SPA-rkling
From milk, wine, chocolate wraps to imported stones, spas in the city are coming up with the best
Manpriya Khurana

Dead sea minerals coupled with herbal scrubs followed by therapeutic stones and finished with Aloe Vera wrap. Phew! A look at some of the spa menus can be overwhelming. Here's clicking the refresh button and more than mere fancy descriptions or twisted permutations of ingredients, spas are a product of techniques and technologies, more so during the changed seasons. Book marking some of the exotic and the elaborate.

"Some of the spas take around three hours because when people come here they want every possible kind of pampering and not a hurried job," says Richa Agarwal, director, Cleopatra. She adds, "It's not just ingredients that vary with the season, even the technologies change. For instance, during summers the outside temperature is more, so the scrubs change. During hot weather, scrubbing has to be milder, whereas winters call for rigourous scrubbing." As for the ingredients, the stark changes run parallel to the Celsius degrees outside. "It's just like with what we eat. Things that cool the body are used in summers and vice versa. Hawaiian Exotica is popular during summers in which we use fresh fruits, watermelon, and papaya, as per the skin type." So cucumber stands for summers, while chocolate remains a staple for winters.

Says Ishani Nanavakkara, CEO, Oleega, "During summers milk is used more while chocolate wraps are a hot favourite during winters. Then there's wine spa, which is in demand for its glow-giving qualities."

Recoil into 15-minute chair message, revive over oxygen therapy, detoxify, hydrate, invigorate, rejuvenate…options to reshape the body and spirit galore! "In our aromatic therapy, we follow a unique combination of western therapy, acupressure, natural ingredients like lavender oil etc," shares Madan Singh, spa manager, Seven Seas Spa. He adds, "Then there's signature therapy in which we apply various combinations of pressure techniques. In Indian therapy, hot warm ayurvedic oil is used."

Historically, spas developed at natural hot springs or sources of mineral waters. An activity, at times, undertaken over a seven-day stay. With every "beauty parlour" calling itself salon and every salon turning into a spa, and every kind of spa available at every street corner, what the professionals in the industry are now focusing on is techniques.

Shares Richa, "For hot stone therapy, we especially imported Lava stone from the US. In this therapy, the quality of the stone matters the most." For those not interested in hot warm natural stones, there's Veda Spa with a combine of seven herbs. She adds, "It includes combination of deep tissue massage, refloxology techniques, depending on the requirement, body polishing with herbs etc." Depending on the skin type, thrown in are ancient spice oils, comprising cinnamon, clove, turmeric sticks…

Adds Ishani, "One of the therapies uses sea mud that has as many as 40 minerals. As for the hot stone therapy, the stone is imported from Australia, and is found in the rivers there. It's pre-heated and then used. It gives a nice feeling, is very relaxing and releases toxins."

The 45-minute to three-hour therapy, relaxes, rejuvenates, revives, restores, revitalises, in short, everything for beauty and wellness. And the popularity of spas doesn't stop at women. Shares Ishaani, "I would say the number of men are increasing. Though of course women outnumber them. At present it's the sixty to forty ratio." What differs is not the therapy, she adds, "Women would like to relax, while men go for more deep tissue massages. And more pressure needs to be applied."

Affirms Madan Singh, "It's sixty per cent to forty per cent, the division between men and women coming over for a spa treatment." As for the distinction, says Richa, "Men are more interested in massage than the spa, while it's vice versa with women." The statement comes all exclusive of bridal treatments, which in them are a specialisation.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Literary edge
SD Sharma

Both literary connoisseurs and avid readers opine that wisdom, rationality and cosmic intellectualism are traits that characterise the works of prolific writer Dr Manjula Rana, who has 12 books to her credit. She is also member of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.

Her humility, sophistication and love for literature add to her charming persona. She is known for her writings on women from the hills and is a specialist critic of contemporary Hindi literary works. Manjula was born in Pauri Garwal and brought up in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. An avid student, she completed her doctorate from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Central University, Siringar, where she taught postgraduate classes 20 years later. She also has the distinction of having taught at the Chicago University.

