It was as if all roads were leading to Leisure Valley on the bright Sunday morning. Enthusiastic parents with toddlers in tow, grandparents pushing strollers, and a sea of young and old marching together to Sunday Carnival was a sight to behold.

Four neat queues only got longer as the day advanced, two for men and two for women, at the ticket counter as they patiently waited to get an entry in the much-sought after venue.

A colourful mela, a merry mix of old and new, presented a happy sight. People were seen binging on ice gola, small ber and candy, typical of any fair. One corner had enthusiasts enjoying tall merry-go-rounds, the centre had floats vying for kids' attention. Camel rides were as much in demand.

'I love Chandigarh' was the surging emotion as people thronged Le Corbusier Centre's stall to get their piece of city's heritage. This place had a number of souvenirs - I love Chandigarh t-shirts, p-caps, ties, coasters, pencil boxes, replicas of open hand monument and manhole covers, column table lamps, cushion covers, mugs, picture frames and canvas paintings in handy tube covers all adorned with City Beautiful's sights.

The stall next was distributing goodies to all those kids who fared well on Chandigarh quiz.

As many as three different stages provided a neat platform to anyone willing to share their talent. Children from Vocational Centre, Maloya, dressed in white shirts, won heart of people with their fervent dance items. Folk songs and music dominated another stage.

Giant Spiderman cut-out pulled crowds to the Film City. Rolling camera on crane captured not only the stage but onlooker as well showing it on set LCDs was as much a centre of attraction as the stage itself.

Actor Saif Ali Khan will add some Bollywood glamour as the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on December 2 along with Arjan Bajwa and Neetu Chandra.

Bollywood stars generally keep themselves away from the festival, which is auteur driven, but the festival has been trying to change it. Actor Ajay Devgn was the guest of honour at the IFFI opening ceremony on November 22.French auteur Bertrand Tavernier's '

The Princess of Montpensier, a riveting 16th century costume drama about love and religious conflict will be the festival's closing film.Starring Melanie Thierry and Gaspard Ullie, the film is Tavernier's 21st and has competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

The Princess of Montpensier is the closing film of the festival. It is a French film. We have invited Saif Ali Khan, a National as well as Padma award winning actor as the guest of honour for the closing ceremony. Actress Neetu Chandra and Arjan Bajwa will also be there," festival director SM Khan told reporters here."We also have a cultural event curated by Gracy Singh followed by the closing film," he added.

However, the main attraction this year is Slumdog Millionaire beauty Freida Pinto, who is coming to IFFI to attend the screening of Woody Allen's latest comedy You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger tomorrow.Pinto plays an major role in the movie, which also stars Hollywood biggies like Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin and Naomi Watts.Khan said that the festival will also see a master class on acting by 3 Idiots star Boman Irani.When asked about the infrastructure improvement at IFFI, which has seen several organisational glitches, Khan said they are trying to bring in new improvements every year.

"We had made a committee for the improvement of the festival and have already incorporated some of the short term changes suggested by them. The festival has been opened to world cinema, we have increased the money and introduced two new awards. All this is being done but the long term suggestions are still under the consideration of ministry," Khan said.

He said that the proposed suggestions include that the festival should have a new structure with the involvement of public and private partnership. The funds will come from the Central and Goa governments and sponsorship will also be introduced. — PTI

Bollywood siren Neha Dhupia has taken inspiration from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for her dialect in the upcoming movie Phas Gaye Obama, where she plays a dacoit."Who is better to teach the lingo in typical UP style," Dhupia said today at a promotional event in Jaipur.

The actor was a bit uneasy about the dialect before doing the film, but things became better after she minutely observed Mayawati.

"I have lived a conscious part of my life in Delhi so I am well versed in Hindi, but UP accent was different for me. I had to give more time to rehearsals than shooting," she told reporters.

Dhupia, 30, plays the role of a lady dacoit 'Munni Madam' in the film.

"For the first time, I am playing the role of a dacoit.

It's up to the viewers to decide whether I have been able to pull out the character efficiently or not." Dhupia is experimenting with her singing talent in this movie as well.

"It was quite exciting to sing in the film. Though I had said no to this song, my director was insistent since he wanted a husky voice," the actor said.

