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Fight like a
GIRL
YOU’VE seen it in the movies and in Hindi serials for sure — a girl walking down an isolated road, a car zooms past her and stops after a distance. A devilish looking guy rolls down his car’s window, and jumps out to scare the girl (some purani dushmani). Here is the twist: Rather than running helter skelter shouting for help, the girl jabs the guy in the eye followed by a karate kick. Man, did you ever expect that? Neither did the guy, not even in his wildest dreams.
But now, all you devilish guys and villainous uncles, think a hundred times before you hit on a girl. A woman will neither succumb to idiotic remarks and passes nor will she run to call her mummy. Rather, she’ll ensure that a good number of your 206 bones are broken with her kicks and jabs. And what better way to do this than self-defence tricks? Looking at the rising crime against women, self–defence moves are the need of the hour. Girls in and around the city too are enrolling in karate classes, learning knockout boxing punches, or simply carrying a bottle of cobra pepper spray. “A karate kick or a kick in the attacker’s groin is the best self-defence move,” says Jagdeep Singh, a boxing coach with Home Science College-10, who strongly feels that women, irrespective of age, should take classes in boxing. “At the same time, self-defence is doing everything possible to avoid any untoward incident. But if you have to use your fists, you must,” he says. Jagdeep is of the view that nothing knocks out an attacker more than a hard-hitting punch in his face. “Lessons in judo, karate or boxing empower an individual and instill self-confidence,” he says. Jagdeep narrates an incident where his trainees bashed up two guys in a train while they were going for a tournament. “The boys were shocked, they didn’t know how to react. They pleaded with the girls not to hit them on their faces because they were on their way to attend a wedding,” he laughs. Change is evident and why not? Girls have woken up to the fact that the way they can fight for their self-respect, no one else can. Narinder Pal Singh Nina, a theatre artist who takes classes in martial arts, agrees that self-defence moves are the need of the hour. “This is the best weapon for self-protection. It gives confidence to face any situation, any time. I have seen weak and sensitive girls become confident after the training.” Nina teaches his students different methods. “Even a small dupatta can be used to fight a robber armed with a knife. I also teach students how to use lathi, kirpan and other weapons.” Confidence is the key word but so is intuition. One way to avoid a potential attack before it happens is to trust your instinct. Intuition combined with common sense can help escape a difficult situation. But if this doesn’t work, you know that a hard-hitting punch will do the damage. Twenty-one-year-old Manisha Dutta of Sector 10 has been training in martial arts for the last two months and has seen a tremendous positive change in her confidence. “You cannot trust anyone. So, if you know some karate chops it’ll certainly be of great help. Even the thought of an early morning walk was scary but now, din ho ya raat, I can go anywhere,” smiles Manisha. Ditto for Akansha Yadav, learning kick boxing from her brother. “You wouldn’t believe it, but it’s my brother who insisted I learn some form of self-defence. You can actually kill someone with a single punch in the right place,” she laughs. Take it from Amandeep Kaur, who decided to be a bouncer with Score after her training in martial arts and gatka. “The self-defence training has equipped me with the courage to handle a rowdy crowd, in fact, all sorts of people. Every girl should train so that she is able to fight back when required.” You can add up to the affect by using a pepper spray in the eyes of the attacker. A must have weapon in your bag; you can buy it at most leading supermarkets in town and even over the Internet. While you do that, also place an order for a Swiss knife. After all girlie, it’s always better to be prepared!
