Time again for some pulsating action on wheels. Jasmine Singh chats up the city's very own roadies as they revv up for the Raid-de-Himalaya 2008

DARE DEVILS: Car rallyists Sunny Sidhu (extreme right), Khushwant Randhawa (extreme left) and Ruban Grewal (centre) truly live life in the fast lane. Lifestyle photo Vinay Malik

Welcome back the city's khatron key khiladi. They take the road less traveled. They're driven by the love of thrill and adventure. They steer themselves over treacherous terrain on to the path of success.

Well people, it's time to catch them as they get set for the most difficult and dangerous rallies of the season, the Raid-de-Himalaya 2008, starting from October 1.

For the past nine years, the Himalayan Motorsports has been organising the event, which is the real test of endurance, skill, machines and luck. Participants, who have been on its track, testify that rallying in the Himalayas is the most thrilling sport in the world and, you bet, dangerous too. We begin with the champion of all times, Sunny Sidhu, who will be participating in the Raid for the sixth time now. He has teamed up with four other guys for Chandigarh team Godwin. An old hand at it, he still feels that there is no sure-shot winning formula. "There are no guarantees that you will finish, let alone win the rally, and certainly no surety that you will return unharmed from your adventure. But the sheer adventure of completing a raid itself gives a sense of victory." Well, for Sunny who was the winner for the 2003 Raid and came second in 2006, and the winner of Desert Storm for three consecutive years—2003, 2004 and 2005—and again in 2008, the Raid indeed is the most challenging and toughest event of all.

So, what does it take to be a winner at this motorsport event? "Lots of preparation, concentration that gets better at each leg and yes, a bit of luck too."

Ditto for his teammate Ruban Grewal, who has been a regular participant at the Raid. Ask him what brings him back to the daring adventure and he breaks into a throaty laugh, "Passion, sheer passion."

"I don't participate to earn money," adds Ruban, who will be hitting the tricky terrain for the fourth time in the T-2 Xtreme, unmodified cars category. "The modified category has an advantage over us. We can't do much to our vehicles. But as long as you have the fighting spirit, these things are not a hindrance."

Talking about the hindrances and obstacles, the rallyists say finding sponsors has always been an issue for most Chandigarh participants. Ruban agrees, "Yes, sponsorship has always been an issue. Preparing a car for an event like this costs a bomb," quips Ruban, who has found a sponsorer this time. "The tyres cost us around Rs 70,000-80,000, excluding other overheads. The total cost comes close to Rs 1 lakh and sometimes, more than that."

You think the Raid is child's play? Doesn't seem so at all. "This is the toughest event," points out Khuswant Randhawa from Patiala, who has registered in the T-1 modified cars category for the fourth time in a row. And you bet, he's made sure that nothing is left to chance or destiny. "I will do the Raid in my own gypsy this time," informs Khuswant. "I've prepared my vehicle in the best way possible." Instead of an exhaust you will find headers in Khuswant's gypsy, a Baleno engine, a modified ECM, modified K& N filters and lots more. "It has been raining a lot and we don't know how the route will be. But, once I do the recee, the situation will be pretty clear."

This year too you will see man and machine battle it out at the 10th Raid-De-Himalaya, to be conducted from October 1 to 8, traversing some of the most hostile terrains, around 3000 approximately kilometers in just 10 days. "Almost 800 officials are working round the clock to make sure that the raid is conducted in its format."

Says Kishie Singh, "To provide an arena for the professionals and the amateurs, the Raid is conducted in two independent formats, running concurrently for cars and bikes. And the most important thing, the vehicle needs to adhere to strict specifications with maximum safety measures incorporated in it. Competitive driving licenses and medical certification are a must."

And someone, who has followed the nitty gritty of the event, is ready to challenge it again: Harpreet Singh Bawa, one of the members of Team Thunderbolt, who is participating in the T-1 category. His gypsy with all the modifications is ready to taste the adventure. "I have been rallying from 2000 but the craze and passion grows with each passing event", says Bawa, who is being co-sponsored by JK tyres and Jai Krishan Group. Second runners-up of SJOBA 2008, Bawa is confident about making it to the winning slot. He adds, "Rather than going for a lot of modifications in the machine, try to keep it as simple as possible. Last but not the least, no point in blowing money on your car if you don't happen to know it well. The bottom line is: know your machine well before you hop on to it."

