The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Rigged REALITY
Mona

Elders abhor them, while youngsters adore them. Reality shows that tear apart relationship norms enjoy ubiquitous presence

A scene from the reality show Axe Ur Ex

The 'suspect' is alone with his 'new find', when his/her boyfriend/girlfriend troops in with cameramen. A verbal fight, a slap or two, hysterical crying ensues.

'The mother' is shouting expletives in all its glory. The channel beeps more frequently than the voice is heard. Pushing and prancing over the 'borrowed' young son, the battle continues.

This hunk is there to date a girl. He's flirting when they are together, but talks negative about her in front of the camera.

These are a few scenes from some of the popular reality shows that make the TRPS go up and also the tempers.

Based on 'relationships', the present spate of reality shows has the public divided on what needs to be shown on national television.

"Some of these shows are so appalling that one feels sick watching them. I invariably have to move away if such a show is on," says IM Soni, former chairperson, Department of Mass Communication and Public Relations, Panjab University.

Rajesh Walia, who has restricted his TV viewing to comedy Office Office and some mythological serials, finds the reality show a mere 'money making' business. "I have children at home. I just can't let these copied shows impact them negatively," shares this philatelist.

He has recently given his kids a Playstation 2 in order to keep them away from the TV. "Children have restricted TV viewing and that too selected shows. I chanced upon seeing some of the reality shows — gross is how I would describe them," says Walia.

That the TV is proving to be more harmful than useful is the opinion many share. "I am yet to come across a show that's useful in any possible way," says Aroma Dhawan, a teacher at the Government Model High School-34. "Whatever is shown on the TV, young impressionable minds conceive it to be the 'done' thing. And, all of which is shown — affairs, extra-marital affairs, scheming and plotting — is certainly not done," she adds.

If people hold so much against these shows, then what is their selling point? "Well, these are foreign shows copied in all entirety. Not giving a hoot to the kind of society we live in, we are copying not only from the West, but even our neighbour Pakistan," says Walia.

There are secrets that I would like to conceal from even myself, wrote Rousseau the French philosopher in Confessions. "This applies to each one of us. I feel there is a hidden element of depravity in human nature that we do not like to expose. In a relationship, the couple doesn't own up their problems. But when shown on the TV, people identify with it," he explains.

Also, what makes such shows popular is that they have brought the temptation out of the closet. "What adolescents were not allowed to think or discuss and was being brushed under the carpet is now out in the open. It's titillating for youngsters and that's why it enjoys high TRPs," says Sakshi Kautsa, assistant professor, MCM DAV College-36. "Such reality shows not only make the participants lose focus of the bigger things in life but also bring out the worst in them. Human values are a worst hit here," she adds.

Youngsters who are part of such reality shows and main viewers stand by them. "Well, I feel they are full on entertainment," says Jashan Dullat, third year law student from Panjab University. "Most of the contestants are wannabe models and one sees them hopping from one show to another. No one is forcing them to do such acts, it's at their own sweet will that they are doing whatsoever," she adds.

Jashan prefers reality shows to 'saas bahu' sagas. "See, one has extramarital affairs, illegitimate children even in so-called family dramas. Are they allowed to do so just because they are clad in saris and wear bindis," she questions.

People cosying up on screen caught the attention of Kamaljeet Kaur, an MBA student. However, she is not disturbed. "People watch such shows for fun. And, I don't see any harm in it. People are aware they know what is real and what is 'scripted real'," she signs off.

mona@tribunemail.com

Happiness comes cheap
Manpriya Khurana

If the Bloody Mary comes at half the price, why not? If you pay for your drink, while your date gets it for free, why not? If you order one, and the other is on the house, once again, why not? With happy hours, being happy comes at half the price and during stipulated times. Nevertheless, it's a happy happy proposition for the customer and for the hospitality industry. But like with all freebies, terms and conditions apply!

