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Act two After her date with the small screen, she seems set to make it to the big screen. Fiza in conversation with Chetna Keer Banerjee from tinsel town…
Fact and fiction. In a filmi script, the two can merge seamlessly. But when it's a report about a protagonist whose story is near-filmi, it becomes imperative to sift the fact from fiction. So, when we received a report from Mumbai about the city's own Fiza, aka Anuradha Bali, getting set to face the camera (nah, not the small screen this time), it was best to hear it from the lady herself. Yes, she attended the muhurat of upcoming flick Deshdrohi 2: 26/11, War on Mumbai in tinsel town on Tuesday. And has she been offered any role? "Kamaal Khanji (co-producer) was very nice. He said he'd like to give me a deshbhakti kind of role, but the details are not known yet," Fiza says on the telephone from Mumbai. "Kamaalji said that I'm a bold woman, so he would like to give me a role in his film." "Sriprakash Jaiswalji (Union Home Minister) was also present at the muhurat. Mein in sab logon ki abhaari hoon ke inhon ne mujhe film role ke kabil samjha," pour out the words from a woman who now delivers sound bytes with practised ease. The roles are certainly not to be limited to celluloid only. "If people want me to play a role in rajniti too, it's their greatness," she adds. So, is she on a film-signing spree? "I'm in Mumbai for my personal work. But if some offers come my way, I'll see." And before we can touch upon the episode that's gotten her limelight and also the mega-buck film offers, she brings it up herself. "You know what happens to women who're involved in any controversy with political families. Are any of them alive?" she is at her articulate best as she voices her fears, evoking images of other female protagonists in political scandals who were silenced forever. How about featuring in a reality show? We steer the conversation back to possibilities of the more theatrical kind, a potential convergence of real and reality. "In my present situation I cannot say much`85" she puts a cap on this conversation but not on screen prospects. chetnabanerjee@tribunemail.com
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If you are thinking why on earth all Punjabi pop singers look almost alike, Gippy Grewal has a justification. Read on…
"I have studied in Chandigarh, a city synonymous with style. So, I didn't have to make any special effort to acquire it. Chandigarhians are stylish," he justifies. And most make it to the glamour world too, given that a good number of participants on any reality show are from the city. Does this mean we will see Gippy doing balley balley on the big screen? He laughs, "Yes, I am working in some Punjabi films slated for December release." Training, was that ever considered? "Sarcasm, ahha," he adds with a puckish grin. "Of course, I am trained for it. Not many people know that I started with acting in childhood and only later shifted to singing. So, I am half an actor already. While shooting for the videos we learn another half of acting." Voila! We have an actor here. Gippy throws his head back in laughter. But people, do not dismiss him as a singer who ran away from school to make it big. This one has a degree in Hotel Management. "I believe nothing can beat education. This is one tool that can come handy anytime," says Gippy, who is working on his next solo album. "If I were not a singer, I would have been working at some good hotel," he says. We switch over to the next - live shows? "I love to perform live on stage. One, I can perform according to the taste of the audiences. Second, I get an immediate feedback, which is a must for a singer." Reality shows? "They are good, but I don't have time to take part in any. I think Punjabi singers are the busiest lot. They don't have time for anything except for singing." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Rooted to music Unlike others, Kamal Heer wants to sing his heart out, for times to come Whether you call it a gradual shift or a conscious decision, acting always figures in the scheme of things of models and singers. But, we have someone tell us that it is not important, and he doesn't see it happening. Kamal Heer, the almond -eyed Punjab singer, does not want to get into something, which his heart does not accept. "When I look into myself, I see a singer sitting. I don't find an actor there," says Kamal Heer, who too will perform at Lakshaya. "I don't want to put myself in a place that I am not cut out for. I am comfortable singing, doing live shows, and I would want to pursue this with all sincerity and dedication," he adds. Kamal, who moved to Canada at the age of 15 does see a lot of 'Canadian' influence on him. "But that's bound to happen. I moved to Canada when I was young. Over the years, I picked up their style," says Kamal, who rocked Punjabi music scene with the song Kainthey walla. Having said this, he is quick to add, "But I choose to pick positive elements of their culture and combined them with ours. I am Punjabi at heart and will always be," he puts in forthrightly. Another thing that Kamal is pretty clear about is performing live on stage without the help of sample music or CD's playing in backdrop. "I am totally against lip singing," says Kamal. "When singers performs live, they shouldn't take help or depend on any CD or synthesiser. Otherwise, how would the audiences see their potential?" For Kamal, it is neither meditation nor yoga or a breathing exercise that helps before the performance. He laughs, "Probably half a litre of boiled milk before stepping on the stage gives the much wanted energy to perform live on the stage. I don't drink tea, coffee or take any kind of drinks." More on performing live. "Live shows are fun. After all these years, I know whether the audience is enjoying my performance or they are getting bored. They smile, dance, laugh and cry with me," chips in Kamal Heer. All the same, there are people who come at live shows for the beats? "Yes, there are. But they are a part of a different kind of audience. Certainly, not my fans," he smiles. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Art for a cause The workshop on Global Warming, Nature and Environment saw a host of colours and dash of concern
