Who's the one who makes life hell for you? Someone who's alive only because it's illegal to kill. Grrrrrr…. His is the last face you want see on a holiday. Eeeeoww… They are authoritarian, autocratic and dictatorial.

Now you got it. We are talking about someone you share a significant part of the day with. Yes, it's your boss who's the subject of discussion. But the image and persona of their being torturers is as extinct as the British Rule, or so it seems.

Today on Boss' Day, we do a recheck on the boss-subordinate relationship and come out with a refreshing outlook (thanks to corporate culture and HR practices).

The new-age boss is just like your friend. The neighbour next door. Or at the most your elder sibling. Demanding but not intimidating. Approachable yet leading. Open minded yet decisive.

As Neha Bansal, an advertising professional says, "Me and my boss share an amazing relationship. We are like friends and siblings. Any problems in his team, he senses in a second." She is not the only one who can't stop gushing about her boss.

Ishika Gupta, software engineer, says, "What I like about my boss is her ability to listen patiently and understand. Even if I want to take a leave because I 'don't feel like it', she understands and takes me seriously." So all you people, no making excuses like stomach ache and headache. Honesty does work.

And what is it about their relationship that makes them click? Is it the
understanding, the trust or just a simple case of 'getting it right'? We take
the boss' perspectives too.

Manmeet Maan, head, media and communications, Fortis, says, "Your team is your friends. We, here, share almost everything from traveling to family." No wonder, she believes, empathy to be an important element in building the relationship.

She adds, "It's very important to have a human touch, to reach out. The people you work with are first human beings and then your colleagues." That's not a one off case. How, we wish everybody were like that.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Dressed in a cherry red anarkali suit, with hair as straight as hierarchy, actor Sayali Bhagat looked no glam doll. An ordinary looking girl, who shot to fame after she won the title of Miss India-World 2004, for Sayali, since then, it has been a steady career growth.

In the city for the launch of Nakshatra Universe, a jewellery store in Sector-35, the lady in red speaks her mind.

"My career kick-started with modelling and then graduated to acting. Though I had never thought about becoming an actor, one thing led to another and here I am, completed almost seven films in a year," says Sayali.

After fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a Miss India, Sayali stepped into stardom with her first film, The Train released in 2007, followed by Halla Bol, Good Luck and two more movies down South.

A stepping-stone into Bollywood The Train launched her as an actor, though the movie bombed at the box office but it sure bagged her some plum roles.

"My next movie is Subhash Ghai's Paying Guest, and in this film I share screen space with three other female actors other than that I am doing Shout and a movie with director Wilson Louis opposite cricketer Shoaib Malik is in the pipeline."

Ask her about the roles she wants to play and she says, "I enjoy doing roles that are women-centric and raise an issue. I don't want to be typecast as a glam doll."

On her link-up with cricketer Shoaib Malik, she says, "There is nothing as a love affair between both of us, we just have some common friends and it lead to all rumours. I can just say, we have been misquoted and misunderstood."

She adds, "But I should not forget to mention that because of all these rumours, both of us have been approached for a movie together. Untitled the movie would be directed by director, Wilson Louis."

Ask her if she wants to venture into television too and she says, "I have a number of roles in the offing but movies keep me busy 24/7 and right now, I cannot think of anything else."

All eyes for regional roles she says, "I have done movies down South but I am especially interested in Punjabi movies. I am fond of the language and I am all raring to do a Punjabi film."

Working her way up, our lady signs off by talking about her love for diamonds and simple clothes, "I like to be as simple as possible. In clothes, I like western and traditional Indian wear but it has to be unembellished and in light hues and in trinkets, I love wearing diamantes."

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Rajasthan Music and Theatre Academy in
cooperation with the Jodhpur Film Society has
organised a film festival dedicated to the
legendary actor and filmmaker late Guru Dutt
on the occasion of academy’s golden jubilee.

The legendary Dutt is often credited for ushering
in the golden era of Indian cinema.

He made the quintessential 1950-’60s classics
such as Kaagaz Ke Phool, Pyaasa, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam and Chaudhvi Ka Chaand.

Guru Dutt initially became popular as a matinee idol but with the passage of time, it became clear that he would be remembered the most as a director. Starting in 1973, his films were shown at film festivals across India abroad.

Despite being a commercial director, he was appreciated by the intelligentsia. Today he is remembered for his brilliant satire on the society often conveyed through emphatic lyrics and artistic films in the Indian cinema of the ‘50s and early ‘60s.

Prof. Rashmi Doraiswamy of Jamia Millia Islamia University, who penned the biography of Guru Dutt ‘Cinema of Guru Dutt’, said, “Today, if Guru Dutt would have made a movie he would have faced many difficulties as compared to his times. But he would have shown what kind of films should be made in India.”

