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Food for fresh thought The tale of a tiffin HERBS – A GIFT TO HEAL Modernisation:
A pain in the neck
Watch out! Listen to your heart FILM & FASHION No Katputhli
this one!
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Fitted with hi-tech gadgets that you wish your house to be equipped with, mini-trucks converted into campers are giving the concept of “home away from home” an all-new meaning, says Saurabh Malik Swanky armrests; fiber-molded glass holders; LCD screens on the back of the headrests for the rear-seat passengers; and remote controls for both the stereo and the air-conditioner…. If you think that’s driving home the message of comfort, you haven’t seen “house on wheels” cruising down the comfort lanes of life and city. Meticulously build by Delhi-based designers; you can scarcely recognise the vehicles modifying the lives of so many motorists across the city. For, the mobile “houses of the non-commons” are ultimate in opulence and luxury. You have to see it to believe it. Fitted with almost all modern-gadgets and equipment you can ever hope to install in your non-movable dwelling units with the right kind of dough, the houses built on imagination are navigating into the hearts of city residents, dexterously. Right, after drifting against the currents of conventions, steadily! If you still haven’t seen what living life in the moving “house of the lords” is like, just hop into you own little car and drive down to Sector 34 parking lot. There is no way you can miss seeing the penthouse with all modern amenities in place of an untreated Tempo-Traveler. Lined lavishly with plush teakwood panels all along the interiors, the camper has a refrigerator and a microwave oven right next to the door for all your hot and cold requirements. Folks, this is not the end of sumptuousness. Draw the curtains and you are ready to savour your favourite action movie on the 15-inch screens instead of just watching the scenery whizzing past the camper’s windows. In fact, there are two screens — one in the front and the other on the rear wall. So no matter where you sit, you can still enjoy the flick without actually craning your neck. As you switch on the sets, rhythmic notes floating out of the four-way speakers fill the air giving you surround-sound effect. And then all those silvery sofa sets in the camper are specially designed to open out into double beds so that you can steer into dreamland without placing yourself in the driver’s seat. For issuing instructions to the driver, you have an intercom. Ah, you can also open the glass panel dividing the restroom and the driver’s chamber automatically with the flip of a switch. What else can you ask for! “Over 85 per cent of the goods used for decking up the interiors are recoverable in the sense they can be recycled,” says owner-cum-Managing Director of Torque Pharmaceuticals Limited P.S. Chhatwal. “As such, it is more or less one-time investment”. Reposing on the sofa-cum-bed, he says with a smile: “The idea of converting the Traveler into a mobile home struck me after I saw a vehicle being prepared for the comfort of a senior Congress party leader at a workshop in Jalandhar. Me and my son Mandeep Singh got our heads together and designed the vehicle before getting hold of a Delhi-based company to build it up for us.” So far, Chhatwal and his family have traveled in home comfort to so many places in Punjab and Haryana. They even plan to take the vehicle on a long tour towards Jammu-side. Now that’s what is called driving in luxury of home.
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Magic of mango Evocative and luscious this has to be nature’s favoured fruit, splendid in form, spry in colour, succulent, juicy and truly captivating. Ah, the mango aficionado can sing paeans in glory of this celebrated fruit, which almost single-handedly defies the hostility of the summer sun, making this discordant season almost bearable! While the mango season unfolds on our taste buds, we take you through various journeys on the less travelled paths of this fruit. The Orchard Gurdiyal Bagh, just 10 km short of Saharanpur, is an old mango orchard planted by Harcharan Singh Benipal’s grandfather in the 1930s. For these “happening farmers from Lahore, driving around in a Rolls Royce” as Harcharan Singh’s daughter Renee describes the family, the mango orchard, then just a few trees, was planted to relax under! However, when the family moved here at the time of the Partition and when Harcharan Singh’s father passed away suddenly in 1953, this soft-spoken gentleman, now a venerable 78-year-old, took over and expanded the scope of the orchard to include growing mangoes commercially. Spread over 50 acres, it bears a season full of fruit starting with the early Bombay Green, langda (with the plant procured originally from Benaras), dussehri, chausa, in all 8 to 10 varieties. But it is no longer easy, especially at his age. “There is so much work. Taking care of plants is not easy. Insects and diseases are rampant now, the weather fluctuates too much. It was not so earlier,” he says sadly. Along with the orchards, Harcharan Singh also owns tracts of agricultural land and recounts how in the late 1950s and early 60s, the Government of India had designated his farm as a model for a group of Japanese farmers who stayed on for three years teaching their method of paddy cultivation and “they loved the mangoes,” smiles Harcharan Singh. The mangoes are a way of life for this gracious couple and Harcharan Singh’s wife Pritpal gives us her little mango tips harvested over the years. “Bombay Green is best for milkshakes because the juice is thin and the colour dark while the Benarasi, slightly sour as it is, is perfect for the mango chutney and finally don’t get mislead by the size of a gada-aam, for the fruit of flavour is the dussehri,” she smiles. With an in-house nursery to ensure the quality of the original plants that were brought in, some more than a 100 year old, all they can hope for is to relive those simpler days of savouring this good fruit is a world that is rapidly shifting. The Original Tree And finally, legend has it that the original Dussehri tree was on the Nawab of Lucknow’s property in Malihabad. For years stories of its amazing fruit did the rounds but the Nawab refused to let anyone make a graft from the tree. So if you are ever interested in looking up this revered original, you only need ask for it once you get into Malihabad, just a short distance from Lucknow. Enjoy your mangoes!
