Rumour had it, Claudia is in the city. This set pace for the morning action! But without a surname, we couldn't streamline the search. Claudia, the gorgeous supermodel, or is it some 'wanna be' style diva, Claudia. But who was to know that that the 'woman' in mention could turn out to be someone, who has given enough grind for the rumour mills at Cannes 2009. Someone whose pictures of her posing with 'almost' every second Bollywood celebrity was splashed across magazines and newspapers. Is she suppose to be our hunk Salman’s new blue-eyed girl? Wait. And, is she the one who was rumoured to have enjoyed the company of Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes, who later denied the whole episode? Yes yes! Indeed she is. Claudia Ciesla.

Inquisitiveness written all over, it was time to get smart with the smart babe, heading for Lovely University, Jalandhar, to inaugurate the Department of Acting in Television and Films on Monday. It hasn't been that long in India and the German supermodel and Hollywood actor is already the talk of the town. But today, she is in no mood to thrash out controversies.

For, she is excited about something 'educational.' "I am dying to see the Lovely University campus. I can't wait to get there," says Claudia. "I've heard they have a beautiful campus. I like everything about India, Sirhind, everything. It is an awesome feeling to be here. The food is lovely. I like the spicy food here."

This one is surely taken in by the Indian culture. By Bollywood too, we heard! Also, that she is fast making inroads into tinselville. Salman quiet liked her (we mean her passion for work), and vice versa. "Claudia is planning to take Hindi speaking lessons," puts in Claudia's manager, Greg Kaden. "She is coming to India for the sixth or seventh time.

She came here for a film shooting. Claudia has always enjoyed coming here. We would be going to the Golden Temple as well. But let's see. We would be coming back in August for a movie shoot," adds Greg.

The occasional singer, who has already cut two albums, has already worked in Italian and German sitcoms, German-Indian collaboration Ki Jana Pardes (Punjabi) and Bengali movie. "10:10? Nevertheless, Bollywood seems to be where her heart lies. A newspaper had her saying: "I am seriously thinking about coming to Bollywood. 

After the rainy season, I'm planning to stay here for a long time…I'll rent an apartment in Mumbai and even start taking Hindi lessons." But first, it's time to give away lessons at the university. We bet they would have a good time and you to Claudia! jasmine@tribunemail.com

Her karma Claudia's film Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation, directed by M.R. Shahjahan, won prestigious awards at the Spain and Greece film festivals and was also premiered at Cannes. The film is a dramatic thriller about an Austrian girl (Claudia) who is raped and murdered during her visit to India in the 1970s and how she reincarnates and comes back to the same place after 30 years.

Shakespeare's nights, Broadway limelight, Victorian drama, mythological saga, overpowering costumes…theatre! It's live and it's larger than life! But before stressing on the power and prose of this performing art, there's a need for 360-degree recheck.

Does theatre culture exist in the city? What is theatre culture in the first place? Let's talk Tagore Theatre, post renovation, post price rise, what now? What of entertainment tax? Is there an audience? There are no easy answers.

"There's a lot of theatre that happens in the city, there's a lot of theatre that exists in the city, but whether there's culture in the true sense of the word, there's a huge questions mark?" Neelam Man Singh Choudhary, renowned theatre person, defines, un-defines and redefines certain concepts. 

She adds, "I think it would exist only when people sit and talk about it, there's a dialogue happening, it is part of conversations and there's a theatre vocabulary and the like."

Shares Umesh Kant who runs his own theatre outfit called Theatre Lab, "It's no where like the one in Bhopal, Kolakata or Pune. At those places, there are professionals involved and not amateurs performing and therein lays a huge difference. In Chandigarh theatre is more like a hobby. Only one or two people in the city are doing good productions, rest are in it just to kill time."

Comparisons, somewhere make calculations easy, conclusions effortless. Adds Neelam Man Singh, "It exists in Delhi for sure, because of the National School Of Drama, then in Mumbai there are quite active younger lot involved, there's constancy." 

She agrees, "Chandigarh has a long way to catch up." Nirmal Pandey, celebrated theatre personality, on his recent visit to city said, "You can't make money out of theatre anywhere except for Assam and Gujarat theatre." The city's contrast remains rock solid. Rani Balbir Kaur, another theatre activist, agrees, "There is a fair amount of culture, which exists but compare Chandigarh to Delhi or Mumbai and we'll lose, because there aren't as many professionals here. And Delhi is the hub and in Maharashtra, it's a tradition."

