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I-M-POWERED
Till that one moment…she was happy addressing family issues on 'priority' — looking after the husband, listening to his tales of victory and failure, boosting his confidence, attending the kids, giving them lessons in morality, dealing with their whims. She was more than happy to hold the fort at home…till that one moment when she moved from the backseat to take a position right adjacent to her husband.
She stepped out from the protective shadow of the man in her life. And needless to say, the world outside welcomed her, but gave her a few challenges to begin with. Taking everything in her stride, she went on to cross one hurdle after another. And when she looked back in time, she saw the same shadow waiting for her. She could now step in any time, and come out of it any second minute! Madhu Chitkara, pro-chancellor Chitkara University, had never thought she would be actively shouldering responsibility with her husband, even as she handled the house and monitored the working of a small institute her husband had started in 1976. "I didn't want to bother him with small things at home or otherwise. I wanted him to concentrate on his work," smiles Madhu. And then came a day when she saw herself aggressively managing the institute, which has now grown into an institution. "I don't know when it happened. I was always working in tandem with my husband and suddenly I found myself holding meetings, giving suggestions, executing plans." As for the lady who won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections, the transition in life happened in a sequence. Says Preneet Kaur, minister of state for external affairs, wife of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, "I got involved in social work before I stood for the first elections. As a result of all this, I was developing my own contacts; my circle widened, my experience increased and I was also looking after the constituency." And there were no disillusionments when she entered politics, not because her husband was a name in politics but because the lady had the confidence. "I had the support of my husband and children," she smiles, confidently. All the same, these women who emerged from the shadows of their powerful and famous spouses were clear on one account — family was always their first priority! Preneet Kaur still longs to be with her grandchildren, whenever she can. "It is important to balance things. Sometimes the entire schedule goes for a toss, but then you have support in the form of husband and kids." But do we hear ego clashes, arguments, and debates? "Certainly not," says Madhu. "My husband has complete faith in me. Yes, there are discussions on certain topics at times, but they end with a logical conclusion. I know he trusts me with everything and he is proud of the fact that I could make it to where I am today." Ditto for Manjeet Mann, who still believes that she can never become bigger than her husband, a legend in himself, Gurdas Maan. "He has been working for long, but I am relatively new in the field of direction. I still have a long way to go," she quips. She laughs when we tell her that Manjeet Mann is a name in itself. "Is that so? I don't know. We are nothing without each other." Clashes of opinion are there, but Manjeet Mann feels it's natural to have different views. "He is very understanding. If I explain something to him properly, he generally gets the point," she smiles again. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Animated dreams
It took merely two minutes to ideate the story line of the four-minute animation film. But between the conceptualisation and screening, it took almost eight months!
The process began with sketching characters, giving them shape on the computer, improvising on their looks, composing music, doing voiceovers, editing and much more. But it didn't deter students of Mad Arts Jaspal Bhatti Film School of acting from completing their first big project — Nanhi Chidya. Sanchi Khurana, a first-year student of Frameboxx Animation Institute, dropped engineering to take up a course in animation. "Animation is the only field that can make a person see the world around him or her in a different perspective. To me, it gives freedom to express my creative side." She wants to create an character like Noddy, for which she knows a lot of hardwork is required. But generating characters remains the biggest challenge. As Viren Razdan, a student, says, "A character can't be repeated in a project until the sequel is being made. For every new project, a new character is needed. With new technology coming up everyday, it becomes imperative for us to stay updated and create characters that would interest people." And making an animation film is much more than just creating characters; the backdrop of the film is equally important. "Normal cinema does not require exaggeration. But in case of animation it becomes a priority," adds Jasraj. Viren believes that the storyline is as important as the look of the characters or the use of latest technology. "Even the best of the animation movies from Hollywood fail to make money at the box office because of a poor story. Storyline of the film should never be compromised upon." Gagandeep Singh, another student, enjoys working on 2D animation. He has already made six short films on simple subjects as human walk and bouncing ball. He has also made an animated version of a flipbook. "The only requirement for quality animation work is the availability of latest softwares. In addition, if every department in the animation industry (editing, pre-production, post production) are created separately, like we have in the film industry, the standard of animation will improve," says Gagandeep. Still a long way to go! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Instinctively speaking
She comes from a totally non-filmi background and is just three-movies-old in Bollywood, but Mugdha Godse trusts her own instinct when it comes to taking up new projects.
