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Raaz revealed This couple is quite comfortable talking about their on-screen and off-screen chemistry
Dressed to the nines, both got a wave of people along with them who wanted to see the Himachal-born and Chandigarh-bred, Kangana and son of apna Movers and Shakers man, Adhyayan. A few lamhe
Pretty and petite, the actor who made to the top with flicks like Gangster, Life in a Metro, Who Lamhe and Fashion, says she loves coming to the city as it feels like home. "I am always happy to be here, as I have a connection with the city and my roots are in the North. I come from a small town in Himachal and have spent almost my entire teenage years in this city," says Kangana. Ask her about the life she spent in the city and she says, "It was a blast, we had a great time during my school days here. I never miss a chance to come back." Here for the promotion of her upcoming movie Raaz-The Mystery Continues, she talks about her role, "I play a model, Nandita, who is in a live-in relation with Yash (Adhyayan). Her life takes a dramatic turn when she faces supernatural power and to know the rest you will have to watch the movie." Well, is she in favour of live-in relationships? She says, "Everything is changing these days. We are seeing things like gay and lesbian marriages, though I don't want to offend anyone but I believe we should preserve our culture and traditions." Talk about her playing the same kind of roles and she says, "I am not doing it deliberately. Though the roles are of a model but the character in every film is different." On her choice of roles, she says, "I like character-oriented roles that have some kind of psychological or wild streak to it." Back to the beginning, how was her journey into Bollywood? "It was tough. Outsiders are not given an easy entry and people don't treat you well. One has to work hard and learn it the hard way." And that makes her a wise person today. "Though I may be just 21, but I my experience has made me mature and now I can handle anything." She owes her success to Mahesh Bhatt, Anurag Basu and Madhur Bhandarkar, "These people have definitely helped me but in the end it's a team work," she adds. Her forthcoming projects, "I have Kites, a T-series movie and an international project in the pipeline." Here he comes
Another star son, Adhyayan Suman (as we all know by now but to reaffirm, son of Shekhar Suman) says his father has definitely been a source of inspiration. "My father has been long in the industry and yes, I do take his advice before I take on any project." Well, the boy has already done a film before. Ask him about Haal-e-Dil and he says, "I did a cameo in Haal-e-Dil. But Raaz... is my debut movie." Thanking uncle Mahesh for the kind of start he's given him, he says, "When legends like Mahesh Bhatt backs you up, your confidence level rises manifold. He made this movie for me and I am thankful for that." Like his character in the film, is he an atheist in real life too? "I am a God-fearing guy who visits temples everyday. And I am too scared of ghosts and darkness. All through the shootings I was feared of getting
possessed." Guess what? He has even done a course in direction from Manhattan, New York! He explains, "I weighed 120 kgs. I was fat and not fit to become an actor. But one thing I was sure about was that I wanted to do something related to films. And I thought why not a director? I lost weight and here I am." Ask him if good looks is a pre-requisite and he says, "People are working for 8-10-12 pack abs, I am not into it right now, but yes it's competition and one has to look good." And direction still features in his future agenda. "I have already directed a 40-minute documentary when I was 17 and I will surely take up direction when I am 30." Does age matter, "Yes, it does. Time is running out and one has to be focused." Indeed! Having turned 21 this on January 13, he recalls the big day, "It was a fabulous birthday. I have become an adult, got a BMW from dad. To top it all, my first movie is releasing." Look out for him in Jashn next. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Razzle dazzle
Michelle Obama, hailed by many as America's new style icon, officially took her place on the world stage on Tuesday wearing an outfit in the non-traditional colour of yellow and set fashionistas at witter. The new US First Lady, 45, chose a sparkling sheath dress and matching coat in a yellow-gold hue by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo for the presidential swearing-in ceremony. She matched it with a wide diamante necklace. For the inaugural balls, she wore a white, one-shouldered chiffon gown with a full skirt by Taiwan-born US designer Jason Wu, 26, whose dresses cost up to $6,000. ''How good looking is my wife?,'' President Barack Obama asked the crowd at the first of 10 inaugural balls attended by the couple yesterday. Michelle Obama's clothing choices were expected to provide clues to the way she will undertake her role as first lady in a time of deep recession. Michelle Obama, a former lawyer, has been credited with bringing a chic, youthful style to US politics and for mixing comfortable chain store garments from the likes of Gap and J.Crew with edgier new designers like Chicago's Mario Pinto and Narciso Rodriguez.