Somewhere the first question also gets lost in the din of bureaucracy. Opines Umesh Kant, "Take my case. If I do a play, I'll take it other cities but will skip Chandigarh, courtesy 80 per cent entertainment tax, which is not there at other places."

Agrees Neelam Man Singh, "Entertainment tax is something that needs to be reviewed. But as far the rentals go, it's an expensive proposition at other places as well. In Ludhiana, they were charging just as much and were ready to give the venue during day and not evening. 

And all that minus the facilities provided here." Chips in Rani Balbir Kaur, "Upping the rentals has made Tagore Theatre a little out of reach, but the intention of administration is not bad."

Talk audience, and Neelam Man Singh adds, "It's not there's no audience here, just that they are not willing to put their hands into their pockets."

Chips in Umesh Kant, "When good quality plays come, there's the same loyal audience and that's about it. It all depends on the quality of production. If there is quality they'll leave films also and come." What was the last good play that came to the city? He shares, "The Haryana Government's National Theatre Festival presented many good plays."

Shares Rani Balbir Kaur, "I think Chandigarh does receive its fair share of quality plays the last good play that I saw was one by Rajat Kapoor that came recently."

Despite no easy answers, no clear conclusions, Neelam Man Singh, sums up, "It's not that the administration is not doing anything. But it can play a more proactive role. If an artiste sits down with someone with the vision and the will to make it happen, it won't take more than six months for the magic to happen."

Manpriya@tribunemail.com

The advantages are aplenty. How else you would have felt so special, relaxed and completely distressed in this soaring temperature? It's a pampering experience, one that leaves your body rejuvenated and fresh. Apparently, the only viable luxury in summers, the season-specific spas render the much-sought relief. Recommended strongly by the spa specialists in the city and termed as "the perfect detoxifiers" these provide the more than skin-deep cooling effect.

"Such spas have a therapeutic effect on the body. They help exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells and boost blood circulation, thus take extensive care of the skin," informs Harveen Kathuria, manager, Celopatra, 8.

She suggests taking the derma chill body spa, a combination of tissue massage and chill stones. "The temperature of the special stones used in the body can be altered accordingly. In the summer, these stones are first refrigerated and then put on the body, rendering the required cooling effect," adds she. Also, used in this spa are various balms, cool in natures that help detoxify.

Another summer specific spa one can go for here is the Hawaiin sugarcane body polish. "Sugar crystals and aromatic oils are applied with loofah gloves that relax the muscles and revitalises the skin. The massage technique used drains out heat from the body, making it feel fresh and light."

Naunihal Singh, owner of Burjois, recommends going for summer cool spa package for various reasons, "We feel lethargic in summers as our body muscles become stiff. The summer cool spa relaxes and rejuvenates the body muscles. Also it helps in removing body tan, exposing a fresh soft skin underneath."

The products used in the spa are herbal in nature. Cucumber and fruit pastes are used extensively for their cooling effects. Other summery spas available here are Negoride Brazilian spa, Javanese Royal Spa and cool chocolate spa. "Perspiration is controlled after these spas as the cooling is skin deep and that helps keeps the body temperature at normal in summers."

All the five spa therapies done at the Taj aims at rejuvenating the whole body. However, the apt for the summer season is the full body tissue therapy. Ashirwad Praharaj, accommodations manager at the spa, informs, "The 90-minute spa treats the full body with special oils. It is helps control the skin damage, dehydration and other related skin problems. The massage methodology relaxes all the body muscles."

Sonalika Sahay hasn't just made a mark for herself in the India's fashion weeks; also is equally popular on the international podium. Married for the past four years, she believes in striking the right balance between her personal and professional life. And, what keeps her going is her fit body, the secrets to which she lets us know.

My fitness mantra: I believe a person who is physically fit can only stay happy. To keep fit, it is important to eat healthy and workout well. But that too should be done as per one's comfort level. Any kind of stress can make a person physically suffer too.

Fitness regime: I am quite a regular gym-goer but since it is unbearably hot in Delhi these days, I swim for at least an hour these days. Swimming is the perfect exercise and a fun activity as well. Also, I prefer mixing fun and exercise by playing games like basketball and badminton. I would love to join yoga in the future as it has fetched amazing results to my friends who practice it.

