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War of melody
THEY are the fresh faces from Season 4 of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge-2009 on Zee TV. Young and effervescent, Mitika Kanwar and Sunvinder Singh, apne Punjabi participants, speak out their minds in a tête-à-tête at Hotel Taj-17. Singers in making both have given some great performances on the show and hope to make it to the top.
All keyed up when it comes to performance the duo says it’s a tough competition as every contestant is battling hard to reach the top. Talk to them about other participants and they chorus, “Every participant has a different texture of voice and an individualistic style. Though all of us are fighting against each other but it is a friendly musical war, so there are no hard feelings for each other.” From tip to toe FOR daddy’s girl Mitika, who is from apni city, participation is all about gaining confidence and making a mark in the show. And for our happy-go-lucky Ludhiana guy Sunvinder Singh, the show has helped him become a better singer. Ask them how did they get into the show and surprisingly both have their father’s backing. “I had no idea about the auditions, it was my father who encouraged me to take part in the auditions. And as fate would have it, I cleared the auditions and today I am here accepting the challenges that are coming my way,” says Mitika. For Sunvinder, it was more of an outing with friends. “We went to the audition just to have fun. But I cleared all three rounds and I didn’t even realise that. Next I was flying to Mumbai,” he says. Talk music “I STARTED singing at the age of four, but formal training started some three years back,” says Mitika. About her musical journey, she says, “My father Kanwar Iqbal is my guru. I have a classical background and whatever I have learnt in music is all because of him. He is my mentor.” Music comes naturally to Sunvinder, “I come from a non-musical background. No one in my family sings except for my sister and me. And about training in music, I started learning about one-and-a –half-year back and in that time I have devoted a year to classical music,” says
Sunvinder. Music or degree? CONCERNED about studies, both have decided to give music a shot but for our young singers-in-making, studies come first. Doing her psychology honours from GCG-11, Mitika has just entered the second year. On her future plans she says, “I topped my first year. Studies are important to me and I want to concentrate on my studies first. Music is surely my passion but it is all about getting lucky to do well in the industry. And for me I want to be a trained classical singer and a psychologist.” Ditto for Sunvinder, class XII student from BCM Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, who intends on completing his studies and side by side follow his dream to become a playback singer. Playing challengers FOR both, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa challenge is a great learning ground and they have learnt a lot with each passing day. “From day one, we have had a tight schedule. It is all music and music, nothing else. We start with a four to five hours of riyaaz, followed by song selection meetings, preparing for the songs, meeting the mentors and so on,” says the duo. Full of praise for their mentors Pritam and Himesh Reshammiya, Mitika and Sunvinder say, “All of our mentors are great and have no attitude problem. Despite being such big names in the industry, they help us with all our problems and are great teachers.” Best of all QUEEN bee Asha Bhonsle is the duo’s favourite. “In the beginning I was nervous to perform in front of Ashaji but everyone said she has such great aura that all negativity goes away. And it really happened. Whenever she is around, there are just positive vibes that one feels confident,” says Mitika. For Ludhiana guy Sunvinder, apart from Asha tai and his mentor Himesh Reshammiya, he is very fond of Shankar Mahadevan. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.
