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No small town fun this Sukant Deepak
MATKA CHOWK Sizzle in silver Bollywood calling A juicy innovation TAKING CARE OF YOUR VOICE FILM REVIEW WRITE TO RENEE
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No small town fun this Even as stealing some great time becomes increasingly synonymous with hitting the pub, crawling a disc and be seen at a ‘happening’ hangout. Even as contemporary lifestyle denies the mind consent to embark on a perpetual flamboyant tango, we descend on small towns trying to decipher how the young there draw a bold line in mere existence and essential living in the absence of the clichéd ‘tools of fun’. A late evening ride in Patiala, though not tiny in any respect, brings about flavours, not just of the darkness that surround the panorama but also the peculiar character of any place that allows you to witness it only if your pace is slow, uncalculated, only when the senses are receptive and willing to absoarb far more than the expected. We see a bunch of youngsters the 22-number phatak, looking straight. Armed with a questionnaire that asks ‘what’s your idea of fun in a small town’, it isn’t tough to get them going. “Besides the fact that one has to steal time, not from anyone but oneself to take a break, we do manage make our day by spending the evenings here. You’ll see so many young souls walking almost aimlessly, and that’s what really lightens the being, when moving is nothing more than mechanical,” smiles Rudraveer Singh, a Punjabi University student, who doesn’t really mind coming all the way here from the Campus. His friend, Abhinav Sharma, a young executive with a fertilizer company in Baradari insists that having a great time may not necessarily mean hitting the spots crawling with young soul. “Isn’t the definition more about individual temperament and ideas that are never static? Believe me, I can’t really pin-point what I do to escape the routine, but yes, I have definitely attuned my mind to take a break and lips to punctuate a smile whenever I want.” Moving towards the Punjabi University hostel- and it’s hard not to remember the time spent here, of arguing on Marx and Mao, of long rides with girlfriends… The peculiar calm of the campus, reminiscent of a kid trying not to make a noise is so much ‘on the face’, or perhaps the lack of it. As the wind takes cover in the darkness with ancient tress as company and a collage of sounds precipitate a surrealistic emotion, the small room in one of the boy’s hostel is home to a many MBA dreams. You intrude, they don’t mind. But would they serve some food too? “From the hostel’s balcony, I watch, just watch, allowing the mind to divorce what really exists. Anyways, spending time with people with whom a jargon called words is unnecessary is so relaxing, so rejuvenating in the true sense of the word,” admits Gurpreet Singh, a student. Like many other small places, Ambala stands for more than an essence impregnated with time deciding to take a break and primeval landmarks reminding themselves of a contemporary age- so remote yet tangible. It’s never hard to spot at least two-three groups of people young men and women drowned in laughter and voices punctuated by fast food. Sandeep Sethi of Sethi Stores, one of he popular shops cum eating joint smiles, “youngsters have been coming here even before you were born, now even I don’t know what takes them so long to finish one bottle of coke!” A forced entry into one of the groups means acquainting yourself not just what’s new with contemporary cinema, but also an underlying hope, “ wish small town like these offered more, encouraged something where you didn’t have to force yourself to have a great time,” hopes Rudraveer Duggal , a GMN College student. Suggest another group sitting there to hit Chandigarh once in a while, and Yamini, an executive with a multinational finance company asserts, “To do what? Even that place is such a big circle—you don’t discover, you don’t come across, worst of all you don’t even get lost.” For young defense officers and those related to them, evenings may mean a score of activities but for others, it is a perpetual search, and not just for the sake of fun!
