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Look Out EACH time you see your gal friend hanging around with an oh-so-cute guy, you not only curse her behind that smile but also go bonkers thinking where she did she find him. And, as for all you guys, there have surely been many times when a pretty gal sitting behind your friend’s bike has left you jealous. Well, well, you’ve blamed it on plain luck, bemoaned, played the villain in their relation, sported tees with messages announcing your search and more. And, now you are on the verge of giving up. But, hey, your unfruitful search may be coz you’d been looking in all the wrong places. And, that foremost includes your online search engine and the so very common social network sites. But, fret not, we’ve got for you a list of the places where you can find that cutie. Toning up Thumbs Up:
It will keep you healthy. You won’t have to buy chocolates for your calorie-conscious gal. You’ll have a boyfriend cum bodyguard. Thumbs Down:
Uggh... romancing amidst body odour? Extra-curricular activities Thumbs Up: Your college people know your true self, once outside you can make a fresh beginning. Plus, it’ll help you get really famous. Thumbs Down: You might end up getting a black eye, got to be careful when you are in their domain. Put on your dancing shoes
Thumbs Up:
It’s fun, creative and healthy. You got an option to switch partners too. Thumbs Down: You might end up dancing to his/her tunes completely. Say cheers
Thumbs Up: Well, well people are at their true best when drunk. Your partner won’t stop you from drinking. Thumbs Down: We all know drinking like a fish is not so healthy. Burn the midnight oil
Thumbs Up: Girls like studious boys. Thumbs Down: Come what you have to pass. Your assignments, homework and more will all be under a scanner. purva@tribunemail.com
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Hitting hard for support YOU have used them to ring out the old year and to ring in the new, for calling up support for your dancing and singing champs on the silver screen or even for generating awareness in the model murder case. But now, use them for driving home the message of impartiality against the Indian cricket team during the Sydney match. Oh yes! You too can now become a part of the cricket-buffs team that’s hitting hard the mobile phone keys with dexterous fingers for forwarding messages against the Australian team’s conduct. All you have to do is to pick up the mobile and start playing the message game that promises not only to push the Australians on the back-foot, but also restore the honour of the Indians. Just in case you do not know, so many residents are already playing their innings on a firm wicket! If you haven’t received the big-short messages on the small screen of your mobile phones, read this: “Sydney: Surely that wasn’t cricket. It was a conspiracy between the umpires and the Australian team. The BCCI should call off the tour to further avoid such painful incidents… Send this message to as many people as possible for generating public opinion against the misconduct, mismanagement, cheating and conspiracy”. Then there is another message that ironically honours the “heroes” of the Sydney match. Well, the 2008 best umpire award has been bestowed upon none other than Ricky Ponting. Just in case you are wondering who has bagged the lifetime achievement award for best game on the cricket field, Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson jointly share it. The message gives the honest team’s award to Australia; and Michael Clarke gets the best actor award. No marks for guessing the name of the cricketer getting the candid man of the match award. It goes to Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. And you are absolutely right if you have named off-spinner Harbhajan Singh aka Bhajji for the villain of the year award. Well, guys there is another message that gives the details of on-field action that led to initial bowling out of Bhajji’s from three test matches. But as the message uses some explicit words, it cannot be published because of obvious reasons. If you are wondering what the residents are achieving by hurling messages, ask city-based hotelier Ankit Gupta and he will tell you all about it. “Not just the cricket buffs, almost everyone in the city is trying to give vent to their resentment and aggravation by forwarding messages,” he says. “These are aimed not just at generating opinion, but also for redeeming honour of the Indians”. Good fellows! Pad up and carry on
hitting.
saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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Prêt & Pretty A man on a two-wheeler with a child standing in front, his wife sitting behind, add to that the wet roads, a family in potential danger. This may have been the driving force behind Ratan Tata’s ‘People’s Car’, but what he has actually done is unleash a lifestyle revolution.