Haven’t we heard the Miss India’s in their swimsuits declare how Mother Teresa’s their idol and they would like to devote their lives for the cause of global warming? Global warming. The concern that has Ivy League’s research teams to geological scientists the world over in a tizzy. Hit and trial and something’s gotta give. Perhaps, when artists unite, it will make a difference where it ought to and just like how it needs to. Somewhat analogous to Wednesday’s art workshop on Global Warming, Nature and Environment organised at the Chandigarh Museum and Art Gallery-10. What ruled was splash of colours, spice of cultures with a dash of cause. Namrata Tandon, core committee member, TellusArt, says, "Global warming is one threat looming large on earth, we need to tackle it both collectively and immediately. In today’s workshop we’re expecting around 200 kids from all over the city." Post city, the art, the exhibition, and the workshop sets camp at Dharampur, with TellusArt team’s twelve Swede and eleven Indian artists moving along to steer and improvise. Laughs Namrata, "Just a while ago one of our artists went to grab colours because just the sight of white paper had him itching to paint." Like the rest of motley crowd of school goers, collegians, even toddlers trying to save the planet earth. Catharina Toren, a Swedish artist, gushes, "I think they all are doing really well." A look around the venue teeming with participant’s enthusiasm, justified her statement, as did the water colours, oils, pencils, crayons, sketches, pens Mind is yet to register the kaleidoscopic view when, one more swede artist turns to draw our attention to the works of a five year old. Smiles Gunilla Lofgven, while pointing to the drawing sheet, "Look at this, it’s so beautiful, He’s done a wonderful job." So, what if little Nameer, is too young to spell global warming? The house that he painted appeared too utopian to be even light-years away from global warming. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Show me not Dog shows definitely steal the attention with your furball decked up for the show, but is all that grooming worth the effort? We check out A straw- hat, jazzy mango shaped sunglasses and a deep reddish bow, Brownie reluctantly takes his place under the sun. This is his third year at the dog show and he knows about the drill that starts in the morning and goes on till evening. Dog lovers (really?) are all over the place, and some even stop by to throw an admiring glance. “I must be looking really funny with this cap. People, I am dog. Not a hippie from Goa,” contemplates Brownie. And so do the ‘real’ dog lovers. Here, we come straight to the point. Have we reduced our pets to objects of display? All that grooming, beauty sessions for that one-day, so that they can put there best paw forward on the D-day. We toss up a debate… As per Pushpinder Syal, professor at Panjab University, “Unlike abroad, Chandigarh does not have anything like regular clubs for pet owners or dog parks wherein they can take their dog for a walk and also exchange notes about their pets.” She adds, “The dog show happens once a year, which has more or less become a commercial event. Instead, there should be genuine dog lovers meetings and activities like canine races for the pets.” But what about the hullabaloo of dog shows that has different breeds of dogs come together under one roof, and dog lovers chance to see them, and even take some home. “Ridiculous,” dismisses Payal Sodhi, founder trustee, PFA. “Dog show has nothing to with ‘love for pets.’ I see it as the absurd attitude of people who can’t bathe their pet at home, but are ready to shell 300 bucks to get them bathed at some parlour. You don’t have to have a dog show to admire pets and know about them. You could take care of your neighbours dog or feed a street dog for that matter.” Payal feels that dog shows have moved away from their real purpose. It has become a display platform, which has vested interests. “In fact, it is a way to camouflage the fact that dogs are sold and bought at exorbitant prices.” However, GS Sandhu, president, Mohali Kennel Club does not agree to this. For he sees dog shows as a way to promote pedigree dogs. “Dog show can be seen as an outing for the dogs, and their chance to showcase their skills and beauty,” he says. “The owner feels proud when his or her dog wins at a show. They feel that that their care and investment hasn’t gone waste.” Sandhu certainly does not see any harm in the dog shows, and neither does he see any ‘commercial’ aspect creeping in. “As I said before, we want to promote pedigree dogs, which can solve the problem of stray dog menace.” Whether or not, dog show is an ideal day out for the dog; it is sure for their owners for they get to flaunt their investment. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Pet pick
Lost & found
For any information, contact: PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Or visit us at 1522, Sector 11 — TNS
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Test of parenting Exam times are hard for kids to cope up with. But parents can really make things better or worse
