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Plaza carnival is back
Rush to US
Antique Look Smily of success
Film & Fashion YOGA
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Brewing warmth with tea As the mercury is plunging, so many city residents are rising not just to taste adrak and tulsi chai, but also tea punch with lemonade and ginger ale, says Saurabh Malik
Piping hot cups of tea are warming up the spirits like never before. And it’s just not tulsi, adrak and masala chai that’s controlling shivers in the early winters of 2006. As the mercury takes a deep plunge into the lives of city residents, shivering youngsters are asking for earl grey, orange and even organic tea with the chattering of teeth. The whiff is unmistakable. As you trot down the dark and dingy corridors of existence after tightening the knot around your overcoat, fumes bellowing out of kettle sweltering on the front burner pull you inside the fast food joints. The trail mingles with the aroma of hot cakes and other goodies to give you the essence of winters, merrily. Wow! Isn’t it? “In days that are no more, young sophisticates, assuming tea to be a common man’s drink, would order cappuccinos and café latte in coffee bars across the city,” recalls Rajiv Khanna working in a Sector 35 fast food joint. “Tea was a big no for the breed”. Placing himself behind the counter, he narrates the tale of his own girl friend. “She would savour tea spiked with cardamom brewed nicely in an aluminum kettle over a kerosene stove in college canteen. But outside the campus, ordering tea was `absolutely mundane and middle class tendency”. Flashing a warm smile, he adds: Those were the days when coffee bars offering stuff you had never heard off, let alone tasted, had taken over the city. Eager to project themselves as essential ingredients of the coffee society, youngsters with bulging pockets started zipping down the fast track of excitement all the way to coffee bars. “My girl would order beverages with complicated names. Her fundamentals were simple: the more difficult the name, the better the stuff. For her, iced café mocha with chocolate cake bought from other’s money was a must even in winters”. But now things, along with tea’s reputation, have changed for good, courtesy so many brand names offering varieties. The joints are doling out iced tea with fresh lemon juice and mint leaves, or tea fruity with a dash of orange and mango squash mingled with rose syrup. You can even buy tea punch with lemonade and ginger ale, or tea cocoa with cinnamon and cardamom, besides cocoa. No wonder, teenyboppers reposing on comfy sofas in young joints are ordering the magic potion. Among them is Panjab University student Zubina Shergill. Cupping the hard dull glass full of steaming tea with soft cold hands, she rushes to join her guy Tanveer huddled in one corner of a Sector 35 joint. As the stereo blares some hot hip-hop numbers, the two gently sip the invigorating drink simmered to brew affection. Well, guys, you will be glad to know that they are not the only ones mesmerized with tea’s magic. Shining stars of transient flicks Sushmita Sen and Cindy Crawford say tea sets the pace of their day. You may find it hard to believe, but tea is Britain’s favourite national drink. In fact, over 1,500 varieties are available there. Flavoured with herbs and lemon grass, free from caffeine, the brew brightens up the mornings and sets the mind working. Now folks, what are you waiting for! Just order your cup of tea, now. Happy drinking.
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Plaza carnival is back The centre is also planning to organise special programmes for those living Mother Teresa’s Home, Old-age Home, Blind School, Umeed, Prayas and Bal Bhavan. And the concept of the good old artists corner will also be retained in which
artists from Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy and students from the Government College of Art will make portraits, tattoos and face paintings. So folks, get ready to enrich yourself culturally while enriching your wardrobe.
