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Hey baby, you rock! WE spoke to women of all kind — Beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful. Slim, slimmer, slimmest. Plump, cute. Sappy, overly romantic, syrupy. Cleanliness fanatic homemakers, obsessive workaholics. Fashionholics, fashion conscious. Healthy, diet freaks. Confident, poised, shaky. Fighters, survivors, winners. And decided to compile a list of all the injustice that they face. Hold on. Don’t mistake these women as feminists lending their voice against the wrong and prejudice via lectures, campaigns or protests. They’ve faced intolerance, abuse, have been victims, and their fight is on. Today, on International Women’s Day, we asked them what makes men happier and simpler beings, than them, and were flooded with the most interesting, weird, funny responses. Ouch! Touchy issue WE are the ones whose eyes go moist at the sight of a messy kitten hiding in the corner of a manhole. We are the ones who stay up all night to serve you hot dinner. We are the ones with active waterworks, and no, it is not blackmail. Yet, it’s you who has suddenly emerged as this sensitive metro sexual dude. The silliest of your act qualifies as the most sensitive acts of the century. You get an extra credit for crying while watching Taare Zameen Par… Why? Mirror, mirror... Salons exist only for us. You have to shave only your face and neck. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can do your nails with a pocketknife. You have a choice to be with or without a moustache. You can sport the same hairstyle for years, even decades. Yet, when you step into the salon for the first time, it makes news. What’s more, they even introduce special packages for you. Isn’t that unfair? You don’t need all the attention! Tell me why WE don’t need reservations in Parliament, we rule without it. Instead, we want shoes that don’t cut or blister. We want jars that we can open ourselves. We want wedding plans to take care of themselves. We want car mechanics to tell us the truth. We want a secret survey to prove the fact that it’s men who watch Kyunki… We want to save the world from becoming a urinal. We want to know why chocolate is not just another snack and cricket just another sport? We are not reincarnations of Christopher Columbus, we want to reach our destinations even if that means we have to ask for directions. Yet, we are happy to be women, and not men. We see it all WE can see wrinkles in our clothes. We don’t suffer from refrigerator blindness; we see what lies there in. We can see that it’s not John’s muscles but Bipasha you are looking at. We can see other men hitting on us. We can see we cook better than your mom. And yes, we can see the pair of socks that you just threw behind the couch. Yet, you are supposed to be the visionary of the family. Know thy numbers A five-day holiday requires two suitcases. Five pairs of shoes are never enough. A half off is a lifetime opportunity. A phone conversation lasts for an hour a minimum. The four seasons bring with them 400 options to dress up. An extra Mc Donald’s cheeseburger contains 330 calories. We have two sisters-in-law, and they in turn, have half a dozen kids. Our anniversary falls on the 5th, not 7th. Yet, when you file the income tax papers or calculate the electricity bill or remember the sixes that Sachin hit in the last ODI, they say you are good with numbers. Saga of sacrifice WE leave our homes and even our last names. We are to love your parents, both for you and ourselves. We get pregnant. We can have only one serving of that scrumptious pudding with extra cream and chocolate sauce. Yet, the day you miss the cricket match because of a cable strike (not our fault), or a drinking session with your bum chums because of your real sister’s wedding, they call it sacrifice, and you are proclaimed thoughtful! Read up a dictionary to know what sacrifice
is.
purva@tribunemail.com |
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Hello Brother WE last ‘encountered’ him in Shootout at Lokhandwala, as the serious policewala, loosing his life in an encounter. Not the Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya ishtyle angry, young hero, who kills 20 gundas in a go, but of course, the man who’s heroic, yet human. The actor has mellowed down, we guessed, for the charater he potrayed (for a change!) was more white, than his previous greys and blacks.And how right were we, except that the man in him has mellowed down as well. In town to be a part of Meena Bazaar’s Women’s Day celebrations, a rugged-looking Arbaaz Khan talked fondly about his wife Malaika, 5-year-old Arhaan and about being Sallu’s bhai. Here’s dishing out a scoop of the Daraar guy from our 5-minute encounter: Our eye-candy looks quite a Quayamat, making a Mumbaiya entry, in a jet black topi, deep choco corduroy shirt, and faded blue jeans that were ripped here n’ there. As the cameras turn feverish with clicking frenzy, a bugglegum-chewing Arbaaz does his bits – shaking hands, giving autographs, smiling and not smiling (when those shutterbugs gave him claustrophobia). We push a lil’ here and there to reach the seemingly unapproachable Khan, who (surprise, surprise) took us on a self-admiration trip, “Yes, I’m aggressive. In fact, when the last straw hits my back, I’m too untamed a camel to be let loose. But who told you I was bad? I’m an endearing, warm and sweet person to be with. Ask Malaika,” this time the smile turns warmer. At Page 3 parties, doesn’t he feel insecure, with such a ravishing wife in tow? “Hey, are you kidding? A relationship is really not about looks. It’s about trust and compatibility.” Definitely not a chauvinist! The 5-feet-10 inch ex-model loves playing papa. Gushes Arbaaz, “Fatherhood’s really mellowed me down. I’ve always loved to chill out with friends and family, but post fatherhood, I’m too conscious to play the ideal daddy.” So, is he still looking for a real hit to come his way? I’ve got a couple of films lined up for release soon, including Woodstock, Stone Man,Fashion and Kissan,” says the fitness buff, who loves to sweat it out the Salman way. Coming to the subject, we can’t help quizzing Arbaaz about their bond. “We are a trio, all cool dudes. Each of us thinks he’s the wisest and the most serious, but none qualifies in these categories,” he chirps.
