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The good bad man
Life is about choices, and the bad man, Gulshan Grover, who can't help being good (the entourage of fans and friends around him at Sekhon Banquet, Zirakpur-PKL Highway say he is the most good villain) had to take a pick from the given two. " I had the choice of either celebrating New Years with my family or with a bigger family, which are my fans. I have given neat preference to the latter, he smiles, busy signing away autographs. "I am Gulshan Grover because of my fans. They have made me what I am today, how on earth can I ignore them? Celebrating New Years is like an opportunity to share their happiness and say thanks to them. As you can see, the emotions are pretty overwhelming." The bad man is happy with the warm jhappis and pappi's (Read only from Men, the women drooled at him from a comfortable distance).
Amidst the charged-up ambience, we manage to drop in a query, which will eventually be followed by many! Movies in pipeline? "I will be all over the silver screen pretty, he laughs with 7-8 releases in the pipeline. Knock Out, Chatur Singh 2 Star, Kajraare, Red Alert, Mittal Vs Mittal, Chaalu are to-be-released movies." Quite a handsful. Well, does that mean Gulshan Grover still has a craving for any particular kind of role? Puts in Gulshan who will be the first man from the Bollywood to be featured in a Hollywood movie Nephilim, based on an American comic strip, "As an actor, I have the desire to experiment with new roles, new directors and new set up. Amitabh Bachchan still experiments with looks and roles, which is indicative of a good actor." He is indeed the star attraction at Sekhon Farms with everyone wanting to get either a picture or handshake with actor-villain. But hey, where does Gulshan find his calling, in emotions like Raja Ki Aayegi Barat, in romance or as a cruel, unsympathetic villain. He offers, "I am glad that the audiences have accepted me in all kinds of roles, whether it is an action, romance, tragedy. I am comfortable with acting, so I try to justify all kinds of roles. Acting is my interest and passion, so it justifies your question; he looks at us, wondering when would he be allowed to get back to what back to crowd, which he is a part of. " By the way, I am into spiritual reading and exercise that keeps my mind at rest and allows me to do an interview and enjoy at the same time," he laughs again. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Simple yet straight
Do right, do wrong he is one personality who ended the year sensationally. Whether performing on stage at the Chandigarh Club on New Year's Eve or otherwise, Abhijeet believes in rustling up a few feathers with his attitude and well, off late, with his 'point of views'. Bringing in the excitement of New Year and keeping up the spirits, the singer kept the party meter high in city. And most favourite on the list were Shahrukh Khan numbers, for whom he has extensively done playback.
For someone with an in-your-face attitude and with a reputation of coming out straight, we caught up with him just minutes before his performance and found a nervous performer instead.
"I have to go on stage within five minutes and so I am trying to concentrate. I'll catch you after midnight," was the humble reply to our instant probe. Then started his marathon performance. Then the immediate question was from his side, "What channel are you from?" Well may be we reminded him of some issues he has his views to present on. But he has to settle for a column about his performance with us. Though the personal glimpse of the singer was seemingly humble, controversy took better of him last year. Fighting out in the open with the Bhatts over latter's soft corner for Pakistani artists made for the closing ceremony in Bollywood controversy list. That when is open criticism of Pakistani artist Atif Aslam is still fresh and we all saw his 'camaraderie' with co-judge Alka Yagnik on Zee TV's singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. But then we did forget to tell that while he sang, Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaon, he was interrupted by an over enthusiastic fan who was trying to join him on stage. "Sir, agar ab aap ne stage par aane ki koshish ki to fir…," was the singer's request to him. |
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Happy New Year, desi style
It was the most select gathering of the evening and the most desi party to celebrate the New Year. A US delegation of the Nature Club foundation, a bhangra group, and the living legend Nek Chand made the total count of 30. And they welcomed the New Year with a motto, Celebrate Rock Garden, Keep the spirit alive. So we had Mary, Sue, Candy, Cheryl, Audrey, Mark…et al dancing to dhol beats and Punjabi songs, dressed in kurta and chadra, accesorised with garlands and mixing red wine with ‘puhneer’.