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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King of spoof
So, what is the show all about? Without a moment’s hesitation comes the reply, “It’s about losers! About class five failures, who couldn’t go beyond and they are the ones helping you out. In this the contestants are fake celebs and we make them class five failures.” Now losers helping someone is a unique concept altogether. And why the same show instead of something new? He says, “I think, it is the most original show and I got a chance to comeback and it’s always nice to be doing so.” The show apart from being hilarious is also irreverent in nature. And how does Shah Rukh take to all this? “I think imitation is the best from of flattery. I’ve met him a couple of times and he’s acknowledged it also. Moreover, only if someone is big that you mimic him. If someone did that to me I would be flattered,” he says. For those of you who dint know, the guy is from city and is a product of S.D College Sector-32 and holds a masters from Department of Indian Theater, Panjab University. He has also worked with city’s well-known name Jaspal Bhatti and considers him as one of the world’s best humourist. What are your future plans? He explains, “I will be doing a few movies, one of which is a mainstream movie. In one I play an architect and in yet another I play one of the three main characters.” So much in his kitty. As of now, the big daddy of spoofs is busy basking in the glory of his television show’s success. The show not only has lots of humour, mimicry, entertainment but a social message as well! As the man himself jokes, its message is that you drink milk (the posters say it all) because it’s good for your health and brain! On a serious note, it wants audiences to drive home the point that you need not be a topper to succeed in life. During admission days we badly need someone reminding us that. Isn’t it? |
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Little big men of Everest
For Sherpas, climbing the world’s highest peak umpteen times is no big deal Yana Banerjee-Bey
Every April and May, an army of Sherpas overruns the South Col route of the world’s highest mountain. This route, on the Nepal side of the mountain, is the one by which it was first climbed in 1953 and, in the half-century since, it has been the most popular one. Expeditions from all over the world hire teams of Sherpas, led by a sirdar, who work the mountain – opening routes on difficult and dangerous stretches by fixing ropes, carrying tents, rations and gear to camp sites up the flank of the mountain, cooking, and guiding climbers on the final push to the summit. Except in the case of top-class mountaineers, Everest would not be climbed if the Sherpas were not there. For them, climbing Everest is simply a way of earning a living. In the process, they end up climbing it quite a few times. In Kathmandu, at mountaineers’ gatherings, it is not unusual to meet half-a-dozen Sherpas with multiple ascents. “This chap has climbed Everest four times, I have done it five times, my brother here has done it six times and that one sitting there has done it seven times,” one of them will say casually. In the late 1990s, a faint rivalry flickered briefly between two Sherpas – the tall, gaunt Ang Rita and the short, wiry Appa. When I met them in 1997, Ang Rita was leading, with 10 ascents to Appa’s eight. Each ascent was without the help of bottled oxygen. Such climbs of Everest are enormously prestigious and many Western climbers retire after achieving it as a career goal. The two had very different personalities. Ang Rita, then in his middle forties, was genial but given to drink. Appa, in his late thirties, was reserved and a careful family man. Soon after, Ang Rita stopped going on expeditions because he repeatedly developed health problems at altitude. Appa took over the record and this year completed his 18th ascent. But Kathmandu’s mountaineering circles believe the 48-year-old will notch up a couple more ascents at the most. This year, though they set out together from camp, the younger Sherpas arrived at the summit earlier and waited for “the old man” to reach. In previous years, he would keep pace with those half his age. His closest rival is a 42-year-old Sherpa, Chhewang Nima, who has climbed Everest 15 times. It is likely that he will take over the record. Yet, though several Sherpas have become world-famous for their achievements on Everest and its neighbours, and prosperity and progress have come to the Khumbu region (much of it owed to Hillary’s charitable work), in reality life has not changed much for the community. They still enter the climbing world to “feed the family”, as Appa says. (This column appears fortnightly) The writer has authored India’s first handbook of adventure sports and is available at y.bey@excite.com
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Bebo’s LCD obsession
DURING the shoot of the Saif-Kareena episode of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? Kareena was so conscious of her body and how she looked that she kept on looking at herself at the huge LCD on the sets. A narcissist must say! While Shah Rukh was explaining the format to Kareena and Saif, Kareena kept on checking herself out in the LCD, which distracted King Khan who promptly pointed it out saying,” Stop looking at yourself in the LCD, you are looking good anyways”. Later the LCD was switched off to help Khan continue with the shoot without any disturbance. Is it love or Ponds?
Pond’s Kabhie Kabhie Pyaar Mein is no ordinary TV commercial; it feels as if one is watching a movie. Brilliantly shot and executed, it is filmed as episodes and currently only the first episode is on air. The very first shot in Episode-I is of two silver heart-shaped lockets separating, followed by Priyanka Chopra bidding farewell to Saif Ali Khan, giving us a sniff of a love story in the unfolding. Priyanka finds herself facing an audio-visual display in a street side shop. It talks of Pond’s White Beauty and how lycopene in it can cast that pinkish white glow and bring back the lost confidence by enhancing the latent beauty! Hope ignites in Priyanka’s eyes and the episode comes to a sudden halt, leaving everyone wondering as to what will happen next. Wanna know what happened to Priyanka? Watch out for the Episode II that hits the screen on June 15.
