|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not eggjactly a cameo FUN WITH FASHION MATKA CHOWK The greatest radio show of them all PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS FILMS & FASHION FILM REVIEW
|
|
Sukhbir
rocks again Sans the trademark black goggles, he was practically unrecognisable. “It’s great is it not, because at least I can go shopping without being spotted,” he quips in response to the eternal question on his specs!
Sukhbir, international bhangra ‘virtuoso’ (his popularity remains constant despite no album release in the past five years!) came, charmed and conquered with his soft-spoken demeanour and quiet confidence. In the city for Coca-Cola’s ‘Beat the Heat’ concert, Sukhbir’s affirmation of Chandigarh being his favourite performing arena found flavour immediately. “The energy and the vibrancy and the attitude of the crowd here is unbeatable.” The music for this hitherto untitled album is his trademark nachna-gaana stuff, light and spiffy. “My style remains largely unchanged but the sounds of course, have moved on. It is technology driven, unlike earlier times when live instruments ruled the roost.” With a lifetime spent in Kenya (where his father is a priest in a gurdwara) and now based in Dubai, both places have influenced his music, all the while retaining the spice of bhangra that he is known for. “While you will find Arabic influences in my latest album, I am also working on a kirtan album for my father, so really music is all about everything one has grown up with.” It has been a long-cherished dream to get his pitaji’s album out and which is now due for release by T-Series. What about the Bollywood reverie every singer has? “I have, in fact, sung for a Hindi film but I have been told not to announce it yet,” he smiles. The bug bites all! What kind of Bollywood music appeals to him? “Let me think, Rang de Basanti had some great stuff, that is contemporary music that works very well.” A composer, even in his spare time, music is something that just happened. He quit the masters degree in marketing midway because the lure of harmony proved irresistible. While he has been singing since 1994, music was a permanent fixture in his home, courtesy his father. “I started to play the keyboard and accompany him in the gurdwara and it was there that someone spotted me and asked me to join a band. Politics forced me to opt out and I started this one-man show where I would sing and play. This sort of music got quite popular. By then I had started moving towards Punjabi music and everything just happened from there.” The fame surprises him. “The popularity feels so strange, I cannot explain it,” he smiles. With so many artistes coming into the fray everyday, what if he wakes up one day and finds his brand of music does not appeal anymore? “I work with plan B and C, always. I am working on starting a music school, one that will provide a platform to people to showcase their talent and to release their stuff through an album.” And plan C? “I have a retirement plan worked out, even if I stop working today, my grandchildren too will be able to live comfortably.”
|
|
Walking on the edge Right folks, it’s not just the reed-thin models sashaying down the glamorous ramp of life in sheer opulence, but also the crowd that’s flaunting the ‘oh-so-hot’ funky high-street look. And haughty attitude that comes with wearing glam halter-neck and bikini tops. Glamour off-stage As the reverberating music bellowing out of high wattage speakers sets the pace for the evening, even the shining stars of colleges, schools and other institutes in and around Chandigarh descended on the lush green lawns of Kalagram in minis and even ghagra skirts. Some have paired the dress with long boots; others splash a daring look in spaghetti tops that uncovered glamour and ‘I-don’t-give-a-damn’ outlook. Heaven is a place on earth — is the impression the onlookers get as the flappers of the world climb up the chairs to clap in sync with the rhythmic music. If they guys mistake their appearance and actions to be the manifestation of ‘come-hither’ attitude, they are just not bothered about it. Back on the stage — Tina Chatwal, Krishna, Lou Gill, Latika and so many other top models in Chandigarh from Delhi marched their way to glamour, and into the hearts of so many guys, in lush fabrics with unique fits and royal cuts. As the music thumps out the beat, alluring garments struggled hard to cling to their long lean bodies. The atmosphere on the ramp itself was informal as the models lighted up the dark night with their cheery ensembles teamed with jaunty accessories. As they set the ramp afire in multicolored tops and voluminous skirts with chic urbane yet traditional touch, the traffic on the busy Chandigarh-Panchkula highway came to a near standstill. Parking their semi-limousines, the motorists craned their necks to catch a glimpse of energy jiving on the stage visible from the freeway. Prêt collection Gala was the word to describe the prêt design collection the ramp artistes showcased. Sensual and stunning, the hot couture had a poetic charm with an unpredictable and dramatic look. Designed by the full of spunk students, the ensembles involved the reinvention of the classics with layering and random prints overstating the old to give you that contemporary look. The range, richly embellished with semi-precious stones, crystals and even sequins, was vibrant, wearable and “full of life”. Rather, the collection had everything from “cowboy attires” to the “exotic experience of a safari”. Traditionally modern Traditional is contemporary in the summers of 2006. Nothing else could explain the use of gottas and laces to embellish the dresses. In her collection Laado, budding designer Neelam Bhalothia not only brought into play gotta, but also used pompoms and laces for surface ornamentations. For that complete conventional look so hot these days, she included footwear mojari and duppatas in her ensemble. Inspired by her homeland Haryana, her fabrics spoke of the state’s folkloric culture. Another designer Vinod Bhatia presented the wedding of a rag picker with dresses full of embroidery, patches, appliqué work and ornamentation. Standing there, you realise it is pure flair before the floodlights.
