A fashion fiesta, full on. That's what PEC Fest has turned out to be

Paint(b)rush: Youngistanis make a beeline for getting colours dabbed on their bodies Fashion Week: The campus crowd dressed in their best for the festival

Throbbing music, electrifying setting and eye candy for all…that's what one finds in the bustling crowd at the ongoing PEC fest. With a whopping Rs 30-lakh budget that has even crossed the IIT in terms of resources, PEC Fest is one hell of a joyride that city students are taking. And apart from the umpteen activities and talent displays, it rides high on the fashion quotient as well. Amongst the gaming geeks and talent seekers, one can find enough fashionistas who are proudly flaunting the best and, of course, the most expensive of their wardrobe possessions, be it the Raybans, Reeboks or roadkiller bikes. Why? We ask them and they tell us.

College fests are 'the' best ground to have some fun and meet new people. And one needs to be ready in their best to stand out in the crowd," says Namrata Yadav, a BE student from the city. So that means wearing the best brands, flashing your latest mobiles and adding that bling factor to your presence. "Sure. Personally, I feel that by making an effort to dress up for such events gets you the attention you deserve." Sure, after all that hard work.

One reason apart from the desirability factor for this glam sham brigade can be the publicity for the event. "Of course. It adds to the overall style factor of the entire fest, when you have the 'with-it' crowd tag attached to it. After all, its not just about competitions but a little masti as well," says Arun Chauhan, a hospitality management student who accompanied with some friends at the fest. Hmmm…and sure goes in-sync with the MTV generation that swears by its show off parade of their clothes, mobiles and cars, with élan. "All the show baazi is necessary for building the brand value of the event, for the sponsor's eyes that the event attracts the most happening people and also adds on to the oomph factor of the show," feels Angad Singh, member of the PR committee, PEC Fest. And who minds those admiring glances and well, a few phone numbers as well. Ask Amit Kaid and he lives on such fests for having full on brandish fun. "I am wearing Mystic Monk, Spykar and fastrack and specifically drove down in my car instead of my bike," he sums up. And this is not all, the parking seemed full of the flashiest of the SUVs and funky bikes. Well, now that's what we call fashion.

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An artist's muse, architect's dream and a landscapist's paradise. Our city, it seems, performs many roles. Le Corbusier's architecture has inspired many a professional and attracted an equal number of people. This time, the innocent victim to its beauty is Gunther Vogt, a Swiss landscape architect, who comes here for just two days. Let's see what he has to say?

First visit to the city? He says, "Yes and not just to Chandigarh but to India as well. I always wanted to come to India." And come he did. But what brings him to this part of India? Says Gunther, "I am here in connection with a project we are working on. It is really on the table right now." Having been here for just 24 hours to be precise, is too short a time to know the place. But nevertheless, enough for a first impression. And his has have been no different from others'. Interesting and wonderful is how he describes Chandigarh. He says, "I really find it great. Extremely green and extremely concrete with interesting buildings." And yes, he's seen our rock garden. He adds, "Rock garden is amazing. It's a wonderful garden and I don't know why it's not as popular in Europe." And he's really impressed with the old concrete that has been used in the buildings of the city.

His observation on India is a little different and quite insightful. Says Gunther, "The culture is extremely different. In India you go to any place and each place is so different from even itself. There are a lot of people here. So many people walking, driving." This opinion, independent of the places that are next on his itinerary, Kolkata and Shangai. That's not all. He plans to be back next year.

25 years in the profession , any changes that he has seen in Landscapist architecture? He says, "People now are much more interested in nature than when I started. Now there is much more attention to detailing." One, according to him, needs to possess a certain set of qualities in order to be a landscapist. He says, "You need to have knowledge of vegetation, Geology, plants and watering, apart form interested in nature. Designing a garden is mush more difficult than designing a building."

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In town to announce his design store, Manjeet Bullar wanted to evolve an Indian furnishing brand that would stand on its own globally

History is made when the inspiration behind things is rebellion bordering on the lines egotism and peppered with revolution. Exactly the story behind Manjeet Bullar Design. The brand, that came into being in 1987, was the brainchild of Manjeet Bullar, who wanted an Indian name stand into its own on international turf. In the tricity to announce their soon-to-be-opened exclusive design store, we get talking to the man.

For the uninitiated, Manjeet Bullar Design is a New Delhi-based luxury design label and one-stop shop for furniture, accessories, chandeliers, etc.