"We will explore the Rock Garden under the moonlight and then plan on to stay back and have a sleepover here. Its amazing to spent the new year at the most fascinating place of art here in Rock garden," said Tony Rajer, American co-ordinator, Nek Chand Foundation.
While the firangs enjoyed the spicy Indian menu, that surprised us as well, a lady, Harriet Finkelstein, from Boston, flaunted a unique, rather designer piece of dress. "I am wearing a piece designed by my friend Suzanne Bacon, who is a fabric artist and turned a wall hanging into a dress. I am planning to give this dress to Nek Chand to get some inspiration from it," she says. Well, so be it but next on her agenda is to get a salwaar kameez stitched for her self. May be the wardrobe exchange can inspire something back home for her as well. —
Neha Walia |
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Worldspace void
The report is Worldspace Corporation has filed for bankruptcy protection. The repercussion is that the last day of last year was the end of service of this remarkable satellite radio. The effect is there will be entertainment, news, music, educational, in short, broadcast vacuum that just wouldn't fill. The reaction is, who gives a hoot to potential remedy under US bankruptcy laws? It's about the space, that's left millions spaced out now. Meanwhile the realisation has just begun, continues and will take time. It isn't about some frequency, electromagnetic airwaves, signals, radiation, oscillating fields, transmission, blah blah…It's about something that was there and now is not.
"Of course I'm going to miss it, there was a great variety of songs available, it was also an easy and lazy way to listen to songs, you don't have to change anything," shares Amrita Nakai, head of the kindergarten, YPS. She adds, "It was simply a wonderful thing to have on, all the time." Whoever once said, 'It's not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on' perhaps summed it all up. She's not alone, aren't the so many already prompting, 'Me too'. Not just the individuals rather the organisations. Says Mukesh Kumar Juil, customer care executive, Ovenfresh-35, "No doubt, the service is going to be missed. We had it on 24x7 but now, it's just not the same anymore." The greater the void, the speedier the search. And alternatives aren't always substitutes. "We aren't going to resort to FM, since we always play the English songs. I guess it's just going to be CDs and such things now," shares Mukesh. True, alternatives are just what they are, alternatives. "I don't think FMs going to really be an option because it doesn't give you that kind of choice in western music. At the most you have programmes at slotted times for an hour or so, but it can't be a substitute," opines Amrita. Chips in RJ Anubhav Kalra, from Big FM, "Of course, at the end of the day it's a loss of the music and radio community as a whole. And especially to the negligible select audience it catered to. But I would say, the two things are incomparable. For example, its only your private channel that has completely local jocks who'll probably inform you in time even if there's a traffic jam in Madhya Marg." The concern is not being able to make requests like, 'This is for Henna, my neighbour, please tell her to leave her boyfriend and come to me.' What's missing is the musical buffet, spread out wide. "The best thing about Worldspace it doesn't play remix music, next there are no ads, as there are countless of them in private channels. Moreover there's no unnecessary non stop, vulgar, talking going on," Payal Sodhi, founder member PFA, who was into radio production, gives the pros and cons. She adds, "I must say, if you love music, you love Worldspace. And the news is very disappointing." The ramifications have just begun and it's high time to hunt for the 'next big thing.' Says Payal, "AIR to begin with could be one because it's on right from a rickshaw cart to over a ship. But Internet radio can never toe the line because it's very restricted. AIR should invest in advertising, collaboration and localise." That is when that happens, for now the magical box that turned signals into songs reminds of the end of an era, says it's never going to be the same again. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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We resolve
So you know and agree to it fully, old habits die-hard. Amusingly, in this case the habit of 'making a resolution' comes without a fail. Every year, when there is still time for the two arms to join hands in celebration, friends sitting at a lounge, or a homemaker making a lavish dinner, a MNC employee driving back from a 24X7 slog, a politician sitting the study, conjures up images of what they would and would not want to see themselves doing the following year. Ya, the same New Year resolutions, some pursued and some dropped like an empty beer can after the party. Let's see what the celebrities have to say.
Vijender Singh, Olympic bronze medallist: "I would work hard this year as well, and I wish I get a gold medal in the next championship. Also, I would want to do away with my bad habits, which I wouldn't want to share. Lastly, this year too I will pray that I don't get married. Bhagwaan karkey mere shaadi abhi kuch time na ho! Tarun Katial, CEO, BIG
FM: 2010 holds great optimism for the radio industry. Phase III radio licensing, expected to happen in early 2010, will allow broadcasters to expand their footprint and offer advertisers even greater reach across the country. The ability to deliver to increased advertiser expectations will be significantly enhanced with the potential opening up of News, current affairs and live sports to private broadcasters.
Sudesh Lehri, comedian: This year I promise to spend more time with my family. They have been bearing with me for so long, and now it is my turn to give them back. In addition to this, I want to focus on my health and chalk out a traveling schedule. Last but not least, I want to come up with more 'real' gags. Shruti Choudhry, MP Bhiwani Mahindgarh: I want to concentrate on the development of my constituency and work for their betterment. I want to work for their good, and make sure they move on to the path of development. Sonu Sood, actor: I will opening on a trust Professor Saroj Sood memorial trust on January 4, which will be taking care of the education and upliftment of the people of Moga. Besides, I would look now try to experiment with new roles, down south or Bollywood. |
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New Year New Hopes
New year is associated with new beginnings. And indeed it is for some who were blessed with their bundle of joy on the first day of 2010.
One of the busiest hospitals, GMSH -16 had 11 deliveries from midnight till 12 noon. "Year 2010 gave all the happiness of the world by bringing our son," says Sarbjeet Kaur, a new mum from
Dhanas.
"It's our first born and a girl. We are very happy that Lakshmi herself has come to our lives with the beginning of the New Year," says Deepak Bidal, a BSNL employee. "It was a hectic shift but the pleasure lies in making sure that both baby and the mother are healthy and safe," says Dr Amarjit Kaur, who was on the grave shift when the world welcomed the New Year. GMCH-32 had its' share of babies with seven babies making their way on the New Year. PGI topped with 13 deliveries, 9 boys and 4 girls. City Nursing Homes were busy too bringing new lives. We wondered if there were any parents who wanted to choose the first day of year for their babies. "One couple was due for their C section and wanted to opt for January first for the delivery but woman's labour started early so couldn't wait," shares Dr Mangla Dogra of Dogra Nursing Home-19. This doctor has had to rush to work from partying on New Year Eve many a times. "It's my job. I quite like bringing in a new model in the New Year," she says. "And its fun to be part of new parents' joy," she shares. The nursing home had two deliveries early in the morning. —
Mona |
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Street savour
Despite the sudden mushrooming of fast food joints across the Indian metros, churning out their monotonous fare, the grassroots level street food and dhabas will always be there. And for Punjabis who are high on anything that is edible, street food was generally chaats, channa bhutra, gol guppa, tikki samosa and so on. But having liberated itself from the trappings of Indian snack to step into the area of full-sized menu meals, the very meaning of street food has changed with a wide range of cuisines available with any rehriwalla. From our very much-liked Chinese to South Indian idlis and dosas, dhoklas, kebabs, soups, Tibetan momos to even Pizza, Mattar Pulao, fried rice, chowmien, rajma-chawal, aloo paratha, puri-sabzi, stuffed parathas and thali lunches all of these and many more can be easily termed as street food.
Though each Indian city specialises in its own variety of street food. From full meals to simple snacks to fast refreshers, the City Beautiful has it all. But one of its outstanding specialties is the channa bhutra, Amritsari kulcha, karhi and rajmah chawal and the latest addition happens to be noodles, momos, idli and dosa. Available across, with almost any rehriwalla they happen to be the cheapest and the best deal you can get in barely Rs 10 to Rs 20 a plate. Ask these food hawkers and they have a tale to tell—of food they sell, how they began and liking for their variety. One who zips across Sector 61, Chandigarh selling Southern fare says, “My father is a chef with a well-known city restaurant and I learnt cooking from him.” He sells only dosa, uttapam and sambhar and the price of his yummy dosas and lip-smacking uttampam is just Rs 20 and mind you this includes coconut chutney and a katori of sambhar. To keep his customers happy and increase his market value he has kept particular days for particular sector. He visits Sector 61 on a Saturday. For lovers of Southern fare, another one that we located was in Sector 19 market. This one is from Umeed and they sell piping hot Southern fares and for prices they are definitely pocket friendly. Back to what we like the most tala hua, oil dripping bhutaras and butter-loaded kulchas, though the list of people selling this fare is endless, for a never-ending variety one must visit the Industrial Area of the city. From karhi chawal to aloo stuffed naans to rajmah chawal here you can have hot food anytime and believe us the taste is good (though we cannot guarantee of the quality), but never mind indulgence sometimes is good. Now to Chinese, it’s omnipresent. From rehriwallas in Sector 35, 22 to Phase VII and V in Mohali you can sip in soup, have some Indianised noodles, fried rice, momos and even spring rolls. The taste is good and very well suits the Indian palate, as it is chat pata and theeka. Says Vikas, who runs his rehri in Phase VII, Mohali, “It requires sheer hard work to keep us in this business.” With his two friends, he makes momo, spring rolls and noodles and for the prices they are pretty pocket friendly, Rs 20 for a veg momo plate, Rs 30 for non-veg and the same for spring rolls and noodles are priced at Rs 35. Never the less when talking about street food there are many small joints in the city that too in the central sectors that sell an amazing fare to eat. Apna Sector 17’s bridge market has a chana bhutra walla whose, chana bhutara’s sell like hot cakes and one must try them for that typical Punjbai taste. Sector 22 (opposite to Kohinoor) has a small shop that sells only a version of Indian fast food. Here you can savour, pav bhajji to noodles to tikki chaat and lot more. So, wait for none and taste the tempting varieties of our apna fast food. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Drinking limits
Beware tipplers! A recent survey has shown that people unwittingly serve more drinks to themselves at home than at a pub, contrary to the popular belief that home drinkers consume within recommended limits. The British government organised a ‘Know Your Limits Campaign’ at the beginning of this month, where around 600 home-drinkers — aged between 18 and 65 — were asked to pour the measure of spirit — vodka, gin and whiskey — they would normally pour at home, with or without ice cubes. “Many of us enjoy a drink, especially at New Year. But it’s easy to get carried away and it’s worrying to see just how much more people might be unwittingly pouring for themselves and their friends at home on a regular basis,” said UK’s Public health minister Gillian Merron. “If you want to minimise your risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke, it’s worth paying attention to the size of your measures,” Merron said. They found that the average amount poured was 38ml with the highest amount measuring 182ml compared with a standard single shot of 25ml. Those aged 31 to 50 - the most generous pourers - gave an average of 57ml. For people who thought they were drinking 7.5 units a week, the extra measures amounted to 17 units. — PTI
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India taste, Chinese tadka
Years after having conquered the Indian palette with their exquisite dishes, the Dragon country is witnessing an Indian invasion of a different kind, with desi dishes tickling the Chinese taste buds.
The proverbial Indian curry and barbeque dishes, which have found willing acceptance in Europe and the US, had till now failed to make a dent in its Oriental neighbourhood.
However, experts believe that the Indian cuisines are now gradually getting popular in the Chinese food market. “Over the past five to six years, Indian cuisines have found tremendous response in China. In cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, there are a number of popular Indian restaurants,” says Satish Nair, Business Head of Indian Kitchen Group in China. Indian Kitchen has 16 outlets in China and most of them are located in provinces away from the expatriate centres like Beijing making the local Chinese as majority of their clientele. According to Girish Chaudhary, Director of Punjabi restaurants in China, the current surge in popularity of Indian cuisine is due to success of this year’s Oscar winning movie, Slumdog Millionaire that popularised Indian culture in China. “Barbeque chicken especially, Chicken tikka, Reshami Kebab and fish always find takers in Chinese populace. Aromatic spices and eye-catching colours make them different from other country’s cuisines,” says Chaudhary, whose clientele includes around 40 per cent of Chinese. There are around 200 Indian restaurants across China and curry is getting popular among youth there. Chinese were introduced to Indian food by a south Indian Antony Munuswamy who opened first Indian kitchen in Macao in 1990. Though the progress has been slow but popularity chart of Indian dishes has been increasing ever since. “Old generation is not familiar with Indian cuisine but the youth is crazy about Indian curry. They love it more than Thai and Malaysian curry,” says Daya, Head of Mirch Masala Indian restaurant. Some of the restaurants have made modifications in their recipes to suit the Chinese tastes but most of them want to maintain their authentic Indian taste.