Ram Gopal Varma’s discovery, Nisha, aka Priyanka Kothari, says she has learnt to enjoy the controversies that surround her because they are an intrinsic part of an actor’s career.

“I don’t feel bad when my name figures in controversies. I don’t do anything consciously to be a part of these controversies, but controversies surround me. Now, I enjoy controversies and look at their positive side,” Nisha said.

However, she doesn’t like it when she is romantically linked with her mentor Varma. “Don’t ascribe things that do not relate to me. Varmaji was only a director to me and I remained an actor of his films,” Nisha said when asked about her present equations with the filmmaker.

Nisha debuted with a cameo in Varma’s Sarkar followed by a full-fledged role in his crime thriller James. She also featured as Basanti in Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag, a remake of the 1975 hit Sholay.

She was also in the news for her skin show on screen, but the actress does
not regret it.

While Nisha is one more addition to the list of the not so successful Bollywood heroines who are making a splash in the South Indian film industry, about her decision to revert to her original name, she said: “My father suggested that I change by name. I decided to have my original name. After the name change, I am seeing a big turnaround in my career,” she said.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has
thanked all his fans across the nation for their
blessings and prayers. The actor, who was
admitted to the Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital after
he complained of abdominal pain on Saturday,
stated that he felt “most humble” by the prayers
and good wishes of his fans and well-wishers.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Lilavati Hospital
has stated that Amitabh is showing definite
improvement and is responding well to the
medication administered to him.

The medical team attending Bachchan is pleased
with his progress over the past four days.

“Bachchan is definitely improving and doctors are happy with his recovery.
Any other news is rumour,” said Lilavati Hospital spokesperson Mohan Rajan
in a press statement.

“Bachchan is also able to converse with his family members, all of whom are with him constantly,” he added.

Though the doctors are still not giving out the discharge date, it has been reported that the actor should be discharged in about two to three days.

James Bond star Daniel Craig has revealed that he has ‘lost touch with reality’, since he started playing the role of 007 agent.

The 40-year-old, who has been wounded several times while performing own stunts for the forthcoming movie Quantum of Solace, admitted that since his acceptance of the part in 2005, the star has found it difficult to cope with the real world.

“By doing Bond I’ve lost touch with reality quite a lot. I’ve become a bit of a commodity and I have security guys around me most of the time,” the Telegraph quoted him saying.

However, the actor insists that it was his family and close ones who helped himkeep his feet firmly on the ground.

He said: “Fortunately, I’ve got a great family and really close friends and they give me a hard time. But it’s something I encourage them to do, because otherwise I’d disappear up my own a**e! “I mean, for six months of the year, six days a week, all you’re doing is Bond, all you’re talking about is Bond. For nearly three months before that, you’re doing pre-production on Bond, and when the movie comes out you are promoting Bond.”

She has a sex tape to her credit, has been a jailbird, but girls Down Under still want to be Paris Hilton - second time in a row.

The socialite has been named as one of the world’s top celebrity role models in a Cartoon Network survey of 1475 children aged seven to 14.

Kids were asked, “Who is your favourite celebrity or famous person? It could be a singer, a sportsperson, a TV star, a politician or anyone else who’s famous” with an open-ended response.

The stunner made the list for the second straight year, showing she has greater longevity as a role model than Avril Lavigne and Bindi Irwin - who made the 2007 list but dropped off in 2008, reports News.com.au.

Also making the grade was fictional music act Hannah Montana, played by Miley Cyrus, as well as singers Pink, Rihanna, Delta Goodrem and Hilary Duff.

Sporting stars Buddy Franklin (AFL), Darren Lockyer (NRL) and David Beckham featured prominently and have replaced Chris Judd (AFL) and NRL runaway Sonny Bill Williams as their favourite role models.

The late Steve Irwin, World Wrestling Entertainment’s John Cena and Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 - big hits in 2007 - also retained their popularity, with Johnny Depp clinching top spot. — IANS & ANI

Hindustan Unilever launched its most premium skin care range Aviance Prestige Absolute White, which not only helps Indian skin to cope with the harsh sun conditions, but also to nurture a brighter and healthier-looking skin.

The product has been designed specially for quality-conscious consumers. Aviance range offers Vita-SphereTM technology which lightens the skin’s complexion by continuous release of vitamin C providing 24 hour nourishing.

It enhances the luminosity of the skin. It is a highly advanced skin care collection specifically designed for newborn clarity.

It has an array of products under its portfolio including hydrating foam, toner, refining day emulsion and night cream. The range is available from a range of Rs. 850 to Rs. 2,200.

Dockers San Francisco, the international lifestyle brand that offers a total dress solution of apparels and accessories for both men and women, has launched a new range of timewear, eyewear and fragrance for men and Fall/ Holiday ‘08 collection.

