CHANDIGARH INDEX


For Chrys' sake
The chrysanthemum show has a mix of new and old
Regular can be interesting too. Enter Terrace Garden and its natural to get a sense of Déjà vu. The same venue and the same attraction - chrysanthemums. Yet, this annual Chrysanthemum Show enjoys enormous attendance every time. Organised by MC, Chandigarh, the show has some 10,000 pots of the flowers on display, enough to make people curious to drop in to see it. Here, we go about asking people what makes it a not- be-missed affair. Virender Singh, a businessman, eagerly waits for this time of the year when his hobby gets appreciated. A chrysanthemum lover, he has been participating and winning the competitions at this event for the past 15
years. Photo by Pradeep Tewari

Ek garam chai ki payali ho
So, what is the best thing about India, Chandigarh to be precise? 'Chai', echoes the group of seven badminton players from the Czech Republic, getting ready to have a sip of the warm Indian brew. "They want it after every meal," says coach Surinder Mahajan, who is instrumental in there training. Is that all, doesn't the city have loads of other beautiful things?
Hip hip hurray: These badminton players from the Czech Republic are bowled over by the tricity

Turn of the natives
Bangalore pitches in for Shah Rukh's new heroine Anushka
She used to be soft-spoken, bright and studious, but model Anushka Sharma also has what it takes to reach the top in showbiz, say people in this city as she made her dream debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi this Friday.

Small fall
The box-office failure of small-budget films like Sorry Bhai!, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye, Maharathi and Dil Kabaddi has broken the myth that small is successful
O
ne after the other the small budget movies are crashing at the box-office, marking doom for their producers. Failures of films have left scars on others associated with these movies, including the actors and writers.

Dubai dhamaka
Top Bollywood actors and directors were among world film celebrities who hogged the limelight at the opening night of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
Director Deepa Mehta and actor Preity Zinta arrived at the DIFF premiere to showcase the actors latest film, Heaven on Earth. ''This is one of the most moving films because sometimes films with a message can be boring, but this film uses humour intelligently,'' Deepa said.

Date problems just an excuse by actors: Nadiadwala
Bollywood producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who has hits like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Heyy Babyy to his credit, says he has never faced date problems with stars but is aware that actors often use it as an excuse for not doing projects. "I have never faced date problems with any of my actors. If somebody wants to work, there will never be date problems.

Chitrangada as Chandramukhi
Bollywood actor Chitrangada, who is playing the iconic character of 'Chandramukhi' in Sudhir Mishra's Devdas, says her character is a modern day socialite in the film. Mishra is known for making critically acclaimed films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Khoya Khoya Chand. His latest film is a modern day interpretation based on Sharatchandra's classic novel Devdas. Lara Dutta is playing the character of 'Paro' in the film while Shiny Ahuja will be seen as the modern day 'Devdas'.

Mixed palette
There is a story behind every painting. The exhibition at Art Folio unfolds many tales
It's not everyday one gets to see a Jamini Roy on display at city galleries. This latest exhibition at Art Folio-9, presented by Three Dimensions in Art and Art Bounty, brings one. An 'untitled' one, but with Jamini Roy written all over it - a tempera on canvas- with delightful forms of Krishna and Balram running after cows, exuding a jovial mood. Even if the gallery had not allocated a central position to it, the frame would have arrested any one attention immediately.

Dolly's ibadaat
She turns to sufism and comes out with her latest offering —Ibadtaan
Very few blessed souls are destined to relish the bounties and benedictions of an illustrious musical legacy like Dolly Guleria, the disciple daughter of legendary folk and film maestro Surinder Kaur, the Nightingale of Punjab. One of her three daughters, Rupinder Kaur, better known as Dolly Guleria by her admirers the world over has seemingly inherited the awesome legacy of a great folk musical tradition of Surinder Kaur. 

Woven warmth
If you are game for redesigning or may be just adding a touch of ethnic yet designer winter décor to your home, then the weaver's exhibition at Fabindia-9 in Panchkula awaits you. A whole new collection of handloom durries and a vibrant range of carpets and upholstery weaved to perfection make for a fine festive buy.

Beating recession, BIG time
A leading FM network, BIG 92.7 FM, has been seen implementing its brand philosophy of 'suno sunao, life banao' quite literally on many occasions. So, when the people the worldover are reeling under the burden of financial instability and depression, BIG FM has conceptualised a campaign that will ensure at least its listeners get a chance to get tough on recession.

Bon Appetit
Fruitful effort
When the Diwali lights are not removed from our market squares, we know Christmas isn't really far behind! By December, Christmas's true heralds are in: twinkling lights, bumper sales and shop-windows with beaming Santas amidst clumps of cottonwool, pretending to be snow. Yesterday, I stepped into a gift-shop, asking for a tiny Santa Claus to perch on my fruitcake.

Choc-a-bloc
New flavours, latest varieties and enticing boxes—what else can you ask for!

Mmmm, chocolate…we fantasize about it, indulge in it and enjoy its pleasures and sweetness. Though a number of articles have been written about it and occasions galore where they have been the centre of attraction, but when it comes to Christmas we can't help but write about it.

Rum for the resilient, wine for worrywart…
Your drink is the reflection of your personality. Check out what your choice of drink says about your traits
A mug filled of frothy beer for the young, happening IITian Sameer, a clear red wine for the clam and status conscious beautiful Alisha, on the rocks whisky and rum for resilient S. Bakshi, a chilled bottle of strawberry flavoured Bacardi Breezer for the bindaas college going Aushutosh. Here you go. Take a pick from the array of drinks as per your age and personality. If you are a serious type you would prefer a hardcore alcoholic drink, a jovial fundo young character would go in for mocktails or white spirits.

Launch PAD
Scotch bright
Every sip from the exquisite range of Whyte & Mackay range will make all the difference to the spirits this festive season. Whyte and Mackay is available in a very exquisite range of blended Scotch whisky in ages of 13, 19 and 22 Year Old in the city. While most distillers settle for only one maturation, Whyte & Mackay works on the unique philosophy of ' all good things come to those who wait ' and uses the age-old double marriage process in the blending of their whisky which ensures a beautifully balanced blend.