|
|
Not eggjactly a cameo The droll humour comes across intact even over a crackling phone-line and this king of iconic one-liners, is busy, busy, busy tasting the sweet fruit of success. “I was initially reluctant to do the film as I did not want to get into cameos. Having essayed full-fledged characters and roles, be it as a villain or in lead appearances, I was reticent,” he says. However, debutant director Siddharth Raj Anand and producer Aditya Chopra’s numerous “enthusiastic” conversations prevailed. “Adi (Aditya Chopra) did not want a comedian for the role. He was not looking at it as a caricature and that appealed to me.” The role of a westernised cowboy living in Australia was conceived as “exactly” and not “eggjactly” if you get the gist. The character had to sport a full-fledged accent but Jaaved decided to give the text a twist. “It was not a mimicry item but I thought of Feroz Khan in voice and persona and the strange, fusion language to speak and it seemed to work.” Lots of lines were thought off the cuff, impromptu, including the now famous Roman dialogue and no, Jaaved did not think the character would become a style icon of speech. “My niece tells me that everyone in her mess speaks like the character in the film,” he laughs. Not surprisingly, Jaaved finds place again in director Siddharth’s next film, a Saif Ali Khan-Rani Mukherjee starrer where he has “a full-fledged role running through the entire track of the film”. Indra Kumar’s Dhamaal with Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi and director Apoorva Lakhia’s Shootout at Lokhandwala are also in various stages of completion. Jaaved also has a “principal role” in Ashwin Kumar’s (Little Terrorist) new film, The Forest with Nandana Sen and Ankur Vakil. The Forest, incidentally, is an entirely American film produced by actor Richard Dreyfuss’s and is a thriller shot primarily at Corbett National Park. However, this actor whose ‘been there, done that’—films, choreography, VJing (with MTV as early as 1994 where he changed the style of presentation from Yo! to local desi ishtyle!) stage show host (numerous award functions), theatre person (a Hindi adaptation of a Gujarati play has Jaaved playing four different roles at the same time), dubbing artiste (he is the voice of Sankeeman or Syndrome in the Hindi version of The Incredibles), he now plans to bring his hit-show Boogie-Woogie back on Sony Television “in a bigger way”. Looks like work is worship!
|
|
FUN WITH FASHION While scarf suppliers in China and India are focusing on the production of beaded and embroidered models, rivals in design-driven India are concentrating on high-end products embroidered and beaded by hand. Makers of scarves in Delhi and Chandigarh, too, are releasing trendier models that feature special finishes, sequins, beads and customized prints. Opines Neha from Ten West, “Makers are developing a range of new models in chiffon, chenille, silk, cashmere, nylon and mesh weave with sequins.” Adds Rajneesh Jain of Meena Bazaar, “Voile scarves with ornate designs are also a rage. High-end models in georgette silk printed with dyes and designs embroidered by hand with satin thread are also in production. While floral or abstract prints remain popular, models with solid colors and classic patterns are the best-sellers in the city. Beads, sequins, lace and silk and cotton thread are being used as trimmings. Beams Salil Gulati of Salil Studio, “Scarfs are feminine and flouncy, yet a minimalist’s delight.While the simple, classy ones are being sported at offices, the more embellished ones are doing the rounds of party circuits.” Simple steps to tie a scarf In case you are bored by just wrapping a scarf around your neck, try some new styles. Happy tying— 1. Fold the scarf in half into a triangle. 2. Put the scarf on your head with the point of the triangle in the back. 3. Tie the 2 ends of the triangle together in the back of your head over the back part of the triangle. 4. Gently move the scarf from the back to the side of your head (You can also start out by tying the scarf on the side, rather than in back, if this seems easier.) Wrap the scarf around your neck once 5. Before doing it again, just make a knot like you did with your school ties 6. Yes, wear your scarf like a tie and flaunt your fashion statement.
