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A CALLING beyond
He is an orthodontist by the day, designing ‘smiles’ for people, and walks the ramp in the evenings. She is fierce lawyer when in court, takes out time in between hearings to teach music to underprivileged kids. This geek turns a writer when he is not testing software. When this doc is not operating, he is busy clicking ‘dawn’ in its various moods. Confused? Don’t be. We bring to you stories of a creative few who pursue their hobbies with as much zeal as their profession! When most of us complain of ‘no time’ for following a hobby, Dr Gary Sandhu, vice-president, Beyond Smile, juggles between as many as five cities (where his clinics are) to attend to his patients and participate in fashion shows in as many places. “I was keen on modelling right from my childhood. But I also knew that it is a very short-lived career. So I finished my masters in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, started practicing and also walking the ramp simultaneously,” shares Dr Gary. “Being associated with the glamour industry gives me a high. I get lots of models as my patients because they are looking to improve their looks and that’s exactly what I do as a doctor,” says this dentist. For Sonia G Singh Samber, music is the ultimate healer. “Nothing works better than singing your favourite song to unwind. Even better if kids join you,” she shares. Her kids Armaan (7) and Nargis (5) love music as much as their mother and this trio breaks into a song as and when they get together. “Music not only relieves, soothes and heals, it’s also the best medium to pass folklore,” says Sonia . Not only is she passing her talent to her children, she also takes out time from her hectic schedule to teach music to underprivileged kids that come to the NGO she is associated with. “I teach kids who work at dhabas, polish shoes and are scrap-dealers.Seeing their performance fills me with pride,” she shares. If music does the trick for Sonia, it’s writing for Ravinder Singh, software professional with Sapient Consulting. In toughest moments of life (he lost his fiancée in a tragic accident), Ravinder was left with no option but to write and it resulted in a fictional work I Too Had A Love Story. His debut novel sold a lakh copies. And he credits his success to a secure career. “When one has a secure career to bank on, one can pursue a passion because one isn’t scared to take chances,” shares Ravinder who already has a Kannada translation of his novel out and is through with the recording for the audio book. “I worked during the days and recorded at nights for the audio book. But all the effort that I put in was more than rewarding. Pursuing your interest broadens horizons,” he shares. Probably for the same reason Dr Sukhwinder Singh, vice-chairman, Gian Sagar Medical College, wakes up at five in the morning - to pursue his interests that range from singing, reading, writing to photography. A tight schedule in which every minute is accounted for, Dr Sukhwinder has found a slot for each of his interests. “All creative people have 24 hours in a day, no one gets 25,” shares this doctor who is as much involved when operating somebody as when clicking at dawn. “Pursuing a regular hobby keeps you tension free and helps you evolve as a person in more ways than one,” he says. Point taken!
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On a song
It was indeed the most blessed moment for young Kamal Khan, the winner of Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, as the air was charged up with Kamal Khan Zindabad at Chandigarh airport. Hailing Kamal Khan as the Pride of Patiala and Punjab, hundreds of admirers, friends and relatives greeted the star with a hero's welcome. As his father Jaswant Singh offered him a bouquet and blessings, the overwhelmed, excited and elated star expressed his gratitude to the Almighty, family members, especially his mother Sarabjit Kaur. "I cannot call it a dream come true as I never dreamt it. I believed in God, hard work with a positive attitude and sincerity, respect for the musical traditions and my mentors," says Kamal. Amidst interruptions by fans, he adds, "Coming from a humble background without a godfather, I had won the Awaaz Punjab Di contest in 2008. Such achievements have only made me humble." Singing the folk and filmy tunes and also the mystic utterances of Sufi saints, Kamal since his childhood used to roam about in his native village, Reeth Kheri, near Patiala. "In fact, my mother who sings Punjabi folk and Sufiana kalaams, had initiated me into music. Music was in their family though she never performed in public. My maternal uncles, Shaukat Ali Dewana and Liaqat Ali Dewana are trained musicians and qawwali performers. But it was Jai Dev Kumar who honed my dormant music abilities," he says.
