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Wake up, before it’s too late Growing up could not have been more difficult. Post-CBSE results, when talk only revolves around a 98% in math or a third division in biology, here’s what all students and parents must know HALF the teen suicides in the country are reported between March and July every year. Every 90 minutes a teenager tries to commit suicide and every six hours, one succeeds. The number of suicides has gone up from 800 in 1998-99 to 5,857 in 2007-07. Examination fever occupies 43% space in the teen trouble area. A mammoth 65% families have no clue about the child’s depression or suicidal thoughts. So, not surprisingly, each year when the board exam results are declared, anxiety and fear clouds the jubilant mood. Smiling faces of toppers on front pages of newspapers are soon overshadowed by reports of depression and suicide cases. Whose failure is it? The child who is caught between aptitude and expectation or the parents’, attempting to live their dreams through the child or the teachers whose role is to guide the student or is it just the system? These questions have no answers, but we can probably look for a solution, say city educationists, counsellors and psychologists. ”Topping an exam cannot be the measure of future success. Less marks do not mean the end of the road,” says Daman Duggal, principal Vivek High-38. “An above average child too can score less when burdened with over expectations. Plus, success is possible only when interest and aptitude match,” chips in psychiatrist Vani Kaler. But then how many of us know where our child’s interest lies? Sadly, not many. As counsellor Carmel Convent-9 Puneeta Singh puts it, “Class XII marks is less to do with what the child wants and more to do with the parents’ happiness and choices.” So are the parents to be blamed for the situation? “The fact that the parents deny themselves of so much just to be able to afford a good school does at times results in over expectations from the child,” says Duggal. But then, it is wrong to put the guilt burden on the parents alone. Adds Duggal, ”The system with its tough admission processes, the pressure put by school or society where marks determine the caliber and the child’s own want to score better than the classmates all play a role. It is actually a vicious circle.” So how does one step out of the circle? “It cannot be done in a day. The solution does not lie in crying or scolding, rather in re-assessing. Parents need to sit down with the child and identify the child’s interest, rather than forcing their interests on the child,” says Puneeta. Both the parent and the child need to know and understand that each individual is different. “Not all children who score well in science in Class X Boards wish to become doctors,” she says. “And then with students appearing for competitive exams simultaneously, how can CBSE marks be the mirror of aptitude?” she questions. Does that mean even when the world is opening up to umpteen creative options we are still mark-obsessed? Yes, indeed. Says psychologist Rajshree Sarda, “Lack of awareness, exposure and innovative thinking deprives them from exploring other options.” What does a parent do then? Stay cool and levelheaded, suggest experts. “Don’t panic. Identify the child’s strength realistically,” says Rajshree. “An adolescent is likely to be more aggressive so the situation is more delicate than it appears,” says Vani adding, “And then parents are very bad at hiding their reactions, they shout and instantly start comparing the child’s performance with his peers.” Consequently, the child just withdraws. Tells Rajshree, “Parents need to keep a check on the language they use. The idea is to help out the child, who is already experiencing profound sense of guilt and embarrassment.” So the need of the hour is to play a good listener, says Rajshree, “Four out of five children do end up taking drastic steps. So, parents need to be attentive to the indications given by the child.” So all you parents out there whose children have returned home with a not-so-bright marksheet, remember this is not the time to be judgmental. Rather, it’s the time let your child know that you care and love him. purva@tribunemail.com
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Champu’s back, this time to check your IQ!
STEPPING into the shoes of King Khan is Ruk Ruk Khan. Yes people, the spoof master and city boy Sunil Grover is back on telly, this time with Kya Aap Paanchvi Fail Champu Hain? The quirky show is a spoof on Star’s Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? Sunil became a household name last year when he hosted the spoof of KBC, Kaun Banega Champu. Says Sunil cheekily, “Ruk Ruk is better than the original. He’s funnier and more versatile. And so is the show.” On this show you’ll see Bollywood look-alike contestants answers questions that will completely lack intelligence and be irrelevant to any school curriculum.” As for the prize money there is none. Why? “Because you cannot possibly buy dumbness,” laughs Sunil. But then behind all the fun and jokes there is a serious message. Says Sunil, “You don’t need to be a topper in class to succeed in life.” Well said!
