If you are living life on the fast track with a nine-to-nine job keeping you on your toes, it may take some time for the idea to drive in. But for 70 knight riders in shining helmets and thick waterproof jackets, the emphasis is on travel, than on arrival. Negotiating the sharp curves of life while scaling new heights of adventure through the mountains, they are undoubtedly having a good time during Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Odyssey. But the emphasis is on good, rather than time.

Oh yes, the plans are definite, the days of departure and arrival fixed. Just in case you do not know, the expedition was flagged-off by ardent biker-cum-cine star Suniel Shetty on June 24. It is scheduled to reach Khardung La on July 1 and end at Amritsar on July 7. In between, the bikers will touch Leh, Chamba and Dalhousie. But zipping down the hilly road to history on their four-stroke Bullets, the bikers, gals included, are doing more than just keeping up with the schedule. They are finding time to explore life in the pristine environs where you can hear silence either in the chirping of the birds, or in roar of the mechanical workhorse’s engines.

Aged between 25 and 40, they are from all over India. And there are many first-timers too. Sonali from Bangalore, along with Kamakshi and Sneg Dha from Pune are computer whiz-gals. Others too are professionals.

Guys, the bikers halted in Chandigarh for an entire night, before twisting the accelerator knob for embarking upon the real expedition after ending the picnic at Manali. They reach Leh on June 30. “As the fiercely growling engines struggle to break free at the slight release of the clutch lever, your heart thumping with excitement will race faster than the bike,” says Royal Enfield’s deputy general manager, Anil Baveja. “ You will find Bullet proving its mettle in the rugged terrains of existence.”

Baveja says, “The trip is dotted with challenges. To begin with, you have to master a Bullet on way to a known destination through unknown roads. The rubble and steep climbs over U-turns are something many plane-bikers have not experienced before. ”

At some places, the road is a breeze. But what’s not so comfortable in the journey’s initial phase is the high level of humidity. And then, you have the rain pelting down and gales tearing at you forcing you to ride on through high-velocity winds, slush and even road diversions. Otherwise also, everything changes after a halt at Manali, be it the roads, landscape or even the air. It’s rarefied and can cause high-altitude sickness. And in the end, it’s your stamina, which has to outlast the journey. Let’s hope they all have a tediously relaxing journey! saurabh@tribunemail.com

The ‘Odyssey’ is an annual affair. And if you missed the ride this year, then ride your way and join a biker’s club. There are a number of such clubs in the country. In Chandigarh also, you have several clubs, including the ones that go out for “moonlight” rides that run into dawn and delight. You even have the Royal Enfield Company’s Bullet Club.

It’s Friday night and you’re still flipping channels. With Sony, Zee and Star Plus jumping head on into the musical bandwagon, isn’t it tough deciding on viewing any one? But for those (lucky few, do we say?) who watched ‘Star Voice of India’ last Friday, the choice became a wee bit easier.

Ishmeet Sodhi, the young Ludhianavi lad— indeed left the audiences spellbound with his mellifluous voice in ‘Star voice of India’. Starting off with Tune mujhe pehchana nahin, this 18-year-old sardarji, indeed sounded some famous Bollywood playback singer, no less. Little wonder, Sodhi’s made it to the show’s top 12 contestants and lapped up praise for ‘no Punjabiyat in his accent.’ We quiz the Punjabi chap about his experience with the show.

Surviving rounds of fire works between the judges can be tough. But young Ishmeet seems unfazed, “ See, all I know is I’m there to sing and prove myself. So, whatever negativity happens between anybody does not concern me,” comes the curt reply.”

Any preparations for the finals? “Singing is my lifeblood and I ‘m giving my 100% to it. I practice singing the whole day and avoid fried or tangy foods,” avers Sodhi.

Though this worshipper of melody sings everything from Punjabi folk and Ghazals to rock and RD Burman, it’s mushy songs that recharge his batteries. ‘Chand Sifarish, Kabhi alvida na kehma and Mujhe raat din are songs closest to my heart,” chips in Sodhi.

