On the rooftop
The snarling traffic jams, ruddy crowd and thumping music in city discotheques makes some people party in the comfort of their home. And what better place than a spruced-up terrace 
One warm hearty winter evening, 8-10 friends, tinkling wine glasses, when you say nothing at all crooning from the drawing room, few pretty women plunked on a swing, and a small, spacious spruced up terrace and an open sparkling sky… — Photo S. Chandan

Pied Piper and public support
On stage tiny tots of St Soldier’s-Mohali were busy presenting the all-time favourite The Pied Piper, a musical extravaganza, at Tagore Theatre. But there was a difference, some children who were part of the team couldn’t hear the applause. For, they were from the Vatika High School for Deaf and Dumb-19. 
— Photo S. Chandan

Scorcher to juggler
After the ‘sexiest man’ title, Hugh Jackman will now cast a spell as a magician 
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman is set to essay the role of famous magician and escapologist Harry Houdini in a Broadway musical, according to reports. The Uncle Jonny actor is already said to have been practicing magic tricks in a bid to land up the role of the legendary illusionist, according to Fox news.

Hugh Jackman

Rock rumours
Naomi, Doronin and a diamond ring
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has raised eyebrows after being spotted with a huge diamond rock on her finger, according to reports. The glamour model, who has been dating Russian billionaire Vladimir Doronin, was seen flashing the emerald and diamond sparkler while stepping out with her beau. "She was very pointedly looking at her ring and admiring it," an onlooker was quoted as saying. The catwalk queen, who met the property dealer in May, was said to have bought a wedding gown, reports the Sun. Meanwhile, Doronin was also seen to be "showing her off" to his buddies. 

Naomi Campbell

On a musical note
Mariah Carey is reportedly in talks to have her life story turned into a Broadway musical. The singer is said to have been approached by a top theatre producer about the idea. "A huge, huge Broadway producer is interested in Mariah's story and it's in discussions. Who would turn down an opportunity like that? Mariah has a fascinating life," a source said.

Mariah Carey

Revolutionary act 
Brit comedian Russell Brand, known for being a lady's man, has added another name to his impressive list of conquests - Che Guevara's granddaughter Lydia. Che Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary politician, who was well known for his heroic invasion of Cuba, and who is to this date an inspiration to millions. Brand was seen escorting Lydia to his pad in the Four Seasons Hotel ten days ago. "Russell is leading an amazing life, girls are throwing themselves at him. He is in his element, making the most of all the attention," a source was quoted as saying. He happened to meet Lydia when he was out for dinner. "They hit it off and she went back to Russell's hotel suite. He impressed her with his musings about Alexander The Great and other powerful leaders he has been reading about on his travels."

Talepiece
Gibson in gripe
American-born Aussie actor Mel Gibson has been sued by a screenwriter, who claims he was underpaid for his work on the 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ. According to a US judge, Gibson, 52, now has to answer questions about the planning and filming of his controversial movie in accordance to the lawsuit that has been brought on him.

Mel Gibson

Paint them young
After watching Taare Zameen Par last year, we too wished we had an arts teacher like Ram Shankar Nikumb. Unlike his lucky students, many of us never had a choice to draw, as we perceived the world around. "Look at the blackboard and follow my instructions", used to come from the teacher every ten minutes. Though our time is over, we have some good news for the students who love to play with colours.
— Photo Parvesh Chauhan

Warm up to winter
The winter may not be so severe yet, but weavers from the neighbouring states are already here to keep you warm in case it does get cold. At the Woollen Expo-08, weavers from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan have put their year's hard work on display. So, if you still have some shopping to do for the season, then this is the place to be. From hand-woven mufflers to stoles to knitted items like sweaters, caps, you can buy it all.  — Photo Parvesh Chauhan

Bon Appetit
Going Bananas! 
Kandla Nijhowne

Launch PAD
Shine like a diamond
This winter pamper your skin with Shahnaz Husain's range of winter care creams and lotion. The Diamond Night Nourishing Cream is based on a powerful Ayurvedic anti-ageing formula. Research has revealed that Diamond has potent age-defying and rejuvenating effects on the skin, controlling the visible signs of skin ageing. It influences the tissues of the human body, aiding decongestion and promoting the removal of toxins. This helps to purify and strengthen the skin's supportive layers, improving its moisture retention ability. A unique replenishing complex, it contains diamond "bhasma" along with extracts of tankana, vetiver and date. It is specially designed to remove ageing signs and blemishes, making the skin porcelained and radiant. —TNS

Rise ‘n’ shine
Its time to groove on some more Punjabi beats with Gippy Grewal launching his latest album, My Time To Shine. The singer known for his folk finesse tries different tunes this time with fusion of Hip hop and club mix. The album has 10 tracks out of which the title track, My Time to shine and Yaar Mera stand out. This is the Phulkari singer's first attempt at fusion after tasting success with seven albums. "I believe that music keeps on changing and one needs to change accordingly. It makes it easier for the audience as well," says Grewal. And next ahead is another album with Yudhveer Manak and donning actors' cap in an untitled Punjabi movie.—TNS 

— Photo Parvesh Chauhan