— TNS
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New releases
Starring: Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Gulshan Grover, Anupam Kher Director:
Shashi Ranjan
MUNGILAL (Anupam Kher) was once a small time bhai in Mumbai. He had a childhood friend Jignesh (Satish Shah) who was also his business advisor. When the authorities turned the heat on the bhais in Mumbai, Moongi and Jignesh fled to Bangkok. There, Moongilal has become a don. The Film begins with the All-Asian Bhai Meet that discusses issues like who would be the next don of Mumbai and the importance of having a waris. Moongilal assures the syndicate that he has a waris and asks the syndicate for one month’s time present him. This is where Moongi’s estranged sister Angoori (Bhavana Balsawar) comes in. A letter from Angoori reveals that she has a child Kamal, who looks like his uncle. Mungi resolves to hunt his waris in Mumbai where he employs detective Johnny English (Satish Kaushik) to find Kamal in 20 days. Johnny gets hold of an NRI (Sammir Dattani) to stake a claim to be Kamal. Johnny takes him to Bangkok but, to his shock, he finds another guy (Shaad Randhawa) there, who also claims to be Kamal. While this confusion is on, one more girl, Shivani (Aarti Chhabria) arrives at the scene claiming her to be the real Kamal (the gender was not clear in the letter). A confused Moongi asks all of them to stay in the house till he arrives at a decision. In the ensuing drama enters Jiya (Shama Sikandar) who claims to be the NRI Kamal’s girlfriend. Now, all four are caught up at the Bhai’s house and how Moongi, then, makes them to act as his waris...how his rival Fursat Lala unveils the truth... is a journey through hilarious situations. Dhoom Dadakka a story of good people in bad situations, told in a rip-roaring style!
Showing at: Fun Republic, Nirman He’s got charisma Director: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
THIS animation film will be released in seven languages all over the country. The plot revolves around Ghatothkach, fondly known as Ghattu. Though animated, the film is made in the song and dance style of a Bollywood production. It depicts the escapades of Ghatothkoch, son of Indian mythological strongman Bhim, who discovers the ladder towards the upward level of fame by acquiring victory through his charisma and magical powers. Its makers, Shemaroo Entertainment’s, had hired some of the best talents from India, the US, Philippines and Canada for the 100-minute film. It will be released in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali and has been made both in 2D and 3D. Ghatothkach has also been adopted by the PETA as the official brand ambassador for their ‘Save The Elephant’ campaign. This adorable character will now help spread the word not only about the upcoming film but also on the campaign related to cruelty towards elephants. Showing at: Fun Republic, DT Cinemas
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Soulful Melody Doyens of classical music will perform at Hamare Ustad beginning tomorrow “Hindustani classical music tradition is the enviable treasure of our cultural heritage which our celestial Rishi musicologists have given us to hold on to as also to propagate among music lovers,” says Kamal Tewari, chairperson of the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademy. Committed to the cause of propagating music, the academy will present acclaimed maestros from the region in a two-day classical bonanza Hamare Ustad. Meet the maestros all set to enrapture you with their expertise on May 24 and 25 at Randhawa Auditorum. Pt Yashpaul: At the age of 11, when most music aspirants begin to learn, a child prodigy named Yash mesmerised the audience at the prestigious Harvallabh Sangeet Sammelan in 1948. It was his maiden public performance. Now hailed as the pride of the region, this Agra Gharana maestro, Pandit Yashpaul, is an acclaimed academician, musicologist, performer and composer under his nom-de-plume Sagun Piya. A top grade artiste of AIR, credited with six decades of performing excellence in India and abroad Pt. Yashpaul is proponent of traditional purity in music and Guru-Shishya Parampara. He owes his successful career to his gurus Pt. Kasturi Lal Jassara, Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan and Yunus Hussain Khan Saheb. On May 24
Ravinder Singh: A suave, serene and sincere Ravinder Singh is undeniably the most accomplished flautist composer in the region. He made headlines after winning the top position in instrumental music at the PU Youth Festival at Bhiwani in 1962 along with Jagjit Singh bagging the same laurels in Ghazal. Graded artist of the All-India Radio since 1978, he has provided music in plays, scores of albums besides accompaniment to dance legend Sitara Devi and ghazal singer Jagjit Singh. He has authored a book Valvale Pyar De. On May 24
Pt Bhim Sain Sharma: A musicologist with 45 years of teaching experience in various universities, Pt Bhim Sain Sharma had learnt under stalwarts like Amir Khan, Vilayat Khan, Pt Dilip Chander Vedi and Acharya Brihaspati. His versatility encompasses in singing all genres with specialisation in dhrupad and khyal gayaki. He is a strong proponent of Guru –Shishya tradition. On May 25 Dr Harvinder Kumar Sharma: The foremost disciple of legendary Sitar maestro late Ustad Vilayat Khan, Dr Harvinder Sharma was initially groomed by his father Megh Raj Sharma. A post-graduate in instrumental, vocal music and gold medallist in Sangeet Bhasker, Dr Harvinder is an A- grade artiste of the AIR. He has won the prestigious Sur Mani Award and two years fellowship to do research at Tashkent (Uzbekistan). He has performed in Germany, Poland, France and Moscow. On May 25 (All music lovers must take their seats by 6.15 p.m.)
