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Colour the
kitchen shutters
Storm in a
teacup
Suno....
Prachee’s back
FILM & FASHION A zen for
art Different
strokes HOPSCOTCH YOUTH SPEAK
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The Kikkar Lodge beyond Ropar is a fine getaway from city life to be one with the flora and fauna of Punjab, says Nirupama Dutt In spite of the kikkar or babool’s many medicinal
qualities, it is a demure line of verse that looks up at the heavens. However,
the kikkar tree stands redeemed in its native soil of Punjab and instead of the
tree looking up, the people are now staring at a well-shaped kikkar atop a hill
and lit up with floodlights like a work of art. Yes, that is the scene that
meets the eye as one travels through forest path beyond Noorpur Bedi in Ropar
district. Emotive response
A non-resident Punjabi blogger writes about it thus: "Imagine my delight then, when I discovered The Kikkar Lodge, a nature retreat a mere half-an-hour from Anandpur. Off the beaten track, tucked away out of sight, almost, in the Shivalik foothills. A property sprawling over 1800 acres or so and constituting what is described as the country’s first private forest reserve. Adjacent to the Ropar wetlands, the famous wildlife sanctuary that is widely deemed a paradise by anglers and bird-watchers as well. The very name of the resort evokes a deep emotional response from me." Described as the first private forest reserve resort, the Kikkar Lodge, now that the controversies of using forest area thus are more or less away, seems to be blossoming and attracting people from near and far. These are people who are tired of buying and spending in the city, endless mobile calls, partying late and spending long hours at work. Weary after a bumpy ride in the back of beyond Puvadi region of Punjab, one reaches wondering what the place will hold and it is already dusk. But a look at the floodlit Kikkar and one is nostaligic for a time when the old Ropar road in Chandigarh (now the Press Club is situated on a part of the road), had these old familiar trees — mango, neem, peepul and kikkar. Pretty cottages The red-brick cottages, with thatched
roofs and no televisions, are charming with two swimming pools betwixt the huts
and the restaurant and conference rooms. It is a case of real jungle mein
mangal. Young Amarinder Singh, graduate in hotel management from
Switzerland and son of the owner, serves us a sumptuous Chinese dinner followed
by coffee sitting under the stars out in the open. "I am a foodie and I
make sure that food here is lavish and sumptuous," says Amarinder. The
cheese- and-chilli omelette and delicate vegetable cutlets at breakfast prove
his point. `A0The brainchild of Gobindar Singh Chopra, the Kikkar Lodge, is
much more than nature’s largesse. It is perhaps the only private forest
reserve that offers a plethora of activities to its guests. The high-spirited
and the adventurous can enjoy thrills of jungle trails and animal tracking,
horse and camel safaris, night safaris and fishing on the Sutlej. And what’s
more, exciting outdoor activities like off-road quad biking and all-terrain
biking have been introduced in India for the first time! Kairali
massage For the sedate and the stressed out, the Kikkar Lodge offers a unique
therapeutic treatment, putting one at peace with body and soul. In
partnership with Kairali, it offers authentic ayurvedic solutions for
modern-day ailments like arthritis and spondylitis, sinusitis and migraine.
Rejuvenation therapy, special packages to remove stress and strain, and other
ayurvedic programmes are also offered. You could also chill out at its
state-of-the-art spa for meditation and yoga. The lodge is attracting a
lot of corporates for conferences and team-building. It was full with firang
Punjabis at the time of Hola Mohalla and Amarinder tells us with pride,
"The Indian Tourism Development Corporation has already given it the
status of Welcome Heritage Resort."