The actor, who got her first big break in Bollywood with Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion two years ago, credits her own good judgment for the choices she made. "I am a hardcore Leo who doesn't listen to anyone. That's the way I have always been, I follow my heart. I have come from Pune to Mumbai on my own and this is the way I intend to stay on in this industry as well," said Mugdha. After debuting with Madhur Bandarkar's Fashion, the former model went on to do All The Best which raked in the moolah at the box-office. Though her third release Jail, again with Bhandarkar, didn't do well commercially it was critically acclaimed. The actor then signed on a horror film Help opposite Bobby Deol, a decision that surprised many. But the 27-year-old actor is unapologetic about her choice and says that though the younger Deol brother may have hit a slump, he still is in a class of his own. "When it comes to Bobby, he has his own legacy. Working with Deols is always good fun. I have always been a big fan of Dharamji and Sunny. They have a class of their own. He is a thorough gentleman and a very nice co-star to work with," said the actor. Mughdha believes in moving at a slow but steady pace in Bollywood and has no plans to go on a signing spree. —
PTI |
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Smoke screen
After being caught by an anti-tobacco watchdog for smoking in a college campus in Goa, Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi has vowed not to smoke while making a public appearance. In a letter to National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) general secretary Shekhar Salkar dated May 10, Arshad has expressed regret about the incident earlier this month and has admitted that "fans follow their on-screen idols and copy their actions". "Henceforth, I will ensure that I throw away the cigarette before I make a public appearance," Arshad has said in his letter to NOTE.
Explaining the course of events earlier this month, which eventually ended up with him being photographed along with actor Tusshar Kapoor, smoking in public, Arshad said he was in his vanity van, when fans stopped by to meet him. "I was smoking in my vanity van parked far away from the college building, when a group of youngsters knocked on the door. As usual I go out of my way to satisfy my fans and I came out to sign the autographs, involuntarily holding the cigarette in my hand," said the actor, who played the memorable role of Circuit in the Munnabhai series. —
IANS |
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Jungle lure
Brad Pitt has signed on to star in a new film called The Tiger — an adventure thriller about an animal activist in Siberia. The actor is also going to produce the movie, directed by Darren Aronofsky.
The Fight Club star is joining forces with Guillermo Arriaga, the writer who wrote Pitt's drama Babel and indie film Amores Perros. The Tiger is an adaptation of a non-fiction book by John Vaillant that tells the story of an animal activist who has to protect a small Siberian town from a tiger who starts attacking the residents, reports Hollywood Reporter. Focus Features and Random House's film division will co-produce the film. —
ANI |
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Cheer leader
A die-hard Chelsea fan himself, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is rooting for the English club's Search for an Asian Star campaign, asking the youngsters here to make full use of the opportunity.
Underlining the importance of the programme, which aims to boost Asian participation at all levels of the game, Abhishek said, "I know how important it is for young Asian kids to get involved with sport, not just to reach the top but to enjoy themselves, meet new people and be part of a team."As a Chelsea fan I'm delighted that my club is taking a lead on providing these amazing opportunities for Asian players and would urge everyone with a love for the game to sign up and take part," said the actor. The tournament is scheduled on the second May Bank Holiday weekend (29-31) for players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds aged 8-13. Participants will be judged on a series of matches and tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea Academy to examine speed, skill and ability. One player from each age group will be selected for a week's training with the Chelsea Academy squads during the summer with any player meeting the required standard being offered the chance to be signed by the Blues. Last year's initiative attracted 350 youngsters to the Cobham training ground and the three winners trained and turned out for Chelsea teams during the summer. —
PTI |
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Lindsay’s at it again!
Lindsay Lohan has denied that she had a fight with Avril Lavigne in Hollywood. A source said that Lavigne screamed at Lohan saying "Get the hell out of my face, you are fake, you are a loser" at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. "I don't like false people. Stay away from me and my friends."