“Modifications are a necessity as the culinary habit of both the countries are different. We have Chicken Samosa, Fisherman Soup, Curry Fried Noodles etc, which is modified for province to province. Though modification doesn’t mean a complete overhaul of the cuisine losing its authenticity,” says Nair. —PTI |
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What a high!
British scientists are developing a synthetic drink, which would stimulate brain nerves like alcohol without leading to drunkenness and hangovers. The alcohol substitute, being developed at Imperial College, London, by a team led by UK’s top drugs expert David Nutt, mimics its pleasant buzz and generates a feeling of relaxation, without leading to hangovers as it does not affect those parts of the brain that control mood swings.
The drink, being prepared by chemicals related to Valium, is much easier to flush out of the body. It can be switched off with an antidote, The Telegraph reported. “No matter how many glasses they had, they would remain in that pleasant state of mild inebriation and at the end of an evening out, revellers could pop a sober-up pill that would let them drive home,” said Nutt.
Nutt and his team are concentrating their efforts on benzodiazepines, of which diazepam, the chief ingredient of Valium is one. “I’ve been in experiments where I’ve taken benzos. One minute I was sedated and nearly asleep, five minutes later I was giving a lecture,” he said. Thousands of benzos are already known to science. It is just a matter of identifying the closest match and then, if necessary, tailoring it to fit the scientists needs.
Eventually it would be used to replace the alcohol content in beer, wine and spirits, he added.
—PTI
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Party pleasers
Festive times mean party times too! I adore winter mornings and afternoons, just as much as I adore the evenings, where dressing to keep warm is a major nuisance! It’s great to be entertained at home, making the best of the balmy, sunny afternoons. I bring you inspiring potluck ideas for a leisurely mid-morning brunch, a backyard picnic or a Sunday supper. Both these delightful one-dish meals are rice based and are easy to carry out. They are also perfect when you have a home party since they are virtually fuss free.
Add a tossed salad of wintergreens or some flash fried broccoli with garlic, maybe some roasted potatoes and your meal is complete. The chicken recipe is my personal favourite because there is not much in the world that looks more appealing to me than a baked cheese topping. However, you may substitute the chicken with paneer or soya nuggets. Baked Rice with Mushroom and Chicken 1 ½ cups uncooked rice ½ cup grated cheese Method: Wash and rinse rice until the water runs clear. In a heated wok or saucepan, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and the cubed chicken. Saute for a few minutes until the surface of the chicken pieces are sealed and somewhat white. Add the washed rice along with salt and black pepper and garlic. Stir well, add a little less than 3 cups of water and cook. When the rice looks nearly done, spread into a buttered shallow dish and scatter a layer of shredded cheese over the surface. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200C (392F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the cheese has melted and is very slightly browned. Garnish with parsley. Vegetable Jambalaya A true jambalaya uses sausages, shrimp and chicken. This rich vegetarian recipe version uses beans to provide a meaty texture and flavor! 1 tbsp. oil 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped ½ cup chopped celery 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups water 350 gm diced tomatoes 4 tbsp tomato sauce ½ tsp. dried Italian seasoning ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ½ tsp. fennel seeds, crushed 1 cup uncooked long grain rice 300 gm cooked beans (rajmah) Method: In a large karhai, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic in hot oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fennel seed.Bring to a boil and add rice. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender, stirring frequently. Add beans and cover. Simmer 5-10 minutes longer or until well heated, stirring frequently.
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The Winner takes it all
“Winning the Voice of Chandigarh contest-2009 and awarded the honours amidst applause from the crowd of my own city is very special. I owe the credit to my guru Kanwar Iqbal and Chandigarh administration for giving me an opportunity to showcase my talent, ” says Amanpreet Singh, winner in the Male category of the contest that ran into many rounds prior to the grand finale.
