CHANDIGARH INDEX


WORLD TOURISM WEEK
All about VOICE 
People in Punjab don’t want to listen to melodious songs.” Wait a minute before you take an offence. Here’s the other part, “They want complete entertainment. And that’s what I am going to give them.” Javed Ali doesn’t mince words. Instead, he believes in being honest. In the city, the playback singer who has created his own space in Bollywood, matches the enthusiasm. “Punjabis know how to have fun and artistes perform for the audience. I want my performance to be remembered by them forever.”

WORLDS ELDER’S DAY 
Young at heart

Veteran actor, comedian and producer Mehar Mittal had everyone in splits as some 150 elders gathered to celebrate World Elder’s Day. An effort on part of Ranbaxy Labs and Fortis Hospital to acknowledge elders and educate them on heart-related diseases, it was more than just a seminar as elders recited poetry, sang songs and shared their views at the Fortis Hospital, Mohali, on Friday. Of course, the star of the gathering was Mehar Mittal, who regaled those present with his amli jokes. At 76, he has this perpetual smile on his face that he credits to spiritual leanings. 

Making of Mahatma 
Mahatma Gandhi has and continues to inspire filmmakers throughout the world. But has his persona and philosophy been justified on screen? On Gandhi Jayanti, Jasmine Singh finds out 
Murli Prasad Sharma manages to transform Lucky, revives Janhavi's affection and resolves Simran's marriage… with a smile, flower and jaadu ki jhappi. Who wouldn't have laughed or cried in the rib-tickling movie, Laagey Raho Munna Bhai, wrapped in Gandhian ideology, distributing it in every scene, sometimes in a subtle manner, and at other times, right in your face?

Abiding love for khadi
The khadi story is not so mundane. A garment that was first created for self-reliance in 1920, khadi later became a symbol of revolution and resistance. Now a chic, green, ethos-friendly fabric, khadi is all but a hi-profile fashion statement! And on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, we track the journey of khadi from a garment of autonomy to a modish piece of clothing; that sure calls for a second glance. Presenting khadi in a new look, Sumitra Mondal, tried to break the pre-conceived notions about the garment with his creation at the Lakme Fashion Week-2010.
The designer was quoted as saying, "My collection is all about khadi. It's all about India. For me, it's important to show who we are. 

Tee-off!
Popular with almost every age group, t-shirts came into being in the 19th century, but it was during the 1980’s that printed tees started getting popular. Devised as a marketing strategy by companies like Coco Cola and Walt Disney, the year 2000 saw inscribed tees coming into fashion.

Foreign  Impressions
GREEN going!

Sushmita Regmi, 15, a school student from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is in the city to be part of a peace summit. She started from home with an image of India that she had seen on TV. Surprised, she shares, “I thought there would be food stalls lined across all the roads. There are few, but not on every street,” shares Sushmita. We talked to this girl, who wants to be a lawyer, on her impressions of the city.

Paint & brush
Akzo Nobel, the maker of Dulux paints launches a consumer promotion around the ‘Colours of the World’ collection of its flagship luxury emulsion brand, Velvet Touch. The Velvet Touch ‘Colors of the World’ collection is a range of six different colour palettes inspired from six of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Consumers buying a can of this collection stand a chance to travel to one of these beautiful destinations.

Going Gaga over fashion
Lady Gaga, known for her quirky style sense, has teamed-up with Georgio Armani to create her outlandish costumes. The Poker Face hitmaker has appeared in public in numerous bizarre creations, including a dress made from Muppets and a lobster hat." A huge company like Giorgio Armani has the duty to always be alert to trends and what appeals to young people. 

Hours of fame
Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle is set to receive a special award at the upcoming BFI London film festival. The Oscar-winning director will be honoured with the British Film Institute (BFI) Fellowship for his contribution to the motion picture industry.

Current topics
Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is said to be a little out of touch with who the current stars of television are. Anderson, 43, was at PETA's 30th Anniversary where she was asked by event organisers to have her photograph taken with latecomer, Glee sensation Lea Michele.

Jam session
For those who want to eat healthy without compromising on the taste, Streamline, a low sugar jam is an option. Streamline, is already a market leader in the reduced sugar jam segment in UK. Recognizing the demand for products that cater to the increasingly health conscious Indian consumers, Scandic Food India Pvt. Ltd. has brought in its Streamline range of Jams and Marmalades. These jams have 30 per cent less sugar and more fruit than conventional jams. The variants launched are Strawberry, Mixed Fruit, Orange and Blackcurrant in attractive 340gm jars priced.

Cool flavours
Cocoberry, India's first and premium frozen yogurt chain has introduced its delicious and healthy Parfait in a wide variety. The Parfait from Cocoberry consists of ingredient like Fruit, Granola and Yogurt and that result in having a non fat and healthier product with a richer flavor profile. The Parfait, which is served in transparent glass, looks colorful and tempting and can be a very good breakfast option. Cocoberry Parfait comes in five different varieties-Mango, Blueberry, Kiwi, Raspberry, and blackberry and in two sizes-small and large. The small size Parfait is available with a price tag of Rs 99 and the large one at price of Rs 169.

More on the plate!
With two food joints back after a makeover and another set for a change, foodies in the city sure have their hands full
So, the best is back? Or, let's just be subtle and say that it's comeback time for two of city's hot and happening eating joints! The Eating Mall at Aroma-22 now offers global flavours and Barbeque Nation-26 has re-opened again, much to the delight of the foodies. And that's not all, Black Magic, IT Park, is all set for a makeover! Here's a peek into their latest offerings.



In Shera’s custody : On the final day of the World Tourism Week, the Chandigarh police pledge to give its best. Lifestyle photo: Pradeep Tewari


SNAP SHOT: Bollywood actor Zarine Khan during the launch of Nikon D3100 camera in New Delhi on Thursday. PTI photo