Here’s the winner
The moment has finally arrived; Airtel Rock N Roll Family has declared its winner, the Roy Family from Kolkata. In an intense, nerve-racking finish, Roy Family was voted the winner. The mega finale took place in Indore where the three finalists, the Roy’s, the Bhalke’s and the Saxena Family gave a stupendous performance and made it an event to remember. Ajay Devgan, Kajol and Tanuja along with Tanisha were there to witness and choose the winners.
Sheeba Returns
(This column appears weekly)
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Carving Hands
“Ye shaayer hein Elahi, ya mussavir pesha hein koi/ Naye naqshe, nirali soortein izaad karte hein.” This couplet from poet Aatish is apt for the introduction of Sagar AC, the sage sculptor, and his works that are on display at his art gallery, Naqsh-E- Sagar, Patiala. A national award winner in the teachers category and honoured by Punjab Education Department’s as best artist, Sagar was recently felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement award by the Punjab Arts Council. “Art is a personal creation in which the artist creates new symbols that express particular meanings,” says
Sagar.
Talking of his resolve to reveal the majesty of Indian mysticism and nature through his concept of Purush-Prikariti, he says, “India is not mere soil and stone, it has a soul. One has to delve deep into Vedic literature to understand, imbibe and reveal the divine resplendence in varied forms.” Pointing towards his fascinating galaxy that includes Ganeshas and over 200 other marvels of modern art sculptures he says, “Revelling in the glory of Lord Ganesha is my eternal source of inspiration.” His new series of art works explore the mystic significance of Lilas and is a treat for the eyes and soul. “Abstract art is not new to India,” tells Sagar. He has held several solo shows and exhibitions of sculptures in wood and stones since 1973 and his works have found place at prominent galleries in India and abroad. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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Take a chill-pill
Deadlines to meet, deals to be cracked and targets to be accomplished. On top of it you have a boss who expects you to know all. And if this was less trouble, you have a month end coinciding with the appraisals. Is this how your normal schedule reads? Well, if yes, then we believe that you would have spent quite a bit on Art of Living, yoga camps, meditation sessions, and loads of money on fancy spas as well. But the gap between relaxation and work stress is very much there. Well, fret no more, for we’ve got for you an easy, not-so-expensive, and DIY perk-me up pill.
Step into the world of essential oils with us, where each drop promises to take care of your work woes. “The amount of oil that one inhales is crucial. The oils do control mood swings but then the right proportion makes the difference. It is best to use these under supervision,” tells Naunihal Singh, director Bourjois Spa. “There are two kinds of oils — basic and essential and a spa therapy would include a use of both,” he tells. Well, so one has to be very careful. Chips in director Cleopatra Ritu Kolentine,” The proportion of the drops has to be correct. Plus, there are certain oils which are a no-no for pregnant women and children.” Now, while there are simpler ways of making these oils work for you, massage surely works wonders. As Thai therapist Gulzar from Wavelength puts it, “In case of a massage, the technique plays an important role.” He adds, “Aroma therapy can work wonders but one should remember it doesn’t mean permanent relief.” So now that you have got your basics right, join us as we explore the world of aromas.
Relax now
Situation: The boss is plain lazy and the colleagues simply inefficient — so you’ve decided to run the show alone. Result: You don’t have time for even a single deep breath. Oil: Lavender, chamomile Magic: Relieves tension, mental exhaustion, anxiety, apprehension and restlessness. Scenting your office with the oil can reduce computer errors by at least 25 per cent How to use: A diffuser, which heats the oil and allow the molecules to harmonise with the atmosphere. Or keep a cotton ball dipped in the oil between your business card box.
Intellectual Fatigue
Situation: Numbers on the PPT, intricate details of the new project, replying to thousands of mails. Result: Your brain might explode. Oil: Neroli Magic: It calms a fatigued mind freeing it of mental strain. How to use: Put a drop of the oil on your pillow and let it give you a soothing sleep.
Confusion, no more
Situation: Crises, confusion and anxiety Oil: Geranium Magic: It tranquilises your state of mind and boosts the immune system. How to use: Add 3-4 drops in a tub full of lukewarm water and soak yourself in it for 20-30 minutes before going to bed.
Be positive
Situation: Your colleague has got a better appraisal. You have exhausted all your chuttis. A little birdie tells that you’ll be working on Sundays too for the next one-month. Result: Life is being unfair. Oil: Basil Magic: Fights negativity and brings a bounce of enthusiasm How to use: Take a bowl of water and put less than a drop of the oil in it. Soak a towel in it and use it to wipe off your body. Or put one tenth of a drop behind your ear.