Yellow is traditionally seen in many parts of the world as a symbol of hope and optimism, style experts said. "Yellow is the color of optimism and confidence and hope. The whole ensemble radiated hope and optimism," Mandi Norwood, a former editor at Mademoiselle magazine who is writing a book on Michelle Obama's style, said. Obama is already considered an ambassador for American fashion. She was listed in Vanity Fair's magazine's "10 of the World's Best Dressed People" in both 2007 and 2008 and has drawn numerous comparisons with Jacqueline Kennedy. — Reuters
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Eva Longoria Parker swore off plastic water bottles and Charlie's Angels actor Lucy Liu also vowed to help the environment by riding the subway when she's in New York. In a show of support for Barack Obama's call for community service, more than 50 Hollywood celebrities have pledged to take positive action, in a video from husband-and-wife duo Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. The video will premiere on social networking websiteMySpace.com by next Monday, the day before Obama's inauguration. "There's an assumption that this one man is going to take on his new job full-time and somehow wave a magic wand of change, and I don't believe that to be true," Kutcher, 30, said. "I think that we have to be the leaders, and that's not celebrities -- I think that we as citizens have to be leaders of the movement that we want to create," said the actor, best known for playing a dim-witted stoner in the teen sitcom That '70s Show. Obama has appealed to Americans to help better their communities and he has promised to expand national service programmes like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. It's no surprise celebrities are among the first to respond, as Hollywood figures eagerly lined up behind Obama during his presidential campaign. But so far, few celebrities recording pledges have promised to sign up for programmes Obama is expanding, preferring a more varied platter of projects. — Reuters
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She believes a cure is possible for future generations at least for the disease that robs sufferers of memory. "I just want my babies to be able to hold onto their memories and to be able to pass on the memories to their little ones, because how profound are our memories?" she said. The other celebrities who recorded pledges included actresses Cameron Diaz, Dakota Fanning and Eva Mendes, and rock singer Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Comedian George Lopez jokingly pledged not to drive a hybrid-electric vehicle because "It's not very Latino." But he promised to be more inclusive and work for national unity. "Entourage" star Kevin Connolly pledged to visit the Obama-created website usaservice.org and sign up for a community service project in his neighborhood. Bob Stern, president of the Los Angeles-based Center for Governmental Studies, said Obama's call for community service harkens back to appeals made by presidents John F. Kennedy, who established the Peace Corps, and George H.W. Bush, the current president's father who inspired Americans to volunteer by speaking of "a — Agency
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Based on a true story,
Carrey plays cop-turned-conman Steven Russell, who falls in love with
his cellmate Phillip Morris (McGregor) and escapes four times from the
Texas jail where he is being held in a bid to be with his partner. For
Carrey, one of Hollywood's biggest box office draws in mainstream
comedies such as Liar, Liar and Bruce Almighty, taking the
role in an independent film like Philip Morris could prove to be
a real gamble. Yet, early reviews are good for Phillip Morris and,
for their part, Carrey, McGregor and the directors Glenn Ficarra and
John Requa said the movie should not be pigeonholed. "I don't
think it's a gay movie," Carrey said. "It really is about the
lengths we go to for acceptance and love. "While McGregor has
played gay roles before, Carrey has not and the comic actor acknowledged
a few initial fears. "If I were to be really honest, there's a
homophobic voice that rises up inside me and goes 'Gee this is kind of
scary,'"he said. "First of all, what will people think? And
second of all, will I like it? Will I like kissing Ewan?" he added
with a laugh. — Reuters
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Rap rampage Rajinder Pal Singh from Poland wants to start his rap academy in the city