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Afternoon dance fever Two days, two parties, one zone — Sector 26 is fast grooving its way into the slot of city’s dance party destination. If Friday saw flappers of the world cutting footloose to the thumping beats of reverberating music at “X-over” discotheque, “Desi Vibes” swept them off their feet right on to cloud nine Saturday afternoon same place, same time. As the thumping beats of reverberating music filled the air with ecstasy on both the days, it was time to loose control for so many revelers tripping the light fantastic. Right, heaven is a place on earth was the impression the revelers got as pretty damsels in mini skirts with twin slits on either side descended upon the polished dance floor of life to cut foot loose, merrily and gorgeously. In fact, you could actually feel the pulse the minute you set your foot into the joint. Oh, yes! The beats of Rakhi Sawant remixes got the crowd grooving in no time with the in-house and the guest disc jockeys (DJs) spinning tracks to produce some cool funky music. No matter what your party style was, the place had something to offer. You could actually gyrate to some of the best tunes dished out by the DJs, fervently. As good old retro and classic rock gave way to hip-hop music, excitement broke loose. Among the dancers twirling all around the floor were not just teenyboppers, but also young professionals from call centers eager to lose their blues amidst the melodious tunes. As the afternoon fever caught the revelers in its exciting high-temp’ grip, their exhilarated figures, illuminated by nice little psychedelic lights, swayed breathlessly in sync with the rhythmic throbs of high-wattage music. Screaming over the din of music, one of the organizers Nitesh Sharma said their basic aim was “to unite cream of city’s youth once every semester”. “Youngsters want change, and that’s exactly what we offer through new concepts”, he asserted. Swell, isn’t it!
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Celebrating parents Yet, so many of you treat your parents as debit cards to be depended upon at the time of financial crisis! Right, when your motorbike, and your love life, is running low on gas. And money is required to add fuel for setting the “damn thing” in motion again. So, for once forget all about your own little predicaments. The ones revolving around the microcosm you so happily live in. And do something for them on the Parents’ Day falling on Sunday. Guys, celebrate them. Indulge them. Love them. For, the day will not come for another year. The day’s lineage It’s a worldwide phenomenon. Just in case you do not know, the big day is celebrated across the globe on the fourth Sunday of July “to acknowledge the role played by the parents in raising little ones against all odds”. Rubbing her hands with excitement at the thought of receiving gifts from her two sons, principal of Sector 15 DAV Model School Rakesh Sachdeva says: “More than just a time to celebrate, it is an occasion to recognize and promote parenting as a central vocation for our families and communities”. Flashing a broad smile, she adds: “Kids, get up. It’s a chance for you to create a positive tradition, based on the maxim that the role of parents is crucial in nurturing and development of children and requires investment, focus, and commitment!” So, all you guys and girls still brooding over the trivia, get present perfect. Belonging to one-parent family, Shaghuna Gupta of Sector 19 has already ordered the delivery of chuckling pink roses for her “blooming” mother. You too get moving. Pick up the souvenirs of affection. Return a bit of caring warmth by buying nice coffee mugs, posters and even coasters specially designed for the occasion. Right, the ones with “Greatest Parents” message printed across in bold letters. “Or else, remind parents of all those loving moments by gifting special photo frames,” suggests Krishna Sahoonja of Dewsun Greetings and Gifts in Sector 11. “You can easily get one by pulling out anything between Rs 75 and Rs 300 from your wallet”. A picture-perfect gift, undoubtedly! Final year humanities student Raman Sharma has been punching holes in his parents’ purse by borrowing money every now and then. So now he is making up for it. He is buying them a set of good leather handbag and a wallet. You too choose from branded ones like Allen Solly, or else go in for the not-so-expensive local ones. The price varies between Rs 595 and Rs 1,000, but it is worth it because the stuff is good. If your parents have always been a pillar of strength and carver of your future, buy them fine statues shaped out of clay just for the telling how wonderful they are, still. The ones with touching messages cost something like Rs 200 each, but are worth the price. The list goes on with elaborate gift packs wrapped specially for the event. Cool shades, chic earrings, and modish bracelets that compliment each other make the collection attractive. The stuff is not very expensive either. The whole pack can be yours for just Rs 850. Buy cakes! Some of the bakeries and pastry shops across the city every year come up with special “Parents’ Day” delicacies so that you can have your cake and eat it too by gifting it to your parents. Jagdish Seth of Kandy’s Pastry Parlour in Sector 32 strictly recommends “pure chocolate” and “honey almond” cakes for acknowledging sweet love. Celebrate presence You go on dance, drink and dine sprees every now and then, while your parents pace the room worrying about you. This time take them out for dinner to a fine restaurant. Prefer the one they hesitate to frequent because of their perpetual money-saving nature. Just let it be their day out. Last thing! Share their concerns by developing sensitivity. Just in case the passing years have brought along with them health concerns or even empty nest syndrome, take them for a complete health checkup. Just to tell them that you care, still.
