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Disco cut
A stud pierced on the eye brow, one on the tongue, other hanging loose on the chin, unkempt long hair, mostly gelled to point towards the north pole, sometimes curled and streaked or tied in a pony.
A tattoo sitting pretty on the biceps, triceps, elbow, neck, stylishly and articulately torn jeans, baubles showing from here and there, 5-19 neckpieces rolled to form a chunky set. For the religious minded, five-six 'rudraaksh' tied noticeably on the wrist and not to forget the inevitable, the indispensable Yo man ishtyle…almost often, deejays are known to sport whackiest of styles, in dressing, hairstyles or accessories!
Call of the profession, DAST (Desperate Attention Seeking Technique) or they are like it? We let deejays from the city and around explain the 'whacky' content in their style. "DJs can't afford to look boring. They have to be funky and vibrant," says DJ Hamza, who sports long hair. "Oh this. It goes with the kind of music I relate to. This is true for most of the deejays. Their style is representative of their music. Someone who has a liking for hip-hop is likely to dress up in baggy jeans, a deejay spinning rock can sport long hair, and the ones into electronic music tend to dress up in denims, bright tees, sneakers and nerdy glasses. Sometimes, the dress just helps a deejay in getting out the right of emotions." Music and dressing go hand-in-hand. Now we understand, why a deejay would get his hair beaded. He is into fusion! Jokes apart. Deejays cannot afford to look boring or sad when they have a swarm of party poppers looking at them to whip up a happening party. Agrees DJ Chinx, "DJs are a class apart; we cannot look like any other guy who gets up to entertain a party." "When I began deejaying in Chandigarh, I used have coloured hair, body piercings, which was new for the disc-goers and the city itself," he laughs. "Deejays elsewhere, like in Mumbai or Goa, are pretty stylish. In fact, before playing at Poison in Mumbai, Bandra, a hang out place for Bollywood actors, I shopped for tees, while ensuring none had ever worn anything like that before."
Did someone say…this gets them 'noticeability'? "Yes it does. But only to a small extent," shares DJ Sameer of Chakra:Vu. "I guess only a fraction of deejays think that they have to look different because they are deejays! I totally disagree with this. I often questioned about 'not so whacky look.' In fact, a stylish, loaded with accessories, sporty, with a funny hairstyle, is how people generally think a deejay should look." Sameer lists the names of world's top DJs who are like boys next door, with no extra frills attached. "Paul Van Dike, Armin Vam Burren are simple deejays who focus only on creating awesome music. A deejay is not an alien; who said they have to look like some clown lost in the crowd." Hope Nisha has found her answer, for we certainly have! jasmine@tribuenmail.com
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Volunteering is always a difficult choice. You require enterprise as well as restraint to volunteer. Some leaders are born as volunteers with an overdrive. I am always impressed by the western code of conduct when it comes to volunteering. As a young girl, I rode the city buses in Moscow and all of us who were from a third-world India (definitely, at that time) were blown away by the fact, that the buses had no conductors to collect tickets and had a system of a slot machine where you deposited correct change. We laughed and laughed about the absurdity of this system if implemented in India! I was in the Austin (Texas) library yesterday and was again impressed by the system of voluntary payment of dues. The library had a book sale going on. There was no one to accept payment. You picked up the books you wanted, prices were clearly listed and you deposited the change in a drop box. I am not sure even after twenty odd years, we are ready for this system. Would a 'pay as you need to' system work in Chandigarh? I am not so sure. And would only those be shirking payment, who cannot afford it? I doubt that as well. Why are we so keen on cheating the system if we can? We cheat at red lights, we cheat at library fines, we cheat at games and even at Lost and Found. I know some people who would have no qualms to about picking up five books and only pay for three. Growing up, I heard the word 'slave' a lot. We were slaves of the British and now we are slaves of our own inability to raise the bar to where free will and self-determination propel good civic conduct and honesty in societal exercises. We don't have to lie about why we didn't answer that phone call. We don't have to claim root canals or open abdominal surgery for not showing up for that interview or meeting! We also don't have to kill distant relatives for taking leaves! We can also afford not to argue about the late fee in the library. A lollipop often costs less than that! It would be wonderful to run a Pavlov like experiment in Chandigarh. We run an open shop and we get people to pay in a box. We would of course, use some hidden cameras (this is all purely academic, of course) and observe who cheats and who doesn't. A sociologist would be able to make some startling discoveries about the modern Indian. Wouldn't it be sad if the results concluded that we were more honest when we were the slaves of the British! matkachowk@gmail.com