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Having planned the structural utility of the kitchen, let’s explore through the materials to beautify it. Experiment with wood, textured/plain glass, laminates, mica, veneers, ply even steel for cabinet shutters and handmade tiles, natural stone mosaic for walls to add interest in your kitchen. Since you are going to be looking at the cabinet doors for years to come, do keep in mind the durability and maintenance features of the chosen material. Nothing can beat the warmth and longevity of wood. Teak is eternal and can be stained in finishes ranging from natural teak to rosewood, walnut, mahogany cherry etc. in melamine. Seasoned ‘sheesham’ on the other hand is considered ‘black gold’ which can be glossed, painted, colour washed or waxed to give it the finish you prefer. Laminated cupboard doors have endless possibilities in colour, texture and shine. You can go for a soft look with creamy colours and a matt finish. For an eclectic style statement, opt for the continental look with shining fronts in bold colours. However, laminate cupboards suffer from wear and tear over time. These may need further applications of adhesive if either not properly maintained or adhesive, saving that exercise was undertaken by the manufacturer to begin with. Wooden shutters painted in PU or 2K finish is expensive but offer vibrancy and literally any colour combined with long life to your kitchen. Particle board kitchens are quite in vogue since they are inexpensive than wood. However, particle board kitchens suffer from a serious flaw. You will never be able to re-screw a loose shutter using the same slot or add a lock to finished shutter. Glass will look beautiful in both traditional and contemporary kitchens, whereas frosted glass works best in contemporary kitchens. Light up glass shutters for chic styling. Steel is modern, but may look clinical is used profusely. It lends its own character to your kitchen, is easy to maintain and is durable; but can be very costly. Add warm colours on shutters or walls or tiles to offset the blandness of steel. The countertop is an integral part of kitchen. Countertops and Worktops for kitchens are available in a variety of materials. The most popular options include Marble, Granite, Stainless Steel or Quartz Surfaces. Choose smooth, matte-finish countertops to prevent glare and allow heavy pots and pans to slide easily from sink to cookertop. Tiles are available in a variety of shapes, designs, sizes and patterns. Tiles will mostly be used as backsplash above cooking range and worktop. Choose from reasonably priced commercial ones to hand made bespoke exclusive tiles. Both stones and mosaics are easy to clean and refreshing in design. Create your own patterns to design your walls. When possible use natural lighting. It is more diffuse than artificial lighting which makes it easier to see. Opt for glass brick pattern on the walls to allow more natural light filter in, without compromising the security. Position switchboards between 42 inches and 48 inches above the floor. Use a combination of fixed and track lighting. Marble, stone and vitrified tiles are best for floors. Scratch marks will show through light flooring but will open up the kitchen. Dark flooring may look brooding and reduce visibility in the kitchen. Black quartz or granite for flooring and worktop contrasted with white kitchen counters and colourful handmade tile mosaic on walls will leave anyone speechless. The kitchen would look really bland if you chose cream kitchen units and cream paint on the walls. Vibrant colours used esthetically however can add character to the kitchen. Bright yellows are reminiscent of rising sun, reds and greens are rich, aubergines and violets are charming. Home is where hearth is, and we have finally designed our hearth to warm our hearts for years to come. Courtsey: A.P. Singh
Besten & Co.
