youth haunts in the city are deploying bouncers to take care of the desperado in your love life’s transient flick.

Having doubts? Just listen to what Jaswant Rai, Director of Las Vegas in Sector 34, has to say. “We are hiring the services of private security guards to act as bouncers. Our boys will maintain a regular vigil and seek police assistance if required”.

In partying business for several years, Gaurav Khanna adds, “At the most two bouncers are enough to take care of any untoward incident in a party. You see, they are trained to act tough in cases of emergency”.

Even the cops are not taking any chances in the fag end of 2005. The top brass of the Chandigarh Police says cops in mufti will mingle with the partying crowd in clubs and bars for catching hold of the ruffians before they indulge in “mischief”. They sound serious, apparently.

In fact, a senior police officer says cops incognito will assist private security guards and bouncers in case of an argument or a fight in and around the youth haunts on December 31. “They will even help the security guards in frisking visitors, besides looking for unclaimed vehicles in parking lots,” he asserts with a determined smile.

Good, but if you think the cops are going overboard with security arrangements, just wait and hear what they have to say further. “Precautions are essential. For, incidents of violence and lawlessness have been reported to the police in the recent past,” they assert, adding that cases of drunken brawls in the parking lots in front of the discotheques are not uncommon.

Just last year, two groups clashed in a market place. The fight was an aftermath of an argument between the two gangs in a discotheque over a girl. Phew! If the info is giving you the creeps, listen to this: A few years ago, a youngster went up to the extent of pulling out a pistol after seeing his gal dancing with another guy. Well, folks. That’s the way it is. You just take care of yourself and catch hold of the bouncers, instead of the hooligans, in case they attempt to spoil your “Eve”.

City decks up for New Year
Naveen S. Garewal

The city is all prepared to welcome 2006. Most city hotels, clubs and restaurants have organised New Year’s bashes. This year several bars and pubs in the city too are organising a New Year dance and dinner. Of course, dinner and dance nowhere is less than Rs 1,000 a couple.

The Chandigarh Club’s star for the eve is Hans Raj Hans. The funfare will include the Best Couple and Best Dressed person award in the male and female categories, says Mukesh Bassi, President of the club. The Golf Club will have a quite musical evening for its members, who will be required to pay Rs 150 per couple for entry and buy their own drinks and food.

This time city’s Hot Platters in Sector 35 has invited belly dancers to entertain the New Year revellers. Singles will have to pay Rs 900 for entry and food, while couples will be required to pay Rs 1,500. The special attraction of the event is sea food. An exclusive arrangement has been made for families.

Hotel MountView will celebrate a musical evening with a D.J and some local artistes entertaining the visitors with a display a whole different variety of food in the background. The single ticket will sell for Rs 1,500 and for a couple it will be Rs 2,500. This cost will include snacks, drinks and dinner. The food will be displayed in the back lawn, while the main function will be held in the front lawn of the hotel.

The Chandigarh Press Club is organising a Rajasthani and Haryanvi dances, besides a bumper tambola. The event will start at 8.30 pm and continue till late night. A special event is also being organised at The Fort Ramgarh, a heritage hotel in Panchkula. A royal welcome, followed by a fashion show, where you get to dance with ramp models. Hotel Las Vegas is offering entry into the disco at a cost of Rs 1,500 for couple. Hard drinks will be served free. le.

Fun City amusement park and Resort on the Nadah Sahib Road will offer ice games as a special attraction. The owners have organised have prepared a snow scene with artificial snow.

Piccadilly would have a New Year party with the theme of fire and ice, at an entry of Rs 2,990 per couple. Fire dancers will be the highlight of the evening with DJ Roch of Agni fame to make people dance on filmi tunes.

Party time for slum kids

Festive time usually caters only to the privileged sections of the society. There are many who remain outside the orbit of fun and festivity.

It takes a special effort to bring joy to the less privileged, Spice Telecom organised a special New Year bash for children of the city slums. A luncheon party was organised at Aerizzona discotheque on Thursday.

Around about 200-300 underprivileged children dressed in fancy outfits danced their hearts out to loud music. The children belonged to Zulfikar Khans’s group, Theatre Age. Various organisations and individuals had helped out in making the event a success.