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Sassy makeover Looking beautiful is everyone’s flight of fancy as it is the outer magnificence that reflects the inner guise. For that perfect look and turning heads it becomes paramount that it’s done by the best. Your search ends here. La coiffure, a unisex salon(that has come up at Manimajra), in alliance with Matrix has devised total hair; skin and body care solutions for both men and women. The salon flagged off with a make up and hair styling show, Innovations for providing awareness to the hoi polloi. It was choreographed under the guidance of Jeet Brar. “There are machines like Electronic Skin Tester, multipurpose Skin and Scalp Treatment, Cold and Heat steamers, six-in-one studio machine which are not available elsewhere in the city”, claims Sanjesh Dhall who is the technical guide here. Every instrument is sterilized and care is taken to dispose off the razors, blades and gloves after single use. “ We offer a bouquet of hair, skin and body care treatments. There are an assortment of skin treatments to remove acne, pigmentation, facial hair and the like. Plus there’s also an inaugural discount,” says Shivani Sharma, the head stylist. The treatments are accompanied by skin and scalp analysis with unconventional scanners, followed by counselling by a team of professionals who help in choosing the right style. The exquisite varieties of massage, manicure, pedicure, bridal and groom services and nail art among others make La Coiffure, the best place for an image make over. So all you hair lovers out there, here’s a chance to get your hair hip hop.
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In Load-Shedding Sreedhara Bhasin Chandigarh has been introduced to a new anathema of over-urbanisation – load shedding. I learnt this word very early on – since Kolkata pioneered this word and its mass appeal. There was a time, we would look wonderingly at the light bulbs if we were not plunged into darkness at expected times, so deep-rooted was the acceptance of load-shedding in our Calcutta psyche. With the onslaught of the furious heat, we are getting to taste this awful pill, although Chandigarh folks are far from getting used to it. Now, when light goes off, children throw a fit, for missing their TV show or for not being able to run the AC. Adults wait impatiently for lights to return. Inverters are abundant and no one really buys candles for actually times spent without electric light. Still, load shedding has a habit of occurring when you least expect it and are absolutely not ready for it, like on a sweltering evening when homework is due. On one such particular evening marked by insufferable heat, I stood on the verandah and watched people around when lights went off. A group of young children, who were otherwise (I am guessing) playing on the play station, came out to the park and started kicking the football grudgingly. Soon, it became a heated match. Soon, older folks appeared in other verandahs. They drew their balcony chairs and settled down, actually looking rather pleased and looked benignly at the world outside. Young boys charged out on their motorbikes. Young girls came out in groups and started giggling on the roadside. More young boys came out on to the road and pretended to be very busy with their cellphones. As dusk grew, the long shadows fell. People still hung around outside – unhurried and suspended. Milkmen and newspaperwallas passing by on their cycles were immediately hailed by neighbourhood gangs of domestic staff and soon they were exchanging news and latest gossip. Vendors selling dasseri aam soon joined the group, followed by the sabjiwalla and the chaukidar. Ladies, who would otherwise scurry around busily to boil milk for the morning or make ata for the night, were still on the balconies, leaning over -with their lovely dupatta undulating in the gentle breeze. I detected a bespectacled kid, trying hard to read a book, in almost fading light. Soon, the darkness became impermeable - erasing the forms and frames. The parrots were still flying in flocks when light came back. Suddenly, the entire world was bathed in synthetic illumination. People rushed inside and in minutes, it seemed as if someone has wiped a slate clean. I too came inside, but not without the realization that the world could be a very different place if there was no electricity!
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Sizzle in silver However, the elation gives way to despair when we decide on buying some new jewellery. For, gold is exorbitantly expensive and in a way, no longer something that haute glittery fantasies are made of. The current rage with fashionistas instead is something that is sleek, wearable and yes, trendy. Glitter minus the gold Ask Maharaj Sodhi and he tells you from where to get this jewellery. In fact, he doesn’t only tell you but has brought Thai jewellery to town. Yes, it’s the sterling silver 925 designer jewellery from the land of smiles, or Thailand, that was exhibited on 21st and 22nd July at The Furniture Mart by Sodhi and wife Anu. Wonder what’s so noveau about this jewellery? Explains Anu, “Doing away with the conventional and passé styles in Gold, this jewellery resonates with the refreshing silver and semi-precious stones. Sleek, contemporary and affordable, the collection for sure is a luscious loot for young women.” Wonder what’s so different about this jewellery? The fact that it’s quite affordable. Starting from a pocket-friendly price of Rs 500 and going till 8000, the intricate blend of zircons, pearls and semi precious stones like Aquamarine, Amethyst, Champagne Crystal and Rose quarz warm up the overall look, adding vibrance to the collection. Then, there are those glittery, silver earrings, rings, necklaces and pendants that exude feminine flounce and are a perfect pick for the evening parties. Sleek and in interesting geometrical shapes, this stuff is ideal for students and professional women. And a hot pick for all those who wanna make a stunning statement without embracing chunks of yellow gold!
