The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Pool proof
Some tricity folks can take the plunge into a swimming pool right in their backyard
Monita Gautam

Human beings have always had a natural affinity for water. Civilizations of the world were built near water that lead to their prosperity. Feng Shui and Vaastu Shastra have long associated water with prosperity. Not only are the properties located close to water considered auspicious, a water feature is believed to add to the tranquility of a space. Though there are various options for adding the element of water in a house, having a swimming pool has always been one of the most desired things for those who own a house.

Having swimming pools in houses is not a new concept for people in Chandigarh. It dates back to the 1950s, when Pierre Jeannerte designed the house for former MP Nirlep Kaur .The swimming pool is made in the rear of this 10-kanal house and catches the eye of the visitors through glass windows as one enters the living room.

Though various 4 canal and 6 canal houses in Sectors 4, 5, 9 and 10 have a swimming pool, many 1 kanal and 2 canal houses in the tricity boast of one too.

For Manan Aggrawal of Sector 6, Panchkula, it gives a feeling of pride to have a pool in the house, “I could swim even at two in the night if I wanted to!”

Dipping into nostalgia

“When my parents built this house way back in the 90s, I was a kid and in summer it was great fun to chill out in the pool with friends and cousins. I have some great memories of hosting pool parties for friends as a teenager,” he adds.

For Kartar Singh, a builder, the idea for a pool in his latest commercial venture of a one canal house in Sector 69, Mohali, came from his architect. “It was a new idea to incorporate a swimming pool in a 1-kanal house. One had heard of private pools in bigger houses, but I accepted the idea. My reasons were simple: humans have always been fascinated by the oceans, streams, rivers…I thought it would add to the design element of the house.”

According to the architect, the concept was to add a dimension to the space. The pool rests in one corner of the house but is visually augmenting the design of the internal living spaces.

Oh dear, this can be costly!

One wonders if there is a high cost of construction involved in making and, thereafter, the maintenance of the pool.

“Of course, there is an initial investment of 4 to 5 lakh,” says Kartar Singh. “A filtration plant is required along with injectors, skimmer, lights, which alone cost over a lakh. Then there is the cost of RCC work, water proofing and tile laying.”

Though the initial cost is high, the maintenance is not difficult, says Manan. “To prevent the growth of algae, we have a water vacuum. Proper chlorination is required to avoid infections. We normally change the water once in 10 days,” he adds.

New kids on the bloc

The latest addition to this element of luxury are the acrylic pools. These mini pools come in various sizes. Nothing makes a better style statement nor combines the luxury of facilities like a body massage than your very own private pool.

Enjoying a private swim and spending quality time with family and friends in the pool can be both therapeutic and rejuvenating. Pools at home bring in a flow of energy to any living space besides symbolising luxury. “We used to get a lot of queries for building pools in houses on terraces and otherwise. But due to problems of leakage and maintenance, people prefer to go to clubs to avail the facility. With the option of jacuzzi and spa available in the market, more and more people are now going in for them,” informs Suchita Luthra, a leading architect of the city.

Whether a regular pool or an acrylic pool, the idea of spending the whole summer away from the heat, without carrying half the house to travel to a club (many times crowded) just for a swim, spells sheer temptation. So, take your pick and beat the heat!

Matka chowk
Highway to the hills
Sreedhara Bhasin

Many of us escape to Himachal in summer. A lot of us are stuck on the highway at Kalka. Now that the plans have at last been sanctioned and it looks like actual reconstruction of the highway is underway (the stretch along Pinjore is already under heavy construction) many regular travellers must be elated, I am sure.

Almost all regulars have had the experience of being stuck in traffic jams at Kalka, sometimes for hours. I have myself spent a rather long hour there being blocked by a lorry carrying apples that overturned. However, the sight of bright red apples strewn all over the road - some being snatched by monkeys that appeared out of thin air was quite engaging. Then, much to our astonishment, came some cows that started nibbling on the fallen apples. Although the traffic was, in the end, mobilised by a couple of policemen who whistled and huffed and puffed, it led to stuff that would go into the travelling journal of my daughter.

On our way back from Naldehra once, accompanied by some friends from the USA, we had another episode. It was already a very long drive and the hilly bends and overtaking was already telling on their nerves. They sat pale faced, clutching their cameras, and made feeble jokes about traffic Gods in India who miraculously kept bodily harm at bay. As the driver tried to swiftly navigate through the narrow lane at Kalka, since it was unusually unclogged, out dashed a small cow onto the road. As the driver swerved furiously, the car hit a small part of the cow's hind leg (at least that is what it seemed like to us, the terrified passengers). I covered my eyes and anticipated the worst. A dead cow and an enraged janta - not a good combination. The American travellers were shocked into speechlessness and failed to repeat, "If the cow is holy," query. While we all held our breath and waited, the cow got up, shook its tail, gave us a malevolent look and simply carried on with it road crossing task. More fodder for my daughter's journal was generated.