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Storm in a teacup
Ever since she emerged from the sea, a nymphet in a bikini in her debut film Janasheen a few years ago, Celina Jaitley has been causing a storm in a teacup called Bollywood! Okay, maybe not a tempest, for the film flopped, but Celina was noticed for sure. On a whirlwind trip to the city for the launch of the glossy North Colours magazine, Celina dazzled in her all-black ensemble for the evening, with three-inch heels to boot and while we tottered mentally just looking at her sandals, she laughed, beamed, nattered and pirouetted for photographs with ease. So what makes this fizzy actor tick? “I love anything funny and work is my all-riding passion. It gets my adrenaline going and I could just go on and on,” she smiles. Born on June 9, 1981, she went on to win the Miss India title in 2001 and that is when the Hindi filmdom opened its portico for her. Today she has Vikram Bhatt’s Red to look forward to, Subhash Ghai’s Money Money Money and Anant Mahadevan’s next untitled film scheduled to start soon. Her kitty is full but what she really wants is for her directors to explore her potential to the fullest and that of course translates into more woman-oriented roles. “Anything to do with being a woman suits me. I enjoy being one and want to be born again and again as one; after all, womanhood is the essence of being.” So no surprise that a role she would love to reprise is Meena Kumari’s classic performance in Pakeeza. “It is one of my all-time favourite films,” she reiterates. However, where watching films is concerned, it’s comedy all the way while the other leisure moments are best spent devouring books. “I read everything from Archie comics to Dan Brown to Emily Bronte. And there are my three doggies to look after, that’s a lot of work.” Celina comes back to Chandigarh after nearly five years, “I was here for four days after winning the crown in 2001” and despite her travels all over (her father was in the Army and they moved a lot), the neighbouring Shimla remains the apple of her eye. She also talks with immense delight about her younger brother, a Captain in the Army in the Commando forces stationed at Jammu & Kashmir, “I am very proud of him,” she declares. “Had I not been an actor, I would have added a captain or lieutenant to my name,” she laughs. As she gets ready to fly away for the night, we ask one final question: what does she see in her dreams? “I have already achieved so much that I will have to dream of dreams to have one. But seriously I want to sleep happy and content at night leaving all else, even fame, behind.” Not a chance on that one Celina, the arc-lights seem to suit your smile!
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Reservation is not the only issue bugging students in Panjab University and colleges across the city. Police interference is also arresting their attention. Ever since the alleged firing incident took place at the university Students’ Centre over a month ago, the cops have unduly been harassing the students in the name of security — at least this is what scores of young scholars are claiming. They allege in hushed voices that the men in khaki, deployed near the gates, not only stop them for checking identity cards and other documents again and again, but also raise eyebrows every time guys on roaring motorbikes come to pick up their girlfriends, silently. Ah, again the have-nots looking at the haves of society with envious eyes! You can’t help it, boys. Back to the students: they claim that the problem is particularly bad outside the college grounds. On the condition of anonymity, they say that the cops position themselves behind pillars and posts outside the campus gates. Ruthlessly, they catch frail students coming out of the colleges. Even before they can grab the opportunity of wearing headgear for protecting themselves from the sun’s direct onslaught. The fact that most of the students do not wish to be quoted on the issue itself speaks volumes about the existing situation. Seeking a complete revamp of the prevailing security system, students assert that except for causing undue annoyance, the cops are hardly doing anything else. In fact, they have not even been able to instill a sense of confidence amidst the students. This, they assert, is evident from the fact that few learners nowadays frequent the Students’ Centre after sunset though the shops there remain open till 9 pm. Moreover, few girl students come to the outer reading hall of the university’s main library for studying the book of success after sunset because of the existing law and order situation on the campus. Phew! All this sounds so discouraging. First a students’ gang indulges in complete lawlessness on the campus, and then the cops come only to spoil the taste of academic delicacy. Will the police and the university authorities, along with the students’ organisations, do something about it, please? Battle of the fair sex Girls have broken into yet another male bastion. By indulging in a group fight at a Mohali-based law institute, they succeeded in doing something that was so far considered the prerogative of male students. Well, it’s a feat no girl can ever be proud of achieving, but then that’s another story. The institute is currently holding an inquiry into the incident which culminated in the registration of a criminal case against seven students and a hostel warden. Even the police is trying to establish guilt on the part of individual students. But academicians in Mohali and Chandigarh are looking at the case from a different perspective. For them, it’s a classic case of intolerance and petulance that has become an integral aspect of the students’ personality these days. They say that the clash started with the passing of a comment. It could have ended there and then. In any case, the “victim” student could have laughed it off. After all, she was a senior student. But she went ahead and slapped the other student — a year junior to her. Things did not end here. The next day the junior student and her friends allegedly clashed with the “victim of comment”, resulting in an ugly situation. The academicians insist that the need of the hour is not to punish the students after establishing fault on part of individuals, but to make them sit across the table and sort out mutual differences, amicably. They also seek to ensure the bringing up of students, especially girls, with higher levels of tolerance so that they can play the part of a moderator in future. Sounds sensible, indeed! — Saurabh Malik
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Prachee,
who made a brief visit to Chandigarh, talks about her life and her
plans. Her eyes twinkle when she talks about the show Suno... Har Dil
Kuchh Kehta Hai. "Contiloe Production called me to say that they
had a perfect role for me. I read the script and accepted the offer. After
wrapping up Piya Ka Ghar on Zee TV, I became part of Suno....