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For youngsters hovering over college campuses with wind of freedom beneath their new-found wings, there are so many quick eat joints to choose from, says Saurabh Malik after visiting a few But then new to the city and college life, your knowledge about eating destinations is as poor as your information about the syllabus of the new academic session. But don’t let it bite you. Here is a complete guide to Chandigarh hot spot just for you. Coffee no bar If you are hot for coffee in the Monsoons of 2006, don’t just go to the Students’ Centre at Panjab University. Hop on your bike and zip down the fast track of excitement all the way to Café Coffee Day or Barista in Sector 11. You can even savour cappuccino topped with cream and city’s crowd at their branches in Sector 35. First year humanities student Neeraj Gupta and his two friends Puneet Sharma and Vikram Gautam from Ludhiana have already discovered the spot for savouring “Tropical Iceberg” and other stuff. “Though the joints are a bit expensive, the foodstuff and the coffee is good,” says Gautam. “And then there is this computerised juke box that adds to the charm of having steaming hot coffee in cool environs”. Quick leisurely bite Ask a hardcore Chandigarian about a good quick-eat joint in the vicinity and he will strictly recommend one of the oldest and most trusted names in the local catering and food industry — Hot Millions. The preparation is good and prices competitive. Pizzas and sizzlers continue to crackle all the way to popularity. Another place for a perfect snack for two is KFC. Try their ‘Chana Crunch Snacker’ or ‘Veggie Feast’ burger if you belong to the green brigade. Or else, get crisp on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside spicy marinated chicken with a crunchy coating by ordering ‘Hot and Crisp Chicken’. Flavoured with crisp onions, lettuce and masala mayo, their ‘Chicken Tikka Wrap `n’ Roll’ is also good. If grilled sandwiches tickle your taste buds, go to Oven Fresh in Sector 17 or 35. “Of all the things, I like their baked chicken and vegetable somasas the best,” says second year science student Neetu Vashistha. “Even `Veg’ Hawaiian’ pizza is good!” Talking of pizzas again, you can “Spicy Korma” or “Country Feast” pizza at the Pizza Hut. Else order one from Dominos. Even Nirula’s offers you good pizzas. “I always go in for their `Hot Shoppe Special’ pizza. It’s simply scrumptious,” says Neetu. China in your platter All you youngsters, let Chinese not be a once-a-week-restaurant treat. Go to The Taj, Noodle Bar, Kwality, Memorable Moments, Dragon or any other place for tempting the appetite with some nice foodstuff sautéed in red and green chilli sauce, even fish sauce. “I prefer going to either the Taj or Mountview,” says young fashion designing student Nidhi Shukla. “The décor, Chinese ambience, the setting, the view and the crowd is just right for a perfect evening. The service is par-excellent and the food is simply scrumptious. If you are going to Shivalikview, begin with manchow, hot `n’ sour or chicken soup. You must taste their sweet ‘n’ sour veggies. It’s larruping-good. Two of you can eat stomach full for less than Rs 400, depending upon the dishes you order. Yo! China is another place for enjoying Chinese cuisine. It offers noodles in boxes and mini combo meals. Start with golden fried prawns or chicken lollipops. Go ahead and order lamb hot garlic box. Chilly fish and Mongolian chicken is a must have. Hong Kong promises “authentic Chinese” dishes. Set up by Indian-born Chinese Ahsee and his wife way back in 1973, the dimly lit joint offers the right ambiance for a romantic dinner. “Oh yes, it’s a favourite among college and university couples,” says first year commerce student Romana Sood. Ice Scream For all you late night birds, Aroma’s coffee shop is the place to enjoy frozen delight especially after dark. You can also go to Copper Chimney. The light music floating out of the speakers, the grand ambience capturing the grandeur of the great Mughals and the setting is fit for post-dinner sweet dish session for two. You can beat the sultry heat with malai firni, or even ras malai. Just in case, you wish to go in for something less formal, and inexpensive, try malai kulfi at the Sindhi’s. This is not the end of the dessert menu. You can have delectable kulfi falooda from Krishan Chat Bhandar in Sector 18. Prepared the traditional way and pulled out of a matka before being offered to you, it gives you the taste of conventional richness. Happy
eating!
