Snowfall has something romantic about it. How can we forget the movie, Serendipity, snowfall made for the perfect backdrop of climax scene between John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Even in Edward Scissor Hands, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder love story is the cause behind snowfall every year. But, it also depends on how you take the sub-zero temperatures. You might cringe or you might celebrate, here we ask people their amazing snowfall experiences, falling in either of the category.

Annu Saboo, businesswoman, recalls her trip to Winter Olympics, which she attended two years back. "You got to see it to believe how perfectly a grand affair like this is managed amidst snow. We have seen skating and skiing competitions on TV, but I realised how thrilling these adventure sports are after seeing them in reality." She remembers how she along with her family watched everything from a mountaintop. "Even if it was heavily snowing, roads were clear and all food joints were functioning." Just a thought, how it would have been, if Common Wealth Games in India were also held amidst snowfall…10G scam! Annu suggests that India too should promote snow tourism. "People flock to hill stations in winters only to enjoy snowfall. We should in fact make it an organised sector to encourage snow tourism.

Tanya Mander, a lecturer at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law doesn't have to ponder much to share her snowfall memory. She instantly mentions the time she spent in Paris. "Paris is beautifully decorated on Christmas. But more than anything else, it's Eiffel Tower that makes for a spectacular view during the snowfall." Snowfall at Paris ranks higher than at other places. "It's for the reason that decoration wasn't over the top. It's done keeping in mind the legacy of the place."

It was a trying time for Sanjay Sethi, director, British School, and his family when they went to Kufri last year. "We were coming back from Kufri to Shimla, when it started snowing. A trip of just 25 kilometers was covered in four hours time due to poor visibility." The change in weather came as a shock as the meteorological department had also not predicted a heavy snowfall. Albeit it wasn't a great experience for Sanjay, but he doesn't regret the experience. "It was for the first time that I saw everything under a thick blanket of snow, which I had only seen in Hollywood flicks."

Anyway's it can't get worse then DJ Vishal's experience. Hear it from him. "My flight from UK to India was already booked. I was in the Cadiff city of Whales from where I had to board a train to Central London. Meanwhile, it snowed so heavily that I was stuck in the city for the next seven days. I cancelled my flight and booked it for the fourth day, which too I missed." In addition to it, he had to wait at the London airport before he got a seat reserved. "All flights to Asia and US were cancelled and all I could do in such a situation was just be patient." That's all one can do, when there's no alternative. Snowfall, any which ways give worthwhile memories.

ashima@tribunemail.com

DJ is a king outside but at home it's a different story altogether," is how DJ Rummy Sharma sums up the life of a globe trotting disc jockey. With two decades of experience behind him and performances at the most happening clubs around the world - Buddha Bar (Dubai), Roxy (Prague), Airport Club (Wurzburg), Zouk (Singapore), Berlin Love Parade (2006) - Rummy is enjoying each moment of his being a DJ.

In city, Rummy, the resident DJ at Tao-26, shares, "My style is truly international with heavy German influence and techno. I do play Bollywood when in mood." He ascribes the strong German influence to his stay at Berlin.

Immensely proud of being part of the Berlin Love Parade, Rummy says, "Being part of the Love Parade means you are catering to a crowd of millions." He proudly held India's flag behind his console. Also, he was voted number 7 among popular DJs in the world.

Professional assets become a personal problem, as when a New Year rings in, it's the DJ who is working. "I make up by taking my wife to the do where I am performing and give her loads of money after that," he laughs.

Coming to Chandigarh makes this otherwise flamboyant DJ apprehensive and this is why, "Just like every other little boy, I too was naughty during my childhood years. So every summer vacation, my mother would pack me off to Chandigarh to my masi's place to be disciplined. Each time I come here, its looks like I am coming for another lesson in discipline."

But guess all this is going to change soon. Rummy will coming twice every month to play. What's more he loves being here. "I started playing in Chandigarh some 10 years back. At that time I thought crowd isn't tuned to my music. But today I am as comfortable playing here as anywhere else."