Get Creative
Situation: You are bogged down by over work and have two more advertisements campaigns to finish before the day ends. Not to forget, on their originality will depend your appraisal! Result: Where are the creative juices? Oil: Fennel Sweet Magic: Removes mental blockage. How to use: A diffuser. Or put a drop or two on a cotton bud or tissue paper and place it near your workstation.
Drained Out?
Situation: Pitter-patter of the raindrops, an extra cheeseburger for lunch and even the thought of a weekend away is not doing the energy trick for you. Result: Lethargy has crept in. Oil: Rosemary Magic: It gives instant energy. How to use: In bath, or a diffuser.
Throbbing head
Situation: Your head is throbbing. The coffee machine too has proved useless. Result: A migraine attack. Oil: Rosemary Magic: Relieves headache and depression. Use: Rub a drop onto the back of your neck.
Cheer Up
Situation: It’s one of those days when everything goes wrong. Car breaks down, system gets a virus, CEO arrives without notice and more. Result: You’re in the
doldrums. Oil: Ginger, Ylang Ylang, Lemon Magic: Good anti-depressants. Uplift the spirit and enhances feelings of peace. How to use: A drop on the light bulb.
Broken Bones
Situation: You stand upright from 9 am to 7 pm. Keeping a check of the stock that arrives or running from one place to another to crack a deal. Result: Body ache, with a capital A! Oil: Juniper Berry Magic: A muscular stimulant, it removes muscular aches and pain. How to use: Add to bath water.
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Second Innings
Yoshita Sharma SHE made a dramatic entry into Bollywood after she lost her luggage, passport and visa papers while travelling and could not return to New York. And that’s how Ishq Vishq and Hum Tum happened. But her true calling lies in travelling and writing. Family, love, friendships, the outdoors, the sun, the moon, the miracle of life, green grass, blue sea, smiles, laughter, good food, yoga, running, mountains, seasons... the beauty of this world keeps her going. Model, veejay, actor and travel writer, Shenaz Treasurywala is back after a hiatus as the host of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge IV. The bubbly and vivacious lass on life, laughter and working with the biggies. n We’ve missed you. What have you been up to? After Ishq Vishk and MTV I decided to take some time off and follow my dreams of writing and travelling. I got into hosting and producing travel shows for Discovery. I also took out some time to write a screenplay while I was travelling, it’s a cross-cultural film, an offbeat romantic comedy. My producers are currently securing funding both here and in Los Angeles. It’s my big dream to make this film soon. n The Great Indian Laughter Challenge is your first reality show. Nervous? No, I’m really excited. See, I’ve been hosting shows all my working life. The difference is that those shows were all about me but this one is a live event, with contestants coming on and performing in front of a live audience and judges. So, it’s more of a team effort. n How is working with Navjot Sidhu and Shatrughan Sinha? I share great chemistry with both judges. I was a bit apprehensive about Mr Sinha before I met him. I was worried he’d just ask me to go “khamosh”! But he’s adorable and so sweet, soft and humble. It is an honour to work with a man that I’ve grown up watching and loving. And Sidhu is a joker. We hit it off instantly. He laughs as much as I do, okay maybe more. He’s very intelligent, well-spoken and has a very interesting take on life. n Any special preparations to match Sidhu’s laughter? Ha! Nothing and nobody can match Sidhu’s laughter! n The show’s previous anchors have been rather saucily dressed. What is your wardrobe like? It’s formal, evening gown type of clothing. You’ll have to tune in to the show for more laughter, fun and enjoyment.
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TomKat planning baby no. 2
Don’t be surprised if Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes announce that the stork will be paying them a visit next year, for the couple is reportedly trying for another child. Holmes will be making her Broadway debut in August this year, but once she is finished with that, she and Cruise will get down to the business of making babies.
