The city rose to a colourful carnival a sunny Saturday morning. Music and masti ruled as people from all age groups - toddlers to grandparents - had their own share of entertainment at the Leisure Valley-10.

All paintings have a portrait of Lord Buddha and each conveys the same message - of peace. The inspiration to make a series on the theme came from the teachings of Dalai Lama — "If you wish to experience peace, provide peace to others."

And it was a year back when art collector Kavneet Aggarwal decided to open a studio and start making paintings on the theme of peace, along with two more artists from the city. "I couldn't have got a better subject. It's easier to be at peace with the outside world than your own self. With the same motive, I opened Artizen, an art company that promises to provide peace through paintings, photographs, yoga and meditation."

The paintings on display had Lord Buddha in a different poses. In a work titled 'All In One and One In All', 16 small pieces of canvases take the shape of Buddha's face. 'Luxury Of Bliss' shows him in a reclining position. Another one titled 'Revelation', which pulls our attention towards the forehead of Buddha, is rightly done in yellow. The painting titled 'Moksh' shows him meditating in a lotus flower. "Besides Buddha, the only other element I have used is flowers. Flowers have a positive connotation to them and thus spread peace." Shades of greens, blues and violets have been used in some of the works. Kavneet explains the colour choice. "Green is synonymous with financial growth and helps release stress. Violet is the colour of healing and blue stands for serenity."

Kavneet feels the exhibition will encourage more artists to join the cause. "What will provide impetus to the growing art market is participation of more artists. Exhibitions like this will provide a platform to lesser-known artists." Yoga and meditation are also an important part of the concept. "Live In The Moment is our next concept. Through yoga and meditation, we aim to teach people to stop worrying about the future and enjoy the present."

The photographs of landscapes are in tandem with the theme of peace. Instead of getting pictures framed, Kavneet has made a series of three with one picture. "I wanted the photographs to tell a story. Different frames make us observe elements of a picture better."

(On till December 3) 

Show window — it’s an eye to a shop, showcasing what is on offer. And what goes behind a show window is not just a mannequin and few good clothes, but a thought process that takes into consideration a concept, theme and even colour code. Graduating from displaying weird-looking mannequins (wearing those dirty wigs) to chic poses and stylised dressing, our city has woken up to a new beginning with even insignia dressing of windows!

Exhibiting their style with aplomb is Tashi in Sector 17. A Tata International Group, they have a life-size red sandal in their show window. More than an idea the sandal speaks for itself and is for sure a show-stealer. Says Somnath Sharma, manager of the store, “This is one of a kind concept that does all the talking for us. Tashi is a shoe and bags brand and nothing could tell people better about the brand than placing a life-size shoe on the window.” Designed and finished by TATA team, the concept definitely rocks.

Though window dressing attracts a lot of attention in recent years, the trend has grown and now we even have a course for show-window dressing, which deals with decorating shop windows with garments to attract the attention of customers.

“What amounts to a moment's thrill for those who pass by the show-window of a shop is a result of months of tedious work, dexterous planning and imagination, which finally adds colour to the plain-looking window glass,” says Rajnish Jain from Meena Bazar. He adds, “The show window of a shop is also a competitive tool to attract attention. And when it comes to the festive season, one has to go that extra mile to deck up the windows as the footfall increases. Apart from the regular customers, people walk in if they find something attractive in a show window.” With a team of designers who do their windows, Rajnish says, “Mood is the main thing that rules a window dressing. Weather and season also determine what has to be showcased.”

FabIndia employees dress their windows themselves. Says Puneet Kaur from Fabindia store in Panchkula, “We get a colour code and have to dress the window accordingly. Though colours are decided centrally and every FabIndia outlet has the same theme, we work according to it and then display all things.” Ask her what do you keep in mind when dressing up a window and she says, “We make sure that whatever is in store is displayed at the window. It makes the customer aware of what is there inside. And many times people walk in after seeing the window display.” jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com 

This was one of those rare interactions when a celebrity had an apt answer for every question; none was passed, ignored or answered diplomatically. Questions about her being tagged the item girl, her jaded career; marriage and then divorce, how she was physically abused and life post that, Shefali Zariwala shared all details of her life without any inhibitions.

