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Child’s play
Holidays with kids can provide some memorable moments. On the flip side, they can also turn out to be a complete disaster. We bring to you some tips on how to make them memorable.
Well, planning is the key and more so if you are going out with children. Plan the trip in advance. Some resorts or airlines are more children-friendly; keep that in mind before you book your tickets. Meals are a major issue with small children. Kids might not take well to food outside. “We were out for a holiday and my two-year-old just did not like the taste of milk,” shares Varsha, a homemaker from Panchkula. “From then onwards I make sure to carry a carton of milk that he is used to,” she adds. Ditto for Sagina, who’s a mother of two. “Before anything else, I make sure to have ample to eat. Kids go cranky if they are hungry,” she shares. So apart from regular popcorns, chips and chocolates, she makes sure she carries sandwiches or toasts from home. Food sorted, the next challenge is to keep kids engaged. To each his own! You can carry music player, games, colouring books or storybooks —whatever your kids fancy. Six-year-old Vansh is fond of music, so that keeps him busy. “During longer journeys, we keep taking short breaks to keep him amused. Back to music once in the car, he often enjoys journeys uphill,” shares Varsha. Small breaks work well with Sagina’s kids — Ishaan (10) and Ishita (3) as well. “Now Ishaan is comfortable taking longer journeys but little Ishita makes sure she stops us every time she spots an ice-cream or popcorn guy,” she shares. As for this duo’s favourite stuff – it is videogames that they carry along for any vacation. Pardeep Bamrada, father to 10-year-old Sanjana, makes sure he takes her favourite Barbie, PSP games, storybooks and hula-hoop. “She loves to sit out in the sun and read,” says Pardeep. He adds that leaving behind any of her favourite stuff can mar the vacations. Clothes are next. “I dress up kids in layers so that it’s easy to change according to weather,” says Anamika Singh, scientist at Panjab University and mother of Ishika and Arsh. And like most parents, she makes sure to carry a first-aid box on any trip. “It’s always advisable to take along standard medicines when going for a long journey. Your paediatrician can give you the list,” she suggests. Travelling with children who have motion sickness can be tough. Try to make them sleep. Medication here is at least preventive if not curative. Another sure thing to make holidays a success is to keep kids’ preferences in mind while planning a vacation. Choose a place that has enough to amuse children. Plan a day in a way that has room for elders as well as kids. A visit to an amusement park after a trip to a museum could be great. Ishika and Sanjana love the hills. So their respective families choose a hill station for their sojourns. “Sanjana loves to read her storybooks under the sun, so we make sure to go uphill often,” says Pardeep. “Ishika loves to be in the snow, so its great to be in mountains during winter,” says Anamika. Camping is one wholesome way to have good ‘family fun’. Being together in the lap of nature can act as a great stress buster for the elders and lessons in nature for kids. “Camping requires physical effort, rejuvenates the senses and teaches important life skills that stay on with you forever. Various activities at camps give a chance to the family to bond better. Being in a serene environment, and getting to know the flora and fauna helps children value nature,” says Maj Gen (retd) Harwant Krishan, who entertains many families and schools on his Pine Hill Eco Camp near Barog, on the NH-21 that leads to Shimla. mona@tribunemail.com
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Rocking images
How many times we’ve had our crossover guests be nice and say all things refined just to wallow in the self-congratulatory mode? A little bit of nudging and Annie Meachem, corporate mentor, minces no words. She laughs, “It’s a country of contrasts, there are so many world’s existing within this country. It’s like you have five stars and you have villages.” Perhaps, she’s summarising her observations gathered through vast experience of the country spanning Faridabad, Agra, Gangtok, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and of course, Delhi; which is why she qualifies for our fortnight’s foreign impressions. In the city for a brief halt, she shares, “I’ve been staying in Nangal for a week now and this is my eighth or ninth visit to the country. Every time I come here, I stay for about four weeks.” She adds, “This time I was here to take a workshop of the government officials of Bhakra Beas Management Board. In the week-long workshop we taught them the basics of team compatibility; how you can get your team to work in cohesion.” So what’s one thing she feels lacking in Indian work atmospheres? “It’s different for different organisations. It’s like so many ingredients in a dish, you don’ put them in the right order, you don’t get it right. It completely depends.” Back to the work profile that takes her to places, and back to the comparisons with Incredible India. “We’re based in UK and my work takes me to different places; Europe as well as Canada.” And when it comes to India, like with most places, food forms a part of the initial conversations, the culture of people. She gushes, “I absolutely love Gulaab Jamuns, which I’ve tasted of every place, right from a five star boutique hotel to a friend’s kitchen.” And the conversation graduates on to chillies, a staple of every Indian kitchen. Something she doesn’t take to very naturally as, “It doesn’t allow me to taste various spices.” As for Chandigarh, “Oh, I’ve been here before, though this time I’m here for a brief halt and will be just passing through. I’ve seen the Rock Garden, went boating at Sukhna Lake and am aware of Corbusier’s legacy.” As of now, she’s off to Delhi. Commonwealth perhaps? “Oh, no I don’t think I’d have the time to visit the Games, unfortunately I’d be busy working.” Never mind, the rest of the guests would be busy playing! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Old story, new package
Over the years, Ramlila has been the best occasion to celebrate our religious spirit. An epic then, an extravaganza now, the story remains the same, the script not changed in a trillion years! But still something seems different each time. The mythological drama today not only gives the generations a glimpse of our religious past, but also a story of technology and special effects. Computer-aided designs, laser technology and advancements in presentation with special sound and light effects (all on a budget of Rs 4-5 lakh); with hi-tech Ramlila, Ramayana has got an image makeover. “It’s the audience that has changed and want entertainment along with a dose of religion. So we have to add that extra to our presentation now,” says Manish Sharma, office secretary of the OCF Sanskriti Manch-29. Having organised Ramlila for the past 25 years, members of the OCF Sanskriti Manch brainstorm for atleast three months before the seasonal stage drama begins. “To raise the curiosity of the audience, we have a 40-ft revolving stage where four scenes are displayed consecutively. The set designing is planned by a group of 40 people and everything is done by the team,” adds Manish. Well, setting the stage takes most of their effort; “The 90-ft stage we set at the Parade Ground is the biggest in the city. The light and sound is done according to each scene, with special effects like coloured smoke, background music, spotlighting et al,” informs Sunil Kumar Sharma, event director for Ramlila at Parade Ground-17. He has been essaying the role of Ravana for the past 31 years and has seen technology change with time. “We have shunned the usual three months rehearsal routine and instead get dialogues recorded in the studio, so on stage we lip sync to avoid any bloopers,” he adds. That’s not all; OCF Sanskriti Manch-29 has gone a step further. “Lifesize dummies of characters like Hanuman, Jatayu and some demons are shown flying through the help of wires attached to them. Sometimes, we show certain characters climbing up the nearby buildings with spotlights on them during the fight scenes. All this to surprise the crowd,” says Manish. Special scenes have been created as highlights, including Seeta Janam, Setu Bandhan, Raj Tilak et al. Lasers are being used for fight scenes for that Star Wars effect. And it’s not just about this alone, but also finer details like costumes, make-up and characterisation. Sounds like a movie? Well, it’s nothing short of it! “The trends have changed according to the convenience of the actors as well as the audience. Earlier, Ramlila used to be in nautanki style with classical ragas, but now it’s hi-tech and easier on the actors and audience. The costumes are visually appealing and characters look realistic,” says Govind Kumar Sharma, president, Chandigarh Kendriya Ramlila Mahasabha. With more people, security too has become a major issue. Metal detectors, CCTV cameras and sensors all around, Ramlila is high on security as well. “We have volunteers who help out with security and make sure there is no lapse,” says Manish. “We give a VIP treatment to our audience,” Govind adds. Well, the only thing left traditional, apart from the Ramcharita Manas, is the fact that still female characters are played by males in the business. Well, some things don’t change! nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Dare to dare?
For this sexy actor, life isn’t much here and there, it is simple and boils down to just one word - dare. Dare to try, dare to be different, dare to make choices and dare to be what she is.
Each time she takes a plunge, it is an act of daredevilry. “Believe you me it is worth it,” Neha Dhupia dressed up in all black announces. “I can go as far as I want in life, if only I dare.” Well in this case the reason for her visit to the city can be no different. Neha judges the contestants of Eagle’s Dare Hunt at DT Mall on Thursday. If the word has to begin with ‘dare’, we would want the actor to share her daring acts. “I think a day before on the sets of TV Reality show Entertainment Key Liye Kuch Bhi Kareyga I did an aerial act, tied to a harness. This wasn’t planned. I was asked to do it,” the rouge on her skin glowing more. Stunts, there we are, this actor is all for it. “There is no fun without stunts. Anyways these days actors do different things, but I do it because I want to,” she says, sounding simple and straight. We squeeze in the word ‘fear’. She might not recognise it, nevertheless is there any remote possibility of a chance encounter with ‘it’. “Fear is always in the mind. It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult. The trick is don’t think much, just go ahead and take the shot.” Wonder whether the actor of Qayamat fame applies the philosophy on her career as well? “Working in a movie is not a challenge,” she smiles, “I don’t go by banners, small or big, it doesn’t matter. Script for me is the deciding factor. I wouldn’t deny; Thursday is indeed the most feared week of the day.” More on career and the flip-flops? “I would rather do a film that has three substantial scenes, rather doing 60 where I am not noticed,” shares
Neha. Definitely with Action Replay and Phas Gaya Obama all set to hit the theatres, it seems like a bright time for her. And Neha is excited about the entire retro look of the movie. “I love polka dots, and this movie brings the best fashion, retro, which I so like. I am not a fashion victim, just a little brand conscious though. I like to sport a bag and like shoes, at the same time I am comfortable in my skin,” says
Neha. That’s a challenge…what say! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Item girl Rakhi Sawant, who had her swayamwar on television but broke off her engagement, says she has no plans to get married soon because she is too busy with work. “I have not thought of getting married anytime soon. I have been doing a lot of shows. And now I am doing my own Rakhi Ka Insaaf. So, I am very busy with my work,” Rakhi told reporters via video conference here. In her new show on NDTV Imagine starting Oct 16, the 31-year-old will be talking to families in bid to resolve their problems related to dowry, extramarital affairs, divorce and property disputes. "Whatever cases have come to us, we have thoroughly looked into them and collected evidence before taking them up. I don't know about the law but I would be making judgment with my heart," she said. Rakhi is unfazed although Bollywood action hero Akshay Kumar's comeback show Master Chef India will also kickstart on Star Plus on October 16, luckily at a different time. The item girl insists her show is the best. “Mera show sabhi shows ka baap hai (My show is the best of all)," she said. Rakhi was the star of the reality show Rakhi Ka Swayamvar, where she selected Canadian businessman Elesh Parujanwala as her life-partner and teamed up with him in another reality show. Pati, Patni Aur Woh. But post "Pati...", the two parted ways. — IANS
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Not bad!
Producers: Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt Director: Mohit Suri Mahesh Bhatt’s film Crook: Its Good To Be Bad, based on the racial attacks on Indian students in Australia, has finally stated to hit the theaters today across the country. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film is about a young Indian, Emraan Hashmi, who ends up being a victim of racial abuse. The film was conceptualised after the series of racial attacks against Indian students in Australia. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, debutant Neha Sharma along with Arjan Bajwa. Pritam has scored the music of the film. Twin treat
Film: Lava Kusa: The Warrior Twins Producer: RVML Animation Be ready this week for a real treat with adventurous mythological twins Lava and Kusa, the sons of Lord Rama and Sita. It is the tale of two endearing kids, Lava and Kusa, growing up in the forest with their mother Sita and sage Valmiki. As young men they put their strength against Rama, the father who had aggrieved their mother. Dharmesh Tiwari has scripted the dialogues and Vindoo Dara Singh has lent his voice to the character of Hanuman in the film. Technically it is a superb 2D animation film which will be loved by children. Couple of films
Film: Do Dooni Chaar Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh have worked in several films together. After a long time Neetu Singh will be playing reel-life wife to real-life husband Rishi Kapoor, in Habib Faisal’s Do Dooni Chaar. Archit Krishna, Aditi Vasudev, Supriya Shukla and Akhilendra Mishra are in supporting roles. The film showcases the middleclass man struggle. Meet Bros and Anjan Ankit have composed the music. Manoj Muntashir has penned the lyrics for Do Dooni Chaar. — Dharam Pal |
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Festive spirit
With our tally of gold and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games rising with each passing day, Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management (CHIM)-42 is celebrating the success by holding a Tawa and Tandoor Festival. “Hosting these games is matter of pride for all of us and to celebrate the spirit, our students have come up with a special food festival that has specialities from traditional tawa and tandoor,” says TK Razdan, principal, CHIM. A joint effort by the institute and its alumni association AACIHM, the festival has delicacies like Lehsuni Soya Kabab, Sabz Takatak, Achari Paneer Tikka, Kesari Paneer Ke Sholey and Sulagate Phal (fruit from tandoor to be served as starters). Fish lovers can dig in Ajwaini Mahi Tikka and Lazeez Jhinga Masala and then there is Gosht Takatak, Mutton Boti and Fusion Murg Tikka. Everything here is done on tawa and tandoor, and Lotus Stem cooked in karahi gravy, fusion of traditional and Chinese fare is most recommended. This food festival not only brings out the best from school students, but also brings together ex-students of this prestigious institute. “This place churns out the very best in hospitality industry. But sadly, many leave this field for other lucrative careers. We have come together to provide proper guidance to students,” says Rajeev Kakar, group general manager, Hotel Western Court and president AACHIM. “I take pride that many students from the institute have made a name for themselves in this region and I am indebted for all the support they have given to the institute,” says Razdan. With many five stars making their presence felt in the tricity, Razdan is hopeful of his students getting a better start and more opportunities. “We along with AACHIM have planned a series of interactions so that present students can benefit from the experience and exposure of the ex-students,” he adds. This show has a special Friday night for city’s who’s who. On October 9 and 10 it’s open to public. Priced at Rs 375, it’s an eclectic mix of mocktails, meals and traditional desserts — Maalpua, Jalebi with Rabri, and Halwa. Cooked in tawa and tandoor, it has a fair share of less fatty delicacies. And to entertain the guests, the institute students have also prepared some traditional song and dance sequences! mona@tribunemail.com
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The Surya School, of Architecture (SSA) celebrated the 123 rd birth anniversary of the legendary master architect Le Corbusier in the campus. An eminent architect of the city beautiful S D Sharma, who also worked with Le Corbusier in the making of Chandigarh was the chief guest at the function and delivered a presentation on Lasting Lessons: Learning from the Master and shared his experiences of working with him. Sharma said, there is no clear-cut aesthetic philosophy in most of contemporary modern architecture, there is only visual judgement; but Le Corbusier provided the visual principles in his architecture. According to the principles of Le Corbusier, an architect has to be conscious of aesthetic nature of space. He must create space with a visual harmony. The space must combine the emotions and realities. There must be a ‘video as well as audio aesthetics’ in the space, so that it speaks for itself. Sharma portrayed Le Corbusier as a painter, a sculptor, a philosopher, a writer, a town planner and above all a legendary architect. Le Corbusier not only evolved the lay out plan of Chandigarh; but also designed the head and heart of the city beautiful i.e. the Capitol Complex and the Sector-17. Le Corbusier considered architecture, poetry, painting, and sculpture, all as an integrated whole, all in the service of poetic vision. He further said Le Corbusier had no temperament and patience to teach, but was full of knowledge and learning. “One has to learn with one’s own efforts studying his works, his philosophy, his edicts, quotes and utterances,” as Le Corbusier spoke like our saints and seers. His writings like epics, are unending source of wisdom, full of knowledge. Le Corbusier believed in eternal nature of art and architecture work. He said that an architect won’t stay for long but his creations will stay for longer for civilizations after civilizations. Earlier, Prof B S Sohi and Prof Rajnish Wattas first welcomed the chief guest and spoke on the significance of the Le Corbusier Day. Prof Bipin Malik, head of the department, later gave the valedictory address.
— TNS
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Hair care
Sebamed has made a breakthrough in the hair care market by maintaining the pH 5.5 in the shampoo, which reduces bacterial growth and ensure healthy scalps. With mild cleansers and conditioner added, these products are 100 per cent soap, alkali and colour preservative free which prevents hair-fall and makes it soft and silky. Since it is hypoallergic, regular hair wash with Sebamed anti-dandruff shampoo is suited well for damaged and sensitive scalp.
— TNS
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Courting fame
Innovaction Events, a show business company will organise the first Mrs North India 2010 contest in association of Siddharth Jewellers at Gymkhana Club, Panchkula on October 16. The 15 finalists of the event interacted with mediapersons at the Chandigarh Press Club. The contest will focus on Indian culture and developing confidence in women. Nitin Luthra, COO, Innovaction Events, said, "The participants belong to different professions, ranging from medical to media and business. Some of them are housewives. Contests for the sub-titles will start on October 9 and the grooming sessions will be held between October 12-15. The region has seen many contests for the singles, therefore, we thought of giving an opportunity to the married women to showcase their talents." Disha Luthra, CEO, Innovaction Events, said, "The event will be divided into four rounds - introduction and lehnga round, suit round, saree round and question and answer round. Dance troupes will entertain the audience in-between the rounds." Mrs Beautiful Hair round will be held on October 9, while Mrs Photogenic round and Mrs Talented round will be held on October 10 and 11, respectively. Disha, who is a model, further adds, "We are targeting the married women, who are beautiful but seldom get chance to get appreciation, name and fame they deserve. By this show we want to showcase the real beauty of a woman as a wife, a bride or a mother."
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Side Lanes
The monkey menace has hit parts of India once more. Delhi and Chandigarh boast of well organised gangs that raid homes, do bandar bhabkis at the housewives, and steal food, clothes and even the baba-logs toys. It is difficult to keep the windows open. The CWG village builders had allowed gaps to help ventilate the rooms, just in case the air conditioning failed. The monkeys, being clever and our first cousins to boot, took advantage of this fore-thought and slept on the beds whenever the monsoon belted down outside. They even used the loos. Unfortunately, they did not sit properly but on all fours and refused to pull the plug or wash their hands. Nor were there bricks, fresh towels and soap, as errant youngsters might have been tempted to filch them. They could not imagine what one particular guest was whooping and howling about. Bad luck to him! India, a country identified by its smell, flowers, trees, noise and teeming monkeys, is famous for its quality garbage. It is surprising that no commemorative stamp honours this fact. Go back if you expect sanitised fare. After all, we do give you the best food that has a strong aroma. You never objected to that, did you?
One of the larger, visiting simian leaders -Whoop-tried to get to his allotted room on the 7th floor, via the lift. It was not working, which was a drag. Our very own Indian troop showed him how, by climbing hand-over-hand via the cables. After all, simians have spent their lives climbing trees while foraging for food. Athletes can surely overcome such minor hurdles? In fact, they ought to have taken the stairs to keep their tickers pumping for the challenge that lay ahead. That is why we did not go hell-for-leather, four years ago, when the games were allotted to us. Whoop even objected to the shrivelled carcass lying near the electric socket in his room. Obviously, the carcass was a fool who did not realise 2+2=0, as he plunged two fingers into an equal number of holes. Our troop picked up the bits of bone and fur and swept it under the Moradabadi carpet. We seldom have time for fools and there is never a void when anyone becomes defunct, as live models always crawl in. The collapsed foot-bridge opened new vistas of aerobics and exercise. As our group was swinging across, squealing with delight, the Fauj came and spoilt the fun with ugly steel structures. As for the ceiling in the weight lifters' arena: we did say it was a dud and specially created for the participants to hold up. It is sad it fell before their arrival. The leader of our troop, The Big K, said the visiting gangs were spoilt, lazy, grossly over-weight and making mountains out of mole-hills. We have created the best training ground in the world. We had maintained our patented standards keeping the well-being of participants in mind. Our much-in-demand, out-sourced gangs, sent to other countries, have proven the same. How can a few saunfia leaders create such a stink when even their names smell of fennel? Big K's sidey, Little B, smiled as he pointed out the mosquitoes in the drains. When one landed on his arm, he swatted it and popped it into his mouth. "We are shifting from fleas to mosquitoes," he informed the delegation. "Fleas are harder to cultivate and these are a better alternative for we kill three birds with one tooth-a buzzing mosquito, dengue and malaria. You see nah? We thought of everything!" The biggest spoilsport of course, was the Silver Fairy. She waved her wand through the air and all the odours, insects, monkeys, workers and other such persona-non-grata, disintegrated. The cesspools dried up and the escalators started humming. A Prince-in-waiting and his Princess arrived with a message from a far off Queen, ensconced in a colourful, hollow horn. Even though a big balloon festooned the arena, all the mazaa was lost. We missed out the tamaasha that-could-have-been. |
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Nikon India, the 100 per cent subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, leaders in imaging technology, announced the launch of its first Nikon D-SLR Zone in the city. With an aim to grow closer to its customers' base, the company had adopted the shop-in-shop retail concept in the month of February last year to enable access to its products and services. Photography lovers in Chandigarh can now have an easy access to the entire range of D-SLR and make an informed choice. The zone was inaugurated by Hiroshi Takashina, managing director, Nikon India. He said, "The launch of Nikon's D-SLR Zone in Chandigarh is a major step towards not only strengthening our brand but also promoting photography culture in India in a big way." As the names suggests, the 'Nikon D-SLR Zone' will display the entire range of D-SLR cameras (low end to high end models), NIKKOR lenses and elaborate line up of COOLPIX compact cameras as well. — TNS
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The world's leading salon hair colour brand, Wella has launched a new at-home colorant Wella Kolestint that gives deep, longer lasting colour. Wella Kolestint's unique formula which is designed especially for dark hair goes deep to the core and soaks each hair with more colour while offering 100 grey coverage. Wella Kolestint packs will be available in 12 vibrant shades at an introductory price of Rs 489 in beauty stores across Punjab.
—TNS
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If you thought gods never have to struggle for anything, think twice. They too have issues; say something like getting attention! Now, we know there is no dearth of that since we don’t need a reason to pray (otherwise three-fourth of the calendar year gives you enough chances). But then Bigg Boss, KBC or some pancaked clones of Tulsis and Parvatis are a tough competition to beat. So, when Ramlila is all set to stage the epic story of Ramayana once again, there has to be a USP to it.
Film: Crook – It’s Good To Be Bad
Sebamed, haircare range of Sebapharma GmbH & Co has extended their product portfolio by introducing a new range of anti-dandruff shampoo. Sebamed’s new anti-dandruff shampoo with new generation anti-dandruff agent, Piroctone Olamine prevents recurrence of dandruff and prevents hair damage by protecting it from the harsh sunrays.