anandita@tribunemail.com
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DOING an outdoor adventure sport often involves exposure to natural hazards such as insect stings and bites that are far more dangerous than the actual activity. Low-altitude rock climbing, trekking, hiking and camping are activities during which you might come across bees and snakes. Rock climbers in boulder-strewn areas in the plains are sometimes exposed to bees and, rarely, snakes. Sometimes, rock climbers begin tackling a rock face and come upon a hive somewhere in the middle, which was not visible from the ground. The lead climber must then decide whether to abandon the climb and descend or whether it will be safe to continue. One or two persons might be able to climb past quickly without disturbing the bees but if it is a larger group, then it might be in the interest of the later climbers’ safety to abandon the climb. In one instance that I know of, a sudden nor’wester made the bees in a hive swarm out very close to a pair of climbers on a ledge in the middle of a rock face. They followed the cardinal rule when in danger of being attacked by bees – becoming motionless. They escaped without a single sting. Bee poison is highly toxic and there are precautions as well as treatment for stings. First, avoid exposing your skin as long as you are in an area where there are trees and rocks that may harbour hives. Bare shoulders and thighs a la foreign trekkers are best avoided, no matter how humid the climate. Second, if a bee attack does occur, try to get the stings out of the victim’s skin by squeezing them out between two fingers or with a tweezer from your first aid kit. Third, carry 100 mg vials of hydrocortisone and 25 mg vials of Avil in your first aid kit. The first is for treatment of shock and the second for allergy, which develops as a reaction to the bee poison. If you do not have a doctor with you, at least two members of the group should know how to give injections. These injections can be intramuscular or intravenous; the latter is preferable. The injections will give you breathing time ranging from eight to 12 hours to get the victim to a medical centre. However, much depends on where the person has been stung. If it is on the face, head and neck, you don’t have much time before the poison will make its way to the heart. If it is in the leg, then you are better off. It is best to carry the victim on a stretcher (you must know how to make one with a climbing rope and walking sticks, ice axes or branches) or on your back. If the victim walks, his blood circulation will speed up and the poison will travel through the body faster. During the long haul, check pulse, blood pressure and breathing. As long as they seem normal, you needn’t worry. Snakebites are rare on mountain trekking trails and camping sites for the simple reason that snakes do their best to avoid us! But it is worthwhile to know what to do if a bite does occur. First, you should be able to recognise cobras and kraits – the two poisonous species in our part of the world – to avoid becoming panic-stricken after being bitten by a harmless snake. Second, suck the snakebite wound so that much of the poison is extracted. Third, tie a tourniquet to stop the blood circulation from the limb to the rest of the body. Both these have to be learned from doctors beforehand otherwise you can end up doing more damage than good. Fourth, carry the victim as fast as you can to a medical centre.