"I have nothing to hide. My life is an open book and I prefer to keep it that way. It's better to let people know the truth then let them presume wrong things," says a very candid Shefali, who was in the city to perform at the Chandigarh Carnival, organised by the UT administration.

Shefali hit the popularity charts with her debut appearance in the song Kaanta Laga. Otherwise, being a computer engineering student, it was a little difficult for her to come to terms with her newfound image of an item girl initially. "It takes a lifetime for people to win recognition for their work. I was fortunate to become so popular with my first track." Another hit, Kabhi aar, Kabhi Paar, followed the success of Kaanta Laga before she did the vanishing act. "I wanted to complete my engineering before making a career in the glamour world. Staying away from TV was a conscious decision."

In the meanwhile, she did get a lot of offers from reality shows including Bigg Boss, which she refused to participate in. "I couldn't muster courage to brush my teeth in front of the entire country. I am a very private person and like to be that ways. Also I don't like people judging me, the reason I said no to dance reality shows." Shefali, however, is a trained Salsa dancer. She admits the fact that reality shows mint money by showing a lot of vulgarity. "There was no skin show in the song Kaanta Laga. It was just my attitude that made the look sexy. But the perception that vulgarity is only about showing off midriff is wrong. Language and behaviour can be vulgar as well. To me, men pissing on the roadside are vulgarity."

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is all set to front a campaign to get the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, enlisted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World with a live performance.

The 45-year-old actor will be joined by other stars including Rani Mukherji, Arjun Rampal and Isha Koppikhar at the gala event on December 10.

"He will vote for the Sundarbans on stage during his performance," Swapan Chowdhury chairman of Ontar Showbiz, organizer of the performance, told newsmen.

Private television channel Boishakhi TV and Radio Today would broadcast the performance live from the Army Stadium in Dhaka.

Khan and his co-performers will arrive in Dhaka on December 9 and leave for home the day after the programme.

Tickets for the show will be available at different selected points in the capital. The price of tickets have been categorised in four kinds - Bronze at Tk 3,000, Silver at Tk 5,000, Gold at Tk 10,000 and Platinum at Tk 25,000.

Bangladesh and India share the Sundarbans, stretching over an area of 6,017 square kilometers which has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. — PTI

Anurag Kashyap counts himself as a huge fan of Turkish-German filmmaker Fatih Akin and it seems that the admiration is mutual as Akin says he has more respect for the Dev D director than for Quentin Tarantino.

"I have become a fan of Anurag Kashyap after watching his That Girl in Yellow Boots, although I am not much aware about his other films," Akin said.

When asked about Tarantino's influence on world cinema, the director said, "I don't like violence and I have a moral problem with the way it is used in films. I have more respect for Anurag without knowing much about his cinema," he said, adding that he was planning to watch Dev D soon.

The Edge of Heaven director, one of the star attractions at NFDC's film bazaar, is on his maiden visit to the country and hopes to get something out of Indian market for his films.

"You make great films and there is lot of money here.

I hope I get some money for my next project. But I don't have a script right now. So no script no money. I would be happy if we can show your film in Germany and my films can come here. That would be great," the 37-year-old filmmaker said.

Talking about his Turkish heritage and his visit here, Akin said that after coming to Asia and especially India, he realised that he has more of an oriental identity.

"You know I have grown up amid discussions whether Turkey should be a part of European Union or not. It is my first visit to Asia and I realise that we are more oriental. I am European too because I live in Germany but I am more oriental. Turkey is the Western edge of Asia and it should not trouble itself about becoming EU member," he said.

Asked about his awareness about Indian cinema, Akin admitted that he was not very much familiar with the work of filmmakers here but will try to educate himself about Indian cinema while he is in the country.

"I admit I have not seen too many Indian films but I saw an old Bollywood film about three brothers (Yaadon Ki Baraat) and I loved it because it reminded me about the cinema of my parents time. Though I admit it was a bit of an effort," he said. — PTI

Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt began filming Kuch Log, based on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The movie revolves around an individual belonging to the Muslim community.

Actor Anupam Kher said that he was proud to be a part of the movie.

"Out of every terror attack, a story comes out which depicts the life of an individual whose photographs are not printed in any newspaper. Their faces are always in the dark. The movie is based on such people whose lives are affected due to the terror attacks," said Kher.

He further added that the Government should take strict measures to keep a check on such kind of activities happening in India.

Bhatt said Kuch Log intends to change the mindset of those Indians who are prejudiced against Muslims, and consider them militants.

"Kuch Log shows the dreams and fears of the minority groups of India because it has become our mindset that the people belonging to this section have links with terrorists," said Bhatt.

On November 26, 2008 ten militants landed on the Mumbai shores through boats and fired indiscriminately at a busy railway station, Chabad House, a prominent restaurant frequented by foreign tourists and two luxury hotels. — ANI

Age does not limit creativity; this has been amply proved by Sabita Paintal, wife of a late Army officer and now a grandmother. Born and brought up in the picturesque town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, she has been writing for the last five years. Coming from an Army background, her writings have marked impressions of the defence services, be it poetry, short stories or novels.

Her journey started in the year 2000 when she did her journalism course. Later, she came out a short story compilation titled Aanchal Ki Chayaon Mein, which was recommended for Sahitya Academy Award in 2003 by the Himachal Sanskriti Bhasha Academy. Next, she came up with the novel Mashia which is about the menace of terrorism in Kashmir. The book is now a part of the National Library at Kolkata.

Even though she tasted success, Sabita could not reach out to a wider audience through Hindi. Therefore, she decided to shift to English language and penned down as many as 35 short stories on issues ranging from social-religious to the everyday.

Her hardwork bore fruit when she received a call from the prestigious UK-based publishing house Author House, which a keen showed interest in her book In Search Of Harmony. This book is online since November 2010. And what next? "It is a novel titled My Justifications On Murder, which deals with evils of Indian society," she says.

Apart from writing, Sabita does gardening and painting in her free time. "One should always have an aim in life, which keeps you going," she affirms. Little wonder then, at an age when most people lose interest in life, Sabita Paintal keeps moving ahead.

Godrej Interio today announced the launch of an exclusive Pan India partnership with Knoll International, global leader in innovative modern design furniture and furnishings. This partnership is aimed at opening experience centres where architects, designers and consumers will have an opportunity to experience these modern designs and select the relevant products to create unique spaces.

This arrangement combines Knoll's heritage, and experience in design innovation and modern distribution dominance and scale of Godrej Interio, as India's leading home and office furniture brand designs for the discerning consumers.

Knoll brings to this partnership its skills and capabilities of creating a design language and experience which is unique and a platform of sharing the design languages and market learnings. Godrej Interio has listening to consumers in India and developing thoughtfully designed furniture, apart from building a strong distribution network.

Anil Mathur, COO, Godrej Interio commented, "Our alliance with Knoll heralds the beginning of a new era in the evolution of the Interior décor in India. By bringing Knoll's world class designs to India, we would like to provide high quality and design products, to satisfy the imagination and aspiration of selective consumers. We are tremendously excited about this venture and our decision to partner with Knoll's 
in India." — TNS

Female foeticide — A topic that has been discussed and documented too many times (yet there is no stopping the heinous practice) takes a new view with director Darshan Bagga in his latest movie Simran.

Releasing on December 3, the tag line of the movie is 'Do not hate the girl child'. Darshan says, "This is my dream project. I had been thinking about making this movie for a long time. Today I have achieved my cherished dream." Ask him what took him so long to make the movie and he says, "The idea was born with my daughter as my mother never wanted a girl child. The moment I got the script I made the movie."

Having directed movies like Santo Banto, Bagga Daku, Mera Punjab, Rabb Ne Baniyanea Jodiya and a Hindi movie Shikaar, Darshan is all for Punjabi cinema and says, "I am more comfortable with Punjabi movies than directing Hindi movies." He further adds, "Bollywood demands a huge sum of money. Besides, I can relate more to Punjabi."

Even though Punjab is a favourite subject of Bollywood and television serials, why is Punjabi cinema not able to make its mark? He answers, "We have a limited audience and the mass appeal of Hindi movies is any day better than our Punjabi movies. However, people abroad are more Punjabi and thus Punjabi movies do better overseas."

Ask him what is in pipeline and he says, "Rishtey Dilan De is my next movie. Though I haven't finalised the star cast but I am through with the script."

Ready for a world-wide release the movie stars Surjit Khan, Mohit Bhardwaj, Simran Randhawa and Guggu Gill.

Also present at the press conference was the lead actor of the movie, Mohit Bhardwaj. Debuting with the movie Mohit, Mr Chandigarh in 2004 and a participant at the Mr Gladrags competition, says, "I have graduated from DAV college and prior to the movie I did an acting course at Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting school."

With a few music videos to his credit, on his move to the B-town, he says, "Right now I want to wait and watch and focus on one thing at a time."

Such stuff as dreams are made of, and our little life is rounded with a sleep. — William Shakespeare

The feeling of self-esteem for women comes from relationships, and thus being able to express feelings is very important. Women, a synonym with nurturing, are known to be more comfortable with their emotional life than are men. Men more likely see themselves as lone figures in a strange world. It is difficult for many men to express their feelings in words. This difference finds their way into dreams.

Abhiruchi Sunderlal, a trainer with ICICI Prudential says, "I often dream of having a nice cup of tea with my spouse in the balcony of my house, engaged in a peaceful conversation." The simple rule of the dream is they respond to whichever area your energies are focused on.

Women are raised in the world of emotion, and if self-esteem for them comes from relationships, then being able to express feelings is very important.

Research on differences in dreaming among men and women has shown that they do have significantly disparate dreams, most likely because of differences in their biological make up and social conditioning.

Naveen Johnson, an area manager with TATA ING

Life insurance, often dreams of flying a BMW in the air, with his wife and kid. The scenes of flying are attributed by Freud to the natural ambition of people to fly high in life. The hidden desires are sometimes fulfilled via dreams.

A study by a pioneering psychologist Robert Van de Castle found that dreams may be sex-differentiated in children as young as age three. Some dreams may foreshadow happenings.

Gurtoj, a fortune card reader, says, "I often sees a ladder in my dreams." The ladder that she is climbing has five steps, which she believes are the five objectives of humankind - purusharthas, dharam, arth, kam, moh and moksha. Specialising in relationship healing, she often dreams of stitching a cloth.

Akhilesh (name changed) a lawyer often dreams of a woman chasing him with a knife and at times killing him. Trust can rust personal and professional goals. Adultery causes dreams of anger and loss. Edgar Cayce, an American who claimed to be a psychic with the ability to channel answers to questions while in a self-induced trance, says, "Dreams may contain symbols although they tend to be highly individualistic, just like dreams themselves are. Proficient dream analysis can help us diagnose health problems, encourage us in the decisions we make, or reprimand us for negative behaviour."

Rakesh Kumar, a sports coach with Vivek High School, has been seeing flowing water in his dreams. The dream clearly reflects his emotion flowing like water. Swimming reflects his action, which he is performing to reach the goals.

"I am often wandering in my dreams, enjoying the new discoveries of life each day," says Sangeeta

Jain a Volunteer with Sorem, a school for special children. Many people experience recurring dreams - that is, the same dream narrative is experienced

over different occasions of sleep. Up to 70 per cent of females and 65 per cent of males report recurrent dreams.

Creating a loud noise in the densely populated affordable handsets market is the all-new mobile Handset manufacturer, XAGE Mobiles, with its all-new range of exiting and futuristic handsets like the M108, the Music Masti Mobile. An all-in-one package, the M108 has a lot more to offer than the other conventional handsets in the market and also comes loaded with added features which will blow your mind.

The M108 is just one of the giants from XAGE stable, the most unusual and exciting feature of this power-packed handset is built in 200 watts PMPO speaker, which is a most sort after feature by music lovers. The sleek handset fills the shoes of a mini boom box by giving maximum output from its Big built-in speakers with stereo surround sound. Youngsters on an outing can simply play their favourite tunes on this little marvel and swing to the beats with their bunch of friends. The wireless FM radio with external antennae will also meet the needs of people who love listening to news and sports commentaries with their friends and co-workers.

The M108 also comes with superior multimedia capabilities, this little monster can play MP3, MP4 and various other file formats on the touch of a single button, it also has an option to record your favorite tunes playing on the Radio Station. The M108 comes with a big belly, that is an extendable storage capacity of up to 4 GB thus making your mobile a truly 360 degree, power packed entertainer.

Nawal Kumar Sawarthia, CEO, XAGE Mobiles says that we launched XAGE Mobiles mid this year and since October we are expanding our network in North India.

Capturing your favorite moments with family and friends has never been so simple until the M108 was unveiled. No matter where the location or what time of the day it is, XAGE's new monster will click fabulous images with the crystal clear and high powered lens of its 1.3 megapixel camera and the built-in powerful torch will turn night into day to give you those breathtaking results which you would capture and cherish for a lifetime.

So simply put your shoes and rush to the nearest mobile store to get yours first hand experience on the hottest handset in town, the XAGE M108, which will take your mobile music experience to a whole new and exciting level. And this comes at the price of Rs 3,399. — TNS

Music is an unending quest, an eternal pilgrimage. It is sacrosanct, but not free from contemporary influences where the past is enriched by the present," opine acclaimed Dhrupad maestros Uma Kant and Rama Kant, better known as Gundecha brothers, in the city for a concert at the Punjab Kala Bhavan for Triveni Sangeet Sabha and Department of Cultural Affairs, Haryana. Lifestyle catches up.

Dhrupad is regarded as the oldest form of Hindustani classical music, but it has lost its sheen over the years paving way for khayal gayaki?

Dhrupad is intellectually and aesthetically pleasing. It is the kind of music where the divine and human come near each other. But with its classical format and structure, Dhrupad is not easy to learn. The nuances of Dhrupad have not been properly

appreciated, learnt, taught and propagated.

What is Haveli and Darbari Dhrupad? How has Khyal gayaki eclipsed traditional Dhrupad?

It is gross misinterpretation of Dhrupad. In fact, Indian classical music can be improvised upon. Dhrupad too is endowed with endless possibility for improvisations, within its disciplined structure. Haveli Dhrupad is purely religious and is devoted to Lord Krishna while Darbari Dhrupad was practiced in royal courts or darbars.

Is Dhrupad regaining its popularity?

Yes, with a bang. Many of the young disciples from our Dhrupad Sansthan in Bhopal, including those from abroad, are taking rapid strides. Our disciple from Pakistan, Alia Rasheed (24), albeit visually challenged, is very talented. She is featuring in a film on international music as a vocalist, with Ustad Zakir Hussain and another artistes from Turkey. Foreign students who have completed two years at our institute include Indue Sou (Japan), Branan Dubh, Micahel Bevins (Australia), Jennifer Melmon (USA) and Deborah Olivir (Belgium). Among noted Indian students are Manoj Yadav, Amita Sinha, Astha Tripathi, Rupali Jain, et al.

Should there be reality shows for classical music?

Yes, but certainly not with SMS as the judge. In these profit-oriented ventures, talent is woefully being hunted and not promoted. Natural and systematic growth is very necessary. Youngsters are good at crooning film songs, the real test is to be original.

To commemorate the completion of 50 successful years of its existence, HSIL Ltd, the group behind India's leading bathroom solutions provider - Hindware, has launched the Cornice collection. This elegant collection of sanitary ware and faucets comes with a perfect harmony of modern functionality and world-class designs. The superior range designed by international designers includes a wide array of products in the bathroom segment like sanitaryware, massage tubs, faucets, water closets and glazed vitrified tiles.

Hindware elegantly brings together contemporary style and culture in the unique and gorgeous collection of EWCs and washbasins. The range combines a sleek aesthetic look with hi-tech features, which makes health and well being an everyday luxury. The products exude sophistication in design, combined with the added advantage of being made with superior technology of water saving dual flush and a 'Germi Clean' ceramic surface for effortless cleaning and utmost hygiene that makes them look as good as new for a long time. Characterised by sleek and simplified forms, the cornice faucet range is an ideal choice for every bathroom. The glazed vitrified tiles with elegant colors improve aesthetics of living space. Pure white acrylic material massage tub compliments an idea of comfort and indulgence.

Sandip Somany, Joint Managing Director, HSIL Ltd, said that, "Honoring 50 years of our existence, I am immensely delighted to announce the launch of the Cornice Collection from Hindware. Hindware is one of the most prestigious and trusted names in the sanitary ware segment across millions of Indian households. This ergonomically designed range is bound to enhance the look of any modern bathroom.” — TNS

ARIES: The Empress takes you towards the fast and the protective lane. Surprisingly you will be romantic and expressive to your lover. Remain quiet if you wish to avoid disputes with the loved ones. Tip of the week: Do not play into the hands of shrewd colleagues. Lucky colour: Silver grey.

TAURUS: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Your mate or your beloved will keep you in good humour despite your discourteous behaviour and irritability. On Tuesday, be strong as you have nothing to lose. Tip: Do not foray in too many directions. Lucky colour: Blue.

GEMINI: The Fool infuses you with courage. Thoughts of romance fill your mind. Take time with your appearance and turn on the charm. Do not be impulsive as it can lead to an argument. Tip: Do not invest in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange.

CANCER: The Hanged Man helps you to move into a new and better situation. This month the focus will be on shopping, entertainment and romance. Your beloved or mate will make it up to you for past digressions. Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Maroon

LEO: Four of Wands advice's you not to have a tussle with a Gemini or Piscean. Career related issues cloud your mind. Your love life seems to improve. Friends will be supportive. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Brown.

VIRGO: The Ace of Swords invokes mental power to achieve professional goals. Do not say anything that could hurt your friends or beloved. New opportunities come your way. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden yellow.

LIBRA: The Hermit inspires you to climb new heights. Old friends and relatives would pay a visit and bring gifts in cash or kind. Romance would flourish and there are chances of matrimony. Tip: Extend your circle of friends. Lucky colour: Crimson.

SCORPIO: You may find it hard to find companions who share your interests and ideas. Wednesday is highlighted by changes in love life. Avoid flying off the handle until you know exactly what is happening. Tip: Don't let opposition faze you. Lucky colour: Peach.

SAGITTARIUS: The Star promises name, fame and recognition. Recreation and entertainment would be needed to beat the exhaustion that might grip you. Exercise and stick to a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Tip: Be careful in relationships. Lucky colour: Sea green.

CAPRICORN: Two of Pentacles showers blessing on lovers. In love you will have to face a few problems, but a Taurean friend will be helpful. A good news from abroad may cheer you up. Tip: be open to advice. Lucky colour: Pink.

AQUARIUS: People undergoing computer education will do very well. Relax and enjoy happy times with the one you love. Don't take hasty decisions. Tip: Get in touch with people. Lucky colour: Burgundy.

PISCES: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Good news from abroad awaits you. You gain from group activities. Smooth sailing at home. Don't over-eat on Tuesday. Financial picture clears up. Curb your flirtation streak. Tip: Think before you speak. Lucky colour: Red.