Should you axe your ex?
Manpriya Khurana

Varinder Singh Dandiwal
Varinder Singh Dandiwal

Most of the former flames do not keep in touch for one simple reason — fear of being the first to call! It's all very simple till the X intervention happens and diplomacies go for a toss; keeping in touch is never so complicated unless it happens to be with your ex. So should you, should you not; youngsters seem to take a practical view.

You are more concerned about what would the other think than about your own feelings. "Should you keep in touch with your ex? I think it depends on the reason behind the break-up. If the break-up happened due to a genuine reason acceptable to both, then there's no harm keeping in touch," says Varinder Singh Dandiwal, former UIET student. He adds, "But yes, if one of the partners cheated or dumped then it's impossible to even exchange a cordial hello."
Sumedha Sachdeva
Sumedha Sachdeva

Each to its own; for some the reasons behind break up, for others it's the reasons behind hook up! Opines Sumedha Sachdeva, B.Com, final year student, "It depends on the relationship you shared with that person. If you were friends even before you started seeing each other, then it makes sense to keep in touch, rather be friends again." She adds, "Break-up as it is can be quite painful, complete and permanent separation will further add to the sense of loss." There's a disclaimer. Let the initial rush of emotions settle and the relationship evolve to a comfortable level. Says Shruti Lamba, counsellor, immigration consultancy, "If any of the persons is not over the broken relationship, then it's not a very pleasant thing to keep in touch; do it only after considerable time has passed and both share the same level of understanding."

How many of them do actually keep in touch? Shares Varinder, "I am pretty much in contact with all of them. So much so that even my current girlfriend knows and understands. There's no point hiding anything." Agrees Subha Rajput, B.Tech student, "If you are in touch with your former flames your present boyfriend/girlfriend should know about it. As for the rule for keeping in touch, it's simple - if you've moved on properly and can stay friends without mixing up the feelings, you should definitely keep in touch." The idea is when you bump into your once significant someone, you shouldn't run for cover or worse still stare at the ceiling.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Celebrities who kept in touch

  • Billy Bob Thornton is reported to have admitted to being friends with Angelina Jolie "We talk every now and then."
  • Jake Gyllenhall and Natalie Portman, who once dated for a while, apparently, still remain friends. Jake joked at a recent award ceremony "Natalie is the Audrey Hepburn of our generation."
  • Willis has maintained a close relationship with both Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher; he even attended their wedding.

Reality shows are not scripted: Ali
Candy Brar, Gary Sandhu and Ali Merchant are in the city to select young models for Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt Contest
Manpriya Khurana

Too much of 'reality' happening out there on television - has it taken the sheen off the country's "only and oldest unisex pageant?" Before city girl Candy Brar comments or compares the Gladrags Megamodel and Manhunt Contest with a host of similar shows, there's an announcement, "What we've done is that this time we've converted the pageant into a 13-episode reality series that'll be telecast on a national channel."

If you can't beat them, join them! Joining in the conversation are also city model Gary Sandhu and television actor Ali Merchant, who are in the city to conduct the auditions for the pageant. Shares Candy, "We're here to handpick the contestants to a manageable number…they are campus auditions because there are so many talented youngsters who cannot come all the way to Mumbai just for auditions." The criteria remains pretty much the same. "Definitely, it's going to be looks, good body, how you carry yourself, in fact we don't even have a strict height criterion."

Cuts in Ali, "We are here to spot certain basic qualities, which are either there or not. We aren't here to make them but to transform them. Post Bigg Boss 4, Merchant will perhaps add the right reality touch to the selections. "Certainly, life has changed after the show; the fame value has increased tremendously."

He adds, "It's my first visit to Chandigarh. I have a lot of friends from here. Like Ayushmann Khurrana, Angad Hasija…I feel Chandigarh people are very clear-hearted and open-minded. But that's not what you want to know about Ai Merchant. So are the reality shows scripted? Is Bigg Boss scripted? "No. Not at all."

And though he has many television offers, "He'll be doing nothing for the next two months." As of now, it's being busy with his events and entertainment company. "We do the best New Year parties; manage most of the clubs. We are opening a new club." This is apart from what you want to know about Ali Merchant. Is he married? "It's like we were in a live-in relationship…I come from a very influential family, they just asked me to maintain a low profile and cut-off. When your family values are at stake, you just have to be dignified." And he declares he's not married. We leave it at that.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

(Auditions will be held from 10 am at Panjab University)

Hrithik is the highest paid star

Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, who is making his television debut as a judge on a dance reality show, is the highest paid film star on small screen.

The shooting for Just Dance, the dance reality show on Star Plus will start next month where the 37-year-old film star will judge contestants along with choreographers Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant.

Hrithik is looking forward to a successful inning on the small screen after his two previous films Kites and Guzaarish bombed at the box office.