Is it nature or nurture that makes these young art lovers from the city take up their artisitc legacy? Parbina Rashid finds out…

D.S Kapoor and son Charandeep

It was years ago that artist Satwant Singh proudly introduced us to his daughter Kavita, who was holding her debut exhibition of drawings and graphics at Kala Bhavan. She was only a student that time. Having transformed herself into a full-grown artist with a job at Punjabi University’s Department of Fine Art and with eight solo exhibitions to her credit, Kavita is not alone in her pursuit of art and following her father’s footsteps. We have number of art lovers who follow their parents, grandparents and uncles & aunts? But we wonder, is it the environment or the gene factor that gets them going. And after hearing D.S Kapoor’s son Charandeep Singh’s story, we are almost sure of it.

Charandeep, who represents the fourth generation of the family tree who steeped into art, was almost forced to join an engineering course before he gathered courage to take the entrance examination of the National Institute for Design, Ahmedabad. And yes, that was without his parent’s knowledge. “My mom wanted me to be an engineer as we have had enough of artists in the family,” says Charandeep. “But then I had it in me right from childhood. I had won lots of school and state level competitions and when you have it in you, no force can change your mind. Though my medium is different, I am still in the same field,” says Charandeep who is in his second year of Product Design from NID, Ahmedabad.

Prem Singh and sonShailendra Singh

We have quite a few other examples too; Prem Singh’s son Shailendra Singh, Viren Tanwar’s son Shiven and Nirmal Prakash’s son Yatharth Sharma, taking the road their father’s had walked before.

While initiating Yatharth into the field of art had been a conscious decision by his father, for others it happened naturally. “I remember loving the smell of paints as early as when I was only 6 or 7 years old,” says Shailendra. Though Shailendra is heading a project on e-learning, he has not given up paintings altogether. “I paint, but I have developed my own style which is nothing like my father’s,” he says.

Both Archana Shashtri and son Chetan endorse the theory of gene and environment. “My son Chetan was the one who used to paint with me when he was growing up, but he almost gave it up for another career option. And it was after encouragement from people who saw him doing sculptures and paintings that made him re-think and take the entrance test for NID,” says Shashtri.

Chetan, who is currently pursuing his M Design in visual communication from IDC, IIT, Powai (after doing a course in exhibition design from NID), says, “ Subjects like physics and chemistry never intrested me but then i had the freedom of choice and I choose art .” Agreed, that the environment and genetic inheritance plays a major role in any individual’s life, but does it always help to have a famous parent to guide you through. “Barring a few cases (well, M.F. Husain’s son Shamshad’s case for one!) most of the artist kids are doing well and have carved their own individual styles,” says Archana. And the reason, “artists are sensitive people and they treat their children as an individual,” she says. Makes sense! So, our genetic cum environmental hypothesis needs one more element — a sensitive parent!

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Mood swings, they are as common as ‘common cold’, and as frequent as a sneeze. And when dealing with teenage kids it’s extremely common as these guys have a reputation for tetchiness. On top of the world in one moment and angry the next second, we wonder what causes mood swings and how do parents cope with it.

Adolescence is a period of ‘storm and stress’, and this period would be marked by tumult, confusion and unrest. For youngsters this is an age of change and they themselves don’t know what is happening with them.

While there are studies to prove this, social anthropologist Margaret Mead did studies that showed that a complex combination of biological and emotional factors affect a teenagers mood.

“When it comes to teenage mood swings there are number of reasons we can associate it with. Lack of gratification, over expectation and the reluctant behaviour of kids are some of them,” says Rajshree Sharda, city based psychologist. Talking about the reasons of mood swings she says: “Youngsters these days have a difficult attitude and are not willing to take things easy, this is one of the biggest reasons for mood swings. Other than this parents expect too much from their kids and when the child is not able to meet the expectation level frustration seeps in and causes the problem.” Tough competition too adds to the reason and suggesting ways to combat mood swings she says: “the best way is, be consistent and put no unnecessary pressures on the kids, teach them with compassion and choose a middle path to deal with kids facing mood swings.”

