CHANDIGARH INDEX

 



 

Photo by Pradeep TewariChic Redefined
Lip-gloss on the cheeks, eyeliner on the chin, hair-band on the wrist and pullover tied to the waist are some of the ways in which kids are trying to redefine chic and stand out in a crowd, says Saurabh Malik
S
he smears lip-gloss on her chubby cheeks for that healthy glow, highlights her silky brown hair with golden yellow with a lipstick. Charged up, she rolls a hair band up her wrist, allows a nose ring to dangle from her necklace. For Stuti, normal is boring. The Plus-II student simply refuses to swim with the stream of students, chocking the gullies leading to college campuses. In fact, she plays the little game of charm after formulating her own rules. No wonder, she draws a cross on her chin with an eyeliner to heighten her fair complexion.

Twinkle, twinkle—all the way
Project Ehsaas of KB DAV school is giving a new lease of life to 40 children from the slums, reports Gayatri Rajwade

E
ndearing, tender, little hearts marking their footprints in the big world! As 40 moppets come together for a special project, Ehsaas, their one- month-old buoyancy and spirit take one’s breath away! Initiated by Madhu Bahl, the self-motivated founder of KB DAV School, Sector 7, the project is a “life-long endeavour” to give the best educational opportunities to the poorest families of Bapu Dham Colony.


LITTLE FLOWERS: Life changes for these children and happily they show their new-found knowledge. — Photo by Pradeep Tewari 
Life changes for these children and happily they show their new-found knowledge

Get lucky the Feng Shui way
Gauri
F
eng Shui or Feng Shooi, or may be it is Feng Shi. No, it is pronounced as ‘Feng Schway’. But don’t take me wrong for it is not an article on improving your phonetics but to improve the way of living. Feng Shui, as we all know, is a Chinese art just as what we have ‘Vaastu’ in India.

YOGA
The Powerhouse within
Jyotii Subramanian
U
nderstanding the chakras is an integral part of learning yoga. Chakras are spinning vortexes of energy situated above the plexuses and control the inflow of energy into the body. When working efficiently they keep the physical, emotional and mental body free of disease. Adept yoga practitioners learn to cleanse, activate and balance them.

Put your sunglasses on
Looking at the world through tinted glasses is a style statement, says Rajiv Bhatia
S
unglasses are much in demand in winter or summer. In fact not only do they guard the eyes from the sun but are also a fashion accessory, especially the young, in winter or summer. These tinted glasses shading the eyes serve the purpose of making an attitude statement. Major brands flood the market with a variety of shapes and hues. Rimless glasses are the latest trend in the market. Most young folks want to look great in new eyewear. Glasses must look good on the face. They also look on style as seriously as comfort and visual performance because we need to feel good and about what we wear. Designers offer a wide range of styles. Duplicates are available aplenty at much cheaper rates. Rajinder Manocha, owner of Big Ben Optical, Sector 17, says: “We have lots of brands with different ranges. These are for all age groups. The middle-aged prefer dark glasses. The young generation prefers shaded glasses in winter.
Photo by Pradeep Tewari

Work of Heart
Homes being built in and around Chandigarh are breaking the old monotony of blocks in both concept and aesthetics. Nirupama Dutt tells the story of how one such remarkable habitat was born
H
omes in and around Chandigarh followed the geometric block-like structures designed mostly by architects who had worked with Le Corbusier or were indirectly influenced by the modern style he had propagated. So the city of squares had homes that were monotonously alike.



BUILDING DREAMS: The house with a difference built in rural ambience.
The house with a difference built in rural ambience

Nana PatekarI live the character I play: Nana Patekar
I
always do one film at a time,” says Patekar. This time, he plays a politician in “Apaharan”, a movie directed by Prakash Jha where his character is convinced that whatever he does, right or wrong, is a divine order. The film is about ‘kidnapping for ransom’, which Patekar feels has now become an “official business”.