Tugging at this singer’s heartstrings, however, is the memory of home. “ All the contestants here have lots of masti, but nothing replaces home. I really miss my home and Punjab’s warmth,” he signs off.

Angry murmurs, heated debates, wild gestures and tears flowing uninterrupted. And all this, under the guise of ‘ commitment towards singing.’ Welcome to the musical contests brimming with cut-throat competition, mechanical makeovers, (gawky somethings turning proud swans) and crass comments by judges. But, for all those who loathe such TRP’s-targetting soppiness, there’s Filmy’s ‘Bathroom Singer’ contest.

So, all those who’ve been singing in their bathrooms, here’s your chance to grab some limelight. For, the show promises what singing is all about— having the time of our lives!

South Indian cuisine with fair share of seasonings is spicing up the lives of many city residents. And, it’s no longer just idli and dosa that they are going in for, they are relishing scrumptious foodstuff like kori varuval and pepper pomfret and that too without leaving the city’s comfort. And, if so far you haven’t gratified your taste buds with these delicacies then just hop into your car and drive down to Hot Millions Salad Bar in Sector 17. The joint is organising ‘Chettinad Food Festival’ just for you. Beginning today, the festival will be on till first week of July.

The whiff is unmistakable. As you cross the eatery, the aroma of mustard seeds and curry leaves with chopped mushrooms tempts you inside. And the smell is mingled with a hint of rare herbs giving the flavour of Chettinad. In case you do not know, South Indian cuisine has many culinary schools, including Karnataka, Andhra, Hyderabadi, Tamil, Chettinad and Kerela. The roots of Chettinad cuisine lie in Nedungudi, a small village in Tamil Nadu and Chettiar style of cooking is scrumptiously different. The spices are used in a unique manner to add the flavour of delight to the cuisine.

“In fact, Chettinad cuisine is a fiery and tasty combination of spices and herbs,” says Hot Millions’ Director, Aman Bir Singh. “It is not only deliciously aromatic, but also one of the spiciest and oiliest cuisines of India”. Taking you around the Salad Bar, he says, “Oil and spices are used rather liberally in cooking. You may find it hard to digest the fact if you are not a hardcore South Indian cuisine buff, but garam masala is actually avoided in the dishes. Instead, you have generous amounts of peppercorn, ginger and garlic. In true Chettinad style, black pepper is preferred over red chilies. Coconut and asafetida are almost essential.”

So guys forget all about counting those loathsome calories and just try the rare mouth-watering spicy food and aromatic curries. The menu during the festival features an extensive array of signature Chettinad dishes including rasam or soup, varuval or starters, poriyal or curry, kuzambu or gravy of coconut and spices, along with biryanis, paranthas, desserts and beverages. The dishes are not just good, but also easy priced. Apart from appetising vegetarian preparations, yummy non-vegetarian delicacies are also on offer. Get tender fried chicken with onion, tomato and black pepper by asking for kori varuval. Or else, go in for fried fish marinated in South Indian herbs by ordering mean varuval. So folks, if you have a taste for rich, hot and spicy, then you know where to go. saurabh@tribunemail.com

It is a treat for movie buffs to watch Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby together in Apne for the first time on silver screen.

Dharmendra who made his comeback with Metro is showing. A nice transformation from the ‘Garam Dharam’! So when an opportunity presents itself to talk to all three, Life Style jumps into it.

Apne key sath aapka kitna apnapan hai (how close are you to the movie Apne), we ask Dharmendra. “Apne is really close to my heart and I am glad that Neerajji came up with this idea. This story portrays an ideal family and the relation of a father with his two sons,” he says.

He is optimistic that Apne will draw a favourable response since anyone can relate to the theme. However, the biggest high for Dharmendra came from working with both his sons. “It felt good. All three of us have been waiting for this movie since a long time and finally it materised.”

“It was really a great experience,” chips in Sunny Deol. “Working with both of them is something I always wanted to happen but never had imagined it would. In fact we have been thinking of acting together since the past eight years,” he adds.

