Light sparkling eyes smiling vivaciously, complimenting the broad smile playing on her dainty lips, and an impressive necklace of beads highlighting the halter-neck kameez — strikingly beautiful and spirited Rucha Gujarati looks so very different from the role she plays on the small screen. One look at her and its hard to imagine the 20-something is actually playing a bhabi’s role in a Star Plus afternoon soap. After all, Rucha is young, gorgeous and full of life. Bhabi, we all know, is middle-aged and homely.

Ask her and the twinkling star says she is absolutely comfortable playing the role that marked the beginning of a new episode in her life. “I am a versatile actor and the role only gives me an opportunity to display it,” she says.

Good, but isn’t the trend of youngsters playing the part of elderly characters spoiling their chances? Also, isn’t it pushing the seasoned middle-aged actors out of the small screen? “No,” asserts Rucha. “It only shows how easily a good actor can slip into the shoes of any character.”

In city for the promotion of her five-year-old serial Bhabi, the protagonist says: “You see, the secret of success lies in your ability to feel the role and adapt it dexterously in your reel-life. Age really does not matter.” Pushing aside her silky tresses with fair fingers, she says: “The trend is healthy in the sense that the lives of the characters move ahead in the serials and it allows the viewers to smoothly follow and accept the transition. When the same actor plays the role of a daughter-in-law and then that of the mother-in-law, the viewers are in a better position to relate.”

Yes, but why small screen after acting in flicks like Sahebzade, Dancer, Shikari, Hum Hai Kamal Ke? “Well, I think the small screen is as big as the giant screen. Otherwise also, it is all about displaying talent. It really does not matter whether you are acting in Tv serials or movies. Am sure people are appreciating my role and offers for good movies will soon follow.”

But has she received any good offer so far. “Oh yes, I have been offered role in a couple of nice flicks. But my busy schedule prevents me from going ahead. You see, day-to-day shooting leaves you with very little time to think of anything else.”

One last thing — is the concept of afternoon soaps picking up? “They are gaining popularity. The fact that Bhabi has lasted five years is testimony to this effect,” she says.

Rucha is not new to the arc lights. She started her career as a child artiste. After a diploma in medical lab technology, she did modelling and films. She has also appeared in a few music videos, but lured by the glitter of the small screen, she gave up her career in pathology completely and landed up in serials. Well, you can’t help but wish her all the best.

City-based Subhash Sapru is the second Indian representative of the Photographic Society of America

Life has come to a full circle for Subhash Sapru. It was in 1968 when his brother Brij Mohan Sapru gifted him a Click 3 camera to keep the then13-year-old Sapru busy. It initiated him into the world of photography and now almost four decades later Sapru gets another one from him, an expensive Nikon D80 and this time to mark his success. For, Sapru has just done himself and the city proud by becoming the Indian representative for the Photographic Society of America (PSA). He is being appointed by Richard M. Frieders, president of the society and Dr Kenneth Cheng, chairman of the International Affairs Committee to operate from India. The recommendations came from Jean Timmermeister, the society’s publications vice-president who is aware of Sapru’s contribution to the PSA journal as well as his photographic proficiency.

Sapru is ecstatic. For, this is not the only honour that has come his way. In the same month, the PSA has awarded him with a bronze star, which is his second, and has been chosen as the Artist of the Month by the Chandigarh Administration. “Years of hard work has started paying now,” says Sapru, the public relations officer of Haryana. As a representative Sapru will have to co-ordinate with the members of PSA for exhibitions and also promote young talents. “It’s voluntary work, but it gives me creative satisfaction and the freedom to be myself,” he says.

Knowing Sapru, working long hours in the sluggish government set-up has not dulled his senses nor killed his zeal to capture news as it is happening. He has been freelancing for newspapers and magazines, capturing major tragedies like bomb blasts and earthquakes, and cultures and events. His last exhibition In Passing proves it, so is the letter from the Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, which asked for a couple of photographs capturing the landscapes of Chandigarh for one of their publications. “I have been guiding and motivating youngsters to take up photography, but now I feel I am in a better position to help them. After all, had not the motivation come to me from one of my mentors in 1997, I would not have been where I am today,” he says. He had then exhibited his Bobby Trap photograph, which showed the gory details of a bomb blast in a train at Ambala railway station. In fact Sapru wants to devote full time to photography once he retires. “Six more years to go, but I am preparing myself for it.” It is a wait worth waiting for!

parbina@tribunemail.com

City youngsters are playing a different sport with hi-tech video games, says Saurabh Malik

Fooling around with hi-tech video games may not be a child’s play for you! But for the youngsters it’s fun unlimited.

As city kiddos combine an almost limitless arsenal of special moves and power-ups to unleash lethal energy on the screens, you realise that the stuff — too complicated for you even now — is just a walkover for them.

No wonder, while you still talk about childhood days spent together playing ‘langri-taang’ and ‘pittu-garam’, the little ones challenge their friends in fierce head-to-head combats in the battle of nerves on the next generation video games and entertainment systems.