Film & FASHION 
Jolie is one tough Bond babe!
H
ollywood beauty Angelina Jolie has reportedly been asked to play the latest Bond girl but is insisting that the role be toughened up before she accepts it. Jolie has seen the script in which she could play a Russian agent opposite 007 Daniel Craig, reports The Sun.

SNAPSHOT
To its occupants, this car is an owner’s pride while to the others it may cause neighbours’ envy
VINTAGE DELIGHT: To its occupants, this car is an owner’s pride while to the others it may cause neighbours’ envy. — Photo by Vinay Malik

Yahaan pyar mein ek aur Twist
G
uys, if you don’t know what huge sacrifices true love takes, take a cue from Tushar, the lead in Kahin to Hoga that’s presently being aired at Star Plus. In spite of Tushar’s undying love for Kashish, he agrees to marry Charu because of his deal with Swayam (who wants Kashish). The secret deal between the two was that if Tushar and Charu get married, Swayam will disclose the whereabouts of Sujal. Tushar’s only desire in life is to see Kashish happy and he knows that her happiness lies in Sujal.

Romance in the green fields
T
he shooting of Punjabi tele-film ‘Rano’ was completed recently. The last phase of shooting was done in Chhat Bir village and also in and around the city. Rano is a family drama with a murder mystery. The story revolves around a village belle with a boy. The couple earns the displeasure of the villain and what follows next is a series of murder. The film portrays the role of Punjab Police in the positive light.





 


 

 

Chic Redefined
Lip-gloss on the cheeks, eyeliner on the chin, hair-band on the wrist and pullover tied to the waist are some of the ways in which kids are trying to redefine chic and stand out in a crowd, says Saurabh Malik

warming up

Dress hot in the winters of 2005 if you wish to strike the admiring eyes of ever willing guys. Go in for salt and pepper combination. Don corduroy and leather. Or else, walk down the street in burgundy coat with billowing sleeves over a nice satin dress. If nothing else, wear cherry blossoms embroidered on cuffs and lapels. Well, you will face some problem in explaining the design to the tailor, but it will be worth it. You can also tuck your pants in your boots. It’s the easiest way of creating a trendy out-fit from stuff you already own. The pants should be form fitting or slightly baggy. Do not try the trick with boot-cut bottoms. They are too wide to be tucked in. 

She smears lip-gloss on her chubby cheeks for that healthy glow, highlights her silky brown hair with golden yellow with a lipstick. Charged up, she rolls a hair band up her wrist, allows a nose ring to dangle from her necklace.

For Stuti, normal is boring. The Plus-II student simply refuses to swim with the stream of students, chocking the gullies leading to college campuses. In fact, she plays the little game of charm after formulating her own rules, stringently.

Crossed chins

No wonder, she draws a cross on her chin with an eyeliner to heighten her fair complexion, artistically. And holds back the hair struggling to break free in all directions with sunglasses, instead of hair bands, gorgeously.

The nonconformist teenager falls in with the unconventional by massaging her skin with baby oil, and dusting her hair with talcum powder to get rid of grease and grime. This is not all. She dons a golf cap with sun shades turned around, strategically.

Fastening a pendant to a bracelet is an old habit as the youngster trots down the road with a cheerful pullover tied around her fragile waist.

Her friend Chahhat follows suit. Wears metal belt with silver beads hanging loosely around her reed thin waist. Bathroom slippers in cheerful hues look good as she teams them up with denims stitched inside out.

Funk it

If you haven’t seen the two, go to the coffee bar in Sector 11. You will find them there, reposing on comfortable sofas with their guys, wearing beady necklaces around the heads for a touch of pretty-funk. Or else, jotting one-liners on the trousers with the help of maroon and chocolate nail enamels.

Hang around for some time. You will see them correcting lipstick bleeds or smudged eyeliner with soft cotton ear buds, dipped in make-up remover.

