Budget beats For so many young professionals with bulging wallets, the budget is all set to add fizz to their lives with cheaper ice creams and soft drinks. But for many families existing on the fringes, the budget is somewhat flat, says Saurabh Malik She couldn’t have asked for more. Living life away from home in a rented house, the proposed reduction in ice cream prices and duty cuts on instant food mixes, along with soft drinks, have only added fizz to her already bubbly life. Though her father back home in Kangra is puffing angrily at the increase in the price of cigarettes and the general cost of living, call centre employee Priya Seth is swinging at the thought of buying an MP3 player at a cheaper rate.  HAPPY GO LUCKY: For U.N. Khosla and Leela Khosla nothing much has changed. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

Mobile and mobility  Anandita Gupta Mention the word Rickshaw-puller and the only image that strikes the mind is that of a scantily clad, badly tanned skeleton look-alike. For miles on end, he’s someone who trots in the sun or rain ... dragging at his vehicle, with the sweat dripping from his moustaches and forehead. He earns just earn thirty or forty rupees a month, and coughs his lungs out after a few years. Well, all this may have been true, but not any longer. Especially, not in the City Beautiful. With the IT Park springing up, most of the city rickshaw wallas are working as labourers. Not just that, hiked incomes have also led to a shift in their lifestyles. We jolt you into a state of awareness. GIZMO SAVVY: A rickshawpuller finalises his next destination as he ferries a passenger. — Photo by Manoj Mahajan

Beauty and the bride Saloons in the city are continually re-inventing themselves to meet the flamboyant tastes of the consumers. The latest gimmick is the bridal bouquet packages, says Anandita Gupta The scent of the rose petals fills the senses. A rejuvenating fruit drink refreshes the tired mind. The exquisite sensation of fatigue leaving the body tickles the soul. And all those expensive packs work their magic on that dull, chalky skin. Finally, step before that ‘mirror mirror on the wall’ and voila, you earn that long awaited compliment from the mirror! Yes! Some blissful hours at a beauty lounge and the burning of some mega bucks has resulted in that Cindrella-like-transformation.Welcome to the world which literally adds a ‘wow’ to the weddings. The place, which makes the dulhan (bride) and Dulha (bridegroom) dazzle. Bridal Bliss: A soon-to-be bride gets her make-up done at Salochna’s beauty world, Sector 8-A,Chandigarh. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

A versatile Package
S.D. Sharma
“Unlike those good old days when the Bollywood singers conscientiously relied only on playback singing in films for their survival and stardom, the intensely growing competition demands a contemporary singer to be a ‘complete package of versatile myriad traits’ attuned to be a charismatic stage performer, accomplished dancer and anchor besides a compatible vocalist with ability to sing genres of music right from the thumri to pop,” says Bollywood’s star singer Sonu Nigam. This trend, according to him, when viewed in the right perspective encourages one to explore more opportunities to make use of his talent.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram  Parbina Rashid For Ravinder Sharma, city based artist, the creative process is more important than the end result. But as the artist has been painting Shiva for the past 20 years, the end result becomes as beautiful as the process, which he might have experienced while creating the series of about 30 paintings—all aesthetically sound and complete with the spiritual aura. Keeping the tradition of holding exhibitions on Shiva as part of Shivaratri celebrations, Ravinder this year to has captured various essence of the god, but this year with a little abstract angle thrown in. This gives his painting a mystical aura without getting into complication. SHIVA SHAKTI: Ravinder Sharma at Art Folio, Sector 9.— Photo by Vinay Malik

YOUTH SPEAK
Tackling interviews
We generally see a kind of interview phobia among the youngsters. Interviews are almost a nightmare for them. Interview, however, is not a scary demon. Its just a meeting between two people, generally an employer and his employees. Though an exchange of ideas and words, the employer gets a peep into the mind of the employee. Instead of getting scared, bear in mind the following points while going in for an interview.