I know that the new highway extension would alleviate our travel woes. But, somehow the usual Shimla trip will be different. I would miss gazing at the pottery stores selling Sil-batta and stone mortar and pestles. The foreign travellers would miss the photo ops - street side barbers, the bandarwaalas and cows munching potato chips packets. The small shops selling colouful chunris and rajais will recede. It will be just like another highway - effective, wide and devoid of human interference.

I shudder to imagine the sight of a city mall on my way to Shimla five years from now.

matkachowk@gmail.com

Bank of music
A senior bank executive, R.D Kailey, believes in the harmonic potion of sur, taal and laya
SD SHARMA

Music, to me is a charming impulse which wells forth the depth of my heart making me always absorbed and forgetful of problems and anxieties in my busy daily life," feels RD Kailey, an acclaimed amateur vocalist and a senior bank executive. "However, determination and discipline is necessary to strike an amiable balance between your cultivated passion and the statutory responsibility of your profession," he adds.

Presently an assistant general manger, Punjab National Bank, Patna circle the city-based artist is here to present a music concert at the Randhawa auditorium.

Now an unending quest for Kailey the music bug bit him early and during his third standard the child prodigy Ram Dass (RD Kailey) sang to a sizable audience with élan only to profess his coming glory as an exponent of literary singing. Born at the sleepy village of Jugial near Pathankot he graduated from Hoshiarpur and shifted to Chandigarh for his Masters in English literature. A bank probation officer of 1977 batch Kailey, with a sound service track record scaled many horizons in career, but tasted many transfers too. "I have never missed a day without regular riyaaz with rhythm, so every time I was transferred I had to seek favour of my predecessor to find a suitable tabla player for me. Soon it became a known and routine affair," shares Kailey in a lighter vein.

Gifted with a tuneful voice, Kailey learnt music especially the nuances of thumri and kafi gayaki from Guru Lachhman Das Sindhu an A grade artist of AIR. Kailey now holds B high AIR grade and performs on AIR and Doordarshan kendras.

Having teamed with music director Er. Partbhjot Bali he recorded a devotional album. Specialised in geet ghazal genre Kailey had released an album Asin ud de prinde, whose lyrics were penned down by poet Sham Singh.

Credited for translating the poetic soul of legendary Shiv Kumar Batalvi in his over 100 musical compositions, which have not been sung so far by others, his other favourite poets include Sufi mystics Shah Hussain, Bulle Shah, poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Bashir Badr, Shamim Jaipuri. Kailey idealises the invincible ghazal maestros Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan.

About his thoughts on performance and music concerts, he recites a couplet, “Khushboo ko phailne ki tamanna toh hai, magr/ Mumkin nahin hawaon se rishta kiye b-gair”.

Denim deals

Numero Uno, the denim brand launched its Autumn 2009 collection, with its new range of denimwear ESPANA for men and women. Presenting the line in collaboration with Spanish company, Jeanologia, ESPANA defines contemporary trends with conventional designs. It is designed by using special laser technique on denim to achieve that authentic live-in and used look. The finish is highlighted more on thighs, inseams, and back to create a stunning trendy look. Priced between Rs 1999 to Rs 2399 it offers over 360 styles for men and women.

“The best in Europe and now making its presence felt in India as well, it keeps the fashion conscious youth abreast with the international fashion scene,” says Vijay Gandhi, business head retail and NU blue, Numero Uno.

The occasion also saw the Autumn 09 collection unveiling a range of fashion denims, flowing silhouettes and layered look for women and cleaner cuts, smart contemporary yet trendy look for men. “The fabrics high on fashion will include tweeds, moleskin, coated denims, bringing an edge over regular plain looks,” said Shruti Khaneja, retail manager, Numero Uno. The colours include classic hues like white, khaki, olive, coffee and new shades like plums, forest green and mélange. —TNS

Paint my wall

Sonalac Paints & Coatings Ltd, an interior and exterior paints manufacturing company has launched two new ranges of premier designer emulsion paints, Twinkle— the special effect metallic emulsion and Two tone Magic—the dual effect luxury emulsion.

The first of its kind in India, Two tone magic is a unique premium quality, water based, designer paint range that can create an unmatched variety of special effects and illusions on exterior and interior walls. It is based on pure Acrylic Emulsion. When seen from different angles, Two tone gives different tone effects. It makes the same wall look different when viewed from different angles, keeping the painted surface looking new and fresh for years.

Twinkle is a premium quality, water based, designer paint range that can be used to create a variety of special effects and textures on walls. A metallic emulsion that is recommended for both exterior and interior use, it is suitable for all surfaces including concrete, metal, wood and PoP. The metallic emulsion has been launched in five basic tintable shades and ten vibrant shades especially for pillars and borders. —TNS

Hrithik and Suzanne present not just designer wear but a cosy picture too
Kaho na pyar hai
Bedika

Bollywood couple Hrithik Roshan and Suzanne seemed to have put the Barbara Mori episode behind them as they walked the ramp at IIFA fashion extravaganza hand-in-hand.