Further explaining the birth of the brand, Manjeet says, "I thought why can't there be an Indian brand that would call the shots, dictate the world markets and be looked up to internationally?" No wonder, the results are just as interesting. His works are a product of research on various influences, Renaissance, Le Corbusier, Mughal era et al. As Manjeet says, "We still don't know what contemporary Indian design means. A lot of influences and events have actually contributed to Indian design sensibility."

Brits and Bias "When we started in 1987, at the period there was not even a single Indian brand to boast of, with all the names in the industry from west. While I was working with Tom Dixon, and would take my designs to him, I thought why?" He further adds, "When we have all the resources, the talent and the capability and we are at home anywhere in the world, then why can't we?" Hey, did he just not find an echo in your heart?

The vertically integrated company actually does everything, from conceiving the design to giving it a form. He says, "We design a concept, research, work on the prototypes, take them to our manufacturing facilities at Neemrana, Rajasthan, and drawing studio in Delhi."

The best part, he thinks our City Beautiful is ready for what he has to offer. As he says, "Chandigarh is the port of call. It has fairly matured and further maturing into a lovely place." And yes, the man belongs here. Having done his studies in anthropology from the city.

Coming back to his works, how long will the city people have to wait for his studio? He says, "For any kind of artist there has to be an audience. We are at an advanced stage and things will materialise within six months, maybe."

Last but actually the most, how affordable do they make it? He says, candidly, "See, I won't say we are cheap. But yes, we are the most affordable when compared with what the world's best has to offer." Never actually did works of art with research as their backbone and indigenous craftsmen to boast of, come easy.

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"Except the 'theatre performances', no other form of visual or performing arts can engender a magnetic field of mass mutual rapport wherein the performers could engage their audience in direct conversation and debate issues of socio-cultural relevance," observed the acclaimed thespian Kamal Tewari, chairperson of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi. Riding on the success of the two theatre fests the akademi has ventured to offer a treat to theatre buffs of the City Beautiful with their six day Third Annual Chandigarh Theatre festival- 2008 from 10th to 15th November which starts at the Tagore theatre at 6.30 PM on coming Monday. The festival is dedicated to Late S. Bhag Singh and Late Sh. Aditya Parkash, well known theatre personalities of the region, adds Tewari.

The curtain raises with a befitting tribute to S. Bhag Singh through the staging of his masterpiece Punjabi play Chhaleda under the direction of noted theatre and film actor Kuldeep Sharma for Ajanabi Rangkarmee theatre ensemble. A statement on human relationships and social values the play is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. All the elements of the play in the making are formulated in the full public view on the stage itself, which itself is feature of the production and a glimpse of the genius of late S Bhag Singh, a pioneer of modern Punjabi theatre and films.

On November 11th the notorious yet benevolent thief Charan Das Chor enters the theatre only to steal the hearts of the audience. The Theatre Age group presents an adaptation of the Padmabhushan Habib Tanvir's classic play with many aberrations carried out by the director Zulfikar Khan. The play excavates certain truths as, sticking strongly to the ideals even under the adverse circumstances is always paying. The didactic divine advice coming from a 'thief' is highlight of the otherwise engrossing play.

Loot by Studio Challenge group is scheduled for November 12. Based on an English classic by Joe Norton, director Nima Dandona has sculpted this 'mystry' play, which is full of entertainment and rib tickling comedy.

On November 13 the Theatre For Theatre (TFT) presents a Shanker Shesh's play Aadhi Raat Ke Baat under the direction of Sudesh Sharma. The play is a powerful satire at the politicians, administrators and social patriarchs indulged in corruption.

On November 14 Virasat presents Baawli, written and directed by Asaf Ali. The play deals with the problems of old aged people especially the ladies and propounds the tradition of joint family system that is on the verge in our social structure.

Providing the grand finale to the festival on November 15 is the Jammu based Balwant Thakur, the most promising playwright director of Dogri land. Under the aegis of Natrang Theatre Thakur presents Mere Hisse ki Dhoop dealing with the hazards population explosion.

Bright fancy dresses, rainbow-coloured brush strokes, fun parties and exciting prizes await children at the Ebony Kids Carnival---a three-week-long festival of fun and laughter which kickstarted on November 8 at Ebony-9.

The carnival is happening simultaneously at all the Ebony department stores in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Faridabad.