NEW RELEASES
Somebody’s watching you
Bollywood’s famous filmmaker Harry Baweja, the maker of blockbusters like Diljale, Deewane and Dilwale, promises something different in his much-awaited movie ‘Teesri Aankh’ which has a baseline— ‘The Hidden Camera.’ It will be released today at Piccadilly Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra.

Designer drawing room
Your drawing room is the most exclusive area of your home and designing mistakes could be unpleasantly expensive. Discuss and formally draw a design and seating plan options with your family. Explore a few concepts and ‘looks’ you would like to create to welcome guests. Finalise what best satisfies your requirements, ideas, desires and dreams.

FILM & FASHION
Eva pays tribute  to her sister
‘Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria has paid tribute to her beloved sister Elizabeth, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. The star insists her 37-year-old sibling has always inspired her-and is keen to redress people’s perceptions of the mentally disabled. “I’ve met so many amazing people but no one comes close to my own sister. She is and always has been the brightest light of my family’s life.

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

Budget beats
For so many young professionals with bulging wallets, the budget is all set to add fizz to their lives with cheaper ice creams and soft drinks. But for many families existing on the fringes, the budget is somewhat flat, says Saurabh Malik

She couldn’t have asked for more. Living life away from home in a rented house, the proposed reduction in ice cream prices and duty cuts on instant food mixes, along with soft drinks, have only added fizz to her already bubbly life.

Though her father back home in Kangra is puffing angrily at the increase in the price of cigarettes and the general cost of living, call centre employee Priya Seth is swinging at the thought of buying an MP3 player at a cheaper rate. “Am so glad I waited for the budget to buy a music box for cutting footloose to the thumping beats of cool compositions bellowing out of the speakers,” she asserts.

Of course, she is feeling bad about the increase in prices of goggles and paying more through the ATM card while getting the petrol filled in her scooter. But then, like most of her friends, she is happy at the thought of persuading parents to buy her a nice little jaunty car.

Treat for some

This is not all. Priya and so many other youngsters the Lifestyle talked to are licking their lips excitedly at the very idea of having scrumptious idilis and hot dosas for dinner without burning new holes in her trousers’ pocket. “A major chunk of our income is exhausted in buying food and cold drinks,” says Priya’s roommate Anshu Saxena. “Between the two of us, we are spending almost 30 per cent of our income on buying and cooking foodstuff…. I do not know how much we will gain eventually, but I think it’s time to celebrate with coke and ice creams”.

More than idlis and dosas

The young professionals with fat salaries and fatter perks may be excited about cheaper ice creams, but for the Sharma family there is nothing creamy about the budget. For them, there is hardly any reason to cheer with the flour prices otherwise also hitting Rs 15 a kg and the same quantity of channas costing over Rs 50.

“I am not an ardent cold drink consumer, and have hardly any money to buy a new car. Besides this, I already have a CD player,” says Punjab and Haryana High Court advocate Raman Sharma. “I occasionally go out for dinner with my family, but the same, I heard, will now cost me more due to an increase in the service tax. So I will give up eating out.”

Sharma has also asked his family to use the phone with caution. “It pinches me. Already, I am paying Rs 80 as service tax on a bill of Rs 800. Now, I will have to pay something like Rs 96 on the same amount. Not that Rs 16 makes a difference, but at the same time paying nearly 100 bucks extra on the phone bill hurts me.”

While the finance minister was telling the parliament on Tuesday about how much money he has in the budget to boost economy, it hardly meant anything to Sharma and so many of his friends living in the vicinity of his house.

“In fact, I was not even listening to the budget. I had a fairly good idea that the Finance Minister would not increase the prices of petrol and LPG cylinders, at least in the budget and that was enough for me,” he sighs.

Critical about the whole thing, he asserts the prices have mostly been reduced on luxuries, and not necessities. “Even a marginal reduction in petrol prices would have brought big smiles on the faces of so many people,” concludes primary school teacher Manjeet Sapru.