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Right call
Says Shwetna Thakur, a resident of Sector 18 who works with Dell, "I have been working in call centres since the last four year in graveyard (extended night) shifts. To keep myself awake at night I keep taking coffee, tea etc. This is in addition to Maggie, chips and burgers every two hours. Due to all this my waistline is sure expanding." Add to this various skin problems. Says Preet, 26, UCIL employee (Kalldesk), Manimajra, "Before I joined a call centre my eating habits were much better than what they are today. Now, I have started facing skin problems because of improper diet. My face has become dull and I have dark circles below my eyes." And what is the dieticians' take on the issue? Dr DN Behra, a dietician with PGI, says, "In the natural cycle, night is meant for sleep and the day for work. The enzymes and hormones that help our body digest food are active during the day, so whatever we eat during night is not digested properly, which ultimately leads to bad health." But then, a job is a job, and one needs to adjust. Right? So what's the key to maintaining good health? Adds Dr Behra, "Too much tea and coffee should be avoided. Intake of fruits, curd and milk should be increased. Dinner should not be missed at all. A balanced diet, full of nutrients, is a must."
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IAFA 2010, at the Taj-17, is an exhibition offering fashion, furniture, gizmos and property under one roof. There is a nice collection of kurtis, suits, dupattas and saris. "Affordability with the latest in fashion is the USP of our brand Enlivens. We bring the product direct from the artisans to consumer, which helps cut down the cost," says Amit Kumar Kashyap, director, Fairgrowth Exports (P) Ltd. Take a pick from kurtis (Rs 300), lehanga( starting from Rs 4,000). Sazzi Sawari has bright and glittering handwork kurtis and saris on sale. All saris come with free size, latest cut blouses. Orange Chutney brings handcrafted jewellery in one gram gold. "We use real pearls and precious stones to provide quality to our customers. We also do custom jewellery," says Farina Ashu Bhandari. The exhibition has paintings, beautiful candle stands in glass and wrought iron, bean bags and garden furniture. Also on sale are bamboo products. Godrej has modular kitchen and home security systems on display. The exhibition has a fashion show for the evenings — Mona
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After winning the Miss World title in 1997, Aishwarya Rai was planning to go ahead with her studies and become an architect but destiny and Mani Ratnam had different plans for her. The 36-year-old star, who will be seen in Ratnam's Raavan, says she wasn't sure of becoming an actress until Ratnam asked her to act in Iruvar, her debut film. "After my Miss World win I wasn't sure which career path should I choose. I was planning to complete my studies in architecture. But then one fine day I was told that Mani Ratnam would like to discuss a role with me and that was it. It was some God send message. "I could not believe that Mani Ratnam wanted to work with me. He is an institution in himself and his cinema speaks volumes. I could have just not said no to him and that is how my journey in filmdom began," Aishwarya said in a videoconference here. The actress, who last worked with Ratnam in 2006 Guru, says the filmmaker ‘spoils you as an actor’ and unleashes ‘your talent’. "With Mani it is being the student of art wanting to learn more. He ignites the hunger in you as an actor, wanting to do something better with every shot," Aishwarya said. The actress who plays the role of Ragini in Raavan slated to release on June 18 also clarified that her character is not modern day Sita. "I think all the stories can be drawn parallel to our epics because at the end it is all about inter-personal relationship. My character Ragini is Mani's perception of this strong willed woman abducted by Beera. And the story is about the dynamics between the three characters," she said. The actress' co-star and husband Abhishek could not agree less as he added, "Raavan is about who is right and who is wrong and above all who decides about it. I think what audience will take back is this question. Raavan is a story about this villain from his perspective but then who are we to judge that he is actually a villain." Abhishek was all praise for Aishwarya, saying, "I think Raavan is by far Aishwarys's best performance. Hats off to her for doing such a difficult role with such elan. She aptly balanced grace and dignity while portraying strong willed woman." — PTI
