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No showdown this
We are standing right at the doorstep of the New Year. The doors will open and we would step into a brand new 2009, with speculations, enthusiasm, eagerness, memories, and retrospection. But unlike other times, when we danced our way to the New Year, this time the mood is gloomy. The 'one' incident in Mumbai has shaken up everyone from the slumber. And unlike other times, when we conveniently forget incidents, this time no one is willing to do so. Celebrations and parties at most places have been called off, and people aren't even sulking over it. Rather they would want to sit back, and pray for a better morning. And most performers and singers too are doing the same. Whatever may be the reasons, they are staying away from the celebrations. Consequence? They have sacrificed their 'lakhs' and 'crores'. We ask them why…
Rakhi Sawant, the dancing, or rather the drama queen is not shaking her booty this time. The item girl, who is riding high on success, has two reasons to keep away from celebrations. "One, I am busy with my shoots for another reality show, Chota Packet, Bada Dhamaka," says Rakhi. "This will leave me no time to party and merry making. And the second reason is that I genuinely feel about what had happened in Mumbai. It has affected all and sundry, be it an actor, businessman, a shopkeeper or a rehriwalla." Rakhi feels that calling off celebrations does not mean that they are scared of anything. "This is our way to express solidarity and support to the drive against terrorism. We don't want to forget what happened in Mumbai and also learn a lesson from it." Labh Janjua is the one of the most the happening singers in the industry right now. Labh is the voice behind Soni dey nakhrey (Partner) and Ji karda (Singh is Kinng). This New Year eve he too isn't doing anything as one would have expected. Don't we know this is the time of the year when they can officially mint money! But this humble singer plans to stay back home and pay homage to those who have laid down their lives for us. "I were to perform in Delhi on December 31, but the show got cancelled due to the blasts. I am not feeling sad. People who do not belong to Mumbai are also hurt and we should express our support to the cause, to keep our country safe." Positively busy
His silken voice has touched the hearts of many Punjabis and favourite with the NRIs. Harbhajan Mann, actor and singer, also feels strongly for the blasts. So, what is he doing for the New Year? "I am going to Canada to perform at a charity function on December 31." Maan is also of the opinion that life means to move on. "This does not mean that we should forget the lessons. Instead, we should be doubly careful and see to that no on one tries to disturb the peace of not only Mumbai but any state." He adds, "We cannot let life stop there. We have to move on, and this is the message that needs to be passed on to the rest as well." Committed to the core
She is the famous Kaanta laga girl who gyrated around in her skimpy dresses. And this New Year, Shefali Jariwala is performing at the All-members Country Club, Indore. "I had committed to perform there much before the Mumbai blasts happened and now the organisers cannot cancel it. The required publicity has been made and it is no more my call." For Shefali life has already come back on the track and people are doing whatever little they can in their capacity. "I would rather donate some part of my earnings for the blasts victims. In fact, we all are doing something or the other for the blasts in Mumbai." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Marathon Man
How much can you talk to a man who knows the art of talking? Meet Milind Soman, the man who gave a new meaning to Indian fashion and redefined the modeling industry. Post-retirement from ramp business, the model turned actor is busy these days juggling between his production house, an event management company, a gym, acting and well, running too.
In the city to announce a new-year bash-Meltdown, organised by his event management company, Maximus and Can & Able, Antidote in association with MTV, we chat him up to find what he's doing next… Work hard, party harder
Ask him what is he doing these days and he says, "Parties. In fact a lot of things. I am acting, opening a gym in Delhi, have a production house to take care of and an event management company that is organising the new-year bash at Westwood, Zirakpur, this year." On why did he choose Chandigarh as the venue for his company's first party, he says, "We did a research and found the city people to be high on fun and party quotient and above this we had good partners, so we chose Chandigarh." Life in a metro
"Post 26/11, life is slow, but it has to go on. We cannot sit back because we were attacked, in fact we have to take positive steps so that this does not happen again," says Milind. Well, doesn't he want to join the league of actors who have said no to celebrations after the Mumbai terror attacks? He replies, "We have to be optimistic. Take individual steps to help the people and the country recoup from the terror. And, above all life cannot come to a stand still, one has to work and the business has to move on." Fitness and me
"I am not a gym person, but yes, I swim a lot, run and do functional training," he says. Ask him about his passion for swimming and running, and he says, "I am a national-level swimming champion and run for almost 90 kms a week. I would also be running for the Full Marathon in Mumbai that has a stretch of 42 kms." My idea of party
"With my training schedule, I have little time to party. I sleep at 10 pm and wake at 5 am, as I run 15-20 kms a day, but whenever I have time I party hard as I have to channelise my energy. And my idea of a party is to break loose and have lots of fun," says Milind. A perfect juggler
"I am working in two Marathi films, one Telegu and one Hindi movie, which is an experimental cinema named, Shadow. I am also hosting a show Marathan Man on NDTV," signs off Milind. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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A prayer and a little joy
The grim fog is forcing even the liveliest of souls to take shelter in the warmth of a quilt. Who wants to loiter around in the cold? And if you have decided to muster the courage to do so, the reports of low-key celebrations will dampen your spirit. More so, if you have been following the after-affects of Mumbai blasts, you wouldn’t want to let your hair down and party till the wee hours. But at the same time, you want to usher the New Year on a joyous note. So, what do you do? City folks share their plan for the New Year eve. All the same, they all in favour of solidarity, and do feel strongly about what’s happened in Mumbai.