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The tale of a tiffin A greater fear than homesickness, hence, was the horror of one’s taste buds being held hostage by measly mess controllers and hoteliers. However, not any more. Thanks to the tiffin service operating in town, those away-from-home, are enjoying delicious, wholesome home food at very reasonable rates. Getting noticed Though restricted to homespun operations, most of these Tiffin Service Companies are delivering freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers and students. “Tiffin service is an upcoming enterprise, gaining immense popularity in the
city. Though we get more orders in monsoons, most office executives are nowadays going for our service throughout the year,” opines Ravi Talwar of Prag Tiffin Service. Adds Sarabjit Singh from Royal Tiffin Service, “We provide
tiffins (lunch and dinner) to offices in sector 34 at Rs. 25/meal and we’ve got an excellent response.” The main reason for their popularity could be the city people’s aversion to fast food outlets and their love of home-made food. Opines Kanika Sharma, a Fashion Design student, putting up at a local PG
accommodation, “For a couple of days, I was very excited about eating out
daily. But soon my friends and me got tired of the fast food and started missing home food.” Delicious variety And so walks in the humble dabbawala, some barely literate delivery boy bringing you steaming hot home food—Rotis, rice, dal, sabzi,salad and a sweet dish. Informs Manmeet Duhan from Mahalakshmi Tiffin Services, “The menu with most tiffin providers remains almost the same but most of them just provide lunch and dinner.However, our USP is that we also provide breakfast.Our clients can gobble those stuffed paronthas with curd or sabzi, besides a variety of sandwiches.” Adds a young Sushma, who’s running her tiffin service from sector 45, Chandigarh, “I have 5 cooks with me and each of them specialises in different delicacies—Rajma, poori-chana, kari, mixed vegetable and kheer.My USP is providing a client’s favourite food more often than regular dishes. And charges? “Oh, just Rs. 1200/month for 3 meals daily,” smiles the man who started this business out of frustration. “I had my own office at Sector 36, and I got so sick of eating lunch outside that we started cooking for our employees.Soon, we expanded our scale and started outr own tiffin service,” smiles Duhan. Tricks of the trade The key question, however, is of survival.With every second housewife turning Tarla Dalal and starting her own tiffin service, where’s the scope of survival?Chips in Kamal Agnihotri from Home Foods, “The mushrooming tiffin service industry has a lot of scope in an educational hub like Chandigarh, but one should know the business well.It’s imperative to have a USP to survive the competition.Like we used to maintain records of all our clients and cater to their special needs, like meetha paronthas on fasting days and daliya when they called up to inform about their sickness.” Agrees Ritu Salgotra, supplying tiffins in Sector 33, 34, 35, 37, 38 and 44, “The success of the system depends on teamwork and time management that would be the envy of a modern manager. Plus, one has to take care of the special needs of the customers. Like we have two kinds of meals—ordinary (Rs.15/meal) and special (Rs. 20/meal), depending on what the client’s pocket prefers.” The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and these service providers seem to have realised for sure. No wonder, they are dazzling the city denizens with colourful dabbas.
