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Work hard… party harder
"I am stuck up at work", this is the most common excuse dropped by working men and women to avoid late night parties, offers Ritu Kochhar, director, INIFD (Corporate). However, there is no big deal about making it to the party right after office. Simple changes in your clothing and some make up will give you the confidence and reason to let your hair down after work." Ritu lists out concealer, bronzer, shimmer, kajal, a good perfume, good chunky jewellery as some of the things that can be made use of, to change from office dressing to party type. "Those women who wear trousers and a satin or a lace top to work can deck up the look with a silk scarf. It can be draped in different ways to give that party look. Those wearing suits to workplace can carry it with a stole or shawl of contrasting colour instead of duppatta." While you are making changes in your clothes, don't forget to carry an extra pair of party footwear. Tie your hair in a bun or leave them open according. Wash your face, pat dry, apply concealer, wear a bright eye shadow, a nice pair of earrings and you are ready for the show. Partying and a quick party makeover is not the prerogative with only women. Why can't men party after work? Of course, that's what they live for. And this is how they can prepare for a party right after work. " Just change the blazer depending on the party, whether it is a formal or a informal one. If it is friends hanging out at discotheque, gel your hair, do away with that formal coat. Instead go in for a sports jacket," shares Anupama Singh, a Ludhiana-based designer, who is preparing for her solo exhibition in Australia. "For a formal occasion, just tie a silk scarf, wear cufflinks, and wear a nice confident smile. This is it. Well, who wants to go home now! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Sweet 17
Be it a lazy Sunday, or one of those after work hang-out sessions, shopping for that pretty pink dress or that footwear you eyed your colleague wearing, catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee, window shopping or just aimlessly sauntering around — Sector 17 was and still is a hit with the city people and visitors. But slowly catching the fancy of young and not-so-young are the malls. Well, with everything available under one roof, this sure seems to be the right place. And, with a new mall opening close to another’s heel, we wonder if we are really in for the so-called mall culture or does our good old Sector 17 still cast the magic spell. Says Richa Taneja, lecturer at Chandigarh Engineering College, Landran, “City people are always yearning for more, though now we have a number of malls in tricity but none compares to the charm of Sector 17.” Ask her to give some reasons and she says, “The malls that we have in Chandigarh are better known for multiplexes, they don’t provide variety when it comes to shops or even eating joints. It’s the repetition of same brands and same eating outlets as we have in the city. One wouldn’t go to a mall specially for shopping or eating out, since Sector 17 has a better choice.” For Anil Juneja, yoga instructor from FNY Studio in Sector 6, Panchkula, nothing can beat the good old Sector 17. But yes, malls too will catch-up eventually. “I would say it would take two to three years for the mall culture to actually seep into city peoples life. For today, nothing is better than our Sector 17, as it has the variety to hold people.” He adds another reason in favour of Sector 17, “As of now we are not used to the mall culture and another reason why these malls are not such an hit with the people is, there isn’t a variety to hold people and some of the malls don’t even have all shops opened. But by all this, we shouldn’t draw the conclusion that malls are a total flop, youngsters have started going to the malls and there are certain shops that are exclusively coming to the malls. We can say the mall culture would catch up but only after a couple of years.” Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to the comparison between a mall and Sector 17, here too people agree that diversity is the key to success. Anju from Style Studio, Panchkula says, “There are two sides to it, as a local resident like anything that’s new, but Sector 17 is a landmark in itself and anyone from tricity wouldn’t miss going to this central business zone. As for malls, they are dime a dozen, but don’t offer a variety in terms of brands. But yes, when it comes to coffee shops and movie halls, they definitely attract people.” Ask her for her preferences and she says, “Availability is one big factor. If one knows that a particular brand is only available at a shopping mall, one would visit that, but knowing that there’s a variety waiting in Sector 17 one would definitely go there.” Well, while the verdict goes to Sector 17, but adding another point of view Shubh Karol, a BPO employee from Mohali, says, “There is no comparison of city malls to Sector 17, but we cannot say they are a flop. As youngsters we love going there, but it’s not for shopping. It’s just for watching movies and especially in the summer malls are a big hit as they save us from the heat.” Hmmm… that’s some reason. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Right now preparing for MBA and Civil Services, Amanpreet is regular with his exercise and work out. "Modelling and dancing are my passion. My gym trainer Gulab Singh and dance teachers Michael and Amit inspire me to be regular despite my gruelling study schedule. Religion and height are no bar in the glamour industry and I want to make it big there," dreams he. — Mona
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In appreciation
The feeling of gratitude for parents will never let you down in life. Citing the example of 176 students of India's premier IITs who committed suicide in the last two years, Dr Khera, a renowned educationist who had his grooming in the U.S. and Canada, urged the students to give primary importance to developing the highest virtue known to mankind-gratitude in their lives at a function, Mat Pita Santan Divas, at Punjab Kala Bhavan-16.
