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Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. You know it, I know it, Homer knew it
and so did Marge. Aman Minhas attempts to look at both sides of the story Ever wondered why catfights are more popular than WWE ? Why don’t women leave a chance to criticise each other? This is just the beginning. Ask your brothers, boyfriends and husbands and they’ll cite numerous flaws in you, the godly creatures.Here’s a look at what about a woman irritates the menfolk: Talkathon Marathon Some women can just go on and on about their dogs, cats, children, husbands, maids, sweepers, colleagues, work, friends`85 Look I too got carried away. See, this talking thing is addictive and so is the habit to ensure that a woman speaks of a connecting story on every issue being discussed. Say, if one is talking of an unhappy experience in love, then the others will compete with one another to prove that theirs’ was even worse. Isn’t it a mind-boggling realisation that all women go through the same kind of experiences in their lives? Cleanliness Freaks Women and cleanliness should have been synonyms. Even after a long tiring day at office, the moment they reach home they instantly start tiding it, as if Queen Elizabeth is coming over for dinner. Relax honey. Go talk to your husband, share some moments together, the Kanta bai in you can wait. Also, it will save you from the nagging and bullying over the cleanliness issue. Dressing Up If asked how much longer will they take to get ready, the standard reply the lady busy in the dressing room gives is ‘Five minutes darling’. And, mind you, these five minutes can last for a couple of hours too. Now, sweetie please remember a party invite that reads sharp eight requires you to be there in time and not three hours late. Impossible Questions Am I looking fat? Where are you? Is she prettier than me? Questions, questions and more questions. These are difficult to conquer and never ever have a safe answer. But, they want answers and best is if you do answer, only god can save you. And no surprises for guessing, these questions do end up in fights. Sob Sob What do they have in there? Springs of water that can flood the entire world and melt the stoniest of hearts. Shahid breaking up with Kareena, neighbours’ cat passing away, an old vase breaking, a wedding scene in a flick, the waterworks just begin. And mind you, these swollen eyes and gallons of tears are used otherwise too, as an emotional blackmailing weapon. Perfection Matters Now, they are perfectionist, in their own ways. If you describe the curtain’s colour as, they’ll correct you with, it’s reddish blue. If you call, something, bad, they’ll say it’s pathetic, intolerable and sad. Yes to every word you say, there’ll be three more, better and apt words that she’ll have. Go Shopping Last and most important, they have to check out ten different shops before buying even a needle. They can spend hours wondering whether the suit will match with their sandals or if the shirt is to loose. And even after they have shopped, the second thoughts won’t leave with them. And an underlying rule for shopping is — the need to shop is directly proportional to what all has the neighbour recently shopped. And, no rules work during the sale season. lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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Calling husbands, boyfriends & brothers:
Effortless Abusing Supposedly they all were taught in school (of brave men) that a sentence should begin, interspersed and end with an abuse. So, the format of their grammatically correct sentence has to include a F#@K and more. These words pop out of their mouth almost as reflex action and works well in case of social bonding too. Surprisingly, talk today and abusing is fashionable even with woman around. Save Us Don’t you just hate to see men indulging (decent word for scratching) in their own body at public places? Please spare us these lucid scenes and sound effects. Now a word for women: Ladies, this is not just a bad habit; it’s an epidemic. See if the nearby medical store has a cure! No Directions Why did Moses wander in the desert for 40 years? Even back then men were afraid of asking for directions! They will grope around like morons on the same road for hours but the mere mention of "Let’s ask someone" will be retaliated with the strongest of fury and a reply "I know the way." What’s the problem? You wont lose the respect by asking, in fact in turn save lots of time and patience. Same Story Agreed. Women do watch sloppy and sad soaps, but what about those days of a cricket or football match when men sit glued to the TV sets. Even if you trapeze or somersault in front of them, it will go unnoticed. See, men are as possessive about the remote controls as the fairer sex. Go Ogling Studies show that men who ogle at their female colleagues for some time in a day indicate higher efficiency. Now, we don’t have a problem with men appreciating beauty. But ogling at a girl till she doesn’t pass you and then discussing her down to the last detail, is not-so-cool. And then what is this gifted ability of continuing to stare even when the reciprocation is that of hatred and disgust. Dirty Devils The moment a man walks into a room it spells disaster. They just think it’s so normal to throw their shoes and stinking socks, shout for the towel, leave the toiletries on the floor and sit around the whole day in that mess. That’s not all — they are perpetually looking for the writing pad, remote control, wallet and even important official files!