Some of her works that received critical acclaim include "Dinkar ke kavya mein ras yojna", Urvashi, "Ujas kahan hai", in addition to the series of writings on the life of women from the hills.

In the city for a seminar organised by the Haryana Sahitya Academy, Manjula shares her thoughts.

Q: What inspired you to become a writer?

A: My meagre achievements in life have been due to blessings of the almighty, my parents and siblings. My parents were voracious readers and I always found myself immersed in a sea of books. This helped hone my sensibilities early in life.

Q: What are the works closest to your heart?

A: "Ujaas kahan hai" gave me instant recognition and a telefilm on it is in the offing. Madhav Kaushik has written the script and screenplay for it. The plight of women in the hills and atrocities on people fighting for justice has really moved me, which is reflected in the story "Rally". From my visits abroad I found that the suffering of women is the same, but the degree and magnitude differs.

Q: How do you like your new role as member of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission?

A: It is a nice feeling to contribute towards selecting candidates for the ranks of SDMs and other levels.

Among the stars
Priya Verma wins the Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship 2010
Jasmine Singh

Sometimes you don't need a theory or an explicit validation to highlight a trend. Jumping like a pro on a dance reality show, straining their vocal chords on yet another show, making people double their age wonder in amazement.

Yes, a 17-year-old these days doesn't pester parents to buy branded clothes, or convince them for a night out. They have better things on their mind - techniques to conserve water, developing a theory on the universe, design machines that will run on water and solve the fuel and pollution problem!

This time, a 17-year-old from Chandigarh has showed a similar, out-of-the-box, display of intelligence. Priya Verma is the first Indian to win the Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship 2010. Presently, she is enrolled in a dual university BCA programme through Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, and George Brown College, Toronto, Canada.

At an age when kids her age are generally exploring career options, Priya knows what to do. "I will be going to Washington to get the scholarship. I plan to pursue a career in the IT sector," she smiles. "There is no dearth of options these days. Youngsters just need to focus and then work towards the goal."

More on the award, which is a turning point in Priya's life. "I was awarded International Diana Award for Community Service in 2009. Thereafter, the Nobel Prize Society sent me an invite to enrol as a member, which I accepted right away," she says.

"This scholarship is only for members of The National Society of High School Scholars. The society has members from top international universities and colleges like Harvard University, Yale University and Dartmouth College. Out of 3-4 lakh members, 12,000 semi-finalist were shortlisted. We were asked to write a few lines on what have we done for the betterment of the world; the question that decided the scholarship," she beams.

Child is the father of the man…looking at Priya dishing out details, sharing her achievements, answering 'direct' questions…we don't doubt it a bit. So what more is this youngster up to? Bang comes the reply, "I have designed a project to increase the level of water, which was displayed in Sweden and on Pogo channel as well." This made Priya Pogo Amazing Kid in the leadership category. "Great minds like Dr Abdul Kalam inspire me," she smiles.

"When I look at the sky I see a vast spread that has so much to offer, and I want to see and explore every bit of the mystery it shields," a philosophical outburst that indeed surprises us.

"Why do people think youngsters only mean fun in life, why can't they accept them following their dreams and exploring new horizons," says Priya, proud recipient of loads of awards, including Dr Abdul Kalam Award, National Youth Award in 2007, Disaster Management Kid Award by the US, Young Learner's Award from Cambridge University, UK and Young Eco Hero Award 2008 (runners up) from Action Hero USA. Phew! Young ones are no longer young anymore!

Healing touch
The demise of someone close to you is an irreparable loss. But there are ways that can help
Mona

The biggest loss indeed is that of life. One can't bring back the ones departed and life's difficult without them. The toughest ones find it hard to cope, but then one must get over the grief. We bring you some ways that can pave the way to healing.

