|
|
|
|
|
Dhillon dil se…
Yesteryear heartthrob Poonam Dhillion, in Mohali talks about medicine, movies and business Winning Miss India contest at 16, getting a Yash Raj production project after a year of it and one hit film after another, what more could Poonam Dhillion ask for? Success came easy, "But not satisfaction. I always wanted to be a doctor and initially was hesitant to do films." Well, she managed to get the feel of the profession she wanted to be in at the Fortis Hospital where she inaugurated the Fortis Bloom (In Vitro Fertilization) IVF center on Wednesday. "I am quite aware about the latest development in the medical world, since my sister is a doctor too." So, what does she have to say about IVF, "We look up to doctors for they save life. In case of IVF, doctors do a little more by creating new lives, which is nothing less than a miracle. They are blessing people with a chance to enjoy parenthood." Something she thoroughly enjoys, and took a break for. Mother of two teenagers, she preferred to take a break from her filmy career for their cause before making a 'comeback', a term she refuses to associate with her coming back oops… her re-entering the industry, "An actor never makes a comeback, they just get over with a sabbatical period like everybody else does in his or her profession at some point of life." The holiday period seems to be getting over now. Poonam was recently seen in a cameo in 13 B and has a role in Dil Bole Hadippa (DBH) too. "I am yet not ready for a full fledged role in films. DBH being a Yash Raj venture, I couldn't refuse as they are a family." In the meanwhile, theatre is keeping her busy too. After two successful plays, The Perfect Husband and The Perfect Wife, she is all set for the third one, though the genre is absolutely different. "It's not a comedy unlike my earlier projects. It is a contemporary love story of two poets and how they express their feelings". Not many people know that the idea of The Perfect Wife was hers, which came from some real life experiences, "I realised that men consider beautiful women as dim-witted and ugly women are otherwise never considered. The play was a satire to prove that looks have nothing to do with wisdom and brains and beauty can co-exist." And she proves it well with her thriving business of vanity vans, a concept she imported to India from Los Angeles where she first conducted a research. "Initially, a lot of family friends weren't convinced with the idea, thinking who would buy them in India. Being an actor myself I knew the problems actors faced and went ahead." The result, no actor works without a vanity van today. After Bollywood, television, business, all she aspires to do now is a Punjabi film, "That would be like going back to the roots. As it is half of the film industry enjoys a Punjabi background, so a Punjabi film in Mumbai is always a
ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Break ke baad!
And so the break up party became a legend. Celebrating the end of a relationship, that was once considered a long term investment. Calling friends over to binge and booze, receiving best wishes and break up gifts, even hunting for a possible next. No bad blood, no rona-dhona, no stalking each other or strategising moves to hurt one another. Hmmm…how we wish this could actually happen? "Of course, but that happens in Love Aaj Kal only," declares Arushi Chaudhary, a media professional. "There are lots of overwhelming emotions to take care of after the break up happens, even if it is a well-thought of decision." Well, sure about the emotional attachment that makes it dificult to move on, but pulling the plug does mean getting a burden off your chest. And if you do that happily, what better? "Hapiness is not something one can immediately associate break ups with. It comes later, when the feeling of letting go for good seeps in." Arushi adds. Though we agree with the girl, we have some from the fastrack generation, changing status from committed to single really fast. Remember that Fastrack commercial that shows break up can be a cool thing. We do some real life inspirations for some more reel life inspiration. Like Harneet Kaur (name changed), a UBS student from PU. "I ended a two year relationship, thinking that it would be ugly. But it turned out to be the most relaxed break up ever." We wonder how that may have
happened? "We talked it out. There were doubts from his side as well. So, when we sat down for some serious talking, we realised there is no good in dragging each other along. And so, it was smooth," she explains. And no guilt feelings. Though no celebrations in the literal sense, you do celebrate your freedom. "Freedom from a compromised and complicated relationship. You have to be honest with each other. You may be two good human beings, just not good with each other. Breaking up with dignity needs maturity, something that can only be done if you actually know each other too well to be playing the blame game," feels Swaraj, a fashion designing student from NIIFT, Mohali city. Breaking up is an art not bestowed upon one and all. If you don't do it the proper way, then you are at your own risk. Wait a minute, but is there a proper way of breaking up? "Nah. No break up can be easy or pain free. If it's a casual, no strings attached affair, it still has a chance of not getting ugly. But when your emotions and families get invovled, break up is like hell breaking loose. There is nothing funny or casual about your emotions," says Navreet Singh Kang, a marketing professional from the city. Back to the beginning of the duiscussion, are we? "The idea of a casual break up germinates from the fact that the youth wants to keep their choices open. They like to remain uncommitted, as taking the responsibility asks too much from them. And with other priorities charting up the ladder in their life, serious relationships can wait," feels Deena Khandeja, a teacher and a counselor from the city. The moving on is done in an extremely
nonchalant manner. Hit and trial method seems to be the latest 'in' thing in the love game. Or may be we have started celebrating Cupid's errors. But one thing is for sure; break ups will always be
special. If not to you than atleast to your dog, for all the attention it'll get! nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
|
No full stops…
Renowned BBC journalist Sir Mark Tully was in the city on Wednesday. Talking about the role of media in India at the Chitkara School of Mass Communication, the 73-year-old said, "India has a democratic constitution but not a constitution that functions in a balanced way and thus here comes the role of media as a watchdog." He also said that India had the potential of being the third most powerful nation of the world and media persons were its potential. Born in India, Sir Mark Tully has worked for the BBC in Delhi as Chief of Bureau for over 22 years, until he became their South East Asia Correspondent in 1993. Currently working as freelance writer and broadcaster, Sir Tully has authored many books on India like India's Unending journeys, No full stops in India, The heart of India etc.
|
|
I'm a friend to my children says, Suniel Shetty Actor-producer Suniel Shetty whose film Daddy Cool recently hit the screens, claims he is a very cool father and is just like a friend to his children. "I think I am a very cool daddy because my kids are more like my friends. I was always aware of the fact that I didn't want to get stuck with the problem of any generation gap so I rather grow up with them," Suniel said. "I spend a lot of time with them. Showering them with affection but at the same time being very particular of what I want. So I think we are friends and that's why we share a fantastic relationship," he added. The 48-year-old actor has two kids, Ahan and Athiya. — IANS
|
|
Rupali says, she’s done a lot of firsts with Khatron Ke Khiladi
"I have done a lot of firsts in my life with this show. Like I have never ever worn a swimsuit on television. But I have finally done that also. I don't know how terrible I'll be looking," Rupali said. The actor, who was seen in shows like Sanjeevani and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, has completely surprised herself with the sort of stunts she has performed on the second season of Khatron Ke Khiladi". Khatron Ke Khiladi- Level 2 will be hosted by Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar and will go on air on Colors channel on September 7. "I've never had an adventurous streak in me. I was boring as a child and I never did anything that I have done on the show. It's been the biggest high of my life," said Rupali, who also participated in Sony TV's reality show Bigg Boss. The actor says Khatron Ke Khiladi... provided her an opportunity to explore herself as a person. But she had her reservations about being in the company of models like Carol Gracias, Jesse Randhawa and Sushma Reddy. "I could never imagine taking up a show like this but it's the result of an effort to do something different. The show has given me a chance to explore myself as a person in the sense that I now know how I will react in a given situation. I was initially very confused whether to say yes or no to the show because of these sexy tall babes, but it's been a very exciting experience," she said. Talking about her experience with claustrophobia, she said: "I am not really scared of living creatures so that bit of the show was fine. But I was unhappy about facing claustrophobia. I was required to hold my breath and be under water for a task and I am totally petrified of doing something like that. I am glad I faced it but haven't really overcome it." The actor is hardly seen in any soaps these days. "Something interesting keeps coming, but it has to be very different for me to take it up. Till then, I am happily jobless." — IANS
|
|
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt has a tattoo fetish. He has at least five on his body and has gone for another one - this time two samurai soldiers inked one below the other on his right arm. One soldier is inked in black and white, while the other is colourful and there are Japanese flowers falling over them. According to a source, these soldiers symbolise that all through his life the actor has fought like a samurai and was never bogged down by the hardships. As expected, the tattoo is done by Vishwas Dorwekar of Hakim Aalim's salon. — IANS
|
|
Sukhvinder Singh readies for his acting debut Noted playback singer Sukhvinder Singh, who ha lend his voice to many chartbusters including Oscar-winning track Jai Ho, is all set to make his onscreen debut with Khudi Ko Kar Bulund Itna. Sukhvinder, who has given hit numbers like Jalwa (Fashion) and Dhan Te Dhan (Kaminey) more recently, said he chose this movie because he identified closely with the film's subject. "A celebrity is also a common man who feels the need to contribute to the society in some way or the other. The hero of the film seeks to convey the same message," he told the reporters. Produced and directed by Jagbir Dahiya, the film is a social film dealing with contemporary and relevant issues. It's a journey of a man meeting his destiny and coming to terms with his own self, he said. To a question on why he chose to tread the path on which his contemporaries like Sonu Nigam failed, Sukhvinder said, "I will learn from others' mistakes." However, the singer said that he has not decided whether he would continue acting as a supplementary profession. Actor Surendra Pal, who is also part of the cast, pointed out that late Kishore Kumar was also a successful singer and actor. "Look at the positive side also. Sukhvinder sings from his heart and a good actor is one who gives his heart to his craft," he said. — PTI
|
|
Desi Punk
Bollywood dhin chaks jamming with hardcore punk. That’s the latest ‘reality’ for you Sing what people would hum and play what people would enjoy. Music loses its significance when limited to self. Any note, chord or melody qualifies as music when people are able to understand it. So, when at the auditions of Idea Rocks India in the city on Wednesday, Anand Sharma insisted on rock bands playing Hindi films songs, we got the idea behind. Phoren music form being presented in desi style! But
Anand, a music composer and judge of various reality shows has another point to make, “Rock music does not belong to any country. It rather belongs to people with a rebellious streak, so why not switch the language and make it Indian rock.” Still scratching heads? Anand explains it further, “The notion that rock music has its roots in the west is farce. It is as much alien to the west as it is to India. Otherwise, why would the governments and cultural societies support only western classical and at the most jazz music?” Thus, we saw many a rock bands climbing the stage, performing only punk rock in English. “It’s not their fault. Ever since we have been told the definition of rock music as English songs sung to the tunes of loud music.” Well, is it going to be ‘another’ reality show? We expected the usual ‘different’ answer unlike what we got, “Yes, it will be. After the auditions the best of the rock bands would be short listed for the next round. And no reality show can be ever different.” Here comes the actual point, “Reality shows are made for real people, the masses, who explore their talent, polish it and then sell it in the market. People accept the one they find genuine. Other than this, reality shows are nothing else.” After judging shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Voice of India, he has some important gyan for aspiring singers, “A reality show doesn’t make one a star. It’s marks the beginning of struggle that one has to do to survive in the industry.” Back to the subject of the auditions, the band selected from the city would be, “The one whose vocalist has a good voice, has guitarists and drummer who know how to sway people and who knows how to play rock music for Bollywood numbers.” Points noted! |
|
Pet Theory
Consider this, dogs have their dog houses, leashes and crates, confined spaces where they get bored and end up chewing things and becoming aggressive. We humans have our own version of ‘crates’. They are cars, offices, buses and trains. Though we don’t end up chewing things but lack of exercise does lead to lack of energy, headaches, eating disorders and an inability to rationally deal with small vexations. So, isn’t exercising together a great idea?
Aah! The problem is with getting started. Seeing your dog, wagging his tail with excitement and expectation, will encourage you to get your running shoes on and to get out of the door. Half an hour a day is plenty of time to have a good workout for both of you. While a regimen of brisk walking is suitable for both dog and the man, there are plenty of possible variations depending upon the breed of the dog and age, weather conditions, environmental factors etc. General cardinal principals of exercising a dog are: Brain
exercise: Hide a treat under an inverted bowl and let the dog use it’s ingenuity to set the bowl right and get at the treat. Tunnel Exercise: Make a maze of cardboard boxes or chairs and make your dog to find his way through it. We came together, dogs and humans 50,000 years ago when we started hunting together. We had intelligence and they had stamina and power to smell. So, it is high time that we take this partnership forward. hemant_1955@yahoo.co.in |
|
PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211from 9:30 am to 5:30 pmMonday - Saturday Or visit us at #1522, Sector 11 D, Chandigarh. www.pfachandigarh.com
|
|
Flock tales
From exotic birds to a white Boxer, Akhil takes pride in his mixed pack
Feathered friends
Love birds, African grey parrots (most intelligent birds), golden and silver pheasants, silky cocks, burjridars, Akhil has an exotic list of birds that he keeps as pets. “Having them around gives the family a sense of fulfillment,” says Akhil. “I can understand their mood and behaviour, and I bet the same applies to them.” Secondly, their cages must always be clean. Last but not the least, be careful about the weather changes and the affects on them,” Tells Akhil. “Birds cannot stand direct wind, not even from the fan. So, protect them from any direct winds. Rest they can tolerate heat.” A dog story:
Narrates Akhil, “I had gone to buy a Dalmatian. I saw them putting down a white boxer. I decided then and there, I wanted to take the white thing home. The white boxer and the other pet the Great Dane are now family.” “The birds of course get along well. You know for a fact that it is very rare that dogs get along with birds. It could be a rare chance,” says Akhil. “So, the birds enjoy their life, dogs have their day and the fish rules the aquarium.” jasmine@tribunemail.com |
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Can break-up be cool? We search the hearts of city youngsters, our very own mango people… 
In the city, renowned BBC journalist Sir Mark Tully talked about media and its varied roles
Television actor Rupali Ganguly says she did many things for the first time in the forthcoming adventure reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi - Level 2", including wearing a bikini. But she is now worried how she will look on screen. 
Sanjay Dutt gets samurai soldiers inked on his arm
Avoid jogging or biking with your dog if it is unable to take the exertion. Small breeds like Daschounds and poodles have a limited capacity for exertion while a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler can easily out run a healthy human being except perhaps the fittest. The breeds with dished faces have a limited capacity of pulmonary intake- breathing in- and get tired easily. It is advised to take immediate notice if the dog is feeling tired. A dog with some kind of under lying ailment particularly heart and lung worms can be at immediate peril. 
People for Animals, Chandigarh, has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and forever.
Keeping pets in this case is hereditary. It has come down from great grandmother, grandmother, father and now it is the son who ensures that the tradition is kept alive. Meet Akhil Azad from Azad Offset Printers and his flock of pets. Rather a mixed set of pets. Where on one hand you would find exotic birds, and guarding them are a white Boxer and Great Dane. Rest of the story; hear it from the pet lover himself.
Those who keep birds should be very careful about certain things, says Akhil. “One, it is important to feed them at the right time. We get ready-made feed for them in the market.