They make young fashion designer Ramona say, “Snazzy haircuts, tresses coloured in giraffe pattern, zingy gels, delicate perfumes and grooming kits are just not enough. Teenagers, wishing to stand out in the crowd instead of keeping in step with the masses, are wearing things differently. For that rebel, maverick free and easy look, you too can tie a nice scarf around your hair or your waist. Do anything. Just use your imagination, redefine chic”.

So girls, what are you waiting for? Go ahead. Do in Chandigarh as the Chandigarians do. Right now. 




Twinkle, twinkle—all the way
Project Ehsaas of KB DAV school is giving a new lease of life to 40 children from the slums, reports Gayatri Rajwade

Endearing, tender, little hearts marking their footprints in the big world! As 40 moppets come together for a special project, Ehsaas, their one- month-old buoyancy and spirit take one’s breath away! Initiated by Madhu Bahl, the self-motivated founder of KB DAV School, Sector 7, the project is a “life-long endeavour” to give the best educational opportunities to the poorest families of Bapu Dham Colony.

And they love it here! Three-year-old Shalini, diminutive Sagar Rana, little Gaurishankar, Pooja, Aman, Jyoti-they show off their cut nails, recite ‘twinkle twinkle little star’ with aplomb and recite the letters of the alphabet like little veterans at the language game! To think that barely a month ago, (they enrolled on October 3, this year), they did not know how to hold a pencil!

Their teachers, Rita Nanda, Monica Thapar and Dimpi Bajaj are justifiably proud of their wards-for these children now troop greeting visitors heartily with a robust good afternoon!

The little ones are preparing for the school’s Annual Day to be held on December 3. In the age group of 2 to 3 years, these children charm with their sprightly demeanour-eager beavers keen to learn! Swaying to the music and performing the words of the song along with their teachers, these children seem deeply involved with their little act.

“Ehsaas is all about feeling for those who cannot afford to send their children to school,” says Madhu. After interviewing more than 500 families to determine who should be selected, the youngest child of 40 of the poorest families was taken into the school completely free of cost. In addition to their educational needs, they are being given books, uniforms and transport free of cost and they will be a part of the school right up to Class XII. “Our responsibility does not end there; we will continue to guide them even for their higher education,” insists Madhu.

What is more, from next year they will be merged with the regular classes while another 40 children will take their place. The school also hopes to involve the other children by asking them to contribute Rs 10 from their pocket money to provide a nutritious mid-day meal to these little ones.

“No donations from outsiders are encouraged for we do not ever want the children to feel they are different. They have to walk out with their heads held high with no complexes.”

Regular hygiene sessions, parent interactions, follow-ups and discipline have ensured a near 100 per cent attendance, which is followed meticulously to ensure that the children attend classes regularly.

As they troop off, hands behind their back, for their ‘rehearsals’ little Bharat solemnly announces, “I come to school every morning after lighting a lamp at home”-the children are already shining, winners all the way! 




Get lucky the Feng Shui way
Gauri

Improve life with

  • Bagua mirror -An eight-sided mirror protects your home or office from negative energies. Each side stands for one of eight life situations: marriage, fame, wealth, family, career, knowledge, helpful people and children.
  • Bamboo flute - Protects you from harmful energy. Bamboo represents strength, endurance and power. Bamboo flute can be used for strength, endurance and power. It can be used to create an energy field or they can be used to cure structural ailments.
  • Programmed crystals-It adds powerful energy to your life stations with crystals programmed by a Feng Shui master. These crystals have been programmed for each of the life stations, which include health/family, prosperity, children/creativity, knowledge, relationships, helpful people, career and fame.
  • Aromatic essential card -A fun and playful deck of 46 cards heal and re-programme the inner child through words and scent. Essential oils are catalysts for awakening your emotions. They inspire with conscious thought patters that create the effects of oils and heal the soul.
  • Feng Shui music -It opens the door to health, luck and happiness 

Feng Shui or Feng Shooi, or may be it is Feng Shi. No, it is pronounced as ‘Feng Schway’. But don’t take me wrong for it is not an article on improving your phonetics but to improve the way of living. Feng Shui, as we all know, is a Chinese art just as what we have ‘Vaastu’ in India. Feng Shui correction is a way to enhance one’s person’s providence. However, both arts have a thin line of difference, yet both have their own qualities and dispositions. Feng Shui, which has originally come from China, has been welcomed by India.

