Activity clubs in the tricity are not just about clubbing but also crusading

Emulating and singing in the atypical styles of prominent Punjabi folklore maestros during childhood, prodigious Labh Janjua always left an indelible mark on the minds of people while performing at school functions or akharas around his sleepy village, Majra, in Khanna.

His career graph and popularity kept rising during the growing-up years at the Government High School, Amloh and later at MG Khalsa College, Fatehgarh Sahib. Soon, the passion and profession of music became demanding for a quality output and with a view to improve his aesthetic potential, he fell into the tutelage of famous music guru Jaswant Bhamwra.

After scores of Punjabi folk pop albums and now credited with playback singing in 64 feature films, Labh Janjua holds the world record for his solo-song album "Mundeyan Ton Bach Ke Rahin". The song, recorded a decade back, is still hitting top rankings as his latest ones like Ji Karda (Singh is Kinng), Sohni De Nakhre Sohne Lagde (Partner) and may more.

Despite being at the zenith of his fame, Labh is an epitome of humility as the native villager, interacting with everyone in desi style. The singer was in the city for the release of his latest album Just Kabaddi at Chandigarh Press on Monday.

What is the concept of Just Kabaddi?Kabaddi is the mother of rural sports in Punjab and an integral part of our regional culture, which is a much wider term. All Punjabis must come forward like the national kabaddi coach K.S. Ninny, who has produced the album comprising of theme-based songs. Hockey, football and cricket, though came much later, have dominated the rural sports scene for commercial considerations. Kabaddi is still a preferred sport among NRIs.

They say music director Preetam auditioned many prominent Punjabi singers for Ji Karda before zeroing down on you…Maybe. But even if it is true, it must not get to my head as I am fully aware of my levels. In Bollywood, you never know that the music director, whom you think as your promoter, may be recoding someone else the next day. Yes, many Bollywood composers have appreciated the tonal quality, range and modulation of my voice but even than it does not guarantee of your secured career in playback singing.Do you plan to be a music composer?I have been composing music for my albums and now venturing to repeat it in the forthcoming film Siyasat where in I am giving my voice for seven songs too.

The best and the worst period in your career...As goes the didactic saying "Nothing is possible before a specific time". About 10 years back, with no success in sight, I was virtually discouraged and distressed. I prayed to the Almighty. Call it a divine grace or blessings of my guru and affection of music lovers, the crowning achievement of life, the charismatic chart buster one-song album Mundeyan Ton Bach Ke Rahin scaled the horizons of popularity world over. God is great … says Labh Janjua with an air of submission to the divinity.

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan might play the much-revered monkey god, Hanuman, along side actor Keanu Reeves, who is set to play Ram in the Hollywood version of the Hindu epic Ramayana.The Speed star has been approached to play the character of Lord Ram in the movie based on the mythological character Hanuman and talks are on to cast Aamir Khan in the title role.The film to be directed by Chuck Russell of The Mask fame, will be produced by NRI producer Uru Patel who came up with the idea of making a film based on Hanuman.The Dark Knight actor Gary Oldman has reportedly been approached to play the evil Ravana in the movie.Actor Shilpa Shetty was approached to play the role of Sita, but reports suggest that she has already opted out.Search is still on to find an international face to act as the female lead opposite Keanu Reeves. Shooting is reportedly expected to start towards the end of this year in Rajasthan. — PTI 

Shilpa Shetty ‘happy’ to be replaced by Big B on Big Boss 

Shilpa Shetty won’t be a part of this season’s Big Boss but the actor has no qualms about it and is excited that she has been replaced on the reality show by none other than Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.“Yes, it’s out...Amitji will host the next season of Big Boss and people want to know how I feel...I feel happy that (the channel) have got him to say yes. 

I know he will do a fantastic job. I will definitely be watching it,” Shilpa wrote on her blog.The Indian version of the reality show is conceptualised on the lines of UK’s popular reality show Big Brother and the 34-year-old actress, who is a winner of Big Brother, was roped in to host the show last year.Shilpa said she was not surprised about the recent development as she was already informed about it from the channel’s side.

“This piece of news didn’t come as a surprise as I was told before by the Creative head of the channel. The channel have the right to do what’s best for the show so that’s that,” said Shilpa.Shilpa insists that she is too busy with acting assignments this year to take time out for television.