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Fest forward
Is it that time of the year when New Year's resolutions seem more of a forced responsibility than a possibility? The New attached to the year seems to have ended, Christmas is long gone and moreover, the weekend is over. To many, the morning after appears like too much of space after the crowd, like a sudden silence. All is not lost…While the glossies tell you on those 'ten magical ways' to stick to your resolutions, or how to shed those extra festive pounds, we show you the silver-lining in the cloud and some bright spots in the calendar. nLohri: Three cheers to the ardent lovers of bonfire. The festival is as traditional as it gets and just as much of a cult amongst youngsters. The occasion might have its origins in the celebration the harvest of the rabi crops, it's the music and the bonfire that connects with most. Celebrate with friends or be with your family. For those addicted to celebrations, it's a perfect platform to stay up late, soak in the warmth of the burning fire, sing, dance, eat, be merry. Hurray! nRepublic Day: Even the most non-patriotic of breed will jump with joy at the sheer thought of a holiday. Wake up late, eat, sleep, read, shop; unfortunately there are a million ways we Indians celebrate it. Watch the Republic Day parade, read the supplements, literature, newspapers; there are actually many ways to go about celebrating our Constitution coming into force than dedicating the day to sheer winter laziness. nValentine's Day: Need we spell or say anything? The time when markets are bathed in hues of pink and red. It's a day that lasts a week, both before and after and everyone goes overboard with celebrations; moral police included. Doesn't February anyways stand for Valentine's? Ask the million-dollar industry that the day has become, ask the lovebirds, those looking for love and those that lost out on love. Party hard, hunt for someone special, or hint at that someone special. nGive in to everything that winter stands for; the traditional New Year, the winter carnivals, the sale season; there's a lot that can be pulled from the winter diaries. Time of the year when even a bright and shining sun is reason enough to get out and rejoice. In between be watchful for the frivolous occasions like Rose Day or Red Rose Day, Chocolates Day, Teddy Day…err or what not. Come March and it's Holi but that's an altogether spring story. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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White Heat
Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is fuming over Elle magazine cover 'skin-whitening' scandal, reveal her pals. Fans of the actor were left stunned last week after her skin appeared to have been digitally lightened on the cover of the magazine's new issue. According to friends, the 37-year-old Bollywood star, who is widely believed to be the world's most beautiful woman, is said to be considering suing the Indian version of the title over what has been deemed 'racist airbrushing'. The actor herself has not commented on the situation, but friends of the Bride and Prejudice star have said she is 'furious'. "Aishwarya's first reaction was disbelief," a source said. "She believed that these things don't happen anymore. Not in this day and age when women are recognised for their merit, and not for the colour of their skin."She is currently verifying this skin-whitening allegation. If there is any proof of this, she might even take action," the pal said."She is clearly the global face of the contemporary Indian woman. The last thing she'd want is to have a global image coloured by a racial suggestion," another pal added.Neither Elle magazine nor Aishwarya were available for comment. — ANI
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Twilight star Ashley Greene loves to keep her red carpet outfits under wraps and prefers not to ask her co-stars for fashion tips.Greene, who portrays vampire Alice Cullen in the popular vampire series, loves to be surprised by what her cast-mates are wearing when they arrive at the same events."The Twilight cast don't consult each other about red carpet looks, so it's a surprise on the night. We're like, 'Oh my God, I love your outfit,'" said the 24-year-old screen beauty.Greene, who is currently dating singer Joe Jonas prefers simple outfits and does not take long to get ready for any major Hollywood event."My style in a nutshell is anything by J. Mendel. I don't generally wear patterns. I don't take too long to get ready, I work with such a good team they've cut it down to one hour," she added. — PTI
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Swanky deal
And she could scarcely believe it when she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. "I remember going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and seeing everyone's names and the Hollywood sign. To later get my name on the Walk of Fame was a big moment. Really moving," she said. She said she was grateful for her career and credits her mother Judy for pushing her to be successful. She said, "Mom called up an agency, which is really rare, and she just said, 'My daughter's really beautiful and talented, you should meet her.' I went and read for a McDonald's commercial, they signed me up and I was with them for five years." |
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Fun intended