Almost a decade back, Baba Sehgal brought the rap music to India followed by Devang Patel who too contributed a little. And then years later came our very own Hard Kaur and the scene of rap changed in India for good. Just like in the West, people started taking this music genre seriously here too and what else can prove it better than Akshay Kumar's rap number in Chandni Chowk to China. Following the footsteps of all the successful rappers is our Punjabi lad Rajinder Pal Singh, now settled in Poland, who soon will be releasing his debut rap album. "I began my career as a folk singer but never restricted myself to a particular music form," says Rajinder on how he managed to learn two diverse forms of music. Rap is the most popular music genre but that isn't the only reason for him to choose it as a career option. "Success of Bohemia, the only international Punjabi rapper inspired me. Though he chose Western music, he stuck to his mother tongue, Punjabi. He has popularised Punjabi language in the West by rapping in it." But that's not all. He aims at taking out an international rap album, "I am learning Polish and German these days as I want rap in many Indian and foreign languages, which people from around the world can understand." His journey with the rap music began just a few months back when his friends encouraged him to take it up seriously. "It was singing at private parties that won me a lot of appreciation. Later on my friends persuaded me to make my career in it." He feels that India has a huge rap music industry, which hasn't been explored yet. "People in India as of now aren't aware of rap music. Once they get to listen to it, they too will like it for it is so full of energy and fun filled," adds he while sharing that he in collaboration with CIPA will soon be opening a rap music academy in Chandigarh. Punjabi people in the West have so much liked the music form that they have developed their own sub form of rap called Tuk Bandi. However his favourites besides Tuk Bandi are free style and RnB. And he makes sure to another point, "Please don't think rap is without any rhythm. Even if it is in a spoken form, it has to follow a rhythm and has to have rhyming lyrics." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Diamonds debunked
A big no. Well, if the persons at Mumbai- based Sanguine industries who launched its label 'Fiona' are to be believed. The brand, dealing in fine Moissanite Jewellery is in city for an exhibition. Moissanite? What's that? Parag Agrawal, director, Sanguine Industries, says, "Moissanite is a gemstone obtained from meteorites and can be likened to a diamond in almost all its physical properties." What else? It's at one-tenth the price of a diamond. Now, we are talking. Given its optical and physical properties, they claim to make it available at merely 10 per cent of expense. The skeptic assumes the better of us. There must be some variation? Says Parag, "The only difference is in the hardness, which is negligible.” For 'limited edition lovers' here's food for thought. Says Parag, "When it comes to production and manufacturing, diamonds are in fact produced at a much higher quantity. So they certainly lose out on rarity." Then why the hype and hysteria? Exclaims Parag, "It's all in the psychology, coupled with the marketing of DTC." And yes, they wouldn't like to call moissanite cheap but diamonds overpriced. It's going to take a while to not be in love with diamonds and blinded by their brilliance, but there's no harm giving others a fleeting try. On till January 23 at Hotel Aroma.
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On a swing
Nonetheless, every second album released has something hum-able to offer. Like 28- year-old-Gurjit Rahal's Peenghan Pyar Diya, released by Universal Music, which is an out and out folk album. In Mohali for the promotion of his new album, this Toronto-based singer is a bundle of confidence and enthusiasm. "I worked on Peenghan… for almost six years, before it got released in Canada last month and I can't wait to see the response," says Gurjit, who chose singing because this is something he always wanted to do. Haven't we heard this line a zillion times now? "I can't say about others, but I definitely wanted to sing. I moved to Canada 15 years back from Barnala. First, I didn't have time to pursue my passion, but once things fell into place I immediately reverted to what I wanted to do — sing." Every second Punjabi wants to sing and releasing an album is a so much easy now. Gurjit feels he is a beginner to comment on this. "My guruji Mahesh Malwani always say that there is a hidden singer in every Indian. Each one of us can sing, be it in the bathroom, while driving, strolling in the park. But only people realise their talent and take it forward. I am glad I could do it," says Gurjit, whose debut album Peengah has eight folk numbers. And like any other 'dude' he too likes to party with friends. "Youngsters in Canada like music with lots of beats. Their sole purpose is nachan tapana, and they aren't really concerned about the lyrics." All the same, adds Gurjit, "Youngsters there have a good know how of folk, and I am sure my album will enhance their knowledge on folk and also give them nachney wala music." As we wind up, we are reminded of the fast life of Canada. Does he get time to do riyaaz, we wonder. "We live life the Ferrari lane in Canada. We are always running fast to beat the clock. Despite this, I make it a point to take out an hour for riyaaz almost every day," tells Gurjit. All for passion. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Doggy commandments Shiv Kaushal Dogs, like humans, have their own individual personalities and quirks. These little personality quirks are what make each animal special and individual. They also shape how an animal reacts to various stimuli throughout the day. Learning about our Hugo’s personality works and how it shapes their actions will make our job as trainers easy. The first thing to remember is that all living creatures have three basic needs. These three needs are food, water and shelter. When these needs are met, the being is satisfied and will be healthy. However, animals of higher intelligence look for more. They have curiosity and even familial sensibilities. This domestic sense is what makes your dog protective of you when it senses danger. The curious dog