While students are already dealing with stress to complete syllabus, revisions, solving previous years question papers, sometimes they are also dealing parental pressure who are trying to pass on their own ambitions to the kids or trying to score over their friends’ offsprings. But then this is not healthy for the children. “The coming of March is the most dreaded time for school children as they not only face their finals but also made to fulfill ‘the unexpected expectations of parents’,” says Avtansh Behal, a student. “However, if parents set realistic expectations (not every child can get 90 per cent) and motivate them positively, children can really benefit with parents’ involvement. Little gestures like creating studious atmosphere at home and allowing short breaks in between can immensely help,” he adds. “Exams are part of every students’ life. However, in Classes X and XII, the pressure is huge as the performance in these classes makes foundation for the career,” says S. K. Khosla of Sector 40. “While kids are preparing for the exams, it becomes parents’ duty to provide much-needed encouragement even if means taking a few days off from work to make sure they are eating healthy, sleeping properly and are at the examination hall well in time,” he says. Agrees Anita Kataria, an academician from Patiala: “Parents can play significant role to reduce exam-induced stress and strain from a child’s mind. They should be fully supportive and appreciative of the efforts being put in by the examinee. Rather than trying to attain one’s unfulfilled ambitions, be available to the child physically, mentally and emotionally. Give your child enough space and freedom to de-stress in any form he or she likes.” She also warns that condemning or criticising child’s efforts at this critical time or comparing him or her with anyone else can Premila Verma of Sector 11 is of the view that that parents need to reassure children that hard work will translate into success. “Instead of threatening of consequences in case they fail, better is to assure your support with whatever be the results, provided the needed efforts are put in,” she says. G. S. Saini of Mohali feels that now that stress has become a part of life, parents can at least reduce stress in the life of their children by guiding them from their experience of life: “Children should be taught that examinations are part of life. One has to face them in all walks of life. It should be taken in the sportsman spirit and as an opportunity to know where one stands so that one can improve on his shortcomings. It should be taken as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.” mona@tribunemail.com
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The cause of the deficit of healthy foods in teen diets has been attributed in part to the high concentration of fast food restaurants in certain cities and neighbourhoods and other environmental factors. According to center research scientist Susan H. Babey, a co-author of the policy brief, the new study suggests, “good dietary habits start at home. If parents are eating poorly, chances are their kids are too.” The policy brief drew upon the responses of thousands of California teenagers queried by the center-administered California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the nation’s largest state health survey. The findings revealed that teens whose parents drink soda every day are nearly 40 per cent more likely to drink soda every day themselves than teens whose parents do not drink soda. Teens whose parents eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily are 16 percent more likely to do the same than teens whose parents do not eat five servings a day. Nearly half of adolescents (48 per cent) whose parents drink soda every day eat fast food at least once a day, while only 39 per cent of teens whose parents do not drink soda eat fast food at least once daily. It was found that 45 per cent of teens whose parents do not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily eat fast food at least once a day, while only 39 per cent of teens whose parents eat five servings a day eat fast food at least once daily. Dr Robert K. Ross, president and chief executive officer of the California Endowment, said: “The research shows us that one of the keys to solving the teen obesity crisis starts with parents, but we must also improve the abysmal food environments in many low-income communities. While parents are the primary role models for their children and their behaviour can positively or negatively influence their children’s health, it is also essential that local officials representing low-income communities work to expand access to fruits, vegetables and other healthful foods,” he added. According to the authors of the policy brief, educating parents about unhealthy food choices, as well as how to plan and prepare healthier fare, would help in reducing teen obesity. — ANI
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Cool veggie names leave preschoolers wanting more
As per lead author Brian Wansink, writer of “Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Eat More Than We Think”, tots ended up eating more vegetables once a little fun was added to the names. The Cornell University research examined 186 four-year olds, who were provided with carrots titled “X-ray Vision Carrots”, and found that they ate almost twice as much as on the lunch days that carried simply titled “carrots”. The Robert Wood Johnson-funded study further discovered that kids continued to have around 50 per cent more carrots even on the days when they were no longer titled. Wansink said: “Cool names can make for cool foods. Whether it be ‘power peas’ or ‘dinosaur broccoli trees,’ giving a food a fun name makes kids think it will be more fun to eat. And it seems to keep working - even the next day.” Boffins believed similar results could be repeated with kids, with researcher Collin Payne saying: “I’ve been using this with my kids. Whatever sparks their imagination seems to spark their appetite.” The new findings were presented at the annual meeting of the School Nutrition Association in Washington DC. — ANI