Bollywood actor Rani Mukherjee, who is seen slashing her tongue hard and foul in her up-coming film No One Killed Jessica says her character lends an entertaining quotient to the film."For me the criteria was that No one killed Jessica has to be entertaining. If one has seen the promos then they will come to know that my character in the film is entertaining. There is lot more in the film than just an issue-based story," Rani said."When Raj came to me, my immediate reaction was I would not do the film. But how are you going to make it entertaining for the audience was my first question. He answered the question in the script," she said. "The medium of cinema is to entertain people. With the term entertainment I don't mean the film should have item number. Every film has a different genre and so it requires entertainment in different fashion like in an action film one entertains the audience with action, in romantic with romance, in comedy with funny moments," she added. The movie promos are in full swing and beeps are used to censor out objectionable words as the Bengali beauty goes bold on language in the garb of a hard-core crime journalist in the film.Directed by Rajkumar Gupta, No One... is based on model Jessica Lall who was shot dead in 1999 by Manu Sharma, son of a Haryana politician, in a Delhi night club. — PTI
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The Terminator always said he'd be back. Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger is sifting through a stack of corporate, Hollywood and real estate offers as the celebrity politician nears an inevitable career crossroad: On Monday, he's out of a job.His next act? After seven years as governor in Sacramento, the former body builder and film star will by his own account hit the speech circuit, keep a hand in political activism and possibly write the autobiography that publishers have wanted him to do for years. The Austrian-born Schwarzenegger says he even might get back into acting if the right script comes along — presumably one appropriate for a 63-year-old father of four with political baggage, advancing age lines and a tinge of grey. "Will I still have the patience to sit on the set and to do a movie for three months or for six months, all of those things? I don't know," the Republican governor tweeted in October in a rare exchange about his future plans. Spokesman Aaron McLear says Schwarzenegger is sorting out "an absolute flood of every conceivable offer" from the corporate world, real estate ventures and the entertainment industry, but the governor insists he won't make any decisions until after he surrenders the office to his successor, Democrat Jerry Brown. "I don't have a plan," Schwarzenegger told hundreds of supporters and staffers at a private farewell party in Sacramento last month.He was less guarded in October when, along with plans for speeches and a book or two, he hinted broadly at a continuing role with the environment and political reform, issues that have become part of his mixed legacy at the statehouse. In the absence of a global climate-change treaty, Schwarzenegger has urged state and regional governments around the world to address greenhouse gases. This month California regulators approved the nation's most extensive system giving major polluters financial incentives to discharge fewer greenhouse gases, a key piece of a 2006 climate law championed by the governor. "There are a lot of important things that I want to say," Schwarzenegger tweeted. "My struggle for reform will continue, my belief in environmental issues and in protecting the environment will continue." One thing is certain: The multimillionaire Schwarzenegger will start earning money, after passing up his $174,000 salary throughout his two terms. His time in office left the governor with plenty of political welts, but the biggest hit was on his own wallet. — AP
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Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman seems keen to return to his native Australia as he was recently spotted house hunting with his family in Melbourne. The 'Wolverine' star, who moved with his family from Sydney to New York two years ago was checking out various homes which ranged between $ 4 and 6 million. The properties he looked at included a modern white mansion, studded with conifer trees and a large flower bed and a traditional-looking home, complete with a series of peaked roofs and shrouded by trees. The 42-year-old actor moved to New York at the end of 2008 which is only a five hour flight away from Hollywood where his career is going strong and has been spending some time in Australia over the Christmas season along with his wife and two kids. — PTI
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My new home
