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Making a point
No retirement issues. No worries about what next in life. Everything is planned in chronological order. And if all goes well, Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi has a line up of 'what to do' for the next 10 years. "I want to do something substantial in life. In future, I would be doing many things such as research work on Gurbani, which would help me with an album. I would like to conduct an in-depth study on Punjabi poetry and Sufism, make a documentary on it and do some different Punjabi movies," shares Jassi, who will perform at Jassi Live for Jatta Ayi Baisakhi, an event organised by Cine Valley Entertainment in association with Chandigarh Tourism. With the future secure, we shift the spotlight to the present. So what is keeping the singer of Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujarat Di fame busy? Acting? "What is wrong in it? I have always wanted to be an actor. I have done theatre with Harpal Tiwana. Had I not been a singer, I would have stuck to acting. So, this is not a newfound obsession. This is a dream that I have always cherished," adds Jassi. Some obsessions are lucrative, aren't they? "Yes. There is a lot of money in the entertainment industry. Fame and money follow if you are a name in the Punjabi music industry. Otherwise you end up like a one-song wonder," says Jassi. "We have enough examples of singers who have faded into oblivion after one album because they weren't trained. People give a lot of credence to luck, but I believe in hardwork. And it is right training that helps the singer understand the art." And what about untrained singers? Do they end up making a mockery of themselves on stage and resort to the lip sync? "I am totally against lip sync for live shows. Whether or not I have musicians with me, I always stick to live singing," shares Jassi, who also feels that the festival of Baisakhi has been reduced to just an 'event'. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Identity quest
In the city to promote her latest album and perform at Black Magic, Shibani Kashyap gets candid…
Now it comes in the form of My Free Spirit, a music album, to promote which she was in the city on Saturday and would perform at Black Magic. The album has nine tracks, each from a different genre, ranging from Turkish, Salsa, Hip-Hop to Sufi mixed with rock. "Various genres prove that music is independent of boundaries. It's not just about Bollywood." That's exactly the rationale behind her struggle, even though her contemporaries gave up a long time ago. Not that she has anything against film industry and has sung for it. Bollywood, she says, is an apt platform to reach out to a larger audience. "An artist needs his or her own album to express; freedom to sing freely, compose music, direct the video," she avers. And the different music genres in one album explain the freedom she enjoyed while singing the tracks, "How else could I have mixed Sufi with rock?" Shabani opines that those who are against the mix of classical with modern forms don't understand the importance of fusion. "Youngsters would develop a taste for Sufi or classical only when the music pleases them. Music is for pleasure and there is nothing wrong with fusion." Music is also for connecting with people, which she did with her track Alvida - dedicated to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks. "I lost a dear friend in 26/11 attacks. It was then that |I realised that people need to unite and stand against terror." Coming back to her concern for independent music, she says the rest will be taken care of if music channels support artists. "All we see on TV are Bollywood songs. There should be a separate slot for Indipop. This will help revive the industry." Did we forget something? Ah! Cricket of course. Shabani will be performing at the IPL match in Dharamsala. ashima@tribunemail.com
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High five
Another luxury option will soon open up for city people with a Sheraton five-star in the pipeline
The invite reads, come let the romance begin…and out of our love for luxury, there were no intentions to refuse the proposal. So Chandigarh gets ready for another premium five-star hospitality experience with Sheraton. The international brand will soon be coming up with Sheraton Chandigarh. And announcing the launch of their Plaza@Sheraton, a commercial studio arcade at Taj on Friday evening, we got a peek into what the next two years would bring to the city. "Sheraton Chandigarh, spread over an area of 11,000 sq ft, is going to be a premium luxury hotel and resort with 178 rooms, including luxury suites, world-class food and beverage outlets, a hanging bar, conference and banqueting facilities for more than 1,000 people. A grand atrium, link@Sheraton, a nightclub, a fitness club and an indoor swimming pool are also on cards," says Sushil Suri, group Chairman, Joy Hotel & Resorts, under which the project is being promoted. The Plaza promises an ultimate shopping experience with over 20 international brands. Now, Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior are no more miles-effort-away! "Chandigarh has come out of its cocoon and offering many opportunities.It has amazing connectivity and the growth forecast is spectacular," he adds. Well, for someone who has had a successful run with serving luxury at Park Hyatt Goa, resort and spa (a property that was listed in the Conde Nast Traveller's hot list), the research speaks for itself! But the competition already in place with established names in the industry fighting for Chandigarh's affluent attention…isn't another 200-crore venture a risky deal? "When we announced a resort in Goa, people laughed at us saying why would anyone invest in a market already full with luxury hospitality brands. But we did well. Competition is part of life." replies Sushil. Next in line is a 200-room five-star Sheraton Palace Hotel in Amristar and a 600-room luxury hotel in New Delhi. As for the city that loves brands, Sheraton is about to be added to the list. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Gem packed
