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Puri kahani
What defines success? Awards, criticical acclaim and adulation? For Om Puri, success means to find an entry in the list of most likeable actors made by his 11-year-old-son Ishaan. The list has all-the good-looking actor who can dance — Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan…But now he finds his name in the coveted list. Says Om Puri, as we catch him after the shot, "My son finds me a good actor who cannot dance. Now he too wants to be a character actor." Taking the cue, we ask him about character acting.
Are we done with the days of 'acting', of films with no frills, of actors who don't spend more time at the gym than theatre classes? And where are actors who make sure they have rehearsed their lines well? Offers Om Puri, who plays Ajay Devgan's uncle in London Dreams, "Thematically Indian cinema needs to do a lot. Today is the time of commercially good cinema, which needn't be very socially relevant." And where does he fit in? "My criteria for selection of movies has changed over the years. Earlier, it was idealistic, but when I reached middle-age, I realised money is important and now, either the film has to be good and I can rest for less money or I would opt for a bad film with more money." What about job satisfaction? "The vacuum gets filled with foreign movies, which have wider spectrum and variety," says Om Puri. "Besides, when I look at the 30 years of work that I have done, the disappointment of not doing good cinema sometimes takes a back seat. But projects like the one that I am doing with Karan Johar offer great deal of satisfaction." More on his projects. "I play the brain behind the terror in this movie," provides Om Puri, whom we'll see in other movies, Carry On Pandu and Billu Barber. We want to know what does the maverick think when he looks at the new breed of actors? Flashes a hurried smile, "When a young boy asks us for advice regarding cinema, I tell him to head straight to a nearby gym and flex muscles. Had it been the case sometime back I would have told him to join NSD." Time has changed. But then, not really! His son still wants to be a character artiste. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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She's arrived
The rumours were ripe. The Ghajini girl is about to visit the sets of London Dreams. But no one knew when. The wait was getting the better of us, when a huge white car honked its way through the crowd, parked itself in front of the entrance of Kurali Railiway station and a long-haired girl, surrounded by security guards, dashed her way to the platform.
Before, we could put two and two together, the crowd announced Ghajini aa gayi. Well, they pretty much meant Asin. Dressed in Salwar Kameez, the pretty girl waved at the crowd, who obviously wanted a close look at the girl, who made Aamir go mad in the movie.
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No more blues!
What do you expect from a fledgling band formed just last year and performing for the first time in Chandigarh? Politically correct answers, diplomacy and nervousness. Forget it. Meet Delhi's instrumental trio, Blue Breakfast, who performed on Wednesday at Rock In Rio-43. We catch the group, pre-performance as it sits munching fries and appearing just right for some straight talk.
Don't know about their music, but the name Blue Breakfast certainly grabs attention. "It's something that you have the next morning after listening to our music," laughs Adhiraj Mustafi, on the drums. We got it. Names need not make sense. But music sure needs to. So, what's their genre? Gaurav Chintamani, the guitarist among the three, chips in, "It's blues rock, basically it's blues in all shapes and sizes." The group came together May last, chiefly, to make-up for the limitations existing in other bands. Says Sidhant Mathur, bass player, "We are musically very serious which is not the case with others. They just try to stick to the genre and lose out in many ways." Whatever the music, band, group or collaboration, it's usually hard to think of without lyrics, words and vocalist. They do not have any? Says Sidhant, "We are an instrumental band, moreover, it's difficult to find a vocalist that will exactly fit our requirements." Coming back to their being in Chandigarh for the first time, says, Gaurav "We do our own thing and the audience doesn't dictate our performance." The trio's already working on an album, to be out in February. Apart from this, the group has been making people in Nepal too have Blue Breakfast (pun, by all means, intended). Having performed at The Sundance Festival, so what's the music scene in Nepal like? Answers Gaurav, "It's really good and they are quite aware and educated in music. Also, if one's not performing well, the audience would not forgive you." That's something that, we in Chandigarh, too don't! Driving force
It's no rocket science when it's said music traverses boundaries and barriers. Especially when you find people holding a research thesis in Nuclear Fission too swaying to the beats of drums! If not that exaggerated, but our city too has an example. We're talking of golfer Gurbaaz Mann, the host for the last evening and one of the song writing duo, Driving Iron. He shrugs, "It goes. While playing I would often be traveling and got the time to write." Joining him is Sehaj Bakshi, again form the city but currently in US, pursuing Bachelor's degree in music production and composition. The duo, that came together just two years ago already plan to release an album later this year. Wait. That's nothing. They actually composed a complete track in flat six hours just a day before the performance. Says Sehaj, "We actually started from scratch and worked from twelve to six in the morning." Not many can boast that. So what they have to say about the music scene in the city? Says Gurbaaz, "Chandigarh actually doesn't know rock. It kind of knew the sixty's rock but has now lost touch." And yes, they plan to give the people here a taste of what they've never heard before. Says Sehaj, "We've been very experimental and introduced a lot of new techniques and what we'll serve the people will shake out the stagnation in music." Sounds interesting. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Shah of London
Every second person in the crowd, who had an access to a camera like thing have captured Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan to their hearts content, For those who couldn't do so, retakes were a blessing in disguise. They captured more. Salman dressed up as a a band walla and Ajay Devgan the cool dude. Not to miss a string of rings punched in the ear lobes. 'Cut, okay'.
The shot's done. Everyone is whisked off. The actors head for their vanity vans under tight security, leaving behind the director, the good Vipul Shah. Unperturbed and happy with the shoot, the maker of Waqt, Namastey London plonks on a chair and gets back to another survival job, eating. "Punjab is like second home to me. The Gujrati community will disown me soon," he jokes with the journos gathered around him. Anything on London Dreams? "Nothing as of now. Wait and watch. The movie is slated for an August release." Is it about a rock band, a love triangle, about dosti, what is the movie on? "No one of these," he stands by his earlier statement. Okay, what about the sequel to Singh is Kinng? "We are planning but nothing has been materialised yet. We want the sequel to be better than the first one. We cannot go ahead with just about anything." Someone from the journos wanted to know more. We heard that Asin, the Ghajini girl threw a tantrum on the sets? "See, these are rumours. No matter how much I clarify, people still want to believe the wrong," says Vipul. "She is a nice girl and why would a newcomer through tantrums." Asin could be innocent but Salman... "He is lovely to work with. Infact, no actor is difficult. We are all friends and we had a blast shooting in London." "The shot is ready I got to go," announces the director and vanishes in the crowd cheering, Oye Sallu, oye Ajay. It is fun to be a star, at least you get to hear your name like a dozen times in a day. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Yeh hai Bollywood meri jaan
Luck By Chance is a contemporary tale set in bollywood- a world desperate to escape its own reality, debutante director Zoya Akhtar has said.
Zoya, who directs her brother and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar in her debut venture, said her film was about a slice of bollywood life in which luck plays a huge role. "Here, notions of superstition, fate and destiny underline every life as grand desires and opportunities converge to form strange patterns," she said in an interview. Zoya said the world of cinema was about fantasy sellers and a devoted audience. "The insane love for cinema mixed with the eccentric notion of divinity and archaic beliefs are contradictions that keep this world spinning," she added. On characters in the film, that releases on January 30, Zoya said, Sona, played by Konkana Sen Sharma, arrives in Mumbai wide-eyed and ambitious with dreams of becoming a filmstar. Vikram (Farhan), has just moved to the city, leaving behind the comforts of his parents' home in Delhi. He is a mover, used to getting what he wants and smart enough to know when to manipulate, she said. Sona begins to enjoy Vikram's attention and affection and they develop a romantic relationship. Rishi Kapoor plays Rolly, a superstitious and successful producer while Hrithik Roshan dons the role of a superstar, Zoya said. The wheels of fate spin favorably for Vikram, as he is called in for an audition and uses this opportunity to the fullest, she added. — PTI
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Farewell Bush
The President is Coming, set in Mumbai during Bush's trip to India in 2006, tells the fictional tale of six Indians vying for a chance to shake hands with the visiting head of state.
Bush is a running theme in the film and so are
'Bushisms', verbal slip-ups in his speeches that have gained notoriety during his eight-year presidency. "Bush is more of a sort of metaphor for the things thatAmerica represents-good or bad, but he's also used as a bit of a punching bag because he's an easy target," said Kunaal Roy Kapur, the film's 29-year-old director. Shot in a mock documentary style, the English-language film depicts a series of farcical tests conducted in a room at the U.S. consulate to single out a young Indian worthy enough to meet Bush. "The President is Coming, adapted from a play of the same name, opens in Indian cinemas on Friday, just days before Barack Obama takes office on January 20 as the first black U.S. president. "It's definitely a nice little goodbye present for Bush," said Kapur. Who Plays Bush? There is no word yet on whether an actor plays the president's role in the film, although the director has said he used different ways to deal with the problem, including using video footage of Bush. Television promos for The
President is Coming showed a person wearing a rubber Bush mask and a business suit walking past various Mumbai landmarks. Kapur said the film, made at a cost of about 30 million rupees (approximately $618,000), would have lost much of its charm if Bush had not been the incumbent U.S. president. "The premise wouldn't have been as much fun if any of the other presidents had been around," the first-time
director said. "The whole fun of it is that it's President Bush." —Reuters |
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Dil se…
When he started his career in the early 1990s, music maestro Alla Rakha Rahman wouldn't have thought his popularity will skyrocket to such an extent that budding as well as established musicians alike would swear by his name nearly two decades on.
Rahman, who turned 43, is an inspiration for many. For instance, acclaimed singer Sukhwinder Singh gives the credit of his success to the composer. With 11 Filmfare Awards to his credit, Rahman has achieved the status of legend in the lives of upcoming singers who dream to work with the composer, at least once. "Rahman can easily be termed as the living legend in Bollywood. He is one of the few people who made Indian music popular internationally. It will be a dream come true if I get an opportunity to work with him," said Abhijeet Sawant, who won the first season of musical reality show Indian Idol. Said Harshit Saxena, runner-up of Amul Star Voice of India: "Rahman always does an excellent job. Everybody has a dream to work with him, and being a great fan of his, I possess the same." The musician got his first big break in Mani Ratnam's Roja and later Rahman composed for many films in the south. The film was dubbed in Hindi and the songs like Dil hai chota sa, came as a whiff of fresh air for music lovers who wanted more from this musical genius. Rahman's first full-fledged Bollywood project was Ram Gopal Varma's hit Rangeela. Most of the songs, including Tanha Tanha and Hai Rama and Yaaro sun lo Zara, were chartbusters. After that there was no looking back for him. Later, Rahman became a name to reckon with through his soulful compositions in Dil Se..., 1947 Earth, Taal, Lagaan, Guru, Rang De Basanti, Jodhaa Akbar and the recently released Ghajini. Rahman not only won hearts in India, but also made a mark on the global music scene. In 2001, Andrew Lloyd Webber invited Rahman to compose music for Broadway musical Bombay Dreams, which won him immense international fame. He also composed for the stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings that premiered in Canada in 2006 and in London in 2007. Winner of numerous prestigious awards, Rahman has recently been nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for his score in Slumdog Millionaire. With his upcoming projects Delhi-6 and Blue, Rahman's fans will have no dearth of good music to hear and hum. — IANS |
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Skin sizzles
There was no hullabaloo when Bipasha Basu flaunted her curves in Race or Priyanka Chopra slipped into bikinis in Dostana. And Aamir Khan and John Abraham didn't shy away from the dare-bare act either.