"Any restaurant or bar's success depends on the college-going crowd. And that's the crowd that depends on pocket money. We offer happy hours to target this segment," says Rajiv Sharma, F&B manager, Rock in Rio-43. He adds, "It's been a year that we've been offering happy hours and it has certainly roped in more crowds." He's talking of the stretched-out 11 to 7 pm when there's "a customer (or couple) pays for one drink and one's on the house.

Technically speaking, happy hour is a marketing term for a period of time in which a restaurant offers discounts on alcoholic drinks. A term that's 'happily' made way into the popular urban dictionary for hanging out. At the recently-opened The Chandigarh Ashok, it's been a month into the happy hour experiment. At the bar, it's 'one on one' advantage between 4 to 8 pm. "Even the oldest names in the industry resort to it. We are new here, so we are trying to promote our bar by attracting crowds," shares Ajit Sinha, assistant manager, F&B.

The rationale for the promotion might differ, but the methods generally don't. "Many a times, liquor companies approach us to promote their products by giving happy hours or something similar. So, it's not like we are paying for it," reveals Kishor Kumar, bar manager, Blue Ice-17. He adds, "We've done it several times and keep doing it on and off. But yes, it's all basically for promotion only."

These, when brands sell psychology rather than substance, does the concept somewhere not dilute the exclusivity of the brand? Nomenclatures might differ, but even the best of names in the industry have resorted to promotion. Opines Sandeep Makroo, head sales and marketing, The Taj-Chandigarh, "We did it initially but happy hours is too common a concept. One that doesn't gel with our image." He adds, "But we've had different promotional activities and events. For instance, like the ongoing fixed liquid buffet where for a certain fixed price, you can have unlimited liquor. Or, even our Satin Evenings that offer free drinks to women during a stipulated time."

To others in the industry, the concept makes sense. Where one place caters to two mutually exclusive segments, offers different levels of affordability. Rajiv explains, "Businessmen or executives have their own labels, their own timings and choice. When the timings don't clash, it doesn't make much of a difference." Agrees Ajit, "It's basically for the young people. Businessmen or executives troop in only after eight." There's always a time to be happy.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Spice up
Rubbing the right way
Shahnaz Husain

Massage has been considered important for body care and general well-being since the ancient times. The ancient Indian physician, Charaka, strongly recommended massage for rejuvenating the body and delaying the signs of ageing. Today, scientific research has established the healing power of a touch, especially for the reduction of stress. It is now believed that massage actually has a positive impact on the mind. This, in turn, benefits the body by bringing about metabolic and chemical changes and promoting both healing and general well-being. We realise the benefits of massage for the skin, specially in the winter, as it is one way of supplying the body with the emollients that it needs.

Apart from nourishing the skin, massage tones and relaxes the underlying muscle tissues. It also improves blood circulation and flow of oxygen to the tissues. The removal of waste products also improves. Massage keeps the joints flexible and improves organ functions. In fact, massage has innumerable benefits, which helps to improve vitality and good health. In Ayurveda, sesame seed (til) oil is widely used for massage. However, the Ayurvedic system also advocates the selection of oil according to the season. Olive, coconut and sunflower oils are good during the summer, while almond and mustard oil are good for the winter.

Some of the common oils used for body massage are sesame seed oil, olive oil and almond oil. Sesame seed oil is light, free of odour and is easily absorbed by the skin. Ayurveda advocates it as the most balanced oil and therefore it suits all doshas. It is rich in nutrients and has healing properties. Research has revealed that sesame seed actually has natural sunscreen properties of SPF 6.

Pure olive oil is popular for body massage, mainly to soften the skin and provide nourishment. Olive oil contains many vitamins and minerals. It is also an antioxidant. Like sesame seed and sunflower oils, olive oil can provide protection from the sun's UV rays. It can also help to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin that gets disrupted by exposure to alkaline soaps, chlorinated water and chemical air pollutants. In dry skins, when there is flaking and sensitivity, olive oil can heal.

Almond oil is also a good massage oil and is particularly beneficial for dry skin. It helps to relieve itching and soreness caused by dryness. It is soothing, healing, lubricating, softening, revitalising and nourishing. Almond oil is a little heavier than other oils. It is an excellent skin lubricant and keeps the skin healthy. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins. Almond oil is also said to have mild skin lightening properties. In dry skin, application of almond oil is said to be the best therapy for conditioning the skin and providing a glow.

The formulations that are used for body massage are a combination of ‘carrier’ oils and essential oils. The carrier oils are pressed oils, like sesame seed oil, almond oil, olive oil, sunflower oil and so on. Essential oils, on the other hand, are very different and are not really oils. They should not be used by themselves and should be added to carrier oils in the right proportion. At home, to make fragrant massage oil, you can add five drops of one essential oil, like sandalwood, rose, or lavender oils to 50 ml carrier oil. Or, you can add another essential oil. Cinnamon oil, for example, is said to reduce fatigue.

Warm the oil before massage, specially in the winter. During massage, specific parts of the body can be given due attention, according to specific problems. For example, for tension at the back of the neck, apply gentle stroking movements from the back of the head down to the neck and further on to the upper part of the spinal column, which eases the tensions. Small circular strokes should be used on the joints of the arms, like shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Long up and down stroking movements are followed on the muscles of the arms and legs. It is best to work along the natural muscle contours. The abdomen should be massaged with 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. For the back, the massage should be from the base of the spine, working upward and outward from the backbone to ribs.

There are certain points to be remembered regarding massage. For instance, one should avoid massage in certain situations. The abdomen of a pregnant woman should not be massaged without a doctor's advice and direction. Similarly, if there is any known injury on any body part, or if there is any skin problem, first consult a doctor. Precautions have to be taken if someone has a cardiac problem. Another point to remember is not to press heavily on any bony areas and avoid massaging directly on the spine. While massaging the arms and legs, use stroking movements upwards, towards the direction of the heart. While massaging another person, use even and rhythmic movements without any sudden increase of pressure or jerks. The idea is to help the person to relax. Remove all jewelry and ensure that your nails do not have sharp edges. Pour the oil on your hands and not directly on the part that is being massaged. There should be enough oil or cream, so that the hands move smoothly and friction does not injure the skin.

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. Wooden rollers and vibratory appliances can also be used for self-massage. Massage is so much a part of our Indian tradition, so make it a part of your daily routine.

Sahib's PLAYground

For a 9-year-old, Sahib Jot Singh is one popular figure these days. After all he played Anupam Kher's nephew in none other than Yamla Pagla Deewana.

Saheb Jot, who is studying in Shivalik Public School-Mohali, says, "My father, Jaswant Singh, inspired me to try out acting and helped me in all situations."

However, this was not the first time he had faced the camera. Earlier, he featured in Preity Zenta 's promotional video for King's XI Punjab along with another boy Aaryan. He was also selected for Saif Ali Khan film Love Aaj Kal. His other project include one religious film Teeriyan Mehra and Gurinder Guri's video album Maar Ke Mukki, which are going to be released soon.

Talking about the balance he strikes between acting and study, he says his school authorities co-operate with him in all situations.

So, acting is his true calling? Apparently not. For, this child artiste wants to be a cricketer when he grows up.

— Lovkesh Kumar

Foot note
Abhishek becomes part of the Shoes for Star project

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has become the first Indian male celebrity to receive the made-to-order Tramezza shoes from a well known Italian luxury brand. Abhishek left for Florence to be at Palazzo Spini Feroni, Salvatore Ferragamo's historic Florentine headquarters as part of the label's 'Shoes for a Star' project.

The 34-year-old actor has been invited to Palazzo Spini Feroni for a welcome lunch with the Ferragamo family, followed by a personalised tour of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, Abhishek's spokesperson said here. In the course of his visit, the Guru star will experience the rich heritage of Ferragamo and its shoemaking as he interacts with expert shoemakers who will measure his feet for wooden lasts, an essential part of the Ferragamo shoemaking process.

He will also meet Ferragamo's renowned shoe designers who will create a customised shoe for Abhishek. Abhishek will also be among the elite front-row guests to preview the Salvatore Ferragamo Autumn Winter 2011 Men's collection during Milan Fashion Week. — PTI