|
|
|
|
|
Advantage Girl Increase in the number of families in the city with single girl child indicates that things are changing...
Much comes down to timing. The status of girls, which was synonymous with violence and discrimination, has seen an appreciable change, barring of course the areas where girls are considered lesser mortals. Coming back to the change, the city in particular has witnessed rise in the number of families with single girl child, and it goes without saying that they are more than happy and content with their caring daughters. A son is son till he gets married; a daughter is a daughter till you die. Very true, echo these families, who have left no stone unturned to provide their daughters the best of both the worlds. For them, these girls are life and they yearn for nothing more. Dr Swami Dass Mehta, skin specialist with Sector-16 hospital and his wife, a doctor with PGI have found a companion for life in their daughter Aditi, who is soon to join a medical college. “What else do we want, Aditi is everything for us. I know that she will have to leave us for her own family one day, but don’t sons do the same. They also leave parents; infact girls are more sensitive and caring towards their parents”. Dr Mehta firmly believes that a girl with the right kind of education and value system will fetch a good name for the family. “Girls are at par with boys in every field. When people ask me are you Aditi’s father, imagine how proud I feel”. Yet another family that is thankful to god for the little gift in the form of their daughter, is Dr Rajesh Gupta, professor surgical gastroenterology, division of general surgery. “I am more than happy and satisfied that I have a daughter. We cherish every minute spend with her”. Dr Rajesh refuses to look at her girl as someone who will take care of them in future. “I don’t need anyone to look after me when I grow old. I’d rather go to some old age home than trouble my child. Nevertheless, he adds, girls of course are caring. They are your partners for life.” But what endears a girl child to her parents. “It brings out the best in parents”, says Meena Chib, a homemaker from Sector-38, who shares a friendly relationship with her daughter Richa, a student from DAV-15. We moved to Chandigarh from Ropar so that Richa could get the best education. Adds Meena, who feels that girls epitomize love and affection, our friends and relatives ask us what we would be doing once Richa marries. But then, it has to happen one day. Sons too get married, and whisk off faster than girls. I want to give my child the best of both the worlds and I know she will do us proud one day.” Take it from Dr Gurcharan Singh, Professor in theatre and television department, Patiala and Dean Faculty of art and culture, who always wanted a girl child and load her with gifts and best of everything. “I have given my daughter, who is settled in Canada, the freedom to choose her life. She isn’t married and I don’t want to push her into it. I want her to understand and take life as she wants.” Being a girl is a burden no more. The so-called expectations from a girl to take care of her family, get married, make children are diminishing. Parents are happily accepting the fact that they don’t want their girls to bow down to any kind of pressure from the society. They know for a fact that their ‘only’ girl child will shoulder the same responsibilities, as a son would have had. “Gender differences are narrowing down, feels Dr Mehta. Right kind of education and awareness will help create a mindset that will accept girls as equal beings. Discrimination probably does exist in some strata of the society, but it is a matter of time and everything will change for good. But if they had a choice…what would they have picked? Boy or a girl? “I wanted only girl, says Dr Gurcharan Singh. A loving, caring, independent daughter.” jasmine@tribunemail.com |
|