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Fringe Benefit
Particularly popular among the young crowd, fringe, according to some, is the fastest way to get a makeover. A fringe is also the instant and sure-shot way to get noticed. No wonder, it has found favour with many young women. As Eastkar Ali, popularly known as Sunny, the hair stylist at Headmaster’s-8, says, “Seventy-five per cent of our women clients come to get a fringe.” He further adds, “Though it is popular among the student community, young working women too are coming forward.” And according to him, the side bands are more popular than the straight front fringe. A fringe can actually be of three types, the Blunt, the Kate (named after Kate Moss) and the Pixie, which is ultra short and takes a lot of confidence to carry it off. Whatever is the form, a fringe defines a face by giving it an angular look. Raisy Chadha of Iris-9 says, “Basically there are two types of fringes, one is the straight fringe that falls over the forehead, popularly known as the Sadhna cut and the other is the side fringe that can be kept towards the left or right.” And she further adds, “It covers broad foreheads and gives a slim look to the face.” She feels, though the most young girls can carry it off well, it does not suit a round face. Also the type of fringe depends on the texture of the hair. But a fringe is also the name of experimentation. As director of Cleopatra Ritu Kolentine says, “You can play around a lot with fringes. It highlights your eye make-up. Bangs is just yet another name for fringes, which can be had on the side to left or right or in front.” Want to get a makeover and can’t think of any quick way of doing that? Or, want to highlight your cheekbones? Or, just plain tired of your looks? The answer to these problems is just a fringe away. Go get it! Blunt Talk
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It suits an oval face as it already is well defined. |
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Go Gossip
According to a study conducted by social psychologists at Knox College, gossiping is no time pass. It is important for our physical, mental and social well-being. And this stands true for both sexes. And for all you curious souls, gossip is everywhere. On television shows, newspaper columns, magazines, dozens of cyber space and of course, we have the word of mouth to spread it across. Class apart
WHILE there is no gender bias when it comes to gossiping, men need to learn a few tips from the fairer sex. “Women are more skilled at the art of gossiping. They are more enthusiastic and lay emphasis on details,” says Megha Sachdeva, a homemaker from city. But hold on. Here’s the confession of a gossip fan. “I love to gossip and there is no harm in keeping track of what’s going around. And in a way its fun,” says Nikhil Yadav, who works with IBM. Sure, we agree. According to a study, men gossip as much as women, the only difference being they have different gossip partners. While its ‘ladies only’ for women gossipers, men tend to gossip with work colleagues, female friends and partners. Mobile gossip
OKAY, so two-third of all human conversation is gossip. But guess who is the partner in crime? Our very own cell phone. Helping us to gossip ‘anytime, anyplace and anywhere’, it is the mobile’s text messaging that saves us from the expense of a phone call or a drive to meet our friends. But we wonder what makes it an easy tool for gossip? “Mobile gossip gives us a sense of connection and provides us a way to easy and instant communication. We can communicate with more people and more frequently,” says Rajshree Sarda, a city-based psychologist Positive of negative
GOSSIPPING is an art, and all of us have mastered it. A study also says that only five per cent of our gossip time is devoted to criticism and this ‘negative gossip’ too has a positive point, in terms of social bonding and peer recognition. Well we all search for things to gab about. On a perpetual hunt for that perfect grist for gossip have you ever given it a thought, what for? “Most people gossip to climb the social ladder. And other than that gossip about other’s problems can help us feel better,” says Rajshree. Well, it’s almost like being told that cigarettes are good for you! The only difference, gossiping doesn’t kill you. n
The idea of gossip originated with the Old English word ‘godsibb’, meaning a person related to one in God, or a godparent. |
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STEP OUT Yana Banerjee-Bey
Sun protection is vital for adventure sport enthusiasts
WE who follow adventure sports as a lifestyle run a high risk of developing skin cancer. Except for indoor sport climbing, every adventure sport requires spending lots of time outdoors – under the harsh Indian sun. Even when doing diving, you have to spend considerable time on the beach, on the boat and on the surface of the water. The damage done by the sun increases as you gain altitude, because the protective atmospheric belt that filters the sun’s rays grows thinner the higher you go above sea level. So those activities – like mountaineering, trekking, rafting and biking – that are done in Himalayan terrain expose you to more sun damage. Apart from skin cancer, prolonged exposure to the sun also causes premature aging of the skin – most apparent in wrinkles and a dry, weather-beaten look. You can protect yourself from the sun in two ways. The first is to apply “sun cream” to exposed skin – face, neck and throat, forearms, back of hands, legs and feet. Now, sun cream is a generic term that refers to both sunscreen and sunblock. You must know the difference in order to choose what suits you best. A sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays. A sunblock works by providing a physical screen between these rays and your skin. Because of this, the method of use also differs. A sunscreen is applied at least half-an-hour before exposure to the sun. It requires this time for the chemicals to interact with your skin and become ready to absorb the UV rays. A sunblock provides protection at once. There are two factors to keep in mind when choosing sun cream. One is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) power. Indian skin contains pigmentation which is natural protection. We do not need as much SPF power as white-skinned people. Dermatologists recommend SPF 15 for Indians – in the plains. In the mountains, use at least SPF 20. If you are going on an expedition where you will go above 15,000 feet, then SPF 30 is advisable. The other factor to look out for is that the sun cream should provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Good quality products mention this on the label. UVB rays strike the surface of the skin and cause sunburn, which is short-term. UVA rays penetrate underneath and cause long-term damage. Top quality products are expensive but sun cream’s effectiveness diminishes with time. It is better to buy newly-manufactured cream just before a trip rather than fishing out the tube from last summer, even if more than half is unused! The second method to protect yourself from sun damage is to shield your skin with a hat or cap, a scarf and clothes that cover your arms and legs. You can use a straw hat (cooler than a felt hat) or a baseball cap, with a scarf worn over or under it so that the ends hang loose on either side of your face and shield your cheeks, neck and throat. If the scarf is long, the ends can be loosely knotted behind your neck. Knotting under the chin makes you feel too hot, so do it only when it’s cold or windy. Wear a long-sleeved T-shirt or shirt, and track lowers instead of shorts. As you grow experienced, you will come up with your own ideas for sun protection. I have seen people with all sorts of ingenious, homemade items. One girl wore a mask made from an old scarf in which she had cut holes for her eyes, nostrils and mouth. And a veteran mountaineer attached an elastic headband to a child’s umbrella (one of those multi-coloured ones that little tots take to school) and got himself cover against sun, rain and snow. Best of all, he pointed out, it left his hands free while walking, climbing, eating and answering nature’s call! On that note, I leave you to think up your own ideas! (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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It’s the 70s once more
Retro, that is the theme for the all-new Lyon’s — the Premium Lounge Bar in Sector 17. Done up in black and white, grey and glass, the interiors spell elegance. Speaking volumes about the hard work that has gone into re-inventing the place, it is the ambience that makes the lounge bar a must visit. With a menu card that brings back the memory from the past, there are old pictures to let you have an insight into the history of the restaurant that has now turned into a premium lounge bar. Talking about the retro theme, CEO of the Piccadily group, Aditya Nath Sharma says, “Lyon’s was the finest restaurant in the 70s and the pride of the family. Now, it’s my father’s desire to bring it back to its former glory and hence is the re-invention.” Informing us about the interiors and the idea behind it, Aditya says, “It is not for the profit that I have re-done the place but for its pride. And right from the Napa leather couches to the bohemian chandelier, this lounge bar has a European look. And the best part of the lounge is the mezzanine bar. Done up in black leather and wood, it has an onyx counter that is lighted from below. Talk of food and Premium Lounge Bar has a variety to choose from. With a new addition of Thai cuisine to the existing menu, they serve right from soups to starters to continental, pastas, sizzlers and our very own Indian khaana.
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Little Interview
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Your experience on the show. It’s a paisa vasool show and I thoroughly enjoy the performances. I am more like an audience than a judge. Though it is difficult to judge people from your own fraternity. But the show’s format leaves no room for error with judgment, as there is no public voting for eliminations. All and all it’s fun. n
And sharing space with Malaika Arora Khan? It’s a pressure judging alongside Malaika. She is a pro and a performer herself while I belong to the Sunny Deol school of dance. I constantly look towards her for guidance, though we have occasional agreements and disagreements. We are like chalk and cheese. n
About the battle between girls and boys on the show. I am left speechless with some powerful and entertaining performances on the show. I believe it’s going to be a tough fight though I find girls more graceful and having an edge over the boys. But then, it’s a competition and the best will overcome. n
What’s with the makeover? I like to constantly reinvent myself and explore how to improve upon it. In Apna Sapna Money Money, I sported a Nepali look while in my forthcoming movies you can see me in the Marlboro man look or as an Elvis Presley look alike. It breaks the monotony of your character. n
Future plans? I have few movies lined up for release like Hello Darling, Daddy Cool, Paying Guest, Khalbali hai Khalbali and Anil Kapoor’s home production. Apart from comedy, I am exploring some dark, powerful roles on the lines of D. I have this evil energy in me that I want to bring out. |