— PTI

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif, whose sizzling item number Sheila ki Jawaani in Tees Maar Khan is already making waves, calls the song one of her ‘raunchiest’."It was kind of a learning experience for me. I don't take the song being called item number as an offence. There is exposure in the song but it is more about attitude and I was specific about it. It is about dancing with openness and not being inhibited," Katrina said.

"It had be one of the raunchiest songs I have ever shot," she added.The 26-year-old actor, who portrayed a rarely seen avatar of hers in the song, said she had watched many DVDs of older films prior to doing Sheila ki Jawaani.

"Farah gave me a lot of DVDs of older movies not to imitate or emulate. I can never do that even if I wanted to but just to see the way Madhuriji (Dixit) dances and the joy she felt while dancing... how focused and involved she was," Katrina said.

Tees Maar Khan, an action-comedy stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina in the lead and with Akshaye Khanna in a cameo.The movie is about a criminal who is 'fearless and shameless' known as Tees Maar Khan."In the movie, Akshay plays the role of a conman and I play his love interest" Katrina said. — PTI 

Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal read up a lot about Viagra to acquaint himself with the drug for his role in Love and Other Drugs and later tested his memory by trying to sell the pill to doctors.

The Brokeback Mountain star memorised all the possible side effects of the little blue pill to play a womaniser who embarks on a career as a pharmaceutical representative, in the upcoming film.

"Viagra has a huge booklet on what it is, the side effects and all the chemical components. I would memorise these things. And we would improvise and then I would sell to the doctors," said the 29-year-old actor.

However, the actor refused to comment whether he has tried Viagra in real life."There are some things I have to keep for myself," he said. — PTI

Royal footage

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on April 29 next year might be a three-dimensional affair. According to a report some broadcasters are considering plans to make their coverage available in 3-D, either in venues such as theaters and bars or at home, for viewers who have 3-D television.

"That is obviously of some interest but our responsibility is to bring things everybody can see on-air and 3-D has a very limited footprint," ABC News quoted Jana Bennett, the director of BBC Vision as confirming early meetings had taken place with other broadcasters.

However, palace sources are vehemently denying a report that the royal couple would allow tickets to be given to members of the viewing public in lottery-style fashion.Additionally, fans of the couple can purchase William and Kate: A Royal Love Story,the first book to hit shelves a mere 10 days after the announcement.The book, written by The Sun's royal reporter James Clench, traces the couple's eight-year romance. — ANI

Hollywood beauty Jessica Alba considers Angelina Jolie her role model as she thinks the superstar is admired more for her acting skills than her good looks.The 29-year-old actor admitted that she is considered for specific roles due to her sex appeal but now Alba wants to be known like the Salt star for her acting prowess as well as beauty."My role model is Angelina Jolie. She's so beautiful and has an incredible career. People talk more about her film career and her humanitarian work than about her looks," said Alba.

However, the Sin City star is now determined to shed her sex siren reputation and take on roles that will challenge her and impress the audience."Even though my looks have helped me get parts, I've always tried to find roles that get past the stereotypes. Now I think I'm in a position to make that philosophy pay off," she said.

"I want to distance myself from roles more geared to how I look in a sexy outfit. My goal is to work with the best directors out there. I've always taken my career seriously and I want to do work I can be proud of," she added. — PTI 

Hollywood actor Chris Pine said that he became an actor to make friends and improve his social life.The Unstoppable actor insisted that he had few friends in college and took up drama classes to boost his friend circle."I wanted to become an actor because I wanted friends.I went to a very large university and was a shy and I really didn't have a social network. So I found theatre out of a need to find a community," said the 30-year-old actor. However, Pine appreciates the fact that his parents were actors.

"What I appreciate from my family is that there is a common language to it so if I've had a long, hard day I can call up and say, 'Such and such happened and the director said such and such and the other actor said blah blah blah.'And they're like, 'Oh yeah, OK, we get that," said Pine."Because my mom's done it, my grandmother did it, my father did it and my sister actually worked for Tom Scott, who directed 'Unstoppable," he added. — PTI

Youth to Business Forum is a unique platform which connects the youth and the business world.The event at PHD chambers, Adjacent to CII-31 was kicked off with the opening address given by Deepit of AIESEC highlighting the importance of youth in the world today.