Offers Munish Bajaj, owner Tress Lounge, L’Oreal chain of salons, who will be going to Himachal Pradesh for a day to celebrate the New Year. “This time not many people are celebrating. Most hotels and restaurants have nothing much to offer, except for a few private parties. This is why we thought of going to some peaceful place in the hills, even when I know it wouldn’t be that peaceful with most people heading towards it.” It is going to be a family affair with a few close friends. “We will have a good dinner together, catch up with so many things, let the kids entertain themselves and return the next day.”
Munish’s family is not the only one who would be leaving the city. Sumit, Aditi and their son Adi will celebrate with friends in New Delhi. “I wouldn’t be a happening affair there as well. We just decided to get together at one place. Now, that there isn’t much happening in the city, so we thought it would better to go somewhere.” Sumit strongly feels that there is no reason to party, looking at what has happened only a month back in Mumbai. “My friends in Mumbai tell me no one is in the party mood there. They would just be sitting home. It is justified,” he adds. “They have gone through the most terrible incident of the year, seen the city burning.” Agrees Aditi. “We just wanted to usher the New Year in a positive note. Life is about moving on. And I do want to give my kid a reason to smile.” The sadness and solidarity is evident. Nonetheless, some people are still in favour of celebration. For them life means overcoming hurdles and looking at the brighter side. Well, this certainly does not mean insensitivity. It’s just about looking at life with a positive attitude and moving on, not forgetting the lessons though. Azalea, a fashion designer from the city, will be celebrating the New Year with family and friends at Kasauli. “There isn’t much happening the city, so, we decided to go Kasauli. I understand that this time celebrations are low key, but I also feel that we should step forward with a positive attitude and a smile on our face. This does not mean hitting the dance floor. It could also mean getting together with friends and family, saying a prayer and dinner together.” Nothing is lost, if hope is alive, something that we all need to remind ourselves for the coming year. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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In D-company
Another year is coming to an end, so we begin the usual discourse of going into the flashback of the Indian television this year. What was the hits and miss count, what dramas unfolded and what controversy ruled the charts. Now this year can be marked as the year of harsh ree(a)lities and controversy couture, as the drama on-screen was more live and action-packed.