If the systems are costing anywhere between Rs 19,000 and Rs 30,000, the little fighters are just not bothered about it. After all, playing games is a serious affair. And with both parents working, and timely jumps in jobs sending the incomes swirling, the stuff is not unaffordable.

Just in case you do not know, the demand for hi-tech games is soaring like never before with multinational giants like Sony and Microsoft working hard to give you the ultimate experience in playing games. In fact, you can now choose from Sony’s PlayStation 3, Nintendo’s Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

In Chandigarh for displaying Xbox 360 recently, Redington (India) Limited’s Delhi-based Regional Sales Manager Ashish Singh says the system even provides online gaming service and digital entertainment. Fully loaded for serious gamers, the hi-fi system with wireless capabilities lets you say goodbye to the clutter of cables. You can start with the basics and expand horizons at your own pace.

As you press the buttons with dexterous fingers, you feel the vibrations. As the other players stare back at you from the screen before letting out special effects that fill your room, and even your life, with bewilderment, you realise you are the game. The encounter, and the feeling of being in it, is altogether from what you have experienced in roadside video-game parlours.

The systems are not really inexpensive, but then these are more than just games. “The systems are rather the centre of your digital entertainment world,” says Redington’s Area Sales Manager Mamta Dange. “You can play DVDs, CDs, MP3s and much more. So the systems are cost effective.” You can indulge in some fast-paced arcade fighting, or battle against the world’s best players online. Or even go ‘blow for blow’ with deadlier enemies. The games help you test your skills and improve your concentration. So, keep playing!

Adding a glaring twist to the sun protection story is lipstick. “You may end up smacking your lips after you go through this, but the fact remains that shelves at various arcades in town are coated with lippers that guarantee no-havoc from over-exposure to sun,” says Mohammad Suhail of Ladies Collection- 17.

Well fellows, your desire for life’s fair share is quite understandable. And, agreed that cosmetologists glare at the suggestion of your moving about freely in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm without putting on heavy sunscreens. But, wearing lippers with sun blocks seems entirely preposterous — at least to a discerning ear.

Even beauticians agree. Informs Neeru Sidhu of beauty studio Attitude-35, “Application of sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 55, at least 20 minutes before venturing out, is generally recommended for Indian skin. But I do not think lipsticks with sun-neutralising factors are actually necessary.” Describing it as a ‘sales gimmick’, she says: “A normal high-quality lipstick is good enough to keep your lips soft and moist in all the seasons. Such products are aimed at increasing the sales volume and not the levels of protection”.

Anyways, the all-day wear products that promise more than just lip service to looks are available in at least 10 enticing shades with SPF ranging anywhere between 12 and 15. Needless to say, the price is high compared to normal stay-on lipsticks.

“For picking up a 1.7 gram lipstick, you will have to pull out something like Rs 275 from your handbag,” says Suhail. “But then, it’s worth it. After all, good looks are priceless. You have to preserve your appearance at all costs.”  

Young professional Bhupinder Kaur cannot help but agree.“I give myself the kiss of protection by relying upon arm-enshrouding cotton gloves, sun-screens and good lippers. For, I believe in the dictum of prevention being better than cure,” she says.

Flashing a broad smile, she adds, “It’s essential. The days of girls directly going home from colleges with chunnis safeguarding their rosy countenance are over. Now, they ignore the vicious sun while zooming up and down the gehri route in cars and on two-wheelers in sleeveless tank tops and capris. No wonder, anti-tan products have attained the status of must-haves”. Now gals, sun protection is okay. But remember to safeguard your wallet, as well as your skin. Keep glowing!

saurabh@tribunemail.com

Six decades and three is no big deal. I still look presentable, eat well and do my back exercises and phoonkars every morning. The phoonkars, gratis Swami Ramdev, have kept cold and cough at bay for the past two years. It is either that the over 200 rhinoviruses are exhausted by this age or the good Swami’s breathing exercises are effective for heart, lungs and the upper respiratory tract. Whatever the case, my family stands and giggles as I put up quite a noisy, contorted performance. They do not believe I can beat the sniffles in this manner even though proven otherwise. After all an MD son is not going to give into phoonkars and jhankars ever.

Fruit, vitamins, lauki and neem juice all add to a sense of well being. Till I broke my ankle on a fishing trip, I played reasonable tennis. But the one person who out walked and out-exercised me was Krishna Deva. She entered the gym with single-minded purpose and worked out for a couple of hours. I was flung off a treadmill because it objected to my weight and my abominable kinesthetic coordination. Krishna went sculling on the lake, fell into the water as she rowed ashore and then laughed herself silly at the drenched image she presented. She had a wonderful funny bone. On being asked for leave for a marriage in the family, she told one of her teachers to bring the wedding invitation. No card, no leave. She took the school children on an adventure trip and was the first to make a river crossing by rope. Nothing and no one daunted her.

Almost a complete opposite was Audrey Dias. Tall, slim, ladylike, she dressed to perfection and carried off her beads and necklaces with grace. She spoke softly, walked daintily and was kind to every one. She was beautiful in her teens and wooed by all the gallants of Goa and Hyderabad. I do not thing she ever held a racquet or shot a hoop. She was a treat on the dance floor and stood out in a crowd wherever she travelled globally. She was house-proud and an impeccable hostess.