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A host of Bollywood and political celebrities descended upon the wedding reception of actor Ayesha Takia
Takia who wedded her long time restaurateur fiancé, Farhan Azmi on March 1 at a simple ceremony, hosted the grand reception here, which saw the who's who of film and political fraternity making it to the function. Actors like Dino Morea, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Suneil Shetty and Riteish Deshmukh were among a few who made it to the reception party. Wishing the newly weds a happy married life, Suneil Shetty said, I wish a happy married life to both of them." The actor who debuted with box office disaster Tarzan the Wonder Car has been hailed for her role as a young widow in a small budget film Dor which won her several awards. — ANI
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Grace marks Sonam Kapoor the first Bollywood actor to be dressed by Chanel
Sonam Kapoor's metamorphosis as a fashion diva came a full circle at the Filmfare Awards ceremony when she became the only Bollywood actor to wear a specially-designed gown by Paris-based fashion house Chanel. "I just kept staring at the beautiful basic but simple white gown that they sent me. Yes, I think I'm the first Indian celebrity to be dressed by Chanel in Bollywood. I'm so excited. I felt like Cinderella before the ball. Never before have I been so excited about dressing up for an event," Sonam, who attended the award function said. Apparently, after seeing Sonam on magazine covers like Verve and Elle, Chanel voluntarily decided to send her a gown from their special-celebrity closet. "That's right. My off-shoulder gown came from their special-celebrity collection," said Sonam who loves dressing up in light shades and avoids accessories. "They just flew over three Chanel gowns for me to choose from. I liked the white one. And what Chanel sent me for the Filmfare Awards certainly needed no enhancement. It was divine per se," she added. A lot of designers are comparing Sonam to Penelope Cruz. "It was Sanjay Leela Bhansali who first compared me to her. I think it's a huge compliment.” — IANS
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Jodha Akbar receives two more accolades at the Hong Kong International Awards Hritik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Jodha Akbar, which stole the limelight at the recent 54th Filmfare awards, has received two more accolades at the Hong Kong international Awards.Industry sources here said today that the film had received nominations for Art Director and Production Designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai for the exquisite sets and Music Director and Oscar winner A R Rahman for the soulful music in the film. The movie had bagged five filmfare awards recently, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor. — UNI
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"I have not done many romantic films. My characters in Guru and Rang De Basanti were different though they had a romantic track. It seems that people like me in those romantic tracks. So I am thinking of doing an out and out romantic film," the actor, who was in the capital to promote his supernatural thriller 13B, said. Madhavan, who had disappeared from Bollywood after Guru is working with superstar Amitabh Bachchan in Teen Patti and has reunited with his Rang De Basanti co-stars Aamir and Sharman Joshi in Three Idiots. — PTI
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Yesteryear heartthrob Mel Gibson all set to make a comeback
Hollywood actor Mel Gibson, who has been out of the scene since his 2006 scandal, is keen to make a comeback. The Braveheart actor is all set to make a comeback with the Edge Of Darkness. Although the Robert DeNiro was signed up to act in the flick alongside Mel, he opted out and was replaced by Ray Winstone. The flick will be distributed by Warner Brothers. Meanwhile, Mel has revealed on the Kimmel show that he hides his Academy awards under his couch. — ANI
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"Nicole was impressed with the shots. It was spread over two pages and had staples in all the right places!" Keith told said. Keith, who has a 7-month-old daughter, Sunday Rose with Nicole, revealed that he was not that comfortable posing naked being a father. "I am a dad and a totally different person now," Keith said. However, he revealed that if he found the offer convincing he would go ahead, as Nicole was not against it. He even said that Nicole herself wanted to pose naked at the time she was expecting their daughter. — ANI
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British comedian Russell Brand, known for his cheeky sense of humour, has decided to name his next book Mein Kampfy Wampf in a tribute to Adolf Hitler. The controversial comedian, whose autobiography My Booky Wook was a bestseller in 2007, has revealed that the title of his next tome will be a spoof on the Nazi leader's book Mein Kampf. Brand who was previously
fired by MTV for dressing as Osama Bin Laden the day after the 9/11
attacks, was also forced to quit his radio host job in October last year
over a series of lewd answering machine messages he left to The actor was named the 'New Legend of Comedy' by Vanity Fair magazine which featured him in a photo-spread dressed as Charlie Chaplin. — PTI