“These children would also like to live better lives in hygienic conditions where they could get good education and be more equipped to deal with life,” said Sandeep Mittal, NGO Advisor State AIDS Control Society, as he served the refreshment to the children.

“Spice Telecom has always made a conscious effort to reach out to the underprivileged sections of our society,” said Sidharth Mehra, Senior Manager, Spice Telecom. He added that it was a pleasure to wat6ch these children enjoy in an environment that is far away from them.

Lakhan, a 14-year-old student of Mauli Jagran, enjoyed the party and said that he wanted to grow up and become a police officer. His favourite song is ‘Mitra di chhatri’ and his idol is Sachin Tendulkar.

These children to believe in love and music but it is rarely that they are able to express the emotions that they feel so intensely. “We listen to music and love to sing the song ‘Aashiq banaya aapne’,” said Sahil and Rahul,“We both want to be singers.”

Zulfikar Khan thanked the organisers for this special function for the children. In all, it was a very happy event. — TNS

Canning the city
Vinod Kumar

Remember Sunil Babbar, whose feature film ‘ANTS’ bagged the ‘Best Foreign Film’ in Yellowstone International Film Festival—2002. He is back with a documentary on city called ‘Chandigarh Calling’.

The shooting began at Sukhana Lake with well-known architect Adtiya Parkash facing the camera for the inaugural shot.

Nekh Chand, the creator of Rock Garden, was also there. Like ‘ANTS’ this film is too being made in English for producer-director Babbar plans to release it in international film circuits in Europe and the USA. A premiere of this film will be organised in Chandigarh in February 2006.

This film is exclusively on the making of Chandigarh. It is based on two issues, one the biological metaphor given by Le-Corbusier and the second on the emerging character of this city. This movie will highlight the Punjabi and western culture of this city as well.

“I have tried to project development and economical growth of the city in this film,” says Sunil. “Though this movie is in the form of documentary but the drama of this film plays a very important role. We will send this film to America in a film festival in February and talks are on for its entry in many more film festivals. This film is totally different from my earlier projects disclosed Sunil,” he adds.

Aditya Prakash is happy to be a part of the documentary. “This film is all about Chandigarh. I am honoured to be part of this film. It will give people idea about how this city has developed over the years,” he says. And he is the right person for he was associated with Le Corbusier right from the beginning and has seen this city grow.

“This city is well designed and has maintained its charm over the years. It has now become very popular as is on world map for its architectural beauty. Not only Indians but foreign tourist are very keen to visit this city,” Nek Chand said.

Bharti Babbar, the writer of the story, says, “Chandigarh has developed in every sphere. Look how much it has changed in the past few years. I enjoyed writing the story for this film.” She has also won Haryana Sahitya Akademi Award.

This film will be shot for next seven days at various locations in Chandigarh like Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Leisure Valley and Panjab University.

Singing into the New Year

The favourite Hindi songs at the end of the year are:

“Right here right now” - Film: “Bluffmaster”; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The song marks Abhishek’s debut as a singer and Sunidhi gives him company in the rhythmic number.

“Jiya dhadak dhadak jaaye” - Film: “Kalyug”; Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; Music: Faisal Rafi, Rohail Hyat. The song, which reminds one of the soft romantic numbers of the late 1960s and early 70s, grows on you slowly but surely.

“Jhalak dikhla ja” - Film: “Aksar”; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The music director is going places as a singer. The most recent one to enthrall his fans is “Jhalak dikhla ja”.

“Zinda hoon main” - Film: “Zinda”; Singer: Shibani Kashyap; Music: Shibani Kashyap. The title song composed and sung by Kashyap, which was in the number one position last week, has slipped down to number four. The song will appear in three versions in the film. Virag Mishra has penned the lyrics.

“Rang de basanti” - Film: “Rang De Basanti”; Singer: Daler Mehndi; Music: A.R. Rahman. The title song is surely a treat for bhangra-king Mehndi’s fans. This foot-tapping number is quickly turning into a chartbuster.

“Aashiq banaya apney” - Film: “Aashiq Banaya Aapne”; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The song was number 10 last week but has moved up and is once again selling like hot cakes.

“Ada” - Film: “Garam Masala”; Singer: Sonu Nigam; Music: Pritam - Crooned by Sonu Nigam. With its melodious tune the song has struck the right chord with music lovers.

