Pilgrim’s progress
Every theory is futile and meditation a waste, unless it’s practised and applied the way it should be. “That’s the reason I say to the nuns and monks, ‘go out of monasteries, reach out to people and tell them how they can lead a better life’. Mere meditation would help only in the enlightenment of the self but how can it benefit others unless you talk about it,” come the wise words from His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the eight-century-old Drukpa Lineage.

His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa 

Write choice
Neither a mystic nor an idealistic dreamer but a stern realistic, the acclaimed Hindi novelist and poet, Manoj Singh, has emerged as an eminent writer of wider sensitivity within a short span. Endowed with a vision, impulse and observant eye to see nature and life in all its manifestations through the medium of sentiment and passion, Manoj has authored five books in varied genres, which has won rave reviews while two novels are in the offing, besides a short story collection Meri Pehchan which will be released on May 24. He shares some of his experiences with Lifestyle.

Manoj Singh

Kites runner
From Cannes to Chandigarh. Super star and Coca-Cola brand ambassador, Hrithik Roshan, was in the city on Friday to meet the winners of the contest ‘Hrithik Banega Apka Dost’, also launched in Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, to give Hrithik fans to give an opportunity to meet the star. “I am very excited to be in Chandigarh and be a part of this unique initiative by Coca-Cola. Events like these provide me a great opportunity to be with my fans. I am thankful for this opportunity to meet my fans from Punjab,” Hrithik said. Lifestyle photo: Parvesh Chauhan

Pick and move
If you think takeaway means just a burger or a pizza in the box, think again 
It’s that time of the year when travelling is on your mind 24/7. And why not, summer vacations are here and so is the blistering heat. Reason enough to get, set, go. Well, when talking travel, how can the need to eat stay behind? And when it’s holiday time and you are on a journey, who doesn’t like to munch? But the big pause comes when you don’t want to break the journey, but surely catch something on the way.  Photo: Parvesh Chauhan

Bon Appetit
Viva La Margarita! 
When we step into a resto-bar or lounge, stilletoed, bedecked, perfumed and all, the ambience motivates us to run a painted nail down the alcohol list, hovering over a Mojito, a Kiss on the Beach or a stirred Daiquiri. On home turf, we allow the hubby- turned-barman to fix us a screwdriver or at the most, a shandy. Why don’t we attempt the exotics at all? 

Aam aur Shyam
Slumdog Millionaire' star Ayush Khedekar is in Cannes for the pre-production of Swiss film Shyam's Secret
From the Oscars to Cannes, life continues to be a dream run for Mumbai boy Ayush Khedekar, who burst on the global scene as the youngest Jamal Malik in Danny Boyle's smash hit Slumdog Millionaire and subsequently walked the Oscar red carpet as the film swept Hollywood's most coveted awards.



Red riding brood: Indian child actor from Slumdog Millionaire Ayush Khedekar spells style in his black tuxedo and bow-tie.

Paradise not lost
Brangelina wow at Cannes, scotching rumours of trouble in paradise
Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dazzled the Cannes Film Festival with their much-awaited red carpet appearance for the premiere of Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. The couple looked much in love as they walked hand in hand at the red carpet, silencing recent rumours suggesting that there was trouble in the 'Brangelina' paradise. Jolie looked stunning in a floor-length tea-rose Versace gown, which was slashed to the thigh, showing off her slender legs, while partner Brad Pitt looked dapper in a tuxedo by Tom Ford. 

Rose is a rose…: Angelina Jolie is all elegance in her tea-rose Versace gown, while Brad Pitt looks dapper in a tuxedo by Tom Ford. Reuters photo: Jean-Paul Pelissier

Sick leave
Food poisoning has ruined Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz's trip to the Cannes Film Festival, where she had gone to promote her forthcoming musical flick Nine. "Tomorrow night is her premiere for her movie. She is getting better and is seeing a doctor right now," People magazine quoted movie mogul Harvey Weinstein as saying. But another report from London said Penelope was forced to flee a Cannes party when she came to know that ex-boyfriend Orlando Bloom will be arriving with his super model girlfriend for the same event.

No show
Paris Hilton reportedly failed to stir some dough after event coordinators shook their heads to pay $ 100,000 for her appearance. The millionaire hotel heiress, who recently hit Cannes, was allegedly left without any takers.

Fashion, my foot!
Not all fashionistas know how to put their best foot forward. No place better to bear testimony to this than the Cannes red carpet. And how!
(Compiled by Chetna Keer Banerjee) Reuters photo: Eric Gaillard Jean-Paul Pelissier

Height of oddity

Pearl pet

Berry, berry flashy

Getting the boot