He said, "Gratitude starts with your parents. No one who has strong feelings of gratitude for his or her parents will even think of committing suicide and will always feel the satisfaction of having one's benefactors all around." In it's sixth year Mat Pita Santan Divas celebrates the true personality of a man's wisdom, which can be seen in the way he repays those who have helped him achieve greatness in life. "It is always a parent or a teacher who feels ennobled on the success of a child, and this is the theme of the three hour long programme," says Dr Khera. On the occasion parents were honoured by their children and the audience was kept spell-bound as emotional musical items including group and solo songs were presented by the students of Dr. Khera's institute. A soul stirring one act play, Mar Ke Bhi Zinda Rahe Ma directed by a teacher of the institute, Ashwani Ohri won much appreciation from all present. lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
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Matka chowk Many of us in Chandigarh may not know that our honourable railways minister Mamata Banerjee in the early years of her political career spent a good deal of her time lying prostrate on railway tracks, busy cross roads and construction sites-heralding the revamped age of rasta roko or path abarodh as it is know in Kolkata. It would have been interesting to invite her comments had she been a fellow passenger in the Kalka Shatabdi that left for Chandigarh on Wednesday evening. Like many residents of Chandigarh, Shatabdi is my chosen mode of transportation to Delhi. I have always had a fair degree of confidence in this particular train. It almost, always reaches on time. Except the banal and ancient instrumental music that they play, I really had not much to complain about. In fact, this is a train that seems to be above many of the typical 'railways' ailments - Maoist attacks, hooligan MLA demanding unreserved seats, people spitting paan on the passage. Last Wednesday, it took us twelve hours to return to Chandigarh by the same train. Due to the fog, the train was delayed by three hours to start with. After waiting in Delhi station, which resembled a post-war refugee shelter, we boarded the train and heaved a sigh of relief. Soon, we were stalled, this time in Sabzi Mandi near the Delhi Station. While we sat and wondered about the sudden halt we heard what seemed like protest cries coming from all around the train. On enquiring, a harassed looking TT informed us that the local train passengers, whose train has been delayed by several hours have decided to hold up the Shatabdi. They were literally stretched out on the tracks and demanded that they be allowed to board the Shatabdi and taken to their destination. Some Shatabdi passengers found this amusing. I guess they have never been close to an angry mob. Their merriment evaporated shortly, as the junta decided it was time to enter the compartments. They started throwing stones at the train, kicking and hitting the coaches accompanied by wild cries of fury. We bolted the door, drew the curtains and sat inside, not knowing what was going to happen. We sat as train hostages, while the doors rattled and the windows growled in protest. Eventually, it ended. A passenger train arrived and took the protesters away. The Shatabdi, chugged on, indignant and reluctant, brought us to the Chandigarh station at three in the morning. Whatever, was the time, the Chandigarh station seemed incomparably beautiful and serene. matkachowk@gmail.com
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Learning together
If all members of the club happen to assemble in the near future, they would make up for any European nation's population. With One million
members across the world, Toast Master International club was founded in US way back in 1921, with the sole objective, "To improve upon the communication skills of people and inculcate in them leadership qualities," explains Sumant Kumar, President of the Chandigarh chapter of Toast Master club. As for the contribution from the city, the club came to the city two years backs and now enjoys a membership of 35 people, "The city is gradually becoming aware of the existence and functioning of the club." Professionals like lawyers, engineers, managers and students are the members of the club.
The club is present in most of the Indian cities. Bengaluru has the highest number of clubs, 40 in India. "There are clubs in most of the MNCs, where communication skills are as important as the theoretical knowledge," adds Sumant. Any person falling in the age group of 18-60 can become the club's member. About the significance of the club, he says, "Only 30 per cent of the graduates get employment, one of the major reasons of which is poor communication skills. The activities of the club help people gain confidence and command over language." The club holds its meeting every Saturday for one hour which is further divided into the time slots of 20 minutes for three activities, "In the first twenty minutes members speak the prepared speeches, next 20 minutes are devoted to extempore and
performances are evaluated in rest of the time." The topics of extempore many vary from as simple topics as a cup of tea or my childhood to as serious as global warming or terrorism. After ten such sessions, permanent membership of the club is given. The meetings of the Chandigarh chapter are held every Saturday at the YWCA, Sector 11. — Ashima Sehajpal |
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Call of comedy