Cash calculations

As a taxpayer, you may gain with fixed deposit of five years or more qualifying for rebate. But otherwise the announcements will hardly make a difference on your family budget except when you go shopping for footwear and instant food mixes.

If you consume one cold drink a day, you end up paying something like Rs 70 a week. Though unlikely, even if a reduction of Rs 2 per bottle is passed on to the consumer, you will end up saving just Rs 14. On the other hand, if your monthly telephone bill is Rs 2000, you will end up paying Rs 40 more as service tax.

Living reasonably

Budget or not budget, if savings is a problem after paying for petrol and foodstuff, here are some ideas taken from the net to help you get back on track:

First, understand your household budget. Figure out what is left over from your salary after you have taken care of all the necessities like rent, mortgage, groceries, childcare and even clothing. Then think about your money goals — the way you like your money to work for you over the long term. Think in terms of reducing debt or an increase in savings.

Then closely monitor your spending habits. Rather, track your spending for two weeks. Devise ways and means to overcome the ones that knock your budget off-balance. Do not buy yourself treats just to cheer you up when you are feeling bad. Avoid spending money to reward yourself.

Prepare a shopping list and stick to it. Do not buy after falling in love with the stuff at first sight. See if you actually need it. Also, take advantage of “early bird specials”. Buy in bulk and share purchases like lawnmower with others.

Mobile and mobility 
Anandita Gupta

Mention the word Rickshaw-puller and the only image that strikes the mind is that of a scantily clad, badly tanned skeleton look-alike. For miles on end, he’s someone who trots in the sun or rain ... dragging at his vehicle, with the sweat dripping from his moustaches and forehead. He earns just earn thirty or forty rupees a month, and coughs his lungs out after a few years. Well, all this may have been true, but not any longer.

Especially, not in the City Beautiful. With the IT Park springing up, most of the city rickshaw wallas are working as labourers. Not just that, hiked incomes have also led to a shift in their lifestyles. We jolt you into a state of awareness.

He’s moved over Kirana stores and pan-biri shops. Where you’ll spot him instead is a market brimming with Reebok and Adidas fakes. Visit sector 22 or 19 at late evenings and you’ll find many of them. “Yahan par shirts bahut sasti hain (the shirts here are very inexpensive),” chips in Ram Krishan, a rickshaw walla who stays at Daddomajra.

And then, these men are also getting gizmo savvy. Many rickshaw wallas today have fancy mobile phones. “I don’t know how to read and write. But a cell phone is a must if my sawaaris (regular customers) have to contact me. So I got one for Rs.2500,” beams Avataar Singh, a rickshaw puller who came from Punjab to Chandigarh. And how does he make a call? “I just listen to the calls that come on my phone. And if I want to give my number to a sawaari, I ‘ve got my cell number inscribed on the screen of my cell.” Smart, isn’t it?

And possesing justa charpoi(cot) and a pocket radio contents them no more. Today, rickshawpullers stock all the latest gadgets including TVs, coolers, refridgerators and even DVD players. “ Its getting very hot and my family wants thanda panni (cold water) so I have bought a refridgerator on instalments.”says Hari, a rickshaw puller from sector 19.

And funny though it may seem, most of mthem are familiar with the terminology related to modern gadgets. Laughs Mrs. Meera Joshi from Panchkula, “Recently, as I was shifting a house, I asked a neighbourhood rickshaw puller to help me. While he was shifting my husband’s and children’s’ three laptops to their rooms, I asked him to be careful. “Please be very careful. These bags have something very delicate.” I said. He snapped back, “Pata hai meimsaab, laptop hi to hain.Aajkal bahut sasta ho gaya hai.{I know these bags have lap tops. But don’t worry.Even if they get damaged, they are very cheap now.)”

Well, times are not far when we’ll find a rickshaw puller carrying a laptop on his rickshaw!

