Cousin Hariharan
This Colonial Cousin singer, who is in the city to perform at Pinjore Heritage Fest, tells us about the shortcuts to fame
The only music that sells is film music. For the rest, survive on your own for years and become a legend. But then neither of the two is easy." The aspiring musicians can take a lead and the ones already in the business can just nod, but Hariharan comes straight. "In movies, musical corruption is inevitable. Call it clichéd or mere limitations of the genre, but the film songs are not for the effect, just for the entertainment," says the singer, who has been part of this corruption for the past 30 years now.

Cross culture
OYA Autocross and Motocross winners Khushwant Randhawa and Sunny Sidhu share their moments on the hotwheels.
This doesn't have to be a fantasy. Because, people who dive into this experience feel nothing can be more real than this- The thrill of revving of an engine, kicking off the dust that hovers over the arena, maneuvering the brakes and controls, skidding around the corners at a breakneck speed! This sure is for real, and heady too,for the winner of OYA (Old Yadavindrian's Association) Autocross and Motocross 2009, 4x4 gypsy category Khushwant Randhawa from Patiala.

Bollywood calling
Brain drain & reverse gear
Call it the Slumdog Millionaire effect or the lure of a huge market, India became the new hot destination for Hollywood filmmakers and actors in 2009.
Slumdog Millionaire, shot entirely in Mumbai with an Indian star cast, swept the Academy awards this year by winning eight trophies including the best director award for Danny Boyle. The film not only made Hollywood directors sit up and take notice of the technical might of India but also made them realise the potential of the Indian film industry. Despite Boyle's claim of a realistic depiction, the rags-to-riches story that enthralled Hollywood looks like a chapter out of a Bollywood drama complete with the song and dance routine.

Flirting & skirting
Rihanna and Kanye West were spotted enjoying a cosy night out together at a club. The pair was seen flirting outrageously and enjoying dirty dancing along with a 90-minute lock-in at London's Whisky Mist.

No harem girl this!
Jessica Simpson is threatening to sue Star Magazine over Tiger Woods link. According to media reports, the singer is very angry with the magazine for running a cover story claiming she was the latest addition to the golfer's growing harem, reports a publication.

Fest Forward
Heritage restored
If it is heritage that is being celebrated at the ongoing Pinjore Heritage Fest, then the newly renovated Rang Mahal is a live example. Restoring the Mughal royalty, the Rang Mahal has been turned into a classy, glorious self. "The walls, the glass, the wooden panels, furniture, everything has been restored according to the Mughal style. The old structures have been utilised and some required incorporation done to complete the look," says Rajesh Joon, the media in-charge of the  Heritage Fest.The ceiling has been done in looking glass and woodwork, shamiyanas and floor has marble engravings. Each detail is typical of the Mughal period. 

The concluding day of Heritage Fest at Pinjore was high on activities. The residents enjoyed a sunny Sunday out. Cultural enthusiasts had their hands full too. Not only did they enjoy folk performances, they had their pick at the Crafts Bazaar. There were Kachi Ghodi artists from Ajmer, bhangra performers from Punjab and Haryanvi tunes, a heady mix!Photos:S.Chandan

Till curtains do us part
They're all going to be there- Heer-Ranjha, Sohni-Mahiwal, Laila-Majnu, Sasi-Punnu, Shiri-Farhad, Inder Baniya & Beggo-they're all going to be there. And, not just as they were, but as they would have been! Spaced out? Imagine the conversations Shiri Farhad would have had right here, right now. Sohni probably would have been a li'l practical while professing her undying love.

Spice up
Backpack beauty
When you are away from home, the time and means to make yourself attractive may not be easily available. So, what you need are a few tips, to enable you to limit your grooming needs, so that you look pleasing, feel comfortable and relaxed. And enjoy your trip, of course!

Flashback
What a year!
Swine flu scared us, nude yoga scandalised us; but most of all 2009 took its toll on Bollywood stars.
Sneeze…another sneeze…another one… that’s it! The job is done. You needn’t push others for a seat in the bus or stand in the queue while exiting a movie hall. Even better for college students, they don’t have to bribe clerks for proxy attendance. This year has changed a lot, even the basic courtesies; courtesy swine flu (though we are quite scared of talking about swine flu in a lighter tone, we still are taking the risk), which at times is a blessing in disguise too.

sweet remedy
A sugarcoated tablet has been created, which can bring a dramatic slowdown in ageing of the skin, say researchers. Bringing together nutritional and dermatological science, the pill has been developed by the confectionery giant Nestlé and L'Oréal.

BODY wise
Facts on FAD
Weight loss is a booming multi-crore industry and yet most people fail to find long-lasting results. Sure, people may shed weight initially, but the odds are they will fall into the trap of yo-yo dieting and for every 20 dieters who lose weight; only one keeps the weight off. Even so, everywhere you turn there are books, tapes and programmes offering the latest miracle cure. The key to deciphering the good diets from the bad is to become an informed consumer. Before you open your wallet or put your effort into the latest weight loss programme, keep in mind the following facts. 

Not so convenient
Convenience stores at a convenient location might make your child obese
 Kids living closer to convenience stores are more likely to be obese, a new study says. ''Access to convenience stores seems more relevant in obesity than access to fast food restaurants,'' says senior researcher Tracie Ann Barnett, professor in social and preventive medicine at the University of Montréal. Barnett suggests that schools should establish zones that are free of convenience stores and work harder to compete against fast food chains.

Shop sans stop
Here's some good news for shopaholics - festive shopping can give you bags of exercise. According to a leading retailer, the seasonal 'running' stuff offers a workout as intensive as a visit to the gym, reports The Daily Express.

Bollywood Actor Amitabh Bachchan poses with underprivilege kids during the premiere of film Paa in Mumbai on Saturday. PTI Photo

Bollywood actor Mahima Chaudhary signs a board during a function to celebrate the 10th anniversary of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Mumbai on Friday. PTI Photo: Santosh Hirlekar