It is not just the common people who has taken to Feng Shui the big way, but even big business tycoons and hubs that are also opting for this.

“When I heard about Feng Shui, I wanted to experience this art and its magic. This was four years back and ever since, I have noticed the luck has favoured me in almost every aspect of life. I have done my home with Feng Shui products,” says Ms Geeta, a housewife.

Vaastu and Feng Shui can be complementary. If a house is not built according to the Vaastu, Feng Shui cures can be employed.

Feng Shui, which is also called the ‘Trinity of Luck’, is a blend of three types of lucks namely, heaven, earth and mankind. And all three together help in influencing a person’s stars and planet.

“Feng Shui, is an amazing science and this science has not just helped me in my work but has also improved my business to a great extent. This is because I have tried to apply Feng Shui in those areas, which are more suitable in terms of money and business. I have a ‘frog with a coin in his mouth’, a wide range of Laughing Buddha and accordingly I have lighted my office and got the walls painted as suggested by my Feng Shui expert,” says Surinder, a businessman.

“I don’t really know about the art of Feng Shui, but I like the wind chimes. They make beautiful gift item,” says Priyanka, a student.

Undoubtedly, Feng Shui has become an all-time favourite of the people not just here but almost everywhere.




YOGA
The Powerhouse within
Jyotii Subramanian

Understanding the chakras is an integral part of learning yoga. Chakras are spinning vortexes of energy situated above the plexuses and control the inflow of energy into the body. When working efficiently they keep the physical, emotional and mental body free of disease. Adept yoga practitioners learn to cleanse, activate and balance them.

Manipur, the navel chakra, is third and placed on the epigastric plexus. The term Manipur means ‘city of jewels’ and is seen as the dynamo of the body. It is often compared to the sun in the scope of its life generating power. Symbolised as golden yellow in colour its element is fire. One of the tasks of this terminal is to distribute energy in the organs of the body and make them function efficiently.

The power produced here can be used both constructively to develop ones unique and individual nature positively or misused for anger and aggression at home and outside. The physical organs that are effected are the stomach, liver, intestine, pancreas and spleen. Emotionally, imbalance can show up as excessive anger, hyperactivity or the lack of vitality, obsessive behaviour and submissive ego.

The diseases that are associated with this chakra are ulcers, indigestion, diabetes, liver dysfunction. It is to be noted that anger and hyperactivity frequently lead to ulcer and indigestion and the lack of vitality is often the result of a sluggish liver. Balance here leads to a body free of diseases, ability to command and organise, enhancement of leadership qualities and readiness to face life’s challenges.

Anahat the heart chakra on the cardiac/solar plexus is the junction where the passions of the lower three chakras with their emphasis on the worldly begin to soar to the spiritual qualities of compassion, love, creativity and connection to the divine. It is important to understand the distinction between human charity and spiritual compassion; while the first may be tinged with ego and emotional need; the other functions without limits, conditions or boundaries. A cold loveless environment, an excessive smothering of ‘love’ from selfish parents, losing loved ones, trauma of divorce, can all cause imbalance in this area. The organs that are effected are the heart, lungs, gall bladder, the thymus, the arms leading to diseases such as blocked arteries, heart disease, palpitations, bronchial problems, arthritis in the arms and bad circulation.

People with congestion here find it difficult to share and receive love. Consequently balancing this chakra results in a blossoming that communicates sharing ones joy and bliss with the world and humanity.

Tip: One easy way to balance the chakras is to spin without fear as we see small children do, hands outstretched, round and round. It’s symbolised in the enactment of the raas leela, the grabha, the kolattam; the sufi dervishes and the Tibetan monks use this technique that has filtered down from the tradition of rishis and yogis. 




