CHANDIGARH INDEX


Art of the matter
What lies in store for the city's wannabe artists? We have it from the college crowd, past and present….
The small pond near the entrance is once again filled with blooming lotuses. So also the sound of chisel and hammer, and whispers and giggles of the students, declaring that the college is back to life after almost two-month-long slumber. Now, with a new batch adding on, aspirations seem to be at an all-time high and the enthusiasm is almost palpable. One can catch the excitement in Aanchal Raisahib, Navjot Kaur, Supreet Kaur, Tania and many others who cannot thank their lucky stars enough for bagging them a seat in their chosen college. "I have chosen graphics because I want to be a designer and graphics covers everything: painting, photography and what not. The campus is beautiful, classmates are marvellous," Aanchal cannot stop raving about her three-day experience at the college.

Legend lives on
The city’s music lovers pay a tribute to Gangubai Hangal who passed away on Tuesday
Gangubai HangalSome legends are born to lead in their chosen realm of art but the doyen of classical music Gangubai Hangal was blessed to shape the history of classical music with over eight decades of unique contribution. The doyen of Kirana Gharana, Gangubai Hangal was born into the family of musicians on March 5, 1913 at Dharwad. Her mother Ambabai was a renowned Carnatic singer and father Chikkurao Nadiger of Ranebennur was an agriculturist. Gangubai was initiated into music by her mother. She learnt music under the guidance of Krishnamacharya Hulgur and later, under Sawai Gandharv, alias Rambhau Kundgolkar, a disciple of late Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the main architect of Kirana Gharana.

Past perfect
A passout from the college, Shiven Tanwar, who is doing his Master's in Fine Arts from MS University-Baroda talks about the two institutions-"Baroda as a city has a rich art history that encourages students to be more professional in their approach, which is missing in City Beautiful. Regular interactions with renowned artists, connoisseurs from prestigious art galleries all over the world, including Christie's, who come to Baroda to look at the exhibits by students, makes it all highly motivating.

Perfectionist 2
 Perfection runs in the family, says Imran Khan
What do Aamir Khan and Imran Khan have in common apart from their bloodline? The younger Khan says that like his uncle he too is a perfectionist.
 What do Aamir Khan and Imran Khan have in common apart from their bloodline? The younger Khan says that like his uncle he too is a perfectionist. "Aamir is one of India's finest actors. Though he doesn't agree that he is a perfectionist, he just likes to work hard... it is a good thing. Even I like working hard, so I'm a lot like him professionally," Imran said in an interview. "I feel that if I am putting my name, face, energy, talent and time into something - it should turn out to be the best. If I'm associated with something - be it a film or an event, I like to do whatever I can to make it a success. At the end of the day, everyone should strive for perfection," he added.

 Friends forever: Bollywood actors Imran Khan (R) and Shruti Hassan attend a promotional event for their forthcoming movie Luck on the set of a television show at Filmcity in Mumbai. Reuters: Manav Manglani 

Confessions of an actor
I used to be a terrible actor, says Priyanka Chopra
She is one of the reigning stars in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says she was a very bad actress when she debuted with Andaaz six years ago. While the former Miss World has set high goals for herself and is experimenting with roles like never before, she is also clear about what she is looking for in her 'Mr. Right'. "I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I have grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible," Priyanka said in an interview.

Comic chemistry
Anupam Kher Anupam-Boman set to tickle audiences with Perfect Mismatch
 Forget the sizzling chemistry between Bipasha-John or Kareena-Saif as the new pair on the block, Anupam Kher-Boman Irani is set to cast magic with their rib-tickling camaraderie in upcoming film Perfect Mismatch. "The chemistry definitely works. It is actually the war of egos between the two characters. While I am playing a traditional Gujarati Mr Patel, Kher is playing over the top ‘Mr Bhalla' whom I find obnoxious," Irani said in an telephonic interview from Mumbai.

Wishing well
Amitabh Bachchan Big B wishes Gayatri Devi a speedy recovery
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan is praying for the speedy recovery of Rajmata Gayatri Devi who has been admitted to a hospital in Jaipur. The 90-year-old royal whom Bachchan called "one of the most beautiful women in the world" was admitted to the hospital following a gastric complication on Friday. "The day ends with some concern for Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. She is quite unwell and has been admitted to hospital. One of the most beautiful woman in the world, a friend, a gentle and generous host to me on several of my trips to her beautiful palaces, now caught up with age. My prayers for a speedy recovery," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

Awards & accolades
 Shahid Kapoor to receive Rajiv Gandhi Award
After eminent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani, Sunita Williams and Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor becomes the latest recipient of the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Award. The 28-year-old is going to be presented with the 12th Rajiv Gandhi Award in the best actor category. The award function will be held in the second week of August.

