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Last walk at Sukhna
Romantic rides, refreshing walks and a swarming crowd of humanity will now be a history at the Sukhna Lake. In fact, the lake is all set to enter history books.
In a landmark decision, which will have widespread ramifications, the government has in principle decided to do away with the 'Pride of Chandigarh'. "No one needs the lake, which needs desilting every alternate week," remarked a top functionary at the Housing Board for the Rich and Famous. The lake is going to be blown dry (machines are coming from Japan) and in its place will come up a mini-Burj Dubai, which will have super luxury apartments for the elite, commercial suites and multiple shopping arcades. There will be a private cricket stadium near the high-rise, which at 495m would be the tallest in Asia. Top Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, cricketers masterblaster Sachin Tendulkar, soccer star Christiano Ronaldo and business tycoons Mittals and Chatwals have evinced keen interest in the 89-storey project. "Any city is known by its residents. We'll have a special chopper parking, a hangar and helipads to accommodate needs of the super rich who, in turn, would straightaway airlift Chandigarh from tier II to tier I status," said a highly placed source from New Delhi, pleading anonymity. The move seems to be inspired from city's lowly position (14th) in the latest national liveability index survey. However, it has sent shockwaves among the lake aficionados. The president of Joggers Hoppers Club, Sudhir Vinod, a regular at the lake for the past 42 years, suffered a near cardiac arrest when he was told about the project. The lovebirds frequenting the lake are equally dejected. "There's hardly any safe haven left for cuchi-coo. We can't be getting caught every time on date. Lake offered an excellent shield," rued a cupid- struck college-goer. Lake lovers are holding a candle light vigil at the mini lake in Sector 42 to 'Save Sukhna' tomorrow evening at 6 pm. If the 'lake sorrow' was not enough, the babus have made up their mind to deepen the north-south divide. A 10-foot high wall will run parallel to the Madhya Marg dividing the city into two halves. "The two areas are so different. We have less crime, better roads and far better sense of dressing than the southerners. We don't want to share our space with them," said a snobbish socialite. The wall will have a barbed wire fence and full body scanners at special entry and exit gates. Even the stray animals would be issued identification badges notifying their territory. Adolf White, a German, living in the city since 1989, lamented: "We had the Wall there, now we would have a wall here. It's a great shame. I am disillusioned." However, there's some glee amid gloom. To instil a sense of pride ¾ which has hit rock after the survey report ¾ amongst the denizens, the state-run Image Control Wing has sprung into action, reviving the 'Proud to be a Chandigarhian' campaign. Starting tomorrow, free community lunches will be offered every day at Sector 17 piazza for a week, where catering would be provided by the flagship SITCO hotels. Locals can show their voter-ID cards to enjoy the sumptuous seven-course buffet. The wing would also be distributing T-shirts with interesting slogans like "I'm a gerian", "Surviving on butter chicken", on the occasion. Meanwhile, the special squad of CPD has scotched a major plan to 'sink the city into stink' by arresting dreaded don 'Cuckoo Bhaiyya'. He was caught along with two aides and a truckload of cooked and uncooked eggs near the south city border. "Cuckoo is in pink of health. He was eating only egg whites and dumping the cholesterol-laden yellow portion into city drains to choke them," said a medical officer. "Not only we have caught a notorious criminal but also foiled an attack on city's essential services," said a beaming Wangtu Wangroo, who was leading the operation. The city had its 'shining moment' with a UT scribe bagging the Pulitzer trophy for Breaking News Reporting. (He has unearthed Sector 13 in Chandigarh. Details are awaited.) The name has been withheld till the official announcement is made, confirmed top
sources. (And for the real shocker, look at this) |
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In the city, Konkona Sen Sharma gets candid on choices she makes Do you read what is written about you in magazines or newspapers? A question that stems out of curiosity and the knowledge gathered about Konkona Sen Sharma in bits and pieces. And the answer, well, a pretty much-expected one. "Even if I want to, I often find it boring. I don't feel the interviews are representative of me. I am misquoted and they read as if they were written about someone else, not about me," Konkona candidly puts it across. We will buy this, for the statement comes from the actor who does not flaunt her diamonds (we are not sure she even likes them or not) as big as an ice cube, or walks like a mermaid in 'some' hi-flying designer wear, at some glitterati party, posing muuah muaah with some socialites. Ironically, she has seen all this and more already. (Read her movie Page 3.) Whatever you make of Konkona as a person from the lines above, it doesn't really matter to her (not that she cares two hoots), but the actor has a different way of looking at things. "I do what I want to. I don't do what other people want me to do." Another candid confession from the girl who has no qualms in talking what she is and what she isn't. "I am not one of those people who live a role 24X7. I am in the character during the shoot, but after it I am back to myself. Even if there is something like 'living the character all the time, it could be on a sub- conscious level," shares the actor who is known for the wee different choice of roles and cinema like Wake Up Sid, Mr and Mrs Iyer, Dil Kabaadi. 'Different', the word strikes, yet gels beautifully with Konkona. Different approach to life, different way at looking cinema; different way of treating theatre. But first, it is roles with a difference that draw in our interest. Says Konkona, "See, I have to like the subject. I need to see if the script is good, irrespective of the genre, whether it is scary, funny or drama. If there is a role that satisfies me, and if I can put my trust on the director, then I am in for the movie. For sure, it has to appeal to me first that anyone else," she asserts. Does this explain her touch and miss 'hard core' commercial camaraderie. "Audiences like some movies more than others. For instance, I did Aitithi Tum Kab Jaoge, a funny movie, and I knew that the audiences would like something like it. As I already mentioned, I have to like it before, view of others is secondary." How does this explain her liking for theatre? It is better we let her answer it, candidly of course. "I don't think 'liberating experience' can describe why I do theatre. It is kind of thrilling, like I get in films," Konkona sums up. jasminesingh@tribunemail.com
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Bonding
with D
Actor Anjana Sukhani, who plays a
middleclass girl in romantic comedy Tum Milo To Sahi, had a gala
time bonding with veteran actors like Dimple Kapadia and Nana
Patekar." Dimple never made us feel that she is a senior actress.
She
was more like a friend, a teenager at heart. I did not call ma'am. I
would call her D. She is very bubbly, sophisticated and classy all at
the same time," Anjana said. The 'Bobby' actress has united with
Patekar after 16 years for the movie. They were last seen together in
1994' film 'Krantiveer'. Talking about Nana, who is known for his angry
image in the media, Anjana said the actor was the joker on the sets and
did funny things to ensure a laugh after a hectic day of shooting. Directed by Kabir Sadanand and produced by Nikhil Panchammiya,
the film is about three couples played by Dimple Kapadia-Nana Patekar,
Suniel Shetty-Vidya Malvade and Anjana Sukhani-Rehan Khan. Anjana, who
was last seen in Mahesh Bhatt's film Jashn, plays one of the
youngest couple in the movie alongside Rehan Khan. "My character
suffers from inferiority complex and tries to project herself as
someone, who is rich," says Anjana. "I identified with the
character because when I was in school I also used to pretend that I
have this and that. I guess these things are big in middleclass,"
she adds. The actress, who has worked in hit comedy Golmaal Returns,
will also sport a grunge look for the movie. "I have a very grunge
look in the movie. It is completely different. She is nice girl at heart
but at the same time someone who breaks the norm and thinks
out-of-the-box. I had lots of arguments with my director on my
looks," says Anjana. After her stint in Golmaal Returns,
Anjana is keen to do more comedy but she does not want to repeat herself
as an actor. "What I would really love is to lots of comedy.
Romantic comedy is something that is really close to my heart. But I
think one should keep challenging oneself. I don't want to do same kind
of cinema," she says. Anjana will next be seen playing the lead
opposite Sharman Joshi in Allah Ke Bande, a gritty film about
juvenile crime in India. "It is Sharman's first gray role. I am
playing the lead opposite him. It is based on juvenile crime and deals
with what happens to the youngsters when they go to these jails and how
it changes their life," says Anjana. — PTI
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"I am a Mumbai boy, so I am supporting Mumbai Indians," Sanjay said. He appeared on the show in his unique Game Master avatar that he has donned for the new Pepsi ad. "Fantastic experience to be right here in the studio. I do follow a lot of cricket not only now, ever since I was small. I love cricket," he added. Asked how prepared was he to talk cricket on the show, he said: "Today, I didn't get much to talk about cricket, but if god wishes I would be sitting there as guest and talking about cricket. "Sanjay has teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor in Pepsi's new interactive ad The Game and says he enjoys working with the young actor." I didn't shoot much with Ranbir as yet. Only two shot we have finished. Ranbir is like my younger brother. I loved to see him on the set with me. I have seen him growing and today I am working with him. It's fantastic," said Sanjay. He also said that he maintains a good rapport with the Kapoor family. "Our families are close to each other since Rajji (Raj Kapoor). My mother had worked in K Films for many, many years... for so many films. So the bonding in family came right from there and it has continued for so many generations now." Asked about the secret behind his weight loss, he said: "I am following the no salt and no carbohydrate diet. I want to get back in shape now." — IANS
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Material Girls
The Material Girl hit-maker who recently announced plans she was working on a juniors clothing line, admits Lourdes is a huge fan of fashion and gets inspiration from her outfits, Access Hollywood reported. "It's weird because my closet doesn't really have that much of that look so she's somehow figured out a way to do it on her own... thrift shops and taking bits and pieces from her favourite stores... stealing stuff from my closet and she creates this look that is her own, but also influenced by the early '80s and the way that I used to dress, so I think it's in the DNA," Madonna said. The 51-year-old singer's daughter is helping her on her Material Girl clothing range, which will hit the stores in September. "When she chooses her own wardrobe for when she's going out or going to school or whatever, I have a lot of input, but when it comes to designing the line it's pretty much her point of view," Madonna said. "The most fun is when Lourdes comes into the room and takes over and pulls out all of her favourite stuff and starts going through the racks and just takes over. I just sit on the conference table and watch and let her do the work - it's nice, it's refreshing," she added.
— PTI |
After winning her first
Filmfare Award, the Bollywood actor has now joined the elite club of
speakers at the prestigious Wharton School in the US.
The 32-year-old
actor was invited to the ivy league institution to be part of the 14th
Wharton India Economic Forum, and spoke about the globalisation of
mainstream Indian cinema. "Vidya spoke on how mainstream Indian
cinema is going global in every way possible as international production
houses including Warner Brothers and Disney are producing Indian films.
Indian movies being watched in over 90 countries and are consistently
recognised across international film festivals," said a source
close to the actor. Balan was part of a panel that discussed the
achievements, shortcomings and future prospects of the Indian film
industry as it scales new global heights. Others on the panel included
Anil Kapoor, Shankar Mahadevan and Namit Malhotra. The actress' career
is on a high after hits like Paa and Ishqiya and she is
currently working on Chenab Gandhi and No One Killed Jessica.
— PTI
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Fooling around
Shhh! Don't make a noise about it. Don't make them conscious. Let them be foolish and let their quality be appreciated. Not everyone is blessed, not everyone has a day dedicated to them since the past eight centuries. To the few lucky ones, we wish a very Happy Fool's Day. The competition has become tougher in the recent past, with more people joining the 'elite club'. In a bid to know who tops the list and is a genuine fool, we ask people Brand driven
One & all
Sixth sense
RJ Gagan: Beauty and good looks doesn't ensure the presence of brains. Most of the celebs I come across lack the sixth sense. The pancake and glamour shroud their foolishness. But one celeb I find really smart is Rakhi Sawant. She might be a loud-mouth, but 'madam controversy' knows how to grab media attention. Foolish are the people who consider her foolish; she knows how to play well with her cards and clothes. Blind faith
Make & break
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Foolproof pranks!
Come on guys, who wants to have some fun here? There are 13, 681 sites guiding you on April 1 pranks, tricks, gags…search a bit, rack your brains, consult some friends, but be original. Tricks and smirks go together. A well-executed prank makes for bagsful of memories. — Manpriya Khurana |
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What a pair!
Suryakamal brings Preetiji; that is, the small screen couple from Imagine's Do Hanson Ka Jodaa, into the city. So what does Do Hanson Ka Jodaa actually supposed to be? "They say that such a pair is not seasonal and they actually meet after a lot of difficulty, and after they meet, they can never stay away from each other," says Shubhangi Atre, who plays Preetiji. That more than alludes to the story line. A young girl who dreams of a marriage like they show in showbiz. Destiny intercedes and she lands up with an ordinary looking commoner. She adds, "They are totally opposites but then it's about how they slowly come together and how looks are not always that important." Apparently, that sounded a lot like Shah Rukh Khan's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Clarifies Shaleen Bhanot, aka Suryakamal, "The similarity in the characters is that both are simple and sober. But apart from that story and characters differ a lot. The concept too is totally different." From then on, it's a story of mismatched couple turning their marriage into a perfect union. Continuing with the comparisons, so how similar or clashing are the onscreen and off screen personalities? Shares Shaleen, "Somwhere, everyone has a Suryakamal in them. No matter how brand conscious or image conscious a guy may be, at the end of the day he wants a simple, decent, and down to earth life partner." He adds, "Internally also I'm a lot like him. I am from a small town, Jabalpur, and rush back home after finishing work." However, he adds, "But yes, I speak a little more than him and am scared a little less than him." While we are at differences, his first stint on silver screen was as varied as it gets. In the reality show Roadies. "I was in Roadies Season 2 and that is the reason I'm here in front of you. In those days, we didn't have elimination concept as part of the show. Everyone reached till the end." Anyways, back to Shubhangi with the same query and she says, "My character is also very similar to me. Because there's a Preeti in every girl, as every girl dreams of her life partner and how he should be, what he should look like. But yes, these days in metros girls and boys are quite practical and they aren't very dreamy, sensitive or touchy about things." But isn't depicting realism the larger domain of parallel cinema, leaving the make-believe world for daily soaps. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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What's brewing?
Hindustan Unilever Ltd has launched 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand'- tea with vitamins. The idea behind the launch is to help check vitamin deficiency, which is predominant in India.
Using a breakthrough coating technology, 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand' guarantees vitamins in every cup that will help combat micronutrient deficiencies and in turn provide affordable option to better health for the family.
The launch comes in the face of critical challenges that India faces in eradicating micronutrient deficiency - over 200 million undernourished people, the largest in any one country; more than 1/3 of men and women suffering from chronic nutritional deficiencies and 60 per cent of the population facing vitamin intake gaps. Says Shrijeet Mishra, Executive Director, Food & Beverages, Hindustan Unilever Limited: "The primary reason to introduce 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand' is to allow people to have access to a healthier and affordable product. While they may not always be able to afford or consume a nutritious diet, they do tend to have their daily cup of tea. And this is where 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand' fits in - it gives 50 per cent RDA of important B vitamins through three cups of tea. Vitamins help in the proper functioning of your immune system and protect your family from common illnesses". 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand' would be priced at Rs 20 for a 100 gm pack and Rs 39 for a 200 gm pack. Malnutrition has serious longterm consequences because it impedes physical and mental development. As many as 70 per cent of India's population does not meet its daily requirement of micronutrients. What is alarming is that many communities in urban as well as rural areas are not even aware of the causes and health manifestations of micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies. In light of these and other issues, 'Brooke Bond Sehatmand' is a firm step forward in providing the masses means to better health.
— TNS |
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On wings of fantasy
If dreaming be the food of success, dream on…but get out of the fantasy world to turn your dreams into reality, say the experienced
People swear that a flight of fancy can lead you to unimaginable (pun intended) heights. "It's our fantasies that make us individuals otherwise all humans would be same. Take any achiever be a scientists, an Olympian or business honcho, they all somewhere had a dream to reach the heights they attained," says author and jurist Ravi Sodhi. "As long as one has the willingness to work for making fantasies come true, we are good," he adds. "Everything starts with a thought and then an image," says Viney Vadhera, a painter and a contemporary mask-maker. "Imagination is not only an artists territory, it is equally important for the common man." "Day-dreaming or imagining is not a waste of time. Imagining things is part of children's way to relate to the world. Children having imaginary friends is also considered normal. As we grow older, reality overcomes our imagination," says Dr Simmi Waraich, a consultant psychiatrist from the city. "Yet everyone has a fantasy world. While some are more into it, others have more hands-on approach," she adds. "Fantasies help one set goals, be it in professional or personal life. They enter our subconscious, make an image that we try to achieve," she says. "However, it's more practical to visualise our goals, put on paper and make a plan to achieve them as well," she advises. Shreerupa Parasrampuria, director, Make A Wish, Delhi, which works to fulfill wishes of children with life-threatening diseases says, "Children who come to us have special wishes, sometimes ranging from simple colouring set to the aspiration of being a model. Helping and assisting them achieve their dreams is not only a satisfying experience for us but also lifts the gloom from their life, giving them strength to fight back," "Children's dreams are innocent and pious but unfortunately by constant media exposure we are robbing them of that," says Savitri Cheniya, who has taught children for 36 years. "Single- child norm makes children mature before time and they start dreaming about things that adults aspire for. Not being able to fulfill them might be detrimental for them," she says. "Fantasies can set the course for our future goals and also provide a safe haven in stressful situations," says city-based sociologist Ranjay Vardhan. "As long as we come out of the fool's paradise and work towards the goals, all is well," he signs off. mona@tribunemail.com
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at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd Give life a direction I am a 32-year-old struggling artist who has lived the life of an idealist throughout. While I am painting and drawing, I come alive but this is short-lived because the harsh realities of life mean bills to be paid. I have held many jobs as a salesman, I have even run a florists shop, but none of these things have satisfied me. Somehow I feel so tired by the end of the day that there is no time to indulge in my passion. I really feel like giving up a normal ordinary 9-5 job and feel good about myself, marry a simple girl and settle down. Is life worth the struggle? Please guide. Sukhinder, Jallandhar Life is always worth the struggle if you know what you want. It is only when you are not sure of yourself that you start looking for wondering about your own sense of direction. Did you grow up hearing that artists barely make a square living? Sometimes these negative messages leave an indelible impression on our mind, which creates a whole negative pattern within us. You should thank God for your creative talents. How many people are so blessed? Just be sure of yourself, give up the struggle within. There is plenty for everyone in this world. Make your life joyful by trying to enjoy every moment of it. As you see yourself opening to life your direction and will shall definitely get stronger. Anger management
I am a married man of 32 years of age. I have a 2-year-old daughter and a very attractive wife. I have an extremely jealous nature. I work as a computer engineer and all the while at work. I worry about what she must be doing at home. I rush home in the evening hoping she is not away from the house. I am disturbed all the time with this feeling of insecurity. If I do not find her at home, I get abusive when I see her later in the evening. I feel bad later on but for that moment I can't control my temper. Now I am worried that she might leave me. I love her very much and cannot bear to be without her. How do I change my situation? Gaurav Shrivastava,
Panchkula You are only reflecting your of own level of insecurity by behaving the way you are. Perhaps as a child you were competing for the love and affection of your parents with your siblings. So, now you want all their attention and love to be focused on you. Please do not suffocate her in the relationship as love is not about being possessive it is about allowing the person to feel free. Trust me, she will love and respect you much more if you give her this feeling. Your fears really seem to be getting the better of you and will mess with other aspects of your life also. Learn to control your anger and this can be done by doing yoga and meditation. Once the mind is calm it can think with more clarity also it is more capable of behaving in the right fashion. Fear is actually a lack of trust in ourselves. When you can't control something you feel fearful. Trust in the power inside of you and have faith that your wife loves you and will not leave you. Once you reach out to her with love and no aggression, she will also reach out to you with love. Fear is the limitation of your mind. Just cross your limiting boundaries and watch life open up and become beautiful. Love triangle
I am 16 and in a relationship for the past one and a half years but in between I met this other guy. First we were good friends but before I knew it, I realised I was already in a relationship. We broke up but it is impossible for me to live without my boyfriend and the other one is serious about me. But now I broke my boyfriends trust and he doesn't behave with me as he used to behave earlier. I can't live without him. Please help. Nupur Sharma,
Chandigarh You seem to have got your life extremely complicated for one so young. Take a chill pill. How can you start feeling so seriously involved in two relationships? I can understand how confusing it can get. You are at an age when you are emotionally peaking on relationships from a new perspective. Spend some time with yourself. Try and stabilise yourself emotionally within and give it a serious thought. You have a long life ahead of you with much more happening in life than just relationships. See which boy appeals to you more. |
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Imagination determines the course of life
Driving force
Harbans Singh,
Ambala Cantt Escape route
Palka Sood,
Chandigarh Learning process
Manju Garg,
Mohali
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Long live matrimony!
Married men are likely to live longer because they are forced by their wives to visit the doctor more regularly than their bachelor counterparts, claims a new study. The study, to be presented at the Royal Economic Society's annual conference at the University of Surrey, found that married men, being nagged by their wifes, were six per cent more likely to visit the doctor than single men. Shedding new light on the benefits of marriage, the study also found that couples in committed relationships are more likely to do regular exercise, adding years to their lives, the Daily Mail reported. Hendrik Schmitz, of Germany's Ruhr Graduate School in Economics, who conducted the study, said the findings showed the wide range of benefits of being in a long-term relationship. Schmitz said: "If a woman goes to the doctor, the likelihood of her partner also visiting the doctor increases by six percentage points. "But if the man visits the doctor, this does not seem to affect the woman's behaviour. An individual who is in a relationship usually wants the partner in good health because they care for them." The researchers found that women were 34 per cent more likely to keep fit through regular exercise in a relationship, while men were 20 per cent more likely to go out for a run once a week if they were married. But women were just as likely to go to the doctor if they were single or married. Researchers argue that the findings suggest health authorities should target campaigns towards single men aiming at getting them to visit their doctors. — PTI
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Blood ties
Relationship: Father-daughter Time together: 19 years Same to same: Fun loving, similar tastes in dressing, perfumes and food (love spicy stuff) Yet different: I love to play golf in spare time whereas Amreen likes swimming and reading. She loves dogs whereas I can't stand them. — Jotinder Singh Sekhon Funny take: I love to imitate dad and trust me I am pretty good at it. — Amreen Something special: We both are god-fearing and believe that humans are god's messengers on the earth. So we are ever ready to help others. Unforgettable moment: In 2003 during a short trip to Kasauli, I was coming down from a slope and was almost about to fall from the hill when dad caught me. The very thought scares me still. — Amreen I cannot forget the year 2000 when my wife was operated for brain tumour in the US. That seven-hour surgery period was scary. - Jotinder Singh Sekhon Looking forward to: I am ready with a long list of things to be shopped in the US during summer holidays. — Amreen Hope Amreen excels in her exams. — Jotinder Singh Sekhon Wishful Thinking: I wish dad luck, health and long life. — Amreen I wish Amreen makes a mark in the world. — Jotinder Singh Sekhon (Jotinder Singh Sekhon is an advocate and Amreen is pursuing graduation) — As told to Mona If you want to feature here, please email at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or mail at Bond Wagon, Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh, along with a photograph and contact number. Lifestyle invites responses from readers on the following issue:
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Sandra Bullock won't adopt Jesse James' kids. Hollywood actor Sandra Bullock's spokesperson has denied reports that the Oscar winning actor is planning to adopt estranged husband Jesse James' children. "There are no plans, nor have there ever been any plans for Sandra Bullock to adopt any of Jesse James' children," Bullock's spokesperson says. Bullock walked out on James in early March after tattoo model Michelle McGee went public claiming she romanced the married reality star for 11 months, including a period when Bullock was shooting The Blind Side on location. A string of other women have since come forward with allegations of affairs with James. The TV mechanic's ex-wife, Janine Lindemulder, spoke out after the scandal broke, insisting she wanted Bullock to remain close to her daughter Sunny. "If Sandra decides to keep a relationship going with our daughter Sunny, I would in no way stop that. Sunny loves Sandy and vice versa," Lindemulder had said. Lindemulder's comments sparked speculation that the actress was preparing a bid to legally adopt James' daughter, as well as his two other children from a previous relationship, but Bullock's spokesperson has slammed the rumour. — IANS
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Latest Avatar Australian actor Sam Worthington, who played the lead character of a paraplegic marine Jake Sully in Avatar, is confident that a sequel will follow. Worthington said that director James Cameron's will to make a second movie. "The deal was if we made a billion dollars we'd grab the manpower and undertake the job. Well, we've made about USD 2.6 billion at the moment, we're definitely going back," the actor said. Worthington believes that Avatar has raised expectations and Cameron would not deliver anything sub-standard. "The boss, Jim Cameron, he's not just going to make it for the sake of it. He always wants the challenge, he always wants to push the envelope and raise the bar and I think audiences will demand that of Avatar 2 and when he finds the challenge that's when we go back to work," the actor said. — PTI
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Up & down the memory lane
We seem to make memories what we want them to make us seem. It is easy to be all tall and proper and revel in the warmth of old childhood joint family memories, eating mangoes, picking heavy mattresses and carrying them through narrow staircases, but now living in a huge apartment with only one and a half persons. How easy it is to capture the essence of memory in a single wistful gesture, it does not matter if you get the memory or not suffice to say that the gesture has been wonderful enough for the doer.
Treading down the memory is lane is Ballantine Leave and Impression's presentation, a play The Blue Mug. Directed by Atul Kumar, the plays with its cast and crew Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Sheeba Chadha, Konkona Sen Sharma, Munish Bhardawaj. Will be staged at Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector 5, City centre, Panchkula, Haryana on April 1. Tickets will be available www.indianstage.in |
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Hollywood actor Russell Crowe will be honoured with the 2,404th star on the Hollywood Walk of
Fame. The Oscar winner will unveil the pavement plaque in front of the Kodak Theatre April 12, reported
hollywood.com Filmmaker Ron Howard will be among the celebrities paying tribute to Crowe at the event.
- IANS |
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Actor Sanjay Dutt, who
featured on the Extraaa Innings T20 show on Max, says he is pitching for
the Mumbai Indians team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL)
cricket tournament.
Queen of Pop' Madonna's 13-year-old daughter Lourdes steals garments from her mother's wardrobe as she gets inspiration from the singer's fashionable clothes.
Khushwant Singh: Consumers are foolish, for they believe whatever they are told. Luxuries are substituted for necessities. People spend on items that they can avoid. Even if the bank balance doesn't allow, they under the influence of those who drive consumerism, buy an SUV instead of a usual car; an LCD in place of a TV set and the best cell phones. The smartest of course are those who are into marketing. They create a market for almost everything, target the right clientele and make a brand out of even the ordinary.
Navjot
Sidhu: Everyone's is a fool at one time or the other. I see the world as a fruit cake, to which extra value is added by the nuts. Every man who comes up with a new idea is referred to as a crank until it is put into practice and yields results. The one who can make a fool out anyone with just some blabbing is Cyrus Broacha. If he hides his identity, he can play just any role and make a fool out of anyone.
RJ Anubhav: How else do we address people who blindly consider a human being as God. It's appalling to see them in satsangs, praying for a human being. Blind faith makes them lose senses. The smartest has to be certain God men. They know the art of swaying their followers. They are like bagpipers who make people follow their instructions without forcing them.
Gaurav
Chabbra: 'Poor' common man! He pays tax for civil amenities that he doesn't even enjoy. He continues to be the tax-payer, even when the money is used by the politicians to build their statues or take out ostensible rallies. He doesn't question, seeks no accountability, gets the income tax deducted from every salary and continues to live in a fool's paradise. The smartest are the politicians. They break the old promises they have made, make newer ones, bigger and better, and have the courage to break them again! Still, they manage to woo voters and enjoy power.
This one's out and out for April 1 opportunists. Oh, the sadist joy of seeing someone like they lost it all to your wits! But the truth is if you spend five hours planning a trick, another half-an-hour executing it; you actually make a fool more out of your own self than anyone else. Wink, smirk, call anyone a fool, make everyone a fool…here's your pocket guide to some practical, instant, and mess free fool's day pranks.
Whatever the reasons, punctuality was the biggest casualty. So when an event begins around 55 minutes from scheduled time, half the significance's lost in "What took them so long?" whispers. The crew arrives, apologising, blaming on the delayed flight, here's giving them the benefit of doubt and settling down to the real business.
What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve," wrote Napolean Hill, the famed American author behind introducing the genre of personal success literature. 
From a child who fantasises of ice-creams, chocolates and fairies, to legends like Raj Kapoor, AR Rahman, Kalpana Chawla, Sachin Tendulkar, Bachendri Pal, fantasies play an important role in everyone's life. Nehru once said, "Thinking big itself makes a man big." In fact, fantasies are a driving force that motivates individuals to realise their dreams. Movies, music, paintings, sports…all are the result of the vision of their creators. Fantasy is a sign of sound mental health. Moreover, it doesn't cost anything. 
Several things come to mind when the word fantasy is uttered...men and women typically harbour different desires, although some overlap. In addition to providing peace of mind and escape from the real world, fantasising may also serve as a vehicle to a more satisfying life. One of the best parts about your fantasies is that they can be anything you want them to be. "It is a fantasy because it is perfect, and life isn't." And although life may not be perfect, sometimes happiness within our own corner of the world gives that illusion. Whatever your fantasy may be, treasure it, enjoy it and perhaps share it.
Be it children or adults, everyone wants to escape from the world of reality. Fantasy stories offer a comfortable and amusing world where children learn to respect virtue and discard vices. Children share the joys and sorrows of characters in a story and relate them to their life. Famous writer Charles Dickens
in his book 'Hard Times' has beautifully put forth the fact that fantasies help children become better human beings. They imagine, dream and learn to cope up with the darker as well as brighter side of life. They can empathise and handle real life situations deftly. 