Cold comfort Doggies have their share of comfort, thanks to the air-conditioned doghouses Comfort is going to the dogs, literally. As the unseasonal rainfall brings about only a transient change in the discomforting dog days, air-conditioned kennels are fast finding their way into the hearts of pet lovers across the city. This is not all. Dogged to give the best to your pet; the not-so-dogmatic accessory manufacturers have also come out with special ice-gel jackets. If the idea is not gelling with you, there’s exclusive ice-gel bedding for your doggie. Guys, you do not have to really drive around the city hunting for the stuff. It’s right there in the pet shops all over Chandigarh- The pet shop in Sector 22; or the one in Sector 32; and you will find the stuff waiting to be picked up by the dog’s best friend. One look at the AC dog house is enough to tell you it’s designed for comfort. It’s aesthetic too. Carved out of clean wood, it looks appealing to the human eye. Just two feet by three feet, it’s otherwise also ideal for placing at a corner of your living room; or under the rejuvenating shade of that tree in your backyard. Hey, don’t let the price factor prevent you from putting on the dog. The stuff is dog-cheap. Depending on the size and the air conditioner’s efficacy, you can let your pet enjoy a whiff of cool luxury by issuing a cheque of less than Rs 20,000. The thought of paying the electricity bill too will not leave you in a cold sweat. “A normal air-conditioner installed in your bedroom is of one to two ton, but the one for your little dog is of just 450 watts,” says Vikas Kakkar of Radhey Creations-32. “As such, you pay less than Rs 2 an hour for keeping your dog cool. So, you really do not have to worry about the power consumption”. The net jackets too are effective. “You can fill up the pockets with ice-gel — that’s the stuff you get for preserving medicines and other things,” says Kakkar. “For good four to five hours, your dog will not lose his cool. And, it wouldn’t go looking for water tubs, or digging up the flowerbeds in your front yard”. The ice-gel bedding works more or less on the same principle. Its three inch foam has been cut right in the middle to accommodate ice-gel. “Put the bedding in a corner, and watch your pet sleep in pure comfort,” he asserts. Well, the pet lovers are not showing any signs of doggedness in buying the stuff. An undergraduate putting up in Sector 48, Shamile, has persuaded her dad to buy both the jacket and the bedding for the “little one”. She wants the kennel also, but the proposal is still under consideration. Folks, looking at her and her Pomeranian, you can only says the dog’s life is not all that bad. saurabh@tribunemail.com |
|
Courtesan Chandigarh No wonder, Chandigarh’s name figures in the list of “earn-in” cities of the country. But, is not included in the category of best-to-live-in places! That’s right! Both courtesans and Chandigarh are good for spending time and earning fulfillment, but not for settling down — at least this is what the findings of a survey hint at. Just in case you do not know, data complied by economic-research firm Indicus Analytics on residents, earnings and investments, says Shimla, just 120 kilometers away, is among the best cities to reside in. But Chandigarh and Rupnagar are good for making bucks. Now isn’t this surprising? After all, as students in the 90s’ you always thought the capital was just for the tired, retired and about to expire… a place full of white beards and green bushes where markets remained closed on Sundays and shutters were down from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm in Sector 17 on weekdays… not a city to earn livelihood, but to settle down after hard toil to earn bread! “You had your reasons to think so,” says ex-Capt Rajneesh Talwar. Running a card and gift shop on the Panjab University campus since his youthful days, he says: “There were hardly any professional opportunities here. For jobs, it was Delhi or some other city. Chandigarh was for cycling-on-the-empty-road students”. But then, you just cannot deny the fact that Chandigarh had its own charm. There were no stubble-faced strangers in juttis. Everyone knew everyone and no one was ever in a hurry. And, it wasn’t called “City Beautiful” for nothing. You had “good crowd” that became all the more better on first and third Wednesday; and second and fourth Sunday; because of GCG-11 outings. There were no nightclubs, but life was one big ball. You had cinema halls like KC that showed English flicks every week. And, you had to pay just Rs 4.50 for enjoying the show from the balcony. “ Chandigarh was not the country’s first smoke-free city at that time,” recalls city-based entrepreneur Ashu Kapoor. “But there was no pollution as vehicles were limited. DAV-10 had just one student coming to the college on a car and it was fun-in-the-bus for others — 1C, 9C, 14 and 10 route number buses being popular-most amidst the students because of the hip and happening crowd”. Parking too