His most memorable jig? "Taj Exotica, Maldives, New Year 2007. I played to a small crowd of just 70. Rich and influential of the world assembled there to party. Five minutes to 12 and there was no one on the dance floor. The moment I played Stand by me (Ben E King), everyone was on the floor. The party continued till four in the morning."

Some happening life!

mona@tribunemail.com

Like everything had come to a stop for a minute. It was magical, and yet every bit of him belonged to the place right away. He had never imagined that one passing look from the lens of Panasonic DVC Pro 800 would change his life forever. Indeed it did, from an animator, Deepak Verma became the celebrated, much talked about 'sting operation expert' with leading television channels and then a documentary filmmaker. In city on a recee for his next documentary shoot in Punjab, Deepak shares how nothing else but a camera by his side gives a meaning to his everyday life. Before we roll, the part about the 'sting expert' catches our fancy, and we don't want to miss it.

Deepak smiles trying to choose his words, "It was sometime back." We try to fish out more information. He shares more, still trying to keep it brief. "My fondness and comfort with the camera grew with each passing day. I joined a news channel and went to break stories with my camera in tow. I guess it was the camera that gave me the courage, the drive to test my abilities to the hilt," he says. During his stint with television, Deepak went on to win many awards including the Transparency International awards for a news story and ill legal mining, Green Oscar Participation Award for ill legal Mining.

If you are a follower of the heart (it is good to team it with a balanced mind), it takes you to a place where you are meant. The catch is to just flow. "I did that," he smiles ear to ear. "I followed my calling that lied in documentary filmmaking. The first film that I shot Sapna was based on the story of a seven-year-old village girl Sapna, who lives the irony of her name and all her aspirations remain literally a dream. The satisfaction, the bliss that I felt after completing the film is unexplainable," explains Deepak.

Here it is, this is what I belong to, the filmmaker was smoldering with enthusiasm. Wildlife documentary on King Cobra for River Bank Studio, one on the Pong Dam showing 1,40,000 migratory birds, another one on United Nations Development Programme highlighting women empowerment, their increased political participation. Last but definitely not the least, documentary on emergency management and survival in natural calamities. Deepak was exploring subjects and ideas with his camera. "In my experience of over 10 years, I'm amazed that how a camera (he works on digital camera) can make me look at things in a different perspective, in a different light. It gives me ideas and a way to explore them too," says Deepak who covers a lot of sports events as well. Subjects of wildlife, nature conversation and sports appeal his creative mind.

"Today documentary making is a chic career, with a little bit of limelight of course. However, the reality is something else. Shooting a documentary is like a collective effort of the senses. First, a subject tickles the mind, you smell something worthwhile in it, the eyes gauge the depth in it, ears hear the sound of approval and finally you taste through the footage that you capture," he adds. Deepak is of the opinion that a movie is the best medium to generate awareness. "Government should encourage documentaries on heritage if it wishes to draw public attention ." jasmine@tribunemail.com

We need to pursue our classical and folk heritage more aggressively," says Chandan Dass, the famous ghazal singer of the country.

In city, on the invitation of Vir Deva Foundation to perform at Tagore theatre on Saturday, Chandan Dass is happy at the way ghazal is doing in the country but feels it would benefit if it were promoted more. "Ghazals enjoy a good status in our country. There is no dearth of lovers of this classical form," says Dass. "What we need to do is connect our youth to this form," he adds.

TV plays a significant role when it comes to shaping young minds, and Dass is in favour of tapping this resource. "If youngsters get to see more of classical and folk art form on TV. And such shows are organised that bring the true artistes, we would be able to save our rich heritage," he avers.

Though he is all for promoting talent on reality shows but he also warns one of its pitfalls. "These reality shows make a contestant into a celebrity for some months. But what after that," he questions.

"For right or wrong, youngsters find their calling in reality shows which promise them instant name and fame. Making such formats based on classical arts would not only be fulfilling for those participating but also would be enriching for viewers," he adds.

Dass who enjoys travelling around the world that his shows promise him is touched by love for Indian culture abroad. "I am touched by the way Indian parents settled abroad are trying hard to instil values in their wards. It's time we also made efforts to unite our children to the roots," he says.