The curious dog can be a pleasure to own or a nuisance depending on how their curiosity is directed. Curious dogs can be taught all manner of interesting behaviours, some of which will be discussed in future articles. The aggressive dog
The aggressive dog is also an interesting character. While these dogs are usually undesirable as house pets, they are perfect for a person who likes a sense of security and protection. If your pet bristles and growls every time a stranger or other animal approaches your house, then you have an aggressive pet. The friendly dog
The friendly or gregarious pet is always ready to make a new friend. The friendly dog does well with veterinary visits and pooch parties. This dog is a pleasure to own but may be a bit over friendly at times, jumping on guests and begging food. The shy dog
The shy or reclusive dog is totally the opposite. This dog will shy away from contact by strangers and, perhaps, even from the owner. The shy dog is usually the product of prior mistreatment or abuse but there are a few naturally occurring animals, just as some humans are shy for no apparent reason. With persistent effort, the shy pet can be an excellent animal, if you train him according to his nature. The nervous dog
The nervous or easily frightened dog is also an interesting animal. Again the fear in these dogs is usually based upon some prior instance of abuse or mistreatment, but not in all cases. These animals tend to be a bit defensive of their personal space and should not be cornered, as they will respond to perceived threats with aggressive behaviors, such as nipping or biting. They also tend to be hard to completely housebreak due to their nervous state causing them to urinate in moments of stress or excitement. The greedy dog
The greedy dog or if we use human language “Ambitious” dogs are very happy go lucky type. They are highly trainable and my favourite. They always want to perform very eagerly and happily because they always want to please their owners. These six basic personality types may also include other traits of one or more of the other categories or even something entirely individual to the dog itself. Thus each dog becomes unique and an individual, requiring specialised training modeled to the animals need. shivkaushal@yahoo.com |
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How difficult is balancing work and family? Mona asks city women
A recent survey in the UK says the biggest challenge that women are facing today is striking a balance between their career and home lives. We find out how well the women professionals in the city are playing the role of a balancer. Says Anju Huria, head of the Department of Gynaecology, GMCH-32: "Balancing home and career doesn't come easy. It's particularly tough when the kids are young. However, one can manage it with some smart juggling." Regarding the family support, she says, "It helps to some extent but at the end of the day, it's the woman who has to stretch herself to make things better."
"The problem arises because today the composition of family structure has changed rapidly, but attitudes and institutions have been slower to evolve. A woman is expected to work and also take care of her family. Her multitasking abilities are considered a normal affair. In sharp contrast, the traditional role of a male hasn't changed. He works outside the house, but rarely contributes on the domestic front," says Reeta Kohli, Punjab additional advocate general.
Agrees Bhawna Goswami, a working mother. "Men come home from office, put their feet up and watch TV. On the other hand, the women after returning from their jobs have to take care of kids and fulfill other responsibilities." However, Amrit Brar, AIG Traffic, Punjab, says the involvement of an individual in sharing household responsibilities depends on how much one is involved with the family. Being a man or a woman does not play any significant role here." mona@tribunemail.com
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Inside in-laws' land It's difficult to strike a chord with your in-laws. The latest one to remind it was our own Munna Bhai Sanjay Dutt's open brickbat with his sister. "All sisters are against their brothers' wives," he claimed. Well, a pretty sweeping statement but then we all know things are not that simple when it comes to complex relationships. While adjusting with the in-laws, be it for the guy or the girl, is pretty challenging, in Indian scenario it gets even tougher as we are still so-called 'close-knit' families. What makes the most beautiful beginning in our life so difficult? We delve a little into it and try to find some solutions.