Black magic

Bollywood actor Dia Mirza during the promotion of her forthcoming film Acid Factory, in Mumbai. The movie is directed by Suparn Verma and produced by Sanjay Gupta. PTI Photo: Santosh Hirlekar

(A)broadly speaking
Going abroad for a degree? Here are some dos and don'ts you should follow
Moving out for further studies? Don't... do...and...keep in mind...remember... also... dare... plus... a piece of advice on the house! And from everyone... from parents to siblings, neighborhood aunt, second-third cousins, far-flung acquaintance. The ones moving out too don't seem to mind either. Here's a piece dedicated to those vital commandments and what all they entail.

Teen power
A group of teens loitering about, whiling away, strolling, meandering, wandering, passing time in the neighbourhood market, over sandwiches and samosas. Very normal? Till one of the youngsters carelessly throws a rapper in the middle of the road. Unfortunately again, very normal! "We were a group of seven and the moment one of us does that, an aunty walking by remarks, 'Beta you are the youth. At least you should not do this.' And that's what changed our minds," Jitesh Wadhawan, working president, does a rewind of the circumstances that led to Teen Voice, the welfare trust comprising solely youngsters, teenagers to be specific.

Gem of an idea
 Bare but bold
Big screen’s lovely muses from around the world parade on the red carpet, starting new trends in fashion, beauty and even accessories. Keeping an eye on the jewellery worn by celebrities is a good way to monitor current jewellery trends and get a preview of styles that could be popular in a season or two.

i tone
 Ragtag
The authorities seem to mean business this time. Ragging is a crime, a felony and a big no. What's more? They're even including parents this time. Will parents’ involvement make all the difference? Bring the menace to a screeching halt?

Stitch craft
The annual passing-out fashion show of INIFD saw a mélange of fabrics and designs
 INIFD Designer Medley’09, the annual passing out Fashion Show of Inter National Institute of Fashion (INIFD) Chandigarh, saw the dominance of creativity on the ramp, which was a visual delight for the audience. The show was a bouquet of 17 collections dreamt and executed by 62 designer students as their passing out project for B.Sc Degree and Diploma Program in Fashion Design. The show also featured creative props specially designed by the INIFD Interior Designers on the theme of the fashion collections.

Bakwaas Bytes
 Eclipses & dimwits
Heyee…my dearest-est darlings. So, how did the week go by? Hope you had fun, using…reusing our Trikini research. And asked your boyfriends to get one for you and your mamma to let you sport it once, just once! So that you could click lots of pics, of sexy curves, perfect beach tan, put it on Facebook, tag it…blah blah…

Aye for AIESEC!
Present in over 107 countries and territories and with over 35,000 members , AIESEC is the world's largest student - run organisation. Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, it offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today. On a local level, AIESEC-Chandigarh aims at providing international internships to students of the city, and at the same time encouraging participation of foreign trainees in local educational institutions and NGOs.

Bonding with brands
If mommy wears an esprit top, carries a Louis Vuitton purse and daddy picks a Van Huesan shirt, sports Armani glasses, will the little one not go for Gini and Johhny or UCB? The sale season is on and besides the usual clientele comprising aunties, uncles, young girls and boys; we have kids too on the block this time busy picking, trying and buying for their wardrobe. So, we enquired from them what are they shopping, how do they choose, do parents decide for them and if at all they know the meaning of ‘sale season’. Nine-year- old Meher Goyal, whom we located trying skirts at UCB-17, says, “Mommy buys for me what I like. My favourite colour is pink and I love to wear skrits.” And, we saw three dresses in her mom’s hand all in pink.

Foot note
With the revival of the infamous flip-flop, sandals are turning up in men’s monsoon wardrobe everywhere. Gone are the days when gumboots were the only solution to combat puddles, mud and water in the monsoons. With an emphasis on comfort and high quality, designers at Egle have combined latest styles and premium materials to craft exclusive footwear.