Har Dil Kuchh Kehta Hai and started shooting for the same,"
informs Prachee Shah. One can say that her entire personality has
contributed to her phenomenal rise as a good actor. Full of energy,
vitality and good humour, despite a hectic schedule, is what Prachee is
all about. Prachee is also a committed Kathak dancer. She inaugurated the
Kali Das Festival at Nagpur and also performed at the Ajanta and Ellora
Caves. "It is only viewers who have discovered me now after the
exposure I got with the shows Piya ka Ghar, Ehsaas and a
Marathi film Pak Pak Pakaak with Nana Patekar". "I have
been performing kathak dance at big shows and those who are into this
field are familiar with me. I agree, it is only a small section because
kathak dance is not publicised as widely as Western dance in media,"
she says. Getting back to work after her marriage Prachee Shah says it
feels good to be back to work again. About her new projects she says,
"I have an offer from Star Plus. I am also hosting Rangoli on
DDI. It is one show I have grown up watching and I am happy to be hosting
this show now. I am giving kathak dance training to students and presently
my popular show Har.... Dil kuchh Kehta Hai is on the air,"
she adds. And a word about Chandigarh? "It was truly a good
experience to be here. What makes Chandigarh special is its
planning," she says. — D.P.
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NEW
RELEASES When a film comes from the house of Yash Raj banner, rest assured that the film would boast of good production value and a rich look. The same holds true for the Aamir Khan and Kajol starrer and the much-awaited film ‘Fanaa’. It has music by Jatin-Lalit and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. The movie opens today at Piccadily, Kiran, Chandigarh and K.C. Panchkula. ‘Fanaa’ is the biggest film coming from Yash Raj Films after ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, ‘Salaam Namaste’ and ‘Neel n Nikki’. The promos lead to an eventual curiosity about the film’s subject. The buzz is that the film, having the pairing of Aamir Khan and Kajol, is conceived in the backdrop of a war. Aamir Khan, for the second time in his career, is cast as a grey character. Earlier, Deepa Mehta had cast Aamir Khan as a communal muslim in ‘1947 Earth’. Both Aamir and Kajol worked together in ‘Ishq’ but they were not paired opposite to each there. ‘Fanaa’ is a first film where both share romantic vibes on the silver screen. Besides them, Tabu, Rishi Kapoor, Shiney Ahuja (gangster fame) and Kiron Kher play important roles. Trade analyst Tarun Adarsh says, “It is a poignantly hard-hitting tale that gives Aamir Khan a chance to do what he likes best—play a tragic lover.” ‘Fanaa’ is produced by Yash Chopra. It is a third directional venture for young Kunal Kohli after ‘Mujhse Dosti Karoge’ and ‘Hum Tum’ both with Yash Raj Films. ‘Fanaa’ has shades of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Dil Se’. Kajol plays a physically impaired girl. She is making a come back with ‘Fanaa’ which deals with the struggles of a blind girl. — D.P.