To start with, there were some high profile debuts on television this year with almost who's who of Bollywood either judging or hosting some or the other reality show. The list includes Urmila Martondkar, Sonali Bendre, the jumping and still jumping jack Jeetendra, Karishma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Sushmita Sen, Ajay Devgan, Kajol, Karan Johar (like there is no tomorrow). But the most dumdaar debut was made by the superstar Khan, Salman Khan with his show Dus ka Dum. He really proved his metal over King Khan when it comes to small screen, with SRK flunking badly with his Kya Aap Panchvi Paas Se Tez Hain. Another action packed debut was of Akshay Kumar as the host of Fear Factor. He carried forward his Singh is Kinng success to TV and rubbed over his khiladi skills to the 13 contesting beauties, facing their worst nightmares on the show (no we are not talking about Akshay and his 'playful' ways). With the reality TV syndrome at its all time high this year, the only 'change' came in the form of some slaps, fistfights, free and uncensored use of language, sexy scandals and well, surprising, rather shocking, choice of contestants. The biggest controversy-mincing machine of the year was BiggBoss2. And the torchbearer of 'the big controversy', Shilpa 'omnipresent' Shetty was the obvious choice to replace Arshad Warsi. And after watching its shock laga type inmates, one wondered if anybody could be on a reality show. The best of their talents were seen inside the house rather outside of it. Raja Chaudhary as the angry madman of the house, ek twisted si prem kahani of Rahul-Payal-Monika Bedi and the nautanki queen Sambahvna Seth. It was the baap of all reality shows. A close competition was given by the seductively outrageous, Spiltsvilla. It was one show that probably changed the meaning of love for most of us. And the girls couldn't look more sexier with all the bitching, backstabbing and lessons in how to shed clothes at the drop of a hat. TV had its own Slapgate scandal with a contestant slapping the host of Dadagiri, a show on Bindas TV (the name itself suggested something like that happening). And when talking about controversies and Indian television, then Ekta Kapoor is inevitably present. She scripted a soap opera like reality show, Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket, which was more of a controversies ka ticket. From fistfights to slapping and abusing each other openly, the contestants sure had all the talent in full display (judges Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Amaan, Amrita Singh and Mahesh Manjrekar were made the victims of mass depression). More on the Ekta front, her version of Mahabharata was more of an extended version of one of her daily dramas. The great depression though came when two of TV's iconic bahus said their last goodbyes with Kyunkii …and Kahani Ghar…going off screen. And the month long TV strike that made us go back to the DD era. And if the bollywood took over the small screen then there were two stars from the tele that shone bright in the tinsel sky- Rajeev Khandelwal struck bulls eye with Aamir and Prachi 'Bani' Desai with surpising Rock On! But all in all, this year made us realise one thing that television has outgrown from its image of an entertainment tool and taken the shape of a Page 3 socialite. Glamorous and glossy and full of gossip! lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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What a year!
Aamir Khan's nephew and debutant Imran Khan will remember 2008 for his film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, which became an average hit. But his second film Kidnap was a big flop. He has not taken failure to heart and is looking for good scripts to bolster his career. Sanjay Dutt married small-time starlet Manyata during the year but was entangled in legal problems after her first husband challenged the legality of the marriage. Subsequently, the couple crossed all hurdles and Manyata lend a helping hand in Sanjay's production company and soon also became his close confidant.
For Salman Khan it was a terrible year with a string of failures in Hello, God Tussi Great Ho and Yuvvraaj. But still, the actor commanded a good price and was a sought-after star of Bollywood.Akshay Kumar emerged as the most popular star of the year and a whopping amount as remuneration and signed films on his terms and conditions. Filmakers heaved a sigh of relief after megastar Amitabh made a rapid recovery from his bouts of stomach problems for which he had to be hospitalised on his 66th birthday. After resting for a month, he resumed work. Blogging became a hit among stars with Amitabh leading the pack. Salman, Aamir and Ajay Devgan also followed suit along with Ram Gopal Varma. Film trade analysts feel that the coming year will see a turnaround in the fortunes of the Hindi film industry, which still holds sway over audiences, worldover, with spectacular movies that can compete with the best of Hollywood. —UNI |
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Changes? Yes please!
Panjab University's not the best! Yes, you read it right. Calling all the alumni, the alma mater, the faculty and the rest of the fraternity, there are still a zillion alterations we'd like to see in our very own 'otherwise-the-best-campus'. Here's a list of the 'frivolous' and 'not so frivolous' changes we'd like to see on the campus grounds. Starting tomorrow…oops…today midnight. Violence
Implementation,
execution, etc…
When it comes to planning, we rule. Vehicle free day, campus security, Lyngdoh recommendations, just a case in point. For a change, this year we should stop racking our brains and instead just implement all the proposals made so far, including the ones made ummm…a decade ago. And if they too, can't cure themselves of 'plano-mania', they should devise the ones we can achieve, even if it's a decision to colour all the trees on the campus pink. As long as it's implemented. Don't know, what happens to our latest and noble designs of going online with attendance.