“Dil keh raha hai” - Film: “Kyon Ki”; Singer: Kunal Ganjawala; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. This slow romantic number is quite popular among Salman Khan’s fans who love to see him in lover boy roles.

“Just chill out” - Film: “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya”; Singers: Sonu Nigam, Jayesh Gandhi and Amrita Kak; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The song boasts of energy and enthusiasm and is played at almost every party these days.

“Neal ‘N’ Nikki” - Film: “Neal ‘N’ Nikki”; Singers: Kay Kay and Shweta Pandit; Music: Salim-Sulaiman. Finally this composing duo is getting its due in Bollywood. After churning out rollicking numbers in “Kaal”, the composers are making the yuppy crowds swoon to their tunes.

—IANS

Kiss me Quick

Out of a world of laughter
Suddenly I am sad. . .
Day and night it haunts me,
The kiss I never had.

From Midsummer by Sydney King Russell

Wanna set your lovers’ pulses racing this New Year? Then simply seal their lips with a simple ‘kiss’, as a poll has voted the sensual smacker as the top turn-on for wannabe lovers.

According to the survey carried out by Ann Summers on 10,000 people, kissing is still the most favoured turn-on, which gets the lovers going, as it’s romantic, exciting and passionate.

“Kissing has so many wonderful connotations. It’s romantic, exciting and passionate,” the Sun quoted Jacqueline Gold, boss of the Ann Summers, as saying.

Among the over 100 turn-ons beaten by the ‘simple kiss’ were flirting by text, bare shoulders, chocolate and surprises.

— ANI

Deadlines are amusing
Cheshta

Life, just like the television, is full of situational comedies. We cry when we should be smiling, feel worried when we should be ecstatic, contemplate when we should act, regret when we should be finding ways, say no when we mean yes, eat ice-creams in winters and peanuts in summers. There is a thrill in going for a walk on a chilly winter evening and a same kind of thrill in paying cricket on a sweaty summer Saturday afternoon. A little funny, but that’s the way with the whole world. And in this world full of activity, one thing that we all are short of is time. Is there ever any time for us to do the unexpected? Or not to do the unexpected? To stick to the deadlines?

“Deadlines, oh my God! The very word sends a shiver down my spine” exclaims Natasha Chopra, an M.B.A. aspirant. Nervousness and anxiety are feelings that never desert us when it comes to competitions and deadlines. It’s like standing in the middle of a railway track with both the train and the track running towards you. Quite interestingly, anxiety triggers a kind of chain reaction. People get panicky and this in turn infects others around you, it’s something like an epidemic or a wild forest fire. Many of us just at the mention of the word deadline become figity and restless, we eat more, sleep less, bite nails and pick up fights at the drop of a hat.

”Yes, it is testing, but it’s fun too, aur us samay tension ki nahin attention ki zaroorat hoti hai”, says an optimistic Rohit Aggarwal, a bank employee and an I.A.S aspirant. Those who love challenges find approaching of a deadline thrilling. It infuses them with vitality, vigour and reinforces the passion to give in their best. “ I feel like I’m standing on a wooden plank two thousand feet above the ground...it’s risky, adventurous and calls for both hardwork and smart work”,shares Garvita , a budding fashion designer.

How could we forget the lazy home birds for whom deadlines mean D-danger, E- everything now, A- added tension, D-difficulty, L- long hours of toil, I- I’m in a fix, N-no excuse will work, E- eeeh yak!, S- someone help please.

And there are those who always take life in good sport. “Mostly I don’t know what to do and how to do, discussing things with classmates and friends life becomes a consultation forum, yet deadlines are a welcome change as they break the monotony and life suddenly seems to pick up some pace- the fastest horse Chetak’s pace!” says Swati Sharma, a second year Mass Communication student.

There are many of us who are ready with the combat device of humour to counter the scary deadlines, those of you who share this genre with me can safely say ‘Deadlines Amuse Me’. So go ahead and laugh— within the next one minute! 