Another thing he touched on his shows abroad is the hospitality he receives, "An artiste thrives on the love of his audience. Its even more special on foreign lands because they get so little of our rich culture!"

mona@tribunemail.com

ITC Limited's personal care brand, Vivel, announced the launch of its new variant, Vivel Milk Cream & Glycerine soap. This unique soap is enriched with double moisturizers, Milk Cream & Glycerine, for irresistibly soft skin, even in winters!

Milk Cream & Glycerine are trusted and renowned skin moisturizers. Glycerine penetrates the skin to moisturise and makes it soft and silky. Milk Cream forms a protective layer on the skin and locks the moisture in, thereby allowing the skin to re-hydrate and bring back the serum balance. Vivel's new variant combines the goodness of Milk Cream & Glycerine and the special formulation - ActiPro N, to ensure 'Total Care' which Nourishes, Protects and Moisturises the skin.

Brand Ambassador for Vivel Soaps & Bollywood's reigning queen, Kareena Kapoor, says, "Milk Cream and Glycerine are amongst the best moisturizing ingredients for the skin. Vivel's new soap, Vivel Milk Cream & Glycerine is unique as it is the only soap available which is enriched with double moisturizers. This winter for irresistibly soft skin and Total Care through nourishment, protection and moisturization, I recommend Vivel Milk Cream & Glycerine Soap. It is my skin essential this winter!" — TNS

Su-Kam, the leader in the Indian power back-up industry introduces Power-Doc - A Power Protection System to provide respite to electrical appliances and devices against voltage fluctuations, spikes and frequency variations. Power-Doc increases efficiency & enables stabilized voltage supply to the connected electrical appliance and electronic device, thereby increasing its longevity and minimizing the risk of damage. The design & style along with its light weight makes the Power Doc a great alternative to the old fashioned bulky stabilizers and is very handy in use.

Power-Doc comes embedded with a number of advanced unique features like Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS), Zero Power Consumption (ZPC), Voltage Cut-off Display (VCD) and universal plug-in. ZVS enables longevity of electrical appliances and components of electronic devices and ZPC helps in reducing energy consumption by 11.5 per cent every month. In addition, VCD rescues electrical appliance from breakdown and restores power supply automatically. It also displays voltage cut-off and voltage supply.

Power-Doc's unique advanced features and its functions are controlled by microprocessor chip based technology and on-screen display (OSD) technology. Power-Doc is suitable for any major electronic appliance being used at home such as Air Conditioners, LCD, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Vacuum Cleaner, DVD. — TNS

From No One Killed Jessica to Aamir Khan's next production Dhobi Ghat, Bollywood is looking forward to an eventful 2011. No One Killed Jessica, releasing January 17, this is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Starring Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan, it is the recreation of the infamous murder of Delhi model Jessical Lall by director Raj Kumar Verma. Yamla Pagla Deewana: The film marks the return of Deols --Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby-- after Apne but the father-sons trio is planning to make people laugh through the comedy, which is about two conmen and a confused NRI. The film hits theatres on January 14. As for Dhobi Ghat, though Aamir Khan has been winning the box office every Christmas for the past three years but the actor- producer decided to release his wife Kiran Rao's directorial debut on January 21. Starring Aamir Khan, Prateik, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra, Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) is the story of four characters bound together as they go through a journey of longing, loneliness, love and loss in Mumbai. Aamir is also planning to release his next production Delhi Belly in summer. Starring Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapur and Shehnaz Treasurywala, it is directed by debutant Abhinay Deo. It is his production's first English movie. Aamir's next, an untitled venture directed by Reema Kagti marks the coming together of the Dil Chahta Hai team, with Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Siddhwani. A suspense thriller, the film also stars Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor and goes on floors in February 2011 and releases the same year.

Giving his assessment of 2010, Sidharth said in terms of budgets, the industry has seen sensible projects, keeping a check on the finances right from initial stages to post production stages, and will see more stringent practices in the coming years. Sanjeev Lamba of Reliance Pictures said 2010 has been a year of a lot of learning and also some adjustments.

"We have looked in to our overall business and going forward we will do up to 6 Hindi films in 2011, which is on track. Our production model has changed. Our on-going deals are all co-productions or productions with Reliance Pictures owning a share of the intellectual property and this is the model we will follow going forward," he added. Lamba said 2010 has been a mixed bag with incredible highs and few disappointments. "We had a great start with 3 Idiots that released in Christmas last year. Soon after that Well Done Abba released which got a lot of appreciation and fared reasonably well," he said.

He said his company released two Hollywood films -- Dinner For Schmucks which was the first film in Reliance's partnership with the new DreamWorks studio and Skyline which was an independent distribution acquisition for India. "We are going to carry that momentum forward and we expect to do 10 Hollywood movies next year," he added. On the 2011 business model, Lamba said for the first time an Indian-based production and Distribution Company will be a major player in both Bollywood and Hollywood content. "In a steady state we should be doing 10-15 Hollywood films in a year and up to six Bollywood films and in years to come the number of films in Bollywood and Hollywood kitties will be equal," he added. Speaking about Kites and Raavan, the biggest debacles of last year, Lamba said the price that was paid for both the films were according to the market economicand since then the market shifted considerably. — PTI

Oscar winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts' (Pretty Woman) conversion to Hinduism is among the top-20 2010 Religion Stories of the Year list created by Religion Newswriters Association (RNA). In this list, Roberts (only Hollywood person to make the list) is in the company of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Reverend Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham), etc.

RNA release on the subject says: "Hinduism gains more of the spotlight through the...word of star Julia Roberts' conversion to it". Roberts, who grew up with a Catholic mother and Baptist father, became interested in Hinduism after seeing a picture of Hanuman devotee Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, who died in 1973 and whom she never met. Earlier reports have said that she was a practicing

Hindu and entire Roberts-Moder family went to temple together to chant and pray and celebrate. She has a production company called Red Om Films, and Om in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe.

She has been quoted as saying "My opting for Hinduism is not a religious gimmick" and "I have received real spiritual satisfaction through Hinduism".

Talk Show Queen Oprah Winfrey is launching her own cable channel Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which is set to stream live into 85 million US homes. Winfrey, 56, has had a successful run of 35 years on The Oprah Winfrey Show since it was first launched in 1986.

Los Angeles-based OWN shares a contract with Discovery Health Channel that was initially set to launch in 2008 and will be finally launched today after three years of delay, a publication reported.

"I'm really just trying to get on the air. I'm trying to think of the role OWN is going to play on January 2, and the 3rd and the 4th," Winfrey said. From the couch-jumping episode of Tom Cruise to interviewing Bollywood couple Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, Winfrey has come a long way.

Winfrey says she was initially reluctant to end her hugely popular daytime show. "What I realized is the Oprah show has had its time and its run and its ability to affect and influence, and that now it's time for something else," she said. — PTI

She is one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood but actress Demi Moore says she sometimes wants to change the way she looks. The Ghost star says there are days when she is obsessed with her face, a website reported. "I obsess and look in the mirror and occasionally say, 'Where's that little strap that I can hang around my neck that says, Help my face is falling and I can't get up'." "I've aged. I certainly don't look the same as I did in my 20s or 30s. 

Sunny Deol, known as an action star in Bollywood, is eager to do the role in Dharam Veer essayed by his father, veteran actor Dharmendra.

"I want to do a role which is something like the Gladiator. Something very close to what my father did in Dharam Veer. I think if Yamla Pagla Deewana works, producers might listen to me and we can make a film on these grounds," Sunny told in an interview.

Releasing January 14, Yamla Pagla Deewana will see Dharmendra tickling funny bones of moviegoers with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. — IANS

Bollywood's serial kisser Emraan Hashmi seems to be bowled over by Shruti Haasan, whom he will be seen romancing in Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, and is all praise for their on- screen chemistry in the comedy.

"Shruti is a fabulous actor and extremely beautiful. The on-screen chemistry between us in the film is amazing and that's something to look forward to," said Emraan.