Beauty and the bride
Saloons in the city are continually re-inventing themselves to meet the flamboyant tastes of the consumers. The latest gimmick is the bridal bouquet packages, says Anandita Gupta

The scent of the rose petals fills the senses. A rejuvenating fruit drink refreshes the tired mind. The exquisite sensation of fatigue leaving the body tickles the soul. And all those expensive packs work their magic on that dull, chalky skin. Finally, step before that ‘mirror mirror on the wall’ and voila, you earn that long awaited compliment from the mirror!

So all you dreamy-eyed soon-to-be-marrieds out there, before you actually fling those phoolmalas in each other’s necks, get ready for a heady experience.You’ve made a very important choice in your life. Before you actually seal it, it’s the time to get spoilt for choice.

 

A versatile Package S.D. Sharma “Unlike those good old days when the Bollywood singers conscientiously relied only on playback singing in films for their survival and stardom, the intensely growing competition demands a contemporary singer to be a ‘complete package of versatile myriad traits’ attuned to be a charismatic stage performer, accomplished dancer and anchor besides a compatible vocalist with ability to sing genres of music right from the thumri to pop,” says Bollywood’s star singer Sonu Nigam. This trend, according to him, when viewed in the right perspective encourages one to explore more opportunities to make use of his talent. Sonu Nigam was in the city to perform at the Festival of Gardens. Sharing his views on diverse subjects with the Lifestyle, the singing sensation maintains that he is not averse to the concept of Indian Idol, referring to his experience as a judge for a Sony TV show. The show does not guarantee the crowned ‘Idol’ being the best but assures the one, to be an artist of people’s choice.  At the same time the film industry too cannot be taken for granted for the fair promotion of an actor or a singer bereft of the blessings of a godfather. I do not see anything wrong if a talent promotional show helps budding artists to grow. Sonu agreed that the film music, the nucleus of Bollywood industry, is loosing its creativity potential and the rampant piracy looming large might prove disastrous in future.  At the age of three, Faridabad-born Sonu was initiated into music by his father Agham Kumar. Sonu later acted as a child prodigy in feature films like Kamchor, Ham se hai Zamana, Taqdeer, Ustadi Ustad se and Betab. After a few albums and anchoring of TVS Sa Re Ga.. .. show Sonu Nigam  emerged on the Bollywood scene stealing the limelight with hit film song Achha sila diya.. for Bewafa Sanam  followed by Sathiya, Pukar, Kal Ho Na Ho, Refugee and Border to name a few. Positive attitude to learn, hard work, time management and self-introspection are mantra for success.  Besides daily riyaz of vocal classical his passions include Yoga, Tai Kwondo, studying books (over 1000 in his personal library) and learning classical music under Ustad Mustafa Khan even as an established singer. Giving a partial credit to Sa Re Ga Ma which fetched him instant popularity but it was his aesthetic potential which shaped his career. He is obliged to Usha Khanna, Sachin for support and guidance. On the galaxy of music awards Sonu, remarking in lighter vein, said these are generally decided by those knowing little of the finer nuances of music. Sonu denies any hankering for the awards though he had a plenty, including the coveted film fare award-2002. He is working on latest album based on semi classical music and the Sufina theme under the music direction of Deepak Pandit. Satyam Shivam Sundaram Parbina Rashid For Ravinder Sharma, city based artist, the creative process is more important than the end result. But as the artist has been painting Shiva for the past 20 years, the end result becomes as beautiful as the process, which he might have experienced while creating the series of about 30 paintings—all aesthetically sound and complete with the spiritual aura. Keeping the tradition of holding exhibitions on Shiva as part of Shivaratri celebrations, Ravinder this year to has captured various essence of the god, but this year with a little abstract angle thrown in. This gives his painting a mystical aura without getting into complication. So it is not just Shiva, but one gets to see a lot of snow clad mountain peaks, nature, relation between a mother and her child, all as part of Lord Shiva. So the connecting thread remains the same—spirituality. Ravinder has the perfect explanation for it —“My attempt was to bring out the beauty of our surrounding, which is the essence of Lord Shiva.” And spirituality, according to him is nothing but our response to that divine beauty. The inspiration comes from mostly the neighbouring Himachal, like Srikhand Mahadev temple, Yogini temple at Vahu, also in Himacha, snow-clad mountains of Kullu Manali and also ancient culture of the hill state. And when his brush churns out colour with an inner creative confidence, a simple bond between a mother and daughter takes a spiritual hue. The colour that dominates in this series is dark blue and green. For the artist, who has tried to capture his subjects in the morning hours says, “I see more shadows in nature and what are better colours than blue and green to capture the depth?” However, it is not just the colour scheme, which has landed the required depth to his paintings, but it is the technique of mixing sand grains in Fevicol to create a textured look, which has given that desired effect. If the spirituality of Lord Shiva and beauty of Mother Nature is not enough to lure to the gallery, the exhibition comes with one more angle — it is the artist’s contribution to the Divine Life Society, which is opening up a branch in Chandigarh. The money collected from this exhibition will go to the charitable and spiritual projects of the society. On till March 4 at Art Folio in Sector 9.