Bobby Deol too shares his nostalgia: “Apne has been an experience of my life...I got to work with both of my idols- bhaiya and dad. We do have our hopes high for this movie since the story is great which something that could happen in any family.”

And Bobby means what he says. He idolises both Dharmendra and Sunny so much that he went to the length of naming his second son Dharam after his father. “I wanted to name my first born Dharam, but everyone advised me against it. So I kept my second kid’s name Dharam.”

Dharmendra, though touched by Bobby’s gesture, remain impartial when it comes to their professionalism. So when we ask him which of his sons is a better actor, he does not hesitate—“Sunny is known to be a more powerful performer between the two.”

Bobby gets a little agitated. “I think it’s an odd question since I am not worthy enough to be compared with my brother. He has always been my idol for whatever work he has done and so is any time better than me.”

Sunny, who rather treats Bobby like his son, shows his affection. “Bobby often comes to me seeking advice on a particular role, but looking at his performance in the recent films, especially Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, he is doing the right things. I have nothing to teach him any more.”

Apne is a story about a family a boxer father (played by Dharmendra) who wants his sons to take up boxing. But that is not what the kids want. It takes one through some emotional scenes on how they resolve conflicts and face up to difficult situations together. Bobby is the softer one, who fulfils his dad’s wishes by being a boxer.

All three have put their best foot forward. Specially Dharmendra, who has done a lot of training exercises to look fit for his role. “I have lost a lot of weight. I had to be fitter than ever in the movie,” he says.

There is a particular scene in which he has to bicycle alongside a train. “I was charged up as my fans out there kept on cheering. I had to ride a bicycle alongside the train.....and I did it so fast that I surpassed the train. Pretty amazing, eh!” he seeks our reassurance.

Sunny, who looks like he is through with his dark days with two good movies coming up this month, says he has recovered from the financial problems but his reoccurring backaches are still persisting. However, he has managed to do a couple of stuns for his other film Fool N Final. “We took precautions so that my back problem did not aggravate. But then, this ache has been there for years. I have to live with it.”

One last question and we leave them to enjoy their togetherness. How do they compare Apne with the Deol family?

Actress Courtney Cox has sworn that she will never work with husband David Arquette as, it will strain their marriage.

The couple met while working together in horror movie Scream, but Cox is firm that she wouldn’t ever make the mistake of mixing-up her family and professional life again.

“It’s just asking for trouble. If you’re living with someone, it’s not a good idea to place the kind of strain on your marriage that comes from being on set together for 14 hours a day,” she said.

Meanwhile Cox has revealed that she is planning to have IVF treatment again so she can have another baby.

But the 42-year-old actress, who conceived daughter Coco after IVF in 2004, also clarified that she is not prepared for it immediately, as she is too busy with her new TV show Dirt. — ANI

I realised he was a colleague from the Government College for Men at Ludhiana. He told me about a friend who had died of a brain tumour. I mentioned the Punjab ping-pong champion who was back in Chandigarh (yes, they called the game that before the India-China scrap of 1961!). His voice was a little unsteady, mine a little more deliberate and loud.

Age changes us all. Some fade gracefully, others with zest, fighting all the way. But what does stand out is that as we walk into the golden years we are privy to many experiences, and have a trove of fascinating stories to tell. Some of us need to note these down for posterity. My friend brought back a flood of memories.

The Kanya Maha Vidyalya (KMV) on Jalandhar’s Tanda Road was founded by Lala Devraj, lovingly called chachaji by students. It was basically an institute for the uplift of women. Patriotism was high on the agenda as were bhajans, national days, flag hoisting and anthems. Widows, employed as teachers, went out regularly to collect donations for the college. Discipline was unrelenting and the dress code rigid. My mother went to KMV by tonga; I, by rickshaw. The route was long and we passed by DAV College. Both of us had young men following us and giggled over the weird love-letters thrown at us.