The film that also stars Ajay Devgn and Omi Vaidya will release Jan 28 and has been directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. — IANS

Pakistani actor Meera is not happy with the way her fellow actress Veena Malik conducted herself on Colors' reality show Bigg Boss 4 and accuses her of portraying Pakistani women in poor light.

"Veena Malik is acting very cheap. The way she presented herself in front of Indian audiences is not right. She is denigrating the image of Pakistani women. This is not how women in Pakistan are," Meera, who is in India to shoot for diector Faizal Khan's Hindi movie , told in an interview.

Her liplocking courted controversy after people in Pakistan raised objections and she was apparently fined for this. But right now she feels Veena has crossed all limits.

"If you come over to Pakistan, you will see how sensible and how cultured Pakistani women are. They respect their family values and are not how Veena has portrayed herself," said the actor who herself became controversial after her kissing scene with with Ashmit Patel in her Bollywood debut Nazar.

Veena came into limelight after her name popped up in match-fixing allegations against Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif. She was the cricketer's girlfriend. She then entered the Bigg Boss house and her intimacy with Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel caused quite a stir, sending the TRPs soaring.

Meera alleges Veena's behaviour is a lousy way to garner publicity. "She's doing all this because she is hungry for fame. She has no self-respect and is ready to do anything to become famous," Meera said. "She's like that even in Pakistan. She tries to copy everyone. She can never be her own self. This is not the right thing to do as there are many other nice ways to become famous. Why stoop down to cheap tactics," she asked. — IANS

Year 2011 is expected to see Aamir Khan dominate the silver screen as the actor-producer has two of his home productions lined up for release in the first half while his other ventures starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor is slated to hit the screens in the later part.

Aamir Khan Productions' Dhobi Ghat which marks the directorial debut of his wife Kiran Rao releases on January 21. This weekend is extremely special for Aamir as it is this day that Rang De Basanti released.

Starring Aamir Khan, Prateik, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra, Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) is the quiet and stirring story of four characters bound together as they go through a journey of longing, loneliness, love and loss.

Aamir's Delhi Belly will release in summer. Starring Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapur and Shehnaz Treasurywala, it is directed by debutant Abhinay Deo.

Delhi Belly is Aamir Khan Productions' first English film and the actor who launched Imran in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, come back with Delhi Belly.

Aamir's next, an untitled venture directed by Reema Kagti marks the coming together of the Dil Chahta Hai team, with Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar and 
Ritesh Siddhwani.

The film is a suspense thriller and one of the most awaited films of the year 2011, with audiences and Bollywood alike, awaiting, to see Aamir's next especially since his last two movies 3 Idiots and Ghajini were the biggest hits of recent times.

The Aamir-Rani-Kareena starrer goes on floors in February 2011 and releases the same year. — PTI

Rani Mukerji, who comes from a film family and has been active in the industry for 13 years, says she was naïve and innocent but has become smarter with time.

"From the time I began to now the only change in me has been that I have become more confident. I was very naïve and innocent before. I have become smarter now because you have to be smart to be in this industry," Rani told.

"When I had started I used to get hurt about certain things, but today I have been able to develop a slightly thicker skin than I had. That has been the only change in me," added the 32-year-old.

The actor is all set for No One Killed Jessica, where she will be playing a news reporter. Releasing Jan 7, the film, based on the murder of model Jessica Lall, is the first big release of the year. — IANS

Ashton Kutcher says he stays in shape to protect his family in case of a world disaster. The actor fears an Armageddon-like situation is close at hand and insisted that he is committed to his extreme workouts so that he can save his family, including wife Demi Moore and his three stepdaughters.

"If the sh-t hits the fan, you can get out of the sh-t,"he said. "I stay fit for no other reason than to save the people I care about," he added.

Kutcher said he people nowadays depend too much on electronic gadgets, and once that's gone it will be difficult for human beings to survive.

"It won't take very much, I'm telling you. It will not take much for people to hit the panic button. The amount of convenience that people rely on is based on electricity alone. You start taking out electricity and satellites, and people are going to lose their noodle." "People are going to go, 'That land's not yours, prove that it's yours', and the only thing you have to prove it's yours is on an electronic file. People's alarm systems at their homes will no longer work. Neither will our heating, our garbage disposals, hot-water heaters that run on gas but depend on electricity," he added.