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Beauty Studio
In the professional world today nail hygiene is as important as any body part. Manicures and pedicures are becoming the most sought after treatments. But did you know your lack of knowledge about the proper procedures could sometimes only make you carry back bacteria, viruses and fungus? First thing first, do not ever let your nail technician play around with your cuticles. Cuticles are your guardian seals and should not be broken. They prevent the bacteria and chemicals from entering your nails and settling down underneath. So when the guardian seal is broken or damaged, it can lead to infection. Living skin that covers approximately 20 per cent of the nail plate, any cuts, nicks, bruise, irritating substance can cause damage to the nail plate. The word cuticle is loosely and often incorrectly used. Normally the skin at the base of the nail plate is thought to be cuticle instead of the non-living tissue that adhere the nail plate. Cuticle is generally messed around by technicians and that where big damage is done. n
I have been getting my cuticles trimmed for years. Is that safe? My cuticles hurt for a couple of days after treatment. Please advise. Sukhwinder Never trim cuticles, as they tend to become hard and also turn dark. You are also inviting viruses and bacteria to get under your cuticles and the soft skin (eponichium) before the cuticle. A manicure or a pedicure should never be painful. Look for a good salon and technician. Play Safe
Carry your own instruments to decrease the risk of catching bacteria, viruses and fungus. n
Check if the salon sterilises their instruments or do they just disinfect. Very often you see nail trays being handed over from one tech to another without proper sterilization. (This column appears fortnightly)
Pammy Kaul is a UK-based beauty therapist. E-mail queries to
lifestyletribune@gmail. com or write to The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh |
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Telly Tales
Banoongi main Sridevi
THE sets of Doli Sajaa Ke on SaharaOne transformed into a nightclub recently as the actors got ready to shoot a dance sequence. But this wasn’t just any other. Lead actress Barkha Bisht, looking stunning in a short skirt and top, was all set to perform on Sridevi’s famous dance number Na Jaane from Chaalbaaz. Says Barkha, “I’m playing a double role and this song is the entry of my new character Tia who is very much like Sridevi of Chaalbaaz. She is a conwoman with a good heart. Her mother is unwell and that’s why she resorts to conning people.” Barkha adds that she had a blast shooting the sequence. “Aroonaji (Aroona Irani) was directing as well as choreographing. I was nervous initially but when I saw her dancing so gracefully and energetically, all my nervousness went away!” she says with a smile. Jai Shani Dev!
NDTV Imagine presents Mahima Shani Dev Ki… a mythological series that traces the story of Lord Shani, the planet God of the Hindus. Produced by Sagar Arts, this mega show aims to bring to light the greatness of Lord Shani, tackling the myths that surround this deity and the powerful effects of his planet. Daya Shankar Pandey will essay the character of Lord Shani. Mahima… will be launched with a special one-hour episode on Saturday. Lord Shani is depicted as dark complexioned, clothed in black, holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and mounted on a black raven. Mahima… will present a series of short stories that will seek to demystify this god. The stories will be right from the birth of Maha Shani – mingled with lessons taught to emperor Vikramaditya! — TNS Abhijit stays
Lalu rocks
Lalu looked nervous when he entered the set. He said it feels back to school with this atmosphere and the class modeled set. But when SRK took him through the show format, Lalu opened up and suddenly his energy rubbed onto everybody around. He also turned out to be a very intelligent student and SRK insisted on calling him ‘Lalu encyclopedia’! The rail minister who turned around the financial report card on the Indian Railways in the last 55 years couldn’t recall names of all his kids together in a family photograph. Right from giving King Khan the recipe to make Indian desert, sattu, and also offering to make it for SRK at his residence, Mannat, to grooving to Chaiyya Chaiyya, he did it all. He ended the episode by reciting Saare jahaan se acchaa Hindustan hamaraa… Once a politician, always a politician? Surely entertaining; don’t miss to catch the many moods of the minister. (This column appears weekly)
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No heartbreak blues for Salma
MEXICAN actress Salma Hayek is so optimistic about life that even her split from her fiancé François-Henri Pinault has not pulled her down. Hayek’s close pal, Felipe Fernandez Del Paso revealed that the actress is doing well despite the split from her daughter Valentina’s father. Del Paso insisted that even though the media had suggested that the split was shocking to Hayek, it was not so. “It came as a shock to you, but not to those who know her, and my friend is not depressed,” said Del Paso. Hayek’s publicist confirmed the split. — ANI |
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Gold Rush
Living up to the brand promise Life Banao, Big 92.7FM has launched Sone Ki Baarish – an on-air contest, which is weaved around the numbers 9, 2 and 7 for the listeners of the Tricity. The contest which will start on July 28, will have 10 winners each day winning one gold coin each. The contest will end on August 9. In fact, this is the second time that Big 92.7 FM, Chandigarh is organising the Sone ki Baarish contest.
