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Going glossy
Coffee-table books occupy pride of place on shelves. Here's a look at how these glossy books are doing in the city and what makes writers churn them out… Cover: A child dressed as Lord Shiva with his face painted blue. Page 1: A person in white kurta- pyjama with colourful beads around his neck and sporting a Mirza Ghalib-like cap. Last page, 249: a Hindu priest on the bank of the Ganges, reciting a mantra. And in between, 397 photographs with just enough text that makes up for the complete journey of India. Sumant Batra's The Indians, a coffee-table book has been able to mirror the essence of India only because "the medium of literature, the coffee-table book provided freedom to use pictures and text accordingly. Text without any visual support would have made it another addition to the umpteen books on India." Sumant was thus sure why he was opting for the not-so-portable coffee-table book genre. The reason remains almost the same for others too for authoring heavy, large-sized coffee-table books that are difficult to carry, almost impossible to fit in the usual bag and are not even generally issued by the libraries. "Yet, what makes them popular is the pictorial treat they promise," says Pankaj Singh, owner, The Browser-8. With over a collection of 200 books in the recently opened coffee-table book lounge there, one can get to see and read various subjects. "The topics range from the quite typical ones, arts, travel, history, nature to the unusual subjects like cartoons, autobiographies and biographies," adds Pankaj. The recent ones include one on Amitabh Bachchan's life, To Be or Not To Be and Shah Rukh Khan's Still Reading Khan. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson and Dilbert by Scott Adams are the popular coffee- table books in the comic genre.
The books though might be costly, serve another purpose, " For the glossy paper and colourful content, the books call for valueable gifts," informs Ajay Arora, Owner, Capital Book Shop. For the city based, D.S. Jaspal, a bureaucrat, only a coffeetable book could have described the irony better. His book, Tryst With Trees: Punajb's Sacred Heritage, scheduled for release in December this year is a pictorial representation of 53 sacred shrines named after 20 species of trees. "All these gurdwaras have their names derived from the trees that are there. Gurudwara Neemsahib in Ludhiana, Gurudwara Imlisahib in Chamkaur sahib or Gurudwara Bersahib in Sultanpur Lodhi are a few examples." Coming to the even important 'irony part', "The trees are the reason behind the names of these Gurdwaras. To expand their areas further, the authorities are cutting these very trees." And how else he could have left an impact of what he wanted to convey other than through the pictures of these trees at the shrines. "The trees are clicked to make people ponder over the seriousness of the issue." No surprises, if pictures of certain trees cover around one-and-a-half page in the book, "I believe certain things cant be expressed in words, rather can only be felt, which pictures hopefully would help people do." Rajnish Wattas, director of Tagore theatre chose coffee table book as a medium for his book, Sukhna: Sublime lake of Chandigarh to help people see various aspects of Sukhna Lake that are beyond the obvious. We hope the pictorially rich coffee table books help indeed! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Desi with…Dolls
Punjabi MC dishes out an album with Pussycat Dolls
Initiated by Universal Music India, the Bottle Pop-PMC mix is a bopping and out-and-out dance floor track. Says Punjabi MC, "The song was approached by the Universal Music India, and it was during my tour to India, that they come up with it." Touted to be his next big hit, Punjabi MC's Bottle Pop figures on the just-released Repack Edition of PCD's latest album Doll Domination. First the sari, then the Jai Ho and A.R. Rahman collaboration, Pussycat Dolls too seem to have a thing for India. Did they know about the stupendously popular Bhangra rap or fusion music? He says, "It's a craze, everybody across the globe is aware of the bhangra beats and fusion music, it's a universal hit and everyone's aware of it." Also out is Punjabi MC's third video slammer called Stop What You're doing (Chan Varga). Chan Varga track possesses a refreshing new sound coupled with Punjabi vocals.
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Bollywood stars walk the ramp in style to promote their film
Sponsored by Signature, the fashion show featured gowns, short dresses in bright colours, reds, greens and metallic. For men, it was mostly dark suits. Excited about the film, Dia Mirza, wearing a red embellished gown, sashayed down the ramp, leaving the audience spellbound. Such events, she says are important for the promotion of any film, and to attract the audience. "Nowadays, so many movies are made and released on the same day. So, it becomes our top priority to let people know that our film is coming out on October 9. And, in such a time, promotions are imperative because if the people don't have the information about the film, then why will they go to watch it?" she said. Wearing black suits, the male actors of the film, looked stunning too. They too agreed that fashion shows are an exciting way to promote a film and raise the public's curiosity about it. "I've done a few fashion shows in the past for some of my other films. We are showing people our promos and hopefully they will remember it. They will be excited to watch the movie," said Fardeen Khan. Designer Archana Kochar said that she was inspired by the film and by Signature's motto of 'Bold and Beautiful'. Produced under the banner of the 'White Feather Films', the film is slotted for an October 9 release.— ANI
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Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan along with his mother Jaya Bachchan, wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and sister Shweta Nanda visited a temple at Khar in Mumbai on Saturday to mark the Durga puja festival. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was conspicuous during the visit to the Ramakrishna temple at Khar. The family spent more than an hour at the temple to offer prayers to goddess Durga. Meanwhile, in Siliguri, devotees gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Maha-ashtami to mark the eighth and most auspicious day of the nine-day Navaratri festival. During this time of the year, the Hindu Bengalis across the country celebrate this festival with lots of food, rituals and traditional worshipping of goddess Durga with chanting of Vedic hymns. "There are so many accidents and terror attacks going on across the world. So many people are being killed. The world is standing on the verge of being destroyed, so I pray to goddess Durga that peace and tranquility be restored. We call for an eternal peace on this day for all beings on this earth," said Paromita Sarkar, a devotee.
"I offered prayers to the goddess as it is the biggest festival among the Bengalis. Moreover, to restore peace in the world and for the well being of my family I have come here to offer prayers. It is the day when the whole world gathers to offer prayers to the goddess," said Sampa Kundu, another devotee. Prayers, processions and musical programmes mark the festival, which symbolizes triumph of good over evil. Durga is depicted as a powerful goddess, riding a raging lion, holding aloft ten weapons of war in her ten hands. Her trident is depicted plunging into the side of a monstrous buffalo, out of whose body emerges a demon. It is said that the goddess makes her annual visit to the world during this time and the festivities are meant to welcome her. Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival among the Bengalis, which is celebrated in grand manner.
— ANI
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Playing a superstitious character was difficult, says Mugdha
"She is very superstitious. She wears all sorts of stones, practises Japanese, Veddic sciences, and depends upon these or ilk for even mundane decisions. These very factors which give birth to comic situations in the movie," the 24-year-old model-turned-actor said. The director, my co-stars Fardeen Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Ajay Devgan made me feel comfortable, she said. "Once I got into the groove, everything was then okay and I started enjoying it," she added. Off camera too we had fun. Basically, it used to be a youthful talk. Ajay used to narrate his experiences and how shooting styles have changed and so on, she said. In personal life too, the Fashion actor said she too has her beliefs. "I am not superstitious, but I have my set of beliefs. Anything that crosses a limit or is in excess is not good. Then it becomes over the top," she said.