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HERBS –
A GIFT TO HEAL
Fortunately, nature has been gifted with such medicinal herbs & plants to help us restore our health with no apprehension of any side affects. As per ayurvedic science, these herbs and plants have proved to be a marvel. Many of them are readily available and can be prepared at home with all ease. The most common of them is Ashwagandha, also known as Winter Cherry, which acts as anti-stress and relieves from hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, etc. It strengthens the body to adapt to various kind of stress, whether emanating from less sleep, poor nutritious diet, work-strain, mental or physical strain or from air-pollutants. This herb has manifested great results in reducing the anxiety disorders and depression also. It helps to have calm mind, sound sleep and heal chronic illness. Garlic, another medicinal herb easily found in every kitchen, has proved wonders in curing high cholesterol. Eating garlic regularly in any form, be it in capsules or used in cooking as per ones taste, helps in dropping down cholesterol level. This herb has been found useful in reducing the risk of blood clots that are responsible for heart strokes. It increases the blood circulation by stimulating energy level and has been effective in lowering blood pressure also. Brahmi, a herb known for benefiting brain and nerve cells since ancient times. It invigorates the mind, enhances memory and improves intellect. Apart from sharpening nervous system, it acts as a tranquilizer thereby reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. Brahmi is extremely appropriate for people with a stressful working schedule, as it relaxes the mind, eliminates restlessness and anxiety. Triphala, another pivotal herb in ayurvedic science, is prepared with three most profoundly used fruits Amla, Harad and Behada. Widely used in curing constipation, triphala rejuvenates the body making one feel light. It prevents aging, imparts immunity and improves the mental faculties. When taken for a long period, triphala helps in reduction of weight alongwith good colon health. It proves helpful in detoxifying the entire body and improving digestion. Not only hypertension and high blood pressure is alleviated, but is also effective in improving the liver disorders. Today’s most common product significantly used in cosmetic industry Aloe Vera, has proved wonders for skin ailments. Extensively used in creams, moisturizers, wound healing creams, aloe vera has shown good results in curing skin diseases. It is effective in treating wrinkles, stretch marks and pigmentations. Ayurvedic science also signifies the importance of aloe vera in whittling down the blood sugar level in diabeties. It is effective in healing arthritis, asthma, headaches, constipation, ulcer and cancer also. Amla, also known as the Indian Gooseberry, not only works as a good hair tonic but also as a good cardio tonic. Very effective in heart troubles, amla destroys the formation of harmful elements in the body. It acts as a strongest rejuvenative as it is rich in Vitamin C, 30 times more than in oranges. It is anti-ageing and maintains strength during old age. With high Vitamin C content, it is effective in curing diabetes also. The juice of amla with honey is helpful in healing eye disorders also. Guggul, the Indian Bedellium, a herbal medicine in controlling obesity and high cholesterol. Its fat burning agent and weight loss beneficiaries have been well researched and documented. It has also been found that guggul immensely helps in lowering down the blood cholesterol by 14-27% and triglycerides by 22-30%. It relaxes the muscles and relieves menstrual pain. It relieves from arthritis pain also. The list of herbs, addressing their concern to heal various ailments with no side affects, is endless. Interestingly, these herbs are capturing a chief position in nursing the health.
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Modernisation:
A pain in the neck Modernization of the working environment has meant long hours on the computer. This has taken a significant toll on the general health of the workers, giving rise to modern lifestyle ailments like cervical spondylosis. And the worrying part is that increasingly the youngsters are becoming the victims. 25-year-old Devesh (name changed) started working in a call center around 3 years ago. His health started deteriorating ever since. His job required long hours on the computer, often stretching up to twelve hours. The long working hours and the stress started showing their effect in the first year itself. Frequent headaches and vertigo became the norm. One day the situation precipitated into a crisis. While driving, he almost hit an oncoming bus due to vertigo. It was then that he was helped in by his friend to see me. When he entered my clinic, his staggering gait aroused a suspicion of being an alcoholic or a drug addict. But on questioning, he turned out to be a teetotaler. He was just having severe vertigo. On detailed questioning it was found that his posture was not correct. The height of the monitor was also low, making him bend downwards. Ideally, the head should be in line with the top of the computer monitor so that one does not have to look up or down. Also, he used to sit slumped in the chair, which bent the spine far too much for comfort. He was advised to sit straighter with only a slight recline. In just a matter of a few days he started feeling much better. Another common anomaly that causes problems is that of working for too long at a stretch. This leads to stiffness and pain in the muscles of the spinal area. Such a problem was faced by a young girl Simran. She had been just two months into her first job in a private bank when she started having pain and stiffness in the shoulder regions. Her X-rays were normal. She was just advised to take frequent breaks from her work at the intervals of about an hour or so. Just getting up, moving about and stretching the muscles of her arms, back and neck for five minutes helped her get rid of all the stiffness and pain. Yoga aficionados swear by the benefit of the Bhujanga asana. Harpreet, a 25 year-old MBA has been doing it regularly for the last one year. He gives all credit to this asana for curing him of his constant cervical pain. The asana is very simple to perform and provides almost miraculous relief from pain and that too not of transient nature. Homoeopathic
Aid In acute cases, where
bony changes have not occurred and there is no nerve involvement,
Homoeopathic medicines like Rhus Tox, Guiacum and Calc Phos release the
strain quickly and relax the muscles. For chronic pain and where bony
spurs (osteophytes) have developed, one needs to go into the details
prescripbing.