Diet: Because I don't go to for strenuous exercises in gym, I eat cautiously. It is almost a norm now to have a glass of warm lemon water in the morning. In breakfast I take salad or sandwiches or anything else that's light and easier to digest in summers. I am not much into junk food and instead prefer to nibble on sprouted cereals, a glass of cold coffee or fresh juice. Lunch and dinner are the usual Punjabi food dishes but without oil.

Fantasy food: I believe life is short and you just shouldn't deprive yourself of something that is a must have. I go and have cholcolate-laden cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream whenever I wish to.

Sleeping hours: I generally don't like to sleep during the day. An eight-hour sleep is a must for me but if I am travelling I make for the lost sleep with a siesta.

Best body celeb: Uma Thurman is truly a stunner. She has got the fittest body and I look up to her. Also, I like Tom Cruise's sturdy looks though he is short. I think in Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor has worked on her body a lot and she is an inspiration to many.

Weight watch: Most of the Bollywood female actors have worked on their body really well and now have toned bodies. It is good to see Bipasha Basu back in shape. I feel Aishwarya Rai can look even better than how she is now. It is Sushmita Sen who should work towards getting a toned body. — Ashima Sehajpal

Exactly how cornflakes, white bread, French fries and other high-carb foods increase the risk of heart problems has now been shown by Tel Aviv University researchers. Dr. Michael Shechter of the university's Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center, who led the study in collaboration with researchers from the Endocrinology Institute, looked inside the arteries of students eating a variety of foods, and visualised exactly what happens inside the body when the wrong foods for a healthy heart are eaten.

Elasticity of arteries anywhere in the body can be a measure of heart health. But when aggravated over time, a sudden expansion of the artery wall can cause a number of negative health effects, including reduced elasticity, which can cause heart disease or sudden death.

Dr. Shechter used a clinical and research technique pioneered by his laboratory in Israel to visualize what happens inside our arteries before, during and after eating high carb foods.

"It's very hard to predict heart disease," says Dr. Shechter, a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. "But doctors know that high glycemic foods rapidly increase blood sugar. Those who binge on these foods have a greater chance of sudden death from heart attack.

Our research connects the dots, showing the link between diet and what's happening in real time in the arteries," he added. The researcher believes that the finding of his study may lead to a whole new way to show patients the effects of a poor diet on the body.

"We knew high glycemic foods were bad for the heart. Now we have a mechanism that shows how. Foods like cornflakes, white bread, french fries, and sweetened soda all put undue stress on our arteries. We've explained for the first time how high glycemic carbs can affect the progression of heart disease," says Dr. Shechter.

He also says that exercising every day for at least 30 minutes is an extra heart-smart action to take.

The results of the study have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. —ANI

The coolest way to beat the heat, is to strike a chord and strum the guitar all summer long. Tickles your gypsy spirit, doesn't it? So, sit back in sweet languor and benefit from the knowledge about music that we mean to update you with. But did we forget to mention that to strum a guitar you might just need to purchase one! So, how do you fancy the idea of splurging all your pocket money on fender stratocasters? Well, we can save you from burning a hole in your pocket. It isn't an easy task to go out in scorching heat and finding a shop that offers music instruments at affordable prices, but Indo Musica is the best choice you can ever make!!

Though the location of the shop is not ideal enough and can freak you out of your senses but wait, and believe the great man who once said "appearances are deceptive". For once you have ascended the staircase, you will be led to believe that this shop is exclusive to its designing, repairing and manufacturing.

Established in 1962 by Ved Prakash Verma, this shop offers a huge variety of classical and western instruments at affordable prices, thus holding the legacy of being the oldest musical store in Chandigarh. You can get a guitar worth Rs 2000 minimum and Rs 20,000 maximum and as the owner says, "The guitar sales are soaring" and gives his expertise adding that "G215, crown model Gibson, is best for the beginners". Apart from guitars, the shop sells drums, sitars, harmoniums, pianos and tablas.

The most jaw-dropping thing about the shop is that though its exteriors are not so chic, it has two stores, one workshop and an exclusive guitar shop. Cutting down on glitz and glamour of the high priced showrooms, the sobriety works wonders for the owners of this shop and they fetch a good deal of profit. "Music has no boundaries, no religions and no language", this quote fits perfectly for the 75-year-old Ved Prakash, who has passed on this musical heritage to the second generation and aspires to pass it on to his 3rd generation as well.