"Real strength has to come from the inside," says Surinder Kaur, 66, who lost her husband a year back. "My husband was my strength. We together bore the pain of losing two young sons. And losing him was the last blow," she shares from her house in Sector 29.

But her husband had prepared her for this. "The tragedy of losing sons made us realise the transience of life. Na hum sath aate hain na jate hain," she shares. The first thing after the death that Surinder did was to fulfill her husband's last wish. She donated his body to PGI. "After one's loved one is no more, the only happiness lies in fulfilling their wishes," she smiles amidst tears.

Demise of wife did not come easy for Subhash Singla from Sector 32. "I lost my wife 19 years back and her absence still haunts me," he shares. It was the extended family that stood by the man and his two young sons. "One out of my three sisters took turns to stay with us. Then my mother-in-law came over. Though she couldn't even move around but her very presence meant a lot for us," he shares. Singla turned to work to keep him occupied and has been doing that ever since. "Had I not immersed myself in work, I might have given up life. It's work that keeps me going still," he shares. It's friends that still support Singla in his lonely times. "On Sundays I meet my friends over a meal and that's a good change from regular work routine," he says.

Social rituals are framed in a way to provide most assistance to a grieving family. "In Punjabi culture the very concept of 'syapa' is there to help people get over the loss by crying," says Ranjay Vardhan, city sociologist. "The 40-day mourning period when the family and friends show up helps the grieving person. People gather and talk about memories associated with the person and most of all make sure the grieving family is not left alone," says Vardhan.

The collapse of the joint family system has made things even worse for it's difficult for people to take out time from their busy schedules to be with grieving family. As much as members even pets can help alleviate pain with their selfless love. In turn looking them after, spending time with them can help one get away from sadness.

"It's easier said than done but its true that time is the greatest healer," says city sociologist Rajshree Sarda.

There is a three-way approach that Sarda suggests. "First and foremost is to keep the mind and body active. Rather than being alone and brooding, go out and keep busy. Next is to look for replacement. You can't get your lost sister back but then look for a friend,' says Sarda. And most of all, it's the sense of belonging that one needs to develop. "Touch people's lives. Making a difference in someone's life gives a purpose to your own. Stretch your hand and life will be kind in turn," she signs off.

mona@tribunemail.com

Helping hands

n Let them cry, just be there
n Don't leave the person alone
n Help them look for new interests
n Connect them to new people

BOND WAGON
Love ties

Relationship: Mother and daughter
Time together: 12 years
Same to same: Fun loving, bindaas, chilled out, love eating out, dog lovers, crazy for outings, watching comedy movies, sharing shoes, nail varnishes, perfumes, hair clutches, listening to music, yet inattentive, disorganised and don't mind living in an unkempt room!
Yet Different: Talkative, frank, "I don't care" attitude but responsible –Preeti.

Calm, clever, charming, careless yet innocent –Harsheen

Unforgettable Moments: Spending a weekend at Writer's Hill, Nahan, when we had a VIP room to ourselves. We indulged in complimentary services, jumped on the soft bed, emptied the shampoo in the tub, and sang our lungs out pretending to be Yankee singers. In holidays, we played Monopoly for the entire night and slept at seven in the morning, exhilarated after grabbing so much false money! –Preeti

When she makes a cake or biscuits (which is rare as she isn't the cooking type) and includes me in the process. Or when she gets a project and we go window-shopping and trouble the salesmen without any intention of buying! –Harsheen

Funny Takes: Reminds me of her school days, when she returned, threw her bag on the bed and would not stop talking on the dining table till I heard out all her stories. –Preeti

When mom once came running to me worried that she had lost her mobile, while all the time she was talking to her friend on it! She's so absent-minded and I love handling her. –Harsheen

Special Something: Her beautiful champagne grey eyes and ability to behave maturely as an adult when the situation demands it. I like it when she mothers me often. –Preeti

I like my mom for her honesty, her strength and for the fact that she cannot tolerate lies. She is a good writer and I try to write poems like her. I feel secure the way she takes care of me, sends me to camps and activities (though I crib a lot initially). She still treats me like a baby. –Harsheen

Wishful Thinking- I am glad she is already street smart at this tender age. I wish she gathers more courage to face the battles of life. I want her to discover her passion and make it her profession. –Preeti

She is great mom but a bit too emotional. I need to shake her up sometimes, but when she is strong she is my idol. I want her to remain healthy and happy forever. –Harsheen

(Preeti Singh is a writer and Harsheen is a student at Gurukul, Panchkula)

– 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.