(This column appears fortnightly) |
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Banking on Archlights “A
MAN is known by the company he keeps,” the old adage, applies to the filmy persona Hari Om Jalota, more so, because of his long association with the invincible singer Gurdas Maan. Despite being a senior officer in a bank, Jalota is better known and admired as a film actor. Credited with good roles in 15 Punjabi and 4 Hindi films, Jalota strikes an amicable balance between his passion for acting and the responsible profession of a bank manger. “With the advent of and a spurt in the TV channels and film productions in the region, opportunities today are flooding for potential artists but that was not there a decade ago,” says Jalota, recalling his learning in theatre arts under Gurdas Mann and Prem Handa and acting in their plays like Bakri, Sassiye Bekhabre, Begane Bohd di Chhan and many more. My masters degree in English literature, sound knowledge of light classical music and training in theatrical arts stood in good stead for bagging the challenging emotional roles. Commencing my film career on a winning note with the prestigious roles in two national award winning Punjabi films, Kachehari by Vijay Tandon and Gurdas Maan’s Shaheed –E- Mohabbat, I got an instant popularity. Important roles followed thereafter and I relished playing Divya Dutta’s father in Zindagi khoobsoorat hai, a DSP with Rahul Bose in Shourya, Iqbal Dhillon’s Khoon da daaj, Jaspal Bhatti’s Mahaul Thheek hai and Ekk- The power of One and many more. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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Actor Patrick Swayze’s doctors have ordered him to quit smoking as he battles pancreatic cancer. The Dirty Dancing star is known for smoking more than three packs of cigarettes a day, and had till now refused to kick the butt. However, his doctors have cautioned him that if he wants to increase his chances of beating his cancer, he needs to stop lighting up. The news that the actor was suffering from the aggressive form of cancer was broken by a US tabloid which stated that the 55-year-old star had only weeks to live. However, his physician Dr George Fisher insisted that he was responding well to treatment. Jennifer’s
new love
— Agencies |
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Yummy Mummies! THINK riding on a roller coaster. Non-stop and totally out of control, a hapless little bundle of nerves in your arms—crying and crooning 24x7, dizzying sleep deprivation, laundry piling up on the bed (thanks to spitting n’ shitting sessions), hormonal insanity, delivery’s incredible toll on the body, funny smells, and a room resembling a nappy-manufacturing unit. This was how the insane world of mommydom looked like a few years back. Thankfully, not any more, courtesy — new age yummy-mummies, who have turned the concept of messy motherhood upside down. A far cry from hyper mommies, these moms are glamourous, all the time. Dishing out all things desirable – books, movies, clothes, shoes, handbags, hair, makeup, gossip, social issues, fitness, jewellery and sample sales. These women celebrate not just motherhood, but their womanhood as well. And well, we aren’t referring to Angelina Jolie or Katie Holmes. Or even Victoria Beckham, Kelly Ripa, Sarah Jessica Parker, Demi Moore, Kate Moss or Gwyneth Paltrow, svelte stars, who popped out babies and poured themselves back into their size 00 skirts within a matter of weeks. Rather these are our city’s glamour moms. We decide to spend a breezy afternoon with them, and better still, take you along. Remove the babies and strollers from the picture, and they wouldn’t be identifiable as moms. Meet 32-year-old Popel Sethi Arora running her own institute at Mohali. Fitness freak, dancer, language instructor and a networking buff, this mommie is much more than a toddler-flaunting freak. “We’re part of a perfectionist culture and, perhaps, we find it hard to accept the mess, chaos and extra pounds that are an inevitable part of motherhood, especially those early days. We’re used to being organised, so why stop leading a normal life post a baby,” she quips. And quite a happening life she lives, full of freaking sessions with friends, watching movies, binging on salads, and shaking a leg at the discs. “I’m regular with my aerobics sessions, for I love to slip into those immaculately designed suits,” she laughs an infectious laugh. Chips in fashion student Vrinda Bindrahw, with a one-year baby girl in tow, “Motherhood does mean a 180 degree shift in lifestyle. Like I gave up cushy job as a manager in an MNC after my daughter’s birth. However, I didn’t stop leading a normal life. I’m enjoying my maternal responsibilities. I’m regular with gymming. I continue being a movie freak. I am pursuing a course in textile design and even retailing my creations from home.” Isn’t it difficult to juggle so many things together? Agrees 30-year-old Ruchi Mandiwal from Panchkula, “Initially, things do get a lil’ topsy-turvy, but ultimately it depends on how you prioritise things. Today, along with my toddler, I’m doing everything else, be it painting, meeting friends, long walks or regular sessions at the parlour. It’s important for me to feel good as a woman.” So when did this shift actually happen? It wasn’t very long ago that city’s just-turned-mommies were spotted with elastic waistband jeans and big, bulky sweatshirts. Observes counselor Neera Bingra, “Today, thanks to their professional lives, young mommies are in everything from dangly silver earrings and spiky black mascara to blonde highlights, frosted lips and red nails.” And is the relentless media focus on celebrity moms fueling the YM trend, making ordinary moms feel inadequate? “Never mind,” says Vrinda, “Ordinary moms may not have an army of personal trainers, nutritionists, nannies or cosmetic surgeons like celeb moms, still I think it’s a good trend. For a long time, motherhood was thought to completely desexualise women, it’s a healthy reaction against that.” Chips in Popel, “The pressure not to let ourselves go is also self-inflicted. Celebrities may play a role, but its more of our our own desire to not be frumpy that plays a role.” Well, for these women, YM isn’t sexist, rather, it’s a great ego boost. After all, these Gen-Y mommies are more successful than their parents, have more disposable incomes, and are more aware about fitness and hygiene. No wonder, our baby boomer mothers have finally embraced the soccer mom icon! And what can we say, except, cheers to this never-ending fizz! |
