|
|
|
|
|
Big on small screen
The sweet and suave image of the 'boy next door' is so boring. He won't create any problems or take up fights for no reason. He won't even pass a nasty remark on the girl next door. So how about a Chulbul Pandey shifting to your neighbourhood? If that's too big a demand, here's another alternative. Himanshoo Malhotra, who will play a spoilt brat in the upcoming serial on Zee TV, Bhagonwali…Baante Apni Taqdeer, has his character Guddu Shukla (read Sukla) on the same lines. He's a witty loafer, a local goon, but with a heart of gold.
The role demanded a change in the dialect also, which he brought by attending workshops. "We shot a few episodes of the serial in Lucknow, where I interacted with a lot with local people to get the dialect correct" The soap is the story of a girl, Runjhun, whose presence works as a lucky charm for others. She is an orphan and is oppressed by her uncles and aunts. "It's almost an Indian version of Cinderella. I play her saviour." Albeit Himashoo is six serials old, this is the first time he has pocketed the lead role. His journey in the glam world began six years back with his participation in the Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj. "I was the second runner's up in the contest, after which I went back to my hometown Delhi to complete my MBA." He was last seen in Aap Ki Antara and Simply Sapne. The difference between his earlier and this serial is the backdrop. All the serials had an urban setting. Bhagonwali has the backdrop of Kinnauj, a small town in Uttar Pradesh. "It's usually perceived that a regional backdrop attracts limited audience. But in the end what matters is a sensible storyline and powerful performances. Jazzy backdrops won't help if it's about the same boy meet girl and separated by a vampire storyline." Himanshoo isn't bothered about being typecast as a character also. "There's a change in approach of the audience. Earlier, people used to be fans of actors playing a certain character, now they know an actor only through the character he plays in serials. The sole way to shed the image of a character is convincingly playing the next character," that means if he is game to play a Chulbul Pandey, he would love play a Munna Bhai or Krishh! ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
NETworking for a cause
We all use social networking sites to stay connected with friends, friends of friends and even unknown friends. We use sites to share pictures, first baby steps, new car, boyfriend's car, night-out, sloshed after night out! And finally, we also post videos — my cooche coo and me on our honeymoon, my new bike, my first girl friend's fifth pet!
A sign language film, a short documentary, advertisements, free hugs (short film), funny film, Kaminey Fatak song, AIDS Jaago movie… YouTube does its bit to raise awareness. Manish Anand (25), an engineering student, aspires to make a series of documentaries on AIDS. “I have shot one, which finds place on YouTube called Fataak Se. I bet each one of us knows what role networking sites can play in generating awareness on relevant issues," he says. The issue here is important. Candlelight marches, raising slogans; rallies are a medium to talk about it. The question, however, is how to sustain awareness on AIDS. A cartoon movie promoting the use of condoms and safe sex has over 2 lakh views in a day. The Global Fund to fight AIDS online campaign has 20,952 followers. The World AIDS Day has 20,121 followers, AIDS Healthcare Foundation has another 1,21,528 followers. And you thought Facebook is only for Farmville fans? Harminder Singh Atwal and his group, working in various corporate houses in Chandigarh, are very active online and educate people on AIDS. For Harminder, it all started when his friend mailed him a video on AIDS. "It was a short clipping captured on mobile phone that showed truck drivers as main carriers of AIDS. I was moved to do something, but I didn't know where to start. So, I formed a community on Facebook, Red Letter Day, which is a kind of platform for people who want to discuss and talk about AIDS," offers Harminder. If party-hopping and aping western fashion is what you tag youngsters for, they are also redefining awareness through social networking sites. If planting saplings in the garden (read Farmville) is an engaging online activity, posting data on AIDS, which can shake you up, is also what they intend to do. According to UNAIDS statistics, 33.4 million people are estimated to be living with AIDS. More than half of the infected people are in the prime of their youth. Devika Uppal, a fashion designer from Panchukla, has already pasted a red ribbon as her status. "I have selected five most interesting AIDS awareness videos, which I would be posting to my 790 friends all across the globe. The idea is to make them sit up and notice. I know through FB, these videos will be watched by more than 790 people," she smiles. Yes, we are connected to friends of friends as well! jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
On a different note
Disc is where you dance, gym is where you work out, café where you have coffee and lounge is where you chill out; and DJ is someone found right above the dance floor. And then they all became much more…Darwin's theory of evolution needn't stop applying there. So the gym, the café, the discotheque, the lounge as you knew it; have moved a step ahead, taken a twist and tweaked everything a bit. Thereafter, traditional spaces stand fused, roles stand redefined and their usage extended. Here's what to make of everything step by step. The man behind the console came forward and moved places and is still moving on. From the nightclub to the discs, to live bashes, marriage parties, to lounges and even the gym. Did you predict school assemblies? DJ Surya, from Crystal Lounge, elaborates, "the traditional role of a disc jockey is expanding. From what initially used to be restricted to just the bars or the discs, DJ is now an institution seen everywhere; gyms and even cafes." He adds, "that also has something to do with music as a phenomenon, how it's become an inseparable part of our lives. Wherever you go, you see everyone hooked to it, including people going for a morning walk while plugging on to their headphones. No wonder you find the DJ at as many places as possible, to jazz things up." Just when we were figuring out technicalities of nightclub, lounge, disc and pub and which is which; the Dee Jay mixes it up at all the places. There's definitely a role appraisal, if not reversal. Just a decade ago when the city was introduced to the café culture, a DJ would be inconceivable, probably scandalising. Café Oz-9 apart from a resident DJ boasts of guest DJs flying in from Israel to Mumbai. Shares Gurtej Virk, owner, Café Oz, "we wanted some live music to add to the ambience and cater to people's obsession with music. Anyway, we would keep getting requests on the change of music. Moreover, we wanted to keep things casual." Needless to say, the DJ and the console remain, while the preferences change. He adds, "It's a very slow, soothing kind of music, very Medieval Pundits kind. The response to the experiment has been great." The music addicts may have lapped up the experiment, though the man behind the console isn't exactly exhilarated. Opines DJ Surya, "Personally I feel the trend is not great because for someone who's used to playing for hundreds of jiving audience, it is difficult just to play for himself. At a café, at a gym or for that matter any other place it just isn't the same experience." manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
CENTRE of attraction
Departments, library, faculty and facilities define a university, but for our very own Panjab University it is something else. No prizes for guessing, it's The Students' Centre, popularly known as StuC.
No matter what time of the year, the place is always abuzz with activity. Says Neha, a student of Art, History and Visual Arts department, "the students' centre is major part of my life and I come here daily, no matter what happens." Agrees Vikas, who terms it as his 'second home'. What makes the place special is the food here, which is available at very reasonable prices. Says Sheena, a hosteller, "the food here is amazing, it's economical and it serves our purpose as well as satisfies our taste buds." The variety is another crowd-puller. From South Indian to Chinese; Nimbu Pani to Maggie, everything can be enjoyed here. Says Priya, 2nd year English Department student, "Lunch is the appropriate time to catch up with your friends from other departments." Karan, a hosteller, differs though and claims that the place is buzzing after the classes are over. And its not only about food, StuC is also the place to flaunt the best from your wardrobe. Says Rohit from the tourism department, "the latest in the market can first be seen here." Then there are the latest gadgets, cars, bikes; StuC sure rocks. "Students' Centre is also the main hub for various cultural activities, events and campaigns," says Priyanka from the anthropology department. Adds Rajat, "the best thing about this place is that you get the freedom to interact with a lot of people from the same age group," exclaims Rajat. |
|
I for it!
A survey of 1,000 boys and girls by children's magazines K-Zone and Total Girl has found the most sought after gift this year was the iPod Touch, which retails for 289 dollars. Daniel Findlay, editor of K-Zone, said the gaming capabilities of the iPhone Touch appeal to children. "A lot of kids are playing on their parents' iPhones and the parents don't necessarily want them to have an iPhone yet and obviously they are really expensive but the iPod (touch) is a nice middle ground," Findlay said. The sale of gaming consoles is also booming in the lead-up to December 25. According to EB Games, the best-sellers are Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation, which each retail for more than $ 300, as well as games, including Call of Duty: Black Ops and Gran Turismo 5. "In addition to consoles being popular this Christmas, people will be looking to enhance their current machines with motion gaming devices such as Sony Move and Microsoft Kinect," said EB Games spokesman Ryan Lock. Target and Kmart report animated creatures such as Zhu Zhu Pets and Kung Zhu Warrior Pets, and interactive toys including the Fisher Price Singamajigs, are selling fast. Target said retro toys such as Barbie dolls and Lego, are also back in fashion, along with water play equipment. "Better still, these stocking fillers retail for less than 20 dollars, which is helping parents give their children hours of fun this Christmas without blowing the budget," said
Target. — ANI |
|
Creamy layer
There are two brands of the whipped cream-Canisters of Cream and Whipped Lightning -and it comes in a variety of flavours, including caramel pecan, chocolate, hazelnut espresso and more, depending on the brand. Canisters of Cream is 30 proof while Whipped Lightning is 36 proof, and is cheaper than most liquor. College kids find it
the perfect topping for Jell-O shots (liquor infused Jell-O served in small dixie cups) or just an easy way to get
hammered. "You definitely know that there's alcohol in it," Max Pendolari, who manages a liquor store in Boston told local television station. "You could use it to top off your cocktail. You could use it to top off your hot chocolate," he added. Chris Guiher, the CEO of Kingfish Spirits of Cleveland, which makes Canisters of Cream, told the paper his product was well within the law - and was marketed responsibly.
— ANI |
|
A new study has found that Americans with low income and education are less likely to marry than those who are better off. The trend suggests that they place a high premium on financial stability before marriage, a bar they may never meet. The study, conducted by Pew Research Center in conjunction with TIME, revealed a deep ambivalence toward marriage. Nearly 40 per cent of Americans say marriage is becoming obsolete, an 11-percent increase since 1978. The number of married couples has dropped, too: In 1960, 72 per cent of American adults were married. In 2008, that number was 52 per cent. Nonetheless, 69 per cent of people say that single women having children is bad for society, and 61 per cent say kids need both a mom and a dad to grow up happily. The decline of marriage is class-based, the study found. In 1960, people with a college degree were only 4 percentage points more likely to be married than people with a high school education or less. By 2008, that gap widened to 16 percentage points. Just under half (48 per cent) of people without college degrees were married in 2008, compared to 64 per cent of college grads. The difference was that 38 per cent of people with less education said financial stability was an important condition for marriage, compared with 21 per cent of college-educated people. However, 67 per cent saying they're upbeat about the future of marriage and family. Americans take it seriously. More than three-quarters say family is the most important element of their life. Eighty-eight percent of people view a childless married couple as a family. Nearly as many (80 per cent), say a cohabitating couple with a child is a family, and 86 per cent say a single parent and a child is a family. Just over 65 per cent say a gay or lesbian couple raising a child is a family. The full report is available at the Pew Research Center. — ANI
|
|
The 43-year-old actor, who married doctor Shriram Nene in 1999 and has two sons, said that settling down in family life wasn't tough as she always tried to lead a normal life even during her diva days. "I grew up in a different atmosphere with very middle class values, I was never treated like a star at home. For me acting was just a profession—I loved performing, dancing in front of the camera; but I was a normal human being at home," Madhuri said. And her daily routine in Denver, Colorado, is just like any other mother-of-two."Wake up in the morning and get the kids dressed, make some breakfast, take them to school, drop them off, pick them up, do everything else in between... cooking, driving, cleaning," said Madhuri. She set the silver screen on fire with her glamour and acting prowess, so prominent in Tezaab, Dil and Beta.Her fans are waiting