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Going Places!
This is something that we all look forward to, irrespective of our professions - an extended weekend. When it comes, nothing is the same because it gets everybody raking their grey cells. The nearest spot they can hit, a spot, which is secluded and relaxing, a place that does not drain away the entire savings of the week are issues to ponder on. Shimla is far, Kasauli is overdone. Pinjore? Give us a break. That leaves us almost with no choice but to stay back and hit the PVR, enjoy caramel popcorns, and go to bed after a grand feast. How repetitive! Now, we give you a list of places you can explore on a weekend. Here take your pick: By the lake
Looking forward to get away from the maddening crowd, the traffic jams, the flooded malls? Well, this is the place you would want to check out for sure. All you need is a booking from the Department of Tourism, Haryana, announce it to your family or friends, fix up your departure time, get your car ready and set-off for the most serene place, Tikkar Taal. About 10 km from Morni on the Raipur road, Tikkar Taal offers natural scenic advantage. Puts in the Keshni Anand Arora, secretary, Tourism Haryana, "Tikkar Taal is growing as a weekend destination for many people, who come from Chandigarh, Punjab and Delhi as well. The good part is its proximity to the city, which means the driving wouldn't tire you". Adds Keshni Anand, "People who have seen the place say it feels like Switzerland." A beautiful island under dense forest cover between two taals, one can well imagine. "It is a safe place to stay overnight. And, if you intend to do the same, there is a good arrangement - two spacious dormitories and four rooms. In addition to this, we provide tents as well." This place provides for adventure camping too. An ideal place for those who want to soak quietness and greenery of nature, says Keshni Anand Arora, as they plan to add eight more huts to the place. Fly like a bird
Of course, not everyone wants to runaway to a lonely green place to spend a weekend. There are many who want to be in the scene all the time. And there are some who can't get enough of adventure. They look for reasons to unleash their 'get wild' streak and Patiala Aviation Club is one such place that allows you to get in touch with your adventurous side. One-and-a-half hour drive from Chandigarh, the Aviation Club on the Sangrur road gives people a chance to fly a Cessna 152, Cessna 172 (American aircraft, used by leading aviation clubs worldwide since 1927) and Pushpak aircraft. Say Capt G.S. Mangat, chief flying officer, "People can come for a joyride (Rs 500 per person) here after prior intimation. If there's a group coming then we open on Sunday as well." Please note that the Aviation Club lies under the security surveillance area. So, do not trespass without the permission of the ground aviation staff. Adds Mangat, "The objective of the flight is for you to feel the sensations associated with flying and to have a good experience. The instructor will give you a basic introduction to the aeroplane, its structure and systems, and a safety
briefing." Lost in the wilderness
Undoubtedly nature is what most of us want to return to, always. Be it amidst tall green trees or beside a quiet river, nature allures and soothes. Surrounded by ancient cedar trees, Seog is a reserve forest near Mashobra in Shimla district. An immense variety of flora and fauna can be found here. There is a water reservoir built in 1901 at a distance of 7 km from Seog. A special permission of the Municipal Commissioner is required to enter the forest. Carry something to eat and drink, you wouldn't find any tuck shop or mall at
Seog!
Handy hints n Avoid carrying excess baggage. |
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Shells, seeds and style
A balmy Saturday afternoon and a recee to the Handikrit-2008 at Parade Ground-17... shouldn't be a waste of time. Especially, if you are weighed down by issues like global warming, recession and pollution. Because, here you get to see and pick stuff that strongly advocates that 'environment is an issue of concern'. First on the shelf are the eco friendly bags. Ecopacks, has a good collection of colourful handmade bags in different shapes and sizes. You can pick from the non-woven fabric bags, HDPE woven fabric, hand-made paper and craft paper bags. Next, on the line is a good collection of jute bags by Bharti Sood. According to the young designer, "Disorder in the ecological balance is 'the' concern right now. Also, it is the time to get back to eco-friendly products." And so, her tastefully done jute bags can be used for various purposes. A shopper's bag, snack bags, college pouches, stylish designer jute bags are some of the varieties available for Rs 30-300.
