Amid roses, much fanfare
The Rose festival, which kicked-off on Friday, had it all…fun, frolic and the cultural tadka
A grand entrance with a thick layer of marigold flowers, folk tunes and dhol beats resonating in the midst of official announcements; a world of flowers fascinating the crowd and love birds enjoying an open date…Rose festival began with all splendour on Friday; the only serious tone being provided by the men in khaki.
A pipe band performs at the Rose Festival in Chandigarh. Photos: Pradeep Tewari

Budget this!
Women from the city hold mixed opinions on the Union budget
Paramjit Kaur, a homemaker who wanted to buy gold for her daughter's marriage, was expecting a dip in prices, "Albeit gold is not a necessity, it's important on a few occasions. I will now have to pay more."
So how do we begin this one…this is the same time of the year when we get to know how much we'll be able to save or spend…or here is the big day that holds the secret to your expenses for the coming year…or the budget presented by the finance minister has some goodies and pills…grrh?

Learn the smart way
Modern day teaching should focus on imparting knowledge of concepts rather than learning by rote
Give me some sunshine…from 3 Idiots might have inspired many to move on from the traditional ‘chalk-n- talk’ teaching, which stresses on cramming, to learning concepts. And there are a number of institutions in our city that are already in the groove. “Our curriculum is thematic as well as practical. Children are given the freedom to explore, experiment and learn at their own pace,” says Niyati Chitkara, principal, Chitkara International School.
Chitkara International School kids learn it from concepts

Between the phrases
Painting and poetry are considered to be the mother of arts in their respective visual and literary forms. Both are born out of the sheer imagination of an artist or poet, and reveal their deep understanding of life," feels Parkash, acclaimed painter, illustrator and poet.

More to me!
Thanks to a serious role in her debut movie Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Chitrangada Singh feels she is being typecast. She is very much looking to play a character that will allow her to sing and dance Bollywood style. “It has been so difficult for me to come out of the shadow of my character Geeta Rao in Hazaaron... I am not complaining, but the problem is the way you have been portrayed in your debut movie; you get stuck in an image,” Chitrangada said. “Despite this, I am very fond of Geeta Rao. But at the same time, I am very much looking for a change and would love to do a regular Bollywood film with a lot of song and dance, and a meaty role,” she added.
Chitrangada Singh

On a spiritual quest
A sudden change in work schedule made Shahid Kapoor a nervous wreck last month. A timely visit to his father Pankaj Kapoor’s spiritual guru in the hills however revealed to him the virtues of stillness in an overactive lifestyle. Having finished all his assignments, the actor has no projects on hand at the moment apart from his dad’s film Mausam. Shahid said, “All I can say is faith makes all things possible. That’s why it’s called a leap of faith.

Tweet’s the way
King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan’s latest wish is to overtake politician Shashi Tharoor on micro-blogging website Twitter. The actor, who became a member of the social networking site at the behest of his friend, filmmaker Karan Johar, has managed to scoop some 169,565 followers in just forty days. But Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs, is way ahead of Khan with his 661,456 followers.

The best diva
Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, who is known for living life on her own terms, says she takes her diva image seriously. Former Miss Universe was overwhelmed to receive the Best Diva honour at the third Pevonia AsiaSpa India Awards 2009. According to 34-year-old beauty said, “It is an honour to be called a diva.” She also added that she is a regular at spas to distress herself and replenish her outer beauty.

Animated stuff!
A 15-year-old industry, which is already a multi-million company, and expected to grow bigger with time, animation and visual effects, in matter of years, has become the thing in Bollywood and Hollywood! Every second director wants to experiment with 3D effects and give the audiences stuff they can only imagine.

Jaguar on display
Automobile brand Jaguar Land Rover held an exclusive preview of its cars at Hotel Mountview on Friday. It was the first time that these cars were put on display at Chandigarh. These included the epitome of refinement Jaguar XF and a series of SUVs like the Range Rover Sport, Freelander 2, Discovery 4 and the Range Rover Vogue. The critics and the connoisseurs were in awe of the range.

Karisma's Holi secrets
A change of season, a packet full of rang, a bucket of coloured water and here is Holi with its perpetual fun. Actor Karisma Kapoor shares her Holi secrets:
Tasty almond Thandai — Every Holi, I prepare Thandai the traditional way by including almonds to add the yummy flavour and for garnishing once made (in the crushed form).

Glow sign
Fem Care, announced the launch of Fem Pink Studio on Wheels, a unique and first of its kind initiative that gives women in Punjab an opportunity to experience the benefits of bleaching at their doorsteps. 'Fem Bleach Studio on Wheels is an interesting journey where young girls from Punjab can witness the magical 15-minute transformation towards a fairer and beautiful skin, and also win a chance to be part of the mega state-wide beauty pageant - Fem De Sohney Sohney Mukhde of Punjab.

Bon Appetit
Holi ka Hungaama!
Whenever you see colour, think of Holi. The style for celebrations of this festival vary across the country but nothing comes even remotely close to the lathmaar Holi of Barsana, the birthplace of Radha. If that sounds violent, believe me, it is even more rough than the name suggests. Since Lord Krishna was famous for playing pranks on Radha and the gopis, the womenfolk, of Barsana it seems, after thousands of centuries still want to take sweet revenge. Menfolk from Nandgaon, the birthplace of Krishna, come to play Holi with the girls of Barsana, but instead of colours they are greeted with sticks. The men are not supposed to retaliate on this day so they come unarmed but fully padded and try to escape from the spirited assault of the women. Some Holi ‘Bash’ this.

Shine like a diamond
Natural & confident' - hunt on for a face to redefine the fashion without vulgarity- being the threshold of this year's mega event. The mega event is being promoted by Zaira Diamonds, that deals in world class jewelry based in United Kingdom ( head office in London ) opening its first outlet in Chandigarh on February 28 to be launched by actor Mahima Chaudhary. Zaira Diamond International showcases its collection at the first outlet in the city by the young, talented and beautiful contestants of our mega beauty pageant Zaira Face of the Year Awards 2010. The entire collection has been designed and crafted by the world's best jewelry designers and craftsmen. The entire collection is being certified the international organizations IGI and Hallmark. — TNS