Be a better half
New dads must shoulder responsibilities at home

A new book has said that fathers must not leave all parenting and household tasks only to mothers, claiming that half of relationships suffer following the birth of a baby. Duncan Fisher, a former member of the Equal Opportunities Commission, has written the new book on parenting.

It claims that the actions or inaction of men in the first few months of fatherhood are crucial to the future of their families, and that if they stick to the traditional breadwinner role and leave all domestic work to new mothers it can lead to "discord and eventual break-up".

"We have to work hard for equality at home, not because of 'dad's rights' but because inequality drives couples apart and makes everybody's life miserable," he wrote.

"We often see mums who have far too much to do without enough help, dads who feel left out and secondary and children who see their parents' relationship suffering.

"We need more 'kitchen table talk' where the difficulties are acknowledged and solutions discussed," he stressed.

His book, called Baby's Here! Who Does What? claims that half of parents say their relationship deteriorates after a baby is born, while one in 10 mothers suffers post-natal depression.

Two-thirds of parents feel fathers don't spend enough time with their young children but a far smaller proportion think that mothers should be in charge.

Fisher believes parents should share caring and earning roles, as well as ensuring they make time to continue doing things they enjoyed before having children.

However he admits that fathers face an "uphill struggle" in seeking equality in the home.

This is because tradition, employers and the benefits system all encourage mothers to take charge in the home and reward fathers who work long hours.

The book says that fathers should do all they can to win flexible working rights, allowing them to spend extra time bonding with their baby.

It comes after academic research found that couples are twice as likely to divorce when the husband does not help around the home.

A study by a senior lecturer at the London School of Economics claimed their willingness to carry out chores almost cancels out the "destabilising" effect on families created by mothers returning to employment. — ANI

Lifestyle invites responses from readers on the following issue:

Are first born kids different from middle or youngest one?

Please e-mail the responses in around 200 words to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or post along with your photo and contact number to 'Relatively Speaking', Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh. The best few responses will be published.

Renee Writes
True love
at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd

I am 27-year-old and seem to have finally found a girl I want to have a permanent relationship with. Earlier I loved running away from most of my girlfriends. It is for the first time that I have the urge to be with her forever. The problem here is that all my friends seem to be angry with me. They all move around with lots of girls and they cannot believe how anyone can want to be with just one person. But I feel very content and do not want to change the situation. It is just that I hate being the laughing stock of my friends. They tease me and say my girlfriend will not respect me and will leave me if I don't behave like a real man. I feel miserable. Please help.

Michael, Patiala

I am so glad to know that there are still some decent guys around who would actually want to love and cherish a woman. Today there seems to be no place for love. Trust me you are on the right track. It is only balanced individuals who can form strong and steady relationships. Don't worry about jealous friends just count you self-lucky to have true love in your life. Most people need partners around to curb their worst instincts and keep them steady. If you are steady just learn to appreciate yourself. People think its hip to hang around with many partners but I think relationships are the most steadying factors in our lives. Once we have found the right relationship everything also just naturally falls into place. So just count your blessings and tell God to keep you as lucky always. Who cares what the world says as long as you are convinced you're doing the right thing. Just get on with your life.