Yet another thing that has been with us for ages - our culture. Rooted firmly in it is Satish Chopra. On display at the exhibition are his fibre figures under the banner Adharshila Potteries, which are symbolic of various traditions. "We started by making ceramic figures and then gradually moved on to fibre figures. Today, we manufacture school playstations, school furniture, park development etc. We make figures depicting a particular culture, Punjabi, Rajasthani or Pahari. Our figures are used at farmhouses, resorts and schools. We also make life-size animal figures to be used in school parks," he adds.
The eco-friendly bit reopens with Meenu Sachdeva's Elegant Creations. Paintings made of burada (marble powder) are enchanting. Paper-mache craft, stencil painting, bread craft, wooden murals, mould making, paper sculptures, photo frames, designer mirrors, chownki, fall fountain are some of the stuff that she has brought for the exhibition. In addition to this, terra-kota pots, designer candles, winter clothes, unstitched winter suits, stoles, shawl, ponchos, home furniture are also some of things on display. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Style with steel
Stainless steel. It brings fond old memories, of clothes that mom would exchange for a chic bowl, of dinnertime when we would bang our thalis if dinner got late and of those glasses and plates that never broke, howsoever much we tried. And unlike the West, where steel is considered as ultra mod, here in India it is a thing of daily use, rather a downmarket thing. Taken over by plastic and melamine in the last decade, steel has again made a comeback and that too with a bang. Divided into different categories like home décor, dining range, bar, decoration pieces et al, it sure makes a style statement and that too with aplomb. While it's steel in the new avtaar that is calling the shots, Chaderpal Dixit, floor manager, Art d'Inox-17, says, "It is the same steel, only the look is different."
Different and how, "Steel has no more the same old glistening look, it is now being used in various finishes. And the latest is the matt finish, that is being liked most by the customers," says Dixit. The company has engaged in-house designers, who work on designs according to international standards. Here you can pick, photo frames to vases that are simple yet dazzlingly stylish to candle stands that would sure make heads turn. Looking for bar accessories, steel has a niche collection of ice bucket, wine bottle holder and a bar set complete with tongs, corkscrew and opener. For those who believe in making a bathroom into room, you'll surely like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and soap dishes. That's not the end of steel, giving tough competition to its competitors (read plastic and melamine), you can even pick dining sets. Believe it or faint, there are utensils that beg you to say goodbye to katoris of yore and beverage accessories that can make you sit on your knees.
And if you are wondering who buys them, then don't be surprised to read-upper middle class. "We have two varieties in steel, one is the good old stainless steel with all that shine, where you can see your mirror image in a thali or donga and the other one is the matt finish. Classy, with rotund curves, it is this style that people are liking these days," says Rajender Jain, owner, New Jain crockery store-35. Though wee too expensive than the usual steel ka bartan, these kitchen pieces sure are the showstopper these days. "Steel is back on track and is catching people's fancy," says Pankaj Ahuja of Kitchen Shape in Sector 11, Panchkula. He adds, " Its not only cutlery that people are liking, they are going in for steel kitchen accessories like handles, shelves, containers etc." Ask him what has caused the change and he says, "Its hygienic, doesn't loose shine, is easy to clean and above all doesn't break." Reason enough to go for steel. jigyasachimra@tribunemail
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Homecoming