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FILM & FASHION New York, May 24:
Sir Elton John recently poured his heart out as he grieved over the 60 friends he has lost to the deadly AIDS virus. Speaking at a business awards ceremony in London, the superstar attacked the Catholic Church for condemning the use of condoms and urged businesses to help the fight against Aids. “I’m devastated to have watched friends I loved very much die from this terrible disease,” Sir Elton, was quoted by rate the music, as saying. I’ve never mentioned before the shock of seeing a young woman who worked in my office die because anti-retrovirals were then unavailable. More recently a young man fell ill and died within a period of three months,” he added. Since launching the Elton John Aids Foundation in 1992 John has raised millions for Aids sufferers and research into the disease. Debbie back in limelight Washington, May 24:
Rock legend Debbie Harry along with other member of the band ‘Blondie’ are back in the lime light, after being invited to place her handprints into the cement on Hollywood’s Rock Walk. When asked about the group’s enduring appeal, Debbie described it as being “ahead of their time. We didn’t follow any trends, if anything we created trends.” “We’re still trying to get into the A-level of rock artists. Regardless of what everybody thinks, Blondie is still not in the same league as Aerosmith,” Hello quoted her as saying. The band members joined the likes of legends such as Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix with the invitation Carey to
document tour
Washington, May 24 (ANI): Maria Carey is so pleased with her personal and professional life that she wants to document her entire two month long tour of North America, called ‘The Adventures of Mimi,’ which is expected to wrap up on October 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. “I’ve always associated going to a show with summer, and the sense of freedom that evokes. And now, because I’m at a really good place in my life and career, I want to document it,” Contact music quoted her as saying. Carey will be supported by rapper Sean Paul on select dates and the producers of the show reveal that other hip-hop collaborators may join her along the way. “It depends on who’s in town and available, but there are artists I have enough of a relationship with - Jermaine Dupri, Busta Rhymes. When I’m in LA, maybe Snoop (Dogg) will be around,” she said. Spicy mom Washington, May 24:
A stroll in the garden during the last weeks of her pregnancy was seemingly so invigorating to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, that she has named her new born daughter “Bluebell Madonna”. The new mum is “besotted” with her daughter, who was born weighing 5lbs 12oz by Caesarean-section earlier this month (14May). “As I walked round the park in the last few weeks of pregnancy, I seemed to see bluebells everywhere. But what really clinched it for me was my mother telling me that the bluebell is increasingly rare - so it’s precious flower, which seems just right for my daughter,” Rate the music quoted her, as saying. “There’s a good reason I picked Madonna as a middle name too. As she came out of my tummy, Bluebell had both arms flung wide in the air as if announcing to the world, ‘Hi! I’m here!’ She was screaming her head off, as though she was shouting, ‘Hello, Wembley!’ No one else has that name, apart from the Virgin Madonna and the singer, whom I love,” she added.
— ANI
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A zen for art
Art found another place to sit in reverie this week. For, within the hullabaloo of city life, comes along this vividly hued yet hushed niche, to touch upon the growing vitality of art in our urban jungle. Artizen — Mohali’s first art gallery — was inaugurated this week. The biggest names of city’s art and culture came together under a single roof. The initiative of former merchant navy officer Manmant Singh, it was a long-cherished dream that finally culminated in this festive unveiling that highlighted names like Viren Tanwar, Bhim Malhotra, J. S. Garcha and Diwan Manna, amongst others. Tanwar’s two oils on canvas, ‘Story Without an End’ of an acrobat cyclist from his series on trapeze artists and ‘8+5-3+1=? (Homage to Noah)’ of a man with an abacus near a boat are striking for their depth, engagement with space, colour and meticulous form. Sharing space is son Shiven’s work whose untitled dry-point of a lying figure and a crow in ‘End of Days-II’ are worthy of closer scrutiny. This second-year student at the College of Art-10 defines his work as “bold and realistic” and despite all the learning he still has to do, watch the gallery for more for this is his debut. Bhim Malhotra’s mastery of the water-colour technique sparkles in his three landscapes, ‘Misty Dreams’, ‘Clouds in Shimla’ and ‘Ode to Kanyakumari’. Lush green, snowy stark with the occasional suffusion of grassy warmth and the lovely temple by the seaside where the blue-green tints in the water stand out against the vibrant blue of the sky. J. S. Garcha’s ‘Baramaha’ is an arresting work spread