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The spotlight has shifted from the shaadi to pre-wedding bashes, finds out Anandita Gupta “People are bored of merely playing dholaks and biting into paneer pakoras at sangeets. So, they are roping in chorographers, choosing a happening venue, and going in for a themed décor,” says Shivani Sadikhi, director, operations-The Flick. Sadikhi updates us on the themes lighting up city sangeets, “Traditional mehendi-choori have given way to European styles and fairy-tale settings. Arabic décor complete with mashaals, hookahs, surahis, belle dancers, palm trees and sheer drapes is most sought after.” And whatever be the theme, the overall look is like of a lounge bar with low seating. Quips Japneet Bawa from Wraps’r rus- 26, “Fancy is the word when it comes to these occasions, be it décor or gift wrappings. People ask for personlised and creative wrapping, especially in case of bridal showers.” So latest on Japneet’s design menu is wrappings in nets, organza and sheer fabrics embellished with Swarovskies and imported flowers. “And that the gift isn’t meant for the wedding is not stopping these girls from shelling out anything between Rs 300-2,000, “she adds. Frill-and-flounce may be the name of the game for sangeets and bridal showers, but for bachelor’s dos and cocktails, it’s more about making a chic statement. Like The Flick recently did this quirky bachelor’s do, where everything was shaped like a ring! Another one had a gazebo for a ceiling, shaped like the Christ’s Cross. And when décor is such fun, can cards be far behind? “Cocktail cards are jazzy, quirky and fun,” says Rohini Juneja of Juneja Design studio, adding, “These bashes are cosy affairs, so the cards are about humour, fun and jokes involving the bride or the groom.” Rohini remembers doing an invite with a huge beer bottle and a whacky photo frame with funny quotes. Avers Jyoti Sahni of Card Studio, who recently did a hip cocktail card in stark black with shocking red printing on it, “And since these are from the bride or groom themselves, gals and guys are willing to shell out anything between Rs 20 to Rs 1,000 per card.” Then, there are the likes of choreographers Varun D. S. Rana, helping people actually waltz (pun intended) through their sangeets and bridal showers! “Pre-wedding functions are personalised affairs, when you actually want to shake a leg while your dear ones clap and cheer. So, most of our clients are mama-mamis, chacha-chachis, devar-bhabhis, mummy-papa, ladka-ladki and even nana-nanis.” And no ordinary naach-gaana for our city revelers. “While commonest is the choreographed sequences depicting different stages in the lives of bride and groom, there are Jhalak Dikhla Ja style multiple rounds involving each member performing different dance forms on spicy numbers like Kajrare and Billo Rani. And here again, charges are as high as Rs 25,000 for a 15-minute performance and go up to Rs 1lakh for half an
hour. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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Sidelanes Dinesh escorted us to his home. We walked through dusty, ankle wrenching by-lanes, over loose stones and dry, fine soil that cracks lips, heels and hands. We followed open drains that stank in the midday heat but Tanuja and I did not cover our noses lest we offend our host. Piles of garbage lay in any and every open space. Janta Colony, Nayagaon, is one of those numerous “out of sight, out of mind” orphans of Shining India. I shudder to think what it will be like during the rains! After ages in the blazing sun, we turned a corner, entered a home, obviously built by loving hands, not some city architect and his expert team. The mother sat on the doorstep selling a small pile of vegetables. She asked her daughter-in-law to man the dukaan as she assumed the role of gracious hostess. Tanuja and I removed our shoes though we were asked not to. There are two rooms, neat, clean, cool, low ceilinged, with walls that are ablaze with large paintings. My first introduction to Dinesh was when I bought a card sketched by him. The charcoal child-face is wistful and innocent, a typical product of the colony and those who have hope, patience and a desire to reach somewhere inspite of all odds. A huge canvas covered one wall. The subject is an array of golden bells and red, sequined cloths, so typical of the inner roof of any Hindu temple. The angle of the painting is unusual and yet so true. An agitated black hen darted out, alarmed by the intrusion, protective of her single chick. I noticed a wire cage in one corner of the tiny aangan, obviously the nocturnal abode for hen and chick. I am sure most of the other birds must have fallen prey to cats and dogs. These incidents are bound to occur in crowded colonies. What about bird flu, hepatitis, trichnosis, cholera, malaria, dengue and gastroenteritis? Pigs, goats, chickens and rats ensure that these settlements are the breeding grounds for the most resistent strains of disease. If the battle against them could start here, epidemics would definitely be contained and many more children would survive