According to the paper, Lohan fumed back, "Don't threaten me!" before trying unsuccessfully to get security to kick Lavigne out. But now, Lohan, 23, says, "That is not true. I don't know why I am such a target, but I think there's a big misconception of who I am as a person," she said. "I've just been working a lot, and it's not a crime to go out and have fun with your friends... I do realise it's silly of me to give people what they want - to see me out at night." Lohan has been involved in other scuffles too. She reportedly threw a drink at ex-girlfriend Sam Ronson at LA club Trousdale, and was fired last month from The Other Side by the director who said they couldn't secure financing with her in the lead role. —
ANI |
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Love for career
Hollywood actor Amanda Seyfried says she puts her career before love. "My character was very motivated by her job and not by her love life, which is kind of normal for a girl her age. I know it is for me. Sometimes I focus less on my relationship and more on my career," she said. "I think it's common to meet somebody and fall in love right away, but the rest isn't easy. When you're in love, sometimes you just can't see it realistically. The world inside a relationship can be very warped because of feelings and memories, and it all becomes jumbled," she said. —
IANS |
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Swift action
She maybe young but country star Taylor Swift is all set to be inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.The 20-year-old singer will receive the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards on June 17 here, Access Hollywood reported. Swift, known for penning songs about her puppy love lapses, released her debut single Tim McGraw in 2006 and her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
In November 2008, she released her second album, Fearless, which topped the Billboard charts for 11 non-consecutive weeks. Other singers to be inducted at the ceremony include British singer Phil Collins and music producer Phil Ramone, who will also receive special awards at the event. —
PTI |
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Non-veg advice
Actor Sonu Sood, who plays a young politician in upcoming film Dabanng, saw some fitness advice coming his way from co-star Salman Khan, who is known to have one of the most enviable bodies in Bollywood. Sonu says he bonded with Khan during their gyming sessions and Salman even advised him to turn non-vegetarian to achieve a more defined look."
Salman is a very genuine and nice guy to work with. We had a great time together. Since he is also into fitness, we used to spent most of our time in gym. He gave me some fitness tips and one of which was to turn non-vegetarian but I could not follow that," Sonu said. Both actors are required to sport a tough look in the film, which is about crime and politics in UP and Bihar.Sonu is playing a young politician in the movie while Salman will essay the role of a corrupt policeman. Arbaaz Khan is turning producer with the film, which will mark the acting debut of Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi Sinha. Talking about the current trend of six-pack abs in Bollywood, Sonu, who boasts of a good physique, said being fit helped him a lot in his acting career. "I had six packs when I was in college. I never thought that I will be an actor someday but when I came into the industry I saw people working hard to achieve the chiselled look, which I already had. In fact, Salman told me 'You are one of the fittest person that I have come across in the industry'. "I think those years that I spent working on my body helped me a lot. Today actors are required to look good but they don't have time. I feel blessed that I started too early," he said. The 36-year-old actor says he is not playing the lead villain in the film but admits that his character has grey shades. Dabanng is about crime and mafia in UP and Bihar and I play a youth politician. I am not a villain but my character has some grey shades. Even Salman plays a corrupt cop while I am this guy who is working hard to beat the most powerful man in the city. It is about the fight for power," Sonu said. The actor first found critical fame playing Aishwarya Rai's brother Sujamal in Ashutosh Gowarikar's magnum opus Jodhaa Akbar and went on to star alongside Akshay Kumar in Singh Is Kinng and Rajshree productions Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi. Sonu has also acted in Dubai-based filmmaker Ali Mostafa sees Sood's film City of Life where he starred alongside British actor Natalie Dormer and UAE's Saoud Al Kaabi. —
PTI |
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Friends forever
"A journey is best measured in friends," wrote Tim Cahill, the famous American travel writer. So true. Don't most of the treasured travel memories revolve around those awesome people one comes across during such journeys? We bring to you stories of some city folks who found friends while wandering around the globe. Bhalinder Sangha, proprietor, Sangha's Motor Craft, Industrial Area Phase 1, has to his credit the Limca Book record for the fastest car drive from West to East India (4,000 kms in 85 hours) and is in absolute love with mountaineering as well as rallies. "During rallies, we end up meeting people from different parts of the world, especially from Scandinavian countries," he says. "In the evening, we sit, chat, share stories about our respective cultures while in the morning we are back on the road competing," he shares. Life has given him a treasure of beautiful memories, but its Mark and Suzzane from Sweden who became friends forever. "During the recce for 'Raid-de-Himalaya' rally three years back, my car broke down in the stretch between Manali and Leh. I was with my partner and two others. Then came along this Swedish couple, Mark and