Put your sunglasses on
Looking at the world through tinted glasses is a style statement, says Rajiv Bhatia

Sunglasses are much in demand in winter or summer. In fact not only do they guard the eyes from the sun but are also a fashion accessory, especially the young, in winter or summer. These tinted glasses shading the eyes serve the purpose of making an attitude statement. Major brands flood the market with a variety of shapes and hues. Rimless glasses are the latest trend in the market. Most young folks want to look great in new eyewear. Glasses must look good on the face.

They also look on style as seriously as comfort and visual performance because we need to feel good and about what we wear. Designers offer a wide range of styles. Duplicates are available aplenty at much cheaper rates. Rajinder Manocha, owner of Big Ben Optical, Sector 17, says: “We have lots of brands with different ranges. These are for all age groups. The middle-aged prefer dark glasses. The young generation prefers shaded glasses in winter. The brands in vogue are Ray Ban, Gucci, Bay Watch, Lifestyle, Vintage, etc. The Ray Ban range varies from 2,000 to 6,000 whereas Vogue, Gucci and Armani from 4,500 to 10,000.

Choosing the frame colour that suits your hair, eyes and skin is also part of selecting the best frame for you. When you try on the frames, move your head up and down, to see how well your glasses stay in place. It is the best thing to choose the shape of your sunglasses.

Multi-coloured and multi-sized frames in metal and plastic are in vogue. Likewise, colour lenses like dark brown, black, light blue, light green, grayish are choice of the multitudes. If you have a round face, always avoid round-shaped glasses. They make your face look rounder. Most frames suit oval-shaped faces. For those people who want to light square face, they look for frames that are curved at the bottom corner and side. The best goggles are those purchased from an authorised shop. Ignore buying them from street vendors. This can be risky for your eyes.

“UV-protective sunglasses are safer for eyes,” opines Daman, counter executive of Ceeez, Fun Republic. “Light brown and black glasses are in vogue. Double shades are preferred most by youngsters. They have brands like Fast Track, Ray Ban and others. The Fast Track range varies from 695 to 1,995. They have variety in sports glasses too. “The brand ambassador of Fast Track is John Ebraham. Most youngsters prefer this brand now,” she explains.

People prefer even non-brand optical gadgets. “If they dress in pink they prefer the same colour goggles,” says Vivek Gautam, owner of Optical Visions.

“These are no less than a piece of jewellery and rimless glasses and frames are in fashion,” says Ragni, a resident of Panchkula. Light Pink, blue and brown shaded glasses in broad shape and big-sized frames are in demand and I choose big-sized rimless goggles for my eyes while biking,” says Gaganpreet Singh, a student of Panjab University.

The 70s sunglasses still grace the faces of thousands; treated as heirlooms by the young. So, who should we thank for so unique a creation? The sunglasses we wear today were invented by Sam Foster, founder of the Foster Grant company, in 1929.




Work of Heart
Homes being built in and around Chandigarh are breaking the old monotony of blocks in both concept and aesthetics. Nirupama Dutt tells the story of how one such remarkable habitat was born

One of the tumbledown havelis that provided the Nanakshahi bricks
One of the tumbledown havelis that provided the Nanakshahi bricks.

Homes in and around Chandigarh followed the geometric block-like structures designed mostly by architects who had worked with Le Corbusier or were indirectly influenced by the modern style he had propagated. So the city of squares had homes that were monotonously alike.

But as the city is growing in times where post-modernism has taken the better of modernism—a greater adventure has started in residential architecture with many styles and fresh vision intervening. This is truer of the farmhouses coming up in the neighbouring villages of the city.

One such beautiful home that has art and heart blending in a harmonious whole is that built by a journalist couple, Vijaya and Pramod Pushkarna. It stands out as one of the very different homes built in the entire region not just for its aesthetics but also the very concept that involves sustainable architecture, recycling of old material, empowerment of women and combining art and utility.