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Rituals to revelry
The festival season is on full blast and a long break lies ahead. We ask the tricity youth brigade what they'll be up to in these holidays… To do or not to do, if yes, then how. Watch a movie, catch up on friends, excuse for family coming together, get hold of old gold buddies, go through the rigmarole of rituals, feast, fast or fun. One day, exponential ways. It's festival time, everyone's soaking in the spirit and 'how' is a little inconsequential. We ask youngsters, festival as it means to them, what true celebration is, wherein lies the best part… "Honestly, I'm not into celebrating festivals much. In the sense that I'm not into any of the traditional ceremonies and elaborate practices and observing them with fervour and fanfare. But still I like them," shares Nidhaan Puri, student, University Institute of Engineering and Technology. Don't know why, but still like them, that's where the charm and the essence of the carnival chaos lie. He adds, "But I love the holiday part of these endless occasions. Being free from college feels good. I also feel it's a good excuse to catch up on movies, friends you don't meet regularly, bond with the family." When we called up the guy he was already aboard a flight to the UK, perhaps to make full use of the holidays. Enjoy, rest, keep pace with relations, with life. "Tell me how many of us, how many of us would even find out our own sibling living under the same roof has put on weight? These festivals might be since times immemorial but I guess never before were they more relevant and more needed than the trappings of urban life we're in now," opines Alisha Kataria, B.Com student, Panjab University. Back to basics, is the way to go, for some. Shares Puneet Tandon, BCA-III student, "Honestly, I do like all the traditions, the gift exchanging, the rituals, the ceremonies going on around this time." He adds, "It's a perfect time and reason for extended families mingling, long lost friends getting in touch. Festivals are an important and integral part of India and we should try and incorporate togetherness as much as we can." Nods Alisha, "The focus is on unity, of beings, of families, of pressing that pause button in life and doing something we forget to do other 365 days of the year, that is living." Don't they say, some things are best realized in their absence. Want to know the importance of fests, fairs, carnivals; their craze and chaos, imagine life without a single circle on the calendar. Where Sundays would be the maximum and biggest excuse to be happy? 'The 'non-celebrators' would be the first to sulk, comes a suggestion. While there are a few purists hooting for the classic element. Believes Harmandeep Kaur, M.Tech student, member Yes + club, "Ideally, one must enjoy but also keep up with traditions, make efforts to find their significance and meaning. This is the last resort and excuse of being in touch with our heritage and roots. It would be much better if we stuck to celebrating it that way." The girl recalls the nine days of celebrations she was part of as member of Yes plus club. "We made rangolis, played dandiya and stuff like that the typical way and it was pure unadulterated fun." So, where does the debate head, leaves us, point out? Sums up Alisha, "Forget everything, just enjoy. That's what matters." No arguments please! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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On the back of changing business and landscape, an increasing number of students expect educational institutes to impart more business proficiency skills or employability skills to teaching domain knowledge. "Forty six per cent of students said that 70:30 should be an ideal course mix ratio of sifts skills to domain knowledge" according to a study by leading research and consultancy firm, Frost and Sullivan, commissioned by the Indian School of Integrated learning (ISL). The survey covered a total of 1,000 students, both boys and girls in the age group of 18-25 years, studying in around 20 technical and non-technical institutes. In New Delhi, relevant presentation skills and domain knowledge were considered more important to bag good jobs, while; Mumbai gave precedence to attitude and personality over the rest. Bangalore students gave more importance to all skills and also to relevant domain knowledge. Around 15 per cent of students surveyed are undergoing some additional courses. Within this, a majority of students (66 per cent) chose to learn computer basics, 39 per cent programming and 27 per cent opted for soft skill training, the survey revealed. Sixty six per cent said internship was a must for job readiness. Commenting on the study, Vijay Moza, Chairman, ISL said "Companies today want candidates to be more proactive rather than reactive and expect graduates to use their soft skills to facilitate innovative teamwork". - PTI
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The multi faceted fest involves a national level group and solo dancing competition; solo singing competition as well a national level theatre competition. Besides these cultural events it also has a range of competition, contest and challenges. Among the highlights include, showcasing the movie Akhiyan Udeek Diyan staring Lakhwinder Wadali and Sudesh Lahiri. Moving on from movie to theatre enthusiasts, there'll be a theatre competition (Rang Manch) powered by MAD ARTS (Jaspal Bhatti's theatre group) also a skit to be performed by their talented group on " drugs awareness" The dare devils can get a high from stunt biking by superb stunters, featuring Handa, winner of MTV stunt mania'2009. The future wanna be RJ's have a platform with RJ ki talash b Big 92.7 FM. Something for everyone.
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There are two ways about everything. Even about things as effortless and laid back as holidays. So what is the way? To utilise, learn a couple of things, experience or just eat, sleep and make merry. Let's ask the ones, who are going on a impending short break from their busy academic schedule.
Lakhveer Hayer,Phd history student
Evanka Madan ,MSC biotechnology
Shubham ,Medical science student
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Nail’s pace
With the festive fervour full on, embellishments like nail art can be flaunted, especially with stickers and other accessories being readily available From funky to subtle to outrageous — the nail art can brighten up your look and add zing to your otherwise dull looking or plain painted nails. Though the concept of painting intricate designs on fingernails is not a new one, but is definitely a sure-shot way to catch attention. We found some creative heads (students) at the NIIFT- Mohali, painting the nails red, black, blue and green with intricacy, while there are experts in the tricity, who dexterously paint a whole world on your fingernails. And, all they ask you is your choice of colour, designs and of course, money. “When it comes to nail art there is a variety to choose from — from floral to geometrical. People like folk art too,” says Meenkashi Veermani from Cyprus Saloon-Panchkula. For the colour pattern, she says, “These days it’s more about bright colour combinations. We have black on yellow, orange on green and so on.” Ok, that’s for the trend. But do we use the normal nail paints? Says Meenakshi, “No, we either use fabric colours or have special nail pens to do the art. In fact, special brushes are being used to do so, as it gives the required flow.” And, how long does it last? “If done on artificial nails, it can last for a month, otherwise 15-20 days.” For those interested, you can get a work of art done for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. “The key to any successful nail art is starting with clean and well-shaped nails,” says Anju, from Styl Studio- Panchkula. She adds, “Even the best of nail artists can’t create an attractive design if the nails have been bitten off or are not filed.” Ask her about the procedure and she says, “The nails are first painted with a neutral base and then the design is drawn using a special thin-tipped nail brush. Toothpick can also be used if one is doing it at home.” Another tip that she lends is, “Work as fast as possible, since nail polish dries quickly. One can add sparkle to the designs by mixing a little glitter with the colours or by adding swarovski stones to match an outfit.” That’s for the experts. But for girls, who don’t have that creative bend of mind, stick-on jewels and stickers is another great way to jazz up your nails. Tiny stickers can be used to create more elaborate designs and if one doesn’t want to make all that effort, nail art stickers are also available. Says Inderjit Singh of Bittu Bangle & Art Jewellery-22, “We have imported nail art stickers. One just has to peel it and paste it on the nails.” In interesting floral and geometrical patterns, these stickers have four designs in one packet and are priced at Rs 75 for a packet. Isn’t that an easy way out to have your fill of nail art? Want more, than can try some mix and match of colours. Another trend that can be termed as nail art is painting the nails in two, three or four parallel, horizontal or vertical colours. Check the nails of any college girls and you are sure to see some of this trendy home-crafted nail art. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com Festive funk
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Salwar stylised
In keeping with the times, the Patiala salwar has evolved and added to its popularity Patiala is known for two famous things: Patiala peg and Patiala salwar. Punjabis living in all parts of the world are thoroughly acquainted with what a “peg” is and salwars have caught the fancy of females not just in India but worldwide. The Patiala salwar-kameez, the all-time favourite dress of the Punjabis, has become popular in the course of time. Nobody ever thought that Patiala, a small town in Punjab, would become famous for this modest dress. From the village girls to hot chics of cities, the Patiala salwaar-kameez has been adopted by every female to look traditional as well as fashionable. Like any other item, this dress too has its own historical background. In the earlier times, the king of Patiala used to wear this dress for different reasons i.e. to be comfortable and for his distinguished appearance. The dress in his time can be described as pleated and baggy-type trousers (salwar) combined with a long loose, full-sleeved tunic (kameez). That’s why it came to be known as the Patiala Formerly, the Patiala salwar was a status symbol as its wearers were considered rich, since this apparel require double length of a dress material to be stitched. The women have customised this traditional dress to look gorgeous. Women spend a lot of money not just on the purchase of cloth for the salwars, but also its stitching. The stitching expenses generally amount to Rs 100 for one salwar alone. Keeping in view the demands of the salwars, many famous brands and local shops have started manufacturing readymade salwars so that women do not have to go through the lengthy process of purchase and then stitching. Fab India, a leading brand in cottons, is offering readymade salwars, beginning from Rs 350. These salwars are catching up with young girls because of the ease in handling as they are not very heavy compared to the original versions, but still a majority of women prefer to wear hand-stitched ones, for they offer a uniqueness that is missing in the readymade ones. Gagandeep Kaur, a student, says though she had tried the readymade ones, they are not a match to the original. "As far as price is concerned, both the readymade and the originals cost almost an equal amount. Though the brands have undoubtedly made these salwars popular among non-Punjabis, as they buy it for the simple reason that not all tailors are good at stitching Patiala salwars. It needs proper attention, but I still prefer to get them stitched.” School teacher Rajinder Kaur seconds her opinion, saying she would never opt for a readymade salwar because it lacks grace and style. “I make my salwar alone from 3.5m of fabric, whereas if you go for simple salwars you can get an entire suit stitched in the same length. That’s what adds to the beauty of the dress. The fall and pleats are what is appreciated about this dress and I never comprise on that,” she adds.
