On International Women's Day, Team Lifestyle honours a few city-based women who have made a difference

Kajol is favourite Bollywood dil, says poll

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Kajol who is married to actor Ajay Devgn for 11 years now, was voted the favourite ‘bahu’ (daughter-in law) in a poll conducted by matrimonial site shaadi.com. As part of the upcoming International Women’s Day celebrations on Monday, shaadi.com conducted a poll in which 250,000 women participated.

In the poll, 43.08 percent women said Kajol was their favourite Bollywood daughter-in-law. Besides Kajol, others vying for the position were Aishwarya Rai, Gauri Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora, Twinkle Khanna and Kiran Rao. “The women’s day poll is part of the constant research that shaadi.com conducts in its attempt to gauge the preferences of its members. The results show that today the women are looking to be more independent and are willing to adopt stronger roles in their life. They believe in themselves and aspire to emulate top achievers in their field,” said Gourav Rakshit, business head, shaadi.com. — IANS

She is best remembered as the ‘mast mast’ girl for her sensual moves, but Raveena Tandon, now a mother of two, says she has left her ‘jhatka-matkas’ behind and has signed two ‘tough and challenging’ films. “I really don’t think I will do the dancing type of movies with ‘jhatka-matkas’ any more.

Every actor goes through a phase and so did I. At that time, there were these dances that I used to be known for. But I’ve grown out of it. I like doing unconventional, serious and message-based cinema now,” said Raveena.

The 35-year-old, who was in the capital as a celebrity guest for the Good Housekeeping Show 2010, was earlier seen in a slew of commercial potboilers like Mohra and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. But later she chose to work in more serious cinema like Shool, Daman and Satta.

Raveena, who is married to film distributor Anil Thadani, took a break from movies to bring up her children. But she did appear as a judge on two reality shows.

The actress, who was last seen in Sandwich in 2006, has now signed two off-beat films. “I have signed two very tough and challenging films. One is based in Rajasthan - that’s a very strong, female-oriented film. The other is a bilingual made in Bengali and Hindi.

It’s by a Kolkata-based production company and is being directed by Raja Sen, who has won multiple National Awards,” Raveena said. The script of the bilingual movie The Laboratory is based on a story written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, she said.

“This is a story about a Sikh woman who gets married to a Bengali scientist, who dies soon. Then how, being an uneducated person, she educates herself and brings that whole laboratory of his husband back to life and fights culture differences is what makes the story. I, of course, play the Punjabi woman,” Raveena said.

In the Rajasthan-based untitled film too, the actress is playing an inspirational role. Without divulging much, she said: “This movie is about a woman’s fight against an age-old tradition that has been there in Rajasthan since years and which truly prevails till date in some of the backward areas there.

The story is about how she fights the social evil.” So are power women finally catching up in Bollywood? “Yes. In fact, power women on screen have been happening for some time now. At times there are glamorous roles that you want to be associated with and there are times when you want to be part of strong films like Shool and Satta (that) are equally important,” she said. — IANS

When social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have become an essential part of everyday life of many, can the Bollywood industry be far behind in using them to reach out to people? The social networks are the most happening places these days and the stars in the Hindi film industry have started using them as a promotional tool too for their films. So we have Aamir Khan chatting live on Facebook with his fans about his film 3 Idiots and Amitabh Bachchan playing card games to promote his film Teen Patti. “Promoting films via these sites are an attempt to attract the entertainment consuming audience between the age of 15 and 30. The youth of today is hooked on to social networking sites and this is the best way to reach them,” said Rahul Razdan, vice president, Communication & Gaming, Ibibo.

The site allows six players to play Teen Patti live simultaneously with Bachchan on a virtual table while sitting anywhere in India. According to Razdan, this act of promoting the film stands to benefit the site as well.“Teen Patti is an Indian card game which we had launched on our site few months ago. But when this film came along, the number of players went up by 100 per cent. When it is somebody like Mr Bachchan inviting the youngsters to play, traffic on the site definitely increases,” Razdan.

Alongwith Ibibo, other sites like Bigadda and Zapak are also making a mark in marketing Bollywood movies. —PTI 

For Ustand Vilayat Khan, music is a liberating experience

Music is a rare commodity, its consumption even rarer. No need to double check, we are not talking about the music that sells, it’s the music that excels in its own being. Sufi, Raagi, Kirtan, connecting to the soul, transformed into another world, it’s not just listening but living it. Music is, to each his own. Try confine it to words of expression, call it meditation or a profession, the definition still remains incomplete. “Eh tan yaari hai, nothing beyond that stands.” 