Vijaya reveals, “When I bought a plot of land in a rural area near Chandigarh, it was only because of the environs; it offers a neat view of the very low Shivalik foothills, is very near the reserved forest area and so pollution free. In short, it has the best of the countryside and urban life right there. I wanted a house that would add to the quality of life, in terms of construction, materials used, design and facilities. I did get a few sketches from architects here, but the best among them was not different from the regular brick-cube structures in Chandigarh.”

So off she went for a search on Internet for a design that would please her and she would be able to realise her dreams well. This led her by chance to the Anangpur Building Centre’s website.

The pictures of eco-friendly homes built there went straight to her heart and off went a one-line email to Anil Laul: Who builds those kind of houses for others? Laul, who dealt with larger projects and the rarely built individual homes, agreed for the lady was persistent.

The entire plan and instructions came by e-mail and the Pushkarna couple and a young architect, Sumedha, executed the plan on location. Sumedha and an another young architect Vidhi trained at Faridabad with Laul on the making of hollow interlocking bricks and A-frames. Local women on the site finally built the blocks and the house started coming up like a well-worked tapestry.

Most interesting is the use of old Nanakshahi bricks in the structure with pillars arches and the ceiling built with them. Pramod recalls, “Anil wanted us to get hold of Nanakshahi bricks that form the debri of old havelis and other buildings being pulled down in Punjab. That was a hunting of its own kind: the journey took us to many different places.”

The house with its sloping tiled roofs, cabled pillars and an enchanting view certainly takes the breath away. Looking at it painter Roopchand remarked, “There is no home like this in Chandigarh. It is a work of art.” However, a better description for it is-work of heart!




I live the character I play: Nana Patekar

I always do one film at a time,” says Patekar. This time, he plays a politician in “Apaharan”, a movie directed by Prakash Jha where his character is convinced that whatever he does, right or wrong, is a divine order. The film is about ‘kidnapping for ransom’, which Patekar feels has now become an “official business”.

Working with Jha, from a start-to-finish schedule for about 14 months, Patekar says he was constantly thinking about the character, Bollywood Trade quoted him as saying.

“I tend to live the character I play during the making of a film. It even influences my mannerisms during that period.”

“Else, it becomes difficult to sustain the character. That is why I always do one film at a time,” says Patekar.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

What do you think about ‘kidnapping for ransom’ acquiring a professional status?

It’s no longer restricted to being just news. It has become an official business. If goons do these acts, one can understand their motivations. But when educated people do it, it disturbs us.

What do you think are the reasons behind this development?

I would think lure of money. Also the changing value systems. So when Prakash Jha came to me with the script of “Apaharan” that dealt with all this, I got interested. We discussed and worked on the script for a year.

What is the film “Apaharan” about?

I don’t think it’s possible for me to explain what kind of film it is. You’ll have to watch the film.

Prakash makes cinema with power. When Prakash told me, “Nana, I want you to do this film as I can’t think of anyone else for this role,” I was deeply touched.

What’s your character?

I am playing the role of Tabrez Alam, a politician. He works with a certain conviction that whatever he does is an order from the Almighty.

Whatever he does - right or wrong - he is totally convinced of his actions.

He does this with certain piousness. But he is not a villain in a real sense.

He has a variety of shades to his character. This is the first of its kind of role for me. I asked Prakash to complete the film as early as possible as it was difficult to sustain a character like mine. I had to continuously think about it. Somewhere it gets disturbing.

So did you start living your character?

Yes, one tends to start thinking about the character and in that process starts living it too in his mind. But fortunately we finished it fast. We went to Satara and finished it at one go.

How did you prepare for the role of Tabrez Alam?

No, not really! Whatever I did and said, 80 percent of it was Prakash’s contribution. He was very clear the way he wanted to project Tabrez’s character. And as an actor I understood what he was looking for.

I followed Prakash’s direction in totality. If people like my role in the film, the credit goes to Prakash. I will take just 20 percent credit the way my role has shaped up.