Launching their retail outlet and coming up with a jewellery show to promote the opening, the exhibition has an extensive display of over 300 designs in gold and diamond jewellery. "We deal in wholesale gemstones and gold jewellery and have been doing business for the past 40 years in the city. So, the thought of venturing into retail jewellery outlet seemed a healthy possibility. We have gemstones, semi- precious stones and different designs in gold jewellery," says Gopal Singla, CEO, BK Jagan & Company. The extensive range has over 70 bridal sets; cocktail rings and daily wear jewellery with pendent sets and over 100 pairs of bangles. The bridal sets have designs in pure and coloured diamonds as well as stones. "The gold jewellery gives you the option of mix and match with changeable stones, and can be carried off with Indian and western outfits with equal style," adds Singla. Lot of Meenakari and Western as well as Indian cuts in bridal sets are a major attraction. While the wedding jewellery keeps the traditional charm, the daily wear designs are more towards global trends. "We had earlier displayed at the Wedding Asia in Taj and plan to come out with more outlets soon. Our products are suited for contemporary tastes, not too bulky yet elegant and royal." The prices range between Rs 3,500 to Rs 25 lakh. — TNS (On till April 11) |
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Water ways!
Water features such as fountains and screens offer an excellent way to freshen up your home. What’s more, you can even have a designer one now Summers are here, the sun is blazing and the temperatures are soaring with each passing day. So how about cooling your home or office with some water features that are beautiful, refreshing, soothing, and easy to maintain. A quick round of the city stores and water features like fountains and screens (a sheer layer of water falling over) in fibre, marble, concrete or polystone clay are available to suit your taste. Little huts, a forest, small, sloped village house with a water mill or a mermaid, The Furniture Mart at Sector 22 has these beautiful fountains in polystone clay and marble. "The range starts from Rs 2,500. We import some of the classic pieces from Italy," says Maharaj Sodhi, proprietor, The Furniture Mart.
Some elegant stuff is available at Besten Stone Art, Mohali. From ethnic to contemporary European, the fountains and birdbaths in natural stone are available here. "All our pieces are modular (you can move them), weather and maintenance proof as well as theft proof because they are so heavy," quips Supreet Dhiman from Besten. Made from natural stones, some of them smell of wet earth when they come in touch with water. You can choose from variety of shapes - Victorian, spiral, pyramid, ball, mushroom and the like. "What's more if you have something in mind we can make it for you," offers
Supreet. Besten also has a range of birdbaths in natural stone. And one can chose from Aztec, baroque and Georgian styles. "We keep in mind experts' advice when styling the birdbaths. If they are too deep, small birds like house sparrows cannot drink water or take a bath in them," says Supreet. The range of natural stone birdbaths and fountains starts from Rs 2,000 and 5,500, respectively.
"Indoor water bodies have been quite popular with people but with the increasing influence of Feng Shui, the demand has increased further," says Anupma Arora, GM, marketing, Trendz at Industrial Area I. This store has an impressive collection of water fountains, screens and birdbaths. Here one can find fountains that can settle on tables, shelves, or those that can be placed on the floor or corners. These include fountains in fibre, ceramic, marble and stones in plenty of shapes - fairies, gardens, animals, pitcher, mushrooms and also Hindu deities. The range starts from Rs 1,500. mona@tribunemail.com
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Change your style
Levi's also plans to identify one promising band who will get a shot at fame and glory, by getting them a Levi's® produced music video featuring Priyanka Chopra, and a chance to perform at a three-city tour. "It's great to be associated with an iconic brand like Levi's® and be a part of the 'Change Your World' campaign. My life is a reflection of how we can change our life, and the amazing ideas and dreams we have when we turn 15! As much as it is about providing a platform to express yourself, Levi's® CYW is also about inspiring & empowering people to follow their dreams!," says Levis brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra. Levi's is also promoting new age musicians on the website, www.levi.in, where surfers can tune into a new brand of sound. The chart-topping band will be selected by the people of India through music cards that will be free celebration gifts for consumers at Levi's® stores this season. On another front, Levi's has associated with Chevrolet and Apple to give youngsters who wear Levi's jeans the coolest accessories from America, Levi's® home country. Customers of Levi's® this season will get a bonus scratch card for every Rs 1,000 spent at Levi's®. The customer would have to SMS the code on the scratch card to 54646 to get a chance to win from the amazing customized gifts on offer over 10 weeks - 7 Levi's® customized Chevy Beats, 50 Levi's® customized Apple MacBooks, 150 Levi's® customized Apple iPhones 3Gs, 1500 Levi's® customized Apple iPod Shuffles. Apart from this, there are slab-based gifts including music cards, wristbands, mobile pouches, drawstring bags and cool clocks.