Informing us more Dr Ruchi Gupta, clinical psychologist at Silver oaks, Mohali says: “Biological factors also contribute to teenage mood swings. Change in hormones is one of the big reasons. And then we have the developing ego at teenage and this also causes the problem.” Ask her about the ego stages and she says: “Every stage has an ego we have a child ego, adult ego and even parental ego. Since the child is growing it’s the teenage ego that causes the problem.” Talking about the growing aggressive behaviour of teenagers Dr Ruchi says: “Environmental factors and televison too add to the problem. And youngsters at this age are not able to relate to things and whatever is shown on television they believe it to be true and they take the solution also the television way and when they are not able to cope with the frustration or find solution to a problem this leads to a sudden and impulsive behaviour.”

Ask the parents and they blame the boob tube too. “Television is one big reason that causes mood swings. The kind of serials and shows that are being aired on television can pull the wool over an adult’s eye what to talk of youngsters. Affecting them in a negative way it’s difficult for parents to make them believe that it’s all fiction,” says Anmol Singh a banker and mother of a teenage son.

“Adolescence is a sensitive age and as teenagers they are unable to face the complexities, pressure and frustrations of life and this is where mood swings enter,” says Puneeta Singh counselor with Carmel Convent. She adds: “peer pressure and change in personality also causes mood swings as teenage kids become self conscious.”

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The ‘oh-so-happening’ culinary scenario of the city has a new addition. Edesia-9, restaurant and a bar, is all set to redefine the concept of fine dining. The catchword here is, of course, zara hatke.

It primarily offers Indian and oriental cuisines (read Chinese). “City restaurants have very little to offer for vegetarians. But we make sure that vegetarians do have a good time here,” says Vineet Chauhan, director, Edesia.

With more than 33 starters and 40 kinds of curries, Edesia has something for everyone. “The specialities include starters like chupa rustam kebab and chicken galouti kebab and the curries come with a surprising twist in flavours and presentation,” says Shailendra Kumar, head chef, who has had an experience of working with master chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

While it’s the delicate and sophisticated ambience and innovative cutlery that are sure to make for a never-before kind of an experience, Vineet says, “What is special about our ambience is lighting. We set the mood with appropriate lighting whether you are here for lunch or dinner.”

Edesia also boasts of a modern bar and the motive is to promote wine culture in the city. “We will serve some of the finest wines from France, Australia and Chile. We also have brands like Corona, Budweiser for beer lovers and our customers will be encouraged for wine tasting and sampling as well,” sums Vineet.

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”Unlike the ‘Theatre’, no form of performing or visual arts can  spontaneously radiate human energy and consciously intervene and participate on the socio-cultural or political dialogue of the times,”maintains the octogenarian theatre legend, Padmabhushan Habib Tanvir. But rues the thespian that the elitist theatre, being run by the urban elite or established groups is not sometimes aimed at catering to the aesthetic ideals and ethical value system of the milieu. The theatre of our dreams should be loyal to our people, their culture, social realities and problems of all stratum of society ,” he adds. Through  old in wisdom but young at heart , the Bhopal based  poet, actor playwright  Habib Saheb is not at all complacent even at the age of 84. He does not let his frail health to be a hindrance in executing his resolute resolves.  “ The pleasure of working hard with devotion in fact rejuvenates me, ” he says  talking to Lifestyle. In city with his Naya Theatre group, to stage his latest dramatic spectacle Raj-Rakat at the eighth National Theatre Festival organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Haryana and North Central Zone Cultural Centr at Inderdhaush auditoriunm, Panchkula.

“ Since the elitist theatre , run by elites , is more urban catering to the aesthetic ideals and value system of the bourgeoisie but to me the stage represents the aspirations and ethos of the people of any area, say the tribal or deep rural community based formations,” says Tanvir.  It was imperative that the vitality and vigour of traditional folklore be evaluated and innate potential of those men of the soil be projected, felt the legendary Tanvir.