NEW RELEASE
Mathan back with ‘Shikhar’

John Mathew Mathan who made ‘Sarfarosh’ years back is once again in the news with his much hyped new film ‘Shikhar’. John’s debut Hindi film ‘Sarfarosh’ tackled a serious political issue — cross-border terrorism. In his second original fare he deals with the subject, which revolves around tussle of power and humanity. After a hiatus of six year John Mathew Mathan joins hands with Ajay Devgan, Shahid Kapoor, Pakistani super-star Jawed Sheikh, Bipasha Basu and Amrita Rao. Trade pundits says “It is a family social with a compelling story. It is about wealth, glamour and ambition. The film opens today Batra and Fun Republic Chandigarh.

The filmmaker has raised some riveting issues in this film pitted against each other in this battle of man versus nature are two different but equally powerful protagonists in ‘Shikhar’. If ‘Shikhar’ is the pinnacle of good deeds and thoughts. ‘Shikhar’ is also the heights of ambition and greed. Those who have seen the rushes says the film has something interesting and exciting like ‘Sarfarosh’. At least the movie should be path speaking.

Manohar Iyer, Chandrashekhar Raajit and Sudhakar Sharma have penned the lyrics for music director Viju Shah. ‘Fitna dil ..., Dheere dheere and Megha re Megha — are good tracks.

There are glimpses of Bangkok, high rises an explosion — all beautifully shot by award winning cinematographer A.K. Bir. All eyes are on the movie, which promises gripping fare studded with top class star cast.

— DP

Kareena Indian Diva 2005

Koena Mitra and Udita Goswami bag special Indian Diva honours by India’s first diva Zeenat Aman.

Eight electrifying Bollywood sirens, gunning for the title of Indian Diva 2005 that recognises the most vivacious and gracious Bollywood star of the year based on the magic they create on the latest film tunes. After a rigorous session of popcorn crunching and cola slurping SaharaOne Television viewers across the country voted for the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor as their Indian Diva 2005, with the scintillating Koena Mitra along with sublime beauty Udita Goswami bagging the title of Style Diva and Diva Discovery respectively of the year.

India’s first Diva Zeenat Aman crowned the three beauties Kareena Kapoor, Koina Mitra and Udita Goswami, who were radiating with charm and charisma. The crowning of the Indian Diva 2005 will be telecast on December 31, 2005 at 8.30 pm on SaharaOne Television. The show would include performances of other stars like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Shamita Shetty, Rimii Sen and Parmita Kakkar who were vying for the Indian Diva 2005 title.

Indian Diva a unique entertainment property in its second year was launched by SaharaOne and Percept D’Mark. Bringing the most spirited divas from the film industry in performances featuring the hottest music tracks, the Indian Diva entertainment extravaganza hosted by the former Miss World Diana Hayden along with Rohit Roy has been an absolute treat for SaharaOne Television viewers for the past five weeks. Five lucky winners who choose Kareen Kapoor as the Indian Diva 2005 through sms have won themselves a 3 nights and 4 days all expense paid trip to Bangkok, were also present at the crowing.

If there was ever a good time to become a couch potato, this is it! It is a rare event in which eight Bollywood sirens grace the television screen in one single start studded night. So get hold of the remote control and get your attention glued to Sahara One Television on the New Years Eve. — TNS

FILM & FASHION
Kidman’s romance will be short lived

Nicole Kidman’s romance with singer Keith Urban will be short-lived because of his drug problems, says his ex-fiancée. According to contactmusic.com, ex-fiancée Laura Sigler dated Urban for eight years and believes he cannot commit to a long-term relationship because of his problems with cocaine addiction.

Sigler says, “Nicole and Keith might date for a while, but it won’t last very long. I don’t know her but I know him very well.” Sigler and Urban have not met since they spilt in 2002.

She adds, “It’s been hard. There were a lot of lows with the drugs. I don’t have any dark past - he was probably the darkest part, but I’m on my own now and I’m happy about that. He’s Keith Urban. He’s everywhere. I’m trying to move on.” — IANS

‘Revolver’ worst film

British director Guy Ritchie’s movie ‘Revolver’ has topped a poll of the worst movies of 2005.

According to contactmusic.com, ‘Revolver’ was named the worst movie of the year by members of the online British DVD rental company LoveFilm.com and beat out the likes of ‘Alexander’, ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Be Cool’.

The Top 10 worst films are: 1. Revolver 2. Alexander 3. Fantastic Four 4. Be Cool 5. Melinda and Melinda 6. Valiant 7. House Of Wax 8.