was not an issue. Lake had no dedicated lot for leaving behind the four-wheelers because there were hardly any visitors on cars; and walking was in vogue. Sector 17 too had wide open spaces and there wasn’t any need for you to pull out crisp currency notes for parking your Fiat in the lot. Then, there were hardly any traffic lights and the stress levels too were low. Attribute it to globalization or advancement; or term it as change of the old order; things are now different in bursting-at-seams Chandigarh. “You have more than a few youngsters, who do not belong to the city’s culture. They are boisterous, litter the grounds, act private in public by brazen display of emotionless affection and create ruckus. And when something happens, Chandigarh youth get the blame,” says advocate Bittu Shergill. Heaving a deep sigh, he adds: Life has become hectic with almost all multinationals opening up their offices here. It’s nine-to-nine for most couples. They are the ones you see driving around throughout the day at stressful speeds. The civic body too has failed to spruce up the city with congress grass and litter strewn all around. The planning has gone haywire and it is no more Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh. Well guys, in the end while mulling over Chandigarh you can only think of Kingston Trio’s hit number Seasons in the sun: “We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. But the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time”. And, you can also hope for a little more respect for the
courtesan. saurabh@tribunemail.com
|
|
A date with tradition Entertainment industry brings back Indian wear
It is hard to imagine life without colours, style and trends. Traditional outfits are passé, Gen-Y lives on the contemporary and westernized. Thanks to the daily soaps on television, working 24x7 to revive tradition, through the extensive display of Indian outfits adorned by the stars. Sarees, frock-suits, suits, lehengas are in vogue again. And guess, its not only the trend-bitten youngsters, the celebrities have also taken a fancy to it. From Rani Mukherjee, Aishwarya Rai to the sexy Mandira Bedi, everyone’s sporting an Indian outfit with élan. Smitten by this new trend Rosy and Ritika, training at Frankfinn institute say, “We didn’t have a liking for suits much, but after watching Natasha’s designer suits in Kyunki saas bhi Kabhi bahu thi, we have gone ahead and bought ourselves one”. So, its not only telly world that’s making a difference, ramp models flaunting saris and suits have also carved a new indianised style statement. Westernisation is giving way to Indian ethos. Stunning sarees worn by Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta at Filmfare functions says a lot about the revival of the trend. Right from Punjabi juttis, chandelier earrings, colourful bangles, elaborate finger and toe rings, anklets to mehndi patterns, traditional dressing has come up as a new style statement. Sarees flaunted by Bani in Kasamh Se are very popular with girls in colleges and Universities. Similarly, heavy pallu sarees are also back in style. Same goes for, trendy huge rings worn by Urvashi Dholakia in Kasauti.. also pretty popular as well. Designers too are coming with collections exclusive in traditional Indian wear. Adds Ritu Kochhar, head corporate INIFD-8, “Traditional wear have always been there, its just that television and Hindi cinema keep reviving it with changes in style here and their.” Outfit’s add a touch of charm and romance. And it’s nice to see youth getting back to their roots. Isn’t it? lifestyletribune@gmail.com
|
|
Telly Tales They come from nowhere and add yet another turn to the topsy-turvy plot
Of so many topsy-turvy trends, the return of the ‘X’ is one that finds a prominent place on the scripts and of course on the screen. So, when Tripti (courtesy Kyunki saas bhi Kabhi bahu thi), after all the hullabaloo is finally living a thek si happy life with Sahil, the pretty meek Ganga makes an entry, standing in the middle of a khaali room, dead pan expressions and curtains flying without any sign of wind or Khaitan Pankha. The whole family looks at with surprise. ‘Abh yeh kahan sey aa gayi, aagey plot pey plot dey rahi hai Ekta’. After one episode of the camera panning in and out, the family, including Sahil manages to get a faint smile on their faces with Ganga standing mute, leaving Sahil and the poor audiences wondering in amazement. Kuch to bol Ganga!