Suzzane, who bailed us out," he shares. Knowing the urgency that Sangha was in, the couple even gave him the car. "These kind people camped at that very spot after giving us the car and it was only the next day that they were picked up. It was only a day later that we got together at the base camp and spent time together." And yes, Sangha offered his ropes and anglers, which the couple needed. They are friends to date. Vibha Chopra loves travelling and meeting people from different parts of the world, especially Europe. On her visit to Paris two years back with husband Nitin, she met Annet, a German tour guide. "We hit it off like anything and became friends instantly," says Vibha. Annet introduced Vibha to European way of living, while Vibha shared stories of her rich cultural heritage. "We met again last year during our Vienna trip and this year we are going to meet in Barcelona," says Vibha, a homemaker from Sector 18. And it's differences in culture that keeps Vibha and Annet engaged. "Funny things happen when one interacts with people having a totally different way of living. I once asked Annet what her husband does for a living. She said, 'he rides a bike'. She explained it for the next 20 minutes, but trust me I still do not know how he earns a living by riding a bike," she laughs. The Guptas from Sector 27 are another "travelholic" couple who love interacting with others while on trips. "Holidays are special because one comes across people who make the experience memorable," says Ritu. "Although there are a lot of memories, I can't forget the trip to Thikri, a place in South India that is famous for its spices," shares Ritu. "One morning I was urging my husband Vikram to arrange a night trip to the jungle, but he was not keen as there was a fear of wild animals as well as dacoits," says Ritu. Their argument was interrupted by a Maharashtrian couple who offered to take Ritu along as they were keen on going as well. "It was a funny situation, more arguments ensued and finally Vikram also agreed," says Ritu. "We enjoyed the tour along with the couple and a police patrol. We had a lot of fun together," shares Ritu. "Later, we met them on a few visits to Mumbai. Meeting up again is always nice," she avers. mona@tribunemail.com |
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Calling it quits
The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is alarmed at the rising rate of divorce in Putrajaya, a district in Kuala Lumpur. The divorce rate has been increasing by as much as three percent in recent times. What is more disconcerting is that couples are separating for reasons as petty as their spouse forgetting to bring home their food of choice.
Jakim Family Development director Ghafani Awang Teh attributes this to the fact that these young couples stay in an age of instant gratification. "I think it's the affliction of modern times, where everything can be found at the blink of an eye, that young couples see divorce as an easy way out without even wanting to try to work out their problems first," he told. He cited the case of a young woman who wanted a divorce after only three days of marriage as her husband had forgotten to buy the food she had asked for. A study by Jakim revealed that 40 per cent of divorce cases in the last 10 years among Muslim couples were due to 'irreconcilable differences'. Other contributing factors were financial constraints, spouses being irresponsible, polygamy, drug abuse and extra-marital affairs. Ghafani believes that the sanctity of marriage is no longer intact the way it used to be, "The statistics are pretty worrying. It seems that young couples no longer place importance on the sanctity of the family institution. In the last 10 years, 180,172 divorce cases have been reported," he said. —
ANI
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Banish blues
Phone therapy can banish your blues - almost as face-to-face consultations do, says a new study.
The trial run included people newly diagnosed with major depression. Instead of eight scheduled visits to the clinic, the participants covered the same material during a series of phone calls with the therapist. Calls varied in length, ranging from 21 to 52 minutes. The patients did not receive antidepressant medication. At a six-month follow-up, 42 percent of participants had recovered from depression. For comparison, similar therapy conducted in person has a 50 percent recovery rate. "Offering a phone or webcam option for psychotherapy does appear warranted from an efficacy point of view," said Diane Spangler, a Brigham Young University (BYU) psychology professor and study co-author. "It's more user-friendly - no commutes, more flexibility of place and time - and has no side effects," Spangler said. Over-the-phone therapy may not be for everyone. One-third of eligible participants declined the option for telephone consultations, preferring the psychotherapist's couch to the one in their living room, says a BYU release. But for those comfortable with phone calls, therapy could soon be cheaper, more convenient and minus awkward waiting rooms. —
IANS
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Relatively Speaking
Sarabjeet,
Chandigarh Forging ties
RS Bhatia, Mohali Family time
Ramandeep Kaur, Dubai
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Renee writes
I am a woman in my 60s and have lived a full life. I have children and grand children, however, I have moments when I feel very lonely. I wake up every morning thinking what is the purpose of my existence. I dare not voice this to my husband as he looks quite content with his life the way it is and seems to see no reason why I should be feeling the way I do. I feel I am searching for a level of happiness which is way beyond the mundane and the ordinary. Sometimes I think I am confused and yet at other moments I am driven by this search for more meaning to life. Can you guide me?