The Dockers timewear is classified into three categories - Khak1s, Mobile and Collection that dress up different occasions with features like Timewear include part numeric dial, an ultra slim case, water resistant quality, stainless steel cases, display of date and day, alarm, animation runner for chronograph, back lighting and rotary bezel ring. The range is priced between Rs 3,999 and Rs 6,999.

The Dockers Khakis concept is heavily influenced by the brand’s original khakis heritage, and delivers an overall look of classic casual style. The range for apparel starts from Rs.899/-.

The Dockers women’s line comes in two categories — Essential and Liberty —
and includes a complete wardrobe of woven and knitted tops, denim and non-
denim bottoms.

The range includes woven and knitted tops between Rs 399 to Rs 1999, bottoms between Rs 1,499 and Rs 2,999 and dresses between Rs 1,999 and Rs 3,999.

Since you understand your problem, it is very easy for you to get rid of sit. Actually during your childhood you seem to have scarred your psyche with negativity patterns. These patterns need to be erased.

You need to release those negative thoughts. Do not be harsh on yourself because that way you will never release them. You’re just carrying some fears. You must get in touch with these fears and then let them go.

Affirm “I am free of my negative traumas and my childhood fears do not bother me any more. I am loved and protected”. All will be well and wonderful for you.

They belong to different genres and each of them
has a distinctive style of executing their theme.
Even the subject differs. But what unites these
eight artists is their objective — to make art
popular in Ambala.

And they have achieved their goal to certain
extent. The Creators, of which they are part
of, has come a long way since its inception in
1981, and is now an institution successfully
proving a platform to both veteran and budding
artists to showcase and promote their works.

So, An Exhibition of 8, which was inaugurated
at Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 on
Wednesday, gives us a glimpse of the latest
happenings in the neighbouring town. And the
conclusion we derive is that like any other artists,
they too paint for peace and of course, spirituality
rules supreme.

“As you grow old, your outlook changes and
even your art takes a religious tinge,” says
K. N. Anand, president of The Creators whose
six sculptures are on display at the venue.

And one can actually see the gradual change
in his works.

His early works like Shell in sheesham wood
is a fine piece of work picked up from the nature,
which paves way for more complex themes like the
Brahmanda with Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar for
Trinity and other similar works like Nandi and Eyes
(in white marble and black granite).

A prayer for peace comes from another veteran artist H.S. Purewal. Colour plays an important role in his compositions. Eternity, which shows a congregation of monks praying for peace is being executed in different hues of orange and stands out for its fine blend.

There is B. C. Prasad working on some similar theme captures the world chaos in form of caskets and dead bodies in his To Let In. For Curiosity, the artist picked up inspiration from the Hollywood blockbuster Independence Day, which is complete with a huge spaceship casting its shadow on the earth.

Other participants like Dalvinder Singh with his Forbidden City draws our attention to the depleting cultural and moral values of our own City Beautiful. But then all is not yet lost, a message, which comes from his another painting called Hope.

The exhibition brings forth some mural works by Jujhar Singh and a few portraits by Ram Binod and a few naturescape by Raj Gopal Sharma, Ram Binod and Sanjay Dhawan both in abstract and realistic form.

On till October 19.

If you are looking to beautify your garden,
Geeta Singh and Simmi have come up with
 the exhibition Gardenscape. It has
interesting garden décor in wrought iron
and stone, and to complement it indoor
furniture is available too.

Especially brought from Rajasthan are stone-
carved water features, pots, hurricane lamps,
carved benches and birdbaths.

Carved from rainbow and Jaisalmer stones,
there are pretty garden adornments in the
shape of mushrooms, tortoises, turtles
and cats.

Don’t forget to check out beautiful Tulsi
pots adorned by Ganesha, Lakshmi and
Swastika figures.

If wrought iron is your pick, then you
have plenty to choose from—- picnic
benches, garden light boxes, ornamental
ducks, bird houses, hanging baskets and
Budhdha lamps.

All the wrought iron stuff is powder
coated to save it from rust.

Also on display is wood furniture from the
Sohrab group of companies, exporters to
UK, Holland.

The sheesham wood furniture is available
in various wood finishes.

Check out chests in square, round and oval shapes, jali mirrors, mashals
and wine racks.

The price range starts from Rs 1500 and goes on to Rs 1 lakh, the latter being the price tag of a wooden Gazebo for the garden.

The exhibition is on till October 17 at Dhillon Farms on the Chandigarh-Siswan road.

Swarn Deep Mala Et Al is an exhibition of diyas, terracotta plates and potteries meant for the coming Diwali.

The exhibition at Gary Arts Gallery, in Phase VII, Mohali, a brainchild of P.S.
Sawhney, started with collecting such items, which were artistic and at the
same time utilitarian.

“The variety of diya, plates or the earn lamps make for an interesting collection and this is why I started collecting them. As my repertoire grew, the idea to share my collection with my friends and other art aficionado like me came to my mind,” says Sawhney. He gives it the look of a composition.

On till October 18.