over 12 drawings signifying phases of human life from birth to moksha as 12 months of the year. Mingled with a series of writings taken from Guru Granth Sahib and showing the stages through the seasons, the Buddha and the Bodhi Tree, the whole composition is striking for its inspiration. Among Madan Lal’s five works on display, ‘Rangleela’ and ‘Music Within’ are robust and lively compositions. R. M. Singh’s five oils—two denoting the male and female forces of the universe through the depiction of Mars and Venus, one a look ahead of the world we are handing over to our children, another etched out with a knife and drawn from nature and the final work, a portrait—show the range this quiet artist works through. Techniques and styles abound in Diwan Manna’s eloquent photographs, Vinay Malik’s prints, especially ‘Shadow-Play’, are aesthetically appealing for work with outlines against a large umbrella and Malkit Singh’s digital wonders use Photopaint titled ‘The Sufi Way’, “where the mouse is the brush and the colours abound to give an effect of work on canvas”. Malkit Singh’s prints are part of 60 digital works, a culmination of a fellowship he received from the Ministry of Culture two years ago. The fiesta continues. Madhu Pandit’s digital prints of flowers, Sanjeev Sharma’s pictures, figures dancing in poetic stillness, Mahesh Prajapati’s intaglio of a hunter in ‘Chasing-II’, remarkable for its intensity and bold expression, Raman Bhardwaj’s self-assured strokes, Balwinder’s remarkable compositions drawn from nature, Rakesh Bani’s detailed and impressive etchings, ‘Nature-VI’ and ‘Images in-between Countryside’, meticulous for its perspective using images like feathers and centaurs. Gurjind Sandhu’s fascinating works from his ‘Kite’ series, Mohali-based Satwant Singh Sumail’s acrylic and pastel ‘Symphony of Nature’ series are colourful essences of the environment rendered lush by the imagination. The students of the College of Art also make an impact here. Sumit Kathuria’s sculptures, which won him appreciation even at the annual art exhibition at the college earlier this year, are on display here as is Vijay Dhaion’s water colours of flowers. Take a peek and satiate your senses at SCF 36, Phase XI, Mohali
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Different strokes
Anil Vadhera may have a degree in art from none other than the Government College of Art (which he got after sacrificing one year of animal husbandry from Hisar), but he is one odd artist who does not like to be called an artist. “Coaching is my profession and animation is my hobby,” he tells you vehemently as you try to figure him out, after going through his pile of paintings and cartoons. For Anil, the traditional art can never be anything but a hobby and is a complete no-no as a profession. “The art they teach you at the traditional institutes cannot get you going in any professional field. Nobody wants to be just a bum-chumming artist anymore. Creativity in combination with art is what everybody is looking for these days,” he asserts. So after dabbling his hands first with figurative art and then as a cartoonist for an English daily, Anil shifted all his energy into teaching. And thus came the Vision Illusion Futuristic Art, popularly known as Vifa, into existence. Ten years down the line and Vadhera has prepared thousands of students for institutes like the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi, and many more. The list of the institutes looks impressive and so is his success rate. “I have achieved 90 per cent success rate,” he tells us. Looking at the scores of students struggling to draw different concepts in his three-room apartment in Sector 18, from which he operates, one can easily say he is one of the most sought after art teachers in the city. So what is his methodology of teaching that makes him so popular among the big institute aspirants? “The first phase of my teaching involves bringing out their creativity in the original form and then reshape it according to the institute or course they want to apply for,” he says. As we draw a blank here, he further explains, “Institute like NIFT assess one’s creativity and skill while for NID it is the combo package of creativity and concept”. So do not be surprised if one student is trying out to place as mundane an object like a hammer in five different aesthetical backdrops and while others trying to create geometric patterns with pencil. But what strokes out about Vifa is its informal attitude, both of the teacher and his students. Coming back to Vadhera (for he fascinates us with his insatiable appetite for trying out new things), his latest hobby is cartooning. He is doing a master degree in it but already got a bunch of students who is learning the art from him. “My ultimate dream is to have my own animation studio someday” and his dreamy expression says how badly he nurtures this dream. But is India ready for it? “We have made a beginning with Humaan and it was a pretty good start,” says Vadhera. Maybe it will take a little time to catch up with Walt Disney’s characters. But, nevertheless, a beginning is a beginning!