“I will be shooting the whole of October and November in the UK, so I couldn’t have done it this time, but nevertheless I will miss Big Boss as it has been an integral part of my life and I enjoyed doing it last season,” Shetty wrote. — PTI

Katrina Kaif does not want to work with Vivek Oberoi

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif said she has decided not to work with actor Vivek Oberoi in movies. “I would not work with Vivek anyway,” the 25-year-old actor said.Her statement assumes importance in the backdrop that the relationship between Salman Khan, considered close to Katrina, and Vivek is far from being hunky-dory.

However, she hurriedly added that she takes her own decisions and denied that they were influenced by Salman.Katrina, whose recent movie NewYork was well-recieived by the audience and critics alike, thanked God and people who supported her for the success she has achieved.

To repeated questions on Salman, she refused to comment and said, “I will give Salman secretary’s phone and you are free to ask all such questions to him.” Katrina, who was in Bhopal for the second schedule of Prakash Jha’s movie Rajneeti, also starring Ranbir Kapoor, said Bhopal was a nice place and people were warm and charming. — PTI

Salman Rushdie steps out with married friend

Salman Rushdie with Carolann Javicoli

Kanjeevaram best film at National Awards, Adoor best director

Director Priyadarshan’s off-beat Tamil film Kanjeevaram has won the best feature film award at the 55th National Film Awards 2007, while southern actor Prakash Raj has been adjudged best actor for his performance in the same film, it was announced on Monday.

Renowned Malayalam film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan is best director for Naalu Pennungal while Kannada actress Uma Shri is best actress for Gulabi Talkies.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s directorial debut Taare Zameen Par gets the best family welfare award and Prasoon Joshi the award for the best lyrics for Maa from the same film about a dyslexic child. The song also gets Shankar Mahadevan the National Award for best playback singer

Set in the backdrop of Kanjeevaram’s handloom silk industry from the 1920s to 1948, Kanjeevaram is the story of a non-political weaver who leans towards communism and soon becomes a revolutionary leader and an advocate of the ideology, only to find himself caught between personal needs and his pursuit of social equality. — IANS

This award proves all the nay sayers wrong: Priyadarshan

Filmmaker Priyadarshan whose social drama Kanchivaram bagged two awards at the 55th National Awards including the nod for the Best Film, says that the recognition has proved his detractors wrong.The filmmaker, who is known for his commercial superhits like Hera Pheri and Hungama, is delighted with his first national award.“It has to feel great, because I am a commercial filmmaker and it proves those wrong who though I could do nothing but comedies,” told the filmmaker.Priyadarshan’s Kanchivaram a period drama revolving around the weaver community of the famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, also won for actor Prakash Raj, the National award for the Best Actor.The movie, which was premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival, is set in the 1920s and revolves around the life of a weaver who finds himself in the middle of communist movement in the state.The Malayalam director is also pleased about the fact that he beat off competition from none other than film legend Adoor Gopalakrishnan, also from Kerala, who won his seventh National Award, the ‘Best Director’ nod for his film Naalu Penungal. — PTI

I feel proud about my family’s contribution to films: Ranbir

Film actor Ranbir Kapoor said he did not feel any pressure because of the fact that he belongs to an illustrious film family.Ranbir, who was in Bhopal for the shooting of filmmaker Prakash Jha’s upcoming project, Rajneeti, said he felt proud about the contribution of his family to Indian cinema in last 75 years.To a question, he said Premnath and Rajendranath who were brothers of his grandmother, Krishna Kapoor, had spent some time in Madhya Pradesh.Ranbir said he was being offered many roles but he is still to get kind of roles that made his father Rishi Kapoor very famous.He said in Rajneeti he plays the role of a young man who has returned from America to India and does not like politics.To a question to Katrina, who was also present while briefing, whether she and Ranbir were playing the roles of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in Rajneeti, she said Ranbir and her were not playing sister and brother in the film. —PTI 

The Nature has created wonders. You need an eye to spot them. And, that is how most of the plants from the wilderness have come to live with us. Any plant we have which is different from the routine, becomes our proud possession. See the accompanying picture. It’s a deciduous plant that sheds leaves in the winter to sprout again in spring. I call it the lucky star, and the name is Dorstenia. Do you want to have one such plant? Every gardening enthusiast would. Let me tell you one more thing, it is a cactus. Do you still want to have it? Many of you may say no!

Why this sudden change of mind? Being a cactus, it is a condemned plant. But why? We have named it a cactus, but had we named it a rose, would it had been acceptable? Do not fear cacti and succulents. They are one of the most beautiful creations of God.

It is not the scope of this column to interfere in the religious beliefs of individuals but at the same time it is our resolve to put the record straight. Those with vested interests scare people saying ‘where these cacti are kept it make that place a desert and it is there in our scriptures’. There were not even single cacti in India when the oldest scriptures, the Vedas were written. They were all alien to this world. Then which scriptures and cacti we are talking about?