The highlight of the Carnival is different themed activities for each weekend. The first weekend witnessed a Fancy Dress Competition on Saturday evening, mainly for the age group of 2-6.

The second day of this fancy dress competition is for kids aged 7-12 and will be held on Sunday evening.

Sr General Manager (Operations), Ebony Retail Holdings, Julius Rajashekar, said, "Holding the carnival in the store itself gives the kids a different surrounding to play in and enjoy themselves. The activities are creative and interactive and give the kids an opportunity to showcase their talent and reward them with exciting prizes. In addition to this, these games also give a boost to their confidence.” — TNS

Chandigarh has its own style of doing many things. I always marvel at the sight of genuine road improvement that takes place throughout the year. Potholes are promptly filled, saplings are planted on public roadways and dividers are freshly painted. Malfunctioning traffic signals are repaired before the next harvesting season arrives.

Some things are, however, stuck in the backwaters. For example - the business of job interviews - an essential aspect of a growing city and careers seems to be mired by amateurism. Most of the young folks who are scheduled for interviews come in late. Many never show up after confirming the time. Some show up three days later and expect to be interviewed right away. Some get really upset when told that the interview has been cancelled due to no- show. Some breeze in with baseball caps perched on the head, some cross their legs while seated, showing off their new pair of jeans faded in the right places.

Most write cover letters in SMS language - it goes somewhat like this:

• I enclosed my cv with this for ur reference, If it suits ur opening, kindly let me know.
• I am sending my updated profile. I am interested for this position. If u have opening please let me know.
• I am interested. and here i am sending my resume's also plz check the attachment

Some don't bother to write anything and simply send a resume. Almost all cover letters use all the pleases as 'Plz,' your as 'ur' and regards as 'regds.'

I have myself had myriad experiences as an interviewer which make me feel that the tribulation is not the candidate's alone. Sometimes, I cannot make out who is more nervous - me or the candidate. One young gentleman in his zest to explain a design for a certain software, started drawing on my desk with his ball pen. I was so shocked that I failed to stop him promptly. Another young girl burst into tears when asked about her desire to relocate from Delhi to Chandigarh. I learnt some new-age relationship realities. Some describe their afflictions in great details. Some refuse to pay any heed to what is being asked and tell their own stories.

I specially have a hard time with those candidates who suck on their pens while answering the IQ test. While being asked specifically to solve a problem verbally - ask for paper and pen and when asked to describe a certain principle volunteer to talk about something completely out of whack.

I am not a patient person - but interviews here are teaching me the virtue my family members would so much like me to possess.

"Quantum of Solace" has opened in India a week before its US release. Lead actor Daniel Craig says: "Bond films have been a huge hit in India and that's why we wanted to give Indian audiences the thrill of seeing the spy movie before the Americans do".

Craig said in an e-mail interview, "Bond films have always been a hit here (India) and the character of James Bond is hugely popular in India, so keeping his Indian mass fan following in mind, the producers decided to release the movie in India a week before even the United States," he said.

Asked about Indian movies and actors, he said: "Personally I don't know any Indian actor since we are very apart from each other in terms of subjects and scripts. But we do get to meet our counterparts from other countries at film festivals. Most definitely I would love to work in an Indian movie but till now I have not received any offers.

"No, I have not been to India, but I certainly think that it's a fabulous country with lots of colour and diverse cultural backgrounds. It would surely be a great experience if I get a chance to come to India."

The spy thriller has already broken the record as the highest grosser on the first day in Britain, where it opened Oct 31.

Craig got himself injured a number of times during the shoot, as he performed his own stunts. But he has no regrets. "When you are a part of a Bond film the whole experience is very exciting. I truly enjoy performing stunts on my own. Using a body double would not have given me the excitement which I got from doing stunts myself," said Craig, who calls Bond movies the "biggest money- minting machine".

"The most difficult scene was that of slamming the door on my co-actor Mathieu's face during, which I hurt my finger a bit seriously," he said.

Craig also had to undergo a rigorous workout regime for his role - hitting the gym and doing yoga.