for her to make a comeback, but Madhuri, who is in India for three months to judge a TV show, says she cannot stay long enough to work in films."I cannot stay here for long because I have a life back there which I thoroughly enjoy. I have to take care of my schoolgoing kids. I can do one film at a time and then go back—its like having two homes," she said. Last seen in Aaja Nachle, the actor said she has been reading scripts but is yet to sign any film. Also known for her dancing skills, Madhuri has delivered hit songs like Ek Do Teen, Channe ke Kheth and Dola Re. She still finds time to practice kathak everyday in between her household work. "I do practice sometimes an hour or maybe half, depending on the time I get. It enriches me physically as well as spiritually and keeps me slim." Times have changed and the Padma Shri honoree rues that Bollywood dancing today is more western as classical dance is losing prominence in films. "Today's generation is very fast, they want everything quick. Hip hop can be learnt overnight, but not kathak. It is sad that young people today do not have that patience and classical dance, which is our roots, is not getting attention.It should be brought back in focus," she said. Madhuri's sons Arin, 7, and five-year-old Ryan are now waking up to the fact that their mother is famous."They understand a bit now that their mother is a known person when other people recognise me on the road. When I was coming for Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, they were very excited,” — PTI
|
|
On her plait
Khelein Hum... is based on the 1930 Chittagong Uprising in undivided Bengal. The trailors and posters show a Deepika dressed in plain sarees with her hair tied in two plaits. "The last time I probably tied my hair in two plaits was in school and I didn't like it at all. The most difficult part of this film was getting the look right, as we had to transport the audience to the 1930s, without which the entire purpose of making it would be foiled," said Deepika. However, the actor admitted she personally needed little research or preparation as she went along with the director's instructions."This uprising is a lesser known event in the Indian history and we hardly had any reference points as to what Kalpana looked like other than a few photos. For the rest I depended on Ashutoshji who had already researched extensively on the subject," said Deepika. The opening shot shows her playing badminton with her co-star Vishakha Singh and Deepika said she had to unlearn her professional training in the sport for the scene."Playing badminton like Kalpana in the 1930s, that too in a saree--I couldn't look like a professional and had to unlearn my training in the field," said Deepika, who is badminton ace Prakash Padukone's daughter and was a state level player herself. Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Sikander Kher. — PTI
|
|
Live wire
"How many of you would be interested to attend a live musical workshop to be conducted by me in Mumbai, will 3rd December be suitable for you?" Niigaam posted on Facebook. "It will be a free workshop open to all... we'll do it only if we have the appropriate strength, location and time we'll inform you here and the date can be worked out based on majority and
our convenience." The singer was overwhelmed by the response from his fans. "Everyone, the response is too overwhelming. I thought this is something that I'll be able to handle myself with my team. But I guess I'll have to take the assistance of some professional friends to manage so many people and a proper venue," the singer posted. The event will not be taking place December 3 since professional organisations have offered to give him assistance for the same. "Dear all, workshop not possible on the 3rd... Wizcraft and GIMA (Global Indian Music Awards) have offered to help me out and co-ordinate for a bigger venue, thus the delay," he posted.
— IANS |
|
FOLK LURE
It was indeed a matter of pride for Anita Gupta to be on the teaching faculty of the Government College Art-10, her alma mater, where she had spent five years pursuing the diploma in fine arts (painting) from 1976-1981.
Now an associate professor, she has participated in over 30 exhibitions in solo and group shows, an equal number of workshops as well as seminars at the state and national level. While giving final touches to three of her latest paintings at the 10th NZCC Fortnightly Artist in Residence programme at Kalagram, she shares her resolve to revive the traditional folk art culture in all its varied manifestations. "In modern art, be it painting or sculpture, the nuance are best known to the creator or the connoisseur, but any art work on folk culture at once catches your imagination with its spontaneous appeal," observes Anita. She adds that from school students to the elderly, everyone can understand the thematic content, aesthetic tone and treatment of her paintings that depict varied themes. "There is an emotional bond between diverse regional folk cultures," says Anita. Anita Gupta has as many as 400 paintings to her credit.