All his productions, weaved around the aspirations, joys and sorrows of the common man, Habib Saheb disclosed that he has made major aberrations in the instant play Raj- Rakat from the original creations of Visrajan by Rabindernath Tagore. Similarly  I completely Indianised Shakespeare’s Midnight Summer Dream in content and form and retaining the ethos

The thespian added “ My long learning stints in Europe had to be shelved or unlearnt as soon I came face to face with realities on and off stage and I had subjected more plays to revitalising it with changes even in scripts to make it  didactic, entertaining and viewer friendly.”

At the 54th National Film Awards 2006, Lage Raho Munnabhai was adjudged the best popular feature film for wholesome entertainment, at a glittering star-studded ceremony on Tuesday evening. While the awards could not be conferred two years ago, Khosla Ka Ghosla won the award for the best feature film in the Hindi language category.

“It is a sense of great joy and we want to congratulate everyone from their field of cinema,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said at the function.

Lage Raho Munnabhai directed by Raj Kumar Hirani is a humourous tale of a lovable rogue’s brush with his own brand of Gandhigiri - inspired by the Father of the Nation.

The Indira Gandhi Award for the best debut film by a director was bagged by Eakantham (Malayalam) and Kabul Express (Hindi) directed by Madhu Kaithapuram and Kabir Khan respectively.

Kabul Express narrates the trauma of two Indian journalists during the collapse of Taliban post 9/11 Afghanistan.

The award for the best director was bagged by Madhur Bhandarkar for Traffic Signal - a tale weaving the lives, livelihoods and concerns of the street dwellers in the metro. While this is Madhur’s third award, Dilip Prabhavalkar won the best supporting actor for Lage Raho Munnabhai and Konkona SenSharma bagged the award for the best supporting actress for her sensitive portrayal of a village belle in Omkara, whose director Vishal Bhardwaj bagged the special jury award for the movie based on Shakespeare’s Othello.

The 54th National Film Awards were presented to the winners by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil. Film director Tapan Sinha received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2006. Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dilip Kumar, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar and veteran actress Saroja Devi.

After giving birth to twins, Angelina Jolie is keeping a low profile and is all the time attending to her kids, for she fears that her children will be kidnapped. According to reports Jolie is refusing to ‘leave’ the French chateau she shares with Brad Pitt. “If one of them is unaccounted for more than 30 seconds she gets hysterical,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted a pal, as saying.

According to Grazia, Jolie is a ‘virtual recluse’ because she “has not been seen in public for at least two months.” In fact, the publication also warned that Jolie “has long struggled to maintain a healthy weight” and “wants Brad to cut all ties with anything to do with Jen(Jennifer Aniston).”

American actor Mel Gibson, 52, has shot down rumours of a romance blossoming between him and a glamorous Russian musician. His spokesman Alan Neirob says the reports suggesting that Gibson is going around with the musician Oksana are false.

“Oksana is merely one of the artists on Mel’s recording label Icon and is currently in the US recording a new album. She’s a musician,” the Daily Telegraph quoted him as telling the publication.

His comment comes after the publication of reports that Gibson became close with the Eastern European lady while filming his new movie Edge Of Darkness.

The publication, Women’s Day, brought out many occasions when the two have been seen together in Gibson’s trailer, claiming that their relationship has been a hot topic on the set.

Hollywood superstar George Clooney has vowed never to have children because he is too impatient to care for them.

According to radio-station Wenn, Clooney admires friend Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s relationship with their kids, but confesses he finds it difficult to cope up like them.

“I could not do what Brad and Angelina are doing. I would not have the patience or dedication you need to take care of a family. I admire those qualities in other people but it is not for me,” he said. The actor insists he is happy being single and has no plans to settle down.

He added: “I am doing exactly what I want to. I hang out with the same friends, I spend time in Italy, and then I go back to work. I try not to worry about anything else.”

American pop singer Ashlee Simpson has hit out at reports that she is desperate to lose her baby weight, insisting her main concern is the health of her child.

The US tabloid National Enquirer reported earlier this week that the singer had broken down into tears after learning she had gained more weight than is considered healthy. The publication said that Simpson had bought several pairs of size-zero jeans from the Los Angeles shop Planet Blue to give herself an incentive to shed her post-pregnancy pounds. “My doctor says I am right on target with my weight gain and I have not been to Planet Blue in at least two years. I love my maternity jeans and my stretchy tops,” she posted on her MySpace blog Friday.