The contest involves simple questions based on general awareness. The answers lies in either of the three numbers: 9, 2 or 7, which when put together without changing the order, is the frequency of the Radio Station. The entries are to be sent through SMS by typing BIG with a space followed by 9, 2 or 7 to the station’s short code 55454.
— TNS |
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Health Tip
Monday: Brisk walk (20 minutes), lower body strengthening (20 minutes), stretching (5 minutes) Tuesday: Jogging (20-30 minutes), yoga (10 minutes) Wednesday: Brisk walk (20 minutes), stretch (5 minutes) and do upper body strengthening (20 minutes) Thursday: Start with bicycling (20-30 minutes) & stretching (10 minutes) Friday: Walk (20 minutes), upper and lower body strengthening (30 minutes) Saturday: Jog at a varied pace (30-45 minutes) and do
stretching (10 minutes) Sunday: Rest or do yoga
(20-30 minutes) .— Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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IT has been around for sometime now and unlike any other fad, it refuses to go. You’ve seen Ayesha Takia carrying it. All the OC stars have been sporting it in their latest season. And Olga Kurylenko in the next James Bond movie is going to be sporting it too! The fringe was probably introduced in India by Sadhna, the popular Bollywood actor. Over the years, on and off, it has been reinvented. Why not, after all a little alteration in the frontal hair makes all the difference!
The fringe had lost its popularity by mid-2007 but was brought back in 2008 by Kate Moss. Keep these in mind while getting the Kate fringe.
EVER wondered what our evenings would be like if we had no gup-shup and who’s who to talk about? Essence of life, it’s gossip that keeps us going in this world of stiff competition and ever-killing stress. Thought to be a slippery subject with a sullied reputation, the latest buzz on gossip is that it’s good for our health — a great stress-buster.
IT’S raining reality shows on Indian television and adding to the list of the small screen jury is Chunky Pandey. The actor, who entertained us in movies like Aankhen, Vishwatma and many more, is back as a judge in Zara Nachke Dikha, a dance reality show on Star One. We catch up with him on his comeback, stint as a reality TV judge and the show that pitches Adam vs Eve.
We pay hardly any attention to our nails. But the condition of our nails speaks volumes about us. For most of us nails fail to attract attention as the face or hair does. Jog your memory and remember the worst nails you have seen! Dirty nails reflect your hygiene level.
NEHA Marda — who plays Rajkumari in Zee Next’s show Ek Thi Rajkumari — is yet to find her real-life rajkumar. The actress is not as lucky as her reel life co-stars. Ali Merchant who plays Arjun in the show is very committed to his long time girlfriend Sara Khan who plays the lead in another channel’s show. Taking a leaf out of Ali Merchant’s book, Neha’s other co-star Shailesh Gulbani aka Prem is also seeing Ashita Dhawan, who is playing a role in the same serial. Seeing her co-stars blissfully in love, Neha is hopeful that her knight in shining armour will definitely turn up one day! Now, whether he will also be from the television fraternity or from outside, we will have to wait and watch.
LAST week, Abhijit Bhattacharya was in the center of a controversy regarding his harsh stand taken against a Pakistani national and a participant in Zee TV’s Ek Se Badhkar Ek. Abhijit took offence to a wild card entry by singer Mussarrat Abbas. Abhijit refused to give marks to the singer saying that there was ample talent in India for the channel to go scouting for. The channel refused the plea to deviate from the format and hence it was decided that due to ideological differences, the channel and Abhijit should part ways. But he realised that it was but an instance where he got carried away. Being a judge meant being fair and true to the music and moving beyond all boundaries of caste and creed. Abhijit has agreed to resume his seat and has also agreed to give marks to Mussarrat.
HE came, he played and he conquered hearts. His humility and wit charms all and sundry and even Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t escape rail minister Lalu Prasad Yadav’s charisma on the grand finale of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? to be aired this Sunday.
EXERCISING should be a pleasure and not a stress on the mind and body. To help you keep fit and do away with the boring and monotonous routine we suggest shift to cross training. Helping you achieve overall fitness, strength and flexibility, the greatest benefit from this form of exercise is reduction in risk of injuries. The weekly training programme should include: