Comfortable, stylish, straight and with a sprinkle of shine, people take as much pains to dress up their homes as themselves. Going by the latest trend, city folks are making the most of the global style and adding their personal touch with elan.

A look around the furniture stores, and one is spoilt for choice. Imported stuff from Italy, Turkey and, of course, China, flooding the market, it is not difficult to get customised pieces to go with one's themes.

They come in all shapes and sizes, but the market verdict is — straight line is in, leather is the most favoured texture and bold colours rule. "Straight lines make the home look contemporary, are comfortable and also look modest," offers Renu Khanna, city's leading architect and interior designer. "The height of sofas has gone low. This makes the room look bigger and fresh," adds Renu, who loves to design her own furniture.

One can visit Durian-7 that offers straight-line sofa sets and designer chairs and beds. "Our stuff gets amazing response for their class finish. Everything is machine made," says Dinesh, store manager, Durian. With metal or wooden frames with fine leather coverings, this furniture is heavy and elegant. However, it's a little heavy on the pocket too (the range starts from Rs 12,000 a seat!).

Bold colours, comfortable seating, plain fabric and shining materials rule the furniture at Gem Furniture-7, catering to those who love to flaunt. "Bold colours with a touch of gold and silver and Swarovski have been dominating the scene for a while," says Suresh Bhatia, proprietor, Gem. This place has an eclectic collection of cushions in metallic hues.

Swarovski is no more limited to saris, jewellery or cushion covers. Glass Palace has recently added Swarovski-embellished sofa set from Turkey to their collection. "Lifestyle is changing too fast, too soon. So are the furniture trends. Our latest collection has Swarovski and stone use," says Rajinder Chauhan, sales manager, Glass Palace. This place offers a variety of living room furniture as well beds. "Circular beds are in. Also, low height is preferred," offers Rajinder. And it's not Vaastu to account for the popularity of low height beds, but the increasing LCD TV trend, if Rajinder is to be believed. "Increasingly, people have LCDs at home. As they are mounted on wall, one needs 45 degree angle for the best view. Catering to the need, we have a collection of low height beds," he says.

Though, most of these places offer customised furniture, interior decorators like to their own while designing home.

Annu Bains, interior architect from the city, offers an insight, "If one goes by the international trends, minimalism is on its way out, and luxury is in."

Says Annu, who likes to customise furniture for the houses that she does, "Homes reflect individual personality. So, I customise furniture to make sure the person using it is comfortable." "Basic furniture with rich fabrics in jewel colours like ruby red, emerald green and rich blues are in," she avers.

"As for my works, I believe in maintaining a fine balance of elements. If the furniture is contemporary, a few signature pieces can take the centrestage. There is a lot of vintage, Spanish and Moroccan influence to my décor," she avers.

What's stopping you? Grab the best that the world is offering!

mona@tribunemail.com

The kind of names they introduce themselves with makes their intentions and interests apparent — Dipesh is 7D and Samarth, though a bit usual, is Osho, while they rap and entertain crowds on the stage.

The name change was almost mandatory considering the trend of rap singers sporting a strange stage identity. "It makes it easier for people to recognise us. There must not be many 7Ds or Oshos for people to remember," says 7D, a B.Com student. Name of their rap group is on the same lines as well — Rap Rehab, meaning, "All the music addicts are welcome to the rap club." While 7D raps in Punjabi, rendering a desi touch to the western music form, Osho translates the same into English. "We wanted to cater to a large audience, which is possible only if the lyrics are written in the popular language as well," Osho, who is pursing engineering, adds.

And strangely there is no mention of daru, mutiyaar or nasha. "We prefer writing about youth and friendship. We don't want to dilute the quality of our lyrics by using vulgar words." Their track called Yaari, as they claim, is a hit since it has over 2,000 downloads. They promote the tracks through social networking sites and their blog. "We are in competition with 200 rock bands and rap groups in the city; all the more reason to promote and publicise our music. We have seen people hearing our numbers in their cars. Also it's played by a few discs in the city, which proves that we are doing pretty well for the standards set here," says 7D.

Another hit number by them is Gunhegaar. "It's about every person who considers himself guilty of doing something wrong. In a way, it's dedicated to all of us, because we all are not always right." The music compositions too, just like the lyrics, are original. With the help of city-based DJ Aryan, the duo is planning to cut their debut album shortly. Informs Osho, "It will have eight tracks with one video." And after six months only, the rappers have started getting invitations to perform in colleges across Punjab. "We charge anything between 10-15,000 rupees for the performance, which makes for our pocket money," says Osho. Their role models aren't difficult to judge, for they are the same for rappers universally. "I follow Eminem and 7D has learnt from the songs of Bohemia." ashima@tribunemail.com

After working with Ranbir Kapoor in two films, director Siddharth Anand feels the young actor has the potential to follow in the footsteps of megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the "complete Hindi film hero".

"The day Ranbir does an action film and does it well, he has the potential to fill the void that Bachchan created," said Anand who teamed up with Ranbir for the second time for his new romantic comedy Anjaana Anjaani releasing Sep 24.

The two had earlier worked together in Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). Ranbir, 27, is the son of well-known Bollywood actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor.

"Ranbir is the perfect guy to play Anthony (a character played by Big B in Amar Akbar Anthony), he can play coolie, he can play the characters Bachchan played in his prime. There is no one else but him," Anand told IANS. "He has got everything it takes to be the complete Hindi film hero that Bachchan was."

Anand, who debuted with Salaam Namaste (2005), says he has tried to push the boundaries with his first film and completely smashed it with Anjaana Anjaani.

"I have torn the boundaries here. When you see the film, it's something unlike you have seen at any point of time. It's a love story but its situations are very unique," said the young director.

"I made Ranbir do strange things. During the shooting of the song "Khuda jaane" in 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' I made him stand on the tip of a cliff and spread his arms and he was shit scared as he has a vertigo problem.

"In 'Anjaana Anjaani' there is a sequence where they are stranded in the middle of an ocean. It was the Pacific Ocean and he had to dive into the freezing waters. He did it even though he has aquaphobia," said the director.

Talking about the film that co-stars Priyanka Chopra, he said: " Anjaana Anjaani is the story of two strangers who meet in strange circumstances and then part as strangers. —IANS

Hollywood actor Kim Cattrall has revealed she was never able to enjoy the couture costumes on the Sex and the City sets because designers only sent sizes to fit her super-skinny co-stars.

The 54-year-old starred in six seasons of the hit TV show and two movie spin-offs alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. Now Cattrall admits she was never as slim as the other actresses and often missed out on wearing the best designer pieces, leaving her with vintage clothes instead.

"I'm not a sample size like Sarah and Kristin. I couldn't wear a lot of the clothes the young designers would send us. I'd wear a lot of vintage... Sometimes the fittings would be eight hours long and your whole body would ache from having clothes pulled on and off," she said. —IANS

After a long stay in Los Angeles, Bollywood's glamour girl Mallika Sherawat has returned to India."The media (can u believe it? Lol;), my fans gave me such a gr8 welcome home @ the airport, even at 2AM! I m humbled," she posted a message on microblogging site Twitter after landing here Thursday morning.

Mallika's brother and producer Vikram Lamba and her singer friend Shweta Pandit had come to pick her up at the airport.The actor keep herself busy by promoting her forthcoming film HISSS and will also be shooting for Dhamaal 2, which stars Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Javed Jaffrey, Aashish Chaudhary and Aftab Shivdasani. —IANS

So, the entire hullabaloo finally ended. The month-long anticipation, week-long canvassing and hours of waiting paid results, election results. The campus saw the battle for PU students' council elections ending in favour of the red brigade. PUSU came to power, Zindabad, Zindabad slogans echoed; congratulatory speech by the newly elected President Gurindervir Singh Aulakh, and with that the election mania is over. But not before the regular firecrackers, clashes, a dash of glam and loads of one-upmanship!

Quiz him about the tattoo marks all over his arms, stud in his ears, a stylish peak, which according to Punjabi standards is very upbeat, and Mehsopuria, the UK born and brought-up singer, dismisses by calling it 'being his natural self.'

Spare a thought for the singer who hasn't stayed in Punjab, has been brought up on the stories his parents shared…how do you expect him to wear a chaadra, or do bhangra in a video with a typical village set up? Mehsopuria, in the city to release his third album released by Universal Music on 92.7 Big FM on Friday, likes to wear his attitude and will not change it for anything at all.

"Flaunting style or a particular kind of image is important. But, I try to present myself the way I am. I also understand that youngsters follow singers, they want to dress like us, ape our style, which is why I don't go overboard with the style quotient," says Mehsopuria. "Style isn't everything. I lay equal focus on lyrics and the video as well," he adds.

Move over the punk look that Mehsopuria flaunts and take a look at the new album Fearless, which hits the market after a fairly long time. "It's been a while, actually I was working on this album, right from the lyrics, composition, video, my looks. I didn't want to do a shoddy job. This is the only reason why it took so long for Fearless to come out," he says.

Cut to video — stylish babes dancing, a snazzy Bollywood kind of video Londono Mein Aeya. We thought we were talking about Punjabi, Punjabiyat and connecting to the roots. He smiles, showing a glimpse of his gold studded tooth, "Londono Mein Aeya is every bit Punjabi, the lyrics, the treatment. As I said before, I don't believe in portraying what I am not. I was born and brought up in UK, which shows in the style of video. All the same, I am inspired by rich Punjabi music, which also shows in my work. So, the video is a good mix of 'desi' and upbeat."

Why so much hullabaloo on the video? "Why not. Video is vision of the lyrics. In old times singers didn't have the support of videos, but now we have it. In fact, this is one way the audiences can get to see the singer and relate to them as well," adds Mehsopuria, who shot to fame with Ranjha Jogi Ho Gaya. If video is the vision of lyrics, an association with the music brand will qualify as the necessity or commercial aspect of singing. "I am loyal to those who are loyal to me," he laughs talking about his association with Universal Music. "It is important for a singer to work with a good music house that boasts of professionalism."

Just when we thought we were missing on an inevitable query, somebody comes up with it — When do we see you singing for Bollywood? Now that Bollywood has made one Punjabi number mandatory in movies, every second singer has a scope. "I like Punjabi music and am focusing on it only. As and when I get a good offer, I wouldn't mind. But it has to be a Punjabi number. Punjabi music comes from the roots, carries a whiff of genuineness, which is why it is popular in Bollywood as well."

Not to forget, Punjabis are fearless too. "Justifies the name of my album," smiles Mehsopuria. "Punjab can be defined in many different ways, and one way to look at it is through brave martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Every number and video in my album, Fearless, carries a different message. One number is like an ode to the martyrs and our older generations who moved to England when racism was at it peak, and how they worked hard to make life easier for us." "This is what being Fearless is," RJ Dhanveer of Big Punjabi Top 30 fame gives a final touch to the interaction. jasmine@tribunemail.com

One round from the first stall of Barkha and Sonzal to the last one at the corner end of the exhibition of Sunflower from Mumbai, and anyone would 
understand the term - big, fat Punjabi weddings! Just two hours after the opening of Wedding Asia exhibition, every stall was jam-packed. Almost everything on display was selling or at least was being asked about, jewellery and clothes being the favourites.

The board outside the stall reads Jewels Emporium, Jaipur since 1841. On display, contrary to the age of century-old jewellery house, are very contemporary designs in gold, diamond and stones. Amit Jain, who is the ninth generation jeweller of the family, explains the business strategy. "We have two segments of designs here. One is for the women who love to experiment - Aarzoo; the second is evergreen made in Kundan, polki and diamonds - Heirloom." Aarzoo is made in 18-carat gold, decorated with diamonds and precious, semi-precious stones. "But what makes it different is the enamelling in 300 different shades," adds Amit.

The theme of every collection determines the colour of enamelling. "For the theme Peacock, the colours are green and blue. Lotus has shades of pink and yellow, and Heaven on Earth has turquoise in abundance." For the theme Music To the Ears, earrings and pendants are in the shape of a piano and guitar. "It's our policy that we don't make more than five pieces in one design. Also, in one city, we will not sell the same design to two customers."

Exclusivity was also the USP of designs displayed at the Talwar Jewellers stall. Fourteen designs in diamond, gold and other precious stones are the perfect pick for a grand wedding. "The royal floral pattern made of 'guluband', pearls, emeralds and in uncut diamond polkis and emeralds have a royal touch," says Dhruv Talwar of Talwar Jewellers. And those that you see in the market are, in fact, kundan sets. "Diamond polki is uncut diamonds and so are very expensive. What is usually available in the market is Kundan, which is cut glass."

The exhibition also showcases affordable jewellery in silver, decorated with semi-precious stones and plated with gold. Available at Sunflower is jewellery in the range of Rs 700-15,000. For a higher range, check out stalls by Dillano and Valini.

For Adonize Fashion, by Amit Talwar of Delhi, net has been mostly used. Must check are his three-piece saris, which he terms as a very practical concept. "Stones add to the weight of saris and it becomes difficult to manage pleats. These saris with pleats as a different piece is very manageable," says Amit. He adds, "Saris will be preferred by the younger generation only if they are easy to carry. The modifications are brought in to make them easy-to-wear and carry."

The traditional kauri and shell work is done on Gayatri, a collection by Pragya Balasaria of Kolkata. "The creation, however, also has designs inspired by other traditional crafts." Rimple and Mayyur, the famous designer duo from Delhi, are at the exhibition with their collection inspired from the Mughal designs. "Needless to say, the designs are in bright colours and have an extensive use of semi-precious stones," says Mayyur. Intricate embroidery further adds to the Mughal look of the designs.

For those looking for semi-formals, Prayas by Neha Kajla from Hisar provides the options. The Pakistani salwar dupattas available here can be matched with different kurtas. Also on sale are dhoti salwars, a considerably new concept to be mixed and matched with achkans and kurtas.

(On at Taj-17 till September 5)

Dollar Industries Limited launches Men's 'Designer Undershirt' - MyMe designed by eminent designers of this generation using fabrics made from100 per cent American Pima Cotton. The company is ready to step up the ladder by exporting the product to global market, especially in Middle East and European countries.

The term vest is basically derived from the French word 'veste', Italian 'vesta' and Latin 'vestis'. In India, vest has become an essential part of clothing because of the hot humid climate. Vest, usually known as 'Banian' in India is made from a special type of fabric, which absorbs the sweat and grime, giving the wearer comfort. Dollar MyMe brings light- weight cotton innerwear termed as 'Designer Undershirt'. Cotton comfort conforms to every curve of the body and fits like second skin providing unmatched comfort, fit and durability. The cotton blends soothe and cool skin faster by dissipating heat. This yarn has a sensual feel as the fibre remains soft even after repeated wash for years. This lightweight fabric is incredibly durable, without compromising drape and comfort.

Dollar innerwear has been selected the 'Best Innerwear Brand of the Year' for three years including 2009 by CMAI (Clothing Manufacturers Association of India) the apex body of apparel manufacturers of India. According to Vinod Gupta, managing director, Dollar Industries Limited, "We have major plans of inserting the brand in the international market, for which we have arranged for international models to display the products." — TNS

Turquoise, hot pink and lemon are the colours that rule at Rajasthani exhibition at Hotel Aroma-22. Anarkali suits, Kali kurtas, skirts, Patiala salwars and Jaipuri churidars, this exhibition, though small, is well stocked.

Organised by MK Tailoring House, Jaipur, it brings designer pieces from the house - Masakali, short frock type kurtas to be worn with slacks (inspired from Delhi 6), lurex, heavy yoke with plain anarkali style kurtas and jaykrd, brocade work kurtas with laces from Surat. "We provide stuff to most major houses Westside, Reliance, Walmart. Our Love, Aaj, Kal collection did very well at Shoppers Stop," says Mohit Kumar whose family is in this business since the last two decades. "We have a legacy of tailoring, which gives us an edge in creating latest styles. Almost every other day, we churn out new designs to cater to our clients in India and across the world," he adds.

First time in Chandigarh, MK's exhibition place is choc-a-bloc right in the morning. "This is our first in the city. We aim to bring in the latest trends at right prices," says Mohit.

Keeping with the trend, the exhibition offers slacks in both plain and shimmer. "We have also brought churidars and Patiala salwars in Jaipuri prints, and duppatas to go with," says Mohit.

Also, available are short kurtis, skirts and running material. Multicoloured 50-kali and 80-kali skirts in trendy prints are aimed at college-goers. Though cotton rules, there are other fabrics as well especially net for formal wear. While kurtas start from Rs 350, traditional Jaipuri suits are priced from Rs 750 onwards. One can pick up running material from Rs 80 per metre onwards.

(On till September 5) mona@tribunemail.com

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of one of the world's leading two-wheeler manufacturers Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has launched the much-awaited Suzuki SlingShot. The 125 cc Suzuki SlingShot was launched in the presence of senior Suzuki Motorcycle India officials.

Targeted at the mass segment, the Suzuki SlingShot is positioned to fill the void that currently exists between the 100 cc and the 150 cc segments without compromising on the key parameters that a customer aspires for - style of a 150 cc and the efficiency of a 100 cc bike. The Suzuki SlingShot underscores Suzuki's commitment to introduce products of global standards that meets an Indian customer's requirement.

At the launch of the Suzuki SlingShot, Katsumi Takata, Chairman, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd, said, "Suzuki is a brand trusted worldwide for its superior technology and quality and we have amply displayed this to our commitment to India by launching products, from the GS150R to the Hayabusa, Gixxer and Bandit, that have generated tremendous response from customers. The same global promise of Suzuki ensures that our customers in India get same uncompromising quality, style, performance and comfort in the Suzuki SlingShot. "

The Suzuki SlingShot is available in four colours - Metallic Mustard Yellow, Metallic Fox Orange, Candy Antares Red and Pearl Nebular Black. — TNS

Thinking is in. Learning and teaching go much beyond the textbook and, increasingly, people are waking up to this idea. To promote higher order thinking skills (HOTS), CEVA is organising a unique 'thinking mela' - Socho.

The event focuses on transferable skills to enable children to address different problems, in different contexts, at different times throughout their lives. With new CBSC guidelines that focus on 'thinking' in its syllabus as well as examination, it's becoming imperative to facilitate students in learning methods that help analyse information.With an objective to create opportunities for teachers, parents and children, the mela focuses on hands-on methods rather than learning by rote. - TNS

(On today at Rock Garden, Phase III, from 4:30-7:30 pm) 

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have discovered why eating fish may be a great idea to ward off chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Jerrold Olefsky and colleagues identified a key receptor on macrophages abundantly found in obese body fat. Obesity and diabetes are closely correlated. The scientists say omega-3 fatty acids activate this macrophage receptor, resulting in broad anti-inflammatory effects and improved systemic insulin sensitivity.

Obese fat tissue contains lots of these macrophages producing lots of cytokines, which cause inflammation and rising insulin resistance. Olefsky and colleagues eventually narrowed their focus to a G-protein receptor called GPR120, which is found only on pro-inflammatory macrophages in mature fat cells. When the receptor is exposed to omega-3 fatty acids, it is activated and has anti-inflammatory effect.

"The omega-3 fatty acids switch on the receptor, killing the inflammatory response," said Olefsky "Our work shows how fish oils safely do this, and suggests a possible way to treating the serious problems of inflammation in obesity and in conditions like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease through simple dietary supplementation," he added. — ANI