In Bollywood, skin show is in - and it's not causing a scandal. Agreed Neha Dhupia: "I think it's about the change in society. When I was 16 years old, I never dared to venture out wearing hot pants or any such clothes. But look at women today. Girls are dressing up in revealing clothes in clubs, while dining at a restaurant, while strolling on the streets. Even 40-year-old women are dressing the way they never did. I mean when my mother was 40, she could never think of wearing those clothes. Same goes for Bollywood." Earlier female leads reflected the image of an ideal Indian woman and whenever actors like Nargis, Nutan, Vyjayanthimala and Sharmila Tagore tried to break the norm by wearing revealing clothes, they had to face flak. But the screen image of actors has undergone a tremendous change in the past decade - from top league actors like Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka, Preity Zinta to sex icons Mallika Sherawat, Kangana Ranaut and Neha - all have flaunted skin with panache, without being reprimanded. Priyanka, who flaunted her body in skimpy outfits in Fashion and cleavage-baring Dostana, says films with skin show are doing well. "Where there's a demand, there's a supply. If people didn't watch such films, we would have stopped making them. Besides, I do it only if my character in a film justifies it," Priyanka said. Well, just skin show is not the key to success. Despite Kareena Kapoor's toned midriff in Tashan, it failed to run to packed houses. Even Kidnap saw a similar fate and so did Ameesha Patel's item song in a yellow bikini in Kunal Kohli's box office dud Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. Kohli agrees that not every film with skin show is a big hit. —IANS |
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Couture for kids
We are not kidding. Nor are kids themselves. For, they might not technically be able to spell fashion but can surely give you a valuable crash course in the subject. Clothing and accessories for kids is a serious business, an industry to look out for and a trend to reckon with. And there's nothing teeny-weeny or little about there dressing affairs, they're both prêt and couture and everything else that biggies' style statements can ever be. Don't believe? Read on.
Consider this. At Gini & Johny-17, there is a play of colours and contrasts keeping the season in mind. For girls, there are colourful jackets, basic sweaters and shirts that convey childhood in a subtle way (think combination of corduroy and frills). That's not all. One can even find narrow fitting jeans for the 'hardly born and fashion conscious' brigade. Accessories take the concept further. There are belts (just like the college girls wear!), sunglasses (Rs 495 onward), watches that come in a tomato case, cowboy hats, and sporty caps. Says, Reena Rai, the sales personnel, "There's been a phenomenal increase in spending for kids' clothing. Earlier parents kept only the comfort factor in mind but now fashion-quotient too dictates." Boys have a varied range of shoes to pick from including the high-ankle ones that suggest cowboy connections. Talk of being playful or effortless in style. United Colors of Benetton's season's collection has a range of clothing options from casual to party-chic. There are jackets in corduroy, sweatshirts in soft breezy velvet, striped sweaters, shrugs and even balloon shorts in polka dots. And the cat in crystals on one of the shirts only epitomises the blend of child with adulthood. Truly ahead of fashion. The boys can make the 'Ivy League' statement with neutral colours and logos on various sweaters. Dalvir Rana, the customer executive, says, "Generally, the children dictate the choice. Parents mostly agree or have to give-in." 9888028872 'Bling-babes' in the making can start from Lilliput. For here, apart from the clothes, the accessories look straight from the runaways. Girls can head and choose high-ankle boots in metallic silver and pink, purses, totes, clutches, belts in leather with metal furnishing, beads, necklace in rainbow colours and sunglasses in various rims! May be the fashionistas can come and take a hint at what's in! 612 Ivy League, the brand for pre-teens, has check tweed skirts for girls, vibrant eclectic sweatshirts and even long coats. Mohita Indrayan, director, has this to share on the shopping behaviour, "In the pre-teen age group, generally boys are fixated on to what they want, so it's basics for them. While girls are more experimental." The lady recently put an exhibition just to understand the kids buying patterns. Barely any brand has not treaded the kids zone, for those who haven't are not being lured into the ever-increasing industry. For the uninitiated, Allen Solly recently branched out to cater to this, growing market of not so grown-ups. While it might not be stocking accessories in a big way, but the tots need not get bored every time their mamma shops for her office wardrobe. Keeping the brand's image in mind, the clothes come in soft pinks, subtle yellows to greens. The rate of progression sets the imagination rolling. Don't be surprised if the next big trend is on kids image consultants or fashion gurus with child actors as their client list! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Launch Pad
An icon of sophistication and modern feminity, Bond Girl meets her perfect match in Avon, with seductive new fragrance, Bond Girl 007. Created as a result of Avon ‘s collaboration with James Bond entertainment, the signature Bond Girl 007 women’s fragrance aims at bringing the confident allure of cinema’s sexiest icon to women worldwide. This iconic fragrance debuted globally this November in conjunction with the worldwide release of the Quantum of Solace, the 22 nd film in the Bond series.
