So, have you decided what to gift your lovely wife on Valentine's Day? Oh, and did you make reservations at that fancy restaurant for a candlelight dinner? And the moment she touches your feet, say the most romantic thing in the world. Like, "You are the best wife anybody can ever have". Doesn't mean that either of you are playing musical chairs with your marriage, but just in case you need to follow the rituals of Karva Chauth (yeah, I know you were about to call me mad for the Valentine's Day reference) and prepare yourself for the day, just as your wife is. It is the Indian Valentine's day, for it's the symbol of ultimate commitment between couples, when wives turn out in their bhartiya nari avtar, kanjeeevarams, pancaked with an extra dose of vermillion in their foreheads and loads of jewellery on display, colour the town red, literally (Did anybody mention Rekha here?).

SINDOOR STYLISED: Rekha epitomised the sindoor look in yesteryear films

Finally, the well-deserved sabbatical was taken and well availed. The purpose was just so expected, to spend time with the family, travel with kids, even do 'important' household jobs like drop and pick kids form the school and go shopping with wife. As against any other man, Johny Lever liked, loved and enjoyed every bit of his role as a homemaker in the last five years. Somber (for a change) Johny, has reasons too, "After doing 350 films and working for ten years, I realised I was losing out on my kids childhood." But of course, the seriousness vanished the next moment, (How can it last for long with the comedy king, Johny Lever), "My children refused to recognise me. They used to ask my wife, who is this uncle visiting home twice a month? I was scared, my wife would also forget me some day."

And just when the break is about to get over with the release of his upcoming film, All the Best, he is busy fulfilling the 'lesser important' commitments. He was in the city on Tuesday to announce the opening of Johny Lever Ryan Film Academy at the Ryan International School, Sector 49. "The course has a holistic approach, which aims to teach students dance, acting and even production work."

As many acting schools, as many actors, but do we get to see anybody in TV soaps or films? The fact doesn't perturb Johny,

"No producer has time to teach freshers. One needs to know an actor's job beforehand." He makes another vital point; "Several actors in the film industry don't have a godfather but have made it to the top."

Of all the things, one that really bothers him is the stooping standard of jokes and comedians. He regrets the dual meaning jokes, slapstick comedy and unworthy comedians. "What's comedy to them its just a normal conversation to me. A talented comedian wouldn't need to bank on filthy jokes, comedy would come effortlessly to him." He appreciates the mainstream actors taking on to comedy in films, "It's extremely difficult to make people laugh and it's the reason we see so many comedy films going flop. And actors who are able to do it, for sure put in a lot of hardwork." Yet, his favourites remain to be hard-core comedians, Boman Irani, Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav.

For the faction of people in India who take comedy too seriously, Johny has an advice, "Learn from people who take humour in a positive sense." He recalls the jokes he cracked on A.B. Vajpayee, who was the then prime minister in his presence at a function and how he loved it. "Set your ego aside to enjoy comedy". Johny's sounding serious!

ashima@tribunemail.com

It’s women’s day out. Ladies clubs in the tricity come up with innovative ideas to keep the fasting womenfolk busy this Karva Chauth

It’s that day of the year again when we find shimmer and shine adorn every woman, tinkle of a bangle echoing in every corner and bright hues making inroads to almost every wardrobe. It’s Karva Chauth — a day when we see bright faces and lit hearts rejoicing on an empty stomach.

Well, while the day sees almost every woman gearing up to do something or the other to keep herself busy, we check out what are the special things women clubs and groups doing to make this day extra special.

Says Shruti Sood from Aspiration, a ladies club, “The day calls for special preparation and for our club members it begins with making invitation cards. Every year we give a different theme to this festival. This year we decided to go back to our traditions. And, for that we started with making invitation cards like thalis. Red in colour these thalis are hand made and have been bedecked by sequins and mirror work.”

Ask her to spell out the Karva Chauth itinerary and she says, “Apart from games like tambola and a contest for the best dressed, best mehendi or hairdo, we have also organised an exhibition that will display hand-made stuff that some of the members have created.” Hmmm… that’s interesting, creativity with fun.

For Ladies Club, that keeps organising various events for its members, Karva Chauth is definitely an occasion that calls for loads of masti and dhamaal. Says Promila Das, president of the club, “This year we have organised the Karva Chauth function at the Sector 21 community centre. And to make it exciting and fun-filled, we have organised various games, a fashion show and competitions for the members.” Starting at 11 am, the function goes on till 2 pm, but that’s not the end of show. Promila says, “This is one the most special and auspicious day for women and our function for the day does not end here. After the get-together is over, all members come to my place and we exchange thalis and read the Karva Chauth ki katha together at 4 pm.”

Well, that’s intriguing and makes us want to visit one of these places. We are sure for women who are fasting such activities are definitely a good time-pass, rather than sitting at home or watching a movie.

Seema Sharma, a fashion designer from Inpressions-19, says, “We don’t have a club, but yes, we are a group of friends who get-together on the day and happily flaunt clothes and jewellery and then later do puja and then have dinner together.”

Did we hear food? Well, is there something special for the menu? “Generally one out of us plays the host and cooks a sumptuous vegetarian meal that includes kali dal for sure, rest is host’s choice.”

Celebrating the day with great fun and fervour, Lioness Club of Panchkula Premier too had a couple of things lined up, says Puneet Singh, president of the club.

Women making a beeline for mehendiwalas, men buying surprise gifts for their wives, Karva Chauth is sure charging up the atmosphere

While various festivals are losing their sheen in modern times, Karva Chauth is one exception that continues to find flavour with Gen X. Despite long working hours and tight schedules, women in Patiala believe in fasting for the long life of their husband.

With women all set for the occasion, markets are flooded with a wide variety of items related to each and every tradition. From traditional thalis to latest puja kits, everything has gone fancy. Colourful bangles and mehndi as usual are the highlights of the fest but the latest trend that has caught up is getting the name of their husband tattooed.

A tattoo artist, near the AC market, said, “Nowadays, women are ready to do anything to express their love in an unique way. Inspiration, of course, comes from movie stars. Following their footsteps, various women have come forward to get the names of their husbands engraved on their body. Though the trend is more popular in the metros, in smaller cities too, is catching up.”

What is interesting is that even young guys are getting the names of their girlfriends tattooed to show their commitment.

Markets are beaming with latest clothes, designer jewellery, bangles and recorded versions of kathas. Markets are witnessing of the rush like never before. Moreover, the rates of simple things like bangles, sindoor and bindis have almost trippled with the increasing demand.

Shopkeepers claim to have sold hundreds of gift hampers and for a change men are the doing the buying. Bikramjeet Singh, who bought a diamond ring to surprise his wife, says, “There is nothing like watching the smile on your wife’s face when she gets an unexpected gift. Especially, when she has gone through a tough day and exhausted. I am sure the gift would refresh her and make the bond even stronger because love needs expression as well.”

Some see it as a chance to “get-together”. Many ladies clubs and organisations are also celebrating the occasion in a big way. They have organised special dinners so that the females could get their well-deserved treat after the fast. Also they have organised small beauty contests to keep the women busy and also to acknowledge their effort.

Earlier, Karva Chauth was observed by married women only. While newl brides celebrate their first fast with great rejoice, nowadays even unmarried girls fast and pray for a good husband. Hostellers at the Government College for Girls too are all set to celebrate the occasion in a big way. Many of them keep the fast and hear “katha” during evening in the hostel itself.

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To add to the celebrations of Karva Chauth this year, Gitanjali Jewels, sector-9, Panchkula has launched attractive schemes for its customers on the purchase of every piece of branded jewellery it houses. The fast of Karva Chauth is particularly important to Hindu women as they believe it ensures the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. What would be a better occasion than this to charm the world with branded jewellery from Gitanjali Jewels! Offering a bouquet of world's leading jewellery brands like Nakshatra, D'damas, Gili, Asmi, Maya, Gitanjali Jewels is sure to catch the attention of all fashionistas in the tri-city.

Capturing the celebratory mood of jewellery lovers Gitanjali Jewels, Panchkula is showcasing a wide range jewellery line including classic, ethnic and casual designs, under multiple brands and collections. The diverse collection in different brands by Gitanjali Jewels promises to cater to the needs of women who like to indulge in the festive fervor.

With its special festive scheme 'Samriddhi Offer', Gitanjali Jewels offers a beautiful and elegant pearl necklace for customers who purchase Jewellery worth Rs 20,000 and the all new and exclusive Morellato designer watches on the purchase of jewellery above Rs 20,000. This offer is valid upto October 31, 2009. 

What weights more on Karva Chauth for Gen X females - husband or henna

Got a boyfriend/husband? Done. Nobody in your life? No problem. Believe in the festival? Good. Don't know anything about it? Perfect. It's not about fast, faith, tradition, culture, history, blah blah. And, who needs a boyfriend, fiancé', husband, lover, paramour, partner? It's about gals, when fasting is a fad and the very Indian Karva Chauth becomes fun even when it's not observed. Or, even when it is observed!

The festival typically lends itself to everything linked with love, in turn associated with youth - may or may not be seeing someone, engaged, involved, may or may not be married. Laughs Neha Vasdev, 2nd year student, Department of English and Cultural Studies, "Lots and lots of girls fast for their boyfriends. This time the occasion has fallen between holidays and in our hostel we see a lot many girls come back from home to be with their lovers under the excuse of exams."

What about single somethings? She adds, "Well, even they dress up, shop, enjoy and have a good time, like me and my roomie." Shopping, dressing, celebrating, pull all the good things, preserve all the bad. Fasting can wait! Shares Manika Ahuja, a student from the Government College for Girls, "It's fun even when you're not observing it the hard-core way.

Lot of us do not have any significant other in life but still, we put on some nice ethnic wear, dress up a bit, but not like a Christmas tree and celebrate without having to go without food and water the entire day. And applying mehndi on hands is a craze." Did they know it's actually more about henna than husbands and courtesy countless Bollywood tracks epitomising the designs on hand!

Designs on love: Girls bringing a bit of colour, a dash of fun, a dose of ritual into their lives

Shares Lakhveer Hayer, Ph.D student, Panjab University, "Everyone knows about girls fasting for their boyfriends. Even those, who don't dress up like a million bucks. I feel both should keep it or none." Equally universal is the harmless teasing, joking, flirting, fun, frivolity. She adds, "Leg pulling, linking up, teasing by dropping a few names is something every gang of girls indulges in." We bet so do the boys. "But this time it won't be much fun as the campus is closed on the day. Going to college or department always leads to more of harmless jokes and rumours throughout the day. If nothing else, our gang would especially wear a suit and go for classes," adds Manika.

Conventional or contemporary, given the flexibility, brought about and convenience on the mind, coupled with urbane ways, what about the two-timers? We're thinking aloud and of troubles of both genders can get into! Mind you, it's not about the dames who don't fast, it's about the ones who do a li'l differently! Shouldn't girls have all the fun?

manpriya@tribunemail.com