|
|
|
|
|
Falafel to paneer tikka
They are crazy. They brim with life. They even have the zeal to do uncanny things that many of you can't ever dare and most important of all, they are 'young girls' at 60. Then, the next moment they claim in chorus, "Craziness has no age bar." And we do agree, ladies. At least after seeing four of them enjoying life, there is hardly any doubt left. Hailing from Israel, this gang of four is in India once again (they have come here so many times) to enjoy our culture, festivals and the unique experience every city offers. In town under the Bed and Breakfast scheme introduced by the UT Administration, they got chatting on Friday, springing a surprise in the process, "This is the 12th time I am here in India," come the words from one of the four women, Bental Niza, a fashion designer by profession as she begins to tuck into the tangy paneer tikka. With wrinkles crisscrossing her face, the lady with enthusiasm adds, "India is a rich fashion industry. The variety of embellishments, beads and stones you get here is amazing and on every visit, I take back a lot of them to use them on the clothes and accessories I make." All right ma'am, we got your reason but what about others? Esther Pinchas, a retired government officer, Miller Malka, a retired academician, and Primor Zipora, a retired tourist guide cite their reason in unison, "India is a micro cosmos. Culturally diverse, go to any part of it and you see a different India. So, why not visit a country that offers so much." Have a look at their list of travelled places and you'll realise they can write a travelogue on India, quite literally. "Other than the famous hill stations, we love visiting pilgrim sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Mc Leodganj as they reflect an India in sync." Surprised? Then wait for this one, "In the year 2001, we especially came to India to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela at Allahabad," says Miller. And the group this year celebrated Diwali at the Golden Temple, Amritsar. We wished to hear some good words about apna Chandigarh and this time Ether obliged on her friends behalf, "Honestly, Rock Garden is the most beautiful work of man on Earth. Haven't come across such a simple yet mystic creation." Then came something we quite expected. If you love India, how can you forget Bollywood. This time Primor adds invariably, "I love to watch Bollywood flicks. Watching one movie every night has been a routine since years now. Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are my favourite stars." Old and beautiful they are, indeed but it made us all the more eager to know what makes them so? "In Israel, it is a law that when a girl attains the age of 18, she has to serve in the army for two years. We learnt how important self-defense is, also the tenure made us all experimental, brave and adventurous," avers Bental. On being asked is it the right age to be adventurous, she says, "Old age gives us the freedom to do what we wish to. Free from all family obligations, we now live as individuals and want to enjoy life on our conditions." Before signing off, they didn't forget to praise the B&B scheme, "It once again proved that Indians are very hospitable." ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Muscle warrior
Reality is something that most of us would rather avoid reading about or discussing. And, if it is related to our personal health, we don't need anyone to tell us to start exercising or control our freaky diet. But this man at the ICL, not only tells us everything about good health but has made sure that his boys, Dhaka Warriors, follow his tips religiously. Meet the team's masseur and fitness expert, Mitchell Sturt, the man who has made the boys’ biceps equal to the size of the thighs of three average Indian men put together! "Back home in Australia, fitness is like a religion, and everyone, from kids and youngsters to grown-ups, follow it strictly. But in India, it is more of a convenience," says Mitchell, who has made a lot of difference in the fitness level of the team. "In India, fitness is related to smartness and not good health." So, what's missing in the fitness regime here? "Weight training,” bang comes the reply. Only some Bollywood stars do weights, otherwise people here don't seem to be very fond of muscles." And he rolls up his sleeves to flaunt his own. Only Sallu and Sunny Deol can beat these! Nevertheless, there are other things that can go a long way in maintaining good health. Says Mitchell, "You don't have to go to some fancy gym for fitness. It could be done at home as well. You can either climb stairs, do sit-ups and push-ups and this can be done whenever you find time. In addition to this, you can take your dog for a long walk, a good form of exercise, or else do some running and jogging. If you do it regularly, only then you can achieve a healthy body." For people who travel and virtually live out of their bags, Mitchell suggests, "Do not skip exercise because of non- availability of a gym. A walk or jog can make up for the treadmill. And what makes up his diet. Ten chicken, 12 dozen eggs, 10 litres of milk....Kidding. He laughs , "I eat just about everything, and Indian food is pretty healthy otherwise. Chicken and dal have all the needed proteins and carbohydrates." Personal favourites? "Butter, tandoori chicken and naan. All very fattening, but yum." Before we wind up, Mitchell gives a word of advice to Indian cooks. "Boys you cook great food but please use less oil."