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She said, "Unlike movie acting, you have to deliver the whole performance there and then. You live it every night. But anything I do will be small." Though she is yet to be attached to a play, the 20-year-old is said to be keen to appear on the West End after recently seeing her model-and-actor friend Eddie Redmayne star in Red at the Donmar Warehouse. Last month, the actress blasted critics for accusing her of lacking passion for her profession. — PTI
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Pop star Cheryl Cole has signed a record deal with rapper Will.I.Am's label. The duo is set to work in an album together.With the new deal, the 26-year-old singer joins the league of stars such as Kelis and Fergie, reported a publication online. "I like collaborating with her. We've talked about working on her next album, plus we signed her to the label in America," said Will.I.Am. The album will be the Girls Aloud star's first foray into the United States. "We're figuring out how we go about it in the States. It has to be something really incredible done in a different way," the rapper added. — PTI
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Hollywood beauty Halle Berry will become the first black woman to grace fashion bible Vogue's all-important September issue. The issue is the most important of the year as it showcases the autumn/winter trends, and brings in the maximum revenue for Vogue with most pages of advertising. The fashion magazine's decision to put the 41-year-old actress on the cover has been hailed as a landmark, reported a publication online. While Vogue has had black women on the cover before, the numbers are few and far between. Beverly Johnson was the first black woman on a Vogue cover, in 1974 and was followed by Naomi Campbell, athlete Marion Jones, model Liya Kebede, actress Jennifer Hudson and first lady Michelle Obama. Racism in fashion was in news again recently with the publication of Claudia Schiffer's photographs where she is dressed up as a black woman by Karl Lagerfeld. In the past black supermodel Naomi Campbell has spoken about latent racism in the fashion industry, which she said gives preference to ‘blond, blue-eyed models’ over black women. "You know, the American president may be black, but as a black woman, I am still an exception in this business. I always have to work harder to be treated equally," she had said in an interview. — PTI
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The two are shown kicking about on the sets of their new movie Knight & Day. At the set, both of them juggle the ball between them and Cruise traps the ball on the back of his neck. But the stars did not spend hours practising the manoeuvres as the footage was actually doctored to make them look like aces. Cruise is an avowed football fan and often catches game with his adopted son. — PTI
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Swanky drive
What meets the eye is believable. Plush interiors, comfortable leg space, stylish exteriors, the B-segment car can be included in the top five cars category and certainly lure your parents into buying you one. With Figo it is comfort from the minute the ignition is sparked. Save for the fact, it could have done with a little more flat space on the dashboard; so used to stacking it with files, keeping paper plates while munching pizza. As we set out on our way through city traffic, the importance of Super Dot 4 brake fluid, which offers increased heat resistance of up to 180 degrees Centigrade, was palpable. This fluid helps in neat application of brakes when they are under constant use. On a long drive you would love to peep out from the relatively large rear quarter glass and large rear windows. Technology has done great things, and a cell phone is one such invention that never leaves us. It has to ring, no matter when and where. "We have a provision here," interjected my navigator, new to the route, but not to the wonders of Figo! "Switch on the bluetooth of your mobile and connect it to the car's bluetooth enabled music system," she tried showing me. "Now you can take calls, surf through the contacts without picking up the mobile." What about my personal calls? No answers for this, but surely a technology installed to encourage safe driving on the highways and other congested areas. Not to miss the mention of air bags to add to the safety element. The horn honks easily with a light press, but the configuration of left side indicator and right rise wiper confuses a bit. Getting used to this is easy but…what say? Looks, should we say interiors, could be deceptive. But Ford Figo balances the plush interiors with equally good technology. A 2,489 mm wheel base - longest of any car in the B-segment - a ground clearance of 168mm, low friction ball joints in the front suspension that reduces steering system friction, anti-lock brakes, pinning steering system, a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres…"chotey packet ka bada dhamaka", Ford Figo, the small car with swanky interiors, indeed offers more than what you expected from the size!