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United We Stand WE
all are familiar with We– the all women group of artists. After all, they are celebrating their fifth year as a group in the same manner as they always did — by putting up their annual show to coincide with the International Women’s Day celebrations. This time, the nine members have brought their work to exhibit at Government Museum and Art Gallery-10. Their growth as artists is quite noticeable. Strokes have got bolder, subjects more complex and even the frames have gone bigger. And one connecting thread that binds them all is the hint of spiritualism that seems to say – yes, destiny does have an important part to play in life, but we have the strength to overcome all hurdles in life. This is actually the story of We, started by Sadhna Sangar five years back. Dejected, after a failed marriage, Sadhna was simply losing herself to the miseries of life. But like behind every man’s success, there is a woman, in this case it was a reverse situation. Inspiration came from her teacher Prem Singh, who inspired her to take up art again to vent out her bottled up emotions. It started like that, but Sadhna soon became the motivation for several other women facing more or less similar situations and also those who lacked directions in life. And five years down the line, they have emerged as confident and professional artists. “The aim to start the group was not just to motivate those who gave up art due to family pressure or lack of encouraging, but also save them from being exploited from middlemen in the art market,” says Sangar. Her work comprises five frames derived from nature. She has even painted We, where the nine birds are used as metaphors for all nine members, and of course, they symbolise freedom. The next touching story we hear is from Asha Sharma. Once known as a happy woman, whose happiness used to spill over in her canvass in form of colourful flowers, she’s now more philosophical in her approach to life and art. “I lost my husband an year back. The pain was unbearable but the support and encouragement of the members kept me going,” says Asha. Her works now revolve around cosmic forces that come with a positive message. For Neenu Vij, being associated with an all women group gave her the confidence to experiment with new forms. “We derive encouragement from one another and grow individually,” she says. Neenu’s paintings are based on her ancestral house, which she has captured from her memory. So the faces are hazy and so are the structures, but her lines are strong and so is the message — roots are important. They vary in age group but they all echo the same sentiment. Like Aradhana Tandon, Kamal Sohal, Kiran Bala, Anju Pasricha and the latest addition to the group Jasmin Pasricha — all buoyed with the feeling that comes from being a woman and a successful one!
On till March 11 |
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THE array of hair products available today is enough to make your head spin. Very few of us know what makes your shampoo and conditioners work for you. There is more to them than consistency, colour and perfume. While shampoos are designed to remove dirt, excess oil and dead skin from the hair and scalp conditioners are made to protect hair from heat, styling damage, moisturise, reduce static and impart shine. Also, it reduces friction between your hair and comb and saves hair from tangling. If your conditioner is left on your hair for longer time it has a better chance of attaching itself to the cuticle. Deep conditioning with heat is extremely effective as it lifts the cuticles and helps the product to coat. Rinsing hair well after deep conditioning is extremely important. Using a leave-in conditioner is always the best bet. It is important to select the right shampoo and a compatible conditioner. Conditioners decide the look of your tresses and how they will react to styling aids. Your conditioner must contain humectants like glycerin and panthenol and quaternium-22 that helps bind water to the hair. Emollients such as fatty acids and alcohols like cetyl, stearyl and stearic acid, oils help coat the hair to protect and seal in water. People with thin hair must not use it on the roots. n
Why is it necessary to use conditioner after shampoo? I shampoo my hair four-five times a week and have never coloured them but they are turning white. Pls advise. — Nitin Garg, via email Shampooing is incomplete if you do not end it with conditioning. Conditioners restore the PH balance of the hair. Shampooing and hair turning gray has no connection. Shampooing only cleanses your scalp and hair. The specialist cells (Melanocytes) are responsible for producing melanin (colour) that gives the growing shaft its colour. Greying happens when the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die and fail to produce colour. Hair colour is determined by the concentration and depth of melanin pigment in the cortex. Hair turns grey when the melanocytes fail to produce colour. Early graying is also genetic or a result of stress, shock, and prolonged illness. n
I have a lot of hair on my cheeks and chin. At present, I bleach them but I want a permanent solution. Please suggest. — Jessica, via email The endocrine system controls and directs the flow of hormones that effect hair growth throughout our body. Only specialists can understand and treat hair growth. Find a good specialist and have yourself examined. While there are many treatments such as sugaring, waxing, electronic tweezing etc, laser hair removal tops the list. Only a specialist can tell whether you are a good candidate for laser. Positives: Long lasting hair removal and even permanent results, can treat larger areas, no risk of disease transmission via blood, re-growth is often lighter and sparse Negatives: Expensive, causes lots of discomfort, offers no guaranteed satisfaction or effectiveness issues, and is generally ineffective on dark skin. Word of caution: Long term bleaching can have a negative effect on skin causing irritation and altering the pigment of the skin.
(This column appears fortnightly) Pammy Kaul is a UK-based beauty therapist. E-mail queries to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh
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Treatment: Appropriate diet, medication and exercises can reduce blood pressure by 10 mm, which proves to be beneficial in mild/ moderate cases of hypertension. Exercises: Moderate and endurance exercises with stretch bands or lightweights too should be increased in slow progression. Heavy weights can raise the blood pressure to dangerous levels as this increases the demand of oxygen by the heart. Stop exercising in case of dizziness, breathlessness or discomfort in chest, arm. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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After an alleged link up with Travelling in Vancouver co-star Aaron Eckhart, rumours are abuzz that actress Jennifer Aniston is now dating a crewmember of the film. The buzz started off after the former Friends star was spotted leaving friend Courteney Cox’s party accompanied by a mystery man. According to a source the mystery man is Brian Boruma, a crewmember of the film. “They met on the set. He was in charge of moving lights and other heavy equipment. He’s actually quite a ladies’ man. He’s dated actresses before,” the source said. However, Bourma refuses to talk about his new romance.
THERE can be no better way to express one’s love than with a memorable and everlasting symbol. Orra has launched a special collection of diamonds allowing you to etch your love forever. The range called Hearts of Perfection is a line of diamonds. These are perfectly cut and display a dazzling pattern of hearts and arrows on itself. These pendants set in white gold are moderately priced at Rs 12,000. In addition, each pendant comes with a bottle of Bvlgari perfume, for that whiff of romance. So gift your beloved one of these pieces to prove that true love runs deep.
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HEALTH drink tailor made for women, Women’s Horlicks comes packed with a complete list of micronutrients. Highly recommended by the World Health Organisation for women in the age group of 19-50 years, it promises to take care of the nutritional needs that a women may miss out in her daily lives. Rich in milk protein and vital micronutrients, it takes care of the daily requirements of iron, calcium folate, Vitamin B2, B6, B12 and C. It has no added sugar and is low fat. It is available in two exciting flavours — chocolate and caramel and is priced at Rs 100 for a 200 gram jar.
SAY goodbye to bad hair days. Lotus Herbals has launched Hennapura, a Henna shampoo with conditioner under its Kera-Veda hair care range.
A premium shampoo with conditioner it cleanses scalp from hair roots up. The product contains pure extracts of Henna leaf, Bhringraj and Neem leaf. Henna, is a unique natural hair conditioner, which adds life to dull hair. Bhringraj makes the hair strong and healthy, and Neem works as a powerful anti-microbial. It is especially suitable for dry to damaged hair. A 220ml pack is priced at Rs 145. So get yourself one today and solve all your hair problems.
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FOOTWEAR range designed specially for women, Crocs’ Mary Jane and Prima is the stylised avtaar of the brand’s conventional shoes. There is nothing plain about Mary Jane that comes in a variety of colours from black to fuchsia and is priced at Rs 1,495. This specially styled model with dual straps is extremely comfortable. Or you can add twinkle to your toes with Prima in colours varying from black to sea. This ballet inspired flat shoe is of slim fit and provides utmost ease to the feet. It is priced at Rs1, 295. Unlike regular women’s shoes, Mary Jane and Prima have circulation nubs that stimulate blood flow.
— TNS
HYPERTENSION can be a major factor behind diseases like stroke, heart attack, and renal failure. Exercise increases cardiac output and reduces peripheral vascular resistance, which primarily raises the blood pressure. Exercise reduces the fat deposit in the body, increasing High Density Lipoprotein (H.D.L) and lowering Lipoprotein (L.D.L).