What brings you here? I came to Chandigarh to meet the boy (Dipin) I fell in love with on Facebook. I was so inspired by him that I started learning Hindi and reading books on Indian culture. I am eager to see more of this amazing country and be part of it. First impressions Chandigarh has well developed infrastructure. I am glad that it's situated in the foothills and not in the mountains (I prefer plains better). I also like the roads of Chandigarh, especially the one along Sukhna Lake. Highs and lows One pleasant thing about the city is that here are many small cafes (dhabas) and street-food joints, where one can get tasty and cheap food. However, I feel sorry for the people living in slum areas. I also worry that citizens don't value their city and don't keep it clean. I have seen people throwing garbage from their cars or while walking in the street. Maybe they don't realise that they are living in City Beautiful. Food fundas I have become a real admirer of Punjabi cuisines. I can't imagine my life without paneer or mirchi achaar any more. But sometimes I miss a few things of my country which I can't get in any of the city markets. But I bet Indian food will win hearts of those who try it even once. Contrasts and comparisons Chandigarh is a very well-planned city and it looks so much like my hometown Astana. However, Astana has more places of interest, more shopping malls, restaurants and cafes. Astana is way cleaner than Chandigarh. But nothing beats the colourful India - the rikshaws, women dressed in colourful dresses and famous Indian weddings. For a city even more 'beautiful' I would want city folks to realise the value of creating a healthy environment to live in. I also wish Chandigarh maintains its uniqueness as a blend of being modern and traditional at the same time! mona@tribunmail.com
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up Shahnaz Husain Bedtime story A bedtime beauty care routine is of much importance, so that the skin is cleansed of make-up, pollutants, dirt and all the impurities that are deposited on it during the day. These are potent skin irritants. Also, the repair and restoration of the body, as well as cell renewal, takes place when we sleep. So, the skin and pores should be cleansed, so that these tasks can carry on properly. If the skin is normal to dry, it should also be nourished at night. Nourishing is more important during winter, as it helps to replace emollients and improve moisture retention. Whatever the type or texture of the skin, it requires thorough cleansing at night. If we could have a look at the skin before it is cleansed through a magnifying glass, we would realise the importance of nighttime cleansing. Before it is cleansed, the skin surface is covered with a film of dirt, stale sweat and oil deposits, make-up and pollutants. These not only upset the normal balance of the skin, but also hamper its natural functions. Nighttime pampering of the skin helps us to give special care to particular areas, like those around the eyes, neck and hands. These are areas which show signs of aging the first. A night routine helps to delay the formation of lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin smooth and youthful. It also keeps the skin and facial muscles firm and toned, strengthening the supportive tissues and preserving the elasticity and resilience of the skin. Proper and regular care, according to its needs, keeps the skin healthy and free from problems. During the day, the skin basically needs protection from UV rays of the sun and air pollutants that cause damage to the skin and also deplete moisture. This can be done by using sunscreens, day creams, moisturisers and protective creams, depending on the skin type and condition. Daytime care also involves cleansing and toning, but protection is the main aspect. Nighttime care basically involves restoration and maintenance of the skin, as well as preparing it for the night. It involves thorough cleansing, including the removal of make-up, care of the area around eyes, nourishing and massage of the skin. If the skin is oily, or if there is acne, night care may also involve the application of products to control the condition. Here are some dos and don'ts of night care: Go for: Products for cleansing should be selected according to skin type and individual needs. For example, if the skin is dry, a rehydrant cleansing gel should be used. For oily and combination skin, a cleansing lotion or light cleansing milk may be used. For skin with acne, pimples, it is better to use a medicated cleanser. After cleansing, the skin should be wiped with a rose-based skin tonic, using cotton wool. If the skin is dry, nourish and massage it with a nourishing cream. Apply it on the face and massage it with outward and slightly upward movements. Wipe off excess cream with moist cotton wool before bedtime. Apply the cream on the neck too and massage it with both hands, starting from the chin and going downwards. The pressure should not be applied when bringing the hands back to the chin, but only as you massage downwards. This helps to delay formation of lines on the neck and also reduces double chins. For all skin types, an under-eye cream should be applied around the eyes and wiped off with moist cotton wool after 15 minutes. The hands may be massaged with a hand cream, especially around the nails, so that the cuticle remains soft. If there is acne / pimples, apply medicated lotion on the eruptions and leave on overnight. If there are pimple marks, apply an anti-blemish cream only on the marks and leave on overnight. Avoid: Avoid using oily cleansers and nourishing / night creams if the skin is oily. Do not leave cream on around eyes at night, while you sleep. It can lead to puffiness around eyes. Wipe off excess cream before bedtime. This leaves the pores free, so that repair work can continue efficiently. If the skin is dry, a light moisturising lotion maybe applied.
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Healthy choice
Your list of resolutions is incomplete till you add health to it. An hour in the gym, cycling a few kilometers, attending yoga sessions or meditating everyday, any activity would do if it helps you stay healthy. Don't forget to modify your diet. Add fruits, vegetables, pulses; avoid potato chips, pizzas, burgers or anything that falls in the junk food bracket. If need be, then take a cue from our celebrities, who have a list of health resolutions ready to share with you.
Holistic approach While most people focus on physical aspect of health, actor Roshini Chopra resolves for the holistic well-being. "People concentrate on a six-pack abs or a certain size and forget that mental and emotional fitness which is also equally important," shares Roshini. To lead a stress-free life, the actor plans to attend yoga sessions every week this year. She has spiritual growth too on her mind, "Meditation will help me achieving my goal. Also, I plan to learn a new dance form or music to recuperate from the daily pressures of life." As for physical fitness, any gym in the neighborhood would do. Block the choc The New Year resolution of Monica Bedi might sound too simple but she says it's quite a deal for her, "I have a sweet tooth and I simply cannot give up on chocolates and sweets." To stay in the pink of health, the actor promises herself to stay away from these. "I know it's going to be extremely difficult, but I have to cut down, especially when my it's difficult to take out time for my career." She also pledges to be more regular for the gym. "I will make sure not to miss any gym session and exercise daily for at least an hour." Diet chart Fashion designer Nida Mahmood plans to change her diet plan. "I know it is unrealistic to resolve to hit the gym daily. Mine is a high-pressured job without defined working hours. Thus, at the most, what I can do is to modify my diet." She is going to have lots of fruits and vegetable salads. "It's the most convenient way to strengthen the immune system. I'll also begin my day with a glass of orange juice for a good supply of Vitamin C." For physical activity, the designer doesn't have many plans except for going on long walks in the morning. "And if I'll not be able to do that as well, then I will walk down to nearby places to get my work done." Reality check Those who feel 'resolutions are meant to be broken', can learn a thing or two from Nayanika Chaterjee. The model believes in making only realistic resolutions, especially when it comes to health. "I won't put myself under pressure of going to the gym or attending yoga sessions. All I resolve to stay healthy is by taking long walks. It's the simplest way to lose weight and stay healthy. Also, it keeps you active." ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Having a tough time understanding what's going on in your man's mind? Things might just get easier for you, as experts have revealed things you should know about a man's brain. A man's brain varies tremendously over his lifetime. From his wandering eye to his desire to mate for life, there are some things every woman need to know about a man.According to Live Science, here's are the things you need to know about guys' minds.
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Wonder why the thought of pizza or a chocolate cake is really tempting especially when you have had a really stressful day at work? A new animal study has found that exposure to stress post-dieting can increase chances of binge eating. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania examined the behaviour and hormone levels of mice on limited diets. After three weeks of fewer calories, the mice lost 10 to 15 percent of their body weight, similar to human diet weight loss. "Yo-yo dieting" -temporarily losing weight only to regain it, plus more - is a well-known phenomenon. Tracy Bale and her colleagues found the mice had increased levels of the stress hormone corticosterone and displayed depression-like behaviour. The authors also discovered that several genes important in regulating stress and eating had changed. The researchers put the mice in stressful situations and monitored how much fatty foods they ate. The previously restricted mice ate more high-fat food than normal mice. "These results suggest that dieting not only increases stress, making successful dieting more difficult, but that it may actually 'reprogram' how the brain responds to future stress and emotional drives for food," Bale said. "This study highlights the difficult road that human dieters often travel to attain and maintain their weight loss goals. It also suggests that management of stress during dieting may be key to achieving those goals," said Jeffrey Zigman at the University of Texas. The study appears in the issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. — ANI
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wise Sachin Kalra Keeping up New Year resolutions As the New Year approaches, losing weight, eating healthier and getting fit remains to be the traditional New Year's resolution. A large number of people, who do make these resolutions each year, give up on them within the first three months. Often, New Year's weight loss resolutions are a failure due to unrealistic expectations and poor planning. This year, break your goals into manageable steps and by doing so; you will be more likely to stick to your plans for longer. And the results of your success will be a good source of encouragement. First of all, you shouldn't lose weight to please others but yourself. Most weight loss experts agree that the key to long-term weight management evolves from permanent lifestyle changes and not just diet restrictions. Also, finding someone to help support you through it will help you have more success. Choosing a fad diet that promotes quick weight loss does not work. You may lose weight, but gain it back just as quickly when you return to normal diet. Diets do not work if long-term weight loss is your goal. So this New Year make a resolution not to go on fad diets but instead find a solution that will allow you to take control of the way you look and feel this year. Here are a few tips to help adhere you stick to your weight loss resolution.
By incorporating the important tips above, you will have a better chance to succeed with your new year's resolution. Have a Healthy and Happy New Year. kalrasachin@hotmail.com
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Launch PAD
Do you see dry, flaky, dull skin staring back at you in the mirror? Now, let your skin see the difference with Himalaya Face Wash Cream. Enriched with Cucumber and Aloe Vera extracts, Himalaya Hydrating Face Wash Cream is a soap-free herbal formulation that gently cleanses and moisturises skin. Unlike soap, the face wash cream does not leave skin feeling dry and stretched.
Aloe vera extract tones and softens skin while cucumber cools and soothes it. — TNS Head strong
It is time to battle the cold and harsh winter season that hampers your hair. To help you challenge this dry and rough weather, Modicare presents a complete range from Salon and Fruit of the Earth. Most hair problems during winter are related to dry scalp. Proper attention paid helps nip troubles from the root of the hair by following a simple regime of oiling, shampooing and conditioning regularly. A miracle cure for hair evils is oil. Regular oiling not only prevents and cures most hair problems it also restores shine to dull, limp hair. Use Salon's Hair Oil by Modicare — A unique non-greasy hair oil enriched with almond oil andsilicon conditioners not only nourishes and strengthens the hair but also conditions them to add shine and luster. Give you hair the maximum volume and shine with Salon shampoo for normal hair, a ceramide enriched vitamin system that provides vital nutrients to give hair bounce and volume. Keep dandruff at bay during winter with Salon Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Massage it on your scalp to remove the dead skin cells. In addition to ceramide benefits, ZPTO and vitamin system help control scalp flaking, relieve itching and gently remove dandruff leaving hair full of energy and bounce. — TNS Toy deal
With the holiday season just around , young guests of McDonald's can look forward to enjoy their holidays with the character-themed toys from the Mastermind movie this holiday season. The meal toy set for 2010 includes eight character-themed toys such as Metro Man, Minion, Roxanne, Mirr Brainbot, Fan Brainbot, Snapper Brainbot, Bulldog Brainbot and Light
Brainbot. —TNS |
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Hillary Swank has said that she was surprised when she got her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite winning an Oscar, the Conviction star still can't think of herself as a Hollywood superstar because in her head she's still the same person she was growing up.
Anna Sizova Dhingra, from the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, landed in Chandigarh to meet the guy she was dating on Facebook last June. She has made City Beautiful her home ever since. We find out what she thinks of her 'new home'.
More emotional: While females are generally considered the more emotional, infant boys are more emotionally reactive and expressive than infant girls. Adult men have slightly stronger emotional reactions too, but only before they are aware of their feelings.