The shop has bagged for itself some of the most renowned Punjabi folk singers, including Babu Maan, Bindrakhia and Puran Shah Koti. They have been supplying instruments to various rock bands like Bhumi of DAV-10 and bands of Punjab Engineering College, Panjab University and schools like Lawrence School-Sanawar, Pinegroove-Dharampur and The Gurukul Panchkula.

The popularity of the shop doesn't end here; it attracts customers from various places. A customer who frequents the shop says, " This place makes both me and my instruments feel safe. I love the quality and on top of it, is the way they deal with their customers."

So put on your jogging shoes and run for the shop and we are sure that your mommy won't complain!

If hit and trial fetches you multiple titles, it better be the new rule for scientific readings! Eesh Chaudhary, a city boy, got into modeling for the 'sake of it', and Mr Best Personality, Mr Talented, latest Mr CIPA Chandigarh, came calling.

He clears the air, "But now, I think I'll get a little serious about it. Till now I was dabbling in the field, more on an experimental basis. Just to see if it works for me."

An alumnus from Hansraj School, Panchkula, Eesh got into the modeling scene only a year-and-a-half ago. He says, "I've done my masters in business administration from Symbiosis and so far I did not plan to pursue it full time, devoting time to my export business as well."

And Mr Chandigarh happened. "There were 24 or 25 five guys and the best part about the show was their judgment. I mean there were a lot of tall stunners out there with Greek God looks but the jury paid attention to the overall personality and how a person spoke." So, what was he asked? "They asked me what would my reaction be if I won the competition? I was like my first reaction would be Wow! And my first action would call back home telling mom that all the weaknesses of last time have been overcome." 

While at judgments, he clears a myth or two. "It's not true that those people just look for height or a good physique. One's vocal power stands out too. And indispensably there's a question answer round in every competition." Talk talent and he can sing and dance as well. That already sounds like an alternate preparation for the B-town. "My ultimate aim is to get into acting. Because one can be an actor at any age group, at every stage of life while acting is a short lived career."

Though the real D-day is yet to come. "I'll be flying to Delhi for Mr India competition next week." The guy's headlong into preparations. "I am going to start gymming, work on my diction, start grooming sessions, brush up my current affairs." Over to Delhi!

Manpriya@tribunemail.com

Anyone ever thought that learning music one day would be 'the profession' for the Gen Y? Thanks to reality shows, which is the instant passport to name, fame and money. A trend, which can be confirmed from those unending queues for any reality show auditions.

Well, reality shows on small screen is a big reality of life. Today, there are five music shows in Hindi language among which Indian Idol, Star Voice of India, Little Champs are famous among youth and kids.

Sa Re Ga Ma, one of the first music contests, which started over 10 years ago, has been attracting adults and children alike. The popularity of these shows can be gauged from the millions of applications received for participating.

The lure of instant fame is too great to resist, especially for the middle class. Vinny, a student of PU, says, "Success in life is measured in terms of power and power in terms of fame and money, which finally leads to how many reality shows you take part in. This has become a mantra for many youth who dream of being famous on TV."

Most of the youngsters believe that it is the shortcut to stardom. They do not deny the fact that one's art to create a scene and drama indeed help a participant to get votes from the audience.

Gaurav Garg, a student of Bhavan Vidyalaya-26, says, "The golden rule to make an everlasting impression and soften people's' hearts easily is to cry and let the tears come fall. Cry, cry and cry and one would succeed easily."

Earlier, music was meant for the ear but with the arrival of reality shows, it has become a subject of both the ear and eye. Such shows offer a package, where a singer's personality is supposed to shine through the songs and the audience is able to relate not only to the voice but also to the performer. These shows are no longer about standing and singing. It is about performing on the stage and interacting with audience as well.

Kamal Tewari, chairman of the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, says, "The approach towards training, practising, and performing music has changed. In the past, singers like Lata Mangeshkar used to stand and sing but now there is a greater emphasis on performance as well and the way contestants are groomed and presented before the audience. A participant who comes for the audition in his natural form may never be seen again on the stage."

However the good thing is that these shows have awakened people's interest in music. It surely is happening in the city.

"There has been a tremendous increase in the enrolment for learning vocal music this year. Last year, 50 students got themselves enrolled. This year more than 100 students have enrolled," reveals Sidharth, director of Swami Ram Tirtha Cultural Centre.

For all the glamour and fame, there is a flip side to the reality shows. The harsh and abusive comments of judges which are an integral part of any such shows, can cause psychological damage to the participants.

Dr Ranjay Vardhan, a sociologist, insists that most of the participants eventually do not get any long-term benefits. "The success may be instant but is short-lived. One is forgotten by the time another participant wins in the next programme," he says.

Further, an element of drama has added to the shows by bringing the audience into the show by asking them to vote for the candidate.

"The voting system makes the participants suffer from emotional burnout. Those who deserve to win the competition do not appear as victorious," said Saubhagya, a music lecturer at GCG-42.

Notwithstanding the hazards, which are inherent in every path of success, the youngsters are willing to take the risk. And why not? It brings everything that youth could dream and dare for! 

Gwen Stefani might have enjoyed a wildly successful career with the rock band No Doubt and as a solo artiste, but as a school kid she was convinced that she was talent less. The 39-year-old star admits that she was a bad student, and that she is still haunted by her fear of exams.

"School was just really hard for me. I didn't want to fail, I wanted to be smart! But I was really dreaming, like drawing my boyfriend's name on my notebooks. It was such a disaster. It's so sad! It makes me sad when I think about it. I still have nightmares about tests," she was quoted as saying.

"I never had any kind of ambitions. I just thought I was going to have babies... When I found out that I could write songs, I felt like all of a sudden I'd found myself. Like, really, this power that I had that I never had before. It was amazing to have something that I could do after the whole school problem," she added. — ANI

Celine Dion has said that one of the reasons behind Michael Jackson's sudden death must be the immense pressure he was in before his comeback tour. She made an appearance in TV show Late Night With Larry King to share her views on the tragic event.

"I think Michael Jackson lived under pressure all the time, since he was five years old — wanting to please his family and his fans and putting the bar so high that he needed to be suppressing his own-self," a website quoted her as saying. "If you don't have something like your family, your husband or your wife, your children — I mean he probably didn't have the balance," she added.

However, the singer struggled to stop tears from coming, as she was unable to reconcile to the fact that the legend no more existed. She said: "Michael Jackson's been an idol for me all my life. In my house when I was very, very young, and having his posters above my bedroom. He's been my idol all my life. "It feels like when... when Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died. It's a big loss. And I have to say that it's not even sinking in right now. 

I grew up with him. And through my (eight year old) son, I'm discovering his music again. He will never die. He will never, ever, ever die." The My Heart Will Go On singer also mentioned that she had seen Jackson for the last time when he had come to her concert in Las Vegas several months back. — ANI

Emma Watson has hinted that she will stop acting for a period of three years after her stint in the final Harry Porter film is over. "I want to forget about hair and makeup, sometimes on a publicity tour I can't remember what time it is, what country I'm in." a publication quoted her in an interview. "Now it's coming to an end I'm trying to hold on to it. So, I have a book, and everyone I've met has a page. I want to remember them and not just be left with the media version of what happened to me," she added.

The actress has reportedly taken admission in English and Art course at an undisclosed university.

She also spoke about her long-awaited kiss scene with Rupert Grint, famous as Ron Weasley from Harry Porter. "We did it two weeks ago," she said. "Four takes one way and two takes with the camera in the other direction. Six takes altogether," she added.

Watson is presently busy promoting Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince apart from working in Deathly Hallows l and Death Hallows II, the two final films to release under the wizard franchise. — ANI

English actress Sienna Miller has revealed that she enjoyed her role as The Baroness in GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra because it gave her a chance to indulge her villainous side. Miller, 27, found the script to be to her liking, and enjoyed playing what she has called as "a proper villain".

"The script was brilliant, the role was brilliant. She's a proper villain!" a website quoted her as saying. 

Miller also revealed that she had almost lost the role because director Stephen Sommers initially thought that she was not tall enough for the part.

"I think the first thing he said to me was, 'God, you're really short!'. But then, of course, with the wardrobe and the make-up I don't look like a villain when you meet me, but I do in the film," she added. — ANI