— TNS
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Deols: Brotherly Act
The title of the film that Anil Sharma is shooting in the villages around Chandigarh could not have been better. It is called
Apane and the star cast that has the region all agog and excited is very
Apana indeed. Good old Dharmendra and his boys Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol are playing father in and sons in the film just as they are in life. Only the storyline differs. The film is being shot at Vaseela, a countryside resort near Chandigarh. “It’s a family film about a father and his two sons. This is the first time in the history of cinema that father and two sons are working together in one movie. This film will be ready for release in six months,” said Anil Sharma director of film. Anil and Sunny had a fine association with Sunny Deol in
Ghadar: Ek Prem Kahani. That was a super hit and Anil is all praise for Sunny, “He is very professional and I look forward to working with him on a number of projects. This is his second visit to the town. He has been here for his earlier movie
Ab Tumhare Hawale Hai Watan Sathio. “People are very friendly and most importantly the administration is very cooperative,” adds Anil. Talking about Mega star
Amitabh Bachchan, he said that may god bless him with long life. His health is better now. I have a desire to work with him and I have also talked to him regarding that but most importantly I want him to fully recover from his illness before we move ahead. Apart from this Anil was coy about disclosing details of his future project.” I have many project but its too early to talk about”, he said. But he promised some thrills and spills. Victor
Banerjee renowned actor, is also featuring in this movie.” I am playing a character of Ehsaan in this movie. I am a friend to Dharamji who is playing the role of Baldev. As my name suggest I keep doing ‘Ehsaan’ on his family to keep them happy”, says Victor. When asked how was it working with father-son trio? “They are three wonderful people. I have lot of respect for Dharam ji and lots of love for both Sunny and Bobby. It great fun working with them”, said Victor. “Chandigarh is very cozy place to work with all amenities available. I am looking forward to come here again”, adds victor. Sunny and Booby were busy doing their act, as the shooting was one. However, the family bonding for which they are well known was quite evident.
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Rush to US
Your passport (with visa stamp) will be couriered with in three days from now. Enjoy your trip to the USA.” These are the golden words that every Student Visa aspirant for the USA strives to hear from the Visa Officer after the interview. Although many countries like New Zealand, Australia, UK and Canada have relaxed their visa norms but still the USA remains the hot favorite of many. Many aspirants feel that a stamp from US varsity gives more recognition and career opportunities than the desi universities. “A degree from the USA apart from providing specialisation opens doors for a better and secured future” expresses Sohrab Joshi, who recently received I20 from the New Jersey Institute of technology (NJIT) and is now preparing for his visa interview. Not only Sohrab, but many other students too feel that after a degree from the USA, Indian companies gives them more consideration thus eliminating the initial struggling phase from their career. “After completing my MS from the USA, I can hope for managerial level posts in just two years whereas it will take another 10 years to attain the same position if I join a job right at this stage in India.” explicates Rahul Verma, who is working on his application process for San José State University, California, USA. However some students also feel that there are not much research facilities here in India. “Universities here give more emphasis to the theoretical aspect rather than practical.” opines Ajay Kadyan. He plans to do research in VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration - semi conductor chips). Even some coaching institutes are witnessing a rise in the number of students enrolling for guidance for exams like GRE, GMAT etc. to try their luck for US education and scholarships. “There is definitely a rise in student enrolment. We have almost twice more students now and had to start more batches to accommodate new students,” says Hirdesh Madan, Director, Bulls eye, Chandigarh. Effacing the long held view that India lacks job opportunities, most of the applicants feel that India no longer suffers from employment deficiency but still it does takes time to scale the success ladder in India. Two majors factors cited for this are – first, the universities lack infrastructure to help students meet the field requirements which is essential for job; secondly, a foreign degree still attracts more employment offers. Even more fees and a high living expenditure does not deter students to aspire for US education. Many students keep options to study in other countries