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HOPSCOTCH
The poetic statement of May being a merry month is very Western in its concept. In the plains of the East, May is anything but merry. It is sweltering hot and somewhat lonesome with most institutions shut for the summer break. A couplet that used to do the rounds in Panjab University some years ago took a sad dig at the summer hols: Haadse aaye aur dararon se jhank kar chale gaye/ Wahan koi na thha garmiyon ki chhutian thhi. (Happenings peeped from crevices and retreated, No one was there for it was summer break). Ah! The cruel month of May! Poet Amitoj had captured its forlorn feelings thus: Garmiyan dian chhutiyan te zindagi hai sun-saran/ Jinj koiy khanjar vasihat kar dave khushboo de naa. (Life is a desolate inn in the summer holidays as though someone had bequeathed a dagger to fragrance). So sad but then holiday time is also brooding time and more so when the hot winds carrying a dagger compel one to be indoors. For the arty folks it is time to go to the mountains to meditated and return rejuvenated. Or to sit indooors brooding and creating for the art season that is not too far away. So sketchy
A visit to the College of Art, Chandigarh, found the artists, as young women and men, busy at work and so also the painter principal, Brahm Prakash. Brahm say, “With the cooperation of some dedicated teachers, I have been able create a work culture. It is holiday time but students are still at work. “ While talking of things then and now, one got talking of the principal’s student days in the College of Art Delhi. Happily going over those times, Brahm recalled how they would set out early in the morning to the railway station and sit there all day sketching. Why the railway station? “The railway station would provide us with so many interesting sights and people and a lot of movement so we would learn to quicken the speed of our sketching,” he said. The other favourite haunt was the Zoo. “We would reach there as soon as the zoo opened to do our animal studies and the caretakers had literally to push us out when it was closing time.” Brahm says that those are the years when sketching is learnt and becomes a part of the body movement like swimming or cycling. So young arty folks, out with your sketch books and 2-B pencils and be as sketchy as can be. Happy news
The local College of Art has reason to rejoice for six of its students have made it through the very tough competition to the National Institute of Design, Ahemdabad. The joke however is that one student had started trying before he joined the college and has made it now when he is passing out. Never mind, life is so like the fable of King Bruce and the spider. — Nirupama Dutt
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YOUTH SPEAK — Sumit Narula
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Individuals who have intensive computer jobs or desk jobs should get up and stretch while turning off the buzzer and reset the timer placed across the room. This can relieve muscle tension. —
Dr Ravinder Chadha
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TAROT TALK
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The kikkar (Acacia nilotica),
native to India, is often dismissed as a humble indigenous tree that has little
to boast about. Of course, the celebrated bard of Punjabi, Bhai Vir Singh, had
sung of this tree thus: I rise and rise and turn my eyes/ Thirstily to
the Lord of the Skies
There is
something about actress Prachee Shah, one of the most respected and widely
known small screen actors. She is back on small screen after her marriage
to Vishwaas Paandya with new TV show Suno.... Har Dil Kuchh Kehta Hai
on Sahara One. That is not all. She has many more things in her kitty. 
The media can play an important role in safeguarding human rights. It was the media that brought to focus the holocaust about reservation. The media has the collective power to stir human conscience to action. Even in India, media has played an important role in this respect the matter of custodial deaths, fake encounters, mass burials, inhuman exploitation of bonded labour by heartless contractors, satanic conditions of mental hospitals, sexual molestation of women, diabolical theft of human organs, death dance of casteist carnage as in Bihar, etc. But media has much more role to play in highlighting the extremes of poverty and exploitation when little children have to fight for a piece of bread with dogs over a garbage heap. And when the opportunities for progress virtually exist only for the selected elite. Instead of focusing too much on beauty pageants, cinema stars and their dogs, they should realise their duties towards the vast mass of poor masses that comprise the real society.
