Power play
The time of the year when each of our politicians rake their mental stimulus more than regular. The time when, when they are ‘seemingly’ more energetic than usual. Who would want to loose out on a chance to get close to the public, at least once. Nevertheless, they are not all about political hubbub. Give it to them, for they have a life, like we do. They too get bogged down, once a while. They need to unwind once a while, may be read a book or watch their favourite film. For the health freaks, maybe a quick run on the treadmill. We quiz them on their picks…

Travel time
Tis almost time to plan your summer trips. Here’re some offbeat destinations that beckon this season
It doesn't even matter what you travel for. Luxury? Adventure? Escapism? Or business? The fact remains that man cannot be reborn, but he can travel! In the process, rediscover, replenish, and rejuvenate. Recession, ugly as the word may sound, can go take a walk. When did gypsies bother about meltdown? Giving 'tribute' befitting the spirit we bring you everything 'offbeat' about the holidays in the ensuing summers. Those wishing to visit Goa, Shimla, Mussoorie, can conveniently turn over.

Yeh hai youngistaan
After replacing Aishwarya Rai thrice - as the actress with most Internet downloads, ambassador of a jewellery brand and now as the Indian face of Barbie - 24-year-old Katrina Kaif has proved how young actresses in Bollywood are giving their 30-plus colleagues a run for their money. Not just Aishwarya, Katrina has also replaced 33-year-old Sushmita Sen for an endorsement deal with shampoo brand Pantene. Noted film critic Saibal Chatterjee says this is a normal phenomenon in the industry. "Actors have a very short span of life as most of them start early and by the time they cross 30, the nature of the roles they get are more mature than candy floss stuff. So the industry is always on the lookout for young blood," Chatterjee said.

Posh animated
After Scarlett Johansson and Johnny Depp, Victoria Beckham is making a cameo appearance on TV cartoon Spongebob Squarepants. The 34-year-old former Spice Girl has landed a guest role as a princess on the hit Nickelodeon cartoon. Posh recorded the voice-over late last year and, according to the sources, studio bosses are quiet impressed.

Love for Liz
Supermodel Kate Moss has revealed that she idolises legendary attractive diva Elizabeth Taylor. Kate, who herself is a style icon for multifarious women around the world, revealed that she found Elizabeth Taylor to be the ultimate style icon.

When old masters make melody
The purity of thought, the emotive feel and depth of contents, powerful voice and discipline are essential factors to embellish an Indian classical raga or a composition.” This opinion comes as an affirmation from Ustad Ram Lal of Patiala music gharana. Born in Patiala in 1935, Ram Lal was attracted to the melody of music every time he witnessed any performance or even a brass band playing some lilting tunes. His childhood association with Fateh Ali Khan and Amanat Ali Khan before partition at Patiala, who later became stalwarts of Patiala gharana too motivated him to make music as his calling. He learnt the intricacies of classical music from Guru Hira Lal and now Ustad Ram Lal claims to have groomed over thousand disciples. =

Pill concerns
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) may be an easy way to avoid unexpected pregnancy but doctors caution it’s not a substitute of conventional ‘everyday’ birth control pill. “It should only be used in ‘emergency’ as the name suggests,” says Dr Swapna Mishra, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital, Mohali.

BODY wise
Staying keen on exercise
What’s the trick to staying keen on exercise? Something that will convince one person to exercise might not have any affect whatsoever on someone else. Realising the benefits to be gained is good enough for some whereas others might need more convincing. Follow these simple steps to stick to your fitness programme and know that following a healthy lifestyle is like making a HEALTH investment in the future.

Painting the town

Models display creation of Marg during Kolkata Fashion Week. Swapan Mahapatra\ PTI

Bollywood actress Bipasa Basu walk on the ramp during Kolkata Fashion. Ashok Bhaumik\PTI

Actress Mahi Gill displays the creation of Manoviraj Khosla

Model moves

Models strike a pose at the opening of new mall in the tricity Lifestyle photo: Pradeep Tewari