Actor Sonam Kapoor displays a creation by designer Anamika Khanna

The couple looked very much in love as they sashayed down the ramp as the show-stoppers for Suzanne's sister Farah Khan Ali's jewellery designs, which complemented the Manav Gangwani's black and white dresses the two were donning.

"I am not really a jewellery person but first of all, the designer is my sister and then the pieces are beautiful and my favourite is the scorpion neckpiece that I am wearing," Hrithik said while walking the green carpet.

It was a family affair for the couple as Hrithik's father-in-law actor Sanjay Khan and dad Rakesh Roshan cheered them from the front row at the show which was hosted by Suzanne's brother actor Zayed Khan and singer-actress Sophie Chaudhary.

Other Bollywood stars on the ramp on Friday night were Bipasha Basu, who walked for designer Rocky S, Dia Mirza, Madhavan, Dino Morea walked for Manav Gangwani, while Raima Sen and Neha Dhupia modelled for D'damas.

'Delhi-6' star Sonam Kapoor also walked the ramp for her designer friend Annamika Khanna, wearing a red and beige lehenga.

The proceeds of the event will go to the IIFA foundation, which works for the welfare of the workers of Indian film industry. — PTI

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

Aries: "Nine Golden Cups" full of lights and happiness greet you. Contentment, emotional well-being and harmony prevail in your personal relationships. At this time you relax, and indulge in your pleasure-loving side. There will be a need to change the style of your relations with people from afar. Thus can be an extra ordinary period; do not blow it. Tip of the week: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd colleagues. Lucky colour: White.

Taurus: Though "Knight of Swords" gives you a new vision, but overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love, and let bygones be bygones. Start off with a clean slate. Don't hang on to old worries or resentments. Watch your health and go in for fitness routine Tip: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Silver Grey.

Gemini: Your card "Judgment" is reversed so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be very effective in presentations or group situations. You could be in the mood to splurge on yourself. Work could be hectic and stressful. A shopping excursion can set your budget ablaze. Mediation and inner silence lift you to higher levels of consciousness. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden yellow.

Cancer: Like "The Queen of Cups" you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. Be in touch with your sense of humour. Luxury shopping may burn a hole in your pocket on Wednesday. You are graceful and amiable in family matters and social involvements. Tip: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black.

Leo: "The Princes of Cups" infuses you romantic and dreamy moments. The successful phase continues to keep you in high spirit. The employed will be making plans for their forthcoming vacations. You will have to wait for another week when you will manage to have all the time to catch up with your mate or beloved who is longing to spend exclusive time with you. Tip: Try to relax in the middle of the week and put your cares to one side. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red.

Virgo: You make an impact and shine like "The Star" as you are seen, noted and heard. Allow others the necessary amount of time for venting or emotional discussion. On Monday avoid a financial debate with loved ones. A Scorpion friend is positive and supportive. Meditation and spend time in natural surroundings to rejuvenate your energy. Tip: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in new project. Lucky colour: Wine red.

Libra: "The Prince of Pentacles" infuses financial stability. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone. Try not to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you. Patient and prudent efforts can prove to be fruitful, particularly regarding money matters. Be more prompt with your work and duties as you are inclined to take it a little easy. Check your diet chart. Tip: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Peacock blue.

Scorpio: The "Ace of Wands" strengthens and you may feel elated to see roses all the way. Hard work and extra responsibilities should be welcomed with open arms on Monday. Diplomatic skills will help you ease the tensions and sort out the problems. Key areas of concern may involve sibling relations, romantic promises or a difference of emotional style between loved ones. Woman may daydream to their heart's content and will come up with brilliant ideas. Tip: It is best to get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Cream.

Sagittarius: Your card "The World" reveals love and close relationships. But now, you wonder whether commitments were quite what you wanted. Don't be too stubborn. Look around and you will see that this is the best time to count on all your hopes. Close partners will not be entirely calm. You will achieve a good deal together. Be aware of what you say to whom as it can go against you. Tip: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Purple.

Capricorn: Your card "The Princess of Cups" manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Be careful with your temper as work pressures could make thing tense. You are able to resolve conflicts and bring harmony in love relationship. A Capricorn person needs your support. Make good plans and clear decisions on Wednesday. There is a reunion of old friends and associates. A Surprise is in store for you. Tip: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Old rose.

Aquarius: "The Wheel of Fortune" spins in some good luck, travel and opportunity in your life. A good time to make breakthroughs at work and changes at home. Tackle difficult tasks and tough people on Monday and Thursday. You get past health problems quickly and get ready for a happy journey. Those who plan to take up a part time job will get a suitable offer. Defer property deals, stock marketing on Wednesday. Expectant mothers are assured of safe delivery. Tip: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Orange.

Pisces: The card "The Hermit" brings a change, whether you want it or not. You will come up with certain bright business ideas, which if you put to practice could verily result in huge profits. Your enthusiasm is impetuous and unpredictable on 16th. Make sudden decisions and express your views strongly. Romantic secrets can be fun; how about getting in touch with an old lover. Tip: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Blue.