YOUTH SPEAK
Tackling interviews

We generally see a kind of interview phobia among the youngsters. Interviews are almost a nightmare for them. Interview, however, is not a scary demon. Its just a meeting between two people, generally an employer and his employees. Though an exchange of ideas and words, the employer gets a peep into the mind of the employee. Instead of getting scared, bear in mind the following points while going in for an interview.

—Anchal Garg

NEW RELEASES
Somebody’s watching you

Bollywood’s famous filmmaker Harry Baweja, the maker of blockbusters like Diljale, Deewane and Dilwale, promises something different in his much-awaited movie ‘Teesri Aankh’ which has a baseline— ‘The Hidden Camera.’ It will be released today at Piccadilly Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra.

Film pundits have pinned high hopes on this film, which will undoubtedly be eyeing box office success. — D.P.

Designer drawing room

Your drawing room is the most exclusive area of your home and designing mistakes could be unpleasantly expensive. Discuss and formally draw a design and seating plan options with your family. Explore a few concepts and ‘looks’ you would like to create to welcome guests. Finalise what best satisfies your requirements, ideas, desires and dreams.

Courtesy: Besten & Co.

FILM & FASHION
Eva pays tribute to her sister

‘Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria has paid tribute to her beloved sister Elizabeth, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. The star insists her 37-year-old sibling has always inspired her-and is keen to redress people’s perceptions of the mentally disabled. “I’ve met so many amazing people but no one comes close to my own sister. She is and always has been the brightest light of my family’s life. As children we always knew that someone else came first because she had special needs, and we were taught from when we were babies to respect and understand that,” she was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying.—ANI

Cruise innocent

Actor Tom Cruise’s conspiracy theorists will be disappointed, as it appears the mega-star had nothing to do with fiancée Katie Holmes’s sex scene being removed from her upcoming film, “Thank You For Smoking”. Director Jason Reitman has reportedly solved the mystery of the actress’ raunchy scene, insisting that a young production assistant had misplaced the saucy footage. “It was a projection error. They just lost that reel,” Contactmusic quoted him, as telling the New York Daily News.—ANI

Sheryl Crow gets support from ex-fiancé

Singer Sheryl Crow’s ex-fiancé Lance Armstong has pledged to support her in her fight against breast cancer and he is confident that she will make a full recovery. Crow underwent minor surgery recently and will now have precautionary radiation therapy. Doctors insist they have caught the disease early and the outlook is good. Seven times Tour de France winner Armstrong, who is a testicular cancer survivor, has already been in touch with the singer, and is sure she will recover. 