— TNS |
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Know your music DJs, Sameer, Rohit, KK and Aman are set to spin different genres of music at Zinc Lounge
This is a revelation pulled out from a dark room, dazzling with soft and hard lights, reverberating with sounds…some Indian, some foreign. The revelation comes when a shadow awakens and shouts on the top of his voice - 'No filmi music, we want progressive house. No remix please.' This is it - Youngsters have developed a refined taste for different genres of music, like progressive, drum and bass, dub step and house. Filmi music, Nah! Give us something different. Here take it from the four deejays, Sameer, Rohit (Of Chakra: Vu band), KK and Aman who are spinning different genres of music in one night at Zinc Lounge for an event - Tech 2 Dub. This sounds a lot of fun! "It sure is," puts across DJ Sameer. "Four DJs will spin different genres of music in one night, which means the guests at Zinc Lounge get to enjoy every different sound and beat whipped up by different DJs." With DJ KK giving progressive and tech house, Aman offering electro music, and Rohit and Sameer giving drum and bass, and dub step, it sure is a treat to the ears. Did you say we missed out on the popular commercial or filmi tracks? "Trust me, people who understand music have outgrown commercial music. They understand techno, house. So much so, they have a good knowhow of the artists related to this genre," shares KK, who plays in Voodoo. Attribute the changing trend to change in music sensibilities. "Absolutely," chip in Rohit and Aman. The concept of lounge has changed and so has the understanding of lounge music. One doesn't need to get rowdy to enjoy music, it can be enjoyed while sitting at a lounge with snacks and food." As Sameer likes to put it, "This is a new kind of experiment and I'm sure it will be a hit. Please. Do not expect a jugalbandi, because we will be spinning different genres, which cannot be played simultaneously with others." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Double disappointment
Johnson Thomas Two films hitting the screen this week are of the usual clueless Bollywood kitsch variety better suited for television viewing Pricey Prince
Cast: Vivek Oberoi Director: Kookie Gulati This is highfalutin blarney for sure. A high-profile thief pulls off one of his biggest heists and finds himself out in the cold the next morning. He wakes up to memory loss and a wounded arm. Set about finding his true identity, Prince (Vivek Oberoi) who works for Sarang and has a girlfriend named Maya, is teh most wanted man in teh country, privy to confidential information, thanks to the hiest. Only problem , he cannot remember where he hid the loot. The story is Ghajini-like but the context is different. Also the treatment is extremely superficial, the narrative is clueless steaming along with Bond wannabe Prince running, jumping and pulling-off acrobatic stunts styled to appear unatural by Allan Amin. Sachin Gupta's music is hummable but that's all. Neither Vivek Oberoi trying to be super savvy nor the 50 crores spent on making this ridiculous caper will earn it brownie points at the box-office. Fantasy gone wrong
Cast:
Reitesh Deshmukh, Jacquiline
Aspiring for the comic fantasy genre but never truly getting there, this film is a story of miss-hits all the way through. Rajesh (Reitesh D) works as a gopher on film sets. He is a loser whofalls in love with sister of superstar Desh (Ruslaan) but his feelings are not reciprocated. So ,he stands at a drive-in, wishing for a woman to love and she falls into his hands- from the skies. She is Tara (Jaquiline Fernandez) from Venus and she has been sent to earth to learn about love. There are no surprises here. The film is extremely shoddy and inept. The dialogues fail to tickle the funny bone. The characters are poorly written and the plot is far too vague. Jaquiline has good face but Reitesh Deshmukh cannot carry the weight of a film on his slender shoulders. This one's a loser all the way! johnsont307@gmail.com
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Folk magic
Folk music has its own charm, is emotional and deals aptly with the life of Punjabis," maintains Harminder Nurpuri, a young singer. Accompanied by an array of musicians and a female singer, the folk maestro regaled the journalist fraternity at the Chandigarh Press club on Saturday. During childhood, Nurpuri sang the songs of legendary Punjabi singers at school functions in village Thana (Nurpur Bedi) and Shivalik College, Naya Nangal. And it was during college that his talent as an artist blossomed. But Harminder had to face stiff opposition from his father and family comprising five elder sisters. And it was only after he secured fame and money that they all came out in support. But only on a promise that he would keep alive the legacy of his grand maternal father Deevan Singh, a revered dhaadi who sacrificed his life for the sake of cultural heritage of the region. Amidst tough competition from fellow singers, especially musical groups from his own village, he sought the guidance of Guru Surjit Saini and learnt the nuances of Indian classical music. His very first album Puniyan di raat made waves, as did the second Rumaal. And this young singer has been greatly inspired by Surjit Bindrakhiya and writers like Ronu Sanskoria.