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Besides other places, the Anupam Kher-Prem Chopra starer will be shot at the Sector 19 church and the Rose Garden in Chandigarh, sometimes in the beginning of next month. Of course, Pragati will be a part of the team and is excited about the entire thing. Talk to her and it becomes apparent in no time that Pragati’s dreams are too big for her age. In recognition of her talent, Ludhiana-based Saheed Memorial International Sewa Society has already bestowed the “Best Artist Award” on her. In fact, Pragati has the distinction of being the youngest artist to be presented the award. Studying in Sacred Heart School, Pragati says she has no intentions of settling down in Mumbai for pursuing a career in movies, despite all those offers from Bollywood bigwigs. “Acting comes naturally to me, but I am very particular about studies,” she asserts. “That is the reason why I make it a point to study in the mornings and shoot in the evenings”. Flashing a broad smile, she says, “Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukheerjee and Preity Zinta are my favourite. For, Preity is pretty, and Rani talented. Khan with his brilliant performance is simply fantastic”. But out of the two actresses, with whom would she like to be associated with after leaving behind her childhood? “Rani Mukherjee”, she asserts in a jiffy. “For, I like to be appreciated for my acting more than my looks”. Sounds sensible indeed! All the best, Pragati! — Saurabh Malik
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A juicy innovation
“Find and need and fill it” is Chanchal Chawla’s gizmo mantra. For this city-based tinker-man, ‘innovator’ ought to be his middle name what with his penchant for adapting thingamabobs and making them work resourcefully, imaginatively and most importantly economically! Onto this 22nd innovation, Chawla is currently screening his latest development, a juicer, which can produce orange and pomegranate juice without having to peel the fruit. Nothing unusual about this perhaps, except that Chawla’s machine is much cheaper than the ones imported from abroad and neither do the seeds get crushed and nor does the peel get squeezed in the juicing process. What is more, he has also developed a machine to extract ganne ka ras (sugarcane juice) in a hygienic manner where the sugarcane sticks are disposed within the stainless steel body in an inbuilt bin. So no flies hovering over your drink straining to take a sip! Chawla’s process is a simple one. With a factory and R&D facility in Mohali, he generates the ideas and his technical people work it out for him. Easy for he says his “basic concepts” on all products mechanical are clear. A peek into Chawla’s younger days and you wonder how on earth he became quite so innovative! Having graduated with arts from DAV College Sector 10, where his father was a librarian, he admits his math was really weak but the reading bug got him hooked. “It is this habit that has worked so well for me. From books to the internet I devoured information and still do a lot of reading though most of it is non-fiction now,” he smiles. At the age of 18, we wandered off to Iran on his own wanting to see the world where he worked as a labour hand before realising “there was no use doing this and it was better to go back.” He started a Xeroxing outlet, even making and selling a couple of them on his own before the Japanese machines came and in and his product went kaput! However, that was the start of it all. The STD locking system in 1988, PCO machine in 1989, Caller ID, the 95 number locking system, a PCO system for the blind, even a gold and silver rate machine changeable through a remote control device and his latest development, an electronic flip digit score board visible in the day. “I think as a customer does. I look at people’s problems and I try and find a solution.” The result: 22 innovations in 22 years. It has not been easy for every product is researched, studied, the existing merchandise around the world examined and then “adapted to suit the costs and the condition.” Curiosity and observation are his guiding principles and he has travelled the world to see what it has to offer including a visit to the Ford Factory in Detroit that had him dazzled. Today Chawla is busy indoctrinating his 20 year old son Sumeet teaching him the values of confidence instead of wealth. Sumeet was just sent by his father to Singapore for a week on just $ 500 to scour the markets for interesting products which Sumeet did find—a vending machine that offers sugar cane juice with a scoop of ice-cream! Next on target, a softy machine, cheap but with the correct viscosity!
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TAKING CARE OF YOUR VOICE And how do we do it? I shall enumerate some tips, which I am very sure will go a long way in making sure that your voice sounds First and foremost, you have to make sure that your mind and body are totally relaxed because if they are not, then your performance will suffer for sure, as the tension will be for everyone to feel. Relaxing your neck is also a very good option because this helps the vocal chords and Then comes the most important- relaxing your face in order to provide flexibility to a character, especially when you are doing a creative radio spot or a jingle. This does not take a lot to explaining, all you have to do is to scrunch up your face to the maximum, hold it for approximately 10 seconds and repeat it 2-3 times. This will help increase blood flow to your face and it also gives a feeling of invigoration. Try this and I bet you will be able to come with the most amazing sounds, which will surely impress your production head. This may sound a bit odd, but do you know that your tongue gets tense too? Stretch your tongue as far as you can till your chin. Count till five and repeat it again. And while you do it, make sure no one is Now comes another important thing- exercising your voice. Take a deep breath with a good control over your breath control, don’t forget that your vocal chords are muscles and like all muscles, they also need an exercise that provides greater endurance and helps in delivering a strong performance. Over-exertion and stress can cause the vocal chords to tighten too much, resulting in hoarseness and impaired speaking ability. I think most of you might have experienced it, especially after you come home from a sangeet ceremony of a friend, where you have been singing and screaming with gusto. The next morning you find it hard to even speak a single line. Sounds familiar. Doesn’t it? The reason behind it is simple, our throat is not used to so much exertion and when you put it through all that stress, the vocal chords simply raise their hands in meek surrender. I hope, the above-mentioned points will help you in taking care of your voice to the max. I mean that is the biggest tool that we have…right and like any other tool, it also needs a lot of tender love and care. (The writer is a renowned Radio Personality running Radio Buzz and The Take-One Academy of Broadcasting, a Radio Jockey trainer, voice expert and an international broadcaster)
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FUN WITH FASHION In a decided shift from its graceful, elegant image, the sari is now chic, and the six-yard-wonder’s designer avataar is now available in town, says Anandita Gupta
Dollops of fun
Sita Maiya’s legacy and Draupadi’s pride — the unstitched garment for sure has a long history to it and is seeped in tradition. However, it’s also is an evolving outfit. Once a symbol of grace, it is also becoming known for the freedom of interpretation that it offers, both to the wearer and the designer. Prêt-a-porter
While ammas may be happy with kanjivarams and benarasis, the beti-brigade is undoubtedly experimenting with the latest versions of India’s oldest garment to create their own sari chic. Not surprisingly, then most designers from JJ Valaya to Tarun Tahiliani choose to include the sari in their collections every year. Today, Satya Paul’s limited edition trouser sari is a rage, Wendell Rodricks has moved on from the lungi, bondage and sarong saris to mermaid cut pleated sari-skirts, Anjana Bhargav is using denim highlights on georgettes. Designers’ hub
And all you city-divas craving to get draped in a designer-saree, here’s some good news. You no longer have to hotfoot it to the country’s capital to get your hands on your favourite Satya Paul or a Manish Malhotra saree. City roads are slowly becoming a fashionable address, quite literally, for, they are housing stores selling some of the top names in hi-end fashion. And it’s no surprise that labels like Satya Paul, Manish Malhotra and Ritu Kumar have chosen these places to set up shop. Satya Paul store opened its doors at The Taj here a few months ago. And then, there’s Samsaara by Divya Kapoor that has triggered off a ceaseless celebration for saree-lovers. The store promises a heady cocktail of designer delights by Manish Malhotra, Deepika Gehani, Pallavi Jaikishan, Bharvi Jiakishan and Monisha Thahryaman and many famous designers. For you to have your pick, here’s what each of these designer has created for you— Splashes of colour and fluid patterns flow gracefully on Satya Paul collection. His collection is a mélange of fabrics—Satins, crepes, georgettes with prints ranging from animal to abstracts, paisley to floral and delightful geometric motifs—triangles, circles, squares, checkers and pentagons. Hot picks are his calligraphy collection sarees. Right from Devnagri script to Zen and Swarovsky-dipped Om, these sarees have it all.