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COOL STUFF Mridul Mosaics ‘ Metal ice’ range consists of metallic finished tiles. These fabulous shiny tiles give the perfect futurist look to any design project. The metallic finish, gives the tiles an eye-catching, metallic sheen. The soft variation in colour tones allows the natural playfulness of colours to the wall, producing a rainbow-like, iridescent effect. The Metal Ice tiles glistens with subtle, reflective colors that are uplifting, the range of shades is simply remarkable giving you the freedom to create one-of-a-kind backsplashes in lobbies, bars, building facades and a wealth of other interesting and creative projects. Exceptionally easy to apply and maintain it stands out with the best that the mosaic has to offer. These are available in sizes of 25x25mm, 11x11mm and in a variety of colours. These tiles are about 4mm in thickness. Crunchy Muesli Why almonds, raisins and honey in healthy Bagrry’s Crunchy Muesli? Heart-healthy vitamin-rich, almonds help maintain bone structure, growth, healing and are a great source antioxidant, vitamin E. Raisins are one of the most nutritious dried fruits in the world – cholesterol-free, low in sodium and totally fat-free. Containing mostly natural sugar fructose, they are easily digested for quick energy. Honey is nature’s super-nutritive sweetener. It has various beneficial minerals, enzymes and vitamins and is a powerful anti-microbial agent and antioxidant. Bagrry’s Crunchy Muesli comes in attractive packaging of jars and boxes. Crunchy Muesli boxes are priced at Rs. 75 for 250gms and Rs. 115 for 425gms, respectively. Crunchy Muesli jars are available at Rs. 127 for 425gms, Rs.199 for 725gms and Rs. 255 for 1000gms. They are available at all leading stores in your city. So enjoy a wonderful and tasty breakfast, the healthy way. TVS Motor Company is betting big on Pink. Its Scooty is now available in an all-new Pink avataar called “Perky Pink Scooty Pep Plus”. The new pink colour is a result of TVS’s extensive colour and shade testing resulting in the gorgeous new Perky Pink Scooty Pep Plus. Hot pink is the current rage and TVS Perky Pink Pep Plus has turned out to be quite a head turner. Scooty PEP is designed for urban women between the ages of 16-24 years. TVS has labeled the Perky Pink as part of the ‘Fashion Series’ and since it is a rare and high gloss premium colour, it will be produced in limited numbers only. The all-new 90cc Perky Pink Scooty PEP Plus is priced at Rs. 33,950/- Spice up your Life Indian taste for Namkeen is huge and in home throughout India, the Namkeen (salty snacks) in its various forms is nearly omni-present and is consumed at different times of the day. Confirming to the palate of Indian consumers, Coco - the pioneer brand in Dry Fruits has now launched ready to eat range of Namkeens under the brand name – ‘Coco Shriram’ in a price bracket of Rs 24 & Rs. 26 for a pack of 200 gm with a wonderful mix of traditional flavors married with modern taste. The Namkeens come in the latest zipper sliders for easy reuse and are available in 6 varieties- Hara Chiwda, Navrattan, Bhujia, All in one, Khatta-Meetha and Panchratna. Coco Shriram’s is a product of Rittal Impex Ltd. – the 30 crore leading marketing and processing company engaged in the business of dry fruits. After 3 successful decades in this category it has ventured into the Rs.1100 crores Namkeen market. Having its manufacturing unit at Delhi, the company has launched its product range in entire North India. Small phone with big ideas With its super slim clamshell exterior, full colour dual screens, etched metallic look flat keypad and luminescent backlight for easy navigation, the i-mate Smartflip is a chic and elegant smartphone. However, packed into its feather- light 99g packaging is a multitude of functionalities that mark it as a highly functional device worthy of the i-mate brand. The super-fast EDGE-enabled i-mate Smartflip runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with all the familiar applications similar to those on your desktop. This includes Microsoft Direct Push* technology which provides up to the minute access to your Outlook email, calendar, contacts and tasks. The addition of a range of ClearVue document viewers including Word, Excel, PDF & POWERPOINT makes this stylish device a complete package for those doing business on the run. Bluetooth compatible, the i-mate Smartflip also features Hotmail, MSN Messanger, Internet Explorer Mobile and Window Media Player Mobile, while an in built 1.3 Megapixel camera, camcorder, MP3 player and interactive gaming add to its attractions as a mobile source of entertainment.