The actor credits Sean Connery to have "genuinely made James Bond a memorable character among the people". Asked if he is scared of being typecast as James Bond, Craig said: "Playing him doesn't limit my acting, rather it gives a unique edge to it and I am comfortable to be recognised as James Bond. His future projects include "The Jacket" and "Vengeance" apart from the next three instalments of the Bond franchise. — IANS

It's V for Vendetta for Her Majesty's most revered spy this time. High-octane action, eye-popping stunts, spectacular car chases, adrenaline-gushing fisticuffs, flying bullets, shattered glasses and lissome ladies, the latest 007 outing offers all the necessary paraphernalia, typical of Bond bandwagon.

Arguably, the first proper superspy sequel, Quantum of Solace takes off directly from where Casino Royale (2006) left off. Stung by the betrayal and death of Vesper Lynd, the woman he loved, Bond (Craig) is adamant to unmask the sinister organisation that blackmailed his love and the man who fatally ditched her.

An electrifying car chase in coastal Italy sets the tempo with the most famous secret agent's trademark black Aston Martin once again saving the day for him. The plot gets into overdrive after a giddy rooftop chase and Bond realises that apart from settling his personal scores, he also has to take care of a crime cartel called Quantum with slimy Dominic Greene (French actor Mathieu Almaric) as its baddie-in-chief. Happy to facilitate coups and destabilise governments, Greene hides his nefarious designs behind the façade of an environmentalist with a heavy green concern. He has his eyes set on Bolivian waters and even engages a General for his wish fulfillments.

The only roadblock he sees is the raging Bond who at times even ignores orders of his boss M (Judy Wench), prompting the latter to revoke his licence to kill. However, there's no stopping 007 who traverses Italy, Austria, Haiti and finally lands in Bolivia to lay his hands on Greene, of course not without the able assistance from luscious former agent Camille (Olega Kurylenko).

The pacy intensity of the shortest and costliest Bond flick makes it a thoroughly gripping affair. Though the narrative may appear a bit jumbled initially and those who have not seen the prequel could feel out of place, the director Marc Forster of The Kite Runner and Monster's Ball fame makes up for it with fascinating, breathtaking action which doesn't give you time to even bat an eyelid.

Craig, in his second Bond installment, belts out yet another riveting performance. In fact his self-assured, rugged, icy ace agent demeanor takes the newly-cultivated anti-hero image to the next level. His chief adversary Almaric looks frail both in terms of physical prowess and characterisation.

The two leading ladies Olega and Gemma Arterton (she's is barely seen except once on bed with Bond in a children's movie style lovemaking scene and second lying dead, all smeared in oil) look good. Judy Wench is impressive.

The editing is crispy. Though the puritans may smirk on the missing witty one-liners, sensual pleasures, gadget man Q and the immortal "The name's Bond. James Bond" line, the loyal fans will definitely find a huge solace in this cracking action affair.

Go for it!

Good themes normally make good films. However, exceptions are there and EMI is certainly one of them. The subject, based on the culture of living life on credit, is very topical - especially in the current slowdown scenario -but lands in inexperienced hands. So what could have been a telling satire on the modern-day society, its over-sized aspirations and the quick-fix approach, is reduced to a flimsy, unimaginative tale that gets somewhat lost in translation.

EMI delves into the life of Sattarbhai (Sanjay Dutt), head of Goodluck Recovery Agency, and four loan defaulters - DJ Ryan (Arjun Rampal) who has to pay a hefty price for going around with a bootylicious babe (Mallaika Arora), a couple Anil (Ashish Chaudhary) and Shilpa (Neha Uberoi) whose life (home to honeymoon) is on loan, a harried middle-class father Chandrakant (Kulbhusan Kharbanda) who is struggling to sponsor his son's expensive foreign education and a widow Prerna (Urmila) who has to pay Rs 10 lakh to a fixer to get her husband's Rs 2-crore insurance claim.

When newspapers flash reports of recovery agents' ruthlessness, apna Sattarbhai, who is also a wannabe neta, convinces the bank to go humane and understand the problems of defaulters rather than bullying them. What a change of heart!

Nevertheless, the charismatic Bhai plays a marriage counsellor to Anil and Shilpa and motivational guru to Chanrakant's boozer son. DJ Ryan gets a contract recommendation for helping the Bhai win over Urmila and her daughter. What's more, the Bhai realises his neta dream too.