A source tells Britain’s New magazine that they have adjusted their work schedules in accordance with the plan. The source also revealed that Katie is putting on weight in preparation for the pregnancy, and that she will be taking a break after her Broadway run to have the baby. —
ANI |
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Uncover those blind spots
Pammy Kaul
Your back is an area that is abused very badly, especially if you have dry skin, it leaves your skin covered with bumpy and scaly back. A beauty blind spot that is neglected badly is noticeable only when you take out those slinky backless blouses out of the closet. It’s time to grab a back brush and banish dead skin cells and also to tone the muscles of your back. Treat the area to a regular exfoliating routine. Remember, beautiful backs do not need lot of time or cash. It’s time for tootsies to not be sun shy and get the deserved attention before the onset of monsoons. Keep your feet looking their best with the exfoliates and brushes to slough off the dead skin and pumice stone to take care of your heels and smooth out rough spots. Invest in a good cuticle remover and soft nylon brush to free the nails from dead accumulated skin hugging the nail plate. Say bye to dry cracked soles with some nice foot oil and start showcasing those beautiful feet in those flimsy flip-flops. With the monsoons around the corner you need to pay little extra attention to your knees and elbows, as they happen to be the driest and roughest area of our body. Your knees and skin needs to be free of the rough, dry areas before the onset of monsoons or they will become more dark and dry. Fill your palm with a scoop of exfoliating cream and polish the dry and rough areas. Remember to complete with a dollop moisturiser. n I have dry skin and I am told that herbal facial saunas are good for dry skin. Is it true? — Harpreet Thind via email Yes, facial saunas are excellent for dry skin especially when you use herbs such as lavender, peppermint and chamomile. Simmer about 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water in a pot. Take the steam for fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and pat dry your skin. End the treatment by using a good moisturising cream. For better results apply a Fuller’s earth clay mask. Save the herbal water that you have got in the pot to be used as a toner later or for cleansing the skin. (This column appears fortnightly) Pammy Kaul is a UK-based beauty therapist.
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Health Tip
Weight gain: The only reason some people gain more weight than others who eat exactly the same food is that they are less active. Skipping meals, a common practice among people on a diet, usually increases hunger ahead of the next meal and results in a greater amount of food consumption. Weight loss: There are no shortcuts. In order to lose weight, a strict exercise regime along with a balanced but low calorie diet is required and produces best results. — Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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You’ve seen mimicry artists sound like celebs, mock their gestures, acting skills, clothes. What if they even look like the person they are spoofing on? That would be an ultimate spoofing exercise. No wonder, Sunil Grover known as Ruk Ruk Khan is a household name and his serial, Kya Aap Paanchvi Fail Champu Hain? is making a comeback this year. Speaking chaste Punjabi, the king of another kind talks about his programme, plans and city connection.
THE Sherpas are the foot soldiers of Everest. Mostly short and with surprisingly small feet (Indian size 6 is quite common among them!), they are stocky and have enormous load-carrying ability. Though Buddhist, they belong to Nepal – to two valleys near the base of Everest: Solo and Khumbu. Solo is the lower valley and Khumbu the higher one. Both are high-altitude valleys and, over generations, living in these valleys, the Sherpas have become physiologically endowed with larger lung capacity and a circulatory system that enables them to process more air and, in turn, derive more oxygen from the thin air with each breath. This is the secret of their success on Everest.
After giving three years to her family, Sheeba has returned to acting on small screen in Sujhata on Sony for BR Films. She was last seen in Karishma, which had Karishma Kapoor in the show. Excited, Sheeba says “Sujhata is a breath of fresh air. It is different from the usual. I took it up because I did not have to play the role of a mother or bhabhi. It’s a story about strong women and their journey from their young days.” Sheeba plays the role of Roshni, an interior decorator, who doesn’t believe in marriage. —
TNS
He attributes his success to his better half Santosh Sagar, also a winner of President of India’s medal, Dr Sarj Chaman for guiding him, and his guru VR Khajuria. An academician, Sagar maintains that the upbringing of an individual is instrumental in shaping the aesthetic potential of an artist. “My schooling at Kila Raipur, Ludhiana, where I worshipped Nandi bull, and studying of fine arts at Shimla kept my mind in close proximity with spirituality and bliss of nature,” says Sagar.
Of late, you must have witnessed the rise in the temperature and the poor sun trying hard to be seen. That somehow gives an inexplicable yearning for backless blouses, shorts and sleeveless tops. When the heat is on and sun goes up, we all want to show off our body but don’t let blind spots spoil the show. It is high time we get targeting those areas of our body that have been out of sight and out of mind since last summer. With monsoons looming, it is time to pay closer attention to areas like the back, arms, legs and tootsies that have been neglected during winters. Blind spots that are out of sight are generally out of mind.
A common myth prevalent in society is that rapid weight loss is possible on a very low carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates are the body’s most readily available source of energy. Limiting the intake of carbohydrate forces the body to use up its stored glycogen deposits. These deposits hold four times their weight in fluid. As the stored glycogen is used up, the attached fluid is released from the muscle and eliminated from the body. Therefore, instant weight loss is experienced.