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Watch out!
What is a watch all about, craftsmanship, grace or perhaps heritage? Well, this one has it all, has been around since 1775 has adorned the likes of Napoleon, Marie Antoinette and Sir Winston Churchill and is right ‘up there’ to be savoured with caviar and champagne! One on the wrist is worth a diamond tiara and more for a Breguet is to be celebrated, cherished and enjoyed. This crown jewel for the Swatch Group, the largest watch-making conglomerate, will be unveiled at Vivaha 2006 in Ludhiana by Ethos, Swiss Watch Studios (Sector 8). Only one of two partners chosen in India by the brand, CEO Ethos, Yashovardhan Saboo believes this is the culmination of a long cherished dream. “Nothing like Breguet exists. It is at the top and even before they came into India, we had decided they should come!” he laughs. The delight is obvious for the luxury and premium watch market is growing at a whopping 25 per cent per year and contrary to general perceptions, Saboo tells us that it is the young people who are flocking in greater numbers. “They are so international, brand-aware, earning well and so much more confident of themselves. They do not believe they have to save up. They want to spend and revel in the now.” So what does a watch mean to him? “Timekeeping” is the pat reply but under the veneer of time it is the significance of a watch that he holds dear. “I am particular about mechanical watches. The human engineering, the fact that it beats quite unlike a quartz without an external power and feels so alive on the wrist is what makes it so momentous. I like the ritual of winding a watch every single morning,” he smiles. For someone who runs India’s largest retail outlet of premium Swiss watch brands (they have seven stores around India and are targeting more than 25 in all by 2008-09) he still remembers his first precious watch, an HMT Jawahar in the early 1960s! Participating for the first time in an exhibition like this, Saboo is confident simply because “Punjab has been unrepresented for watches and if the availability is there, then there are many who know what they want.” And a knowing a Breguet is expressive enough! “There is no mistaking the distinctive Brequet. All watches have individual numbers, the signature and pattern on the dial engraved and blued steel hands with tips (patented of course!) to mark it from the others,” explains Saboo. What is it about a luxury watch that pulls in an enthusiast? “For men it is the only visible part of status, personal statement and jewellery, after a car. This is barring of course, an odd earring or two,” he laughs. And guess what, more men buy watches for women then women do for themselves! Finally with India featuring in Breguet’s top 10 markets for their watches do take a peek at the this most delicious of watches, the Reines de Naples tagged for the ladies at a mere Rs 28, 63,000! And oh did we tell you, this is the most expensive watch ever to be brought to the Punjab!