Right track

I am a 23-year-old who grew up in a family where my parents were constantly fighting with each other or shouting at the kids. I was told many times that I was crazy and I didn't know what I was talking about. So much so that I actually started to believe that I was crazy. When I was younger this was a regular pattern in my life but now I feel I have started understanding myself better. All the fears that I have are due to my bad childhood and unhealthy atmosphere in the house. Can you help me to heal some of my childhood traumas so that I can lead a normal healthy life and not be bogged down by fears and phobias? Do you think having at girl friend will help? I am almost scared of having a relationship.

Sumit Kalra, Chandigarh

It is wonderful to know that at a young age you have understood your problem so well. You must realise that your parents who are a product of a different generation were probably traumatised as. Please do not hang on to all the negative things told to you by your parents who are still emotionally immature people. Take your inner child into your loving care, soothe the pain and your childhood traumas will slowly recede. Once you are free from fears you have every reason to have a normal healthy life. Having a girlfriend is definitely a good proposition, someone who cares for you and understands you. Much luck you are on the right track.

Follow your dreams

I am a 32-year-old working in Mumbai for the last six years. I only come home for vacations and each time I'm here my parents press me for marriage. I have a live in relationship with my girlfriend in Mumbai but somehow marriage does not fit into my life right now. This time that I'm home I have bumped into my old school girlfriend, she is also my neighbour and has come back after a divorce in England. We meet up every evening and I enjoy her company very much. Now that I have been here I can actually think of spending my life with her we do share a lot of common interests but I'm confused which is the better option, please advise.

Vinendra Chanhan, Panchkula

You're sure creating confusion for yourself with your own attitude. How can you live with such a level or irresponsibility? Do spend some time in trying to figure out what it is that you really want. Marriage of course is a great responsibility and you just cannot treat it lightly. But on the other hand I feel that man is a social animal and also it is good for him to live in a level of freedom but discipline too. If you have not committed to your girlfriend then perhaps you could think about this one. If you feel a level of sharing and emotional bonding with someone you are truly a blessed soul, so check your inner perspective and then move on in the direction of your desires and dreams.

Little wonders
At a recent workshop, slum children were taught
the nuances of theatre
SD Sharma

‘Due to the environment and social milieu of slum children, they excel in certain areas but cannot do so in others," observed noted theatre actor-cum-director, Chakresh Kukmar, an alumnus of Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, during the two-week theatre art workshop at Government High School complex, Mauli Jagran.

The project to create awareness about theatre among slum children was jointly sponsored by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi and Chinmaya Centre for Youth Excellence. As many as 100 children between 5 to 15 years of age, including 60 girls, participated in the workshop.

Writer-actor Niresh Kumar said the acting potential of these children has been documented in a play titled Koshish jaari hai, which was evolved during the workshop from June 1 to 15. "The play will be staged in the city later, but we have a special show today at the school for the parents and friends of these children," said Kamal Arora, Akademi vice chairman. "The play depicts the struggles of a man who is tired of being moralistic and revolts for a change in the system," he added.

Dr SN Singla of Chinmaya Centre for Youth Excellence, while praising the efforts of these children, said

it was a good learning experience. Talking about slum children, he said: "They are extrovert, though with a limited vision. Once I just briefed them about making of masks for a practical demonstration, but to my surprise many came out next morning with masks made by them. They need to be groomed with more care and love."

Pick & paste
Kartika Sharma

There are some things in life that never change. They remain constant even as the whole world around them changes. Wall posters is one such thing that has gone astray from our lives for some time but with FIFA world cup, they are back in the market in lots of colors and variety to find a special place on our room walls. These printed pieces have been a part of every teenager room for ages. Love deep Sidhu, a student, SCS, PU says, "I had posters of boy bands I idolized and it was a special experience." He adds that her parents had the posters pasted on the walls of their room as well. Anju Sharma, a schoolteacher says "In 80's we had Sun brand posters that were rare at that time and that was the time when posters trend started."

A wall poster is a statement of our personality and thought process, the reason why teens and tweens love to have them on their room walls. Posters with wacky slogans or statements are a hit among teenagers. Most teenagers love to show their rebellious side through posters of wrestlers or rock stars in their rooms. Raveena Sharma an engineering student in SVIET quips, "I like to paste posters that has printed on it list of rules that one needs to follow to be in my room."

Posters of movies, actors and sports personalities are also very popular among youngsters. Posters of cricket, baseball, soccer, football, and hockey players are a favourite with everybody. Rakesh Sharma, a street vendor in 22 says, "As FIFA cup is going on, young boys come asking for their favorite football stars." They are available here in the range between Rs.25 to 150."

Posters are not just for teenagers. Nowadays, baby posters come in various sizes and quotes. Also, there is an option of posters with beautiful sceneries, landscapes and philosophies. These are available with street vendors in 17, 22, and 15 at affordable prices from Rs.10 to 200. But except these handy pieces, you can also have wall stickers of Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, Donald, Hannah Montana, Spiderman, Barbie doll… to match with your indoor decor. Aseem Bajaj owner of Archies gift gallery, 44 says "We have cartoon stickers, paintings, wall hangings for Rs.100 to 1000. There are ample choices to pick from." So, what are you going to pick?

Amplifying the Raavan

Reliance Media World Ltd. does it again! As it becomes the official partners for the year's awaited cinema Raavan. As Bollywood's most celebrated couple come together in a movie that is expected to raise the temperature Rmwl's radio arm BIG FM, the events division of its experiential marketing arm BIG Live and its mobile and online solutions division BIG Digital, come together to ensure the film reaches out to the nation through extremely innovative, novel and highly interactive offerings.

The promotions, which have already begun, are spread across 36 Hindi speaking markets and 2 markets will happen across the 36 HSM's and 2 markets in Tamil Nadu ensuring the best spread and reach.

Tune into the channel and the inner Ram or Raavan of the audiences will be reveled on 92.7 BIG FM, through the contest Aander ka Raavan, where listeners will get an opportunity to recommend friends and family whom they believe are the biggest Raavan's in their lives. Their responses attributed to a certain trait, which could range from laziness to a bad temper and more. Listeners will be encouraged to share unusual real life instances about their friends- these instances would bring forth their inner Ram or Raavan. During the contest each person's story will be played daily and the top 5 stories from across the 36 HSM as well as Chennai network will be short listed and shared with the stars of the film. At the end of the contest, the winner will be selected through votes across India and the final winner will get an opportunity to meet with the superstars. The on air magic will also include interviews with A. R. Rahman, Mani Ratnam, Abhishek, Aishwarya, southern superstar Vikram and more, ensuring not just great content but also an excellent opportunity for listeners to be able to speak with their favourite stars.

Big live's events division is executing one of the road shows to be hosted along with Abhishek Bachchan himself being part of a cavalcade activity touching 10 high footfall areas in each of the cities of Delhi and Mumbai over the weekend. The event, christened Thok De Killi sees Beera's entourage being led by a series of bikers dressed in the Beera outfit making way for the huge truck done up in the jungle theme with dancers atop it, grooving to the upbeat music of Thok de killi. Joining the dancers will be none other than Abhishek Bachchan himself who will wear his attitude on his sleeves, interact with audiences and share exclusive merchandise with them.

In ensuring an integrated offering, Big Digital will promote the movie with mobile SMS promotions and branding on video web pages of BIG FM along with banners on BIG FM homepage and picture and video uploads of the stars on social community sites. — TNS

Classic cut

The costumes and jewelleries are of utmost importance in the Indian wedding as they are symbolic of the pride, joy and the purity of the marriage institution. With the aim to meet the wedding jewellery requirements across communities, Tanishq, India's most desired jewellery brand launched their exclusive Wedding Collection.

Tanishq's exclusive Wedding Collection promises its consumers authentic traditional jewellery that cater to different Indian communities including Punjabi, Bihari, Gujarati, Marwari, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Kannada and Marathi. Keeping in mind the sensibilities and preferences of all these regional consumers the Wedding Collection designs are steeped in tradition and yet have a certain design element that makes them unique.