Kuch bhi kehlo these X’s are very important to a serial. “They are the spice of the serial says Manav Vij, who plays Joydeep in the serial. They come in at a perfect time and when they are there the mystery is unveiled and finally the ‘X’ becomes the part of the family, finding acceptance from the family, leaving the bichari ‘present wali’ with no choice.” So, be it Nandini with her new (awk) haircut making a comeback in Karan’s khushaal zindagi, with Tanya sobbing in front of her kids for the dokha Karan has done to her or Mandira doing the same, the return of the X plot works wonders for the TRPs. (This column appears weekly)
|
|
Where’s the party tonight? Here’s your one-stop, self-help guide to the discs in and around the city. Take a look and decide where to go…
Dose up with Antidote This is the longest running discotheque in the city. With hatkey interiors, great ambience and equally good food, Antidote figures on the must visit list of the partygoers. Days to party: Saturday (post dinner) Maal hai to taal hai: Rs 1,000-2,000 couple & single entries as well At the console: Dj Aman promises a foot tapping evening. It’s different: Munish Bajaj, director, Antidote believes in setting trend. "We don’t want the place to look or even feel like the others in the city. Good food, drinks, ambience make a lot of difference, if only they are attached to equally good management." Antidote, SCO-18, Sector-26, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. Wilderness at Voodoo Within a year of it’s opening, the place has made quiet a place for itself amongst the party poppers. Spacious dancing floor with at least 100 couples swinging to rocking music at one go, you certainly cannot miss this one out. Days to party: Wednesday (till 1pm), Saturday (till 2pm). Maal hai to taal hai: Rs1,500 that includes Rs 800 as the cover charges. For couples- If you hit the place before 10.30 pm, you walk in free! At the console: Dj KK & Dj Rohit. It’s different: As per Col Sandeep Bhanot, owner Voodoo, “We get a mixed crowd- youngsters, girls, newly married couples and everyone walks out spending a great evening. We have launched voodooindia.com, a new website that will provide all the required information on the discotheque”. Look for Voodoo at SCO-27, Madhya Marg (At the basement of Moti Mahal) Saturday night at Warehouse club
The place gets partygoers from the city, from other regions of Punjab, and as well as Rajasthan, Jaipur, and Dehradun. An ideal place for people wanting to spend their Saturday’s away from the maddening crowd of the city. Days to party: Saturday till 2pm Maal hai to taal hai: Rs 1,000 for couple entry. Entry free for girls. At the console: Varun & Bonny. It’s different: Says Karan Wahi of Wahi’s ventures, "We have maximum number of bouncers, around 25 who ensure that the party is enjoyed in its right spirits". Drop in at Warehouse, Zirakpur Rajpura road. Keep Scoring A hot spot with the youngsters who want to want to enjoy their weekends in a full on party Ishtyle, Score is hot favourite with the party goers. Lip smacking snacks and variety of drinks to tease your palate; the place rocks. Days to party: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 9pm onwards. Maal hai to taal hai: For Rs 1,000 for on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. On Saturday’s, the tickets are priced at Rs 1,500. At the console: Dj Surya assures you that you are treated to all kinds of music. It’s different: According to Anupama Bhardwaj, managing director, Score, "We take care of the security. Nearly 15 bouncers keep a watch on the partyites. Rest, I think the place speaks for itself". Drop in at Score, SCO-177-178, Sector-8, Chandigarh. For more information log on to www.keepscoring.in Gung ho over Aerizzona This was indeed the first ‘real’ discotheque the city had. Spacious, fine interiors, good music and apt location (in the center of the city), Aerizzona qualifies as ‘the’ destination for partygoers. Days to party: Wednesday (1-6pm) followed by a Ladies Night from 9-1pm. Friday (1-6pm), Saturdays (1-6 and 9-2 pm) and Sundays (1-6 & 9-2 pm). At the console: Dj Rohit It’s different: Says Surinder Singh, owner, "This is the only regular disc in the town, which entertains a mixed crowd of youngsters and families." At Aerizzona, SCO 40-41, Sector-9, Madhya Marg Ice Ice Baby Blue Ice is the ideal place for the couples that love to dance or may be do a little ballroom jig. Open through out the week, you have to shell Rs 500 as the cover charges. Puts in Gaurva Dhanwal, general manager, "We have a separate lounge area wherein only the couples can dance. It’s safe, secure and right in the center of the city." At the console: Dj Sweet Check out Blue Ice, SCO- 7, Sector 17 E, Chandigarh jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Little Interview
Why transition from films to telly? I am doing television after 12 to 13 years. This is for the first I am being a part of a mythological serial. I have not played such a role before. Why did you choose this particular role only? For, I get to play various ages from 18 to 70 years old. So there’s lot of variety as far as the character goes. Plus I’ll be able to know how I’ll look when I am 70 (laughs). Moreover, it offers a combination of a mythological and a social character. Did you ever fear that you might get typecast into a particular role? No. I am not scared at all. Like I said, that in this particular serial I get to play both the social as well as the mythological character. So I don’t fear being typecast. Also it depends on you. I won’t keep choosing similar roles. Mythological serials are suddenly making a comeback again. Comment. Everybody needs a break from routine stuff and then it also depends on producers, directors etc. lifestyletribune@gmail.com
|
|
Bon apetit
Vanilla ice cream 300 ml full fat milk Method Lightly beat the egg yolks and ?rd of the sugar in a heavy pan. Heat the milk to almost boiling point and pour it in to the pan. Use a larger vessel with some water and set it to heat. Place the pan with the egg mixture into the gently simmering water, stirring constantly until the custard looks…. well, custardy! You are looking for a creamy consistency here. Remove the pan from the hot bath, cool and stir in the vanilla. Transfer to a container, cover tightly and freeze for about 45 minutes or until slushy. Remove from the freezer and beat thoroughly. Whip the cream with the remaining sugar and fold into the foamy, chilled custard. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the prepared mix.