their infancy. The fifty odd paintings, stacked against the wall are testimony to a young man’s driving passion. That his family has encouraged and educated him in this field, is an act of courage. Dinesh studies fine art at Kurukshetra. A lot of his work has the touch of genius and true creativity. Maybe another M.F.Hussein will emerge some day from the muddy, uneven streets of Nayagaon. Dinesh is seeking guidance and direction. He wants sponsorship, exhibition space, contracts from industrialists, restaurants and hotels. If he does not get this, a talent will die, snuffed out by the basic need for roti, kapda aur makaan. I am bothered by the conundrum that is Chandigarh. This city has been compared to the best ones in Europe. Every day is spent beautifying and improving it. Yet, along its periphery are undeveloped areas not fit for human habitation. These are the true orphans of our society. If we cannot ensure better living conditions and basic amenities for the majority of our people, how can we be proud of our own homes and gardens? Shining India has a dark cloud around it. When are any of us going to feel responsible for the removal of that grime and darkness? |
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Youth speak Life is hectic. It’s no longer only the menfolk who is going out to earn money, but women too. And that becomes a reason for us to keep domestic helps. We hire them to take care of our old parents, kids and to facilitate our family. We provide them food and shelter, we trust them and love them like our own. But sometimes they kill our trust. The recent murders in Noida and even in our city have seen such helps behind the gruesome acts. It was shocking for us all. But we tend to forget such incidents very fast. We don’t even try to find out why such incidents happen. What are the precautions one should take to avoid them? Keeping help is not wrong but we should take care of a few things before we engage one. First of all, their police verification should be done in a proper manner. We should not take it just as a legal formality. We blame the police whenever something goes wrong, but we forget our responsibilities. They alone cannot do anything. But together, we can work towards our safety. We should never forget that money is important in life, but without life, money has no significance. If we want to remain safe, we have to wake up and take such small things seriously. Because one single mistake can costs us our lives. So, before keeping domestic helps, make sure about his or her background. One small step can be the reason for our safety. 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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Dream Formula Fast, slick & expensive. The F1 wonder
arrives in
the city IT’S not everyday that one gets to have a close look at one of the world’s fastest machines. So, when you have the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car right there, you want to know all about it from aerodynamics to suspensions to tyres to electronics! And the fact that it’s only a replica sans engine doesn’t seem to matter. On Thursday, the mean machine arrived at Mount View-10 and yes, you can spot it at various places in the city over the next three days. The car was showcased for the first time in January at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart and is the team’s wonder machine for the 2008 Formula One season that began on March 16. Tells CEO Vodafone Punjab Rajiv Kohli, “This is Vodafone’s yet another effort to come closer to the customer. And then, F1 is one fast-paced sport that is growing in popularity by the day.” So, Vodafone users can get themselves clicked with the F1 wonder. All you got to do is SMS VMM to 111 and pose! “The city is the machine’s second stop after Delhi. It shall be taken to nine cities in all,” tells Kohli. Vodafone’s association with the sport goes back to 2001, though it’s only since last year that they entered into a long-term commitment. Vodafone is now the title partner and official mobile partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. McLaren is one of the most successful teams in Formula One, having won over 150 races, 11 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships. So with sports becoming really big here in India do we see Vodafone play sponsors in any other sport too? ays Kohli, “We are already associated with the games of football and cricket and even marathons that are held in Delhi and Mumbai.” Well, so if you are a formula lover you can’t afford to lose this chance! |
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Song interrupted
Renowned singer-songwriter Rod Stewart is desperate to record a country music album. The star has revealed that the reluctance of bosses at his record label 'J Records' has been preventing his plans from materialising. "Everybody there is against that, which makes me want to do it even more," he was quoted as saying. "Apparently, the idea didn't 'test' well," he added. The 63-year-old singer also said he disliked the fact that J Records' chairman Clive Davis did not share his vision. Surprise!