|
|
Stylish, hip, chic and refreshingly new - get ready for this season's highly awaited Only collection. This winter, Only brings forth looks in four distinct trends-printed tees, tops, dresses and cardigans in various animal prints, English heritage inspired sweaters, knit dresses, jackets and high wasted pants in range of earthy shades. The perfect party wardrobe with rock-chic dresses in lace and sequence, tops in soft silhouettes, printed tees with sequence and bling and stylish jumpsuits in hues of blacks, greys and whites and the cool and casual-American free sprit inspired collection housing tees with stars and stripes, pinafores, overalls, dungarees, coats, cardigans and dresses in blues, reds, whites and denim. The denims this season have vintage feel and are mainly dark denims with heavy washes. Only makes the look of the season very unconventional and international with their new fall winter collection, showcasing the latest trends in cuts and colours. It delivers fantastic price points from Rs 445 to Rs 3,995. — TNS
|
|
Itching to hit the trail? You need look no further for a perfect travel companion. The new Liberty 'Go Explore' collection for the adventure seekers is here. Designed to provide your back and calf muscles strength and support as you rough it out the padding inside the shoe is not just supportive but also let's your feet breathe. So, they stay cool and dry even as you sweat it out trekking, climbing, jogging or splashing. What's more they also make style statements, with their solid chunky looks, without getting worn out no matter how tough the going gets to be. Priced at Rs.499 onwards they are available at Liberty Exclusive Showrooms and multi-brand outlets across the country. — TNS
|
|
People for Animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally. For adoption Two beautiful simple breed female pups, two months old, black and brown colours. One white male labrador dog, 5-years-old, vaccinated and active for adoption and two female pomerenian mix with labrador, 2 months old are available at the centre Lost and found A male, three-year-old, black labrador dog with a chain has been lost from # 3110 Sec-27/D Chd. Lost one black male pug dog, four years old from # 1072 Sec-8 Chandigarh.
Found a female four-month-old German shepherd dog from Sector-48, Chandigarh One -year-old male, bull-teriar dog with white and black spots has been missing from # 436 sec-46-A. If anybody has any information, contact the PFA office at 0172-2749080, 2749211 or visit # 1522 Sector 11-D, Chandigarh or www.pfachandigarh.com.
|
|
| 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 | |
"I enjoyed playing the role of a hero with unusual characteristics. The inspiration has been drawn from the small town boys of Uttar Pradesh," says Himanshoo, who was in the city on Tuesday to
promote the serial. 
Now, this one was on the lighter side because we know there are other 'purposeful' usages of them as well. On World Aids Day a check on various social networking sites shows what youngsters say when they mean networking is not all fluff. With more than 27,000 communities on Orkut, 97,000 communities on Facebook and almost 8,400 videos on YouTube on AIDS awareness, expect this to be a
serious business. 
Christmas is set to go hi-tech this season and iPods are the most sought after gadgets kids want for Christmas. This year's big-ticket items include Apple iPods, gaming consoles, interactive toys and expensive brands, such as Lego.
A new alcohol-infused whipped cream has hit the market and is being hailed as a new favourite college binge-drinking tool in New York. A source told the Boston Herald that the Massachusetts Alcohol Beverages Commission would be closely monitoring the alcoholic treat.
She reached the peak of fame in her Bollywood career and when time demanded, surrendered all to become a homemaker. It might be hard to imagine Madhuri Dixit engaged in everyday household chores, but the actor insists that is exactly what she does back at home in the
US.
She is playing a village belle in Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey but actor Deepika Padukone says her saree-clad avatar in the film is no less glamorous than her other roles.The 24-year-old actor, who made her Bollywood debut with Om Shanti Om and later starred in films like Bachna Ae Haseeno and Love Aaj Kal, has donned her first de-glam look as freedom fighter Kalpana Dutta in this period movie."My look in this film might be different, but I don't consider it any less glamorous than my other films. The saree is the most glamorous costume for an Indian woman," said Deepika, who was in the Capital to promote the film today.
Bollywood playback singer Sonu Niigaam has revealed his desire to organise a musical workshop for fans through a series of posts on social networking site Facebook.
Found a male German shepherd dog, three-year-old, black and brown colour from Sec-11
Chandigarh. If anybody has any information contact the PFA office.