She added: “Carrying a child is the most inspiring, emotional, amazing experience of my life. My weight and my pant size are the absolute last things I am concerned about. “I am only concerned with having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. People who talk and judge pregnant women’s weight need to get a life.” Simpson is said to be expecting her first child with pop band Fall Out Boy bassist husband Pete Wentz this October.

Former Spice girl Victoria Beckham has dismissed reports that she is eager for a fourth child. She said she was far too busy looking after her three sons.

Although Victoria had spoken about wanting a girl to add to her brood of sons - Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz - she insists that it is not the right time. “I can’t even think about having another baby right now. The boys take up so much of my time. Life is busy in Los Angeles, because Brooklyn has got football, Romeo has got gymnastics and Cruz has break dancing aside of their school commitments,” she said.

The singer also defended stars such as Angelina Jolie and Madonna for adopting children to expand their families and added: “We really respect people who go through adoption, but it is not something we have considered as we have our hands full with the three children we have.”

Hollywood actress Pamela Anderson has poured her heart about men and marriage. Anderson, who was in Sydney to promote her new reality show Pam: Girl on the loose, said that most men in Australia were either gay or married.

“Well Mitchum is gay right?” Anderson was quoted saying about the Australian Olympic gold medallist.

“Matthew Mitchum, I was hoping to meet him, but maybe the guys are gay or married,” she added.

However Anderson, who has had a series of failed marriages, pretty out rightly said that marriages are one thing she doesn’t have any advice on.

“I don’t think I have much advice for marriage, obviously,” she said. — ANI, IANS

I am 26 and have a problem dealing with my anger. When somebody pushes a trigger, I completely fly off the handle. Often I lose control and abuse people. But once I calm down, I apologise for my behavior because I know what I did was wrong. I feel the problem is genetic. I have seen my father behaving like this since my childhood. However, I have not been able to control it. Can you help me?

Rati Mehrotra
Chandigarh

I do empathise with you. It’s good to know that you actually understand your problem and want to get rid of it. One way of doing it is to go to a counsellor and attend some anger management programme. You can also help yourself by going deep down inside yourself. Introspection helps in dealing with one’s problems. Try to recollect what were the trigger issues with your father and try and relate to them — are they same as his. Just as thoughts can be changed, so can self-destructive patterns. Since they have taken a long time to build, they will also take a a certain amount of time to heal. Start valuing yourself more, forgive your father for being the way he is. Yes there are lots of issues that have a genetic impact but here your influence is more on a personal level. Environmental circumstance does influence us a lot and so does our admiration and love for another. Step out of your pattern.

I am 32, married and have two kids. My husband has drinking problem. After getting drunk be gets verbally and physically abusive. Sometimes he even hits me in front of my kids. I have been enduring for quite a few years, as I am financially dependent on him. Now, the fact that my kids are growing up in this environment, worries me. How do I deal with the situation? Though I am a positive person, I feel broken and totally depressed. I can’t deal with this anymore. Please advise.

Aparna Mittal
Karnal

In India many women tolerate abusing behaviour because they are dependent on the man for their basic needs. Try to step out of the mould of dependency. This issue, whether emotional, physical or financial, is really not right. First, balance your own emotional self. Learn to look within and feel anchored. Only then you can deal with outside issues. Give your husband love, but on the other hand shield your children from witnessing such scenes. Consult a therapist. Maybe it would be a good idea if you live with your parents for a while. Be strong and change your attitude. Feeling broken and depressed will certainly not help. Focus on mending his ways. God will certainly help you when you have mustered your own strengths.

I am a 28-year-old-guy teaching in an engineering college. My communication skill is really poor and I feel miserable while taking classes because I feel some of the students ask me questions just to bully me. I am stressed out and want to improve my communication skill. I am not fluent in English and lack confidence. Please suggest.

Mohinder Soni
Ambala

Cheer up! You are fortunate to have such a wonderful job. Why this lack of confidence? Life is meant to be simple and easy. Do not be so critical of yourself, just relax. Start doing yoga in the morning. It will help to relax your mind and your body. You are looking for too much validation from the outside world. Love yourself and look at your own strengths. When you love and respect yourself, you will be brimming with confidence. And your students will respect you for this.