For starters, the world's cheapest car is a looker for sure. Nano accommodates four-five people, has passed the full frontal crash test, meets Euro-IV emission norms and costs only Rs 1 lakh (you can’t even get a branded DVD player of a BMW or a Merc for this much!). And it’s a Tata baby; so don’t doubt its credentials. Size matters first. The Nano may be eight per cent smaller externally than the Maruti 800, but claims to have 21 per cent more space on the inside. City-based motoring expert H. Kishie Singh, who was at the launch, gives Nano a thumbs up. “Though I couldn’t get very close to it, it’s a compact yet curvy baby. It costs a little more than twice the price of an average Hero Honda motorcycle. Anybody planning to buy a bike just needs to take a Rs 50,000 loan and become the proud owner of a car,” he says. And what about its specifications? “Basic but comfortable for a family of four or youngsters,” says Singh. “It’s a decent, functional four door, four-seater hatchback with a roof, windshield and wiper.” The car's dashboard features a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil light. The car does not have a power steering, reclining seats or radio and the shock absorbers are basic.
But with seven million bikes and scooters purchased in India in 2006-07, the compact, no-frills vehicle could revolutionise how the nation of 1.1 billion people travels.
yoshita@tribunemail.com
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New releases Ajay Devgan in action or Amrita Rao in a mini skirt? Maybe that is too frivolous a question, but then these two stars are the only big draw this weekend. Lending Ajay company is Vidya Balan while Amrita has to contend with newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi. Both the films have a similar premise — the lead actors start off as aspiring film stars & get torn between mixed emotions! Starring: Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapur, Vidya Balan Director:
Raj Kumar Santoshi THE movie is rumored to be loosely based on the Jessica Lal incident. Ashfaque (Ajay) is a small town boy aspiring to be a star in the Hindi film industry. He joins a street theatre group run by reformed dacoit Sidhu (Pankaj Kapur), who uses street theatre as a medium to bring about an awakening in the masses. Ashfaque struggles to give a creative vent to the actor in him in order to realise his dreams. Ashfaque’s determined struggle pays off and he gets a break in films. He gets a new screen name — Sameer Khan. With the passage of time, the roles start becoming better and he moves up the success ladder in a very short time. Soon, he becomes Sameer Khan, the superstar, one who can enact any role with finesse and walk away with audience applause. Sadly, amidst all adulation, he slowly loses his own identity. He forgets his real self and imbibes all characteristics of the various roles essayed by him on screen. Corruption takes over his entire system, alienating him from all loved ones, including wife Sneha (Vidya). A shocking incident at a party changes everything, rocking Sameer Khan’s lifestyle. He gets caught between his human self on one side and his corrupted superstar image on the other. Whether the conflict within him gives way to good sense and whether he is able to discard his corrupt image and emerge as a true life hero, becomes an integral part of this true life cinema. Showing at:
Nirman, Kiran, |
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Little Interview HIS last two flicks Cash and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag failed to create heat at the box-office. But, that didn’t dampen the spirit of Ajay Devgan, the actor synonymous with quality work. The year 2008 will see a lot more of him, starting with Halla Bol, a flick with a social message. Life Style caught up with the actor-director. *
What made you do Halla Bol? The subject of the film was the deciding factor. I feel quite strongly about my role of a street play activist and have given my 100 per cent to it. *
How was the experience of being paired I worked with her for the first time and found her extremely talented. She is a great co-star and I look forward to working with her again. *
You and Rajkumar Santoshi seem to share a special bond, right? He is a great director and this is my fourth flick with him. He is brilliant in all aspects of filmmaking. *
Your fans have high expectations from you. Do you feel the pressure? I get quite nervous and turn into a fatalist before every release. *
Next we see you in Rohit Shetty’s Sunday, tell us something about it. I play a corrupt cop in the flick. There are interesting shades to his character, he is brave, loves to chase criminals, gorge on ice creams and more. *
What are your forthcoming projects? Golmaal Returns, Mr. Fraud, London Dreams, Naam and Beeharh are some of the flicks in the pipeline. Then there is also my directorial venture U Me Aur Hum.