|
|
Minting machine
He earns over Rs.1.5 billion ($30 million) a year through endorsements, over Rs10 million to grace an event, Rs10 million per TV episode, more than Rs150 million/Rs 15 crore per film and has now launched a Rs109 billion real estate project in the UAE. Actor Shah Rukh Khan, who turns 43 on Sunday, is much more than a Bollywood superstar. With his dimpled cheeks, toned frame, impeccable dressing sense and unmatched wit and humour, the actor has enthralled audiences worldwide for almost two decades now with films like Baazigar, Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai and Chalte Chalte. King Khan, as he is fondly called, wears the diadem of the actor with the biggest pocket in tinsel town - rumoured to be around Rs 1,600 crores with his maximum earnings coming from commercial endorsements. Shah Rukh, the actor-turned-businessman, who earns more than Rs 300 per minute, as per experts, has successfully diversified into newer avenues with the same charismatic appeal with which he rules Bollywood, just as his fan following has spread over the rest of Asia-Pacific and into Europe, North America and Africa. After a colourful 2007 with two hits - Chak De! India and Om Shanti Om (OSO), Shah Rukh has left the theatres devoid of his presence this year. But the actor continues to be a phenomenon worldwide. He made a quick profit of Rs.400 million/Rs. 40 crores across the table by selling the world distribution rights of Om Shanti Om to Eros International for Rs 750 million as against the production cost of Rs.350 million. The profit that he earned from the deal was apart from the remuneration of Rs 50 million that he took as the lead in the movie. Shah Rukh has also been kept busy with his ongoing world tour - Temptations Reloaded. Although he was not seen on the big screen for most of 2008, he kept hogging the headlines, the latest for getting the Malaysian honour 'Datuk'. His forthcoming releases are Billo Barber, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, My Name is Khan, Dulha Mil Gaya, a sequel to Don — The Chase Begins Again and a voiceover in animation film Koochie Koochie Hota Hain.
|
|
B'day's just work time for Aishwarya, whose shooting for Mani Ratnam's film in Kerala Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turns 35 today, celebrated her birthday shooting for Mani Ratnam's film Ravan in Kerala. The film's shooting had begun on the outskirts of Kochi two days ago. It was delayed because both Ash and husband Abhishek Bachchan could not participate in the shooting due to the illness of their respective fathers. However, both will now be shooting for the film non-stop in a month long schedule. This will be their third film with ace director Mani Ratnam. Abhishek has earlier worked with him in Yuva and Guru. Both films brought Abhishek, who was struggling for box office success then, critical acclaim as an actor. Aishwarya, on the other hand, debuted in his Tamil film Iruvar more than a decade ago. Her last film with Mani was Guru. Professionally the year has been a good one for Aishwarya as her films Jodhaa Akbar and Sarkar Raj were well appreciated and did satisfactory business. This has also been a busy period for her as apart from participating in the Unforgettables Tour, the actress also completed the first outdoor schedule of her second Tamil film opposite Superstar Rajnikanth in Peru.