Manish Malhotra (Rs. 40,000 onwards)
Peppery collection of georgettes, chiffons, satins and nets, pepped up with fresh blossom prints, studded with sequins, shells. Besides, there are animal prints that dapple the urban feel with the instinct of a jungle! Deepika Gehani (Rs.10,000 onwards)
A little madness, inexplicable style. Her two-piece and three-piece sarees represent flamboyant fun style of dressing, with loads of leather trimmings, oxidized coins, denim splashes and coloured stones. Pallavi & Bharvi Jiakishan (Rs. 20,000 onwards)
This mother-daughter duo’s sarees flaunt Indian fabrics and workmanship, Swarovsky and sippi work, delicate embroidery and embellishments. Encrusted with rich embroidery, trimmings, beading of spangles, rhinestones and crystal, these sarees are dramatic yet appealing, in all their ethnic splendour. Monisha Thahryaman (Rs. 20,000 onwards)
Vibrant shades and mute tones, her designs are a collage of fine textures, gotta patti and stone work. Ravage Classic (Rs. 10.000 onwards)
Groove on to some naughty numbers, laugh out loud by catching into the carnival instinct and get into merry making mood with oodles of colours and prints. An experimental collection that speaks of unrestrained revelry with ceaseless celebration. A boldly textured, bohemian sensibility is reflected through appliquéd patchwork and abstract patterns. Hot picks are the skirt-sarees flaunting a frilly, distressed style. Ritu Kumar (Rs. 15,000-Rs.45,000)
Her monsoon line includes Aari work, sequins, kasheeda embroidery and antique work, dancing merrily on Serene whites, quiet lavenders, leafy greens, rich reds and canary yellows. So all you fashionistas out there, let these funky sarees swish and twirl around that near-perfect figure and make you look like a princess.
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One night stand
After “Gangster”, Mukesh Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt have come up with an action thriller “The Killer” this week. The movie opened at Kiran, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Manimajra and KC, Panchkula on Friday.
It has a typical Mahesh Bhatt feel and is about events that unfold over the course of a single night in Dubai. “The Killer” is a sixth movie of Emraan Hashmi with the filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt. Shot in Dubai in a 50 days start-to-finish schedule, this one is a story of a killer and a taxi driver who are brought together by fate to spend one night on the road. One time assistants of director Dharmesh Darshan, the debutant director duo Hasnain S. Hyderabadwala and Raksha Mistri borrow heavily from Hollywood’s ‘Colateral’. Nevertheless, they have come up with an enjoyable film. Emraan Hashmi and Nisha Kothari do a good job but it is Irfan Khan who goes over the top. Sajid-Wajid’s music is average and we miss the poetry in Jalers Sheewani’s lyrics this time. All about dreams “Yun Hota To Kya Hota” released on Friday at Fun Republic, Manimajra, marks the excellent directorial debut of actor Naseeruddin Shah and has been produced by Shabbir Boxwala under his banner CAT Films. It also marks the debut of Naseer’s son Imaad Shah and choreographer Saroj Khan on silver screen. “Yun Hota To Kya Hota” has four stories covering in the end and has loads of comedy, thrills and love. There are about 20 characters with Ayesha Takia providing the glamorous love angle, while Konkana Sen Sharma provides social angle to the film. Naseeruddin Shah in his debut movie as a director has successfully maintained the individuality of each story by giving a different treatment to the subjects. Shot beautifully in the USA “Yun Hota To Kya Hota” is worth watching. The casting is perfect. Jimmy Shergill creates a strong impact. Suhashini Mulay, Ratna Pathak, Irfan Khan and Imaad Shah come up with delightful performances. Viju Shah’s music is good. Naseeruddin Shan, hope you keep making such good films. — D.P.