What was your initial reaction when Prakash came to you with Tabrez’s role?

It was not about Tabrez role. The story got me interested first. What a film wants to portray is important for me. What role I would be playing is secondary.

And what’s the relationship you share with Ajay Devgan in the film?

Ajay plays the role of Ajay Shastri - a young man aspiring to join the police force. He is like my son. He thinks that he is on his way to become the next Tabrez Alam.

He starts gaining confidence about taking over my role. But a point comes when Ajay realises that the path he is treading on would not make him happy.

This is your second film with Ajay Devgan. What do you feel about him as an actor and his role in this film?

Ajay is very intuitive. The basic difference between him and me is that I discuss a lot with my director - I think about my lines, then next day I come on the sets and rehearse it many times.

On the other hand, Ajay does whatever the director tells him and he can deliver whatever the director wants immediately. That is really an amazing quality.—IANS




Film & FASHION 
Jolie is one tough Bond babe!

Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie

Hollywood beauty Angelina Jolie has reportedly been asked to play the latest Bond girl but is insisting that the role be toughened up before she accepts it. Jolie has seen the script in which she could play a Russian agent opposite 007 Daniel Craig, reports The Sun. “Angelina would rather play a baddie than eye candy,” an insider said. Meanwhile, the actress has revealed that she will finally come out in the open about her relationship with hunk Brad Pitt, as she is tired of the rumours that the couple’s relationship has fuelled in the paparrazzi. — ANI

Simpson writes to beat stress

Pop singer and actress Jessica Simpson says that the only way for her to prevent herself from exploding with stress is to write her feelings down. According to contactmusic.com, Simpson warns against bottling up problems and advises people to follow her example by writing them down or confiding in close friends. She says, “It’s a way for me to know myself and my problems. If I don’t do this, I’ll push everything back until I explode. Sometimes it helps to talk about my feelings with friends.” — IANS

De Niro to play mafia role

Two-time Oscar winning actor Robert De Niro is set to play a mafia man in a new gangster movie. Ananova.com has reported that he will star in the adaptation of Don Winslow’s yet to be published “The Winter of Frankie Machine.” De Niro plays a hit man who has retired to quietly run a bait shop. But when he finds out that he is a target for a hit, he is forced to get back into the business. Paramount Pictures is helming the project and will be produced by De Niro and Jane Rosenthal’s Tribeca Films. — IANS

 

Roger Moore lauds India’s policies

Hollywood actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Roger Moore exhorted India to lead the developing and the developed world in providing a better childhood to children by intensifying the ongoing public-private partnership for salt iodisation. Lauding India for the ‘’progressive’’ policies and robust legal provisions to improve the health of children, Sir Roger, known best for portraying two fictional English action heroes, Simon Templar in the television series The Saint from 1962 to 1969 and as Sean Connery’s successor as James Bond in the phenomenally successful film series from 1973 to 1985, stressed the need for investing in children for building a better future. — UNI

Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan

Minister seeks Sharukh’s help

Shahrukh Khan’s pledge to quit smoking has come in for profuse praise from Union Minister for Health Anbumani Ramadoss who has sought the Bollywood star’s cooperation in the anti-smoking campaign. Ramadoss, a known champion of the
anti-tobacco cause, has written a letter to Khan telling him that “such a public health pronouncement by a charismatic personality” like him would go a long way in weaning the youth away from tobacco. In the letter, the minister noted that Khan’s pledge on the eve of his 40th birthday recently, has come at a time when the government is taking a series of measures to prevent the use of tobacco in general and the dangers of smoking in particular. Ramadoss, who recently mooted the idea of banning on-screen smoking, told the superstar that tobacco consumption continues to be a major preventable cause of death worldwide. — PTI






Yahaan pyar mein ek aur Twist

Guys, if you don’t know what huge sacrifices true love takes, take a cue from Tushar, the lead in Kahin to Hoga that’s presently being aired at Star Plus. In spite of Tushar’s undying love for Kashish, he agrees to marry Charu because of his deal with Swayam (who wants Kashish). The secret deal between the two was that if Tushar and Charu get married, Swayam will disclose the whereabouts of Sujal. Tushar’s only desire in life is to see Kashish happy and he knows that her happiness lies in Sujal.