— Dharam Pal |
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youth speak WE all know that it is the children who are the future of every nation. But, in the present times when teenagers are committing violent activities, one is forced to rethink. The recent killing in the Gurgaon school has shocked the nation. The incident reflects the pathetic state of the mind of our new generation and also the heightened desire for violence among students. Such incidents are happening because of parental negligence. They are unable to spare time for their children who want love and attention from them. In the absence of love, they turn to TV, Internet, mobiles, and films. Sadly enough, the children are fast becoming westernised and neglecting Indian values. Also, media and the booming entertainment industry are exhibiting new forms of violence. Earlier, one would hear of shooting incidents in the schools of foreign countries but never imagine them to be replicated here in India. Today, this deplorable trend has caught on here. And since acts of violence are first conceived in the mind before being physically manifested, the permanent cure lies in the mind itself. One should remember that globalisation does not mean luxurious living, or roaming around in metropolis or sending our children to international schools. It means creating a world inhabited by loving and caring individuals. In today’s competitive world, parents have to spare time to nourish the child’s emotional health and well being. It is the responsibility of the parents to inculcate moral and ethical values in their children. Feel strongly about something? If you are under 25, this is the forum for you. Mail us your views in not more than 300 words along with a passport photograph at lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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Fast & the furious THE sixteen screws in his body, thanks to a motorcycle fall during a championship and a superbike skid get immediately erased from his memory the moment he hits the gas pedal, almost with a vengeance. Well, it’s never a big deal for Delhi-based speedster Gaurav Gill, who’s not really a new kid on the block. In fact one of the finest of his generation, he happens to be the only person in the Indian motorsports history to win titles in almost all forms of motorsports including biking, rallying and racing and further proved his mettle in the recent Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC)-2007 where he finished fourth and fifth overall in the Rally of Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively. All this for him has been nothing short of realising the proverbial soul mountain that’s almost synonymous with breaking barriers of not just speed. “The APRC has been such an exhilarating outing for me where I went on to punish cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution, which I’d dreamt of driving ever since I was a kid, and compete with some of the most talented drivers in the world.” The speedster, who led every round in the Indian National Rally Championship- 2006 and boasted of the maximum number of ‘Fastest Stages’, laughs, that going all-out has always been his way. “I’ve always been more than comfortable with speed and rallying promises me the perfect high, everytime and everywhere. Needless to say that it’s not just about quickness but superior control, razor-sharp reflexes and the ability to make split-second decisions in varied terrain. Rallying’s by far a more intense experience than any other form of motorsports, for you’re perpetually on the edge,” he says, negotiating a sharp curve. Trained by a Malaysia-based international rallyist Karamjit Singh, Gaurav, simply loves testing the machine to the limit and reveals that his family’s always encouraged him to do that, “At 16, my mother gifted me an imported motorbike for a motocross championship,” he remembers. As passer-bys notice the body art under his loosely worn sweat-shirt, this international rallyist, a regular visitor to Chandigarh insists that this region can definitely be developed as a motorsports hub. He says, “Thanks to the proximity to hills and well-developed infrastructure, there’s much potential here.” What’s all the talk about bringing F1 to India? He laughs, “It’s never about just laying the track man! You got to have around 500 acre of land, 5-7 top international hotels in proximity, a township and an international airport boasting of custom clearances at break-neck speed. Well, if that happens, this sport’s definitely going to be number two in this cricket-obsessed country.” And for 2008, Gaurav admits that he aims to grab it all. “I plan to test drive a World Rally Championship (WRC) car in the coming year with one of the top teams. Frankly, I am also hoping for a podium finish in the next APRC, as I would be driving the new EVO 9 Rally car. As always I am all set to give my best—full throttle,” he pats his Skoda Rally Special, which he’s modified himself. Yes, they don’t make brake-shoes for Gaurav Gill anymore…
(To be continued)
Beginning today, Life Style profiles the country’s best motorsport talent.
Watch this space for more
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In the neighbourhood Beijing Welcomes You... and how! With a host of colourful pictures clicked by 50 prominent photographers of China on the theme of the Olympic-2008. And more than the technical expertise and aesthetic sense of these photographers, one marvels at the common people’s enthusiasm and their participation in making the XXIX Olympic Games, which will be held in Beijing this summer, ‘the event’ of the world. Right from the familiar Great Wall of China looking spectacular with people wearing the five Olympic colours in Zhao Qing’s photograph to one of the Bird’s Nest, the main stadium for the event which has recently made it to Time Magazine’s list of the World’s Top Ten Architectural Wonders, the exhibits at the Panjab University’s Fine Arts Gallery speaks of the willingness of the people to contribute, each in his or her own way, to the success of the Games. Fashion models are going through dress rehearsal to showcase the modern China with its traditional values while chefs are already at work to give the entire world a taste of Chinese cuisines. In the cultural front, there are artistes capturing the authentic voice of Beijing Opera, young girls playing the traditional instrument Pipa — all high on the notes of Olympic-centric tales. The folk tradition of temples has taken the Olympic hue, people mixing rituals with Olympic theme-based martial art. Even artisans are making dough figurines in the shape of Olympic mascots. Even the day-to-day life has not remained untouched. Flight attendants are descending on earth to teach youngsters right manners and etiquettes to welcome international guests, school children are planting trees, more and more people are enrolling themselves at language institutes for learning foreign languages and senior citizens are organising races, soaking in the Olympic atmosphere. Interesting information comes from the picture titled A Perfect Match that shows the make of the Olympic medals done in medal metals and Jade. And the thoughtfulness of the Chinese Government for pricing entry rates which is based on the average local income. However, the most touching one is called 1.3 Billion showing women in the process of making a banner of the five rings in embroidery, which has 1.3 billion stitches, reflecting the support and anticipation of 1.3 billion people of China. The exhibition organised by the Indo-China Friendship Association is enough to spill over some of the enthusiasm to this part of the country and bring out an urge to book a flight to Quin Zulin’s Forbidden City this summer.
On till January
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THERE’S no halt to Britney Spears’ outlandish antics, for the popwreck is now planning to exploit her own meltdown — by selling bizarre photographs of herself. The ‘singer is reportedly teaming up with her paparazzo boyfriend, Adnan Ghalib, to put up candid snaps of herself for sale. Within hours of her release from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre’s psychiatric unit, Spears was flaunting pictures of herself and Ghalib to the press. The photos that were reportedly taken during a stroll in Palm Springs, feature the singer kissing and canoodling with the British photographer. Spears staged the paparazzi shots with her alleged lover, by tipping off Ghalib’s pals about their every move. Insiders also add that Ghalib made every effort to make the pictures as “sexy” as possible by making Spears feed him ice cream. If sold, the snaps are said to be worth well over a million dollars, with one set alone costing a whopping 350,000 pounds. Resolve
for fitness Taking regular exercise and wearing suits more often are Hollywood star Tom Hanks’ two resolutions for 2008. The Oscar winner has revealed that he even asked his wife and children to set their goals for the year during a family meeting. He says that the main purpose of the meeting was to ensure that each member of the family would help others in fulfilling their resolutions. “We sat down with the family and everyone had five realistic goals to achieve over the year, that we can help each other out with,” he said. “My number one was to wear suits more often. Another was to exercise 300 days of the year. For an hour a day. I get 65 days off,” he added. |
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SIDELANES
Strewn slippers, smelly sweat- shirts with heavy cowls, dirty socks, boots under beds and chocolate wrappings all over the place. A vision of hell in a spotless nunnery? Certainly not! It’s the return of the youngster after a year at college in New York. Like slavering slaves, Oz and I make the beds, lay out the carpet, iron washed clothes. I cook his favourite biryani, coconut chicken and Goa fish curry. We do whatever he wants and wait for further instructions. When he says “Mom could you…?” I sigh and say “Yes” even before he completes the sentence. It’s been a long year. We missed him a lot but decided he needed to meet his cousins and get to know America during the three-and-a-half month summer break. He did, as he travelled across the country. He cooked for his hosts, did their laundry, ironed their clothes and cleaned their homes. They marveled and said we had brought him up very well and could they have him back next summer? But he has refused. Says he’s tired and needs to be pampered in his own home, by his own parents. He’s come back with a slight twang. Just before emplaning, he removed his Mexican moustache. He must have looked like a large mouse from toon world, this son of mine who shaves once a month. He brought his Dad two golf caps and the latest ipod. We both love music. I listen while relaxing in jeans that actually fit. He took a mate’s girlfriend to choose the right size. He brought his father a single-malt scotch, which they both share in the evenings, something not done a year ago. I flutter around, asking if he goes on binges. He says he does not and I believe him because he has never lied to us. He never needed to. He has done brilliantly at college. After slogging for five days he relaxes over the weekend. He has a 20 hour a week job at the computer lab. All the gifts were bought with his earnings. Our outgoings have come down dramatically. All this packed in as an undergrad who has done only a year and a half away from home. Is he very different now? He is far more independent with his own ideas and opinions. We do not have to guide him any more but he still discusses the future with us. He is worried about us not having him around. He feels that will influence his decisions about the future. We do not want that to be so and will be wherever he wants us. The days are passing far too swiftly. We are once again as we were. There are subtle changes, but the moaning and groaning and asking for attention has not changed. His maniacal laughter and uncontrollable giggling is just the same. He still opens the car door, pulls out the chair and guides me through the market. We are lucky to have three wonderful sons. This, the youngest will fly away soon, but they always return, which is a blessing and the answer to our prayers. |
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Old dance, new form Kathak exponent Anuj Mishra’s statement, during the three-day-long Kathak Utsav in Jalandhar, that the dance form has a bright future in Punjab is indeed heart-warming. And this exponent of Lucknow Gharana showed that with a little innovation it is possible to bring the younger generation into the fold of this classical dance of North India. Mishra did it by relating mythological tales to the accompaniment of music, mime and dance. The festival also witnessed other exponents like Nalini and Kamalini performing on Bulle Shah’s Tere ishq nachaya kar thaiya thaiya. Quite a detour from the usual mythological tales one is used to see at a Kathak performance! In fact, looking at the compositions local Kathak artistes are working on, fusion in Kathak is here to stay. Among the youngsters is Samira Koser, who is busy getting her act together with her composition based on Wadali Brother’s sufiana kalam. “It is important to try out new things because the same old style of katha (the art of storytelling) is not enough to interest younger generation,” says Samira. But going overboard with fusion is not Samira’s style. “Whatever innovation one does with Kathak, should be done staying within the boundary of the dance form,” she adds. The entry of Nandita Puri in the city’s dance scene is yet another positive development. This Kathak lady who trained Soha Ali Khan for Khoya Khoya Chand now wants to open her classical art institute. Her Kathak-based ballets on unusual subjects like architectural grandeur have already earned her a name in performing art. And the good news is that not just the youngsters are keen on this new trend, but veteran art patrons are encouraging it too. “Be it the Jaipur Gharana or Lucknow Gharana, Kathak is now doing a lot of compositions based on ghazal, thumri and sufiana kalam. And it is a healthy trend because no art can survive in the museum form,” says Kamal Tewari of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, while welcoming the change. In fact, the Akademi is trying to get together with the Kathak Kendra in Delhi and organise a festival to encourage local artistes. “We wanted to do it this year itself but as Tagore Theatre is undergoing renovation, we had to postpone it till the next year,” he adds. With organisations like Pracheen Kala Kendra, Sangeet Natak Akademi and SPIC MACAY understanding the need to encourage change and keen on providing a new lease of life into this classical dance form, it looks like Kathak will soon be at par with the folk dances which seem to rule the cultural scene of Punjab at present.