Bond Girl 007 is created by Firmenich, a leading international producer of perfumery and flavour chemicals, evokes the glamour, confidence and sensuality of the famous femmes fatale of the Bond franchise. Skin deep
Shacleanse (Rehydrant Cleansing Gel): It contains cactus, lemon and aloe vera. Both cactus and aloe vera help to replenish moisture and also prevent moisture depletion. Lemon is a powerful natural cleanser. The formulation helps to keep the skin soft and lubricated. It also restores the desired acid-alkaline balance. The cleanser should be applied on the face and wiped off with moist cotton wool. The action is gentle enough for the area around the eyes. Ideal for normal to dry skin. Egyptian Lotus (Ayurvedic Night Nourisher): A nourishing complex from Shahnaz Husain’s famed Flower Power range, it is a unique and exotic blend of herbs and extracts of flowers like lotus and sunflower. It rejuvenates dull, dehydrated skin and improves its texture. Sunflower is known to reverse the effects of sun damage, minimizing blemishes, while lotus tones the skin and porcelains the pores,
leaving the skin petal-soft, smooth and radiant. —TNS |
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Spice up
The discipline of Yoga is being adopted worldwide. Among the principles of yoga, correct breathing is an essential part. During ancient times, it was advocated as being a method of cleansing and purification of the entire system. Many yogis seem to exude vitality even during their old age, mainly due to physical fitness and a healthy mental outlook. On the other hand, younger people are confined to desk jobs, leading sedentary lives and are overcome by feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. They fall prey to nagging physical complains and even diseases caused by their lifestyle.
It has been acknowledged that proper breathing and breathing exercises are of great overall benefit to health, as it cleanses the body of toxins and wastes. Oxygen after all is "life" to all the cells of the body. When we breathe in, oxygen passes into the blood stream and when we breathe out, the lungs give out carbon dioxide. This process "washes" the body internally. If we carry out this process properly, the internal washing will be more efficient. The Yogic practice of Pranayama is one of the best exercises of correct breathing. Devoting a few minutes everyday allows us the means of natural cleansing of the system. These exercises are now being followed worldwide. w Close one nostril with the fingers. Then breathe in through the other nostril. The air should be inhaled in short sniffs. Then close the second nostril and breath out. Breathe in again through the other nostril and breathe out the same way. Alternate it up to ten times. This not only purifies the blood stream, but cleansers the entire filtering system. w Sit on a chair that supports the back comfortably. Allow the chest and abdomen to relax completely. Pull in the abdomen with a sharp movement and breathe out through the nose and mouth. Then relax the abdomen and breathe in. This should be a continuous process and requires a little practice. w When you can, while walking or standing, exhale air in short breaths through the mouth, with the lips pursed as one does while whistling. Then inhale by taking short sniffs of air through the nose. One of the main benefits of yoga is that it allows the body to inhale as much oxygen as possible. It is essential to bear in mind the correct methods of breathing. The air should be inhaled deeply through the mouth and nose. Very often, some exercises cause a tendency to hold the breath. This should not be done, unless the exercise specifically requires it. People with high blood pressure or specific heart ailments should take special care. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, a few breathing exercises can be done early in the morning, in open air. Or, do them in front of an open window. Stand with your hands on the lower ribs and breathe in deeply through the nose, very slowly. When you have taken in as much air as you can, breathe out through the mouth, exhaling all the air. People who do breathing exercises have experienced renewed physical vigour, as well as relief from mental stress. In fact, it is said to improve thinking capacity. This is probably due to the fact that the brain cells are most sensitive to the shortage of oxygen. In most cases, when mental stress is relieved, the feeling of physical fatigue also goes. Our ancient Indian texts contain many secrets of good health that were practiced at a time when modern day drugs and medicines were non-existent. Today, medical research has acknowledged the benefits of these ancient principles. Indeed, internal cleansing is of great importance and correct breathing is a key to a body and mind that are sparked with vitality. |
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Gender glue
They say, the only unsinkable ship is ‘friendship’. How very true. Friends are our truest treasures; they are like armour, which makes us invincible. Studies worldwide confirm that having compassionate friends works wonders on our body and soul.