|
|
Former Miss World Yukta Mookhey will tie the nuptial knot on Sunday with entrepreneur Prince Tuli here in city, family sources said. "Yukta and Prince got engaged on Friday at a grand function here during the five-day marriage ceremony starting with the Mehndi ritual," the groom's uncle and Congress leader Mohabbat Singh Tuli said. The Tuli family, is engaged in the hotel, transport, automobile and fuel businesses in India and abroad. Prince looks after some of the businesses in Delhi, Singh, managing director, Hotel Tuli International, added. The event is likely to be a star-studded affair with those from world of glamour and politics likely to attend the ceremony. —IANS, PTI
|
|
Silk fad
Harvinder Dhillon of Sector 9, a regular at Silk Fab, is shopping this time with her German friend Bridget who is dazzled by the colours, sparkle and variety. "I am here to shop for a suit duppatta for a wedding and I love the colours," gushes Bridget. Monika Chopra and Harmeet Kaur are busy sifting through various stalls. "Last year, we bought lots of stuff. With the winter approaching, we have come to look for stoles. They have amazing variety for stoles this time," says Monika. An initiative of the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd, Silk Fab is an exhibition-cum-sale of exquisite handloom products. All in all, there are 110 stalls from 16 silk-weaving states, bringing you materials directly from the weavers. The range is wide - Kanjivaram from Tamil Nadu, Baluchari, Kantha from West Bengal, Bandhej from Rajasthan, Pochampally, Gadwal and Dharamavaram from Andhra, Muga silk from Assam, Tassar and Madhubani from Bihar and Kosa from Jharkhand. Well, the list is endless. Also, apart from saris, suits and dress material, here on display are ties, bags and material for home furnishings. R. K. Punn, manager, NHDC, tells us, "We always get a good response here. Last year our sale stood at Rs 4 crore. We are hoping to do better this time. In every city people wait for this expo as this offers a good shopping experience, especially for wedding trousseaus. You name it and we have every variety of silk here." For eco-lovers, here comes a good news - you will find Ahimsa silk in this exhibition. Be assured, no silk worm is killed to weave this silk. So, if you are planning a visit, don't forget to check out the readymade coats from Kashmir and Kantha from Shanti Niketan. On till November 14
|
|
Beauty studio
Everyone looks younger with a little colour on his or her face. With so many foundations and shades on the shelves in the market, it sure becomes a challenge to pick the right one. There is a base to suit every skin tone, a formula to suit every skin type. The clever packaging makes choosing foundations very difficult for every one. To pick the right shade you must know your skin tone and its needs. The shade always must flatter your skin; make you look your most natural self. Foundations are never meant to make your skin look different on the face Asian skin must always wear a yellow-based foundation for that more natural look. Getting the right skin tone is more important than any other part of the make up routine. Choose from colour correcting skin tones with ranges that have light, medium and dark colour guide. In one family you will find all skin tones- mother may have a redder complexion, sister more yellow undertones and the grandmother a grey hue. Each one of them would need a different shade to either tone down redness or warm up a sallow complexion. So avoid picking up just any bottle and slathering on your face. Instead go to a make up counter and let the beauty advisers help you choose the right one.
If you wish to recreate a fresh and natural, evened out complexion this Diwali at home follow the simple rules of applying foundation. Spot fix those problem areas that need fixing start with a clean, toned and moisturized face. Skin should never be dry, dull or flaky. Prepare the skin by exfoliating, as foundation needs a smooth surface to glide on. Primers are extremely important for that long stay as they help moisturise and fill in any lines, pores and wrinkle so that the foundation will not settle in them. Dab dots of foundation on the chin, along or on the nose, under the eyes and the corners of your mouth. Use a wet sponge for blending for that sheer coverage. Use fingers to dab on as it helps warm up the foundation and helps melt into your skin. Always blend the foundation outwards starting from the center of the face. Blend foundation from face to neck. Use a wet sponge for spreading the foundation. Using concealer under the eyes is a great idea to hide those dark circles thus avoiding a sunken look. Use a bronzer to light up the face and bring that extra glow. Q- I am getting married in a fortnight. Whenever I put foundation, it looks all patchy. Could you please advice me how to put foundation on for a smooth look. Please help. A- The key to flawless make up is not make up but smooth and silky skin. The build up of dead layers on the skin does not let foundation sit evenly on the face. So your first step should be to remove the dead cells by exfoliating at least once a week and do not forget to tone and moisturise your face afterwards. |
|
Matka chowk
The entire city is abuzz with stories of economic recession. People talk about the meltdown in America in such dire terms that you would think - unemployment in the US would be a staggering figure - which it is not. Everyone is mourning the market and the mayhem it has wreaked. Apparently, people are financially hurt. However, no such economic distress was evident in the shopping frenzy that engulfed the city prior to Diwali.