Hot
Fudge Sauce 50 gm chocolate, broken into pieces 2 tbsp golden syrup or honey 100 gm powdered sugar 1 tbsp cocoa Method Put the chocolate in a heavy based saucepan along with the golden syrup, sugar, cocoa and six tablespoons of hot water. Stir over a gentle heat until melted. Cool and add butter and vanilla. If a more ‘chocolatey’ sauce is preferred, marginally increase the cocoa powder and water quantities. Serve over ice cream with a sprinkling of nuts.
Peach Sauce Bavarian 400 gm peaches, stoned and skinned ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp brandy or Peach Schnapps ½ tsp vanilla essence ½ cup fruit juice (orange or mixed fruit) 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter Method Finely chop the peaches and combine with the juice, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook, stirring all along, on medium heat till the fruit softens. Make a paste of the cornflour with a little water and pour into the pan along with the brandy. Cook further till the sauce begins to thicken. You may blend this sauce to a smooth texture though its nicer served warm or cold in this chunky form. Pour over the ice cream and arrange mango wedges and cherries along the dish as an added bonus. (More on ice creams next time)
|
|
KitKat Pleasure Sip into this chilled chocolate treat That’s right, guys! Cashing in on your longstanding craze for chocolates and constant longing for change, the city confectioners have evolved the shake that’s bound to leave you smacking your lips. Confectioner Madan in Sector-10 describes himself as the new shake’s “founder”. Ask him about the idea, and he smiles: “People love chocolates, and the hunger for shakes only increases during summers. And then, there is this never quenching thirst for something new. So, I decided to blend chocolate with shake to come out with an altogether new taste”. Good, but why Kit-Kat? “Well, any other chocolate could have actually made the shake heavy. So, after conducting a series of experiments, I finally decided to add Kit-Kat to the shake”. And how’s the response to the new research? “The stuff is selling better that any other shake in the category,” he asserts before offering you a glass. “The cold shake is hot favourite for the basic reason that it’s light, easy to digest and mouthwatering. The ingredients are added right in front of your eyes and the stuff’s just not expensive.” In case you do not know, you can gulp down a regular glass full of pure bliss by pulling out just Rs 20 from your wallet. Now go for it folks — for style, if not for the taste. Happy drinking! |
|
Spice up
First take a head band or scarf , place it just above the forehead, along the hairline and tie it at the back just above the neck. This is to protect the hair. Start by cleansing the skin thoroughly. Choose the cleanser according to the skin type – gel/cream cleanser for normal to dry skin; cleansing milk or lotion for normal to oily and combination skins. Apply it on the face. Take cotton wool pads, wet them and squeeze out the water. Using these, wipe your skin with upwards and outwards strokes. On the forehead, use strokes from just above the bridge of the nose, going on either side towards the temples, following a gentle arc. Pay special attention to the corners of the nostrils and don’t forget the neck area. Wash the face with plenty of water. While the face is still damp, apply a facial scrub for deep pore cleansing. This is particularly good for oily skins and blackheads. However, if you have spots, pimples, acne, rashes or any eruptions, avoid using a scrub. Facial scrubs are easily available nowadays. You can also use home ingredients, like almond meal, oats, or rice flour. Add a little rose water and apply on the skin. Rub the skin gently with it and wash the face with plain water. If you have normal to dry skin, nourishing should come next. Apply the nourishing cream, wet your hands with water and massage the cream into the skin, using outwards and upwards strokes. Use extremely gentle strokes for the area around the eyes, using only your ring finger. The motion should be outwards and care should be taken to see that the skin is not pulled or stretched. For the neck, use strokes from the chin downwards. Continue the massage for three to four minutes and wipe your skin with damp cotton wool or a clean, moist face towel. Avoid applying cream if the skin is oily, but nourish the neck area. Next, apply a face mask. Mix together two teaspoons ground