"What happens when all our modern conveniences fail? I'm going to be ready to take myself and my family to a safe place where they don't have to worry," he said.

And that is why Kutcher partakes in hot Bikram yoga sessions, weekly hikes, Krav Maga (a form of hand-to-hand combat) lessons - and body cleanses.

The actor also cited a situation where he and his family were left without power last Christmas.

"I got my guns out. We made a fire. We went to the grocery store, and the doors were open because they're all electronic. People were rolling in and out, clearing out all the shelves. I'm telling you, it was like a preview (of the future)," said Kutcher. — ANI 

Ryan Phillippe has congratulated his former wife Reese Witherspoon upon her engagement to Hollywood agent Jim Toth. The Cruel Intentions star, who was married to the Oscar-winning actore for seven years until they split in 2008, said on Thursday that he was 'very happy' for the couple.

"I'm very happy for both Reese and Jim," the 36-year-old actor said in a statement.

"I wish nothing but the best for the mother of my children," he added.

Witherspoon and Phillippe have two children together - 11-year-old daughter Ava and seven-year-old son Deacon. — ANI

A neem comb, camphor lamps, handmade photo frames, miniature paintings that use only natural colours - Handicrafts Fair on at Lajpat Rai Bhavan-15 offers unique stuff created by craftsmen.

Craftsmen are busy sharing their art with curious onlookers. All in all, 21 stalls are all manned by craftsmen themselves who have worked with their families to create wonderful, unique stuff.

Colourful diaries, fancy gift-wraps, hanging photo frames, calendars and washable table mats - one wonders all that can be made with handmade paper. Starting from a range of Rs 10, this stall offers neem pencils as well.

Another interesting stall sells aromatic diffusers. Packed in neat sets these are available in lavender, rose and jasmine fragrances for the price of Rs 160.

Brijesh Daima is here for the first time with his miniature paintings that use only natural colours.

Neem combs priced at Rs 100 are clinically tested to reduce hair fall and cure dandruff.

Silk kurtas in bright hues can be yours for Rs 500.

Also, this exhibition offers jute footwear, embroidered upholstery, white metal products, compressed marble dust idols and loads of colourful beaded jewellery along with Rajasthani bangles, which can be worn in two different colours.

"All our stuff is authentic, prepared by master craftsmen," says Padam Singh, deputy accounts manager, Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. "Ours is all unique stuff. You wouldn't find this in regular markets," says Bharat Bhushan from the corporation.

On till January 9 

Holidaying for a long period during New Year and Christmas can interrupt your body clock and leave you with symptoms similar to having travelled to a different time zone, scientists say.

People taking extra-long festive break face risk of being hit by a phenomenon called social jet lag when they return. The condition can leave people struggling to get up in the morning, feeling sluggish, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night and feeling sleepy during the day.

Other symptoms include indigestion, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, clumsiness, feeling generally unwell, lack of energy, fatigue and irritability.

On top of that, negative emotions associated with the holiday season being over and two weeks of irregular sleeping patterns could lead workers to feel tired and lacklustre, experts say.

Social jet lag is described as the difference between biological time and external requirements.

It also causes a problem for teenagers, who will find it difficult to wake up for school.

“Over the Christmas period we will enjoy staying up late at night and staying in bed in the morning,” Victoria Revell, a researcher from the University of Surrey, was quoted as saying.

This means that when we go back to work in the new year our body clock will be set later than we want it to be so we will really struggle to wake up, get up and get going in the mornings. — IANS

I have observed that the folk dancers in Russia, America, Canada or Dubai, the countries where I have performed so far, are mostly trained in dancing in other genres. They are high on stamina and lure for dancing but are low on emotional expressions," opines young folk dancer, choreographer, singer and anchor Nisha Bano.

A graduate from Punjabi University, Nisha Bano had a passion for dancing from the very beginning. She started taking part as and when any offer came and she went on to win a gold medal at University youth festival. She was part of a folkdance ensemble to represent India at Festival of India in Russia in 2003 and she proved her mettle to win more assignments to Canada, USA and recently in Dubai. "Punjabi bhangra and gidha has a compelling charm. They were a huge hit in the festivals," adds Bano.