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giving with goonj
The Joy of Giving week will see a collection drive in the city Its time to be a part of the Joy Of Giving week. GOONJ, a voluntary organisation, is initiating Vastra- Samman, a nationwide material collection campaign. In Chandigarh the campaign will be run from October 1 to 3 (9 am to 8 pm). Expecting to collect more than 1 crore units of material, GOONJ will be turning the cities excess into a much needed development resource for village India. This material will be used as a motivational resource for villagers to dig up wells, build bridges, repair roads & schools and many other development activities in the far flung villages of 21 states (Under its innovative Cloth for Work programme)According to Anshu Gupta, Ashoka Fellow and founder of GOONJ says, “The Vastra-Samman campaign is as much about the people living in the cities, realising their role and potential in changing the face of their country, as it is about empowering the village masses in addressing their own problems and living with dignity.” During the campaign GOONJ expects a total estimated cloth collection of one crore units which will benefit approximately 20 lakh people while hundreds of rural/slum schools will get school material/uniforms etc. The collected toys & books will help revive and strengthen hundreds of Aanganwaris as thousands of women will benefit under GOONJ’s award winning clean cloth sanitary napkin programme (made from collected waste cotton cloth). Collection Centre:
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Raghu Rai's India, Indian cinema by Jitender Kothari and Dinesh Raheja and Kite's Eyeview of India by Nicolas Chorier by are the all-time favourite coffee- table books.
Pussycat Dolls and Punjabi MC? Wow! Earlier this year, the British Indian Punjabi MC's first full-length album, Indian Timing, hit the numero uno position on the charts. And now, the very international, the very desi Punjabi MC has collaborated with the Pussycat Dolls. In conversation with Punjabi MC over the phone on Pussycat Dolls and more. 
Looking chic and stylish, just like the characters they play in the film, stars of the upcoming Bollywood film Acid Factory walked the ramp to promote their movie, in Mumbai. The action thriller, directed by Suparn Verma, boasts of an interesting star cast, including Dia Mirza, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Irfan Khan, Manoj Bajpai and Dino Morea.
Mugdha Godse, whose All The Best, is all set for a Diwali release, said that essaying the character of a superstitious girl was a bit difficult for her initially."In the beginning, it was a bit tough for me to play a comic character. But once I got into the skin of the character, then there was no looking back," Mugdha said. Mugdha plays an ultra superstitious girl-next-door in her upcoming Rohit Shetty's All The Best.
Looks like the festive spirit is in surround mode. While the string of Panjab University and affiliated colleges fests are still a while away, the session begins on a note with Chitkara unveiling Pratibimbh'09 on October 3 and 4.
Balancing act
Be taught
Prioritise
Well, that was for the nail art trends, but with festive season in full gear, we wonder are there any specific designs that girls want to get imprinted on their nails. Says
Anju, “There are no specific designs that girls get embossed, but yes, colour trends have gone bright, in fact very bright. It’s colours like orange and fluorescent that are lot in demand these days.” 
New Public School, Sector-18, Chandigarh