|
|
|
MATKA CHOWK In the US, we pay to get our dogs walked by bonafide ‘dog-lovers’ who have to often prove the authenticity of their affection for the canines by giving rigorous interviews. They say you can tell the dog by its owner – or rather tell the owner by the kind of dog he/she keeps. Unfortunately, that is a difficult task in Chandigarh, given the fact that the dogs walkers here are mostly the household help, who squeeze in this chore, maybe between fetching milk and cutting vegetables. I am not sure how the dogs feel about their walkers. They cannot of course, report on improper conduct! Often, it seems like the dog is simply tolerating its walker. In my neighbourhood, I see a majestic and gentle Grate Dane being walked by a mere boy of puny dimension, who often brutally pulls on the leash. Little does he know, if the dog desired, it could drag him all the way to Sukhna Lake! I also see a grand mastiff being walked by a domestic help who is only interested in pelting stones at the mango trees. The dog waits patiently and even lets out a ‘woof’ when a green mango falls. A beautiful golden retriever on the other hand, chases his walker all over the park gleefully while he bikes around to the tune of Bhangra Rap. Even more interesting is the phenomenon of multiple dogs being walked together. My neighbour has a huge boxer and a scrawny daschound, both of whom are led on by the same humongous stick wielded by a man who alternates between being a milkman and a gardener. Another neighbour has a rather large Dalmation who loves to run wild, leaping and jumping at any moving object. The frail bodied girl who walks it, usually gets a lot of exercise – for her body as well as her vocal chords and we all know that they are out for their evening runs. Then there are dogs who are literally slip sliding all over the road, as and when they are pulled on by their walkers – in between stops for impromptu chats and small purchases. I see the dog walkers congregate in the park – mostly in the evening for a hearty chat. The dogs sit patiently and tolerate the incessant talking. Some of them even look longingly at the balls thrown around by the children. The lake has a notice that no dogs are allowed – I guess it only applies to pet dogs. There are healthy and robust looking street dogs in the lake that prowl the waterfront with great airs of authority and casually overtake you (with a commanding look) while you attempt to jog on the running track. I am sure they are glad not to have any walkers!
|
|
|
The greatest radio show of them all Mirror mirror on the wall who makes the greatest show of them all…well this is something that has often come up for discussion and the result is predictable. There have been some great stars like Rush Limbaugh, Casey Kasem, Rick Dees, Gary Owens, Howard Stern, Shadoe Stevens etc., who have made some really great shows and all have been vying for the top position since decades. But the person whose show has survived best in this long race for a very long time and is the undisputable number one contender is none other than Casey Kasem. Born Kemal Amin Kasem to Arab-American parents of Lebanese descent in the 1930’s in Detroit, Michigan, Casey had an early life full of struggle, but, I guess he had the phrase ‘Survival of the fittest tattooed on his heart’. Starting slowly but surely, in a ‘white only’ dominated America he made humble beginnings on radio and finally in the 1970s, he launched the world famous countdown show American Top 40 (AT-40). His unique style and the ability to ‘connect’ with the listeners made him a household name and no one could escape the phenomenon called Casey Kasem. The main feature of the countdown show, besides the regular Top 40 tunes was the ‘long distance’ dedication which had the listeners glued. The Casey Kasem juggernaut had arrived. When asked as to what it takes to build a successful radio show, he simply says, “Consistency. Always be consistent. I think if you analyze what we did on July 4, 1970 on AT-40, and what we’re doing today, you will find it’s the same thing”. As of today, AT-40 has over 350 Hot AC and CHR affiliates in 91 of the top 100 markets. The show continues to be a major player in the world. Till date AT-40 has been heard in more than 100 countries and this syndicated weekend show has been a huge success worldwide. If for any reason, Casey was not able to do show because of illness or vacation, then the person hosting it in his place had to speak, “Hi, you are tuned in to AT-40, I am Vince McMahon sitting in for Casey Kasem”. Talk about power. In Casey’s own words the reason for his show’s success has been the love of his mammoth legion of fans, the universal appeal and a format that has never changed for more than four decades. In the end he says “Keep your feet firm on the ground and keep reaching for the stars”, as he signs off each episode of the show. (The writer is a renowned radio personality running Radio Buzz, a Radio Jockey trainer, voice expert and an international broadcaster)