almonds, half-teaspoon rose water, half-teaspoon curd and half-teaspoon honey into a paste. This is suitable for all skin types. However, do not apply the mask if there is acne. Apply this on the face, leaving out the area around the eyes. Take two cotton wool pads and soak them in rosewater, for eye pads. While the mask dries, lie down, close your eyes and put the eye pads on the eyelids. Allow your body to relax. This kind of relaxation is a beauty treatment in itself. After 20 to 30 minutes, wash off the face mask with water. Next, soak cotton wool pads with rosewater and wipe the skin with it. Stroke the skin too, with the rose water pads and pat your skin briskly with it. This helps to tone the skin. Then wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply this on the face, just wiping the face gently with it. Do not apply ice directly on the skin, or keep it on one spot for long. This
column appears fortnightly. |
|
Health Tip
Obesity is generally defined as the condition when an individual weighs 20% or more of ideal weight. An obese losing even as little as 5 to 10 percentage of body weight can improve many of the problems linked to obesity such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc. Weight loss over a period of times is the safest way as rapid weight loss can lead to lose in water or muscle rather than fat. Alteration in eating habits and physical activity is the ideal way to lose weight. Exercise is an essential part of any weight-loss program. The benefits of exercise include: Burning off calories thereby losing weight. Maintaining optimal muscle tone. Increasing metabolic rate i.e. the amount of calories body burns in a day. Improvement in blood circulation thereby improving heart and lung function. Precautions: Avoid all weight loss programs promising quick weight loss of 2 pounds/week. Beware of any programs that promise weight loss exclusively on dieting. Dieting alone can reduce extra fat formation but cannot burn what is already there. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
|
|
Actress Kate Beckinsale is keen on fixing up her nine-year-old daughter with Victoria Beckham’s eldest son Brooklyn. The Pearl Harbour star admits she doesn’t want her daughter Lily, also nine, to experiment with boys when she is older.
But the actress admitted that she wouldn’t mind if Lily dated Beckham’s eldest son. “I am dreading the day Lily brings home a boy. But she and the Beckham boys get on really well,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.
“So if she did have to have a boyfriend, then I suppose Brooklyn would get my seal of approval,” she added.
— ANI |
|
Rumours?
Jessica Simpson’s dad might be the real reason behind her split with Tony Romo. The 27-year-old singer’s dad Joe Simpson had offered a broker a deal to sell his engagement and wedding to a magazine. “‘If you guys have a marriage, I can do the same [sell it] that I did with Ashlee,’” said Joe. This indeed enraged Romo and he gave Jessica an ultimatum to tell her dad to back off. However, when asked for comment Joe defended himself. Meanwhile, the couple is apparently rekindling their relationship. Pay Rise!
She has just been awarded a trophy for top TV personality of the year at London’s Glamour magazine awards, but that’s not it. Dannii Minogue has also pocketed - a 1 million dollars pay rise. The gorgeous Dannii will now be getting double of what she used to get earlier for her reality show, The X-Factor.She is also on the panel of Australia’s ‘Got Talent’.
—ANI
|
|
|
HOLLYWOOD actress Charlize Theron has revealed that she has no plans of ever getting married to her long-term boyfriend Stuart Townsend. The two of them have been through many marriage rumours throughout their seven-year long romance, but none of it has affected them and they are still as close and committed as any married couple. “Even as a little girl I never dreamed of the white dress ,” said Theron. “ I am not judgmental about marriage. I am judgmental about how our government doesn’t want to see the reality of gay and lesbian marriages,” she said. But she does not say that keeping a long relationship is easy, as it requires the same kind of attention as a marriage. — ANI
|
|
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Chandigarh is like a courtesan! Every year so many people come to her in search of satisfaction! Spend some gratifying moments in her company! And go away! But as they depart, they leave behind the city exhausted and robbed of beauty. 