ARIES : ARIES: Look for a fresh way of doing your routine job. Things are beginning to look up. Stop waiting for speculative gains. Be realistic and practical about your approach to financial matters. Weekend may come as a relief: you can really get in sync with the fun others are having. Lucky colour: Lush green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be on guard against duplicity, fraud or trickery.
LIBRA : You may find it hard to find companions who share your interests and ideas. Wednesday's scenario is highlighted by changes in your love life. A Scorpio person will give you optimistic advice. Meditate and get in touch with inner silence. Help your potential to flower and emerge. Lucky colour: green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Balance in all aspects is recommended.
TAURUS : "Ten Golden Cups" arranged in the tree of life pattern suggests deep family roots, feelings and strong relationships. Hard work produces results. Stay on the path; do not deviate. New relationship are loving steady and deep. Domestic liabilities could add fuel to the fire. Lucky colour: Old rose. TIP OF THE WEEK: Learn to rely on your mind and your intellectual abilities.
SCORPIO:
A time for bonding. All work mates in your life, your boss, your kith and kin help you but an unexpected event is triggered off at work, though it's not necessarily negative. You meet someone who is dependable and loving. Thursday is a great day for travel. Take care of health and avoid stress. You fulfil a heart's desire. Lucky colour: Royal blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Take limited risks with you capital.
GEMINI : Mental interests, travel and communication with others are highlighted. Pleasure plans are made on the spur of the moment. Be traditional and thorough in what you do as being in a rush leads to errors. Don't waste your time arguing. Concentrate on group activities and you will hear of a financial or career opportunity. Lucky colour: Earthy brown. TIP OF THE WEEK: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others.
SAGITTARIUS : Your card "The Moon" says don't worry. Though not everything is perfect for you right now, stay cool. Schedule a medical check-up and don't fret over debts — they'll be cleared shortly. You can expect support from friends and parents. Your interest in spirituality and healthy food is revived. Lucky colour: Sea green TIP OF THE WEEK: Be determined and increase your self confidence which will be on trial.
CANCER : "The Priestess" infuses a gracious influence in your life. Entertainment will be on your mind on Tuesday. Financial gains seem likely, but you need to be extra careful before entering into any new partnerships. Lucky colour: Saffron. TIP OF THE WEEK: You are on the right track, don't allow others to interfere your way.
CAPRICORN : Venus, planet of love, teams up with Moon. You walk down memory lane with old friend at reunion. You may feel a bit lost, but if you take the time to look around, you'll notice that there are signs everywhere. Handwriting notes and phone calls are lucky on Thursday. Focus on present and not try to resent changes. Lucky colour: Lime green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. 
LEO : Learn a lesson from the past mistakes and get on with your life. Incurring extra expense by traveling abroad is not recommended, unless you are going to combine business with leisure. Good news you have been expecting comes at the end of the week. There is feeling of emotional upheaval. Lucky colour: White. TIP OF THE WEEK: Lethargy hampers your plans at a time where you need to act for yourself.
AQUARIUS : It looks as though your life is in limbo because your situation is in the hands of other people. Love, luck and romance will be around for the next few days. Friendship is also indicated through happy working relationships. Take time out to relax and have fun too. You may make mistakes on Monday, but at least you're moving forward. Lucky colour: Silver gray. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not cover up your mistakes.
VIRGO : "The Princes of Wands" spins gracious influence in your personal relationship. You are relaxed at work and content at home. You may indulge in shopping for presents, elegant clothes and luxuries which dislodges your budget. Remain receptive and flexible on Tuesday. Awareness is your key to growth inside and outside. Lucky colour: Yellow. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do what is right and watch your best interests.
PISCES:
A superb week to make a fresh start. Sudden romantic encounters could lead to serious repercussions in the future. Don't allow judgmental and critical people to influence and manipulate you on Sunday. Deadlines are difficult to meet this week so you will have to be patient. Slow but steady progress is made now. Lucky colour: Black. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not overspend just to impress others.