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She enthusiasm for life is infestations. Be it doing a film or doing a TV serial. Sradha Sharma, is always a picture of happiness and her presence on screen lights up any dull atmosphere. It is Sradha Sharma’s of personality, which was reflected in movies like Angaar and Insaaf ki Jung and serial like Yes Boss, Surag and Anhonee. But now Sradha’s career in expected to take a flight with Sahara One Television’s Suno Har Dil Kuch Kehta Hai. She replaces Niyati Joshi and will now be seen as the new Ambika in this serial. The Lifestyle catches up with her in her moments of joy. Which part of the country do you hail from? I am from Bhopal, but Mumbai is where I belong. I am addicted to the city and it has become my life. How different is the TV from Bollywood? In my belief the TV entertainment is very fast paced. We are constantly on our toes, sometimes delivering sleepless shifts. I believe it is much more difficult from the industry in terms of physical effort. How did Ambika happen? Well, the production house approached me for a movie. But at the point in time the schedules got postponed due to some technical reasons, so they asked me if I would be interested in auditioning for Sunno Har Dil Kuch Kehta Hai, which I did and got selected. How similar and dissimilar is Ambika from Shrada herself? Ambika is a down to earth, family person for whom her values and principles in life hold the maximum importance. She does not believe in compromising strongly held beliefs and thus has to face a lot of hatred and differences in the selfish materialistic world. Shraddha is very similar to Ambika in person and so playing Ambika for me is not very difficult, but yes it remains challenging as the character requires excellent and varied acting skills. What are your expectations from the serial? According to me the serial is going to rock. All of us have put in loads of efforts, be it from training to workshops to talks and seminars. The responses to the promos are very encouraging and the experimental storyline is going to sweep the on screen drama industry with the innovation it plans to bring in. A few lines for your viewers and what can they expect from Sunno......... in future? Thank you for appreciating me in my past endeavors. I hold the audiences affinity in high regard and it is a source of encouragement to me as an actor. I give you my word that once you watch the new series of Sunno....... your entertainment needs will be fulfilled to the last details. — D.P.
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Musings of Mussaddi Lal From rising fuel prices to problems with the BMC. From corruption to bribery, rations to electricity bills and from insurance policies to telephone exchange… it’s all about the trials and tribulations of the common man. Making the sarkari office environment a but of sparkling satire, Sub’s Office Office has now donned a more striking avataar. Having arrived on Star One since Friday, July 21 at 8:30 p.m, the Naya Office Office highlights the often-illogical situations that one has to go through to get work done. And protagonist Mussaddi Lal is none but the versatile actor Pankaj Kapoor. We catch him shooting on the sets of Office Office, and spill before you some slice of action from the actor’s life, both onscreen and offscreen! What kind of impact are you expecting Naya Office Office to make? In this new series, ‘Naya Office Office’ shifts from its traditional, sarkari office environment to more contemporary situations. However, I’m not naïve enough to believe that some serial would act as a magic wand to affect an instant change. However, it does subtly tough the ills that have crept in our system and maybe somewhere, a right official will get touched. Generations have grown on your successful serials like Karamchand and Zabaan shambaal ke. And you also come from a theatre background. So do you consider TV as a more powerful medium than cinema? Not at all. In fact I believe that TV has come down to be a very mediocre medium. There is misinterpretation and misrepresentation of reality at multiple levels—content, styling, advertising. Reality can’t be presented without keen observation. But how about the recent trend of comedies on TV that are satires on the system? I don’t dislike the trend as such but the nature of some of these comedies. Most of them lack subtility and are slapstick and loud. While playing Mussaddi, I’m always extra cautious to put my observations in practice and don’t overact. How much do you identify with Mussaddi Lal? Mumbai is a city full of common people struggling in life. I’m a keen observer of human behaviour and notice their reactions to frustrating situations in daily life. I think every Indian has a Mussaddi in him. Your musings about Chandigarh? Personally, I’m very fond of the city. My uncles stayed here and I used to spend lots of vacations here with my cousins. I feel Chandigarh is a very nice, well-organised city. Culturally, it’s growing and there’s scope for much more growth, provided the right kind of patronage is provided to theatre and art.