While the old adage "East or West, home is the best" may mean anything to anybody but for Gurdip Bhullar, a Surrey (Vancouver)- based artiste, home means Punjab. To be precise, a sleepy village called Tithon in Bathinda district. "I lived in Punjab during my formative years and now that I am in Canada, Punjab with all its rich culture is in my heart." An accomplished musician, thespian and filmmaker Gurdip, the director of Gurdip Arts Academy, is in the city with his latest stage production Rishtey in Punjab and Chandigarh. Talking to Lifestyle, Gurdip talks of how he managed to carve out a "Nachda-gaonda te hasda Punjab" in the heart of every Punjabi. Inspired by his father Baldev Singh, an amateur violinist, Gurdip, who was an ace hockey player, learnt music from Sudama Ram and took part in stage productions during his college days. After a short stint with AG office, Haryana, he left for Canada. Says Gurdip, "I had all the comforts there but I starved for a cultural life and so, I became a full-time performer and propagator of the rich Punjabi musical heritage and established the Gurdip Arts Academy. We started with a community musical show Chidiyan da Chamba featuring over 100 singers and dancers based on the songs of Surinder Kaur. An ambience of a Punjabi village was created for the backdrop. A similar show," he says. It was soon followed by other productions like Kamiyan da Vehda, which was based on poet Sant Ram Udasi. His students belong to the age group of six to 60. "We have found theatre is the most vibrant and vital medium for raising and debating social issues." Coming to his latest production Rishtey, it is a play based on exploitation of innocent girls with the lure of money and glamour in alien lands. The play has, so far, pulled record audience and won rave reviews in the last four shows in Punjab and Chandigarh. Three shows are yet to be staged. The scripted has been written by Anmol Kaur and the cast has 15 Canada-based amateur actors. Hailed as a landmark theatrical venture on relationships, the poignant play is not a stage spectacle but a depiction of the glaring facts that concern one and all. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Matka chowk A road is like a river, full of big fish and small, some swim indeterminably - some forcefully and some never know how and where to swim. My morning watches are making me increasingly aware of an ethos - that harmony is not sought by most who are out on the roads - at least not in our city. Everyone here eats too well and is bursting with imploding energy (after all so much of Verka ghee has to have symptomatic manifestation). The mornings are also not spared. The weaker section of the four-wheeled junta is out on the roads in the early mornings - the driving students. The student drivers are out motoring - looking completely frozen and with blinders on their eyes. The terrified souls are incapable of looking left or right and taking action followed by visual signals. The ones who have the good fortune of not being in a L car are however, merciless. They honk relentlessly at those already petrified drivers and glare at them when passing by. A lot of transportation takes place in the mornings. My favourite are the flower trucks - sometimes, it is an entire tempo full of ferns that will become part of a bunch and repose in someone's favourite vase. My least favourite are the chicken trucks - dozens of small chickens in iron pegs traveling on a pickup. Sometimes I wonder, why is it that they are all a shade of dirty white? Do the administered hormones at the poultry also inhibit colour? A lot of college students also are out on the streets. They cross Madhya Marg with utter fearlessness - in large groups. Their youth and recklessness is so powerful that most vehicles slow down. They talk and laugh and walk through the main road while anxious drivers dodge them and then take turns to leap over the barbed wire and the strangled Bougainvillea. Mornings are also for the walkers. I see a lot of city residents walking on determinedly. Chandigarh morning walkers are jaunty irrespective of age and fearless irrespective of traffic. Many are accompanied by dogs - some huge and fearsome. What is worth mentioning is that a large part of the morning walkers are senior citizens. They look charged, walk with great élan and hold their heads high. Some are dressed with impeccable and classy taste. Some look radiant. Some walk with a speed to shame folks half their age. Almost all of them look like they love a Chandigarh morning. Mornings also belong to vegetables. You get to know the change of season just by looking at the rediwallas furiously peddling away carts full of mangoes or oranges, lauki or shimla mirch, sarson ka saag or karela. In fact, in some of the street corners there is a sabzi bartering conference going on - footpaths lined with lush vegetables and fruits glowing in the early morning sun. I was never a morning person - but, I might turn over a new leaf.