Bewitched 9. Herbie: Fully Loaded 10. The Dukes of Hazzard. — IANS

Arnold’s name dropped

Actor turned Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name has been removed from an Austrian stadium named after him.

According to hollywood.com, Schwarzenegger supposedly upset people in his native country when he refused to block the execution of convicted killer Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams in California this year.

The majority of Austrians are against capital punishment and urged the mayor in his hometown of Gratz to grant a request from the actor to rename the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium as Stadium Granz Liebenau. — IANS

Scarlett Johansson, Johansson loves New York City

Actress Scarlett Johansson, who has just turned 21, credits her success in so short a time to her having grown up in New York City.

According to contactmusic.com, Johansson says, “I live and breathe New York. I am who I am partly because of the way I was raised and partly because I was raised here. My parents told me and all my siblings that it was fine to express ourselves and whatever we were feeling and thinking, and that’s a very New York mentality. There’s a comfortable-in-your-own-skin quality that New York puts in you.”  — IANS

Dhamaal to tour India

Dhamaal Soundsystem, one of America’s most vibrant South Asian club performers and music bands, is currently touring India, and plans to set dance floors on fire in Mumbai, Goa and New Delhi.

The San Francisco-based group, which is a rage among alternative and South Asian music lovers in the USA, consists of 20-odd members, including technicians, who trace their roots to different parts of the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. — IANS

Health and Fitness

Prevent childhood obesity by nipping the evil in the bud. Encourage kids for outdoor activities. Instead of junk food and fried snacks, encourage your child to eat healthy foods, especially fruits. Educate and make your child aware about the importance of good health and inculcate in him/her the habits that lead to fitness and good health.

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

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

ARIES : You may be in a sensitive frame of mind and could overreact to perceived criticism from colleagues or loved ones. Trust and go with flow rather than swim against it as life is taking  you where it has to. Lucky number :  8. Lucky Colour : Pink. 
LIBRA : Your relationships are especially affectionate and friendly today. This is a good time for parties, social gatherings, and other pleasurable activities. A journey  is on the cards. Lucky number : 7. Lucky colour : Turquoise. 
TAURUS : Be willing to listen to those who have more knowledge.  There could be tensions on the domestic front but things will settle down. Forgive a friend for an error of judgment despite losses incurred  in a speculation. Lucky number  : 1. Lucky  colour Crimson. 
SCORPIO:  “ The Universe” opens up new horizons as a host of business and  essentially a busy day; rewards are received for efforts made in the past. Be light , playful and remain free. Lucky number : 2  Lucky colour : Lotus pink.  
GEMINI : You will be focused and alert at work and this will enable you to get through your tasks without putting in much effort. Those in creative fields will have a very productive day. Love life will be good. Lucky number : 4. Lucky colour :  lush green.
SAGITTARIUS : You achieve an ambition through hard work and endurance. A happy event calls for a celebration. Do not hesitate to make  settlement and compromises in business matters. Lucky number : 11.  Lucky colour : Royal blue.
CANCER : Relationships at work will progress smoothly. Expressing your emotions and appreciation will strengthen the bonds between you and your partner. Be flexible if you have travel plans as there could be delays. Lucky number : 8. Lucky colour : Burgundy.  
CAPRICORN : The money you have been waiting for finally arrives. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to spend. Be wary about making new joint commitments of a financial nature. Wait until the end of the day before making serious decisions. Lucky number : 9.  Lucky Colour : brown.
LEO : An excellent day to take stock of your life, to see how you are limiting and holding yourself back, and to determine your next steps. You walk down memory lane with a Taurean friend at a reunion. Lucky number : 4. Lucky Colour : Crimson. 
AQUARIUS : Your may be heading for a permanent love relationship.  Pays off as you are daring and adventures. A Taurean friend/person is caring.  Lucky number  : 16. Lucky colour :  deep purple. 
VIRGO : “ The Hanged Man” instigates you to make  changes  in routines that have become  meaningless and cumbersome in your life.  Loving family relationships and warm personal contacts are emphasized. Lucky number : 3. Lucky colour :Pink. 
PISCES: Take the chance to throw off all your worries and cares. You are blessed with spiritual insight and clarity of vision.  Not a time for you to make serious commitments. Lucky number : 11. Lucky colour : Brick red. 




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