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Caught in crossfire at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd I am a 28, married for the past two years to this extremely beautiful but very domineering young woman of 23. We met on the campus, fell in love and made a commitment. The problem is my wife wants to have her own way. My family gives in to her whims and fancies just to maintain peace in the house but her demands seem to be growing by the day. I am disturbed and cannot concentrate on my work. How can I maintain peace? Nirmal Malhotra, Panchkula Put your act together and take a stand. It is clear that you are living in a joint family and are trying to play the balancing act between your parents and your wife and hence feeling caught up in the situation. Well, since you fell in love and married, she should understand your position. Older people demand some respect, so give it. On the other hand make her feel important and emotionally secure so that she does not need to dominate in order to make her place in your family. It is a difficult situation, but then all relationships carry their own level of responsibility and need to be handled accordingly. Do not allow the situation to disturb you. Child forever
I am 36, working and living on my own in a different city from my parents. They live in Kerela and I work here. The problem is whenever I go to visit them I just give up on my independent self. I do not want to be responsible for anything at all. I am almost afraid of going home now, as I seem turn into this fearful person. My parents, in fact, want to rely on me. What is this strange behavior and how can I balance myself. Cathy Philips,
Chandigarh What you are really asking me is ‘how can I grow up’? The child within you is not nurtured yet. So, the moment you are with your parents you turn into the child again. You know on your own the responsibilities have to be taken care of. Well, that’s life and you have to learn to deal with it. Draw on your inner-strength to balance yourself. Re- programme your mind to be secure and independent even when you are with your parents. Affirm to yourself. “I am a secure and independent adult and capable of looking after myself.” Negative criticism
I am 23, sharing an apartment with a girl. We both come from different cities to work here. I am an attractive girl but she is rather overweight and extremely bossy. Somehow since we are staying together I go out of my way to be nice to her and play along with her. But now she criticises my appearance and my way of dressing all the time. I do not want to hurt her. Now it is beginning to get to me. I simply want to run. Please advise. Simrin
Panchkula You must learn to keep your calm in a situation like this. Why do you want to run? She probably thinks she’s being helpful by showing you your weaknesses. Also, you must remember she is also trying to subconsciously build her own self- esteem by showing you down. Do not allow it to get to you. Gently tell her to mind her own business. Make her feel that looks are not so important and it is the kind of person you are that really matters. Once she gets the message, she will definitely change her tune. Tell her criticism is not a healthy habit and does not show well on people. Do make her aware and give her a chance. |
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We bet most Punjabi singers visit the
same saloon, they shop for their wardrobe at the same outlet and they have
more or less attended the same grooming classes. For, they all look the
same. Spiked hair, ear studs, lots of oxidised chains, a chainta and the
invincible 'Yo-man' style. Gippy Grewal, a Punjabi singer, too falls in
the same league. But the singer has no qualms in admitting that a
performer needs to be a good singer and an equally good looker too.
"If you sing well and look smart, then it's an added advantage.
Audiences like to see a good-looking face performing on stage and in the
videos as well," says Gippy Grewal, in the city to perform for the
DAV-10 festival. Jo dikhta hai wahi bikta hai. Sure it does.
People for Animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and forever.
Come March, when most of us enjoy the longer days, there are others who are too preoccupied to take pleasure in anything. We are referring to the horde of hassled parents and kids for whom this month is synonymous with exams and worse still, if it’s the Boards. 
Researchers say teen obesity crisis is linked with food habits of parents A new study has suggested that one of the keys to solving teen obesity crisis starts with parents. According to a new policy brief released today by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, researchers have found that teens are more likely to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if their parents do and also, teens whose parents eat fast food or drink soda are more likely to do the same.
Having trouble making your preschooler finish his veggies? Well, trying naming peas ‘Power Peas’ and see the magic unfold. According to a new study, labelling vegetables with catchy names, such as X-Ray Vision Carrots and Tomato Bursts, leave preschoolers wanting for more.
Tamil star R Madhavan, who
began his Bollywood career as a lover boy in Rahna Hai Tere Dil Mein,
wants to return to the romantic genre after exploring various
characters in the Hindi film industry.
Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman was knocked down with a feather when she recently saw her husband Keith Urban's age-old nude
Playgirl photo shoot. Keith revealed that his wife was bowled over after she saw the venerable pictures.