Moreover, according to a study published in The Journal of Psychology in the US, “Same-sex friendships of women and men are equally important but women friendships are more intimate”. This seems to be true because if you overhear a conversation between men, the chances are that you find them discussing larger issues of life — sports, politics, economy. On the contrary, women usually indulge in talking about everything that happens in their lives — emotions, relationships, work, studies and what not. Also, the studies prove women friendships cover a broad spectrum, while men’s friendships tend to be centered on particular activities. As women are expressive, accepting and sharing, men tend to shy away from intimacy. They rather choose activities over self-disclosure. Yet both the friendships work in the same pattern to achieve similar results to reduce stress and act as buffers for each other. “I have a loving family yet I feel my friends still hold a very special place in my heart,” says Deepti Kashyap of Sector 18. “Howsoever close one is to family, I feel there are things that can only be shared with another female friend. Women love to share practically everything and trust me no guy can ever listen to the endless chatter. It’s then when one’s girlfriends come handy. When going through a rough patch in life, just even sharing helps,” she adds. If women have chatting, gossiping, shopping on their lists, men have their stuff to do as well. You will see more of evening tennis partners and weekend drinking buddies when it comes to men. “I have plenty of friends thanks to my stay in university and I live by my friend circle,” tells Amit Khanna. “I have fair share of friends from both the sexes and yes there is distinction the way things go. In a lighter vein even the topics one discusses are different in different company. We do altogether different stuff. Like some time back we boys got together to hold a blood donation camp, I wouldn’t think that would have been a great idea in girls’ company.” mona@tribunemail.com |
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Apna Punjab
People of Punjab are known for enjoying their lives to the full. And, the feeling of family and brotherhood being integral to their day-to-day lifestyle can charm anyone, especially those from the western world. A retired officer of the American Navy has also fallen in love with Punjab. He says he felt drawn to the warmth of Punjabis besides their culture, and thus, decided to spent rest of his life in Punjab.
Eighty-year-old Melvin Deen Barner, a native of Guyana in South America, today lives with the family of Jugraj Singh in Bathinda city in Punjab. He calls Singh his younger brother. Melvin’s had earlier travelled to India on two occasion and was completely taken in with Indian hospitality and culture. “I have decided to stay in Punjab. Haven’t yet decided when I am going to return. I like Bathinda because I have many friends in the U.S. who hail from Punjab. Many Sikhs and other Indians whom I know for the last 30 years. Many of them are from Punjab. So I decided to stay in Punjab and this is my third visit to India. This area reminds me much of North Guyana,” said Melvin Deen Barner. Melvin was a friend of Jugraj Singh’s brother in Guyana. Today, in India, he has developed a charm to learn Punjabi language and immerse himself in the Punjabi lifestyle. A follower of all faiths, he is keen to learn about the Indian history, especially the birth of Sikhism as a religion. In Guyana, Melvin was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and was associated with Iskon. “I belong to Iskon, the international society for Krishna conciousness. But, people ask me about my faith. I say I am Iskon. They asked me what is Iskon, what is your faith. I say I am a Christian, I am a Hindu, I am a Muslim, I am a Sikh - I am all. We just believe in the unity of God, much like the Sikh people,” He is fond of Punjabi food like sarson da saag and makki di roti and is delighted by the generosity and honesty of the people of Punjab. Melvin Deen Barner, said: “Punjabi people in all over India are open people - always smiling, very polite. Americans are also very polite. But here they are genuine and what I love about people here is the openness. They make a friend for life. They open everything for you. Guest is like a God in India.” Melvin’s arrival in Punjab reverses the trend of Punjabis leaving for foreign shores. But it is not surprising as Punjab is a vibrant land that may hold anyone in its magnetic spell. — ANI |
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Be there, do that
The New Year brings with it new beginnings. If you are regretting that you could not spend quality time with your family in the year gone by, here are some valuable tips to mend ways this year.