The night before Diwali I was forced to walk to the nearby store, since taking the car out into the impossible traffic was not an option. I am glad I did make the effort - since, it allowed me an opportunity to review what this buying is all about. No one seemed to be buying anything functional - but things that are just there for sale. However, I think keeping in the tradition of our modern city where anything new-fangled and preferably with a twist of the West is considered a highly desirable commodity - we are still quite prosaic when it comes to mass Diwali gifts. People have not gone beyond the realms of steel bartan, plastic flowers and dry fruits. What happened to the Chandigarh spirit? It is one of the rare smaller cities where you can open a gelato shop and expect brisk business. Or, open a Swiss style bakery and sell organic bread for a phenomenal price. Even the traditional sweet shops are flooded with mithais that look like objet d' art - and can hang on the walls of a museum. I could think of so many things that would make 'Chandigarh-special' Diwali gifts. Women would like a VLCC coupon or maybe, a gift certificate to a nice saloon - or maybe, some aromatherapy. Men could get the gift of having an entire day to themselves - without being harassed by the wife. Even better would be a subscription to ESPN online or a Yoga class. On a smaller scale - why not a jar of new-age honey - those seem to be adorning the shelves of our new and modern Khadi store! How about some good quality Basmati rice! Why is it that we are still not giving people gifts like Music World vouchers, ITunes card, or maybe, just a really good Turkish towel? I surely don't want the same old gifts every year. Next year, I am going give my dear ones a clear list stating what I would not want to have. Maybe instead of sohanpapdi they can buy me a sapling from the nursery! Maybe some vanilla ice-cream instead of pinni! Why not vouchers to the book stores! No one ever thinks of that. The beautiful autumn evenings have arrived. I would like nothing more than to sit on my verandah and read a brand new book given to me with love and good wishes. |
|
TAROT TALK ARIES: The Star card says many of you would feel the need to be more responsible either at work or at home. This would be a good time to interact with others and find out their perspective on issues that are close to your heart. Lucky Colour: Brick red. Astro Tip: Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well being. TAURUS: The Princes of Cups reveals this would be a favorable week to learn new skills. Some of you may make some mistakes and face several challenges at work or in business. There may be some misunderstandings with your loved ones and you would have to be extra patient and adjusting. Lucky Colour: Royal Blue. Tip: Do not ignore any health problems, since they could worsen with time. GEMINI: The Three of Cups says profits and windfalls are on the cards Business men may get the chance to expand or diversify their interests. Review your savings with an expert. The weekend would be a good time for social gatherings and short trips. Lucky Colour: Creamy white. Tip: Don't be reckless with your words, choose them wisely. CANCER: You draw Knight of Pentacles. Positive thinking and an optimistic attitude would hold the key to everything in this week. People would be motivated by your confidence and extrovert nature. Socially, many of you would meet accomplished people and be inspired by them. Lucky Colour: Peacock green. Tip: Try and relax over the weekend- travel, entertain or simply stay at home. LEO: Strength card says at work, you may receive a long-awaited approval for a project. It is essential to form a budget and follow it, so as to increase savings and manage your money. Lucky Colour: Lotus pink. Tip: Be careful when driving. VIRGO: Ten of pentacles says being irritable would only make matters worse. Students would enjoy a period of success and relaxation. Relationships, both at work and at home, would demand time and effort. Lucky Colour: Silver grey. Tip: Take one step a time to climb the ladder of success. LIBRA: The card Magician reveals you may have quite a lot of free time on your hands. Some of you may receive praise from an unexpected source. Libran women entrepreneurs may get help from friends and family. Lucky Colour: Green. Tip: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. SCORPIO: The card Hermit reveals your creativity and imagination would be most fertile this week. At work, be as self-sufficient. Financially, you may need to rework your expenditure without compromising on lifestyle. Lucky Colour: Pink. Tip: You must learn to practice patience SAGITTARIUS: The Magician reveals this would be a hectic, active week. Some of you may receive money or good news from overseas. Socially, you may have to spend some time on your own. Lucky Colour: Purple. Tip: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. CAPRICORN: Seven Golden Cups predict this would be a week in which you would need to be most decisive and active. Your confidence and enthusiasm would be inspiring. A friend may need some support and encouragement. Lucky Colour: Green. Tip: Be patient and sensible when making choices. AQUARIUS: Your card The Sword says you are fiercely independent and keenly intelligent. At home, there may be get-togethers and gatherings that would bring you closer to your family and relatives. The weekend would be favorable for traveling and communication. Lucky Colour: Cherry. Tip: Keep in mind that perseverance is key to success. PISCES: The Lovers reveals teamwork would be the best option at work and would help you to achieve much more. In personal relationships, many of you may decide to commit to marriage and those of you who are married would feel love and warmth towards your partner. Lucky Colour: Golden yellow. Tip: Its best not to have great expectations in any aspect or you could be disappointed.
|
||
|
|
||
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Silk Fab is here again. And the response is phenomenal. Even before the exhibitors could unpack their products, Kisan Bhavan, the venue for the exhibition, was bustling with customers (read women) in various age groups - checking out saris, suits, stoles, jackets and what not.