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"We've combined all the services under one roof. So far this has not been the case," shares Dr Dhiraj Jaiswal, managing director. He adds, "We use Chinese reflexology in our spa services and all the skin treatments are done by a qualified dermatologist." For laser hair removal there are laser machines, derma peel machines, apart from and among the long list of technologies. Adds Jaiswal, "Basically it's a process of removing unwanted hair by laser or IPL (intense pulsated light) source to disrupt the growth of hair. In this, light reaches the root of the hair, which disrupts the growth of unwanted hair follicles." As for the apprehensions, there's an immediate reassurance, "This is a process that's totally aesthetic, in which we reach the root of the hair. The removal process and technology varies from patient to patient." Ones harried by the warts, acne, scars can take their pick from Acne treatment, glycolic peel, SM peel, yellow peel, sandwich peel, argi peel, radio frequency, lacti peel fill derms, microderma-abrasion, retises peel…to each skin type, his own. Those swearing by the spa can choose from an array of foot, neck and back massages. "Our staff for the spa is especially trained from Manipur and there will be offering foot, neck and back massages. Customers can choose from a combination of these and together they clear blockage, detoxify, rejuvenate, apart from acting as anti-depressants." He adds, "We are only using reflexology treatments right now but later we might introduce body wraps spas as well." — TNS
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Spring in step
The versatile dancer teaches Bharatnatyam to her disciples, but performs Lucknow gharana Kathak in which she specialises. With no family background in dance, she wonders even now how she drifted into the profession. Trained under legendary Kathak guru Birju Maharaj, pandit Krishan Maharaj and Bharatnatyam exponent Manishanker, Jayanti says due to its lyrical, sensuous movements, rhythmic patterns and subtle abhinaya, Kathak is very popular both in India as well as abroad. She has particularly acquired the talent of presenting the traditional, disciplined art form while blending it with the rhythm. Jayanti has successfully completed a research work in shakti and bhakti on behalf of the Government of India. She has performed in numerous dance festivals all over the country and abroad, including USA (1995), Canada (1994), Thailand (1987), Japan (2002), Korea (2001 and 2009) and various other European countries. "For a shy dancer like me, it was difficult, yet interesting, to face the media and audience and explain about 'Draupadi cheer haran' after my concert in Canada and later Germany," she shares. And her dedication is intense. "Once my thumb nail started bleeding profusely but I kept dancing for 45 minutes, flooding the stage with blood, which was applauded by the audience."
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The handmade mats available here are the best summer buy to replace heavy carpets. Says Md. Zama of the Awadh Handicrafts, "Made in cotton, the mats are machine wash. Also available in different sizes, they can be used as soft furnishing on table tops." Other soft furnishing that are a must check here are Rajasthani bedsheets. "It's a misconception that traditional handicrafts don't change with latest trends. Everyday, to keep pace with the taste of people, we introduce 50 new designs of bedsheets in the market," says Prakash Keseriya from Jaipur. His stall has bed sheets with block and machine printing. Sanjay Jain from Bareilly has in his stall cushions and table tops with zari work done on them. The range falls between Rs 100 and 1,000. At a stall from West Bengal, suits and sarees in Kantha work are apt for summers. From Andhra Pradesh, William has brought clothes made in crochet work. Made by the women of self-help groups, the clothes and furnishings are reasonably priced. — TNS (On till June 20)
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TAROT TALK ARIES: The Four of Pentacles showers blessing on lovers. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Tiffs are likely at the work place. Pay attention to behind the scene activities. Money flow will increase this week. Saturday could see you in a passionate mood. Tip of the week: "Where there is a will, there is a way" is an old saying that holds true in your case this week. Lucky colour: Pink. TAURUS: Like the The Knight of Cups, you are emotional in personal relationship throughout the week. Socially there could be a nice surprise in store for you. Discussions behind closed doors could work out very well on Thursday. No need to worry about health. Keep on the course that you have already set for yourself. Tip: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. GEMINI: Household task can be done on record time. A fruitful journey is on the cards. A retail business may prove fruitful. Ask superiors for dinner party together this Saturday. Tip: Nobody has deliberately let you down, so keep going and don't allow your confidence to be dented. Lucky colour: Orange. CANCER: The Queen of Cups brings romance, poetry and dreamlike qualities in your personal relationships. Try not to loose your temper. If your pet has been out of sorts, check with the vet. Very good time to attend a party or any other function. Those involved in business will receive a good offer. Tip: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. LEO: You draw Six of Cups that helps you in professional work. You will be feeling much better. Progress can be made with employment activities. Investigate your overall financial situation. Do not waste your spare time on gossips. Do not mix business with family affairs. Tip: You should pursue your goals without any apprehension of the disapproval. Lucky colour: Golden brown. VIRGO: Your card Six of Wands suggests friends could get on your nerves. Artists /models do not aim too high. Health could slow you down. Employment problems are likely to be piling up. Push hard to conclude any real estate deal already underway. Tip: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Scarlet. LIBRA: The Empress takes you towards the fast and the protective lane. It is time to prove your worth. Happy news for some is about to pour in. Tuesday can be a little hectic. Interference in your personal plans is indicated. Monday is liable to raise your emotional hackles. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Crimson. SCORPIO: Nine of Cups says you will be better able to cope with jobs that require team effort. Home entertainment should go off rather well. Women, keep your stakes low while playing cards on Wednesday. Tip: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Deep red. SAGITTARIUS: You draw The Chariot, so you are in touch with dynamic and assertive energy to make new beginnings. Check your car before you set out. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. For old patients, an improvement is indicated in health on Friday. Do not get involved in any land deals on Tuesday. Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. CAPRICORN: The High Priestess reveals family pressure and responsibilities. Avoid making changes on Tuesday. It is best to make time with important matters. Emotions have to be controlled. Students: you can avoid strikes or walkout. No matter how hard you try, little will go right for you. Tip: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: White. AQUARIUS: The Nine of Swords brings you to your truths, hopes and desires that you mask with a calm surface. A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Make your boss aware of all the hard work that you have been putting in. Share problems with loved ones. Tip: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Sea green. PISCES: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Over eating, drinking, over anything will be regretted. Do not take any risk with your savings. Romance could be an anticlimax on Saturday. Be tactful in your criticism though emotions will be easily aroused. Tip: You should pursue your goals without a thought for the disapproval. Lucky colour: Black.
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"I still have to come across a simple deejay with no frills of 'Yo Man', without a goatee, without studs," says Nisha Batish, partyite from the city. "Why do they have to dress and act differently as if aliens from some other planet," she tosses the question. Hmmm. We wonder too. Why?
Ditto for DJ Shay from Israel who plays at private parties in Manali and Goa. Another DJ with long free-flowing tresses; a trademark style. "It goes with Trance music, that's it. Most deejays that I know of dress according to their style of music."
Albeit call centres have provided jobs to lakhs of youngsters in the country, the odd work timings have resulted in many health as well as social problems. Increase in the consumption of junk food, caffeine, nicotine etc are sure taking a toll on the health of these youngsters.
Twilight star Kristen Stewart wants to work on stage and has reportedly met with a producer and a director to discuss possible roles in London's West End. The actress who plays Bella Swan in the vampire franchise is keen to tread the boards in London's famous West End theatre district, but wants to start off in a small production, a website reported.
Hollywood superstars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are among the millions who have been taken over by soccer fever as the World Cup kicks off in South Africa. The two stars appear in a hilarious new online promotion in which they are showing off their skills with the football.
Test-driving a new car is like trying to get comfortable in a particular denim when you are used to wearing another kind! A diesel model of the small, compact and fully loaded Ford Figo parked outside Bhagat Ford, Industrial Area, looked pretty inviting, especially the idea of hitting the road in a 'squeeze' colour (startling green). Chances of getting second looks were high!
Yet another spa in the city, but this one aims to fill the vacuum of specialised services, provide quite a unique combination of services. Revive-35, the latest addition to spa, skin and laser services aspires to serve under one umbrella.
‘Of all the performing arts, Indian dance forms have instant appeal because of similarities in their concepts, content and composition," opines well-known Kolkata-based Kathak dancer Jayanti Mukerjee, who was in the city for a performance at the Pracheen Kala Kendra.
Imagine if there were no such exhibitions that provided just about everything from everywhere under a single roof? No ways, we could have thought of visiting far off places to buy stuff and the only option then would have been to pick whatever is available. It's easier to understand what purpose do exhibitions serve at the Awadh Heritage Fest being held at the Kisan Bhawan-36.