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The ooh's and ah's from admirers that some gorgeous faces of the glam industry invoke are with a significant contribution from the medical world. An imperfect smile or wrinkles screaming the age? This one medicine, Botox treatment, does it all to make the celebrity look charming. And those from the medical world describe it as the revolution in the beauty industry. The same was confirmed once again at a seminar organised by Fortis hospital on medical cosmetology on Saturday. As per Dr. Krishen Mohan Kapoor, dermatologist, if the botox beauty treatment is very affordable and can be used by all. He says, "The number of clients every year opting for botox are increasing by 100 per cent. It is the fastest growing industry in itself now." He adds that the medicine is being to get rid of wrinkles, especially for horizontal lines on the forehead, crowfeet lines near eyes and neckbands. "It is a simple procedure wherein a drug is injected in the area concerned. The result of it shows with in 2 days." As for the myths regarding the botox treatment, he clarifies, "It is a very safe treatment and can be used on a one year old child. But in case of youngsters it isn't used to treat wrinkles but to treat problems like excessive sweating and even cerebral palsy." — TNS
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Picks & piques
However, RNBDJ doesn't exactly take the Adi-SRK pair to the next level, as banal plot squeezes the life out of this romantic drama, which, otherwise, has some sparkling moments. Surinder Sahni (SRK) is a middle-class office-goer in Amritsar. He's a geeky goofball who is happy sporting pleated trousers, ugly glasses and full-sleeves shirts. Not to mention his oiled hair and a thick moustache, which brilliantly complement his boring looks. Fullmarks to the director for creating a protagonist who is a perfect anti-thesis to his over-the-top trademark 'Raj'. Sahni is silly, but adorable. A lot of people will identify with him. After all, how many of us are born with penchant for flirting. So, our Sahniji knows no women and is pretty comfortable with his solitary existence - he occasionally pours his heart out to his bosom pal Bobby (Vinay Pathak), a salon owner - till he meets vivacious Taani(Anushka Sharma), his teacher's daughter who is about to get married. A tragedy lands the duo into a knotty affair. Smitten, Sahni cannot ask for more, but the girl is not exactly impressed with her new sloppy soul mate. Looking for an escape, she turns to choreography classes. But our middle-aged hero won't let go the women of his dreams that easy. So, he follows her to the dance floor, but not without metamorphosing into a chunky avatar Raj (Adi can't do without his Rajgiri), courtesy Bobby. Unbelievably, Taani fails to identify her waxed husband, who finds it a ready chance to do things that he couldn't as Surinder. So out goes the slouch, making way for the style. Raj is everything - he's adorns tees, hot pants and cool shades and likes to wears his heart on his sleeves - what a girl (read Taani) wants. After some dilly-dallying, the woman realises that she is irresistibly drawn towards the forbidden fruit. How Taani battles the temptation and what - flamboyance or simplicity - finally triumphs forms the climax of the movie. Strong characterisation somehow manages to lift a weak plot. Sahni's common -man's image is poignantly portrayed. The director shows his class, as he immediately involves you in his story. But after a promising start, the narrative slackens towards the end of the first half. Also, a woman not identifying her husband, because he has just done away with his mooch and is wearing tight pants, looks absurd. SRK yet again delivers. His performance is a pure treat. Note the way he downplays Sahni's character, truly amazing. And with equal ease, he slips into the shoes of a macho, Punjabi lad. Anushka looks charming and acts fine. Vinay Pathak's cameo is scintillating. Salim-Sulaiman's score is average with Haule haule being the best number. Watch it purely for performances, especially SRK. mona@tribunemail.com
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Mock
tales Small screen is rife with big ideas which are essentially lifts from Bollywood flicks Neha Walia So, after month-long lull, it's comeback time on Indian television. While 'Dreamgirl' Hema Malini returns as a judge in reality show Dancing Queen on Colors, Sambhavna Seth, the naughty girl of Bigg Boss 2 returns as a participant in the same show. The meanness returns with Roadies 6.0, Farhan Akhtar returns with another talk show Oye It's Friday and the 'Prerna' of small screen, Shweta Tiwari, returns with Jaane Kya Baat Hui. And, so returns the usual mirch masala on TV. And, while we would like to believe that with shows like Balika Vadhu, the saas bahu Puran might finally be over and a new trend has dawned upon the chota parda. That of soaps based on Hindi movie themes. Yep…the great 'inspiration' (read copy) wave from Bollywood has been passed on to television. And, so we have the so-called