What did Krishna and Audrey have in common? Nothing much except that in their spheres they were well known and loved. They were looked after by adoring husbands and both passed away within two weeks of each other. Krishna was three years older than I, Audrey sixteen.

Krishna travelled to the USA to visit her son in his new home. She marveled over the beauty of Saratoga, walked vigorously through the estate and on the fourth day, went out like a light, never to rise again. She passed on as vigorously and speedily as she lived.

Audrey too went on, but gracefully, quietly, slowly, with her usual feminine grace.

Two differently endowed women with radically opposite personalities have taken their place amongst the stars. All of us, who walked with them will live with beautiful memories.

I, proud of my health and painless existence, have started thanking God for every new day. I hope, I too am switched off and can exit this world gracefully, leaving pleasant memories for those left behind. In that lies the greatest, heartfelt tribute.

What is making the picturesque city ugly? Rash driving, negligence of the common man and the callous attitude of the concerned authorities. The above factors are responsible for the rise in the number of accidents, and it is high time that the drivers of cars, scooters, buses, auto-rickshaws and bikes are educated on road safety. And, just setting speed limits for the people or issuing a challan will not solve the problem. They have to be reminded again and again about the rules of road safety,be it the youngsters, adults or untrained auto rickshaw drivers.

Their not following rules makes one wonder whether these people are new in the city? If so, why are they not being checked? How can they be permitted to drive? The concerned departments should check them before they become a menace for the city. And to begin with the Chandigarh Administration checks their files they will realise how the number of accidents in the city and its surrounding have increased multifold!

There are many ways to improve the situation. Educating the masses is the most important. A photo gallery of the accident victims should be set up, to open the eyes of the public to the perils of speeding and negligent driving. Talking on the mobile while driving is another nuisance that needs to be checked. There should be stern steps taken to ensure that everybody wears a helmet, regardless of gender or religion. A simple step like educating the cyclist for putting reflectors in their cycles can also prove helpful. And above all, each one of us should behave in a more responsible manner.

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

ARIES: The Chariot brings you face to face with truths & priorities. Communication, conversations requires mental clarity. Monday will be hectic. Avoid arguments with family. Enjoy best moments with your lover on Thursday. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Tip of the week: Don’t be certain about obtaining a clearance.	LIBRA: The Ace Of Swords pulls you in opposite direction when making a decision. You tend to throw your emotional needs into work. Disagreements about the way forward could escalate. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. Tip: Seek well-researched information before making any moves.
TAURUS: The Wheel of Fortune spins in good fortune. Humour and willingness to help others will put you in the spotlight at work and at home. Important issues come to light on Tuesday. You turn around questionable circumstances for the better. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Tip: Don’t allow others to interfere.	SCORPIO: The Knight of Swords instigates you to be active and clever. Visit friends or relatives you rarely see on Tuesday. Miscalculations may provide new insights into business problems. Lucky colour: Magenta. Tip: Pursue your goals without thinking of disapproval.
GEMINI: The Moon brings light into darkness. Progressive changes are on the cards. You fulfill a hearts desire. Forgotten career aspirations need to be revisited. Remain dedicated to long-term goals. Lucky colour: Saffron. Tip: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion.	SAGITTARIUS: The Five of Wands advises against any truck with a Gemini or Scorpio. Don’t waste time counting pennies this week. Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Tip: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious.
CANCER: You make an impact and shine like The Star. A situation may be coming to a head. Stand back. Complicated family issues, romantic promises or social patterns require consideration. Be cheerful and your efforts will be lauded. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Tip: Don’t accept situations you dislike.	CAPRICORN: The Hermit brings a change and mutation. Luxury shopping may burn a hole in your pocket Wednesday. Party and fun times are here and it’s good to catch up with old friends. Lucky colour: Wine red. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important.
LEO: The karmic Wheel of Fortune turns in your favour. You’ve got a strong sense of self and aren’t afraid to speak your mind out. You are likely to find an ideal partner. Professional success blends with anxiety as changes are imminent. Lucky colour: White. Tip: Be responsible for your actions.	AQUARIUS: You draw Two of Wands to invoke mental power and intelligence. For many, a deep awareness of their role in expansion or destruction of intimate relationships will arrive. Pending property disputes will end up amicably. Lucky colour: Baby pink. TIP: Don’t give money to strangers.
VIRGO: The Lovers facilitate you to be open to new ideas. Don’t waste time in conflicts. You may feel irritable and restless and could lose your temper very fast. You are bored of your routine and want a change. Spend time alone. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Don’t be bullied into accepting situations you dislike.	PISCES: You draw the Four of Swords. Sorting out practical and money matter is not your forte, but you need to get your finances in order. You will be bold on Monday and a meeting will go well. Pack your bags for a trip abroad. Take a Sagittarius’ advice on business matters. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Tip: Try an offbeat style of handling things.