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Get draped in style
When it comes to fashion with a difference, then you must head towards this style hub coming to your city.
Sanskriti, the exquisite boutique for ethnic formal wear from Panipat, is synonymous to grace and style. Its benchmark being traditional suits and designer dresses. Now, it is pleased to introduce, Yabha Creations, a fine range of unique kurtis crafted in chic elegance. It mingles handpicked cotton fabrics, crepe, georgette, and chiffon with genres of embroidery, patchwork and paint. Most kurtis are artistically styled keeping in mind the contemporary woman and her passion for matchlessness. This exhibition cum sale is on at Aroma Hotel-22 till April 11. Sparkling offer
Vibhuti's Collection at Aroma-22, have introduced a collection of stylish fashion jewellery every women wants to add in her collection. An exquisite collection of rings,
eartops, nose pins at affordable prices that will please any one. The range starts from Rs 1,500 onwards. And also they are offering 18 carat diamond jewellery with free polishing and
labour. Also available is handmade jewellery of 22 carat gold plated on German silver
(Thewa, Kundan, Meenakari & Polki). The most sophisticated dignified royal studded with precious stones (from mines of India), american diamonds, semi precious & imitation stones from
Jaipur. It is non allergic & nickle free. They are also selling four carat gold plated bangles and their own creations.
— TNS |
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Dance, if you can
Nimbooz by 7UP, the Ekdum asli Indian thirst quencher
from PepsiCo India stable, announced the launch of Nimbooz Pecha
Bhangre Da, the biggest ever search for the most promising Bhangra
and Gidda group in Punjab. The initiative, Nimbooz Pecha Bhangre Da, aims
to promote the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. It is an ultimate platform for budding dancers to realize their dreams. The objective of Nimbooz Pecha Bhangre Da is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Punjab by encouraging the youth to participate in the Ekdum Asli Punjabi'dance contest. Nimbooz by 7UP is the first packaged nimbu pani that was launched pan India last year. According to Alpana Titus, executive vice president - Flavours, PepsiCo India Holdings, "This initiative promises to take audience engagement and interactivity to even greater heights while catapulting the Nimbooz Pecha Bhangre Da into ultimate stardom. Nimbooz by 7UP will give talented dancers from Punjab the platform to realize their dreams while offering distinctive and breakthrough entertainment." The auditions will begin from April 11 and will take place in 10 cities across Punjab up to April 19. Any team of minimum 4 and maximum 10 members, with age of 10 years and above, can participate in the contest. Punjabis settled abroad are also eligible to be part of this contest. The shortlisted NRI teams will be directly called for the quarter finals. — TNS
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Nike launches the Zoom Vomero + 5 with all the goodness of Nike Zoom Vomero+4, but lighter and this too without having to compromise on the plush underfoot feel. The Midsole design and material in the Nike Zoom Vomero + 5 delivers a smooth ride, an enhanced fit and seamless interior reducing irritation and providing superior comfort ideal for runners with underpronated or neutral gait. Some opf the special features of Zoom Vomero + 5 are: Synthetic Leather Overlays are integrated with the lacing system. Elastic Mesh panels deliver comfort and support through all phases of foot strike The Asymmetrical arch bridge of the shoe unlocks the foot's natural stabilising mechanism. Deep gender specific flex grooves on the outsole provide a seamless transition from heel strike through propulsion. The shoe is available in both the Men's and Women's variant and is priced at Rs.8,500 and Rs 7,995 respectively. Available across all leading Nike Stores. — TNS
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TAROT TALK