The first speaker Pratibha Soni , a leading personality in the Art of Living program, spoke about the emerging realities and needs of today's world. Which encompassed various viewpoints like fast changing industry needs in today's competitive globalised economy. She laid emphasis on the fact that during emerging stages of globalisation companies desired personnel with degrees and qualification, then came age of skills requirement with degrees now companies desire personnel with not only degrees, skills but also with a vision for company and how to adapt to these changes fervently especially under the present education scenario?

The second topic of the day Incubating Entrepreneurship-Opportunity Or Challenge was delivered by Sarthak from Labs and Racks. As we know, the way India has emerged from the shadow of the economic downturn that still grips major western economies is the topic of many case studies and debates. One of the fundamental reasons for this is the entrepreneurial spirit that drives India. Enterprising India is teeming with opportunities, world-class talent and capital as the world banks on India to drive the global engines of growth.

The final speaker for the day was Sahil Sahore with the topic Millennium Development Goals in India. Sahore spoke about the topic and enlightened the students about vision of the Indian youth by 2020 and vision of India and business 2020.

The role of the government sector in the emerging global business scope of Indian economy and the areas of growth to concentrate upon. He also touched topics like India versus China and education sector in a 110 billion strong nation and the problem faced by the economy today. He also encouraged the role of media in shaping up the minds of the young today. He deliberated on the fact that how the business leaders of today connect with the young minds and help India develop as a superpower in the world.

This was followed by specialised workshops conducted by Sahil Sahore regarding the topics he discussed in his address to the students. There was also a business solution activity in which various global problems were given among delegation to discuss and provide their views and remedies to such issues. — TNS

Keeping the flag of Punjabi language and literature in Europe flying since 1970, the Copenhagen (Norway)-based litterateur Swaran Singh Parwana is indeed one of the Ambassadors of Punjabi literary culture in to the West.

Credited with over 12 poetry books, including 10 Punjabi ghazal anthologies, Parwana, president of the Asian Writers Association, Denmark, has emerged as an acclaimed literary icon inspiring young and old generation of Punjabi writers world over.

As a salutation and recognition of his contribution to the promotion of Punjabi, a few well-known Punjabi writers have ventured to compile a 350-paged "Abhinadan Granth- Swaran Singh Parwana " on his life, literary prominence and achievements.

Edited by vice-chairman, Rashtriya Sahitya Akademi, Satinder Singh Noor and Sarabjit Singh, the Granth includes articles by eminent writers Kirpal Singh Kasel, Deepak Manmohan Singh, Sharanjit Kaur, Kulwant Kaur among others.

The Abhinandan Granth also features fifty pages of poetry, including ghazals, baint, kabit forms and photographs covering the life and literary journey of Parwana.

Eminent litterateur KK Rattu, station director, Doordarshan, S Niranajan Singh, IAS (Retd) and noted author, medical professional and social scientist Dr Harshinder Kaur performed the release ceremony at a largely attended function held at Chandigarh Press Club on Sunday. Poet Sham Singh conducted the programme.

Known as "Manvata da kavi " in the literary fraternity of Indian and Pakistani Punjabis settled abroad Parwana runs popular FM Radio Pride which airs Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu programmes.

On his socio-cultural and literary awakening drive which has been transformed as a mass movement, he sums up his journey with the recitation of a Mazrooh couplet — Mein akela hi chla tha Zanib-e-manzil magr, Loag saath aate gye aur cravaan banta gya.

Nowadays spa treatments are becoming increasingly popular for bridal care. Among these is body polishing, a top-to-toe body care procedure that helps to remove dead skin cells through exfoliation, revitalising the skin and making it smoother, softer, brighter and healthier. It is of particular benefit in winter, when the skin begins to look dull. As we all know, the skin sheds dead cells. Very often, these accumulate on the skin surface, making the skin dull and blotchy. Removing dead cells not only smoothens and refines skin texture, but also accelerates the normal cell renewal process. Scrubbing away the dead cells improves the skin's ability to absorb products too. Blood circulation to the skin surface also improves. The entire process induces relaxation and provides a sense of well-being.

Body polishing has also become more popular because of several other benefits to the skin. It is also an effective way of treating sun-damaged skin, where the ingredients are adjusted to suit the individual need. Or, the treatment may be focused to help dry skin, or to unclog the pores. Rough areas of the body, like the elbows, knees and heels may be given specific attention.

Different ingredients are used and the forms of body polishing may vary. For example, some spas use salt, or sugar, to exfoliate the skin. Or, other treatments, like body massage, may be included, for added value.

Plant and natural ingredients that are known for their beneficial effects on the skin and body are often used for body polishing. They not only cleanse and soften the skin, but also draw out toxins. The Diamond Body Polish is designed to invigorate the entire body, smoothing away dead epithelial cells with a diamond scrub. The scrub is applied on the body and rubbed gently on the skin with circular movements. It is a deep cleansing treatment and has a powerful revitalising effect. The body is then massaged with a diamond cream and also includes deep tissue massage, which is ideal for removing fatigue and soothing both body and mind. The massage is an important part of body polishing and helps to tone and relax underlying muscle tissues. It also relieves dryness and nourishes the skin, making it soft and smooth. Blood circulation and flow of oxygen to the tissue improves. In fact, it has innumerable benefits for vitality and good health. After the massage, the diamond mask is applied.

You can also give yourself a body polishing treatment at home. You will need a scrub, massage oil, small and large towels, a wash cloth. It can be done once a week.

Scrub for exfoliation: Use sesame seeds, dried mint leaves and honey. These ingredients are not normally used, but they have a remarkable rejuvenating effect on the skin. Crush the sesame seeds coarsely and powder the dried mint leaves. Mix them with a little honey and apply on the skin. Sesame seeds actually have sun protective properties and also soothe sun-damaged skin. It helps to remove tan and produce an even colour tone. Mint has a stimulating effect and adds a glow to the skin, while honey moisturises and softens the skin.

Massage oil: Make a fragrant body massage oil based on aromatherapy. A combination of essential oils works wonders. Add five drops each of cinnamon oil, lavender oil and rose oil to 100 ml pure olive oil. Essential oils should never be used directly on the skin. They must be diluted with pressed oils. Cinnamon oil relieves fatigue and muscular tension, while lavender induces relaxation. Rose oil is said to have a calming effect on the mind. It also improves blood circulation to the skin surface and tones the skin. Olive oil, of course, is ideal as a body massage oil, as it not only nourishes and softens the skin, but restores the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin. It is also a good carrier oil for essential oils.

The treatment: Start with exfoliation. Mix the scrub ingredients and apply them on the face and body. After 15 to 20 minutes, rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Pay attention to the knees, elbows and heels. Wash it off with water.

Then have your oil massage, with the fragrant oil (mentioned above). Small circular strokes can be used on the joints of the arms, like shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Follow long up and down stroking movements on the arms and legs. It is best to work along the natural muscle contours. The abdomen should be massaged with wide circular movements, starting out from the navel and going outwards. For the upper abdomen, the direction should be from right to left, while for the lower abdomen the circular strokes should be from left to right. You will need somebody to massage your back for you. The massage should be from the base of the spine, working upward and outward from the backbone to ribs. For self-massage, one can easily learn a few easy strokes to ease tension in the neck area, or parts of the body that one can reach easily.

Skin "brushing" helps the elimination of toxins. The entire body surface can be brushed, using a rough cloth. Begin from the feet and go upwards. Then brush from lower to upper arms. Go across the shoulders and back. Brush gently on the chest and abdomen. Spa treatments, like body polishing, not only provide an ideal route towards de-stressing the body and mind, but also towards looking good and feeling great.

It's one important factor that can either act as a driving force to make you a regular at the gym or scare you away from the place. For, money matters. So much so that it has a direct affect on our fitness level. There's no denying the fact that people are getting increasingly fitness conscious but sparing over Rs 3,000 every month for fitness is quite a deal. Even the second option of paying the annual membership fees of over Rs 36,000 as isn't easier either. Taking cognizance of these practical problems, a few gyms in the city have come up with offers to lessen the burden. The financial flexibilities, as most gym representatives claim, encourage people to take up fitness activities at gyms.

Vikram Kapoor, general manager, Bodyzone-8, informs that it was in October this year that they introduced the option of paying the annual membership fee in installments. "Positive results started showing in a week's time. There was a surge in number of enquiries and over 100 people became members of the gym within one month." The total fee of Rs 32,000 can be paid in easy installments now in the first three months of joining. "We realised that it's easier for people to pay money in three installments than paying the complete amount in one go. Also, it's much cheaper than monthly fee structure. EMIs helped us tap a new clientele."