|
|
|
PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS Long sweeping eyelashes are a sign of glamour and femininity. Some are born with it and others have to create them. Thanks to the mascara! A great way to give that added oomph to the sparse eyelashes, highlighting the eyes as the focal point of your face and adding a dramatic touch to your make up. Mascara is not only colours and gives a lift to the eyes, but is great to emphasise the lashes, giving that wider and brighter look. Next to the lipstick, mascara is the most effective beauty product and a must have for every girl’s make up kit. Shopping for mascara can be an eye opening experience. It is hard to believe that there is so much to choose from thickening, lengthening, volumising, maximising, separating, clear look and so on. The choice does leave you confused. Available in many colours, many textures, many types of brushes have been introduced to wear mascara. You could choose from electric blue for that dramatic look or stick to brown for that natural look. Certainly, you can’t wear coloured mascaras with traditional outfits, they must be avoided as they are quite noticeable and add a real daring edge to your personality. You can wear blues and plums for happening parties only! Black makes a dramatic statement too but as you gain in years it’s best to stick to either soft black or brown look as it brings the fine lines and dark circles forward. Clear mascara and brown always offer very good posture to your face and knocks years off you face. For subtle definition try brown mascara on the lower lashes. Here are a few lash secrets to help you get your lash on right:
|
|
FILMS & FASHION
Orlando Bloom has a rather embarrassing problem — he can’t use the loo if someone is talking to him. Bloom’s problem was revealed by his Lord of the Rings co-star Dominic Monaghan who said the actor had trouble peeing if someone speaks to him. “Orlando can’t pee if you’re talking to him. He stops and just can’t get going again. He has to really concentrate to have a wee-wee. Isn’t that cute?” the Daily Snack quoted him, as saying. Carmen’s girly crush
Former Baywatch babe Carmen Electra will
finally get to play Joan Jett’s female lover, after admitting that she
has a girly crush on the singer. Joan and former Baywatch star shot the
video for A.C.D.C. in New York City last week. Carmen and Joan play a
would-be couple in the clip, but Carmen’s character can’t decide if
she’d rather be with a man or a woman. Britney’s unusual pet
|
|
|
FILM REVIEW After Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi, Pritish Nandy Communications has come up with latest offering Ankahee, the story of doctor’s love story with a beauty queen. It is director Vikram Bhatt’s autobiography, which focuses on his relationship with former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen. Ankahee looks at romance and relationship. Aftab Shivdasani and Ameesha Patel play lead roles whereas Esha Deol plays the other woman in this film. Esha has a prime woman-oriented role in this film. Ameesha Patel plays the whimpering wife in this film and emerges a winner. Director Vikram Bhatt has proved his directorial abilities with Ankahee. The movie with its story, sterling photography and good direction makes it worth watching. The casting is perfect too. Aftab, Amesha and Esha Deol make good impact. Sameer, Amitabh Verma and Subrat Sinha have penned the lyrics for composer Pritam, who has been a hot favourite among teenagers with recent Gangster, comes up with fine compositions. KK’s brilliant Ek Pal Ke Liye... and a good Aa pass aa... by Shreya Ghosal are soft and sentimental numbers. Ankahee opened on Friday at Nirman, Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra. *** Famous south Indian filmmaker Shankar’s Aparichit, the dubbed Hindi version of Tamil superhit Anniyan also opened on Friday at Nirman, Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra. Vikram, Sada, Raj and Saurabh Shukla are main characters. The hero of this film is a superman who does not spare a thought for anyone. The subject is good but despite some technical brilliance Aparichit fails to attract the viewers. Photography and visual effects are superb. Harris Jayraj’s music is average. — D.P.