There are those too who talk about the ‘negative energy’ created by ‘thorns’. Then what about roses, ber, bougainvillea? You can enjoy the beauty of their shape, form, designs, and colour variation and blooms only when you are free from the fangs of taboos and whips of vaastu.  These cacti are the only plants in the desert to support the desert life, then how could they make the place deserted?

In some parts of the world, where there are cacti growing in pastures, these are used by shepherds to ‘drink’ water from these plants. Opuntias are used as rabbit food and are sold in stores. I do not want to load you with the chemistry of the plant or else you would be wonderstruck by the chemical and nutritional value of these nature’s bounties. See the excellent geometrical designs on such plants that could only be created by creator Himself. Then why to condemn them? Shed any inhibitions and go in for these beauties.     

We have no right to condemn any plant as every plant is His creation.

satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

Random shapeless rocks being infused with life, turned into tortoise, duck, mermaid, apple, strawberry…It isn’t just the pebbles but the kids too. The act of creating those, punctuated with hope, opportunity and chance, are transforming them into a complete new identity as well.Rocks, brushes, cut boards, little knick-knacks, curios; paints are all strewn across the table and everything gets lost in the din of excitement. Sangita Vardhan’s training class on livelihood skills is in progress at Government School, Sector 8, and preparations are on in full swing for the upcoming festival season.

She briefs about her three-year-old NGO Vatsal Chaya. “Our focus group is rag-pickers, beggars and the likes, because these are especially poor not just because of poverty but the complete vicious circle of it.”

The classroom is as innovative and environment friendly as it gets. In the corner are lying used plastic bottles’ stool, meant for the kids only. Covers of cola drinks being turned into a towering peacock structure. Moving on, there are theme bags with screen-printing. Here, one can select a pattern out of double happiness Chinese symbol, tiger picture, big flowers, etc and have it printed on bags, tees. Ever imagined embroidery on kurtas with the pull-tabs of cola cans? They are all meant to sell. As for the painted rocks, “This rock has been painted into a duck in such a way that if you put it among plants, it gives the impression of a floating duck.”

She adds, “These kids are aware of cool and hip things and appreciate them. They can even tell you the difference between a Honda City and what not.” Slightly elder girls have graduated on to ari and zardosi work and at the oncoming festival season; they will be put up for sale to generate funds. Hopefully, the little strawberry started on a fresh stone will turn out just as beautiful; downstairs other kids are playing hop-skotch during breaks. Seems God’s in his heaven and everything’s right with the world.—

Clothes define fashion but did you know that you can also accessorise your dress with your beautiful hair? Sunsilk Thick & Long Shampoo and Conditioner nourishes and conditions thin and scanty hair strands right to the tips, boosting strength and making them look two times thicker resulting in thick and long hair.

Many 20-something girls in the tricity got a chance to experience the state-of-the-art at the Sunsilk mobile van. At the mobile van the girls got a make-over.

Jawed Habib salon hair experts were present at the vans and shared styling tips with the girls on how one could wear their tresses as an accessory to their clothes. Post the makeover, pictures were uploaded in Sunsilk Gang of Girls website (www.sunsilkgangofgirls.com) and the girl with the best makeover will be featured in a leading lifestyle magazine in the country.

The curtains go up and flashbulbs go off. The crowd roars in anticipation. A beam of light singles out the one true star. What sets her apart? Spotlight, an exciting new fragrance from Avon, that’s the star of the show.

Created to capture the spine-tingling thrill of taking centre-stage, the new fragrance evokes the glamour and drama of the moment. Flirtatious and sparkling, Spotlight embodies what it means to be a star. The captivating scent steals the show, turning the spotlight on you and transforming your everyday life into a star-studded extravaganza. No matter what roles you play, Spotlight makes you the star in your own daily life.The face of this exciting new fragrance is Courteney Cox. Designed by International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), the top notes of this fresh oriental scent are inspired by the feeling of excitement before a big moment. The mid notes of Spotlight are deluxe naturals only available from IFF’s exclusive Laboratory Monique Remy, a state-of-the-art laboratory and manufacturing facility in France, and the base notes include sexy undertones of creamy cashmere sandalwood and precious vetiver with a kiss of white vanilla musk that leaves a lasting impression.Captured in a glimmering ‘quilted’ glass bottle that is both chic and elegant with a rectangular top, the packaging is stamped with the word “spotlight” illuminated by ‘spotlights’ shining in the background, reminiscent of the lights on a dressing room mirror.