In city, along with singer Salim Akhtar and other artists for a performance at the Chandigarh Press club they shared their views on folk music and dance.

"While singing bolis in gidha performances, experts appreciated my voice besides my dance and encouraged. I sing at functions and the singer in me sometimes eclipses the dancer in me," says Bano whose duet album is ready for release.

"It is unfortunate that budding singers only opt for crooning film songs ignoring our rich folklore and treatise of ghazals or poetry," points Saleem Akhtar, the noted musician. Salim has worked with top directors. "Theatre music is in itself a complete genre," adds Akhtar.

Part of this group are Ishrat Singh Banbait and Vansh Mankoo both B Tech students who hold rap music to be their forte. 

ARIES: The Five of Pentacles brings many opportunities in your life. Keep a check on your finances. Personally, you may feel low because your partner is not responsive. Give more time to your partner and to the relationship. A Taurean will be helpful. Tip of the week: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Silver

TAURUS: Magician card reveals it's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. Your debtors will repay all your money this week; be happy! Look forward to a new project, which will be a breather in your boring professional life; appreciate it! Keep a tab on your diet and avoid fried foods. Tip: Seek advice but don't feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Rust

GEMINI: Your draw Six of Wands so friends could get on your nerves throughout the week. Financial problems that caused you a lot of worry will be reconciled smoothly. Don't backbite about your partner. Talk and sort out the issue. Beware of a crafty relative on Wednesday. Tip: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter be aware. Lucky colour: Crimson.

CANCER: The Moon card reveals this would be a promising week for those of you in relationships. A romantic introduction will take you by surprise. You will be at your enterprising best and yield booming returns. Look forward to a new business proposal on Monday. Tip: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Pink.

LEO: The karmic Wheel of fortune turns in your favour. Do not escape from all your responsibility on Tuesday. Professionally, this is the right time to expand your business. On personal front; go all out to get the one you love. Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Tip: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Peach.

VIRGO: You draw Ace of swords your attention should be on your health. Be wise while handling money matters. Somebody special will sweep you off your feet. At office you will be acknowledged for your work. Your health may be a cause for concern. Tip: Take your partner out to dinner & renew energy in the relationship. Lucky colour: Royal Blue.

LIBRA: Nine of pentacles reveal this would be a good time to travel, especially for the purpose of business. You may want to end a relationship and almost break up. But it won't end, despite everything. Concerned about your depleting finances, you will make an effort to organize your affairs in that area. Tip: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: cheery red.

SCORPIO: The Princes of Cups shows in this week you would need to take quick decisions. You will be rolling in money this week. If you've been battling a case, there is good news in store for you. Besides, expanding your current business, you will be able to resurrect an old project. Be happy. Tip: Beware of making rash moves or personal decisions when angry or upset. Lucky colour: Yellow.

SAGITTARIUS: The Queen of Wands says be at home, try and spend time with your loved ones and children. Steer clean from backbiting or arguments. An unexpected call from an admirer will surprise you. Tip: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky Colour: Golden Brown.

CAPRICORN: The ten of Cups brings you your truth, hopes and desires. Spend wisely lest there is a crunch. Bitten by the love bug? A good time to cement your relationship. Professionally, all your partnership problems will get resolved amicably. An overseas travel is on the cards. Tip: Do try to be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky colour: Ebony.

AQUARIUS: The Magus blesses you sensitivity and creativity in whatever you do in this week. You will be a winner in every sphere of your life. Look forward to an increment at work. Personally, take time out for your family. Better still; plan a weekend trip with them. Take care of your eyes. Tip: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky Colour: Metallic grey.

PISCES: Seven of swords says journey for business or holiday is likely. Your relationship may hit rock bottom. Professionally, look forward to a plum project that will do magic to your ailing career. Seek spirituality in case you are feeling very restless. Tip: Take the life the way it comes. Lucky colour: Turquoise.