Hollywood actor Jessica Alba's secret wedding to fiancée Cash Warren has come as a surprise to her family and close friends. The 27-year-old actress, who's expecting her first child, married Warren, 31, on April 19 in Beverly Hills. "Jessica and Cash's ceremony surprised even good friends," People quoted a source as saying. "She used to feel it would be okay to wait until after the baby was born. But her traditional side must have really kicked in," the source added.
— ANI
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The Black Bird The crow continues to fascinate artists; be it for its colour, cleverness or as a reflection of society
WHAT is it about the crow that has managed to hold artists’ attention for centuries? Look for instance at the Wheatfield With Crows. Executed in 1890, it is one of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, and probably most speculated too it was his last work. The film Lust for Life portrays Van Gogh shooting at himself while painting it. Though there is no evidence to support this, the three paths going in three different directions and a dark forbidding sky and black crows shows the artist’s troubled state of mind. Next came Pablo Picasso’s Woman with a Crow. It too has an interesting story behind it. As a struggling young artist in the Montmartre district of Paris, Picasso frequented a café called Le Lapin Agile. There he befriended the owner and his family. The woman in the frame is the owner’s stepdaughter Margot, who had a tamed crow. This painting became significant in his career as its pink tones marked the end of his Blue Period, which later gave way to his lighter, less gloomy Rose Period.
Coming to the contemporary scene, Kolkata-based artist Paresh Maity and Shuvaprasanna have captured and recaptured the bird in different settings and different form. Shuvaprasanna for instance first drew his famous crow with charcoal on paper and later he went to the extent of painting the Big Ben and Trafalgar with crows, instead of the familiar pigeons perched on top of the tiger. Our city artists are also not way behind when it comes to painting the bird. After all, crow is the official symbol for Chandigarh and Le Corbusier’s very name also translates into the crow. But that is not what inspired Raj Jain who taught in the Government College of Art in the 60s and 70s to paint the crow. “No, it’s not a replica of Picasso’s Woman with a Crow,” says Jain, who is now settled in Gurgaon. In a painting, which he did in early 60s, he drew the similarities between a bird and a female figure. Later in the 70s, he drew another painting Crow on Bench that he considers as one of his landmark works in terms of composition. Ask him how the crow become a part of his art and he has a lot to say, “First of all, a crow is closely associated with our social life, part of our folklore. That apart it has a sharp streamlined form and jet-black colour, which comes in contrast with the colourful nature. That alone can hold enough fascination for an artist. And that it is a very clever bird helps all the more.” His first painting Woman with a Crow is still a proud possession of the Government Museum and Art Gallery.