Keen on snow: Your kids still are waiting to glimpse their first snowfall? Well, the time is right, take them to a nearby hill station and play snow games and make a huge snowman. Walker talker: For those who are left with little time from dawn to dusk job, how about an early morning walk on serene Sukhana? If not a
morning type, try after dinner walks. A great way to catch up on day’s happenings and good for health too. 70 MM: Catch up a movie on an off day with family. Or just set aside some time for snuggling into bed and reading aloud those magic lines
for the family. Remember to keep family members’ choice in mind while picking a movie or a book. Festive spirit: We are lucky to be in the land of festivals. Great time to bond. Involve kids in planning budget and venue of celebration. Invite their friends over for a treat.
Early bird: Make some time for a breakfast together. Even better, why not give a try to your culinary skills once in a while? Surprise your family with a new breakfast dish. Think of trying pasta, smoothies or sandwiches. Special moments: Make most of the birthdays and anniversaries. Make it a special day by dedicating the whole day (or evening) in doing something that he/she enjoys. Candlelight dinner: How long has it been that you went out with your
partner for that romantic dinner? Make most of the plenty of restaurants in the city for a special evening. Soil stuff: Ever thought of spending some time planting or tending
your little garden (or potted plants)? Give it a try. Nothing is more satisfying then a seeing a sapling grow.
Back to roots: How about taking your better half and kids to all those places that mattered to you while you were a kid. It will make them understand you better. Go-Go-Gadget: Know when to use them. Try switching off the office worries when home. Take a break from your Blackberry and temptation to check email every hour. Freeze frame: Don’t forget to treasure those precious moments spend together. Click the picture of your baby’s first smile or first step. You would cherish it for a lifetime. |
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Write to renee
Rohit Malhotra,
Chandigarh Life is full of choices, it is absolutely our own prerogative, what we do with it. I suggest you to decide what is it you really want from your life. If your girlfriend loves you truly, she will be with you on your decision. Love is all about giving each other space to grow and evolve and if someone tries to put conditions on your behavior I really wonder if it is worth it. Explain to her your point of view. Give her such a level of security in your relationship that she naturally wants to fall in with all your plans. Once you are sure of yourself everything all will be fine. It’s my life
I am a 19-year-old-girl studying for a degree in an art college. I am happy in a relationship with a boy studying in my class. Marriage is not really on my agenda. But then my parents are pretty orthodox and want me to settle down soon. My boyfriend is from a Brahmin family and I am a Punjabi Sikh. I spoke to my family about him but my parents are disapproving. Just when life seems so good they do this to me. I do not want to hurt them but I cannot give up on the best relationship in my life. Please tell me what would be the best thing to do. Harsha Malhotra,
Chandigarh You seem to be lively, intense and full of fun. But life is not just about fun and laughter, it has a flip side too. Since we are social creatures, certain level of social conformity need to be dealt with. You can always decide on marriage as an option, or you can just get your parent’s mind to rest by telling them about some concrete plans for your future. Explain to your parents your point of view, I am sure if you word it well they will understand. This way you will have your boyfriend and your parents’ approval. Worried for wife
I am a married guy, in my late 20s and I am madly in love with my wife. She comes from a highly educated family in California and her father is a professor in the University there. I am from a simple Punjabi family in India. We met on the flight from the USA to Delhi as I had gone for a formal degree in business management there. Now I have a job in a small town in Punjab. I am their only son and they had spent a lot of money on my education abroad. I was keen that they move to the US with me but they do not want to, as they love their life here. Now I feel completely torn between what is the right thing to do. My wife has moved with me and is starting to study again. But I feel that this is no life for her as she has no friends and the environment here is very different from the US. Please advise on how to make her happy and get rid of this guilt of uprooting her. Mohit Baweja,
Bhatinda You have it all going for you, the girl of your dreams and you are even making your parents happy by living up to their expectations. Now that life is so terribly sorted out for you, it is perhaps some of your childhood insecurities that are surfacing. Your wife definitely loves you as she has decided to live in India with you. Learn to enjoy the feeling and please do not obsess with fear and start sending her the wrong signals. Some people are very well adjusted within themselves and very happy wherever they live. The happiness has to come from within, the place where you are really does not matter. Your baseless fears are a lack of confidence in your own self. Learn to feel that level of confidence within you, once that happens you will calm down, ease out and also stop questioning life. Just enjoy your life for the moment. at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd |
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