This is how Ustad Vilayat Khan Raagi understands it. The 90-year-old maestro, one of the last remaining bearers of the dhadhi tradition and one of the finest singers of the twentieth century, sees nothing more in music than the ruhani sukoon. Recently been awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy award for his excellence in one of the oldest folk tradition of dhadhi, he feels excited, not for the award but for being God’s favourite all his life. “For me it’s always been two things in life I lived for, truth and God. If you like my honesty then I’ll feel honoured, if you don’t, I’ll still be saying it.” Ask him about his music and he defines its elements to you, “First came the raag, then ishq and then came majaji.”

Spiritually enlightened yet an activist, Vilayat Khan is a master of the ancient tradition of akhad? and follows the lineage of known dhadhis like Kashi Ram, Munshi Ram, Daya Ram. Singing vaars or martial ballads, performing at mazaars of saints and festivals, with his son Ustad Babu Khan and uncle Gurnaam Singh and accompanied by his son-in-law Gulzar Mohammed Mishra, who is also known as Sheetal Mishra Gurmawale, he has performed at various national and international festivals. His eyes having the same youthful fierceness and conviction, even at 90. “Listening him perform today, I am reminded of the same categorical statement etched in my mind when I heard him for the first time 17 years ago. He is just not a folk artist but a source of vernacular knowledge par excellence with his interpretation of the religious texts, poetic verses and social criticism,” says Bhai Baldeep Singh, member of the executive board of academy and the one to nominate Ustad Vilayat Khan Raagi for the award.

Vilayat Khan Ragi is revered for his singing of kaliñ, varñ and rajputñ-de-sakke. His extraordinary repertoire includes Heer, Puran Bhagat, Mirza, Malki, Dulla, Kaulñ, Raja Rasallu, Dahud Badshah, Amar Singh Rathore, Prithvi Singh Rathor and Sassi. Coming from a small village near Malerkotla, his journey was never easy. “I have sung for non-stop-nine hours, in the scorching sun without drinking even a drop of water. It was like a devotion, a sadhna for me. The rest was my guru’s sikhiya,” he says. Ask him if he understands the Punjabi music scene today and he replies, “Kuch majnu si Kheer de, ik Majnu si laila da. Materialism never caught my fancy, my soul did.” And we are not surprised at the statement as the truth and conviction with which it was made was rare too.

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Bibi Gurdev Kaur releases her devotional album

Punjab Art Council in collaboration with Sikh Nari Manch, organised an award ceremony on Saturday in which special attraction regarding role of Chandigarh’s empowered women and contribution of Indian women in foreign activities was highlighted. The DVD Cassette So kao manda akhia by Bibi Gurdev Kaur, OBE UK, was released and she was honoured for being historian and social activist. In addition, a telefilm on women empowerment named Sangharsh by Creative Vision Films was screened. Poster by upcoming writer Sumit Mayar was also released.

The release ceremony was attended by the renowned singer Dolly Guleria, Harjinder Kaur Chairperson ,Punjab Arts Council, Lalit Joshi, Chairperson, Social Welfare board and Dr. Amar Jyoti from Holland. Anu Chatrath Mayor Chandigarh, Former Mayor Kamala Sharma and Kamlesh presided over the function. This was followed by special impressions by Rama Rattan, Kuldip Tiwana and Sadhna Sangar from the field of Art and Literature. It was a noble function in which women from various walks of life gathered at one platform to encourage women to work for a new social set up. The DVD So kao manda akhia’ was also screened at Gurduwara Sector 34, Chandigarh. 

Increasing stress and work pressure are leading to strokes early in life. The good news is you can avoid these

What we see might not be the actual picture always. In spite of the fact people are increasingly becoming fitness conscious, they work out, eat healthy, resort to yoga and meditation for better stress management, a recently conducted study by researchers of the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute suggests otherwise. The study has concluded, "The number of youngsters suffering from strokes have gone up as compared to the older people. Also there is an increase of 7.3 per cent in 2005 from 4.5 in mid nineties in stroke patients."

The situation is not very different back in India too. High-pressure jobs, cutthroat competition to perform better, unhealthy eating habits and several other reasons account for the current scenario. Dr. Harinder Bali, director, Cardiology Department, Fortis says, "The trend began in India 15 years back with the emergence of the corporate sector. The percentage of youngsters suffering from stroke has increased by a huge 15 per cent in this time period." The most vulnerable age group is of those in 40's and early 50's.

The average age of stroke patients in Chandigarh as Dr. Neeraj Khurana, associate professor, Department of Neurology, PGI, says is 53 years. He adds that the situation India is graver than the US, where the study has been conducted. "The stroke rate is much higher in India as there is lack of awareness. People exercise and follow a healthy diet just to look better and fit. They aren't aware that the two factors also increases the resistance towards stroke." To create awareness Dr. Khurana approached the cafes in the city, where the young client is maximum, "But the response from cafes wasn't positive. The severity of the problem has not been realised yet." Most likely to suffer a stroke are regular smokers, alcohol and drug addicts. "A stroke is caused by the thickening of blood. Fast food, any form of addiction and physical inactivity cause the blood to form coagulation inside the arteries." People generally presume that work out will make up for the fast food, which is a misnomer and equally unhealthy.

Dr. Bali informs that certain studies based on the city people suggest that every alternate person suffers from high blood pressure after the age of 40. Also 12 per cent people above the age of 40 have life threatening high levels of cholesterol. "It is during this phase that people begin to develop health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension, which if not taken seriously can lead to a stroke," adds he.

He doesn't reject the fact people have started modifying their life style, "Though it can't be vouched for, a reverse trend is expected in the next few years, if people continue to lead a healthy life."

A stroke can also be the result of stress and work pressure taken in the young age. Dr. Yashpal Sharma, additional professor, Cardiology, PGI says, "High levels of stress at the young age can show the adverse effects after a few years. One blood clots begin to form, their size increases at a very rapid pace." No time to be complacent!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Size matters but 'big' is certainly not cool. Particularly so when it comes to the physique. Bulkiness, obesity and fatness mars personality besides being a cause of many ailments. Be it a man or a woman, big (read obese) is looked down upon in this era where lean is in and size zero is in vogue.While morbid obesity (extreme obesity), where individuals weigh over 140 kgs, was earlier a trait with burger, pizza and beer guzzling Americans, many Indians too are now falling prey to it. And Punjabis, incidentally, happen to be on the top of the chart of obese Indians.

As per the National Family Health Survey data, Punjabis rank first in order of percentage of people who are overweight or obese. And surprisingly Punjabi women are beating their male counterparts in this race with 37.5 per cent obese women as compared to 30.3 percent men.

Obesity, which was the number one killer in the US in 2004, is mainly an urban phenomenon in India. The most common factors include genetic predisposition, environmental changes, lack of exercise and behavioural changes.

This disease comes brings with it other diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis and hypertension, which are causing serious complications and heartattacks in people as young as 30. In India especially, abdominal obesity is more prevalent.

Dr Rajinder Singh, head of general surgery department of PGI, says, "For any person who is overweight, a change in lifestyle, reduction in food intake and increase in exercise can help control the problem. But regular workouts and medication will not result in sustained weight loss in case of a morbid obese person. Often such people are incapable of exercising. For them, bariatric surgery, a form of minimal invasive surgery, can be useful to reduce weight as well as related risks of other diseases."

Explaining the technique, which was earlier available in foreign countries only, Dr Singh says this surgery has now been available at PGI. Almost five surgeries have been conducted so far. The surgery which is known as gastric bypass surgery is done to reduce the stomach size, thereby controlling food intake.

Different from liposuction, it is not performed for cosmetic reasons, but only in cases where medically advised. At PGI, the surgery cost Rs 1 lakh while in private hospital it cost Rs 4 to 5 lakh.

anujaj@tribunemail.com

You just wanted to lose a little weight, so you started dieting. Then dieting became an obsession. And, now all you think about is food, either you don't eat or eat too much or you eat and then throw up your food. Food has become the sole controlling factor in your life.

In a culture where thinness is equated with physical attractiveness and also success and happiness, nearly everyone has dealt with issues regarding the effect their weight and body shape can have on their self-image. However eating disorders are not about dieting or vanity; they are complex psychological disorders in which an individual's eating patterns are developed; and then habitually maintained, in an attempt to cope with other problems in their life.

Each year more and more people are falling prey to serious eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating or compulsive overeating and bulimia nervosa. Left untreated, the emotional, psychological and physical consequences can be devastating, even fatal. Eating disorders know no class, cultural or gender boundaries and can effect just about anyone, from any walk of life.

Females, however, have been more susceptible to eating disorders as this new age seems to demand perfection from them.

For a long time eating disorders were thought of as a purely female problem but with changing times men too are facing similar issues. With the recent boom of magazines, ads and other media featuring 'the perfect male body' boys and men are starting to fall under the media driven pressures, something women have been dealing with for the past 50 years.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA: It is an extremely dangerous and life threatening eating disorder in which a person intentionally deprives himself or herself of food and can literally starve to death in an attempt to be what they consider 'thin'. They have a distorted body image of themselves and see themselves as fat, even if they are emaciated. The disorder involves extreme weight loss; at least 15 per cent below the ideal weight and refusal to maintain bodyweight that is normal for their weight and height. They experience a fear of food as they think food will make them fat.

Symptoms

PHYSIOLOGICAL

 Weight loss often in a short period of time.

l Cessation of menstruation in women and loss of libido in men.

l Paleness in complexion.

l Complaints of feeling cold/ low body temperature. Dizziness and fainting spells/ low blood pressure.

l Bone mineral loss leading to osteoporosis

l Irregular heart beat which can lead to cardiac arrest.

l Loss of muscle and body fat.

l Hair loss.

l Dry skin.

BEHAVIORAL

l Restricted eating, severe dieting, fasting and vegetarianism.

l Odd food rituals and food combinations.

l Avoidance of social functions where food might be present.

l Compulsive exercise.

l Dressing in layers to hide weight loss or keep warm.

l Distortion of body image.

l Intensive fear of becoming fat, irrespective of low weight.

l Use of laxatives, enemas and diuretics.

ATTITUDE SHIFTS

l Mood shifts / depression / anxiety.

l Perfectionist attitude.

l Self worth determined by food intake.

l Social isolation.

BULIMIA NERVOSA: People who have bulimia nervosa routinely binge consuming large amounts of food in a very short period of time and purge immediately afterwards, ridding their bodies of the just eaten food by self-inducing vomiting, taking enemas, abusing laxatives and other medications. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems like depressions, anxiety disorders, heart damage, dental damage and all parts of the digestive system.

Symptoms

PHYSIOLOGICAL

l Person may be under, normal or over weight.

l Swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks or broken vessels under the eyes.

l Sore throat.

l Fatigue and muscle ache.

l Unexplained tooth decay.

l Frequent weight fluctuations.

l Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, and in some case cardiac arrest.

l Tears of esophagus.

l Dehydration.

l Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis.

l Abrasion on back of hands and knuckles.

BEHAVIORAL

l Secretive eating.

l Avoidance of social situations where food might be present.

l Self-disgust when too much has been eaten.

l Visits to a washroom after meals.

l Use of diet pills.

l Rigid and harsh exercise regimes.

l Bingeing that may alternate with fasting.

l Preoccupation and constant talk about food and weight.

l Vomiting and laxative use.

l Shoplifting.

ATTITUDE SHIFTS

l Mood shifts including depression, sadness, guilt and self hate.

l Severe self-criticism.

l The need for approval.

l Self-worth determined by weight.

l Feeling out of control.

BINGE EATING / COMPULSIVE EATING DIORDER: The essential features of this disorder are recurrent, out-of-control episodes of consuming abnormally large amounts of food. People with this disorder eat whether they are hungry or not and continue eating well past being uncomfortably full. They usually eat to feed their emotions such as stress, anger and depression. When they do not eat the food they crave, they often suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms

PHYSIOLOGICAL

l Weight related hypertension and fatigue.

l Weight gain.

l High cholesterol.

l Diabetes.

l Heart disease.

BEHAVIORAL

l Bingeing.

l Restriction of activities because of embarrassment about weight.

l Going from one diet to the next.

l Eating small amounts in public while maintaining a high weight.

l Hiding food.

ATTITUDE SHIFTS

l Feelings about self, based on weight and control of eating.

l Fantasising about being thin and better quality of life there on.

l Depression.

l Guilt and shame.

Many people suffer from weight and food issues, which impact their lives but as their problems do not fall under any above category, they are not considered suffering from clinical food disorder.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com