The latest to join the league is young and upcoming artist Shiven Tanwar. Though he carries the surname Tanwar, he has already found a style of his own, which is quite different from that of his father. His series on crows gives a glimpse of his style — semi abstract, laced with hidden meanings. Shiven developed an affinity for crows when he was in Mumbai, there he would see his grandmother feed the crows regularly. “I got fascinated by the way they communicated in their screeching vocal chord,” says Shiven. But he started painting them only when he joined the Government College of Art. A third year student, Shiven has done more than 30 works in different forms — acrylic on canvas and paper, wood cut and etching. “I am trying to reflect the society through crows. My white crow symbolises the powerful and the ordinary crows represent the ordinary citizens who are screaming and shouting to make their voices heard, but without success,” says Shiven. So his crows are partly figurative, partly abstract with protruding eye, which is the metaphor for intensity. Shiven’s works were recently exhibited in a group show held at Government Museum and Art Gallery. parbina@tribunemail.com
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Health Tip
WE spend lot of time in keeping ourselves physically fit and ignore the brain. The brain develops and gains strength during young age and then can either be maintained or allowed to degenerate. Precautions: Avoid fatty foods that can cause blood artery plaque and constrictions.Control emotional stress. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Solution: Meditation increases the thickness of the prefrontal cortex , which is associated with decision-making, planning and memory. Reading is an excellent way to keep the brain working. Crossword puzzles or computer card games are good mental exercises. Exercises increase the blood supply that is essential for the nourishment of the brain. Walking helps in relieving stress by improving blood flow to the brain. Staying mentally active is important in terms of preserving quality of life, longevity, and in not becoming a burden to your family. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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Creative Zone
And when he gives it the final touches sometimes it takes the shape of a poem and sometimes that of a song. The range of his theme is as varied as his medium of expression. Chauhan can write in Hindi, Punjabi and English. “Though Punjabi is my mother tongue, my first preference is Hindi because thoughts flow easily in this language,” says the poet-doc. His affair with the pen started when he was barely 19. Initially he wrote just for himself, but when one of his English poems got published in a magazine, it ignited his passion to write more as well as share his creations with the masses. A Hindi newspaper published another of his poem that had the nation as its theme, and yet another was read out on a TV channel on Independence Day. However, his biggest achievement came when he composed a song on Chandigarh, which was selected by the Chandigarh Tourism as a part of their promotional activities. “I don’t know how they are going to use the song, all I know is that the jury has selected it,” he says. Though his job allows him little time to browse through other poet’s works, he admits to being inspired by Shiv Kumar Batalvi. — TNS Readers are invited to share their creative pursuits with us. Mail a synopsis of your work and contact details to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, c/o The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd.
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Swaying beats Sukhwinder is popularising tabla in the West
“As the whole world watched the presentation ceremony on TV, the pranks of my childhood chums who used to call me
tablachi flashed in my mind,” reminisces Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari. In city for a performance, this Birmingham-based teacher and performer, shares his views on the Indian music scene abroad. Endowed with a keen sense of rhythmic patterns Pinki, at the age of five, devoted himself to the study of rhythm under Pakawaj Samrat, Ustad Nihal Singh. Before entering his teens, he gave his first solo performance at Birla Mateshwari Hall, Mumbai, way back in 1978. A desire to learn from his idol, the world-renowned tabla samrat, Padmavibhushan Kishan Maharaj of Banaras Gharana was fulfilled in 1978 and he dedicated his next 18 years in his pursuit. While his guru had induced a polished display of virtuosity in tabla, it was Ustad Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain to popularise tabla in the West. Sukhvinder has become a phenomenal performer and is well known for his spontaneity, power and virtuosity, which make him an obvious choice to perform with top Indian maestros in the West. Driven by the urge to propagate the aesthetic splendour of Indian music, Sukhwinder has established the Taal Vadya Vidya, institute at Birmingham, now a premier Indian percussion school of the UK. “The audience and the music aspirants in the West have an intrusive mind. And they know how to analyse and appreciate good music,” says Sukhwinder. “After my solo shows many of them would ask me about our complex rhythmic patterns, the highly processed and generative arrangement of beats and also about the electrifying execution of tabla syllables,” he adds. “I see a promising future of Indian music in the West,” claims Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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TAROT TALK ARIES: The Five of Pentacles says this would be a positive, encouraging and inspiring week for many of you. All the efforts and hard work of the past would pay off and you would receive the appreciation and acknowledgment that you truly deserve. Lucky colour: Crimson. Tip of the week: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. TAURUS: The Ace of Pentacles sees the long hours, hard work and tough challenges being rewarded and recognised this week. Take care of your emotional, mental and physical health. At home, you would get love and support from your partner. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Try to be diplomatic. GEMINI: Certain stresses would have started to tell on you and this would be the perfect week to deal with them, says The Prince of Wands. At home, be tactful yet straightforward and things would become peaceful. Spending time with friends and giving some space to your partner would also help. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Tip: Do not be disappointed if expectations are not fulfilled. CANCER: You card, The Hierophant, reveals your diligence and determination would be in focus. Those in the fields of media, acting, etc. would be recognised and appreciated. Romance may have to be put on the backburner. However, travel would yield benefits. Lucky colour: Saffron. Tip: Be realistic and practical in your approach. LEO: The Wheel of Fortune reveals the past would influence your present. Events that may have occurred long ago in your personal life would demand your attention and energy and you would need to deal with them. Lucky colour: Sea green. Tip: The stress of this week may have an effect on your peace of mind, so spend some time relaxing and having fun. VIRGO: The Nine Golden Cups say that money matters and investments would be highlighted this week. At work and in social circles, you would be sought out for your honest opinion and straightforward attitude. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Tip: Meditation and spiritual pursuits are elevating. LIBRA: The Star card reveals there may be deadlines that you have to meet at work. At home, certain joint investments may have to be reviewed and revised. Those of you who are single may meet someone interesting in the professional world. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Tip: Listen carefully what other peoples are saying but don’t give them your total trust. SCORPIO: The Prince of Pentacles says your nurturing instincts would be heightened and you would take great pleasure in bringing happiness to others. Social interactions would also be quite fruitful and would give you a lot of joy. You may also travel somewhere close by over the weekend. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red. Tip: Go over accounts carefully and don’t neglect correspondence. SAGITTARIUS: The Queen of Cups says most of you would be reflecting on the past and planning for the future. At work, there may be plenty of meetings and discussions. Fever, colds and coughs may bother some of you. Lucky colour: Black. Tip: Use your intuitive powers and don’t lose hope. CAPRICORN: The Two of Wands would bring growth in profession and business. There may be some hurdles but you would be able to overcome them easily. Emotions would play a key role in relationships. Lucky colour: Baby pink. Tip: Beware of superficial and domineering women in the family. AQUARIUS: The Magus says this would be quite an emotionally charged week. Professionally, you may decide to speak with a senior about your growth and development. Aquarian housewives and children would need to work extra hard in this week. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Tip: Rest your mind and body and avoid worrying excessively about trivial issues. PISCES: The Princess of Swords says you would be overflowing with enthusiasm, stamina and confidence. Travel plans may have to be changed and postponed. Work on balancing expenditure and start a regular savings plan. Lucky colour: Red. Tip: A light and playful attitude is best adopted in heavy situations.
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THE big fat Punjabi wedding is getting bigger and fatter. Yup, we all know that, right? So, why another story on the extravagant Punjabis? Well, because this time around, it’s not exactly the grand shaadis that our swish set is obsessed with. It’s rather the rounds of pre-wedding bashes that the city’s hoi polloi is splurging on. Right from sangeet to cocktails to bridal showers, all are fast becoming occasions to showcase personal style. Flaunting a select gathering, a fun, informal mood and loads of quirky style, these gatherings are actually turning more memorable than the D-Day. Wonder why? Read on.
But then there are people swearing by traditional flavour too. Like city-based couple Gurdarshan S. Gill and Pooja who invited shahnai wadaks, ghaza gayaks and qawwals for their Punjabi-haveli themed cocktail bash. So what all did it include? “Flavoured hookahs, pidhas for sitting, and desi-ghee dripping. And the waiters wore bandhgala achkans and the waitresses adorned their hair with parandis,” smiles Gill.
EVERYTHING, including the city, is a song for him. And why not, penning it down liberates him from his innermost feelings. He is Navneet Singh Chauhan, a doctor in ayurvedic medicine, who loves to describe every living and non-living thing and every positive and negative feeling in verses.
Coming from a sleepy village of Katani, near Ludhiana, the child prodigy Sukhvinder Singh Namdhari, affectionately called Pinki, had never dreamt of being a co-winner of the Grammy in 1994. Articulating the melody meter on tabla, he had teamed up with guitarist Ry Cooder and Mohan Veena maestro Pt Vishvamohan Bhatt for the classic award-winning album
Meeting by the River.