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We are responsible for who we are
I am a 24-year-old girl and very fond of reading the New Age stuff. I have a fairly successful life, living according to all the self-help principles. I started using positive affirmations for only good things to happen to me, but I seemed to notice things going the other way round. I have started losing things and also getting into all the wrong situations. I am beginning to loose heart and also my faith in the principles of positive thinking. May be all these self-help books are just a moral prop for the moment and do not actually work. Please give me some kind of clarification on the principles of using affirmations in a positive manner. Ruhi Chawla Dear girl, it is a very valid question you have picked up and I am sure many other self-help addicts like you would be interested in knowing how this whole system of positive affirmations works. The problem with most of us people is that it is very hard for us to get rid of all the negative messages that have been fed into our subconscious right through our childhood. So the moment we start a programme of positive affirmations, we stir up a whole lot of thoughts from deep within our subconscious minds. That is why all sorts of negative things start coming to the surface. This is just a temporary phase. You will definitely go beyond this. It is only your age-old fears surfacing, allow then space, they will all go away. Build new thoughts, forgive yourself for being negative and life will automatically take a positive turn. I am an 18-year-old boy with very cliched habits. The moment I am in a conversation with someone, I will say, "I know" to everything the other person tells me. Most of the time I am not aware of what I am saying, I am really wondering, Is it that I want to prove something to myself to the other person? Ever since this habit has been brought to my notice by my friends and family I have started noticing it every time. I speak and worrying about the psychological connotation of this two letter phrase. What does it actually mean I am not really sure of myself. Can you suggest me something please. Sunil Sahni, Pachkula Young man stop worrying so much about a small silly habit of yours and do congratulate yourself for the fact that at your young age you have a level of awareness where you are already on the path to self improvement. Not many youngsters take their lives so seriously, so it is good that you are already on the move with your life and positively forward towards self-improvement. All of us are unsure of ourselves In many areas of life and saying " I know" is like proving to your own inner self that you are really not unsure and that you know it all, we feed in many massages into our inner computers unconsciously and spend our lives living with them. Use an affirmation for yourself "I am a clear thinker and sure of myself". Love yourself for who you are and the way you are. I am a 23 year-old-girl and suffering from a sever guilt of complex. In many of your articles, I have read that you say forgive yourself and do not carry your guilt with you all the time. I feel this has become very difficult for me. I was friendly with a boy in college and we made a commitment to each other that we will get married once we are through with our studies, get our jobs and settle down. Two years ago I allowed my parents to coax me into a marriage with this a man from the USA and went away to America. Now on one of my visits I heard that my previous boyfriend has become an alcoholic and is just wasting his life as he cannot forget me. Ever since I am extremely regretful about my decision. Guilt has taken over I cant sleep well I am disturbed what shall I do? Shalini Sharma Young woman, take charge of yourself. Please do not allow obsessive guilty thoughts to take over your mind and heart. We are responsible for our own lives and the way we allow them to shape up. No one has the right to emotionally blackmail us and make us feel guilty about our actions, yes it is true that may be you should not have allowed your parents to influence your decision about marrying this guy but then if you had loved him truly you would have waited for him anyway. You should try and catch up with him to explain your point of view and may be god willing, he will see sense. He could even be using the reasons, he gives for indulging his weakness for alcohol as an excuse. Pray for him to have the strength and courage to move on in life. Do not fret, life has too much to offer, be open to receive it.
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Health tip of the day
Breathing exercises are important as they improve the vital capacity of the lungs. Inadequate intake of oxygen and elimination of sufficient carbondioxide results in oxygen deficiency in our body. As every cell in the body requires oxygen, it affects the health of a person. — Dr. Ravinder Chadha |
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You burn holes in their pockets every time you treat your girlfriend with sizzlers in a hot fast food joint. Leave them in cold sweat by coming late from that after-midnight bash. Yes, the one organised in a blazing-with-excitement nightclub located far away from the city in a maddening farmhouse.
With the gold prices skyrocketing at a speed greater than a spacecraft, many of us are already on a high. For, tucked somewhere inside our hearts, is the elation about the automatically increasing value of our gold possessions. Who would, after all, mind that gold choker gifted by grandma getting expensive each passing day, while it sits unabashedly in some bank’s locker? 
She has another movie up her sleeves. After displaying flair before the floodlights in several Hindi and Punjabi flicks, including Bollywood blockbusters “Veer-Zara” and “Love Story”, city-based Class VI student Pragati Trikha is all set to charm the audience with her childhood innocence in movie “Jane bhi do yaroon”.
We all take for granted that the Radio Jockeys or the voice-over artistes are born with flawless voices. Well, to some extent, it is true. But, like everything else proper care has to be taken, so that the voice you possess actually sounds like yours. 
Tucked in some snug corner of an Indian woman’s memory closet is the moment when she wore a saree for the first time. For, this six yards of graceful, elegant yet figure-flattering garment had transformed her instantly—from mama’s little girl to a sensual, young woman.