One of the basic problems is different backgrounds. Being used to certain way of life and thinking, sharing life with others who do not subscribe to one's point of view comes as surprising. This very concern is beautifully portrayed in 2002 flick My Big Fat Greek Wedding that captures how complicated even the simplest of the things get. The fear of unknown, adds to apprehensions. The very cultural conditioning that creates pre-notions about the new family hampers normal relations. Plus the constant criticism from new members especially, mother-in-laws who cannot find anything right with the new bride or the son-in-law and vice-versa M.I.L.D.E.W (Mothers-In-Law Do Everything Wrong) puts most off. Between the two ways of living, striking balance, accepting new and adapting from old habits only makes it tougher to make relationships work. Loving your new family: No denying things are challenging, yet it's possible to strike a balance. Here are some tips:
mona@tribunemail.com
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Write to Renee Be positive
I am 35 years-old woman, who has seen emotional and physical abuse over the years and down the generations. It was considered a way of life and a way of disciplining children. As I grew up, it took me years to be able to get out of depression and physical ailments. Now that I am physically and emotionally stronger, I find it very hard to accept all the oppressive junk thrown on me by my family. I love them but their presence constantly pulls me down and negative thoughts overtake me. Please suggest how I can keep my strength going on. Ramona,
Chandigarh It is wonderful to know that you have managed to step out of your environmental and circumstantial conditioning by working hard on yourself. When you were a child, it is understandable that your level of vulnerability was high. Now, at this age in life, you are absolutely in control of your own situation. Remember your family loves you and cares for you, but, they are the products of their own conditioning. Learn to forgive their attitude, be magnanimous and life will bless you anyways. Stay positive. Do not allow them to overtake your thinking. Love thyself
I am Jatin, 23, doing B Tech degree course. My problem is that nothing works my way. If I think particular work should be done, it never seems to get done, and if I think something is impossible it actually gets done. Why am I always so negative? I want to stop thinking about the results of what I am doing. How can I stop thinking this way? I have lots of dreams but can't seem to make them happen. Still I keep daydreaming. I keep myself very busy to avoid these thoughts, yet, they bother me. Please
help me. Jatin, Chandigarh Dear boy, it's great to know that you can dream. I have always told people that if you can dream you can make it happen. But remember to be positive. If you learn to love yourself, you will also learn to trust and make things happen your way, because you get what you believe in. You probably have been carrying some negative patterns from your childhood, which play havoc with your mind. But since you are aware of them and want to get rid of them, you will be able to do so. Just be mentally strong and stay free from fears. Fear is the limitation of our minds. We re-create fearful situation by dwelling on them. Stop doing so. You are the centre of all that happens around love yourself through fear. You can make it happen
I am 21- years-old and a serious hard working guy. But, I have managed to fail in a very important set of exams. This was unexpected blow to my self-esteem. I felt completely inadequate for some time. I turned into an introvert and stopped going out. It was as if I had committed a crime. I felt my whole career situation had fallen apart. Somehow, my friends pulled me out of this and gave me a lot of moral support. I feel it was my laziness and incompetency that led me to this unusually bad result. But now I have decided to put it behind me and start all over again. Nevertheless, when I sit down to study, I am plagued by doubts and fears. I feel demoralised and unsure of myself. Please advise me? Lucky Chabra Dear boy, please do go ahead with the idea of a fresh start by not criticising yourself and give yourself enough love and respect. Get out of the poor-me syndrome. Regret is a terrible habit and will pull you down all your life if you allow it to hang on for too long. Just tell yourself that you learnt a valuable lesson the hard way and now it is time for you to move on. Please do not waste any more time feeling guilty. Life is too short to be wasted in punishing ownself. You must be able to realise your own sense of self worth. Learn to find joy in all you do. Also try and find it within yourself to thank the universe for all it has given you. Allow the feeling of joy and contentment to flow in you. Go out with a new zest for your work. Nothing will stop you from succeeding if your are sure you can make it