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TAROT TALK
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IF fitness is not a good enough reason for you to hit the gym early morning or after a day of hard work, then this will be. How about getting to see your man Salman Khan style? Or, how about helping that girl with 36-26-36 stats with that abs exerciser? And, then you know, it’s said people look quite hot when sweating it out. 
BORED of sipping chai with the same faces at the college canteen? We suggest move beyond your campus and departments. The ideal time for this is college festivals, though. Get yourself passes for the festivals in the city and do some inter-college searching! 
Can’t
Perch
Where
ARIES: The Moon brings light. Progressive changes are on the cards. Loved ones will be critical of new friendships. Give others time for emotional discussion. Money issues should be briefly postponed. Some may find it necessary to temporarily divide home expenses between relatives. Lucky colour: Green. Tip of the week: Use your own resources to find solution.
LIBRA: Friends could get on your nerves. Mixing business with pleasure will work well. Do not expect too much from your loved ones. Career matters may leave you tense on Tuesday. Don’t give in to uncertainties. Lucky
colour: Crimson. Tip: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation.
TAURUS: You draw The World so this is a good time for rejuvenation. Don’t be in hurry on Sunday. Think twice before you speak on Tuesday. You will be juggling finances well. Problems with opposite sex are on the cards. Beware of strangers on Friday. Focus on health. Lucky
colour: Burgundy. Tip: Don’t settle all business in one meeting.
SCORPIO: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. At home you make necessary improvements before weather creates havoc. A desire to break down is also a part of the picture. Emotions and dreams may be turbulent, so meditate and exercise. Lucky
colour: Blood red Tip: Results are guaranteed if you stick to
arrangements.
GEMINI: You draw The Fool and feel free and happy. You can’t fully control the object of your love without changing it into something different. You may face drudgery in the middle of the week. Buying or selling property is
favourable. Bolster your confidence on Thursday. Lucky colour: Cream. Tip: Avoid speculation and
journey.
SAGITTARIUS: The Priests usher in a pure and gracious influence. You don’t want anything rough edged or unpleasant. There’ll be moments of romance with the loved one on Sunday. Don’t get bogged by joint family pressure. Competitions bring out the best in you. Lucky
colour: Brown Tip: A caring attitude heals old wounds.
CANCER: The Prince of Wands comes riding with a promise of power. Your sense of humour helps you in difficult situations. Decide if you want to be a member of the pack or a leader and then put in your full energy. Deal effectively with health issues. Lucky
colour: Brown. Tip: Save money for rainy days.
CAPRICORN: Seven of Cups greet you with happiness. You are in tune with anything that has to do with love. You complete an important assignment and look forward to opportunities. Your social life is loaded with fun. Lucky
colour: Silver. Tip: Seek out well-researched information before making any moves. 
LEO: The Ace of Swords invoke mental power to achieve professional goals. Keep eyes open for a financial disagreement on Monday. Your motivation to work for the benefit of will bring financial gain. A Taurean person moves you in a progressive direction. Remain in touch with your sense of
humour. Lucky colour: Golden. Tip: Be positive and you’ll make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
AQUARIUS: The third eye of Lord Shiva instigates major transformation. You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm. There are shakeups in relations and the challenge is to control them positively. Beware of a fanatic young man who could be malicious. Lucky
colour: White. Tip: Your inner voice is your best friend.
VIRGO: Your card Judgment is reversed. Be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be effective in group situations. Work could be hectic. You could be in a mood to splurge. Meditation will help. Lucky
colour: Golden yellow. Tip: Dare to accomplish tasks that normally take up a lot of time.
PISCES: The Magician conjures up travel and business opportunities. Determination helps you make progress on difficult assignments. Personal relationships are the highlight and discussions lead to issues being sorted out. Lucky
colour: Turquoise Tip: Don’t waste an opportunity by being impulsive.