The entire range has been put together after thorough research so as to cover each and every jewellery requirement from across all regions. For generic categories like Haars, kadas, maang tikas, jhumkas the designs have been rendered with a touch of uniqueness so while they still retain their traditional forms, they have a complete Tanishq interpretation. However all the specific community requirements for categories like the mangal sutra pendants, naths etc have been recreated using traditional knowledge and expertise so that the original flavour remains unchanged. In fact, Tanishq has also set up new manufacturing hubs to cater to these community specific wedding requirements.

Launching the collection Mr. Sandeep Kulhalli, Vice President Tanishq said, "At Tanishq, our current aim is to offer region specific collections keeping in mind the traditions, culture, occasion and sentiments of the customers. In India, marriage is an emotional celebration of the joy & expectations on the auspicious start of new future. The Wedding Collection jewellery takes up exclusive designs from different communities in the country and tries to capture these myriad experiences that a marriage embodies so that it leaves a lasting impression of joy for the bride on her special day."

This exclusive Wedding Collection covers products as small as a traditional nose ring to exclusive polki and diamonds sets and would be available at all Tanishq stores across India from April 2010. — TNS

Crazy noodles

The Summer Club 2010 organised by Euro Kids Mohali for the kiddies has been running its first batch at its Mohali campus. The curriculum is all encompassing to impart learning to the tiny tots via the medium of fun filled activities.

Towards the end of the first week the children have been brought to Purple Rice, Sec 35, Chandigarh to satisfy their curiosity regarding cooking and preparation of their favorite foods, as also to expose them to the culinary arts. The Director of "Euro Kids Mohali - Girish Sharma" says "Noodles have always been a favourite treat for the kiddies, so what better way for them to learn this than to visit Purple Rice and see for themselves what goes into the preparation of their favorite treat". The Chef - Devraj Chhettri has been kind enough to let the children venture into the kitchen and be given a guided tour of the processes involved. The children successfully tossed noodles and prepared their own treat! — TNS

Jet pals
Akshay Kumar bonds with Aamir, SRK while travelling

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar had a "superstar experience" while flying in and out of Mumbai recently. When the actor was travelling from London to Mumbai, Aamir Khan was on his flight and next day when he took a flight back to London to join his wife and son for summer holidays, he met Shah Rukh Khan.

Akshay described his superstar experience on twitter as "funniest". The actor said both he and Aamir enjoyed a bit of the football world cup before they flew back to Mumbai together. "And the next day I flew back to London to join my wife and son for our summer holiday and I met Shah Rukh Khan on my flight. It was nice to know he feels as grateful as I am for being a part of our industry and how lucky we are...," he wrote.

Akshay, who is currently shooting for 'Patiala House' in London, said it was amazing that he managed to chat more with his work mates on a flight than he does in the entire year. — PTI

Comic timing
Rohit Shetty added comedy to my repertoire, says Devgan

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who is known more for his serious roles, credits director-cum-friend Rohit Shetty for adding a new dimension to his career as far as comedy is concerned. "As far as comedy is concerned, Rohit has definitely given a new dimension to my career," said Ajay. "I am very comfortable with him and he is someone I really trust. We have a lot of faith in each other," he added.

The duo has delivered three comic flicks together - 'All The Best', which Devgn produced, Golmaal and Golmaal Returns. They also worked in Sunday and Zameen.

The Devgn-Shetty combination will be next seen in Golmaal 3, the third film in the Golmaal series, which is scheduled for a Diwali release. The 40-year-old Ajay, who is basking in the success of his latest political drama Raajneeti, said, he was looking forward to Golmaal 3.

"Golmaal has almost become a brand now. It feels great to know that the audiences thoroughly enjoyed...Loved the first two films its characters and all," he said. "I think Golmaal 3 is much bigger and better than both of the earlier films combined together. The characters are much funnier this time around," he added.

