Called the ‘alpha mom’, she deftly handles all her roles even as she gets her body back into shape. She’s no Bridget Jones who would find positive reasons for being fat; have a puffed up face, stretch marks, flabby thighs, a career on hold and above all a thought — when will I get back to shape! Finding time to pace on the treadmill, do power yoga, get some dose of power walking… after the baby’s health and growth, postpartum fitness (or weight loss post-pregnancy) is the single most important concern for new moms.

Says Richa Taneja, lecturer and mom to a three-month old, “After pregnancy, weight loss is the single most important issue. Gone are the days when motherhood meant a full stop to a number of things, including fitness. For today’s women it’s a new beginning.” Having lost all her pregnancy weight in no time, she suggests, “Its not necessary that one should go on a strenuous weight loss programme. One can begin with light exercises lying down on the bed. For me, pranayama worked the best.”

The need to look fit and slim started at least seven-eight years ago when popular showbiz girls like Malaika Arora, Mini Mathur and Twinkle Khanna returned onscreen, looking gorgeous eight months after they had their babies. Shares Preeti Kapoor, a lecturer at UIET, Panjab University, “Looking great is no issue, but getting back to shape even after your body has undergone a complete overhaul in the name of pregnancy is quite a feat.” On weight loss, she says, “I am a nuclear mom (a new term for moms who handle their kids without help), so work and taking care of the baby helped me shed a lot of weight.”

Yoga instructor Anil Juneja from FnY studio in Sector 6, Panchkula, says he has at least one new mom in every class. “Women start off their fitness regimen as soon as three months after their pregnancy. We teach power yoga and for the new moms we have a five-day fitness regime where we concentrate on each body part everyday. From strengthening the muscles to flexibility and stamina, we end up with muscle toning.” Training the women in kapalbhati, udyanbandh (abdominal lock), cat and tiger pose, surya namaskar, nauka asan, Anil says these asanas help them reach their target. Considering the new moms also have to handle their hotshot careers these days, he adds, “I teach them lot of detox, breathing and meditation techniques to fight stress." Well, the workouts better begin 100 days after the childbirth, for that kind of results! Raveena Saini lost 10 kg after childbirth. “I didn’t do much before my daughter was six months old. But after that I went on a no sugar and oil diet. This helped me lose all the flab .”

Cheers to these women, for they are no celebrity moms and have no personal trainers, coaches, chefs, and nannies to watch over their kids!

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

It took us a few rehearsals before we could pronounce Dieter Riemensehneider, the way it should be. The German writer was absolutely fine with our practice since he has experienced the same several times during his 18 visits to India. "Having spent so much time in India, what makes me stand apart from Indians is only my white skin. My heart is brown though," quips Dieter, who is enjoying every minute of his trip number 19 to the country!

A book reviewer and professor in Frankfurt University, Germany, Dieter besides his touring, better understood India by reading and analysing works of Indian authors. "Usually the backdrop of the story reflects the culture any author has grown up in."

He explains the socio-cultural effect on the author with an example. "There were times when Indian writers even two decades after Independence preferred colonial rule as the backdrop of their stories. The hangover of British rule was so strong that it almost became the natural choice for writers." The effect of a foreign rule was so strong that almost two generations of India could easily weave stories set up in the scenario. Then came the phase of liberalisation of trade, which formed the backdrop for writers. "Now, we have authors who write love stories or stories on friendships or serious issues set in the times where India is a developing nation and emerging superpower," says Dieter who was in the city on Saturday to conduct a seminar on Raja Rao's presentation on landscape - a cultural end to evolutionary psychological approach.

A witness to different trends in literature, Dieter has a special liking for authors of 60's and 70's. "RK Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao were the few English authors of their times who had universal appeal." As his subject of seminar proves, his favourite is Raja Rao. "He was a philosophical writer whose backdrop of stories was well researched. The description of landscape was such that it easily explained the culture of the place as well."

Coming to the modern day Indian authors, Dieter feels that one topic that's definitely outdated and should no more be discussed in literary circles is - Indian authors writing in English. "You can't differentiate if the author is from an English speaking nation or India, as the writing style is the same. The only difference is in the terms of set up, which is very natural. Books by Indian authors thus have a universal appeal." The only topic he talked about besides Indian authors and their books is the negatives of developing India. Back after a trip to Shimla and Kasauli, we understood his concern: "The hill stations were just about a few people, nature and wildlife till 15 years back, which unfortunately now are about more people, less nature and wildlife and a lot of traffic."

ashima@tribunemail.com

Pahchan is the new dramatic society formed by zealous students of the Government College for Girls-42. A corridor converted into a stage, girls dressed up as different characters (that they have conceived themselves as) and a crowd cheering at every line delivered…it is the finale of the 10-day workshop in collaboration with Sanskar Bharti.

Their teachers who are pleasantly surprised. "These girls were not even noticed 10 days back. It's due to the workshop that they are freely expressing themselves today," says Jyoti Seth, head of Sociology Department and coordinator of the workshop.

Eve-teasing and ambitions of rural women find expression in these girls' creations. "It's been a fantastic workshop," says an elated Pooja, a B.Com first-year student. "You know, from the very concept, to dialogues, preparation and act, its us who have created it all," she shares. "This workshop has been a great confidence booster," confides Veeru, a BA first-year student. "I could have never imagined walking the ramp earlier and today I did that," she adds.

And the man behind all this transformation is a smiling, content theatre person —- Manjul Bhardwaj, founder of Experimental Theatre Foundation, a theatre movement for social change that practices the philosophy of 'Theatre of Relevance'.

"Knowing the self and expressing, sharing the real you is what I strive for. I am glad to be the instrument of change in the lives of these young girls," says Bhardwaj.“Our theatre starts as entertainment and facilitates the change in people," he adds.

Based in Mumbai, Bhardwaj's theatre journey is some 25 years long, but theatre of relevance came into being on August 12, 1992. "It took me a few years in theatre before I could find my true calling. It was on this precise date that I announced to the world what my philosophy was," he avers.

Bhardwaj also held a workshop for teachers. This is how he distinguishes the two groups. "While students needed to be given a spark, it was the rich repertoire of experience of teachers that needed an outlet. But both the groups were on a discovery of the self." With as many as 25 plays that Bhardwaj has written, and performed all over the world, he is a recipient of a national ward for 'gender sensitisation'.

On a continuous journey, Bhardwaj is off to Muktsar to work with college students next, slum children and orphans in Phagwara follow, then, its management students at New Delhi. Not only students, Bhardwaj conducts workshops for corporates as well. And he is blessed to have a life partner from the same field, Babli Rawat. "There is one more interesting fact to our journey," reveals Bhardwaj, "Hum jahan jate hai naya ghar bana lete hain (Wherever we go, we make a new home) And to date we have an abode in 12 countries, 28 states in India and two lakh theatre of relevance centres across the world."

Principal Mani Bedi plans to reinforce this process with periodic workshops. "Response of the students was overwhelming. Such events contribute to developing a holistic personality as well as empowering individuals," she says.

mona@tribunemail.com

The past decade has seen the rise of the Indian electronica and it's the Delhi based duo Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj from the Midival Punditz who realised that western dance music wasn't connecting with them on the same emotional level as India's own classical and folk music. "We decided to do something about it," says the duo who performed at Kava sector-26 on a Saturday night. After Bollywood, the Midival Punditz have licensed music to Hollywood film, Closer and TV shows like Prison Break and Six Feet Under. —TNS

While watching the muffled muted voices looking for a way to express themselves in the well-ordered sparkling-clean environment of an upper middle-class household in Delhi in For Real, we often feel a sense of smothered compulsion waiting to be liberated. And how liberating is the freedom that Priya Singh Shukla (played with brutal honesty by Sarita Choudhury) seeks out? She has given up what she thinks was a promising career in singing for her husband and children.

And now confused beyond self-realisation by contemporary definitions of a successful life, Priya may yet again abandon her family to pursue her dreams.We are not allowed to be judgemental about the U-turns that Priya takes in the journey of life. Debutant director Sona Jain has composed a slight but sharp symphony on domestic harmony. We see the splintered marriage almost entirely through the eyes of the traumatised little girl Shruti (Zoya Hassan, heartbreaking in her solemnity and sensitivity) who thinks her mother has been replaced by an alien. Sarita Choudhury breathes lingering life and an ember-lit fire into Priya's character. Intuitively, she grasps her character's dreams and aspirations and watches them clash with her more traditional roles within the household.

This is not a very likeable woman to portray. Sarita brings a gut-wrenching transparency to the mother's character. The sequences where she tries to strike a rapport with her suspicious daughter are so incandescent, you wish there were more of it. In contrast, Adil Hussain as the empathetic husband seems sterile in his spousal space. It isn't clear whether his role is written to freeze the character in his tracks or the actor got stuck in finding his way out of the character.

The highpoints of tension in this domestic drama are kept at a low ebb and restricted to the mother's interaction with her daughter and husband. There's a psychiatrist-friend (Sameer Dharmadhikari) who seems to be hovering in the plot to give it a dramatic flip.

What we see are people who appear normal on the surface, and are normal beneath too. It's only the pressures of contemporary living that thwarts their routine existence. — IANS 

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: The queen of cups brings romance poetry and a dreamy quality in your personal relationship. Try not to loose your temper. If your pet has been out of sorts, check with the vet. A good time to attend a party or a function. Those involved in business will receive a good offer. Tip of the week: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that comes your way. Lucky colour: Peacock blue.

TAURUS: You draw six of cups which helps you in professional work. 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 a thought for disapproval. Lucky colour: Golden brown.

GEMINI: Your card six of wands could get on your nerves. Artists and models do not aim too high. Health could slow you down. Employment problems are likely to be pilling up. Push hard to conclude any real estate deal already underway. Tip: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties, but don't worry. Lucky colour: Scarlet.

CANCER: The Empress takes you towards the fast and 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 to 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.

LEO: Nine of cups interprets it as having 'focused energy' and concentration on a goal. You will cope better with jobs that require team efforts. Women: keep your stakes low while playing cards on Wednesday. Tip : You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Deep red.

VIRGO: You draw the chariot 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. 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 will power. Lucky colour: Metallic grey.

LIBRA: 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. Tip: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: White.

SCORPIO: 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.

SAGGITARIUS: The emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Over eating or drinking will be regretted. Do not take any risk with your savings. Romance could be an anticlimax on Saturday. Be tactful in criticism though emotions will be easily aroused. Tip: You should pursue your goals without a thought for the disapproval. Lucky colour: Black.

CAPRICORN: The four of pentacles showers blessing on lovers. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Tiffs are likely to occur 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: Where there is a will, there is a way" is an old saying that holds true in your case this week. Lucky colour: Pink.

AQUARIUS: 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. Tip: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Peach.

PISCES: 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.