only as a backup so that, in case they fail to attain a US student visa, they can apply for universities in other countries without risking an academic year. Although there is a spate of local agencies that claim to provide student visa without competitive exams like GRE or GMAT and even without English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS, it is always advisable to go through these exams. Few universities do not require them but almost every well-graded university requires its applicants to pass through these exams – of course, the nature of the exam and minimum score vary with the course requirements. Apart from this, clearing these tests leaves a tacit impression that the applicant’s interest for higher education is not superficial and thus ensures more chances of getting a student visa. Few tips regarding University Application:
Some Interview Guidelines:
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Antique Look
With the fusion mantra ruling the roost of everyday life, can home décor be left behind? Like the ‘must have’ Indo-Western dress and pop-flavoured Punjabi folk songs, it has become a trend with the upwardly mobile to insert a little antique corner in their granite-finished ultra-modern homes. To be honest, antiques do lend some character and class to a house and evoke a nostalgic feeling. “A corner with antique furniture and knick-knacks is a must for my mental health,” says a city resident. Ask Viren Tanwar, city based artist and an antique lover to the core, he would vouch for it. “When my family divided our ancestral property, all I wanted was our family heirlooms, right from the dresses and cholis that my great grand mothers and aunties wore to the old furniture and terracotta figurines,” he says. They are not alone. “I was not born in a haveli but my marriage landed me in one and that is where I learnt to appreciate antique furniture,” says Nirmal Mahesh Chand. Her obsession soon took a professional turn and Kidar’s Gallery in Sector 7 came into existence, which over the years has a favourite haunt for antique lovers. To cater to all section, Nirmal had not just started collecting genuine antiques but also started making replicas. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the gallery, Nirmal has put up yet another exhibition. Proud of her latest collection, Nirmal is only too happy to show us around. “I have collected this four-poster bed made of Burma teak from a royal house hold,” she tells us. The price is a bit high, for it comes for a princely sum of Rs 50,000 but the intricacy of work is overwhelming and hey, it does come with a history. There are others, equally outstanding pieces, like an elegant Maharaja chair, fireplaces, corners, swing mirrors and hat stands that come from royal households of various places like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. “The latest rage among antique collectors is easels and luckily I have procured many for this exhibition,” says Nirmal. They are handy and gel well with all kinds of décor, old haveli types as well as modern houses. “They are ideal for displaying family pictures,” she explains. For people who would not want to shell out such exorbitant amount for an old piece of furniture, there are replicas. Sofa sets, fire places, chairs, corners, planters, consoles,
jhoola-benches, jharokhas, wall mirrors, coffee tables, you name it and Nirmal has it all. “My replicas, though are imitation of real antiques, I have tried to give them a personal touch,” says Nirmal. And she likes them better for they are more functional and also affordable. So if you want to change your décor from that ultra-sleek Durian look to the old-world classy one, a visit to Nirmal gallery is not a bad idea. Chances are that you may end up not just buying a piece of old furniture, but a piece of history too. The exhibition is on till January 14.
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Smily of success
Smily Suri, who made her debut in Kalyug, is related to the renowned Bhatt family. However, without taking anything for granted, she went through the grind of auditioning for her first film like any other newcomer. She went on to prove herself and with Kalyug not only did she win the heart of her mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, but has also carved a niche for herself in the industry. In an interview, she talks of her forthcoming plans. How did you bag the role in Kalyug? Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an actress. I assisted my brother Mohit Suri on the sets of Zeher. During the making of Zeher, Mohit discussed the script of Kalyug with me. I loved the script and wanted to be a part of the film but I had committed to do Pooja Bhatt’s Holiday. Things didn’t work out so I approached Bhatt Saab. He asked me to audition for the role in Kalyug. I had to earn it. Fortunately, the audition went off well and both Bhatt Saab and Mohit liked me. What preparations did you make for the role? I am playing the role of a Kashmiri girl in the film. I read up a bit on Kashmiri Pandits. But the film’s focus was not this. I didn’t have to do extensive preparation for the role. They were looking for someone who looked like a simple small-town girl and I suited the role perfectly. I just had to be myself! Despite the fact that Mohit, your brother, was the director of the film, Deepal Shaw’s role was meatier? While narrating the script, Mohit told me at the very beginning that Deepal is the porn star in the film but my role too was equally important. Since both of us have very different roles, you cannot compare our roles. She fits her role and I fit mine. Mohit could have extended my role but that would have been at the expense of the script. That would have been unfair since there is nothing bigger then the script. I have made my presence felt and people have liked me and appreciated my work. Any memorable incident that happened while shooting for the film that you would like to recall? I tied raakhi to Emraan Hashmi and Mohit on the sex street in Zurich. I don’t know of any sister doing that! Zeher or Kalyug? Kalyug...any day. What is your equation with Pooja Bhatt today after she ousted you from Holiday? I believe in destiny very strongly. I was meant to be doing Kalyug and it was meant to be my first film. I guess whatever happens, happens for the best. I bear no grudges and have no regrets. To all those people who think I cannot act, I would say ‘please go and watch Kalyug’. Oh yes! I love anything to do with dancing. I have been a dancer for the better part of my life. I have seen a whole lot of movies with dance as the backdrop. I have loved Disco Dancer and Dirty Dancing and will certainly be watching Holiday. Your role model? I have always believed in myself and followed my instincts. But I do appreciate a few people for what they have done for themselves. I guess there is something to learn from each and every individual. So there is no one individual who would be my role model. If not that of an actress which other profession you would have pursued? Since dancing is a passion. I would definitely be dancing and doing some theatre. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Definitely acting. Hopefully, by then I would have created space for myself in the film industry, having worked with all my favourite directors! — Dharam Pal
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Confessions of a Beauty Queen As Niharika Singh
gets ready to hand over her crown to her successor, she reminisces her journey to the glamour world Life has been a delightful journey till now. When I look back and reminisce about my past I feel almost impossible to identify with the old Niharika Singh! I was a complete tomboy and reveled in being one! I had short hair and wore long shirts. I was part of a group known as the ‘Smashers’, and we lived up to the reputation. We were so notorious that post our tenth standard we were never called back to complete our further studies at our school. However, I was recently invited at my old school and the teachers still remembered me as the naughty girl who used to indulge in the nastiest of pranks and wreak havoc in classes. It still makes me smile when I look back. As a child I held a fascination with the mirror. Even in school, I always wanted a bed that faced the mirror in the dormitory. My fascination with the mirror soon changed into one with the camera. I started balancing my education with modelling. And then Pond’s Femina Miss India – Earth 2005 happened and my life changed forever. From a mischief-monger, I emerged into a one who was all ready to represent India on the world stage. My aim was to transform myself from being Miss Niharika Singh to Miss India. Today, I have the privilege of being the brand ambassador of Rotary Blood Bank, which supports a lot of social causes. I am happy that they chose me and gave me an opportunity to change the lives of many. The one month I spent at the pageant helped me evolve as a person that I never was. The exposure that the contestants received will be a gift that we will cherish forever. From grooming to walking the ramp, from voice modulation to increased confidence, the Pond’s Femina Miss India was the most educative experience we all received at the one unforgettable month at the contest. The number of activities that we were made to participate in helped us grow as individuals and we lived a lifetime in that one month. The time is soon approaching to hand over the legacy to the next deserving candidate. I feel honoured to be able to do so, and hope to be remembered for all that I have achieved and all that I have yet to achieve. The girls who will participate this year will realise how fortunate they are once they get selected. They will receive pointers from the best in the business and whether they win or lose, this knowledge will hold them in good stead in the future. It’s very important not to try and be like someone, but be yourself and appreciate who you are. The judges look for authenticity and freshness, not a mould of a past winner or a star. All the best!