Golmaal 3 will see Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Khemu, Kareena Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty and Ratna Pathak Shah in principal roles. — PTI

Campus diaries

Southern star Siddharth was on top of the world after he found his photograph alongside megastar Amitabh Bachchan on the latest prospectus of Delhi University's Kirori Mal College.

"I'm on the cover of Kirori Mal College's prospectus this year next to legendary alumnus Amitabh Bachchan...my amma (mother) is ecstatic. Cheers," Siddharth, who was seen in Hindi films like Rang De Basanti and Striker, posted on his Twitter page. Both the actors studied at the same college - but at different times.

While Amitabh pursued bachelor of science, Siddharth completed his bachelors in commerce. — IANS

Lights, camera… no action

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is scared to direct the remake of his father's 1991 hit Agneepath, famous for portraying megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the "angry young man". The 38-year-old says action isn't quite his thing.

"I am happy directing films on love, romance and drama. That's what I do best. I don't think I will be good at an action film. So I am not taking the reins of the film in my hand," said Karan.

He has roped in director Karan Malhotra to helm the movie. Currently, the team is working towards giving final touches to the script, after which they will approach the cast before finally launching the project. — IANS

Of wild safaris and stories

Popstar Katy Perry and her fiance, comedian Rusell Brand, have got identical inkings in Sanskrit. The Hollywood pair who got engaged during a romantic trip to India last year have got Anuugacchati Pravaha, meaning 'Go With The Flow' inked inside the right arm.

While Brand, 34 had showed off the body art on the front cover of this month's Rolling Stone magazine, Perry's inking was seen during a recent performance.

The couple who are set to wed later this year, were earlier planning to tie the knot in a traditional ceremony in India but changed the plan later.

Their Indian sojourn has taken them to Rajasthan and Agra where they were spotted enjoying a typical tourist experience with henna tattoos and elephant rides.

The I Kissed a Girl singer was so surprised by the co-existence of elephants and luxury cars in the tourist haven of Rajasthan that she could not help but post a comment on her Twitter page, "Mercedes and elephants side by side, Wow..." They had spent two days in Delhi, visited the Taj Mahal, before flying to Rajasthan. — PTI

Kids can wait

Hollywood bombshell Eva Mendes will not be starting a family any time soon as she has never had experienced the longing to be a mother. The 36-year-old who has been dating Peruvian filmmaker George August for more than eight years said that she is not sure whether she wants to even get married.

"I've never had a longing to have children. I've been thinking about it lately because it's like, 'Oh, God, am I going to do this?' I don't know the answer," said the actress.

Mendes said she appreciated her reputation as a sex symbol.

"I'm proud of it, absolutely, because why not? I can access that side quite easily, and I enjoy it, but certainly how boring if that was all I had to offer. The goal is to explore all sides," she said. — PTI

Always a beginner

His credentials as a filmmaker are well established and he is on the wish list of top Bollywood stars, but Mani Ratnam still feels like a newcomer before the release of his each film. The Tamil director is awaiting the release of his bilingual film Raavan this Friday.

"I am not worried about the craze and expectations from others. I just want to get the film right and do as good as I can. I feel as pressurised as a beginner before every release," Ratnam said. The 54-year-old director, who made films like Roja, Dil Se, Bombay and Guru, which garnered both critical acclaim and box office success said that he often turns to his writers and actors for help while making a film in Hindi.

"I trust the writer when he says something will not sound right in Hindi. I ask him how would it sound right. I trust the actor and discuss it with him. So we discover many things together," said Ratnam. — PTI

Mum rules

Pop diva Christina Aguilera is a strict mother who loves discipline and refuses to let two-year-old son Max behave like a "brat". The Not Myself Tonight singer is quite strict with her son. Because she wants him to be a polite little boy but admits temper tantrums are a part of growing up.

"No child is terrible. When you're at that age you're just learning how to express yourself and balance all these emotions and feelings. I'm definitely an understanding mom, but discipline is a big thing for me too. I'm not raising no brat!" said Aguilera. — PTI




HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail |