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The Sunday school
"To do is to believe. What you do is more important than what you want in life because the ones who believe are the ones who achieve," said Anurag. The man, who suddenly one day decides to make movies, create his own cinema and not follow conventions in doing so, believes in following role models, literally. "When we ask children to follow role models, we fail to see that even they created their own ways to success. Survival instincts work with everybody, you don't have to put your dreams on your kids," he said. Now, if he was inspiring them to be unconventional, that's exactly the lesson they learnt, a bit too fast as students took over the job of a probing journalist. And, Anurag was pleased to take them head on. Who was your inspiration? "All those who came from nowhere, became somebody and continue to do what they like doing. Like a nobody from Mughal Sarai who went to become one of the greatest leaders of the country, Lal Bahadur Shastri," he answered. The next, he shared his greatest moment in life, "when I decided to make movies, my father was disappointed. But watching him hold the premier of my first film and show off sure felt incredible." Then came an interesting one, when a student asked him the reason he made Gulaal. "You are not supposed to see that film. It's courageous of your parents to have allowed you to watch it," was his instant reaction. But the came the reason, "Gulaal was about my struggle with democracy, the system, the censorship. It was about, I don't know what I want to do but I know what I don't want to do." Once in the domain, we too join the probe. Why this fascination with ground realities and characters too close to life? "If something bothers me, I make a movie about it. Devdas is a dude that I hate but then he has become an adjective for society today, so I made Dev D. It was considered vulgar by traditionalists but women stood by it. Gulaal was not about communism but expressing yourself. Why is that songs of self-pity are only found in this country? Why are we afraid to venture into the unknown? I ask questions to myself and the script for a movie comes naturally," he says. But then he has also mastered the art of selling reality, "There is no formula for commercial success but the passion is to try finding what works instead. Living on the streets in Mumbai was not a painful story for me. In fact, it is funny. If you are good enough, you will convince people," he explains. And what about the moral attacks on cinema, logging heads with the authorities? "The most creative thing comes from places where there is no artistic freedom. See the quality of films being made in Iran or Iraq and you'll know. You just have to circumvent the system and find your way to do so. I am constantly at loggerheads with people like Raj Thackrey. But he will not shut up and I will not stop making my films," he comes straight. Apart from all that, he has just finished with two projects. "A movie called The Girl in Yellow Boots and another one, Udaan that I am producing," he signs off. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Class apart
It was a mere fluke. We called up at Hotel Mountview reception and asked them to connect to KK, who was in town to perform at Chandigarh Carnival. KK answered the call and after some persuading he was ready for the interview. We don't mean to say we were smart, but KK was humble, as usual. After a hectic journey and a live performance scheduled for the Sunday evening, the celebrated singer talked at length about his singing, ambitions and personal life, the reason we used the adjective genuinely--humble. Not a single Page 3 party, no film premier or awards ceremony, KK hasn't attended any in all these years. Hasn't caught glamour infection, has no plans to break records, more surprisingly he hasn't even judged a single reality show till date or given much TV interviews. All this while, what Krishna Kumar Kunnath has done is, just sung very well, "And that's enough for me. Any number of parties or interviews wouldn't have helped me if I hadn't sung well," shares KK, as he half reclines into his couch in the hotel room. Again, what's keeping him busy is just recording and traveling for shows, rest of the time is slotted for family, "I am reclusive by nature and can't be regimental about singing in the recording studios daily. Any free time has to be spent with the family." Father of a teenage son and 11-year-old daughter, it pleases KK that his children don't consider him a celeb, "Until they see me give live performance. Otherwise, it's usual for them to see me cook food when the maid goes on leave or doing other household chores." More than anything else, what amazed us is his not judging any reality show, the most convenient medium to reach out to masses and KK has a specific reason for it, "I am not good at judging, telling others what they are lacking or making stories. Singing has two extremes for me, either good or bad. I don't search for grey areas." But the practical singer has a philosophical side to himself too, "Success for us should mean, being good human beings. There has to be bigger goals in life than earning money and fame." Don't wonder, spirituality helps him stay grounded. KK will next be heard in Sanjay Bhansali's Guzarish, Hrithik Roshan's Kites and some Yash Raj projects. But what still remains at the top is his song Pyaar ke pal, "It feels heartening to realise that the song is always fresh in people's mind and is usually played at college farewell parties." As for his plans for Monday, "I am going to indulge in chole bhuture. Which food joint in the city offers the best?" Pssst..pssst...we told him. ashima@tribunemail.com
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VJ-turned-actor Shenaz Treasurywala, who plays a simple, sweet girl in forthcoming flick Radio, says she has rejected quite a few roles requiring her to wear bikinis and do item numbers...not that she doesn't wear swimsuits in real life. "I did reject quite a few offers that required me to wear a bikini and do item numbers. That is not where I want to go with my career. Also, there are lots of bikini and item girls out there. They are fabulous at what they do; I don't judge them at all. But then I don't want to join them or compete with them," Shenaz says. "I'll do what the role requires me to do. I am professional. As long as it's required and the film really needs it. It should not be there just to sell tickets but to tell a story. I am talented, I have a personality and this is my strength," the actor said, while maintaining that she isn't saying an outright no to donning a particular costume. Even though she has acted only in a handful of films like Ishq Vishk, Hum Tum and Aagey Se Right, she feels that being an item girl is not really her goal. "You get into exposing if all you have is a sexy body; or may be if you are a magnificent dancer and being an item girl is your career goal. It's just not my thing or my talent," she said. "I am a good actor and I am a brilliant host. I write well too. I want to concentrate on these three interests and talents," she added. While Shenaz isn't keen on wearing skimpy clothes on screen, she isn't someone who shies away from wearing a bikini in real life. In fact, Shenaz prides herself in being the proud owner of a closet full of bikinis. "I swim every day and swimming is my salvation. Nothing in the world makes me feel more relaxed. I am a complete water baby and wear a bikini in the pool every day. In fact I have a whole collection of bikinis. So, I'm not prudish or anything," the actor said. This is the reason why she believes in the saying 'never say never'. "If the film takes place on a beach or a boat, if it makes sense story-wise and it's just not to entice the opposite sex or show off my body, then I'm cool. But it's not my focus or choice to market myself like that," she reasoned. Releasing next month, Radio also stars Himesh Reshammiya and Sonal Sehgal. —IANS
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Kind gesture
Jha told reporters that Raajneeti will release on May 28 next year. The film has been produced and directed by him and presented by UTV Motion Pictures and Walkwater Media Limited. Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai and Ranbir Kapoor are part of the cast. "The shooting of Raajneeti is complete. It was shot over two schedules - one in February-March 2009 and the other in September-October 2009. The film, shot completely in Bhopal was completed a day before the planned schedule," Jha said crediting it to his cast and crew describing them as high calibre and dedicated. He said the film is now in post production stage. —PTI
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Shammi better than SRK
Parekh said that Kapoor, who was his first co-star in 1959 Dil Deke Dekho, continues to be her favourite actor till date. When asked whom she considers a better dancer among Kapoor and Shahrukh, Parekh said, "Shammi Kapoor had lot of music and rhythm in his body. Shahrukh must be finding it difficult because he must have learnt it."
The veteran actress who dominated the Hindi filmdom between 1959 and 1973 said that she is not out of the industry and still in touch with her colleagues including Wahida Rehman, Saira Bano, Sadhana and Helen. "We often meet not that I am invisible in the film industry circle," she said. While she was all praise for the directors of yesteryears, Parekh also expressed admiration for current generation of filmmakers including Suraj Barjatya, Farhan Akhtar, Priyadarshan and others. "They are very talented directors," she said. —PTI
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Border beckons
"I really feel a great high and greatly honoured when defence personnel tell that they feel me as one amongst them. It's a great honour," he said during a press conference. Shetty is in Goa to participate in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2009 for his movie Red Alert- The War Within. "I remember, one day some six tanks were moving in and we could see the clouds of dust. It was real scary. I told Sunny (Sunny Deol) how do these people really fight from here," he said. Shetty, who played the role of Captain Bhairav Singh in the film, said it is one among the best roles he has ever played in the film industry. In Red Alert Suniel plays the role of Narsimha, a farmer who gets trapped in naxalite movement. "From the first day of shooting, I was scared and nervous looking at all the well experienced actors around me on the set," he said. — PTI
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Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Shakespeare's Macbeth has attracted innumerable presentations on stage, films, television, opera and books over the centuries. Students of the Department of Indian theatre are all set to present their version of it to the city audience.
"I am quite fascinated with the role 'ambition' plays in Macbeth. It can actually make a man do anything," says Chakresh Kumar, final year student and director, script writer, stage and costume designer of the play. "I have played on the duality in human mind, we say something and mean something else. It took me two and a half months writing the script and I am pretty happy with the outcome," he shares. "This play has two Macbeths, two Lady Macbeths and six witches," he says. "It was pretty challenging to present different shades of the character," chorus the Lady Macbeths - Madhumita and Neeru. "Check out the final scene when realisation dawns on Macbeth. It's my favourite scene in the play," adds
Madhumita. "I conceive the play as a big festival. It ends where it begins. It's broken and erected again during the one-hour duration instead of original three," says Chakresh, who has had his stint with television, short films and street plays. "Though I have worked in many mediums, it's theater where my heart lies," says Chakresh. In this play you will find elements of western, contemporary and folk presentation. One thing that this 30-student group can't stop raving about is support from their chairperson Neelam Man Singh. "The kind of faith she reposes on us is exemplary. Our department is open 24X7," says Jaspinder, who play a witch in the play. "In fact, this 'student play' is all her initiative. She is there to guide and laud us at every stage. The play opens at 6pm on Sunday at the department of Indian theatre. Also, these students are presenting a martial arts show on Tuesday at 10 am at the
department. mona@tribunemail.com |
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Fiat Diesel Drives India continued its seventh leg by leaving the evergreen city of Chandigarh to head on towards Palampur, Narkanda and Dhanaulti. Having gotten the chance to experience the mesmerising Punjab countryside, the four Fiat MULTIJET beauties took on the looming mountains and deep valleys of the North. The route for this leg was amongst the most scenic in India and is sure to get the participants in jubilant and excited spirits. The seventh leg started from New Delhi on November 27 and will return to New Delhi on December1. The drive takes Fiat's 4 Multijet diesel offerings- the Linea, Grande Punto, Palio and the Fiat 500 through a wide range of testing Indian terrains over a period of a month and a half. This one-of-a-kind journey will traverse through diverse terrains within 16 states of India, clocking over 10,000 km in total. The drive has been aimed at generating awareness about Fiat's rich history in connection with diesel technology. —TNS
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Art-N-Glass Inc marked its entry in the region by opening its exclusive showroom in Chandigarh on Sunday. The new outlet in Manimajra is also the first Art-N-Glass Inc exclusive studio showroom up north of New Delhi. The new studio offers total glass solutions to architects, interior decorators, Corporates and connoisseur homemakers. Wide and comprehensive ranges of world class glass furniture, sanitation, decorative items, interior decorative solutions and glass exterior glazing solutions will be provided at the new outlet. The range will include satin glass, fused glass, stained glass, lacquered glass, air brushed color glass, glass etching, iceberg etching, crystal etching, sand blasted glass, textured glass, glass on glass and glass sculptures to name a few. A team of 25 designers and more than 50 craftsmen provide customised service to its clients. The new outlet will also display a comprehensive range of designer glass furniture including centre tables, consoles, dining tables, vanity units, coffee tables, glass corner tables, bent glass tables, glass conference table and bent glass show cases etc. —TNS