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A starry extravaganza
A fashion outlet, a telecom service, a ramp walk, a friends’ function, a shooting locale, a wedding or simply self-promotion, 2007 just got busier with each passing day. Journos accompanied with lensmen were on their toes 24 x 7, 365 days! Be it the city airport, a sports bar, a showroom or the cricket stadium.... it rained stars this year. Readers woke up to a star (or a star in the making) wishing them good morning via city supplements or bumped into one on city streets (Mumbaiya style where one could spot stars having bhelpuri at Chowpatty) Hmm ...What a star-struck year it was. We’ve got you a round up of the ‘who and what’ from Bollywood and Tellyvile that caught the city’s attention this year. Ekta ka parivaar & more
Sing a song
‘Film’ city beautiful
Noodle strap Mandira Bedi launched Satya Paul’s festive collection. Priyanka Chopra came here for Spice. Graceful Deepika Padukone bedazzled at a jewellery showroom launch. Suniel Shetty as IHF ambassador. Boman Irani to promote Tata Sky Network. Recently, we saw Fardeen Khan for brand promotion and Preity Zinta for a shoot. More in the line for promotions were Celina Jaitley, Riya Sen, Sonali Bendre, Dia Mirza, Jimmy Shergill, Mausumi Udeshi. Shooting was Meghna Gulzar and Raj Paul Dhillon. Promoting Mitti Waajan Mardi were Manmohan Singh, Harbhajan Maan and Rana Ranbir. Theatre brought Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis delighted us with their designs. Big fat wedding Stars tying the knot in the city kept us on the move too. First, we saw apni kudi Karishma Randeva and Yukta Mookhey’s bro getting married at Rock Garden. Next, to our surprise we saw city-bred Nandita Puri fall in love and then marry Dan Dhanua. A close friend’s wedding even brought Anup Jalota here for Ram Katha. Lights, camera, action... Looking for locale? Well, head to the city. It perhaps began in 2004 with Veer Zaara shot in 14 different locations here. What followed was both Hindi and Punjabi flicks being shot here, including Dosti, Shortcut, Jaane Bhi Do Yarro, Namaste London, The Party, Desh Hoya Pardes, Pind Di Kudi, Dil Apna Punjabi, Apne, Mannat, Rab Ne Baniyaan Joriyaan, Dus Khaniyaan , the list goes on and on. Etc... We saw some other glam faces too. Models Amanpreet Wahi, Anupama Verma and Carol Gracias. Charming the partygoers were DJ Aqueel, MTV VJ Anousha Dandekar and Ranvijay, Kim Sharma, Ashish Chaudhary. Meet brother singers, Harmeet and Manmeet, and more. Different ball game Now, the game of cricket got smaller and bigger simultaneously. Former for the craze of T20 and latter for the stars it roped in to sing and dance at ICL-Panchkula. Kareena Kapoor, Yana, Ajay Devgan, Vishal-Shekhar, Kailash Kher, Tanushree Dutta... Hats off! Our very own people from here also kept the city in news. Comedians, designers, child artistes, actors and more. The ray of hope came with Ashima Bhalla aka Roshni of Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni. Then there was Apni Mummyji Kiron Kher who continued to delight us, be it in flicks or just by her presence here. Tickling the funny bone was Khayali Saharan (Sahara’s Comedy Champions) and Sunil Grover (Filmy’s Kaun Banega Champu). Ayushman Khurrana too will be now seen in Zee’s Ek Thi Rajkumari. Jab We Met was another flick that saw our city people. Kareena’s childhood sweetheart — Bir Pratap Singh, uncle — Narinder Pal Singh, cousin — Wamiqua Gabbi and designer — Rupa Sood. Make me a star! If it was raining stars then so were institutes, aiming to convert city enthusiasts into cinestars. Jaspal Bhatti’s film school MAD (Media, Digital Arts) with courses in acting, comedy, direction, editing, animation and more is likely to give us some good artistes. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares in collaboration with UT’s Steps promises good actors too. Well, well, looking back at the year all one can say is the next time if you hear somebody catching a flight to Chandigarh (instead of Mumbai) to fulfil his dream of becoming a star, don’t be surprised! And till we meet next year, here’s hoping more stars and success for Chandigarh — the new tinsel town.