Widow remarriage, abortions, miscarriages, rape, adopting the second’s wife son or daughter- yahan sab hota hai. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to guess what we are talking about. Welcome to the world of illusions, yahan kuch bhi possible hai. It’s the world of homely K serials. A wife can have as many as 3-4 husbands (the scriptwriter is a really creative guy with imagination running wild like forest fire), a dead man can maro an entry right at the time when her wife is getting married to someone else’s husband who has walked out of the marriage. There are umpteen kids, some dancing at Holi and Diwali festival, other plotting to grab the family property. Didn’t we tell you yahan sab kuch chalta hai.
The panning, exchanging glances, milna, rona continues…but now it’s time for the real actor to come in. And there comes Tripti, in her designer jamavars, horrendous jewellery and long, long, long tikka. The camera zooms, dare it misses the concocted expression. ‘Ganga, Ganga, Ganga’. The confused expression and now the perplexed one. The dare you enter my territory expression. Oh my god, she will steal Sahil expression, followed by what about my jamawars expression ….it goes on and on, till someone from the family finally utters ‘Ganga tum’. Ah! What a respite. Finally, the X plot will move on…
Wondering where to party this
weekend. We get you a round-up of the discotheques in the city and around. So,
all ya people let down your hair and dance till you drop dead or are virtually
thrown out by the bouncers! Here, take a dekho.
AFTER acting opposite Akshay
Kumar in Saugandh and other Hindi films like Ikke pe Ikka, Phool
Aur Angaar, Mere Sajna Saath Nibhana and making her presence felt in
movies down south, actor Shantipriya is now all set to act in television. She
essays the role of not only a goddess but also her various avatars, in the
television serial Mata Ki Chowki on SaharaOne. Set in the present
age, the serial is about a girl who is found by a Pandit couple of Vaishno
Devi shrine. The show has already gone on floors. Not very many people know
that Shantipriya has acted in television before and it’s not her debut. She
speaks to us about why she chose this role, the trend of mythological serials
and much more.
THIS universal favourite appeals to people of all ages all over the world, both in the cold regions as well as in the Tropics. It is believed that Emperor Nero of Rome would send his slaves trudging miles into the mountains to retrieve snow, that was later mixed with nectar, fruit pulp and honey to create iced desserts. I don’t envy those poor slaves! Closer to home the story goes that the Mughal emperors in Delhi in the 16th century sent their horsemen to bring ice and snow from the Hindu Kush to prepare fruit flavoured sorbets. Ice cream parlors may continue to boast about their 21 flavors and 41 flavors but vanilla still reigns supreme as a hot seller. Let me share with you the basic vanilla and a multitude of sauces and topping ideas to enhance it.
This would be a good time to taste the level of sweetness. You may sprinkle in more powdered sugar if required. Pour back into a tin and freeze.
HOME made ice creams tend to be harder, in the absence of chemical emulsifiers. Half an hour before serving, transfer them from the freezer unit to a shelf in the main fridge to obtain a softer consistency.
Confectioners across the city are adding the ingredient of ingenuity to thick shakes for blending taste with pleasure. And it’s not just butterscotch-vanilla or chocolate-chip drink that they are offering. to give you the taste of something new. Digest this: They have come up with imaginative stuff like the “Kit-Kat” shake that simply promises to leave you craving for more. 
With chocolaty bubbles excitedly bursting at the brim of the sparkling cut glasses and the whiff of freshness coaxing you take the gratifying sip, there’s hardly anything else you can ask for. At least, till they think of something better! And if you haven’t savoured the excitement of sampling the stuff, just hop on your bike and go to the nearest arcade. For once, forget all about those usual milk shakes, almond-pistachio milk and even thick tomato or chicken soups. Add new flavour to your life by ordering the shake. 
IT’S a good idea to keep one day in the week to give yourself a home facial. It helps to keep the skin in a good condition and also to counteract the effects of pollution and dirt, which are present in the air in most cities. It helps to refresh the skin and rejuvenate it after a week of stress, strain and fatigue.