Moss-Doherty episode not over

If rumours are to be believed then the Kate Moss Pete-Doherty episode is not yet over, as the two have been reportedly spotted together recently. “Yes, I have seen Kate again,” Doherty was quoted by The News Of The World, as saying. The pair were also spotted looking cosy together at the Westbourne pub in London’s trendy Notting Hill. Kate and Pete’s on-off relationship began when they met at her 31st birthday party in January 2005. It ended when the supermodel went in to rehab last year after she was pictured snorting cocaine at a Babyshambles recording session. —ANI 

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

ARIES : The Ace of Wands gives an opportunity for expansion change; happiness success and financial benefits. Health will be good; the mind very hopeful and buoyant and the ideas sound. Good development in health matters brings you clarity of thoughts. Small precautions will help; keep spare cash available and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Lucky colour: rusty red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Listen to your voice of wisdom.	LIBRA : You draw “The Fool” you feel free, unburdened and happy. No matter how hard you try, you can’t fully control the object of your love without changing it into something different. Medical report or a suspected health problems gives you a sense of relief. Bolster your confidence on Thursday. Lucky colour: Lush green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Understanding your priorities helps to cut away negativity and restricting relationships.
TAURUS : The Card “The Moon” brings a quickening, many changes and insights. Difficulties still exist in partnerships or relationships that you need to deal with. You have the capability of making positive changes. You’ll breath a sign of relief soon. Joint ventures that were passing through a difficult phase will now be dissolved. Lucky colour: Emerald green. TIP OF THE WEEK: You have to be straitjacketed about your approach.	SCORPIO:  Your card “The Empress” encouraging such a step, as a period apart will give you a better chance. You will do well to consult a cool headed friend whose judgement you value. Read a great novel or spend a few hours listening to classical music on Sunday. Lucky Colour : Soft blue. TIP OF THE WEEK : Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else.
GEMINI : Love, romance and happy surprises are on the cards. If you’re looking for investors, this is an ideal week for giving your presentation. Centre within to taste your inner bliss and silence. You’re are tempted to rush decision on Tuesday. Accept the benefits coming your way. Lucky colour: Citric green. TIP OF THE WEEK: You are on the right track. Don’t allow other people to interfere you	SAGITTARIUS : “ The Chariot” brings you face to face with truths & priorities. Communications , conversations and taking care of routine tasks require mental clarity. Buying, selling, or negotiating is likely to go well on Monday. Lucky Colour :Golden. TIP OF THE WEEK : Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
CANCER : You are active, dynamic, swift and strong like “The Knight of Wands” . The tide is definitely flowing in your direction. A new encounter in business association may bring good luck on Thursday. A Sagittarius person gives you good counsel. Lucky colour: peacock green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Plan your life to avoid delays that comes your way.	CAPRICORN : People in power will come to your assistance and you will find yourself moving in their circle. Planning to buy a new car? Apply for the loan. Romance would be rosy. Your beloved may just put the foot down. Time is to concentrate, be it work or personal relationship. Lucky colour: Golden. TIP OF THE WEEK: Your own aims, ideas, opinion matter a lot.
LEO : You will find it easy to express your feelings to your loved ones. The future is at your feet; if determined there is little that can block your path. There are plenty of people waiting in the wings who would be more than happy to assist you. Try to keep your ideas grounded so that you can make them work in reality. Lucky colour: brown. TIP OF THE WEEK: Keep your tenancy to save money for rainy days.	AQUARIUS : The Moon is in a combustiable mood, so expect social plans to flare up. Social events could be more enjoyable than you had anticipated. A sudden change of attitude may get you out of a rut and put you in a powerful position. On the professional scene, you will make very good profit in your business. Lucky colour: Red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be practical and set the unpleasant set of events into motion.
VIRGO : What are you worried about? The past does affect the present, of course, but it is time to heal the wounds of the past and live in the now. Keep your eyes open for hidden developments, which could affect your long-term future. Immediate boss is fussy on Thursday but do not take offence. Lucky colour: Pink. TIP OF THE WEEK: By applying yourself you can build great success.	PISCES: “The Wheel of Fortune” spins in some good fortune. Your sense of humour and willingness to help others will put you in the spotlight at work and at home. Unrealistic expectations about financial dealings could result in disappointments. Lucky Colour: Brick red. TIP OF THE WEEK: At work, a setback would be followed by a rapid advance, so don’t worry.