Students Centre. It's the insignia of the university and it bleeds our heart to see it so dirty. The fountain, the pool, the water inside (resembles a tar though!) including its general maintenance is, to be blunt and bare, appalling. The recent official handing over of the request by a certain student leader is appreciated. If they cannot clean up the mess, then it can be turned into the official dumping ground for garbage. At least, the revenues of university will increase and who knows, it might be called the most beautiful dumping zone in the world! As for food, it can always be had in the class rooms itself or the nearby geri route. Talking of 365 days ahead, these many modifications would be a precedent for emulation, sufficient for encouragement and qualified for achievement. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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For better or for worse
With the New Year, comes a fresh stock of resolutions, curriculum and student activities. It also means going in for a few changes, for better or for worse, but change is a must. And so, the campus is ready for its share of the New Year dose of change. We ask students what changes would they like to see in the coming year on the campus and here's what they have to say.
The university also desires a green revolution of its own. Though the campus is counted among one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, it is slowly becoming concretised. "The green belt is being eaten away in the name of improvisation. The Student's Centre now looks solidified; the vast grounds are slowly making way for parking areas. We need to understand that nature is more interesting and need to maintain the classic and fresh appeal of university by preserving the greenery," says Chakraborty, a research scholar. Another change or let's say improvisation that needs to be done is the overall sanitation and cleanliness of the campus. More steps are needed to make it eco-friendly. While these issues are more on the serious side, we have students who want changes of some other kinds. Like what? A very own cheerleading team! "Panjab University has a good track record in sports. But a little encouragement and morale boosting is always welcome. We can have a cheerleading team for that purpose," says Benu Walia, an MCA student. Sure…and they can be dressed from head to toe or dance on Punjabi numbers while we strike gold in games. Yeah? We will have to wait for that. Another change can be the campus going wi-fied. Though it started last year, it would really improve if the entire campus were connected online, for better communication. Yet another change would be setting up of a community radio. To adding more spice to the university life, there are certain things that are desired. Like AC classrooms, more entertainment in form of a mini theatre, or may be a university lounge area. Well, that's some positive thinking and you never know when your wishes come true. |
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A new year, a new beginning
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India shining
American documentary lauds Indian education system "The economy in the 21st century will be a cognitive driven based on knowledge power," said Bob Compton, executive producer of the film "Two Million minutes" which takes an in depth look at the education system in China, India and US. "The Indian education system is more rigorous than the US and students and their family are more dedicated towards an academic pursuit than in the US," said Compton whose film explores how students allocate their high school years, approximately four years or two million minutes to preparing for the globally competitive scenario. He said that in US while the pressure is on athletics, in India it is on academics with students working hours to improve their academic score and parents investing heavily in education and tutorials to help their wards achieving their academic goals and being prepared for the future. "The Indian and Chinese students also aim high in terms of securing admission to institutes of high learning unlike the US where the benchmark for an average student was not that high but one that was more moderate," he said. The film traces the life of two Indian students, Rohit and Apoorva who study in institutes with aspirational values and come from families that have high academic expectations. — PTI |
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A singer's homage
The first thing that comes to the mind. Pardon us, can't help it. We'd like to see it change. And if our 'student statesmen' can't refrain, they can at least make it 'dignified'. We mean things like, attacking an unarmed student in the examination hall could be replaced by a well advertised, planned, WWF-like-revenge out in the open at some suitable place. An ambulance could be arranged for eventualities and student would also know of the brawn-quotient of their leaders. Instead of wasting the money on hockey sticks, swords and baseball bats, students could spend it on betting and already start earning before the completion of their respective courses! Otherwise, pleee…ze just stop.
Now first things first, the university is well-known for its extra-curricular activities. No, we are not talking about fighting shigting and the star nites, but student activity clubs. Almost every department has a student club which carries out leisure as well as social activities throughout the year. So, what do we ask for? "The university still lacks a proper coordination among student clubs functioning on the campus. Every good institution should boost its student communities and we don't do that. We need more student participation and lay importance to our communities," feels Nitin Jindal, a final year biotechnology student. Hmm…talk of being socially responsible.
I plan to celebrate with my friends who just like me are staying back because of exams. We might go to some disc, dance our way into the New Year or may be have a small bonfire party in the hostel. The main idea is to welcome the new year with friends, if not family.
The Mumbai terror attacks have left a scar on every heart and because of this there aren't many parties happening in city. But it depends on the mood, if one wants to get together with friends or go for a drive uphills, visit a disco or stay back in the hostel and sleep sound. In my case I'll spend some time with my friends, eat, drink and have my own fun.
There are no special plans this year. We will celebrate in the hostel and arrange for a small dance party in the premises. It doesn't actually matter if you are at home or hostel, since hostel is where we spent most of our time. As for me, I have to work on my assignments and this is all to my new year.