Fardeen Khan, the actor who has raised bar with his comic roles is now looking forward to the response for his first-time director Madassar Azis's romantic comedy Dulha Mil Gaya. The movie has the unique distinction of being the first film to be shot in Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Thirty films old Fardeen plays a debonair young man opposite glamourous diva Sushmita Sen. Lifestyle chatted Fardeen. Tell us about your character in the film? I play Tej Dhanraj, a multi-millionaire who has inherited billions of dollars. He is quite a brat and enjoys himself to fullest. Considering it is a romantic comedy, why did you take up Dulha Mil Gaya? The script, it was fabulous. I was also getting to work with debutant director Madassar Aziz, who wrote the film Zindagi Rocks. What about the co-stars? Shahrukh Khan and Sushmita Sen are professional branded actors. My chemistry with them is mind-blowing. After All the Best there are lot of expectations from you in Dulha Mil Gaya, are you feeling the pressure? Not at all, when I do a film I always hope that it does well. What was your equation with newcomers Ishita and Mohit Chadha? Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj
runner up Mohit Chadha and debutant Ishita are all set to make a mark in
Bollywood. It has been a good How challenging is your role in Dulha Mil Gaya? The character is different from what everyone has seen me do before. Which other films are you looking forward to? Apart from remake of Qurbani, I am also producing two more untitled films in 2010. — Dharam Pal
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Tarot talk
Tarot advice: Donate 1 ¼ kg mustard oil at a religious place. TAURUS: 'The Knight of Pentacles' brings healing and attention to practical and earthy matters. Romance will be happy, good for looking up to an old flame. Some recent differences of opinion with a friend can be sorted out. Tarot advice: Donate green cloth to poor lady. GEMINI: You draw "Nine of Cups" if you feel a close one has got one up on you; don't get stuck in your feelings. Influential people will like your style. A financial matter that has been delayed should have forwarded now. Social activities that are offered will not be worth deal with attending. Tarot advice: Donate 5 kg sugar at religious place. CANCER: You drawn the "Tower card" this symbolises a setback in plans. This week will be marked only for lack of activity. Business will tick over smoothly enough. Hobbies are occupying. Tarot advice: Avoid yellow colour at parties. LEO: "The Queen of Cups" clouds your vision with emotions you have the space to be creative, poetic and artistic. Be particularly wary if dealing with property matters. Expensive plans will have to hold in check for the time being. Tarot advice: Recite this mantra on 7 Wednesday for 108 times. AUM BHU BUDHAYE NAMEH:
VIRGO: You
have drawn the Magician card. You might have some difficulty controlling
your emotions. Consider getting involved in charitable work. Agreements
that have been dragging on for sometime can be successfully negotiated. LIBRA: "Two of Wands" leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. You fulfill a heart's desire. Try to improve your overall financial situation. Women: avoid shrewdly unworthy companions during the second half. Improvement will continue in general health condition. Business matters are fairly well under control. Tarot advice: Donate 1 `BC kg wheat at place of worship. SCORPIO: "The Hanged Man" shows some decisive moments as well as surprises in store for you. No need to make any important move. Conditions are too weak at the moment to contemplate fresh operations. You should not be too critical of co-workers. Children can cause worry. Tarot advice: Donate building material at religious place. SAGITTARIUS: "The Four of Swords" sends a remarkable indication that now is the moment to achieve family happiness. The affairs of close companion are favoured on Wednesday. Aim at teamwork. A good week to mix business with pleasure. Romance is highlighted. Property dealers: avoid transaction on Friday. Tarot advice: Offer water to Tulsi. CAPRICORN: "The Nine of Pentacles" showers blessing on lovers. Work routines require adjustment. Do not give into lethargy. Emotional people may change their mind. Take a serious attitude to financial picture. Earnings can be increased if you try. Contracts offered to you are likely to be better than you expect. Tarot advice: Donate books to poor student. AQUARIUS: "Five of Cups" takes you through difficult speculative situation. The week is going to be rather slow; plan ahead. Take advantage of other people's experience. Health should be improved. Love life suffers because of your hectic schedule. Tarot advice: Keep a copper coin in pocket
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Life is a party, and trust; none would want to miss it. Even if it means sitting dazed in the front of a monitor in a swanky office, just waiting for the clock to be a little generous. And the minute we find any probability with time… the stylish shrug overtakes the long tweed coat, a silk or chiffon sequenced scarf finds place around the gorgeous neckline, bright dazzling pieces position elegantly on the arm and danglers let loose on the ears. Hey, it's time to throw away the office code, and slip into a party format with slight alterations here and there. From an office cubicle to a happening lounge that too in 10
minutes, we get for you some tips.
FUN Republic at Manimajra, the first multiplex cum mall that opened in the tricity attracted a number of people from the city as well as neighbouring states. Apart from cinemas what pulled the crowds to this mall was Mc Donald’s and Ruby
Tuesday.
To prove all those wrong who thought sardars cannot be models Amanpreet Singh, 3rd Year PEC student worked hard and was adjudged Mr. Photogenic in Mr. Singh International last November, his very first modelling assignment. Jack of all trades, Amanpreet has won a
National Gold medal in football and is doing pretty well academically.
ARIES: You
draw "Nine of Wands" which puts you through a touching and
transforming personal experience. A chance meeting can lead to permanent
relationship. Pay bills so that you can work out exactly where you stand
financially.
PISCES: You
draw "The Star" what you have been dreaming and wishing for has
come true in part. Tuesday could see you encountering some difficulties.
Relax; a Taurean friend will be helpful. Do not take your bad temper to
work. Teenagers: expect favour from superiors / parents. Tarot advice:
Offer mithi roti to cow.