TRIPLE whammy
Raghu, Rajiv and Rannvijay are in the city for the auditions of Roadies Season 8
Jasmine Singh

Wanda Rutkiewicz, the mountain climber, the been-there-done-that woman said it right — living your dreams, instead of just dreaming them, is not without risk. Dreams and risk, the three guys out there, Raghu, Rajiv and Rannvijay (who needs an introduction here) make sure you have a tough time reducing the distance between the two words! Courtesy — MTV Hero Honda Roadies Season 8.

Yes, they are back, which means 'you gotta gear up'! Announcing the auditions for Roadies 8, starting Friday at Indra Dhanush Auditorium, Sector-6, Panchkula, the trio has nothing much to offer to the contestants. For those of you who can read between the lines, you know what they mean!

The big news is that Raghu and Rajiv are back after a long break and guess who joins them on the 'grill panel' — Rannvijay, the boy who has tossed 'adventure', rather ripped it apart. So, if you are dying (ready to even self-immolate) for Roadies, avoid the done-to-death umpteen times cliché, 'I love adventure sir.' Lets take it from here then.

Says Rajiv, Raghu's partner in crime, his twin brother (astoundingly similar), "We are back after a long break and for the first time we don't know what to expect from the auditions! To top up, the grill panel (if you are a Roadie follower, you'd agree to this term), Rannvijay is also on the board. Roadies, will see a whole new side of Raghu, Rajiv and Rannvijay," he adds.

Our gaze rests on the guy who is ever so soft-spoken, Rannvijay, the third masochist (we know you would mind this guys!). Prepared to handle the drill. Rannvijay smiles unassumingly, "I have been asking Raghu and Rajiv what to do. The answer is simple — just be yourself. This is pretty simple, this is what I have been doing all the while." Do you want to trust him! "Oh! No there is another side to Rannvijay that nobody knows," Rajiv clears any doubts. "He can really grill people, when he wants." We are telling you, empty the trust department as you go for the auditions.

About the auditions, if you are age 18 and above, of course, you can take a chance with Roadies 8. Anything new, we bet there is something. The duo unanimously answers, "There needn't be anything new on this show, where even the makers of show are given equal recognition. The show is aced, it doesn't need to prove anything, expect for the introduction of new twists, turns, challenges and plots." We read melodrama. Rajiv turns a medical practitioner on this. "You would find many fake medicines and brands in the market. Can you generalise the situation saying all medicines are fake? Some reality shows do things for TRP to create that buzz. Roadies shows how youngsters would react when put under nerve-wrecking situations, something that youngsters can relate to," he says, and also gets a 'high-five' from Rannvijay who seconds his take.

The first auditions will go on air from January 22, 2011. The first leg of this season kicked off with Ceat MTV Hero Honda Roadies Battle Ground 3 — the highway to hell. Chandigarh's Vibhor Sharma won the crazy contest. Whoopee, Chandigarh has indeed seen far too many Roadies. Puts in Rannvijay, "Yes, a lot of them. Let's see this year. There is no deliberate move to pick people from this city. In fact, we have found a lot of Roadies representatives from Delhi and Chandigarh." Ready for the ride? You wouldn't miss it for anything!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Helping hand
Ashima Sehajpal


Sandeep Joshi

It can be seen either ways - a glass half full or half empty. On a positive note, what we are talking about here - in-vitro fertilization (IVF) — helps out women who can't naturally conceive. On the other hand, IVF doesn't guarantee 100 per cent success. Besides, it can cause stress and depression.

A recent study conducted at the University of Tel Aviv affirms the same. "Stress, pre-existing depression and anxiety are more likely than hormone therapy to impact a woman's depression levels when undergoing IVF." Here's finding out reasons why IVF is responsible for behavioural changes and what still makes it a popular option.

According to the surveillance document by International Federation of Fertility Societies, India has zipped past US in terms of total count of IVF centres and is now second in the world. "That's also because Indian has the maximum population of infertile couples. The number is calculated according to the fact that 10 per cent population of any country is infertile. By that measure, since India has a huge population, it also has an equal number of infertile couples," comes from Rishikesh Pai, infertility specialist and head of IVF department, Fortis, Mohali.

Women suffering from depression during the IVF procedure is quite expected, opine doctors. Anju Huria, head of the department, gynaecology, puts in, "As it is, it's really difficult for women to come to terms with the fact that they are not able to conceive naturally. In addition, success rate of IVF on an average is just 35 per cent." She adds that the procedure is very expensive and has to be done all over again if it fails once. Chances of IVF failing is maximum in case of obese women. "Not only is it difficult for overweight women to conceive, the probability of success of IVF reduces, making them more prone to depression. It eventually turns out to be a vicious circle."

The rate of infertility is increasing in India because of changes in the society as well. In that case, says Dr Mangla Dogra, a city-based gynecologist, IVF is the only option. She adds, "Women due to professional commitments are getting married in the 30s. Work pressure, stress levels, junk food and other lifestyle change lower the fertility level of women."

The same goes for men as well. Confirms Dr Pai, "The ratio of infertility in men and women is almost the same and so are the cases of depression in those undergoing IVF." The IVF alternative is generally opted for after the age of 35. Dr Dogra adds, "Before that, couples keep trying for the natural course without realising that success rate of IVF also descends to less than 30 per cent."

In order to add a holistic approach to the procedure of IVF, there are now facilities of mental relaxation therapy that help women overcome anxieties. Informs Dr Pai, "Indian Council of Medical Research recently passed a draft that has one of its clauses stating that any patient undergoing IVF will be counselled by the doctors from the very beginning of the treatment. It will prepare patients better for any results." Here's some relief at last!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Sound(ing) off
Nonika Singh

Sanjeev Kumar displays his work
Sanjeev Kumar displays his work

In year 2000 began his journey into the world of sounds. Today, talented artist Sanjeev Kumar halts at yet another milestone, an exhibition that opens on November 19 at Art Folio. Once more it encapsulates both his preoccupation with sounds as well his singular ability to express it in a visual language that is at once aesthetic and stimulating.

So, he who calls himself a weaver of sounds has actually gone ahead and woven patterns of sounds on his mindscape into tantalising criss-cross images. Using paper cuttings as well as canvass shreds, literally like a weaver, a craftsman in unison with his method, he has crafted this new art. On stumbling upon this new medium, he says, "Medium doesn't really matter. What is important is what art conveys and whether you can create multiple vantage points of view."

Interestingly, Sanjeev is not fascinated by any particular sound but by a melange. Thus, noise becomes as important a leitmotif as music. Yet in his visuals there is no disharmony or chaotic intermingling of sounds but a sense of balance and cohesiveness. But then he doesn't merely translate what he hears but what he assimilates within and picks up what his artistic sensibilities guide him to.

He elaborates, "When you and me are talking the focus might be on what we are communicating but the fan is whirring past too. This sound too has to be contexualised. Thus, I knit all sounds that we encounter in everyday life."

Sounds, according to him, are what lend meaning to life. Seeing images in sounds, he feels, is nothing new. Paul Klee has done it. Western theories of sound, however, leave Sanjeev cold. As he delves into the great Indian tradition and concepts like 'dhwani, naad' and 'anhad', he can even discern an abstract painting in each alphabet of our vernacular languages. In future he hopes to transpose the works of great masters in consonance with music. Both sound and music to him are mathematical concepts. Is it why he has titled his exhibition rather provocatively " 4 X 7"? He smiles, "Not all titles are a dead give away and like all other captions this one too is a teaser, which may or may not have a definite meaning." Art for art's sake…! Art for purpose too finds way into his exhibition. Designer wall clocks (an assortment of which is part of the exhibition) are his way of reminding the city where he spent a good six years before moving on, and he is currently based in Mumbai, "Wake up to design in other walks of life as well."

As he himself has dispensed away with routine style of display, he quips, "Illogical things can give way to a new logical direction." Between logic and intuition, imagination and reality, music and unwanted sounds, Sanjeev an alumnus of MS University, Baroda, and recipient of Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant finds his moorings. And sounds find new visual metaphors.

(On till 23rd November)

Fresh from oven
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Mandeep and Nikku Singh
Mandeep and Nikku Singh

Having developed through centuries, Italian cuisine takes influences from Greece, Rome, Jewish and even Arab cuisines. And for our Indian palate, which has taken fancy to global cuisines (read Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Italian), or as most of us may say pizzas and pastas have become a part of our daily meal. Taking our city to a new gourmet experience is an Italian restaurant, Al Forno, in Sector 17. Brainchild of Mandeep Singh and Nikku Singh, the restaurant is a technology-driven eatery with touchpad menu cards and hydraulic tables, courtesy IT professional — Mandeep.

Ask him what is an IT professional doing in food business and he says, "I was working in New York and had a lot of Italian and Jewish friends. I took fancy to Italian food while staying with them and then thought why not introduce some authentic Italian cuisine to our city. Thus happened Al Forno."

Inspired by Italian and Spanish themes, the interiors of the restaurant spell elegance — in simple yet elegant terms. Mirrors on the wall, wooden floor, leather seats and well-lit glass tables, the interiors are designed by the duo themselves.

Over to the menu; replete with soups, salads, starters, steaks, pizzas, pastas and even burgers (made of arbi). The menu even boasts of some unusual desserts like a chocolate pizza. Another interesting thing is a variety of flavoured tea on offer. From strawberry to peach and mint, you can take your pick. On why include tea in an Italian menu he says, "Apart from coffee, especially espresso that has become an integral part of Italian cuisine, we introduced tea as it will help people absorb all the cheese they've had in pizzas and pastas."

Talking about food, Italian cuisine is known for its regional diversity (just like our Indian cuisine) and ingredients and dishes vary by region. And how are they making their food different from what we get in other restaurants? "We are using authentic stuff. Right from the use of fresh dough (the uncooked one) to the toppings, all things used are according to the Italian khanna and are imported from Italy." He adds, "In cooking, Al forno is an Italian phrase describing food that is "at/from the oven", and thus the oven at Al forno is extremely unique, known as Roman Dome or Black Oven. This radiant oven made of stone is the first-of-its kind and the base on which the pizza is prepared rotates 360 degrees. The oven is placed outside the kitchen so that the customers can watch their pizzas being cooked."

Ask about technology and its relation to food (read touchpads and computer screens) from the chef and he says, "It makes our work easier. Since work force is difficult to get these days, we have scripted all our recipes and it is present on the computer screens of our chef. So, if a person leaves we won’t have a problem teaching the new one. Since everything is scripted the new person would know the right ingredients and this would also help maintain the taste of the dishes."

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Side Lanes
Shade of love
Joyshri Lobo

Raje is a small, thin, dark lad with the build of a ten-year-old, which belies his fourteen summers. He looks shy as the mike is placed before him. He accompanies himself on a half drum with tambourine bells along the rim. He starts singing and his eyes light up. It is a strong voice that often inserts the wrong words into a well-known folk song. The melody is catching. As his voice soars, the gentry around are nodding and drumming to the rhythm. Krishna, Raje's friend, carries two palm-sized stones. As a metronome keeps musical count, the grey bits of shale do the same.

I shut my eyes. The melody is haunting and very familiar. Have I heard it before? Unbidden, in the minds eye, images appear- of a blind man with no nose and fingers gnawed by leprosy. In the streets of Jalandhar, his wife used to pull him around in a small, wooden wheeled cart. The beggar and his wife sang duets that would bring tears in heaven. Later, travelling in third class rail coaches, I heard the same songs sung by young children, as they hopped in at one station and hopped out at the next.

Some people hand cash to Raje. I am appalled. To my western upbringing, this makes him a beggar. Later, as I mingle with the children, I realised that they are all earning through begging, which in today's modern India is a dignified profession. When a country cannot provide food, shelter, education and jobs for all, begging is a feasible though but a tough alternative. Raje and Krishna move in buses and trains between Chandigarh, Patiala, Pinjore, Ropar and Vaishno Devi. I shudder to think of how they deal with the predatory, rapacious dregs of humanity, along the way.

"Vatsal Chaya," is Sangita Vardhan's brainchild. The NGO started with five children just three years ago. Today, in a donated van it assembles 265 children from the slums who come to Sarv Shiksha Abhigyan at a Government School in Sector 8, for their daily lessons. In the early days volunteers went to crowded crossings on Madhya Marg and sat under trees, luring beggar children with portable black boards, crayons, pencils, paper and story-books. All of us have encountered these young people and have treated them with impatience as they scurry between vehicles, tapping on car windows. Little do we realise that if monetary targets are not met, corporal punishment will be certain by the evening. Sangita and her dedicated team know that only through education can these children attain freedom.

As I sit amongst them, they talk of their dreams. The girls aspire to be teachers and nurses. The boys dream of flying planes, driving trains and buses and becoming famous musicians and karigars.

Many of the children have been begging since the age of two. They look forward to Vatsal Chaya. However, most parents oppose their education on the grounds that their progeny can earn between Rs 100 to Rs 300 in a day. As an incentive, regular attendance earns free rations, a hygiene kit and health support facilities.

Raje's father has TB. The son is the sole provider in a family of five. He takes his duties seriously and explains why he cannot attend school every day. Another familiar face tells me he sells maps outside Headmasters (a salon in Sector 9). There are a lot of highly placed, government officials at the function. Most have contributed in kind and some through actions. Taking the lead, many of us can change the lives of these deprived children.

Life’s leaf
Industrialist Sachit Jain comes up with debut novel
Mona

A true leader conquers everything…is how Sachit Jain, executive director, Vardhman Textile Ltd, finishes his first work of fiction - Ready For Take Off: A leadership story. A little autobiographical, this fiction has management fundas interspersed in the tale of Anurag Amar Sachdeva, an investment banker who takes the task of turning around a sick steel unit.

Writing a book did not figure on Jain's 'to-do' list, but then, he says, "It was my desire to reach out to a wider audience that made me pen down my experiences from 21 years of work life."

Just like any author's first book, this fiction also draws largely from Jain's personal experiences.

"My book turns around the image of an effective boss from a 'stern-go-getter' to a 'nice guy' and story of Anurag demonstrates that," avers Jain who dedicates his book to all the 23,000 employees of Vardhman along with his family.

The very first paragraph of the book, which was conceived while travelling in a train, fetched an inspiring response from a fellow traveller, which gave Jain, an IIT and IIM-A alumnus, confidence to carry on.

The six months that took the book to take shape was an enriching journey for the writer (he hadn't tried writing even an article before) wherein he would write little by little during travels, in office between meeting or sitting in a corner while his family enjoyed time together.

"I had absolutely no plan in mind when I started writing - no plot, no ending. But then it just flowed. Wring process was more enjoyable than challenging. However, I found it hard that one has to wait long for readers' response," shares Jain.

As for the theme of the book, Jain explains, "I describe the relationship between the boss and subordinate as that between husband and wife, and, trust me, love is an important ingredient of that."

At the end of the book, Jain shares his mantras for smooth management derived from each of the 40 chapters of this 252-page book and the most important one is here, "Happiness also plays an important role in improving the performance of people and shaping a healthy environment required for progress."

An early-riser who makes sure to be home on time for dinner, Jain's other interest are sports and philosophy. And the writer in him promises a sequel for Ready For Take Off. "But that will take some time," he tips off.

mona@tribunemail.com

Lens eye

There is a marked difference of approach towards life between people from the West and India, or oriental part of the world. In the conference on human potential, organised by the department of psychology on Wednesday, city's very own photographer, Diwan Mana, illustrated his journey of photography through a slide show. "People in the East aren't materialistic. They are happy with their lifestyle unlike people of the West, who consider luxuries their right," Diwan says. He explains it through his photography series dhaba. "Even as they face poverty or problems, they live a happy life."

He also spoke about his background and major achievements. Some of his famous series are 'alienation, violence, waking the dead, shows of the unknown, conceptual self-portrait et al. "Rather than focusing on documentary photography, I tried to capture the world around with an artist's eye." He adds that emotions are integral to any form of art. "Experiences differ from individual to individual. Different art forms give expression to these experiences and that's where our psychology comes in. I tried to push the boundaries of photography to render a pure art form. " His conceptual photography is the best example of it! — Ashima Sehajpal

Staging self & society

Theatre of relevance is the inner voice of a human being; it is about fun, celebration, expressing and sharing one's emotions; it is about focus, patience, understanding and concentration; it enables participants to experience the finer nuances of script-writing, acting and directing; it expands beyond the stage into every sphere of life'. So say the participants of the 10-day 'Theatre of Relevance' workshop facilitated by Manjul Bharadwaj, founder, Experimental Theatre Foundation. This understanding of Self and one's role in society was amply demonstrated through Ek Nayee Udaan, an evocative presentation by the students of P.G.Govt.College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh.

In an event managed wholly be themselves, more than 60 students, presented their self-scripted and self-directed plays. Umeed, the first play was sensitive depiction of the suicidal stress caused by parental expectations and competitiveness in a marks-oriented system. Hari Om changed the mood to laughter as it exposed one's tendency to depend on a Dhongi Baba, rather than having faith in oneself to create one's destiny, while Hamaari Awaaz highlighted the anguish and destruction of Self and Society in a war-ravaged land. The fourth play was an effervescent, dramatic presentation of MILLY-the most important and innovative lessons learnt during the workshop, which also brought home the difference between just a teacher and Manjul Bharadwaj-their facilitator, guide and friend, who has enabled them with empowering self-worth and given them transformative experience to cherish for life.

The workshop for students, along with a parallel one for teachers-'Being the Change'-has been organised by the Society for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination of the college. In her address to the students and teachers, Achila Dogra, principal, PG-GCG-11 lauded the efforts and team work of the students and on witnessing the phenomenal response to the workshop, expressed the hope that this venture would not be limited to a one-time event, but would be beginning of an ongoing journey of self-exploration and transformation. — TNS

Hot couture

The extravagant 2nd Edition of the Chandigarh Fashion Week, organised by Chandigarh Fashion Council, concluded among much fanfare. The resplendent second edition of the Chandigarh Fashion Week witnessed a star-studded gathering of top Models, Celebrities and Designers who set the ramp on fire with their beauty, glamour & artistry.

The three day fashion fiesta saw an exquisite ensembles ranging from vibrant & embellished bridal collections to chic western wear; elegant fusion wear to opulent evening gowns and dazzling jewellery designs. With the designer outfits being displayed in the exhibition area, it gave the fashion conscious an opportunity to place orders for the forth coming festive season. Chandigarh witnessed a round of Bollywood celebrities along with gorgeous national and international models. The trendy fiesta was also equally successful in terms of opening numerous business opportunities for the designers and organizers.

According to JS Jatana, president, Chandigarh Fashion Council, "The quality of the designers and models short listed by Chandigarh Fashion Council showed immense talent, appreciated from all strata of the society. The second season of CFW provided immense opportunities to the designers by promoting them to buyers, media and the Indian fashion industry."

The second edition also saw star power and glitterati with big names such as Jimmy Shergill, Arya Banerjee, Zulfi Sayed, Shawar Ali, Diandra Soares, Dipanita Sharma, Bhawna Sharma, Montu Tomar, Nandini Vaid, Lekha, Anusha Chauhan, Romil Srivastav, Olga R, Alina, Alana, Irina Z, Kaveri Jha, Nauheed Cyrusi, Hazel Croney, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mughda Godse, Rahul Vaidya, Harman Baweja and Sonal Chauhan treading the ramp for some of India's top designers.

To top it all a post event concluding party held at city's S Lounge was high on glitz and glamour, with a classy style quotient where the elite of the city along with celebrities, designers, models and organizers partied hard. This exclusive get together also gave everybody a chance to unwind and catch up on the past 3 day extravaganza. — TNS

Bling on!

Feeling the pulse of city fashionistas and scouring through 50 odd designers Bling, a multi-designer store at NAC Mani Majra promises to bring an impressive collection at affordable price.

"We have been in the market for a year and half and have felt the pulse of the city. We have now stocked up the store with a collection that's bound to appeal to city clientele and fit in their budget too, for people here look for worth of their money," says Ashita Sondhi from Bling.

This place has a wide range of Indian wear —suits, saris in bright colours with lots of dazzle, kurtis, tunic, kaftans and kurtis. The designers have chosen carefully by the Bling team keeping in mind the city's taste. From Kimano to Uniana, Megha, Entice, Meenakshi, Bodi Tree the store has ensembles from Kunal Chatterjee.

This store also has stylish creations from Minnie, NIIFT (Mohali) pass out. Her tip for the season, "Blues are going strong this season. Red has caught up and it's orange and it's an orange-pink combination that's doing amazingly well."

Brighter the better and lesser embroidery is what Ashita offers, all set to bring fashion to masses. — Mona

League of its own

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has put the success of Khamoshi - The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black and Saawariya behind him and is now looking forward to his next production Guzaarish, a film about hope and the joy of living. Sanjay also turns music director with this film, which opens this Friday. He speaks to Lifestyle about Guzaarish and more.

Did your life change after Saawariya?

Life became a bit difficult after Saawariya. It was difficult to accept all the responses that I got for the film. This brought me to Guzaarish, an idea which came to me when I was making Black.

Why do you have such a liking for 'different' films like Khamoshi, Black and now Guzaarish?

When you go through certain circumstances and are not to be blamed for them, that is God way of testing you. Are you going to keep your goodness, your love for life, your strength of character even in worst situations? The test of character has been a recurring motif in my films.

There is a lot of skepticism in the industry about the subject of Guzaarish?

I am fascinated by the interest it has triggered. Those who are special do not know the vision I have or the kind of visual effect I am planning to create. For me, Guzaarish is my finest work so far.

Between Khamoshi and Guzaarish, how far have you changed as a director?

Not much. I still return home every evening dissatisfied with my shots, no matter how good others think they are. During Khamoshi I was an introvert but this time I am far more confident.

As you move into your fifth film do you feel pressurised by expectations?

I don't think so. I don't think success has sunk in. In any case it will make a difference. I have seen success being snatched away overnight. There is presence within, to better myself and succeed again. I like living on the edge.

Are you more conscious of the box-office this time?

I am certain of one thing this time…I want to reach out to the audience. I want to tell a good story in a way that is understood by all. — Dharam Pal

Sexiest man alive

Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds

Actor Ryan Reynolds has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, a day after his wife Scarlett Johansson was labelled Babe Of The Year by GQ magazine.

The 34-year-old star is stepping into the shoes of Pirates Of The Caribbean star Johnny Depp who won the title last year.

But while the Canadian-born actor may have women around the world over swooning, there is one person who won't be impressed. The Green Lantern star does not expect his title to benefit him at home.

"Now it's going to be, 'Sexiest man, take out the garbage,' that does sound better. This gives my family entre into teasing me for the rest of my life," the Proposal actor told in an interview.

The couple married in a secret ceremony in 2008 in Canada and his 25-year-old wife of two years has long been considered one of Hollywood's most beautiful women, with her curvaceous creamy-skinned looks and blonde hair.

They began dating shortly after Reynolds split from then fiancee, singer Alanis Morissette.

The actor meanwhile says that he will have to work harder to maintain his buff physique after winning the title.

"My body naturally wants to look like Dick Van Dyke. But when I stop training, I turn into a skin-coloured whisper," he said.

Previous winners of the coveted title included Brad Pitt and George Clooney, each on two occasions, and even Mel Gibson. — PTI

Balancing act

Emma Watson
Emma Watson

British actor Emma Watson says she is grateful to Harry Potter bosses for re-scheduling her shooting for her university entry exams.

Watson sparked speculation she might quit the hugely successful series in 2006 when she was studying for her school qualifications as she wouldn't get time to prepare for her university entry exams.

"I would have been public enemy number one, I think, if I hadn't continued (with filming). I did think about that," she said.

"I always try and make decisions in my life based on what's right for me and I just try and be true to myself. It was mainly to do with scheduling and I had a real fight on my hands to ensure that I was able to go to university and I was able to sit my (exams) A-levels, because the schedule they handed to me didn't really allow for any of that and I just wasn't prepared to let it go.

"(But) they (Warner Bros.) essentially moved the Harry Potter film schedule around my exam dates, which was amazing. It all worked out. I feel very lucky. Warner Bros. has been very supportive of me keeping this education thing going. I'm very grateful," she added. — IANS

Surprise show

Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston shocked the audience and her cast mates at a Broadway charity event in New York when she made a surprise cameo on stage as part of the 24 Hour Plays. The actor played the spirit of a dead dog in The Bitch Downstairs, one of six short plays written and performed in the space of 24 hours.

Her co-stars Kyra Sedgwick, Sam Rockwell and Nia Vardalos were also unaware of her cameo as she made her entrance just in time.

"She's known about the show for weeks, but whether or not she could perform depended on her shooting schedule. She actually came right from the set," a source said of Aniston.

"She did fantastic, and the crowd went wild. What's not to love? It's Jennifer Aniston," said Aniston's good friend Kathy Najimy. — ANI

Making a marriage work

Kate Perry and Russell Brand
Kate Perry and Russell Brand

Newly-wed couple Katy Perry and Russell Brand have reportedly made a set of rules to make their marriage work, including not staying away from each other for more than seven days.

The rule book states that neither of them can go to a club without the other and that they phone each other every night before 11 p.m. Perry has also banned Brand from getting drunk.

"It was all Katy's idea. She thought if they came together and agreed on some rules on how to keep their relationship on the straight and narrow, they'd have no problems in keeping their relationship strong," a friend of the couple told a magazine. — IANS

Difficult dancing

While shooting for her debut movie Burlesque, Christina Aguilera got so many bruises that she looked like a 'car crash victim'. The Dirrty singer, 29, admitted the punishing dance routines were challenging.

And she kept whipping her legs with a long diamond necklace in rehearsals.

"Getting down on my knees for some of the movements bruised me," she says.

"I bruise easily, but I looked like I got in a car accident on some of the days," she added. — ANI

Different take

Film: Guzaarish
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Director, music director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who debuted in films as Vidhu Vinod Chopra's song director, is regarded as a director with a style of filmmaking imbibed more from European movies he had seen at the FTII, than Hollywood superhits. With Khamoshi -The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black and Saawariya already to his credit, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has now come up with Guzaarish, where Hrithik Roshan plays a magician who becomes a paraplegic. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays a nurse who takes care of Hrithik Roshan. Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shernaz Patel and model-turned actress Monikangana Dutta are in the supporting roles. The lead characters of Guzaarish find themselves locked in unusual circumstances.

AM Turaz and Vibha Puri has penned the lyrics. With Guzaarish, Sanjay Leela Bhansali turns music composer and has come up melodious compositions. — Dharam Pal




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 |