The gym also provides an alternative of transferring the membership in case one isn't able to carry on. The option, however, is made available only in case of a long-term membership. Explains Vikram, "All one has to do is sell the membership further to save some money. It has helped people who had to go abroad in between or who fell sick and could not continue."

You are eligible for a discount if you bring along another person who is interested in working out at Oceanic, Phase X, Mohali. Says Jasbir Kaur of Oceanic, "It saves 10 per cent of the fee if two people join together. The percentage increases to 15 for three or more people." The service is used maximum by students. "It's a win-win situation for both parties. We add to our customer count and the customer saves some money. Also, when people join in a group, the attendance is far more in the gym."

Though there is no such provision of transferable membership, the time-period can be extended here. One can go on a break for three times in a year. "We consider genuine reasons like marriage, a visit outside country or illness. The break in-between motivates people more to join gym once they are back. Not to forget, it saves money too," she adds.

You need not worry at all, if you missed a gym session at Leena Mogre's fitness centre. All that needs to be done is inform the staff at the centre, who will ensure that you are allowed to gym at Leena Mogre's gym in another city. "Similar facility is provided even if you travel abroad. We are a member of IHRSA, hence our members can go to these gyms to work out." She feels introduction of schemes like EMIs would mean discouraging people from gymming. "It might make people lax about their fitness. Paying a lump sum amount make people take gymming more seriously." To each his own! 

It all started when Madonna kissed Britney Spears on stage, followed by Katy Perry who sang a song about a girl she kissed — and now it seems the 'flexisexuality' trend is fast catching up.

The new word has been coined for the growing number of straight women who flirt with bisexuality. It refers to people who have a sexual preference but refuse to be bound by it. "Women are often more open to these experiences when they reach their 40s and are more confident with their sexuality. If an opportunity presents itself they may think "why not", particularly if they have come out of a long relationship," psychologist Dr Cecelia D'Felice said.

Twice-married Barrymore, who has admitted having flings with women, has been quoted as saying, "Being with a woman is like exploring your own body, but through someone else." Actor Lindsay Lohan, 24, is among younger flexisexuals who see it as 'on trend'.D'Felice admitted flexisexuality had become fashionable as a result of its recent celebrity endorsement, but said it had always existed.

"Women are more fluid about their sexuality than men and are more likely to be attracted to people rather than a certain gender," she said.A third of 6,000 women surveyed by Coco de Mer said their favourite fantasy was to have sex with a woman. Sam Roddick, 39, founder of erotic boutique Coco de Mer, said, "It acknowledges the huge number of straight women who do not want to label themselves bisexual and yet may have kissed a girl or fancied their best friend." — ANI

A new study has found that an increasing number of software engineers in India are suffering from insomnia and have poor quality of life. Sara Sarrafi Zadeh and Khyrunnisa Begum from the University of Mysore showed that poor sleep has a bearing on quality of life - affecting physical and mental health in particular - in this group with high levels of job-related stress.

Insomnia, a disorder of insufficient or poor quality sleep, results in fatigue, irritability and memory impairment to loss of productivity and relationship difficulties.Left untreated, it has also been linked to severe depression and coronary heart disease.Zadeh and Begum studied the relationship between the amount of sleep and the quality of life of 91 software engineers aged between 21 and 45, working for a software company in Mysore, in order to determine the prevalence of insomnia among this group particularly prone to job-related stress.

The participants completed two questionnaires: The first looked at insomnia and sleep quality; the second assessed their quality of life.The authors found that 56 per cent of the participants had mild (35 per cent) or severe (21 per cent) insomnia, compared to 23 per cent in the general population.In terms of gender differences, more women suffered from mild insomnia than men while more men suffered from severe insomnia than women.Quality of life in general, and mental and physical health in particular, were significantly lower in subjects with insomnia than in other participants.

"In view of the serious health consequences of insomnia in software engineers who are at high risk, suitable awareness programs should be developed as a preventative measure," the authors concluded."Sleep assessment should be included as part of routine medical check-ups so that management of the problem is easier in the early stages.

Lifestyle management programmes which include sleep hygiene and care should be incorporated as a policy matter in the IT industry. —ANI