Priced at just Rs 1,200 for 50 ml this exciting fragrance can definitely be instrumental in helping you attain your moments of glory.

You want it, take a risk! Follow the advice, if the ‘it’ means success in the big bad corporate world. At least, that’s what Jyoti Navare, an academician and a researcher from Middlesex Business School has to offer to the aspiring entrepreneurs. “If you don’t take risks, how can you expect to grow?” she questions the audience. And, you bet the lady is ready for some counter queries as well. “I love challenges. When they are in form of questions, even better. That means people are actually paying attention,” she says.

Inaugurating the Management Week at British Library-9 and holding a discussion on Global Risk and Corporate Sustainability, Navare opened up the world for those present. “The global turbulence and its effects have seen corporations coming up with new and emerging risks. In a competitive market changes are taking place, taking risks becomes important for survival,” she believes.

An impressive profile in the field of risk management and holding international professorships in Germany, Poland, and Iceland, Navare is clear in defining the sustainability factor as well. “Countries have different market patterns. Something that works in the UK may not work in India. That’s why you have to widen your thinking process, open up to the world. So that you can sustain.”

As for the Indian corporate system, she believes that the need to develop behavioral skill is important. “We have a more technically sound workforce. So, we emphasise on managerial and entrepreneurial skills. But more than that the behavioral skill on the mass level need to be improved.” And what more? “Well, the ability to take professional and ethical risks, prudence and curiosity will do the rest for you,” she says. “Be confident and strong, even in saying ‘Hey, I don’t know’ and expose yourself to the world,” she adds.

Wait a minute, what about the ‘comfort zone’ we are so used to? For those who don’t want to come out it, she has a story to tell. “I have a friend back in London who was at the top of her job, earning silly money (read fat paycheck) and gave it all up to open her own accounting firm. Guess what, she is back on track, doing well in her job and life, calling the shots.”

Feel like asking yourself, who’s the boss now? We so wish the answer make us happy.

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Who wants those old-fashioned brick-wall video games when mobiles are providing sophisticated ones like Red Alert, GIJoe and Soviet Spy?

Black or red coloured, brick shaped model with two or three jigsaw puzzles. A video game like this was a must-buy for the kids. They would throw tantrums to get one, they would agree to give up a game of cricket in the evening and finish their homework, if promised one. Well, well. The story has changed. The kids are too smart to be fooled or enticed. The important twist, they are no longer interested in the brick-shaped video game. They will not settle for anything less than a 3G game on a sleek hi-end mobile phone. The obsession for those conventional video games has almost faded; every kid is a gizmo freak and they know about Sudoku 2, Snowball, Flying Machine and Pilot Saver. Given a chance, they can invent their own games. What say?"I am so sure Tarang is a born gamer," says Parampreet Kaur, city- based dental surgeon, confused and somewhat glad to see her six-year-old son Tarang quickly solve games on his fathers mobile phone. "Tarang knows that I wouldn't let him touch my mobile phone, so eagerly waits for my husband to return from work and grab the mobile the minute he keeps it on the table," she says. Parampreet cannot understand the fixation of cell phone games. "I don't know how he plays on a screen, dimly lit. I doubt if these games do any good to their grey cells. The video games I had when I was a kid were far better than these," she adds.

The Sim 3, Tetris, Red Alert, GIJoe, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Soviet Spy- kids know their mobile games in and out. They would know the functions as if they only created those. Mobile gaming has caught up with every kid, right from the kindergarten. "Why do we have games in mobiles," wonders Anju Sharma, an employee with the HDFC. "Games are synonymous with kids. And, if a cell phone has an application for gaming, it is only natural that kids will be intrigued to play." "I like to play games on mobile because they keep my brain active," smiles Chaitanya Bhardawaj, a class two student from Vivek High. Don't be startled if you hear him talk like a geek. "Solving any puzzle is a good exercise. And, mobile phones offer some interesting games like Sudoku, Golf and Fighter Pilot." Antariksh Bhatai, Plus Two student from AKSIPS- 41, enjoys mobile gaming to playstation. "I am not fond of mobiles, unlike my friends. The one thing that I like about mobiles are the games." Adds Antariksh, "If you don't like them you can always download them for free from any of 'free mobile gaming' sites. Hi-end phones, 3G phones have better games as compared to the regular ones. Playstations are expensive, and my mom and dad will only get me one if I stand first in the class. Till then, I am enjoying mobile games."jasmine@tribunemail.com

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