In spite of knowing that Tushar loves only Kashish, an ecstatic Charu marries Tushar. Nobody realizes that Tushar has made a deal with Swayam. After the wedding, Tushar goes to Swayam and asks him to reveal Sujal’s identity. Swayam of course is trying to play dirty with Tushar. Meanwhile Dr Akshita, who is Tushar’s friend and doctor, gets to know that Tushar is the real Sujal.

Akshita is excited to break the news to Kashish and her family. This is her moment to bring Tushar (Sujal) and Kashish together. But before she could reach Kashish or Tushar tragedy strikes. The truth remains with Dr Arpita. Once again Kashish loses her Sujal. The following episodes of Kahin To Hoga will have the viewers glued to television with the story taking yet another mysterious turn. — TNS




Romance in the green fields

The shooting of Punjabi tele-film ‘Rano’ was completed recently. The last phase of shooting was done in Chhat Bir village and also in and around the city. Rano is a family drama with a murder mystery. The story revolves around a village belle with a boy. The couple earns the displeasure of the villain and what follows next is a series of murder. The film portrays the role of Punjab Police in the positive light.

The film has been written and directed by Darshan Rahi and the cast includes Bitto Chhabraa, Sandeep Mahi, Shivendera Mahal, Dr Ranjit, Vinod Sharma, Bobby Ghai, Baljit Virk, Bhupinder Bhuppi, Satwant Kaur and Gogi Kohli. The film is produced by Ajit Arora under the banner of Mata Rani creations. The music is given by B.S. Kumar. — TNS



Health and Fitness

Waist size! Persons who put on weight and acquire a middle-age spread around the waist between the ages of 30 to 60 years are seen to compromise on their breathing. Body fat stored around the waist seems to be responsible for poorer lung function.

— Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.




TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES : The Queen of Cups” clouds your vision with emotions. You may be worried and concerned about certain family issues and need to make time to sort things out. Lucky number: 1. Lucky colour: Black 
LIBRA : The task of maintaining a sound relationship seems difficult. Take the yogic help to relax and overcome your anxiety disorder and to live happily too. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Deep crimson 
TAURUS : Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. Children will be a source of joy and their progress will make you proud. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Forest green. 
SCORPIO :  Don't trust unreliable friends. Travelling will yield valuable information. You should take some advice from the people whom you see as your ideal in matters of life. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Purple. 
GEMINI : Dear Gemini; good news is on the cards. You will be in a relaxed mood. Romance will lead to happy moments and singles can meet someone special. Lucky number: 8. Lucky colour: Orange. 
SAGITTARIUS : If you don't want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don't get involved in petty arguments with your mate or partner. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Saffron 
CANCER : Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being. Gains from past investments and opportunities for new sources of income are likely. Lucky number: 18. Lucky colour: Brown.
CAPRICORN : You go through many experiences. You will have a better chance of getting through odd jobs connected with home and family affairs if you promote team work. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: White. 
LEO : Partnership, business problems, past disappointments - all need your attention today. You will be hearing from someone very unexpected, like a voice from your past. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Cherry red. 
AQUARIUS : Spirituality beckons, and you are inclined to try and find out more about it. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. This is an appropriate time to buy a car. Lucky number: 14. Lucky colour: Ebony. 
VIRGO : Work will progress satisfactorily. You may be in an irritable mood and will be prone to losing your temper with friends and family and may resent their advice. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: Saffron. 
PISCES: This is a fine day to plan for business expansion. Relax with your mate in the evening; it’s just the antidote for tensions of the day. It is for you to make the first move. Lucky number: 14. Lucky colour: Green.




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