small screen re-makes of popular Hindi films. Hmm…say Jaane Kya Baat Hui has shweta Tiwari playing small screen Tabu of Astitva and it is more than just co-incidence that when chart topping primetime drama Bidaai started, it reminded us of Vivah. Seems like Rajshri Brothers believe in competing with themselves. After remaking their own movies, now they are adapting to their tele versions. Joining the list are some of the recent shows like Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna on Star Plus that brings Subhash Ghai-hit Saudagar to the boob-tube and Jeevan Saathi Hum, which is a rather sloppy version of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. And the makers of these serials make sure that we don't miss out on anything. From the actors who are the look-alikes of those original stars to the locations, music and the scenes, everything cloned. And then for those kahanis that didn't exactly start on such a note, have now been twisted and twirled to introduce the filmy angle. Like in another Star Plus drama, Kis Desh Me Hai Mera Dil, an Eklavya inspired, very Big B type character makes its presence felt. Though one does wonder how things that took three hours to get started and wind up, would continue for years or till the producer decides to take a break and disappear along with the show. But there are those who believe in thinking big. Moving past the Bollywood masala, they are trying to take inspiration from foreign shores. Like the doctor drama Dil Mil Gaye on Star One that promised to start things where Sanjeevani ended. But now, it looks like a khichadi of ER, Grey's Anatomy and Scrubs…though not remotely as effective as any of them. Or, Shekhar Suman joining Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel and their ilk with Movers and Shakers, but that was some century ago. But then who can forget the baap or actually it should be the maa of them all, Mona Singh, aka Jassi of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi (our very own Ugly Betty). Through these shows one gets a positive idea that in the times when recession is taking its toll everywhere, our small screen is getting bigger and better, working on the idea of chota packet bada swaad! lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Sarhad Paar
Following are some of the reactions of the leading lights of the industry: Gulzar: Let's not make a larger issue of a very specific and critical situation. Mumbai has been through trauma. And there was no need for Ghulam Ali saab to choose this time to perform in Mumbai and other cities in India. This is no time for events and celebrations. He's a regular visitor to our country and more than welcome during normal times. Shaan: A ban is harsh and against the creative tenets of music. Proper paper work and a work permit visa should be adhered to. Rules will have to be respected by all. Artistes like Ghulam Ali are legends who should be revered. Shekhar (of the duo Vishal-Shekhar): Musicians are musicians. Whether they're Indian, Pakistani or British doesn't matter. It would be stupid to ban Pakistani singers from performing here. Just as Indian artistes cannot be blamed for terrorism in Pakistan, Pakistani artistes cannot be blamed either. Alka Yagnik: No, it's not right to ban an artiste like Ghulam Ali on the basis of his community. Farhan Akhtar: It's not right to ban a musician like Ghulam Ali. He's an artiste and he has nothing to do with what's happening. Such kneejerk reactions are detrimental to the future. Aadesh Shrivastava: I've no objection to Pakistani artistes coming to India. But they should be worth it. I'm a great fan of Raahat Ali Khan, Abida Parveen and Ghulam Ali saab. When Ghulam Ali saab was prevented from coming to Mumbai, I was pained because he has nothing to do with what happened. However, has he bothered to make one statement against the 26/11 attacks? Considering how welcoming we've always been, it seems only right for someone like Ghulam Ali saab to speak out against terrorism. We always extend the utmost hospitality to Pakistani artistes. But they should learn to appreciate what we do for them. So many Pakistani musicians and comedians were nobody back home. We made them celebrities in Mumbai. Who knew Adnan Sami before he came to Mumbai? All I say is when they come here they must have respect for our hospitality and work permit. — IANS "Why not also ban kebabs from Pak?"
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Tarot talk
ARIES: The Ten of Cups brings you your truth, hopes and desires. Endings and new beginnings are on the cards. You are blessed with divine wisdom and endurance to achieve professional and personal goals. Lucky colour: Lime green. Tip of the week : Take limited risks. TAURUS: The Magus blesses you sensitivity and creativity in whatever you do in this week. Do not repent as you cannot turn the clock back. A Scorpio or Capricorn person can be relied upon. Short journey and expeditions are likely for some. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Tip: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project.
CANCER: The Five of Pentacles brings many opportunities in your life. Change your attitude and take your life back into your own hands. Reason and passion pull you in different directions but you get ahead in life. Lucky colour: Ruby red. Tip: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. LEO: The Magician card reveals it's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. Romantic relationships will bring happiness. Social commitments will keep you busy on Tuesday. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Tip: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. VIRGO: Your draw the Six of Wands so friends could get on your nerves throughout the week. You might find that you have the ability to accomplish things with greater ease than usual. Meditation to balance yin and yang energies. Tip: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact. Lucky colour: Emerald. LIBRA: The Moon card reveals this would be a promising week for those of you in relationships. Alternatively, your partner may show slight desires of wanting more out of you in the relationship. Either ways, things would change and there would be more stability and steadiness in your life. Lucky Colour: Red. Tip: Keep your tendancy to save money for rainy days. SCORPIO: The karmic Wheel of fortune turns in your favour. At home, you may need to prioritise and organise things better, so that more work gets done in less time. Review your investments with the help of an elder or expert and put them in order. Lucky Colour: Lotus pink. Tip: Focus on meditation and yoga. SAGITTARIUS: You draw the Ace of Swords your attention should be on your health. Work on reducing expenditure. Do not sign any important papers on Wednesday. Your love life may be slightly turbulent due to differences and obstinacy. Lucky Colour: Dark red. Tip: Try to be calm all the time. CAPRICORN: The Nine of pentacles reveals this would be a good time to travel, especially for business. There would also be a lot of change either at work front or in your personal life. The weekend would be enjoyable. Lucky Colour: Cherry. Tip: Do not overspend and keep the scales balanced. AQUARIUS: The Princes of Cups shows this week you would need to take quick decisions. Move forward at work and take up challenges that would put you in the spotlight. Use your positive energy to realise your goals and dreams. Lucky Colour: Peacock green. Tip: Leave things open ended for best results. PISCES: The Queen of Wands says spend time with your loved ones and children. The weekend is probably, when most of you would be rethinking your goals and ambitions. Love life is little bit controversial on Thursday. Lucky Colour : Scarlet. Tip: Be straight about your approach.
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And if you want to drift a little from hullabaloo of environment, and add a sparkle to your wardrobe with sparkling trinkets, Sarika' handicraft jewellery is an amalgamtion of style, comfort and ethnicity. Starting at Rs 40, her collection incorporates bracelets made of tamarind seeds, pearls, shells, semi-precious stones. Not far is Mohomad Sadik Mughal with his lac craft and jewellery. The old energetic man will make a lac bangle then and there for you, as per your choice of colours. "I have been making lac stuff for ages and I think this is the most elegant art form."
And for that all-important return to roots concept, the city is buzzing with steel accessories. 
When you are Aditya Chopra, you are bound to carry the baggage of gargantuan expectations. The man with the magic touch is back, after a hiatus of eight years, with his lucky mascot King Khan in the most eagerly awaited film of the year Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
Bollywood has criticised the Shiv Sena's decision to stop Pakistani artistes from performing in Maharashtra in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strikes. But musicians like Gulzar and Aadesh Shrivastava feel ghazal singer Ghulam Ali, whose concerts in India were cancelled last week, should have chosen a better time.
Adnan Sami: Should America ban Canadian and British musicians? Do we buy music according to caste, creed or nationality or because we love music per se? We only spread love and harmony through our music. Whatever happened to the belief that music has no boundaries? Instead of wasting time jumping on the 'banned' wagon, musicians should just concentrate on creating good music. And by the way why just Pakistani musicians? Why not ban kebabs and cuisine from across the border?
GEMINI: The Seven of Swords says journey for business or holiday is likely. Focus on investment on Wednesday and Thursday. You delegate responsibility and allow others to flower and grow. Pay close attention to what you are doing. Lucky colour: Black. Tip: Business problems must be solved without anybody getting hurt.