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YOGA The sun is the giver of life. The energy of the sun makes possible for all life forms to evolve on this earth. The ancient yogis of India practiced a system of yoga that allowed the practitioner to access this life-giving energy for connecting with higher spiritual energies for their own evolution. They believed the sun to be a reflection in the external world of the splendour of the soul within. The tragedy is that not many such yogis are easily accessible and so the learner must check the antecedents of any teacher purporting to teach this powerful form of yoga that is based on the Martanda Surya yoga of Babaji Gorakhnath who has revealed the science of all yoga practices to mankind. The exercises include gazing at the sun in tratak, channelling the solar emissions to various parts of the brain through hand movements (mudras), pranayama and chanting of mantras (powerful sound vibrations). Interestingly, while practicing, they even have special actions to negate the harmful emissions of the sun and to allow only the beneficial rays to penetrate the body. The yogi learns to feed on this powerful nourishment gradually learning to do with minimal food. The benefit of sunlight on the physical body has been well documented with doctors regularly advising patients to sun themselves for better absorption of vitamin D, and on the mental body with records of cold sunless countries having an unnaturally high rate of depression, suicides etc despite being economically developed. The sun has a rejuvenating and exhilarating influence on the human mood. It has also been shown to effect blood pressure and diabetes. Many unrelated events have been found to correspond with increased solar activities. The results of studies by the American Foundation for the Study of Cycles shows occurrences of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteor showers, altered germ cell maturation and even changes in fashion trends and fluctuation in the stock market that correspond to these solar emissions that extend thousands of miles into space. The practitioners of solar meditations use the energy of the sun to eliminate physical disease and by constant purification attempt to convert their physical body into a body of light fit enough to be a receptacle for divine energy and then finally realise themselves to be divine. Absorbing solar energy to heal: Sit with your back exposed to the early morning sun. With your eyes closed imagine the body absorbing the sun rays. Consciously relax the body and visualise the solar energy like liquid golden light penetrating first the skin, then the muscle, tissues and the bone. Keep sitting until your whole body is saturated with every cell radiant and the light gently flowing in your bloodstream.
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TAROT TALK
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Here is some good news for those who miss those Saturday evenings of pulsating music and rhythm in sector 17 Plaza. You got it right. We are talking about Plaza Carnival, which is making a come back from January 7.
The Centre for carnival Arts, which introduced the concept of carnival culture in the city way back in 1993, has joined hands with the Chandigarh Administration, to restart the tradition, which they refer to as a permanent institution of joy and helpful tool in the promotion of weekend tourism.
“The carnival will bring to the public musical evenings, dances, theatrical performances and sporting events,” says Maniki Deep, who is the brain behind the Centre for Carnival Arts.
The aim is to provide a platform to amateur artistes as well as showcase the talent of established ones. “Talented persons from all walks of life are welcome to perform at the carnival,” says Maniki. A talent registration counter would soon be set up and anyone can register for audition. Once cleared by the audition committee, he or she can perform on a stipulated date.
ARIES:
You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to many more changes.
Lucky number 2. Lucky colour: Silver gray. 
LIBRA:
It's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying. Move into the new year with everything behind you — fresh and without baggage.
Lucky number: 21. Lucky colour: White. 
TAURUS: Be careful and don’t do anything that might get you into trouble. Going away for the weekend or visiting friends will work out great. Lucky number: 14. Lucky colour: Silver gray.
SCORPIO:
Recent professional setbacks can easily be turned into triumph. Don't yield to temptation; be responsible. You will not get away with wrongdoings, so don't even try. Lucky Number: 12. Lucky colour: White.
GEMINI: You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project.
Lucky number: 2. Lucky Colour: Golden.
SAGITTARIUS:
You are on a winning streak. Play the odds, but don't bet what you can't afford to lose. Having fun is what it's all about. Be ready to make a change.
Lucky Number: 10. Lucky colour: Pink. 
CANCER: Though "Knight of Swords" gives you a new vision but overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love. Start off with a clean slate. Lucky number: 7. Lucky colour: Purple. 
CAPRICORN:
Your mind should be on money and making more of it in the new year. Attend any event that will place you with people you find stimulating.
Lucky Number: 20. Lucky colour: Black. 
LEO: "The Princes of Cups" infuses you a youthful disposition so you will be flirtatious but be careful not to ignore or hurt the one who counts most in your life.
Lucky number: 15. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. 
AQUARIUS: Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Do your thing with friends, even if someone wants to ruin your plans. Stay calm and refuse to let anyone get the better of you. Lucky Number: 6. Lucky colour: Green. 
VIRGO:
You won't be able to count on anyone, so if you are going to go out, prepare to walk or stay home and have friends visit you. Listen to what others have to say. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: White. 
PISCES:
"Nine Cups" full of light lotus blossoms and greet you today as loving relationship flower with commitments. It's a new year headed your way with great new possibilities.
Lucky number: 12. Lucky Colour: Silver.