Savita Manocha You sound like a person who doesn't feel a sense of self worth unless you find yourself gainfully employed in something that appeals to your level of happiness. I understand that you feel that with the change in our life expectancy, today people are entering their 60s almost as if they were given a new lease to. Do not feel confused, be completely free in your thinking, connect to your inner core and find that particular sphere that feels the most inspiring and intriguing to the way your mind works. Now that you are blessed with this new outlook to life, please do not be confused. Just have fun and enjoy it .The meaning will come anyway to you. Be happy
I am a 29 year-old-woman with a problem with my figure. I seem to be what they call a yo-yo type. I put on weight very fast and loose weight very fast too. I was a plump child but then as a teenager I have worked very hard for a slim and attractive body. But now again I am fat. I do a lot of comfort eating and may be I am just fond of food and look for all sorts of excuses to binge. Either I am happy and celebrating so we go out to eat or I am sad and depressed so I must eat to feel better. Now my boyfriend who has been with me through many such times is extremely annoyed and thinks I must see a counsellor to change my habits. Can you please advise me on how to control my wayward habit? Nivedita Kapoor I would recommend that you just go on a feel good diet. You are just pampering yourself unnecessarily. Well we all need to spoil ourselves once in a while but if it turns into an addiction then just get rid of it fast. Life is all about keeping our mind set into the right attitude. If we firmly decide on something then there is no reason that it does not happen. I have noticed that you are already very aware of your problem and honestly it is really not a very serious one, you just have a 'happy go lucky" couldn't care less approach. Please give yourself more priority than you already do. Having a fast loosing and putting on weight body is really not a very healthy way to be. Now that you are young it will not be a trouble but as you get older it will start showing on you health. So take charge right now. Eat healthy, cut down junk food. Even for celebrations rejoice with a fresh fruit smoothie in summer and just go veggie for a while. It picks up on your spirits and your health too. This will even make the man in your life real happy this way. Her story
I am 42 years old, married with two kids. I'm in the merchant navy and my wife stays at home with children. This time when I returned home I found my wife with strange ideas, very feminist and distorted. I have two daughters and definitely do not want them o grow up with this mixed up view of life. But each time I give a viewpoint my wife overrules it. I am actually thinking of sending both the girls to boarding so that they are away from this unhealthy environment. Please advice. Shamsher Sandhu Panchkula I do understand your predicament as a father you are naturally worried for you daughters to be growing up with some unhealthy ideas floating around them. Your wife could be going through her own level of rebellion which needs to be looked into. I don't think that putting your girls in a boarding school is a good enough. After all in the holidays they will again be coming back to her. Take up the matter seriously with your wife and sort out. |
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It goes without saying that it happened because she had the support of her husband. "I would have been like any other woman had Dr Ashok Chitkara not encouraged me. I was pursuing M.Sc in mathematics when Mohit was born. My husband wanted me to perform well, so he would take me to Sindhi Sweets and treat me to dinner 'thali' almost every second night." 
"Had it been a four-minute live film, it wouldn't have taken more than a few hours or some days. But animation is a bigger challenge and has a wider scope," says Jasraj Bhatti, director of the film. And like him, there are many youngsters in the city who are contributing to the animation scene. 
Holidays are a perfect platform for strengthening bonds of love and friendship. They provide a break from the monotonous schedule and enable us to spend some quality time with our family and friends. Long working hours and busy schedules often do not leave much time for having some fun together. But holidays are a real stress buster and help in rejuvenating the mind as well as the body. Such times together help in forging bonds and leave behind lasting memories. Holidays certainly create an atmosphere of warmth and are ideal for strengthening ties of love.
Nowadays, life is very busy and tiring. Most of the jobs are sedentary and monotonous. People don't have much time for friends or family. But holidays help in recharging the body as well as the mind. They are also a time when the family can spend quality time together. Most people in nuclear families visit their relatives on holidays. Kids meet their cousins, share family values and learn more about their rich culture from their elders. Family ties are strengthened during such meetings. Moms, kids, dads, grandparents…everyone enjoys suck breaks together. 
Holidays are a time to relax and rejoice. The hassle of getting ready for school or office is no longer present. Various proposals are put up for choosing the destination and after discussions together one of them is finalised. A sense of togetherness reigns supreme when finally one proposal is accepted. This helps in strengthening bonds. Even staying at home helps in forging better ties; each member of the family can contribute to household chores or choose to gossip, read, discuss, plan etc. It is indeed an amazing time to cement the bonds of love.