A shop we crossed displayed buckets, tubs and huge milk containers of various metals. They shone in the sunlight and hung from the roof according to size and price. We called the family Tanda Urmar ke Baltiwalle. I discovered that two of their daughters studied with me at KMV. One became a dear and gentle friend. Her brother migrated to the UK for the treatment of his daughter and stayed on there after she passed away. He strides the world like a colossus — Lord Swaraj Paul.

When KMV started, education for women was a gentle breeze, not like the gale force it is today. Many parents named their daughters Sharda, after the goddess of learning. The four in BA first year, registered by the area they came from — Sharda Kandahar, Sharda Kabul, Sharda Patna and Sharda Jalandhar. Vimla Gardhiwala was a boarder in the hostel. Many young women came all the way from Afghanistan and other far-flung areas. Colleges for women were few and the thirst to excel was strong.

I am going back to my roots, as my children need to know them and realise the wealth of their legacy. The old ones ramble and repeat. Often they irritate us with their set ways and antiquated ideas. If we listen, we may be able to add something to the lives of generations to follow.

The significant downward revision of the number of people living in the country with HIV/AIDS has brought an all around sense of relief. Revised figures based on new estimates have been arrived at by UNAIDS (National Aids Control Organisation) and other agencies.

The figures are a combined result of a variety of data sets such as prevalence of infection among pregnant women and drug user injection with the needle.

The number of people with HIV/AIDS is now estimated between two and three million, while the 2006 estimate was five million. The figures have removed India from the top position among countries with the highest number of HIV positive people.

And, while the figures is a welcome surprise in the campaign against AIDS, the positive status of even three million people is a major public health challenge especially in the light of general weaknesses of the government funded healthcare system, budgetary pressure and the stigma associated with HIV.

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

ARIES: Your card The Moon reveals work will progress smoothly. You will be in the mood to socialise and meet new people while widening your social circle. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Tip of the week: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.	LIBRA: The card Hermit invites you to take an astute and honest look at your close relationships. Students get good grades in tests. Your love life will be good. Lucky Colour: Pink. Tip: Plan your life to avoid delays.
TAURUS: The Ace of Wands reveals that you could be in a tense and restless mood and may feel agitated about certain matters concerning your career or personal life. Lucky colour: Green. Tip: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded.	SCORPIO: The Chariot interprets it as having ‘focused energy’ and concentration on a goal, because of which even the impossible gets done. Work will be hectic. Study all your options before making commitments. Lucky colour: Blue. Tip: Be positive and think carefully before taking action.
GEMINI: The Star, the card responsible for all the brilliant ideas you come up with, is still on your side so any decision taken will be right. Spend time with loved ones. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Do as many courses as you can.	SAGITTARIUS: The Hanged Man opts for important changes at home and work. Health and physical energy is good but you need to take frequent breaks and watch out your diet and fitness routine. Monetary gains are indicated on Wednesday. Lucky colour: Saffron. Tip: Be articulate.
CANCER: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes. You will be in a cheerful frame of mind. Students need to fine-tune their plans. Lucky Colour: Midnight blue. Tip: Trust your heart and intuition.	CAPRICORN: The Ten of Pentacles bode extremely well for relationship and romance. You have to attend more duties at work place. There could be new career opportunities. Lucky colour: Golden. Tip: Try to strike a balance.
LEO: The Ace of Pentacles reveals the seed of prosperity and material gain. You may be unable to make up your mind about an important decision. Lucky colour: Ebony. Tip: Learn to accept responsibility for self and others.	AQUARIUS: Your card The Hierophant takes you through a variety of experiences from which you learn and grow. Be extra careful if you are signing any paperwork. Socialising will keep you busy on weekend. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Do not overspend.
VIRGO: The Nine of Cups brings emotional fulfillment in personal relationships. Your past efforts will start to show results. Monetary gains are indicated. Lucky Colour: Burgundy. Tip: If you play your cards right you’ll be able to avert difficulties.	PISCES: You make an impact and shine like The Star as you are seen, noted and heard. Taurean person is attracted to you. Mediation takes you deeper within. Your inner light and wisdom shine. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Tip: Listen to your inner voice.