Unlike other boys of his age, Amanpreet, ( 22) a BA student of GC-46 had an inclination and the ability to imbibe complex musical compositions, which inspired him to learn raga based Keertan from Late Bhai Balwinder Singh Lakha. His upbringing in a musically inclined family was a boost to his musical sensibilities. With over ten years into music Amanpreêt ventured to participate in a national TV reality show contest Awaaj Punjab Di and could only reach to the quarter finals held in New Delhi . Dejected but determined, Amanpreet, conducted an introspection and an appraisal of his performances to identify and amend the shortcomings for which he eventually fell under the tutelage of Kanwar Iqbal, acclaimed academician and music director. “ My guru and mentor Iqbal sir, subjected me to rigorous riyaz and training in college and at his residence.” Puts in Amanpreet, “the valuable guidance and my dedication was perceptible in my winning the National Gyan Jyoti competition consecutively for 2008 and 2009 in Ghazal and Punjabi Folk music.” ”I have yet to learn, imbibe and practice more to realise my dream of a Bollywood play back singer. In fact the melody queen Kavita Krishnamurthy had been kind enough to groom me as a playback singer.” He smiles, “I might shift to Mumbai after my final examinations in May. The Bollywood maestros K. Krishamurthy, Ismail Darbar, Bappi Lahiri and Suresh Wadekar, all judges for a DD show Bharat ki Shaan were all praise for my singing.” Amanpreet was once nominated Swar Sartaj of the Week for his song Meri zindagi tera pyar but Krishnamurthy wanted me to strive for perfection and cultivate capability to sing in any given fresh composition, shares Amanpreet.
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In your honour
Teachers are the most important part of everyone’s life. After parents, they are the ones who act as a mentor and encourage individuals to be responsible citizens and better human beings. So, it becomes all the more important for them not to just impart knowledge to their students but also act as role models. Forty-nine year old Prof Kirandeep Kaur from the Department of Education and Community Service, Punjabi University, Patiala, is undoubtedly one such teacher who justifies her profession.
Having been selected for the “Best Citizens of India Award” for her exceptional caliber and performance in the field of education, Kirandeep is one of the few outstanding persons, including Air Chief Marshal N.C. Suri, former CBI Director Joginder Singh and MP Amar Singh, who have been chosen to be bestowed upon this honour by the Best Citizen Publishing House of New Delhi. Dr Kirandeep, who did her doctorate in the field of education in 1988, has been teaching in the department since. She is currently the member of various professional bodies of India, including Association of Indian Universities and Indian Adult Education Association. Her students look up to her not just for her educational skills and knowledge but for the kind of person she is. “She is the most intelligent and energetic female I have seen in my life. Always full of life, she does not just help you take degrees, but motivates you to imbibe those values in your personal life as well. That is what makes her different. I have come across many teachers who are good teachers but personally do not practice their teachings. But she is certainly what she teaches,” said one of her students. Talking to Lifestyle about her selection for this award, she said she was extremely delighted. “What could be better than being rewarded for what you love and in my case it is teaching? Though I never wanted to be a teacher in my student life, my teachers felt I would make a great teacher. I was always more inclined towards the administrative services but they finally convinced me to take this up as a career and only when I became a teacher, I realised how much I loved it.” Kirandeep Kaur, who has presented numerous papers in countries like Canada, USA, China, Bangkok, Portugal, Spain, France and Germany, feels that education is not merely reading books and transferring the knowledge to the coming generation. “I have always focused on value education. Personally I take deep interest in the status of women in society and their education and the use of education for sustainable development and well being of individuals and have been working since long towards this. I am glad that my work has finally paid off and I am sure this award would further help me achieve my dream of making people aware of value education,” she added. |
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In the auto gear
Maruti Suzuki will unveil indigenously developed Hybrid SX4 and Electric Eeco at the forthcoming Auto Expo. Both the vehicles have been developed by Maruti Suzuki engineers. The Hybrid SX4 will be a full-hybrid vehicle as compared to a semi-hybrid version offered by another car manufacturer in India.