ARIES: The Empress takes you towards the fast and protective lane. Surprisingly you will be openly romantic & expressive to your lover. Remain quiet if you wish to avoid some disputes with the loved ones on trivial issues. Tip of the week: Do not mingle with shrewd colleagues. Lucky colour: Silver grey. TAURUS: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Your mate or your beloved will keep you in good humour despite your discourteous behaviour and irritability. On Tuesday, be strong as you have nothing to lose. Tip: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky colour: Blue. GEMINI: The Fool infuses you with courage. Thoughts of romance permeate your every waking moment. Take time with your appearance and turn on the charm. Impulsive action at campus can lead to argument. Tip: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange. CANCER: The Hanged Man helps you to move into new and better situation. This month the focus will be on shopping, entertainment & romance. Your beloved or mate will go all out to make up for past digressions. Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky Colour: Maroon LEO: Four of Wands advice you not to argue with a Gemini or Piscean. Issues related to career will be mostly on your mind without any significant improvement. Your love life seems sorted. Friends will be supportive. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Brown. VIRGO: The Ace of Swords invokes mental power to achieve professional goals. Do not do or say anything that could possibly hurt your friends/ beloved. You will be bubbling with energy as new opportunities come your way. New romance for some. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. LIBRA: The Hermit inspires you to climb new heights and creative ideas. Old friends and relatives would arrive, bringing you gifts in cash and kind. Romance would flourish and chances to enter into a matrimonial wedlock would be very strong. Tip: Extend your circle of friends as people are your best bet against a hostile situation at work. Lucky colour: Crimson. SCORPIO: You may find it hard to find companions who share your interests and ideas. Wednesday's scenario is highlighted by changes in your love-life. You must learn to practice and avoid flying off the handle until you know exactly what is happening. Tip: Do not let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to. Lucky Colour: Peach. SAGITTARIUS: The Star promises name, fame & recognition. Recreation and entertainment would be very essential to beat the exhaustion that might grip you. Keep exercising and stick to a nutritious and balanced diet to keep physically fit. Tip: With clients, cause a breakthrough in a relationship; not break-up. Lucky Colour: Sea green. CAPRICORN: Two of Pentacles showers blessing on lovers. In love you have to face few problems. Relax as a Taurean friend is helpful. Good results will yield from experimenting with a new theme. A news from abroad may cheer you up. Tip: You have well-wishers who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Pink. AQUARIUS: Working girls should continue against impulsive attachments at work place. Those undergoing computer education will do very well. Just relax and enjoy happy times with the one you love. Do not be over anxious and make hasty decisions. Tip: Restore ties with business people you have been out of touch with for long. Lucky Colour: Burgundy PISCES: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Good news from abroad awaits you. You gain from group activities. Smooth sailing at home. Don't over eat on Tuesday. Financial picture clears up. Curb your flirtation streak. Tip: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings.
Lucky colour: Red.
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After 15 years in the
industry, a few successes and failures, recognition for work and at
times struggle for identity, the resolve remains the same. It got a
boost during the 1990s, when the crop of independent singers Baba
Sehgal, Alisha Chinoy, Mehnaz came up. It didn't shake even when
music albums failed to earn money. Shabani Kashyap, irrespective of the
times, trend and tunes, has stuck to her resolution: Identity for
independent music. 
Mention jewellery… and women follow in hordes. No reason for the deep connection; one has no option but to give in to the materialistic cravings every time one comes across that sparkling piece of ornament! So, another temptation has come in the form of the jewellery show organised by the BK Jagan & Company at Sector-28.
Levi's completes 15 years in India and on this occasion Levi's plan to help 15 youngsters change their world. Levi's has always stood for being original, for being the definitive statement for the free willed, able, strong, resilient, courageous, glorious and spirited. Levi's plans to identify 15 youngsters who will embody the Levi's personality and will bring about change in their own way in their own worlds. Levi's will then support them with grants of Rs 1 lakh each to help turn their Change Your World dream into reality.
Film:
Prince
Film: Jaane
Kahan Se Ayi Hai
Director:
Milap Milan Jhaveri