|
|
I am a 36-year-old independent woman, working and living on my own in a different city from my parents. The problem is whenever I go to visit them, I just give up on my independent self. I do not want to be responsible for anything at all. I simply can’t imagine how I pay my rent, live on my own, go to work and seem to enjoy that. I am almost afraid of coming home now as I seem to turn into this fearful person. My parents in fact want to rely on me. But back to my own set up I am completely in control of life and situations. What is this strange behaviour and how can I balance myself? Cathy Philips, Chandigarh My dear girl, what you are really asking me is how can I grow up? Somewhere deep inside the child within you is not nurtured yet, so the moment you are with your parents you turn into the child again. We all love the carefree feel of our childhood, no worries, no cares and blissful. A completely free and happy situation. You know on your own the responsibilities that have to be taken care of. Well that’s life my dear, you just have to learn to deal with it. Draw on your inner strength to balance yourself. Re-programme your mind to be secure and independent even when you are with your parents. Affirm to yourself, “I am a secure and independent adult and capable of looking after myself”. Your level of confidence will change, the fear will vanish and you will be equally comfortable everywhere. I am a girl of 23 years sharing an apartment, which I have taken up recently with another girl, as we are both here from different cities to work. I am an attractive girl but she is rather overweight and extremely bossy. Somehow since we are staying together, I go out of my way to be nice to her. But she has become extremely difficult. She criticises my appearance and my way of dressing all the time. I do not want to be negative and tell her off, because I feel it will hurt her and I feel a bit sorry for her but now I have started feeling that it is beginning to get to me. The moment we are together after work she just starts off on her criticism of me. I simply want to run, can you advise me please. Simrin, Panchkula You must learn to keep your calm in a situation like this. Why must you want to run? She probably thinks she’s being helpful by showing you your weakness also you must remember she is also trying to subconsciously build her own self-esteem by showing you down. Do not allow it to get to you. Lots of people have a habit of riding on other people’s faults to make themselves feel better. Since you are understanding, her game you can beat her at it. Do just gently tell her to mind her own business. Make her feel that looks are not so important and it is the kind of person you are that really is what its all about. Once she gets the message she will definitely change her tune. Tell her criticism is not a healthy habit. Make her aware and give her a chance. I am a young man of 32 years with a wonderful job, a great home and a really beautiful and lovely woman in my life. My problem is that I am constantly fearful of losing all. Specially my girlfriend. Although she tries very hard to convince me that there is no need for me to feel insecure I just simply cannot get strange obsessive negative thoughts out of my mind. I have started living a life of negative fears. “What if she falls for someone else?”, “What if my job is not there?”, “What if something happiness to my practicing life style?” Now, instead of enjoying myself, I am constantly living under a pressure that is actually non-existent, just a possibility. How do I rid myself of these fears? Arun Malhotra,
Chandigarh. Young man, you have it all and
your problem is actually that there is no problem. When God has blessed
you with everything just learn to thank Him for it and stop obsessing over
negatives. Any thought you pay too much attention to, starts building
itself out of proportion. We all carry fears from our childhood. This is
our conditioning that we are taught, not to accept too much happiness it
might just go away. But Why? Get rid your negative mental patterns by
doing some positive affirmations. Drive the fear out of your heart and
learn to live a carefree and happy life. Just repeat “I am a child of
God and I am constantly in His protection”. This will give you inner
strength. Once you learn to build on yourself the rest will just easily
follow. Allow yourself the mental ease and mental freedom and feel the
happiness you deserve.
|
|
While driving a car holding steering wheel on the sides or on the top for long periods of time can cause upper back pain. Holding the wheel with one hand at the bottom with the forearm resting on the thigh allows immediate relief on that side. — Dr. Ravinder Chadha
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Sparkling wedge heels, flashing psychedelic lights, gleaming crystals cascading down the glamorously glittering asymmetrical dresses and pulsating beats pounding against the chest…. You cannot ask for more from the dainty models and the dazzling crowd during Anu-Kama — the fashion show organised to showcase the collection of graduating students belonging to the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology at Kalagram on Friday.
“When in the Rome, do the Romans,” he declared in last year’s mega-success Salaam Namaste and the nation is still rolling in the aisles while the film-maker is laughing all the way to the bank!
In the movie, based on modern relationships, actor Jaaved Jaaferi sparkled on screen in a memorable cameo that has come to define a new talking style — do the wrong English! 
Twisting, twirling, zigzagging…it makes way
around your petite neckline flirtatiously. Tinkling with tassels, beads and glitzy sequins, it makes you dive headstrong into dollops of dandyish charm….
Think style, think sensuality…think scarf. Yes, no longer a simple rectangular shaped garment worn during winters, the plaid scarf has undergone a Cinderella-like transformation. Wonder not, the slinky little garment is making stylo-meters across the city soar this sweltering summer.