Maruti Suzuki will demonstrate a fleet of 10 Hybrid and Electric vehicles during Commonwealth Games in October 2010. This is in line with the Union Government’s ambitious programme outline, which attempts to develop hybrid vehicle technology. These concept cars successfully combine the twin aspects of eco-friendliness and personal mobility. However, the car major does not have immediate plans to start production of these concept green cars. Background on NHPP and MNRE The National Hybrid Propulsion Programme (NHPP) is an initiative of the Government of India. It is a public-private partnership initiative and India’s first in hybrid technology; jointly funded by the Union government and Indian Automotive OEMs. NHPP is expected to develop awareness and generate interest in the Indian automobile market to the world of hybrids. NHPP comprises OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki and other leading automobile players having R&D base in India, members of the academia and research professionals. The main objective of these programmes is to support OEMs to enhance the pace of development of hybrid and electric technology in India, and develop India as a global hub for hybrid vehicles in future. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has initiated a similar programme on high energy density battery. The objective of this programme is to carry out the local development of high energy Lithium ion battery packs by battery manufactures for pure electric/hybrid electric vehicles to be made by Indian vehicle manufacturers. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has also formed a core group of OEMs to take these projects forward, where SIAM functions as a nodal agency for OEMs, component manufacturers and the Indian government. NHPP and MNRE projects have three phases. In the first phase, the OEMs are expected to demonstrate technology during Commonwealth Games in October 2010. In the second phase, which is during 2010-12, OEMs will focus on R&D and localization of technology. The third phase (2012-16), OEMs will concentrate on localisation of technology for mass production. —TNS |
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Watch it!
Ethos Swiss Watch Studios, a pioneer in watch retail in India and has the largest chain of Swiss watch stores across the country, now offers the latest VERTU phone - AYXTA CONSTELLATION.
Vertu was launched by Nokia with the aim of “bringing artistry and personal significance to an everyday object, elevating it to the level of the finest timepiece.” Since then, Vertu has become the signature style of many ultra-wealthy celebrities like Madonna, David Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow. Mobile phones are no longer just a tool for communicating in the modern world. They have become status-defining lifestyle products. Phones have turned into fashion accessories akin to handbags or sunglasses. One can choose between various materials, sizes and manufacturers when shopping for luxury handsets. But Vertu remains the most sought after luxury phone for its expensive material like gold, sapphire and hand crafted excellence. The Constellation Ayxta is Vertu’s first flip phone, hand-made in Britain. Sporting a stainless steel body, aluminum detailing and leather elements the Vertu Constellation Ayxta can surely make its owners feel special. Along with that it features a Nokia ceramic keypad and a sapphire crystal screen. The Vertu internals runs on quad-band 3G, and sports an EU-friendly micro-USB port for market. One of the unique services offered when one acquires a Vertu mobile, is a year free concierge service called “Vertu Concierge”, The Vertu Concierge service offers 24-hour access to manage your lifestyle. Ayxta is the first Vertu phone to offer Vertu’s City Brief. Using the on-board GPS, Vertu can detect your arrival in a new city and tell you everything you need to know –the best places for a wealthy individual to shop, wine and dine, significant events or concerts in the area and much more. —TNS
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Artiste first
After playing a 20-year-old student in 3 Idiots, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will be seen in the role of a painter in wife Kiran Rao’s directorial debut Dhobighat. The film, which also stars Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar, will be Aamir first project in 2010. The film will be released in the second half of this year.
“Dhobighat’s shooting is complete. Post-production is going on. We will release it in the last half of 2010,” Aamir said. “There are four lead roles and I am one of them. I have enjoyed working with Kiran. She is a creative director and Kiran has got what she wanted,” the actor told reporters here last night. Aamir is playing a painter who lives and works in his tiny studio-apartment in a noisy and congested Mumbai neighbourhood. The megastar said that he would release three films as a producer this year. Right now, I am going to take a two months off. After that, I will start reading scripts that appeals me as an actor or director. If I like something, I’ll do that. But whether its acting or directing, I don’t know,” he
said. Rejecting reports that his brand value has increased after the success of 3 Idiots, the actor said, “I don’t hold myself as a brand. I am an artiste who works with stories”.—
PTI |
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Movers & Shakers
Bollywood star Bipasha Basu enthralled the audience with her dance performance at the Sahara Star hotel here on New Year’s Eve.
She took the stage twice, grooving to a vibrant mix of foot tapping numbers. During her first appearance she made the audience jig to title songs of her films Race and Bachna Ae
Haseeno.
The second time she took the stage 10 minutes before midnight and charged up the atmosphere by performing to a medley of hit songs. Actress Anjana Sukhani who acted in the movie Golmaal Returns was the other attraction of the night. She performed to a couple of popular tracks from her films along with Marjawa, a famous song from the movie Fashion. Singer Sudesh Bhosle regaled the crowd with his songs and mimicry with Preety
Pinki.
The Indipop duo belted out some of their major hits. By the time DJ Amann took the consol, the mood was already set so he just pepped up the night by churning out some hit numbers. —
IANS |
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Hello TUNEZ
EK LADKI DEEWANI SI (T-SERIES): You have to hand it to Adnan Sami. He can sing a typically Indian soulful song and an out and out western one with equal felicity. In this album, which is his first non-film one after five years, he presents both in a strange amalgam. On the one hand, there is a ballad, Mehfooz, which is a throwback to the days when the ghazal was the king. There is Let’s Go to Mumbai City, which belongs to the latest genre and he has presented in duet with Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson. One thing common about all presentations is that they are all love songs.
It is a special tribute to the metropolis, which has the tensile strength to spring back to its feet despite such body blows as 26/11. Adnan has thus glorified the city, which made him what he is today. Adnan is also the music director of this album. Except for Dekha tujhe, which has Tulsi Kumar with him, all other songs are solos – except of course Let’s Go to Mumbai City. Lyrics are by Irfan Siddiqui. Music has been arranged by three different artists, John Stewart, Salim-Sulaiman and Jermaine Jackson. The album opens with Ek ladki jo deewani si hai. Adnan puts extra dose of suroor into his singing for this mood song. the one with Jermaine Jackson is also the closing song, in a remix version by DJ aMYTH. One song, which is as high spirited as this one is Laila – boasting of strong Arabic influence — while all the others are cool and calm. The pick of the lot is a mushy Tu salaamat rahe. The pain of separation manifests itself admirably in this number. Three cheers
ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR (YRF MUSIC): Music scene is changing, for sure. A few years ago, who would have thought of a Yash Raj film to have only three songs? But this one actually has only that many. No, there are no remixes either, though that is a considerable bit of relief. Music is by Salim-Sulaiman and lyrics by Jaideep Sahni. The rest of the album is made up of earlier songs from Yash Raj Films like Bachna Ae Haseeno, Dil Bole Hadippa, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Tashan, Chak de India and Dhoom2. The only song from the film, which leaves some impact is the title one, sung by Benny Dayal. It has quite a catchy tune. The other two are Gadbadi Hadbadi by Vishal Dadlani and Pankhon ko by Salim Merchant the composer himself. Perhaps to compensate for the lack of songs, there is a multimedia video of Pocket Mein Rocket, which can also be played on PC/MAC. —
ASC |
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Koffee break
The bold sexy and glam doll Celina Jaitley is in the news again with director Mahesh Nair’s film Accident On Hill Road, which is inspired by a true story that happened in the US. It is among the first mainstream film to be shot on HD viper camera. Celina plays Sonam Chopra in this psychological thriller opposite Gulaal fame Abhimanyu Singh. She talks to Lifestyle about her new film which opened on December 31.
Do you have a good role in this thriller? I play the lead character. I wanted to do this film because it is based on a real life incident. What attracted to you to Accident On Hill Road? The fact that it was a complete psychological thriller, the manner in which director Mahesh Nair narrated the plot. How was it like working with director Mahesh Nair? Mahesh is a talented director who has completed this film in 26 days, finishing four days before the 30-day schedule. What is special about this film? The film has Parvez Khan as stunt director and Ravi Walia as photographer. Parvez has done stunts for Johnny Gaddaar, Ab Tak Chappan and Jail and Ravi has done Cash and Raaz 2. How do you react to your sexy image? I love the glamarous tag. Are you over ambitious? I have never been over ambitious. I have got anough in the Bollywood and I am satisfied. What are the projects in pipleine? Subhash Ghai’s production Hello Darling and Run Bhola Run are my upcoming projects. —
Dharam Pal |
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