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New releases
Showbiz
They are as much a part of Page 3 events as are the bright lights and red carpets. And their photos can make or break a career. Rohan (Tushar Jalota) seems to have it all: A dream career, a beautiful girlfriend and everything else one would want. Life seemed as though it couldn‘t be better. But his newfound fame comes with a price. For rising superstar Rohan Arya, the paparazzi are at first an annoyance, then an ever-disturbing presence. But when they threaten his safety, it will be the last mistake they ever make. He’s become a target of a team of four paparazzi bent on making Rohan fodder for the tabloids. And when they stumble upon a sensitive nerve, all hell breaks loose. Rohan has been on the lookout for a prostitute called Tara. When he finally finds her, the paparazzi trap Rohan and Tara in a high-speed chase that ends in a terrible accident and leaves Tara in a coma. The media frenzies with news of Rohan’s accident with a prostitute in his car. Rohan seeks venge-ance. But why? What connection does this prostitute have with him? He is at a crossroad. Does he take the law into his own hands or does he get served justice by the law? Does he succeed in exposing the ugly side of the media or does the paparazzi get away this time too? It’s all there in Showbiz. Showing at: Nirman and Fun Republic Hanuman Returns Cut to the present. Hanuman wakes up and on a sudden impulse goes around the world. A child at heart, he sees kids enjoying themselves and expresses his wish to Brahma to make him a kid again. Brahma agrees and Hanuman is born to a pundit & his wife, Shiela. Holding him, Hanuman’s earthly parents instantly realiase he is no ordinary child, but an avatar of Hanuman and name him Maruti. Maruti is different. The one thing that troubles his parents the most is his insatiable appetite! Maruti starts going to school and makes friends. Many wild & zany escapades follow, as Maruti cannot seem to keep away from trouble. Enroute, he manages to get the better of bad guys, who hatch a plan to capture him. They capture him but they have not reckoned with Maruti’s friends around the world. Maruti’s rescue sets off another chain of events, which finally snowballs towards fulfilling Shukracharya’s evil prophecy, made millions of years ago. The fate of humankind now rests on the shoulders of Maruti. Showing at: Fun
Republic and Kiran
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youthspeak
Even in Panjab University there is a complete ban not only on cigarette smoking, but also on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products. But here too one can find students smoking with gay abandon. Tobacco products are also being sold freely. And there is no one to keep a check on this blatant violation of rules inside the precincts of a world-class educational institution. Isn’t it high time that the Chandigarh administration reviews its policy and comes up with a fresh set of guidelines to check blatant violation of the rule? Is it not worth that culprits be brought to book and penalised heavily? Is Chandigarh a smoke-free city only in records or in the real sense? |
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SIDELANES
APART from being a season of sharing and bonhomie, this is a season for distributing and passing on bugs and various infections. The more parties we attend, the more infections we are likely to pick up and bring home for the family to share. The cold wind from the hills and plummeting night temperatures bring their trail of misery – flu, tummy problems, hacking dry coughs, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Most of the victims are old or very young. My son says we are going through a global influenza pandemic. It is a part of the all for one and one for all package. Millions died when it last hit the world. Every bug is a mutant and does not respond to conventional medication. A diagnosis of “viral infection” is the equivalent of saying “I don’t know