Debutant director may have the gusto but greatly lacks the story-telling ability. The narrative is shabby with entire first half wasted in establishing characters. It's only after Sanju dada's entry in the second half that plot gathers pace, only to slacken, as the love angle between Bhai and the widow is explored. Sanju's do-good act is a Munnabhai hangover and he delivers yet another natural performance. We must agree Bhaigiri is second skin to this talented actor. The rest of the cast is a waste. After Rock On, Rampal should realise that expectations are high from him. Mallaika looks hot, Ashish and Neha are just okay and Urmilla definitely needs better projects. Manoj Joshi and Snehal Dhabi, as Dutt's side kicks, look artificial. Sheer paisa waste!

Vidya Balan is quite relieved now a days as she has been spared of a link-up with her co-star Arshad Warsi with whom she is shooting for "Ishkiyan".

"Vidya is happy that this time the media will not be able to link her with her co-star.

Arshad is her good friend and he is happily married with two kids.

The two are shooting in Wai for Vishal Bharadwaj's "Ishkiyan".

Unlike other actors who prefer to stay inside their vanity vans between the shots, Vidya loves spending time with nature. — IANS

ARIES : You draw Ten of Pentacles. Although your life will be pretty much the same, there would be a desire within you to change something about yourself. Take a step and then stick to it. Lucky Colour : Green. Astro tip: Tackle difficult tasks and tough people carefully.

TAURUS : The Wheel of Fortune blesses you. Now is the time to make some changes in your daily life. Don't let drudgery of routine decrease your efficiency. The weekend will be busy with family responsibilities and taking care of pending tasks. Lucky Colour : Cream. Astro tip: Relax and adopt a light and playful attitude.

GEMINI : The Nine of Wands says the week may be more challenging than usual. As a result, you will have to exercise all your intuitiveness and be as realistic as possible. At work, efficient and organised work will bring good results. The weekend will give you much -needed breather. Lucky Colour : Bottle green. Astro tip: Listen carefully to you beloved's advise .

CANCER : The Priestess expresses what you feel is important and that is exactly what you will be doing this week. Show your love, support and friendship. At work, be rational and patient and don't get frustrated by temporary delays and denials. Lucky Colour : black. Astro tip: You should pursue your goals without a thought for the disapproval.

LEO : The two of Rods card says relationships, marriage and friendships will be the highlight this week. Those of you planning on investing in speculative ventures may face some hurdles or doubts. Lucky Colour : Cherry red Astro tip: Family situations may require deft and strategic handling.

VIRGO : The Magus says this week will be quite busy, since you will be taking care of issues such as bills, appointments and miscellaneous errands. Socially, you may feel a little detached and lonely, but this feeling will pass towards the weekend. Lucky Colour : Golden. Astro tip: Remain patient and listen for new instructions.

LIBRA : The Lovers card reveals interactions, traveling, intellectual pursuits will be the best part of this week. You will have to be strong and make the decision to save and invest. In relationships, do not get entangled in temporary, meaningless affairs. Lucky Colour : yellow. Astro tip: Remain receptive and flexible.

SCORPIO: The Hanged Man reveals there may be some personality changes that may be brought about as a result of this exercise, and this will have an impact on all areas of your life. At this time, you may be quite generous, optimistic, expressive, tactful, compassionate and creative. Help from a spiritual guide would be valuable. Lucky Colour : Pink. Astro tip: Hard work and perseverance will certainly get rewarded.

SAGITTARIUS : The Knight of Cups says things may move at a relatively slower pace in this week, and you could use the time to relax. Some of you may be planning to change careers, however, this should be carefully thought out. Lucky Colour : White. Astro tip: Meditate to balance yin and yang energies.

CAPRICORN : The Empress says this will be an active and positive week for Capricorn professionals, especially, women who will have the stamina and enthusiasm to accomplish just about anything. The admiration and praise that you receive from everyone would motivate you further. Finances, too, will be on the upward trend. Lucky Colour : Burgundy Astro tip: Take breaks during a busy day and unwind.

AQUARIUS : You make an impact and shine like the star. This will be quite an action-packed week for most Aquarians. Some of you may need to spend time with a financial advisor and review your savings and investments. Aquarian students who are planning to go overseas will be able to get the ball rolling. Lucky Colour : Metallic grey. Astro tip: Activities away from home will bring extra pleasure and broaden your viewpoint.

PISCES : You draw The Hermit. This will be a week in, which you would need to adopt an unconventional yet productive approach so as to accomplish the maximum. At home, things would be clearer and there would be warmth and affection in your relations. Lucky Colour : Red. Astro tip:Time will heal all pains and wounds.