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Keira’s figure most appealing
“It’s great that young women are finally getting the message that you donot have to be a beanpole to be desirable,” the Sun quoted the hot model, as saying. “I love having curves and being able to tuck into a good dinner whenever I want,” she added. In the UK, most women believe that “today’s celebrities are too thin” and hence voted the stick-thin Victoria Beckham in the second slot, They, however, named the former Spice Girl as their most admired and best-dressed female celebrity. Depp becomes a headache Depp and partner Vanessa Paradise have reportedly moved their family to Meudon and the Mayor’s phone has been ringing off the hook with people trying to find out exactly where the press-shy couple has settled. One elegant home in the neighborhood has even had to post a sign outside declaring, in French, “For Johnny Depp, check farther up the street” to try and get rid of paparazzi who have mistaken the grand home for the couple’s new residence. New avtaar Real-life ladies, similar to Carrie Bradshaw and her pals, are likely to play in the new version of the US hit Sex And The
City. American channel HBO is planning to make a fresh adaptation of the show with common young women who live in Manhattan, New York. The network has been contacting fashion conscious girls in New York City to participate in the yet untitled reality show, reports Contactmusic. According to American fashion magazine W, the series “will follow the lives of a group of glamorous and dynamic girlfriends in their 20s living in Manhattan.” Cruising
the Broadway Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is set to make his Broadway debut in Alexander Poe’s I Was Tom Cruise, on August 11th in New York. The show tells the story of a young couple whose world is turned upside down when they are befriended by Tom Cruise while he is shooting for a film in their building. Dreaming of becoming just like Cruise, the play’s lead character enters into a dark bargain with the actor so he can taste life as superstar. Redux Productions’ will present the play at the Connelly Theatre as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, reports Contactmusic. Sophia only sexy Legendary actress Sophia Loren has put rumours to rest by saying that she has not posed naked for Pirelli’s calendar, although it is sexy. The 71-year-old actress will appear alongside Penelope Cruz and Naomi Watts in the legendary publication. “The photo session was a lot of fun, and I was very surprised to be asked - but I’m not naked and it is discreet, although I hope, still sexy, she was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying. I can’t bear being seen nude. I’m not exactly a tiny woman and when Sophia Loren is naked, there is a lot of nakedness,” she added. The next Spielberg Mission: Impossible 3 director J.J. Abrams could be an apt successor of legendary director Steven Spielberg. The 40-year-old writer-producer has become one of the industry’s most highly paid after signing two deals worth a combined total of close to 60 million dollars, $ 22.5 million over five years from Paramount and about $ 35 million from Warner Bros. TV between now and 2012. Paramount Pictures Chairman Brad Grey said he believed Abrams would become “the next Steven Spielberg” and called him “a triple threat: a great writer, producer and now, a first-class movie director.” The busy producer, whose TV credits include Felicity, Alias and Lost, had been based at Disney before making his move to Paramount and Warner Bros.
— ANI
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No Katputhli
this one! Claiming her maiden production to be an intelligent movie, the glamorous Mink continues, “Katputhli is a psychological thriller with a realistic approach. And so the Oops girl has turned a producer. |
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A scrumptious patty studded with chunks of vegetables served along with crisp salad delicately laced with pepper mayo in a sesame bun topped with wee bit of excitement. Or else, boxes of delight filled up to the brim with schezwan vegetables and kimchee salad…. As a student out to explore new horizons, there is hardly anything else you can ask for.
Ever heard hostlers narrating ‘messy’ tales about the unimaginative mess food? Or paying guests perpetually complaining about putting up with the rubber rotis and oily curries? You surely must have. For, almost everyone who has lived away from home has missed ghar ka khana more than anything else.
In this cutthroat competitive world, where every individual is busy in winning this fortune game, stressful life gets an immediate invitation. Slogging day and night by paying no heed to health, almost every individual is suffering from the widespread problem of hypertension, fatigue and even heart attack. With such a working pattern, keeping a good health has become a major subject of concern. 
Bagrry’s India introduces the perfect breakfast mix – Bagrry’s Crunchy Muesli. Crunchy Muesli is a nutritious and delicious high-fibre breakfast cereal, providing natural vitamins, minerals and proteins with zero cholesterol. Packed with the goodness of oats, wheat and corn, this multi-grain cereal gives an energetic start to your day. This ready-to-eat cereal is a delight for your taste buds too. The whole family can enjoy these delicious honey-dipped oat clusters along with the richness of almonds and raisins. It is a nutritionally balanced combination – an ideal, wholesome and tasty breakfast or snack. It is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre. 
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Slim, sexy and oozing with style, the new quad-band i-mate Smartflip is a marvel of mobile engineering, combing unbeatable technical functionality with sophisticated design, for the consumer who switches easily between work and play.
While according to women, naturally curvy Page 3 beauty Keeley Hazell has the best body in Britain, in the eyes of fellas, it’s Pirates of The Caribbean star Keira Knightley who has the most appealing figure.
The rumour that Hollywood heart throb Johnny Depp may have moved to the posh French suburb of Meudon has become a pain for the Mayor of the town, who has been inundated with phone calls from people trying to track down Depp’s address.
As her sparkling silver stilettos stepped on the City Beautiful, one knew for sure how firmly were they planted on the terra firma. In city to promote her maiden venture Katputhli (which,
incidentally, she’s producing with bro Punnu Brar), the young producer seemed totally in love with her venture. “Setting up a production house of my own was a dream both Punnu and decided to realise, naming it Bro & Sis Productions.”