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Dream holiday
Now, in an initiative to attract more Indian tourists, Swiss Tourism has an offer which is bound to bring smiles to many - a five-day vacation in Switzerland for less than Rs.50,000. "And mind you, this includes the return airfare between Delhi and Zurich by Swiss International Airline, and will take you to all the major attractions in Switzerland. With accomodation, sightseeing and breakfast, it's a complete holiday package," Mirjam Jost of the Switzerland Tourism said. "One can, thereafter, stay at one of the apartments which have a kitchen for Rs.2,000 per night. The Rs.50,000 package, however, does not include the visa charges," she added. "In the Swiss travel system, by getting a Swiss pass you can use all public modes of travel in the country and use the train to explore every part of this scenic land. Not just that, the pass also lets you visit museums for free and in some places like Mount Pilatus, you get 25 per cent discount," she said. In the Swiss tourism market, India is among the top 12. While the Swiss themselves count for the maximum number of tourists in the country, Germany follows closely behind. The global meltdown, according to the Swiss Tourism officials, has not affected their market much. "This month we have started getting a lot of enquiries from India, especially from honeymooners, and hope things to get better by May-June, when it's the best time to visit Switzerland. The meltdown, therefore, has not affected us much," Jost said. With Switzerland becoming a part of the Schengen Agreement Dec 12, 2008, the officials expect that it will be a lot more convenient to travel to the country.
— IANS |
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Not on time - it has become synonymous with Bollywood stars. Though it's nothing new and we journos end up writing about it every now and then, but it was once again Wednesday noon that saw us waiting almost an hour and several minutes for Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman. The stars of Raaz-The Mystery Continues. But the wait proved to be worthwhile as the reel and real life couple got candid with the journos at the Chandigarh Press Club-27. 
Initially seen as slightly aloof, she won hearts in June by wearing an affordable $148 black and white off-the-rack dress for an appearance on the popular female TV chat show The View. It sold out nationwide overnight.
Her swearing-in outfit was a departure from the red, white or blue tones often adopted by US female politicians on high-profile occasions.
Soleil Moon Frye, 32, a former child star from the 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster, pledged to support the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, a cause she is already involved in because her father suffers from it.
Jim Carrey outed his new
movie I Love You Phillip Morris at the Sundance Film Festival
this week, taking a risk in the gay romantic comedy by sharing
passionate moments with co-star Ewan McGregor.
Diamonds are a man's worst enemy…oops…diamonds are a girls best friend. Whatever! The magnetic power of the hardest rock extends way beyond the technical equations of cut, colour and clarity. Ask a woman and she'll vouch for its rarity and brilliance, swear by its eternity and sparkle. Haven't we heard, 'Diamonds are forever', 'Diamonds are rare'? 
Which is the most sought after profession with the youngsters in Punjab? Please conveniently ignore farming. Or, let's put it this way - what is that NRI Punjabis like to do when they have minted sustainable dollars? What else, they like to cut a Punjabi album. Burrah!!!
It's a tightrope walk. The conflict between work and family has real consequences, especially for women for whom being a parent, a spouse and having a full-time job is a perfect recipe for stress. 
Sharda Kaushik, director, Regional Institute of English, feels that career gives women a chance to explore their potential and they are pretty capable of tackling issues in both the worlds: "Time-management holds the key. If your work doesn't leave much time for kids, spending quality time is the option. And then you don't have to dish out fancy meals every time guests come, home delivery for food is one option. Some smart thinking and it works fine," she opines. 
She feels that women are better adapted and capable of handling responsibilities, but it's the menfolk that need some tutoring. "Today women are emotionally stronger, socially sensible and financially secure. They are managing, home and career that no way is an ordinary task. It's high time that men grow out of traditional mould and help women meet the challenges of daily life," she quips. 
Planning a holiday? Try Switzerland. For, romancing in the Swiss Alps and going on a roller coaster ride across those pristine mountain lines which you so often see in the movies is now within your budget.