who shot you!” R&D departments create a vaccine but by the time it is used a new mutant has evolved and the medication fails. Eerie, isn’t it? A bit like Star Wars and Men From Mars! I recommend every party hostess hands out a complimentary mask and plastic gloves. Margot, a great grandmother in Arizona, USA, is down with pneumonia. So is my seven-year-old grandson in the UK. The link between them is the bug, which traverses continents within the comforting, humid warmth of an airline, ensconced in hairy nostrils. I have realised that we are very well off in India. I can get a medicine straight off the counter. The friendly chemist prescribes what he thinks I’ll need. He might even open shop in an emergency. Thus, I save on endless waits at clinics and the doctor’s exorbitant fees. Not so in the UK. My grandson Ronan took ill on a Thursday. For two days the local GP called it a viral infection. The parents could only buy and administer the prescribed drugs. Nani’s nuskas and herbs are hard to find in Brighton’s picturesque lanes. By Saturday, Ronan’s condition deteriorated, but no doctor was available over the weekend. That is the British system. On Monday, the GP declared an emergency and Ronan landed in hospital. It was likely that Ronan would spend Christmas in the hospital because the weekend and doctors’ holidays were around the corner. To strengthen the socialistic pattern and gloss over numbing rules and regulations, the ward was decorated for Christmas and Santa went around doling out presents and sweets. The party was so lively that little Ronika wanted to be ill too! Does the national health system work? If it did, we would not be hosts to so many medical tourists who come for tummy tucks, breast enhancements, chin, nose and lip changes. If you don’t believe me, walk into any clinic that performs plastic surgery. They lure customers with “before” and “after” pictures of repaired patients. Even I would like to give it all a try in anticipation of the 2008 beauty contest! I’m told that the greatest sin in the USA is getting ill over the weekend. And if you have no health insurance, you might as well sign your own death warrant. In my country you can still wake a doctor, get a shop opened or ask the neighbour to rummage through his stock of medicines. That some of the pills will be spurious and some of the doctors quacks, is a risk we do take. Yet I am pretty certain which health system I would prefer. |
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NDTV Good Times and Kingfisher offer limited copies of Kingfisher Swimsuit Special Calendar 2008. To win, watch NDTV Good Times and answer the question - ‘Is Atul Kasbekar the photographer behind this year’s Kingfisher Calendar?’ SMS KFA, give a space, followed by a simple YES or NO followed by space and the bidding amount to 56388. Beginning today, bids can be made till December 31 midnight. The highest bid will go to the ‘Child Survival India Project’ as part of charity. — TNS
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TAROT TALK
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When
was the last time you shouted at your son to be more responsible or
requested your husband sitting right next to the phone to take the call?
Just this morning? Hmm... Now there are some things that just won’t
change, but then women never give up. Here goes the unending list of what
irritates us:
The lady known for her revengeful women, sacrificing bahus and
schemy men found a fresh way to seek our attention. She kept sending her
K Parivaar’s members here each month (literally). February saw
child artiste Shreya Sharma (Kasauti Zindagi Key), July saw
reel-life couple Jay and Panchi Bora (Kayamath), September saw
Jennifer Wignet, Chaitanya Chowdhary, Shaleen Bhanot (Kahiin Toh Hoga,
Kasauti Zindagi Key), they just kept coming. Also from tellydome
were Manish Nagdev (Dulhan), Meeta Vashisht, Gurpreet Singh (Saarthi)
and many more.
Can’t sing? Bad. Not a
religious viewer of a talent hunt? Too bad. Haven’t voted yet? Worse.
This ruled, entertained and at times troubled us too. We churned out quite
a few singing sensations this year. First, Star Voice of India’s
Ishmeet Singh won, courtesy talent and Punjabi zindadili to SMS.
Brief tele-cons with city scribes, he visited us, first to request for
votes and then to thank us. Then there was Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s
Harpreet Deol. And alongside paying a promotional visit was Aditya Narayan,
the 19-year-old debut host of the show. Another small wonder, 11-year-old
Mohak was a contestant on Zee’s Li’l Champs and later a
semi-finalist of OSO’s Dard-e-Disco contest.
The city will soon be
christened as ‘film city beautiful.’ Surprised? Don’t be, for the
number and names of stars (for launch, promotion, shoot...) that descended
here indicate just that. Lets talk first of the surprise guest we at The
Tribune had — veteran actor Om Puri who looked at our office
building and exclaimed Jai Tribune!
THEY are the providers of voyeur-istic material from India’s glitz and glamour scene. Our appetite for gossip and revealing photos of our favorite stars drive their industry. They never seem to sleep... hunters who trail their prey — the show business elite — at all hours of the day and night. They are the paparazzi and their weapons of choice — high-powered zoom lenses.
The sequel of Hanuman is not based on the Ramayana and is primarily a 2D animated feature with a lot of special effects. Millions of years ago, the army of demons led by their general, Rahu-Ketu, are ready for the mother of all battles against the Gods. As the bugle is sounded, the two armies charge at each other & are locked in fierce combat. Rahu-Ketu creates havoc amidst the hapless armies of the Gods. Fortunately, to the rescue comes Lord Vishnu and throws the demons into space along with their Guru, Shukracharya, whose body then takes the shape of planet Venus aka. Shukra-Grah. Shukracharya curses humankind with a most terrifying fate, “That mankind would be destroyed by a creature created by its own sins.”
It is a matter of great pride that Chandigarh has been declared as the first smoke-free city in India. However, the ground reality is rather different, as the rule has not been implemented in its true spirits. One needs to hit the city streets to witness how people still openly flout the rule, least bothered about the challan spree that was initiated by the Chandigarh police a few months ago. One can find smokers outside city hotels, colleges, parks, restaurants and nightclubs.
ARIES: Strength predicts that you will gain inner strength in 2008 and overcome obstacles in your path. You are courageous, energetic and forceful with a strong moral strength. Although you may be facing tests of your endurance, you will prove stronger than before. A person whose name starts with alphabet A or J will bestow power and support. A year of learning and building a strong foundation. You will be able to cope with changes, both positive & negative. You will survive and succeed. Fortitude is your key to victory. As far as finances are concerned, the first half of the year would be better than the rest. You may enjoy sudden good fortune in the months of April, May and September. Married Arians may experience some problems in their marital lives somewhere around October 15 and thereafter.
LIBRA: Eight of Pentacles symbolises wisdom, serenity, knowledge and deep understanding. The year 2008 promises hope and ability to grow. Remember life is action and not contemplation. Celebrate life to rejuvenate your energy. Be total when making a professional decision or taking a stand. Love and romance would be a little complicated and you may have to think deeply in order to arrive at a rational conclusion about your relationships. 
TAURUS: Two of Cups reminds you of true love, which has always been considered as a creative force in the world. You may turn to the person who is attractive, honest and cooperative. You will prove to be dynamic and decisive. The year begins with special blessings. You are about to be faced with an important choice that will influence the course of your life from now on. Time to celebrate your accomplishment, reap the happiness you have achieved. The cup of life tastes sweet. Health-wise, this year is of getting into shape and regaining lost vigour. Family and friends would give you a lot of love and attention, which would increase your feeling of well-being. 
SCORPIO: Moon symbolises total enlightenments. You have the drive, ambition and belief in your abilities that lead to triumph. There is a purpose in life. There are many new things waiting to be discovered. Living complicity for the moment and going with the flow are great virtues. Take one step at a time to climb the ladder of success. Be wary of burning your candle at both ends by working too hard. You have the urge to feel emotionally secure in relationships and tend to be possessive. A wise counsel brings peace, contentment joy and happiness. It would be the latter half of the year when you would spend a good amount of these profits on travelling overseas or splurging on objects of pleasure and comfort. 
GEMINI: Ten of Wands suggests that you are being tested on every front. You must come out of illusions and shadows of life. A member of opposite sex will help you trust your inner self. You must act cautiously in whatever you do this year. There are hidden forces of tremendous power operating around you. The Moon tugs on us, Just as it pulls the tides so watch your steps and act wisely. Trust your instincts and create an inner light. Dreams will come true and you will complete your journey. Stay with the path you know the best. For Geminis working in government offices, there are chances of a transfer before November 15. December could see you take a business trip. 
SAGITTARIUS: Justice symbolises balance and harmony. The Moon brings Karmic situation to the fore. Life is give and take and you will live it to the fullest with your hardwork. Must learn to compromise. Seek advice from trusted friends and a wise person. Tranquility reigns. A time for mental stimulation. Focus on the truth. As a matter of fact, the month of September and October would bring you extra energy and stamina, mentally and physically. Even if some of you were facing health problems during the initial part of this year, you would regain your vigour and strength during July and August. 
CANCER: Ace of Cups augurs patience frugality and great self-knowledge. You would be wiser to choose the middle path and put together plans that leave room for flexibility. In 2008, it seems you are stalled; things are proceeding towards their proper ends and will arrive in their proper time. Don’t push it. There is nothing you can do right now. If you are sitting back and waiting for results then you are doing exactly the right thing. Remember you are in control and calling the shorts. You can choose what’s best for you. The months of July, September and November are particularly favourable for most dealings and undertakings. 
CAPRICORN: Thankfully the Sun shines on your card brightly. You will emerge into the warm golden rays and feel reborn, renewed and re-energized. Contentment & peace reigns in your life again. Triumph & optimism is the word for 2008. Life is passing you by, so participate in everything that is happening around you rather than wait for the right opportunity to arise. Be cautious of what you say to whom as your words can be against you. You impress people with your style, talent and charisma. Married Capricorns would share blissful moments with their partners and be content with their relationship. Travelling and holidaying would be a highlight of this year. 
LEO: Your card underscores the need for peace and quiet for contemplation and meditation in 2008. You reflect wisdom but you need to seek the light of inner intellect the enlightenment. You will learn many things from your past experience. The year provides you the opportunity to glean the deeper lessons for transformation of life. The act of gazing inside your character can accomplish many things. You would be pleased to discover that you are able to deal with people effectively and motivate them according to your will, without seeming manipulative. 
AQUARIUS: The Magician is the most practical of tarot symbols. Open yourself to life-giving powers surroundings you. Do not share your secrets. You tend to dominate professional undertakings with your mystic power. A higher perspective is needed to understand mystical aspects of life. Laugh, celebrate and taste your inner bliss. Drinking a lot of water or juice and eating regularly will do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. 
VIRGO: Your card represents a stabilising influence in 2008. Its firmness gives you something to hold on to in terms of turbulence and change, keep trying you may be successful yet. You need to develop faith in yourself and desire to win. You are on the path of perseverance, authority & stability. This is year of new growth, fulfillment and accomplishment. You may need to listen more to your internal voice. Try to be focused to know the difference between right and wrong. Positive change is in the air. Virgo students who are aspiring to study abroad may be able to realise their dreams. 
PISCES: The Priestess takes you through a variety of new experiences in 2008. However, feelings of indecision swirl around you. Choices must be made, but you’re not giving yourself fully to the task at hand. You’re spending too much time dreaming about the future when you should rather be acting on those dreams. Draw on those inner energies and begin moving from thoughts to action.