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Classic creation
His illustrious son Salil Bhatt carried further amendments to make it a one wooden piece making it more versatile for executing the complex classical musical patterns and satvik veena was born. Another maestro Subhash Ghosh completely overhauled his original Hawain guitar to Sarswati veena. But the city-based musician Sanjeev Kohli has come out with yet another first to introduce structural innovations to the completely western musical instrument, Spanish guitar, making it capable of playing Indian ragas. In order to prove his point Sanjeev Kohli gives concerts and has come out with his latest CD tilted Creation launched by Cosmo Royalz at the Pracheen Kala Kendra by Kathak Guru Shobha Koser and sitar maestro Pushpa Verma, his mentor and Guru. Sanjeev shared his views on his new venture with us after the release of the album. "Necessity is the mother of invention - is the most appropriate phrase to sum up my pursuit as an artiste and venture as a teacher," discloses Sanjeev with a sense of pride. Sanjeev who holds masters degree in arts, education and music shares "Over the years I had been trying to cultivate the interest of my students at DPS here in the Indian classical music but obsessed with the handy and popular Spanish guitar exuding a glamour, they always ignored my advice. I had no other alternative except to convert the instrument for a multiple use. With my progressive venture of experimentation, I added a juari and three extra strings including a chikari tuned to C sharp and followed playing raga patterns of sitar by Guru Pushpa Verma to the minute details. Even my CD contains Raga Yaman in fusion style besides its traditional format, raga Bilaskhani Todi and a Dhun in raga Bhairavi. Along with his son Manik on tabla, Sanjeev presented a dhun. As many students at DPS and Rajasthan Parishad evinced interest and took up playing ragas on the improvised guitar I feel my mission to propagate Indian classical music is accomplished."
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Spice up
Looking beautiful on the wedding day also entails weeks of beauty care, well in advance. If a total beauty programme is followed for at least one month, before the wedding, it can really pay good dividends. Salons offer many services that can help one look beautiful and feel confident. Since we are known for our specialised treatments for specific skin and hair problems, bridal care may include such treatments. If there is an acne condition or blemishes, or hair problem, the treatments should be taken at least one month in advance. Similarly, for hair problems, treatments should be taken in advance. These treatments are not included in the bridal package. Our therapists may also recommend specific treatments. For example, if there are blemishes, the facial treatments may include thermoherb or veg peel. Basically the different packages include Galvanic facial, diamond, gold or pearl facials, body polish, full body waxing, deluxe manicure and pedicure or paraffin manicure and pedicure, foot spa and hair treatments. This may be spread over two days. Moreover, the treatment may be adjusted according to skin type - for example, for oily skins, specialised cleansing and pearl mask may be given, instead of gold facial. Of course, the packages can also include bridal make-up and hairstyle, if required. Other facial treatments are also available, which may be recommended by the therapist, or may be requested. Professional deep cleansing with exfoliation, toning and massage help to remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and nourish the skin. The skin becomes much clearer and more translucent. The improved blood circulation gives the skin a healthy glow. Facial massages also help to reduce tension and fatigue and certainly help to induce relaxation and boost self-confidence, as the important day approaches. Specialised facials are also much in demand, like the diamond, gold or pearl facials. Diamond body
polish
It is designed to invigorate the entire body, smoothing away dead epithelial cells with the diamond scrub. Diamond is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin powerfully, helping the cell renewal process. Creams and masks, also containing diamond are used for body polishing, making the skin satin-smooth and glowing. Deep tissue massage is given, improving blood circulation, leaving the body energized. Head spa
Special ayurvedic head massage is given with warmed oils. It follows a specific technique, which helps the absorption of oil deep into the scalp. Gentle pressure is applied on specified points. This is said to direct the flow of energy along desirable channels, removing fatigue and bringing about total relaxation. The hair is also exposed to steam. A protein pack is applied. After washing the hair, a protective conditioner is applied to add shine to the hair. Diamond facial
The most potent effect of the diamond in skin treatments is its exfoliating and gentle dermabrasing action, which also helps decongest and purify the skin, making it radiant. The diamond facial follows a specific procedure, which begins with deep cleansing of the skin, according to skin type. Since diamond is known for exfoliation, a double dermabrasive treatment is given, which contains diamond dust, along with other extracts. This helps to remove dead skin cells and refine skin. It also heightens the skin's ability to absorb products. Thus, it is also a way of preparing the skin to receive the massage with the diamond skin nourishing cream. The facial includes other treatments, as well as the application of the diamond mask. |
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Tasty bytes
Dr Madhu Arora, senior dietician RD, GMCH-32, opines, "More than the physiological affect, these foods have a psychological affect on us. We are made to believe that tea and coffees stimulates us to work better." She feels these foods due to high sugar content have a high and faster satiety value. Research studies show that chocolates have the same antioxidants as wines and green tea, so does that make it an addictive food? Dr Simi Waraich, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis-Mohali, give us the facts, "Dark chocolates give us a high immediately after consumption as it helps release the nuero-chomicals in the brain." It is also the high sugar content of the chocolates that make people have it for the instant energy. "People do tend to become chocoholic after regular consumption of chocolates. The release of feel good chemicals like serotinin due to cholcoates help lowers the stress level and cure depression temporarily," she says. What makes tea and coffee addictive is their caffeine component. "Caffeine, which positively stimulates our brain makes us feel high on energy. The tendency to consume more tea and coffee increases due to the immediate relaxation and energy caffeine in them provides to our body," adds Dr Waraich. This also explains why certain people are addicted to cola drinks, which too are rich in caffeine content. Most of the energy drinks that claim to provide instant energy do not have any nutritional content. In fact, these are rich in caffeine that makes one feel fresh. Dr Arora suggests having fruits and milk products for energy. "Addiction to chocolates may lead to obesity. Instead one should develop a habit to have fruits and salads when feeling low." Nancy Sahni, dietician, PGI, explains, "The reason why most people are fond of chocolates, because they help us feel pepped up and anything that doesn't please our taste buds doesn't have an affect on us. We drink tea and coffee repeatedly as we develop a taste of them and also as they are rich in caffeine." Let whatever be the justification, chocolates are always welcome for their taste. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Not so perfect
Planning the perfect evening with friends might leave you all drained out- what with those customised invitations, looking for appetizer plates with matching serving platters and table decor. At times, a relaxed and imperfect approach towards organising small get-togethers can be a better way to relish time with friends and family.Here are some ways to banish your quest for perfection during the holidays: Learn to distinguish between healthy high standards and
perfectionism.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to do things well. However, having high standards is not the same thing as perfectionism. Perfectionism refers to a tendency to have excessively high standards - standards that cannot possibly be met. Perfectionists often experience intense anxiety, shame, anger, or low mood when their standards or goals are not met.
Perfectionism may affect people's functioning by causing them to spend too long on tasks, or to avoid tasks altogether (in other words, to procrastinate). Before overcoming problems with perfectionism, it is useful to distinguish between healthy high standards versus standards that are unrealistic or that cause problems in the long run. Take a step back. Consider your perfectionist thoughts and shift your thinking to be more realistic and balanced. Remember, just because you believe that everything has to be perfect, doesn't mean that your belief is true.* Expose yourself to imperfection.
Just as practising driving can help someone get over a fear of being behind the wheel, allowing things to be less than perfect will reduce your fear of imperfection.So, let the towels hang crookedly, purposely add a minor typo to your dinner invitation, or serve dinner a half hour later than planned. By allowing some flexibility in the way you do things, you will learn to be more comfortable with minor imperfections and unexpected changes to your plans. Evaluate whether you may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because perfectionism is associated with standards and expectations that are impossible to meet, perfectionists run the risk of having events not turn out as desired and therefore develop the perception that they have "reason" to worry.
Accept your inability to control the outcomes, but recognize that you can control your reaction. If perfectionism leads to significant problems with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or difficulties in your relationships, you may want to seek expert help from an experienced mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
— ANI
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The next time you show up for a job interview or for a date, ensure that you have taken care of your body odour or else be prepared to face the consequences. A recent survey done in four major cities has shown that body odour has emerged as a major deterrent for personal and social mobility. The survey was conducted by the Mumbai-based Centre for Health and Hygiene. Amongst respondent in the age bracket of 22-35 years of males and females in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore body odour has emerged as the biggest cause for social embarrassment and low confidence level amongst respondents, director of the centre, Shankar Shinde said. "Feeling of shame, embarrassment, low self-esteem, isolation, frustration, anxiety and depression are extremely common where body odour is present," Shinde said. The survey highlights the growing importance of personal hygiene and its impact on personal interaction across all respondents (57 per cent of the respondents were males and 43 per cent females). Majority of the respondents say that more and more people are now becoming aware of the fact that 'smelling good' is as important as 'looking good'. It adds to their overall confidence, Shinde said. — PTI
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Body wise
For years many exercise enthusiasts have believed that exercise positively affects the brain as well as the body. But while it seemed logical that an active lifestyle would help the brain, its scientific evidence was lacking.
But now new research suggests that working out does benefit the brain. Physical exercise encourages a normal brain to function at its optimum level. The brain is a part of the human body, which is made up of cells, nourished by a rich network of blood vessels, and its health is closely related to the overall health of your heart and circulatory system. So therefore cardiovascular fitness is important for optimum brain functioning. Physical exercise helps maintain good blood flow to the brain. It prompts nerve cells to multiply, strengthens their connections, and protects them from disorders. It can help prevent disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and depression and can even increase your chances of recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Exercise improves learning and memory
Research suggests that physical activity turns on hormonal support systems in your brain. The activation of these systems not only strengthens brain circuits that you already have but also helps you develop new ones. Exercise causes a rise in several growth factors in the brain that are responsible for helping brain cells survive and divide into new brain cells, or neurons. Only a couple of brain regions can produce new neurons and exercise increases the amount and rate of neuron production in these regions. Exercise also increases the blood supply to the brain. In laboratory studies, exercise increased the number of blood vessels that supply several brain regions. This has the effect of improving nutrient delivery and waste removal from critical regions that effect mental function. One of the brain areas producing new neurons is the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a critical role in spheres like learning, memory and attention-span. Exercise induces new neuron growth in the hippocampus and improves performance on several types of cognitive tasks. Exercise improves mental health
Exercise has been found to trigger elevated mood states and an overall improved sense of well-being and helps to keep stress, anxiety and depression to a minimum. Stress can be very harmful to both brain and body. Cortisol is a brain-toxic stress hormone produced naturally by the body. It reduces the blood-glucose energy supply to the brain, causing mental confusion and short-term memory problems. It also interferes with the proper function of the brain's neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that convey messages from one brain cell to another. Chronic stress can keep cortisol levels high for long enough to kill brain cells, and may even play a role in the development of Alzheimer's. Physical exercise, help to lower cortisol levels and thereby reduce stress. Exercise helps in the avoidance and treatment of depression in several ways. It releases endorphins--the body's own mood-elevating, pain-relieving compounds--while reducing levels of the stress-depression hormone cortisol in the bloodstream. Exercise also boosts self-esteem and confidence by yielding positive feelings of accomplishment. Exercise clears the brain
Scientific evidence claims that exercise can improve a person's ability to think more clearly and have a sharper focus. Steady-paced aerobic exercise improves the brain's ability to solve problems and make decisions fast and effectively. \ They are better able to block information that is irrelevant to the task at hand and responded much faster to information relevant to the task. Decision-making and problem solving ability are also found to improve after exercise. Researchers believe acute bouts of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise work in a manner similar to that of a psycho-stimulant drug by triggering the release of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, thought to be involved in the brain's processing systems. But, there is also evidence to show that fatigue and over-training will not help the brain. In fact, exercising to exhaustion really has little benefit in any sense and is more likely to take you one step forward but two steps back. Physical exercise does not have to be strenuous or even require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly. Exercise protects the brain from damage and disease
Studies also show that exercise protects the brain from aging and injury. And helps in the regeneration of damaged brain circuits Older adults that regularly exercise perform better in cognitive tasks and have lower rates of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. They also recover stronger from strokes and from accidental brain injury. Adults that exercise have more grey matter, representing more brain cells, than adults that don't exercise. Some brain-healthy lifestyle choices
Eat wisely: Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in vitamins E, C and B- 2; foliate; and omega-3 fatty acids, and dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells. Stay physically active: Physical exercise helps maintain good blood flow to the brain, which is essential for brain health, and also alters brain chemicals that help protect the brain. Keep mentally active: Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles. Remain socially involved: Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells. Be social, converse, volunteer, join. Protect your brain: Take precautions against injuries. Use your car seat belts; unclutter your house to avoid falls; and wear a helmet when cycling. Your numbers count: Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges. kalrasachin@hotmail.com |
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"I want to become an astronaut," says a regular Class X student, an expected answer to an inevitable question. "But what are you doing about it today?" asks Anurag Kashyap. "I go to coaching classes," says the boy. "But you should be buying a telescope instead," it's Anurag again. And, that provided the stimulus to all the aspiring doctors, engineers and astronauts of tomorrow at the Dikshant International School, Zirakpur, in an interactive session with the Bollywood director. The inspiration was 'to believe and not to want'.
Prakash Jha has completed the shooting of his film Raajneeti, a multistarrer in which Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif will be seen the avatar of a politician. And the proceeds of the movie will go to
charity.
Veteran actress Asha Parekh prefers yesteryear's heartthrob Shammi Kapoor over Bollywood Baadshah Shahrukh Khan when it comes to dancing.
Parekh, who is being felicitated for completing 50 years in the film industry at the on going 40th International Film Festival of India, said that Kapoor, also known as India's answer to Rock 'n' Roll star Elvis Presley, is a born dancer.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty felt great when defence personnel called him as one among them, thanks to his memorable role in famous Director J P Dutta's movie Border.
The Indian classical music, in fact, is a wonder of spontaneous musical improvisations born out of the artiste's mind and perception originating in an innate feeling but expressed through creative measures and techniques. Going by this belief the acclaimed musicians have brought innovative changes in their singing style or musical instruments they play. While Sitar maestro Pandit Debu Choudhry switched on a seventeen-fret sitar from the conventional one, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt improvised his Hawaian guitar christening it mohan
veena.
A salon makeover for brides has become popular in India. It includes top-to-toe grooming, along with skin and hair care. As for bridal make-up, it has become a specialised skill, combining tradition with modern make-up techniques. So has bridal hairstyling. The entire bridal-care programme can spread over a week, or longer, culminating in the actual make-up, hairstyling and 'dressing-up' in the bridal attire, on the wedding day itself.
Liquor, beer, wine and the likes quite unnecessarily share a bad reputation (we don't mean they are good either). This is not to tell you how harmful alcohol is for us as we have had enough studies suggesting the same. Harmful for health, nil nutritional value and the strongest justification to abhor alcohol is that it's addictive. But on a pragmatic note, we realised, alcohol is not the only one which is addictive. There are more, some of them being more addictive than the often-blamed alcohol. What else makes people gulp down 20 cups of tea in a day? Or, coffee for that matter? The 'saccharine sweet' chocolate is a must-have for some to keep the mood right. We try to get a true picture from the dieticians and psychologists as to what makes these foods addictive and if they really help us in keeping active and happy.