"Only after biggest failures come biggest success," Hrithik had said at the launch last month. About reports that he is being paid approximately Rs 2 crore per episode, Hrithik had said, "I thought I am paid well." But sources close to the actor claim that the Hrithik is indeed the highest paid actor on television. "He gets Rs two crore per episode. Whereas Salman Khan shot for his last TV show Bigg Boss only during the weekends and would wrap up two episodes in a single day and take home a pay packet of Rs 2.5 crore," sources said. — PTI

Bhupathi turns film producer with Chalo Dilli

Tennis star Mahesh Bhupati, who tied the knot with Bollywood actress Lara Dutta recently, is making his debut as a film producer with Chalo Dilli starring his wife and comic actor Vinay Pathak. Produced by Eros International in association with Big Daddy Productions (owned by Globosport) and Bheegi Basanti production, the film is being directed by Shashant Shah of Dasvidaniya fame and is set for release on April 29.This slice-of-life fun film, which will entertain as well as bring a lump to the throat also boasts of impressive and promising talent drawn from Indian theatre."Chalo Dilli is a journey which along with the two protagonists showcases the real India and its colorful and funny people with their eccentricities," Sunil Lulla, Managing Director, Eros International Media Ltd, said.

Mahesh Bhupathi, Managing Director, Big Daddy Productions said, "Through Eros International's global positioning, we hope to present the film on a worldwide platform. We have a lot of faith in the script and believe that the audiences can expect a sure-shot rib tickler." — PTI

Lindsay Lohan signs mega-buck book deal

Troubled star Lindsay Lohan has reportedly signed a 2.1 million pounds deal to front an explicit photographic book alongside former love interest, actor James Franco.Photographer Terry Richardson has roped in the 24-year-old actor to appear in the publication, which will feature ‘full frontal nudity’ and ‘graphic’ shots.

"Lindsay is struggling to get another break in Hollywood. There's a stigma attached to working with her and she is determined to change this - starting with the photographic book. "Terry Richardson has persuaded Lindsay and James to get involved. He has assured them it will be provocative but tasteful. There will be a lot of nakedness—some of it graphic and suggestive—but it will be a real statement book."

Obviously there will be comparisons to Madonna's 1992 Sex book. But James and Lindsay believe theirs will be classier," said a source.Lohan, who completed a court-ordered rehab stint last month and is currently awaiting trial over the alleged theft of a $ 2,500 necklace, will also be giving an exclusive tell-all TV interview to talk show host David Letterman in April in the hope of rebuilding her damaged reputation."Lindsay wants people to see the real her, not this drunken, out of control caricature she has become," The source added. — PTI

Anna Friel is romancing Rhys Ifans

Just two months after splitting from David Thewlis, Hollywood actor Anna Friel has confirmed that she is dating her co-star Rhys Ifans.

Friel, 34, and Ifans sparked romance rumours earlier this month after he was snapped wearing a bathrobe outside her home.

They became close on the sets of Neverland last year and have now gone public with their romance.

Recently, the couple were spotted getting cosy outside hotel Chateau Marmont.

"I'm with Rhys and I'm very happy about it," the Pushing Daisies star gushed about her new beau.

Friel parted from Harry Potter star Thewlis in 2010 after spending nine years together. — PTI

City children are more imaginative
Esha Sahor Lepcha

Chatura Rao
Chatura Rao

Born to an educated South Indian couple, Chatura Rao is a polished lady with a bespectacled, pretty face and a thousand tales on her mind! Her writing career has been a story in itself — from being a journalist to a technical content writer and now a children's storywriter, she has seen it all.

"I love writing because it helps me express and explore. The word limit restricts my thought process and I am tied down to pros and cons of professionalism. Newspaper writing is mostly about creating the best, but with brevity. Such formality at times stops me from stating all that I want to," says Chatura Rao who conducted a three-day creative story writing session with students of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur.

Chatura is based in Mumbai and her stories talk about the various hues of a child's imagination. The plot and the setting reflect the essence of interesting corners of the nation. Her forthcoming book 'Growing up in Pandupur' would be on the racks by mid-March. "The book is a collection of 13 short stories, half of them are written by my sister. I have broadly picked themes that children might have to tackle during the process of growing up. All the tales are based in this imaginary river town called Pandupur on the banks of Dhun. The characters and stories are inter-related and I tried not to preach. I only acknowledged natural situations in life," says Chatura Rao.

Children today are spoilt in luxuries. From glorified fatty burgers to play stations, from exorbitantly priced clothes to glamourous birthday parties, the little ones are fed with unnecessary aspirations. Chatura has a totally different take on this.

She says, "We feel that children today are full of materialistic desires and have a very narrow perception of life. According to many of us, they lack depth in thinking. However, as exposure to new media has sharpened their thoughts, we should not restrict our children from enjoying the newness of time."

Mumbai is an inseparable part of this writer, but she is happy to be with children here. "Children here are more attached to nature and this is extremely visible in their stories. This must be because they are surrounded by greenery and natural beauty. Here the students have a great thought process. They have to just work upon their grammar," adds Chatura.

Commenting on the education system she says, "Education is ever-evolving. One must change with time."

Parveen Sultana and Shujaat Husain to enthral
The Inside Outside Mega Show begins at Zirakpur
SD Sharma

Shujaat Husain
Shujaat Husain
Deepak Maharaj
Deepak Maharaj
Parveen Sultana
Parveen Sultana

Hindustani classical music and dance has not only survived, but also grown through innovation, promotion and propagation. Our Kendra, established by Guru Madan Lal Koser, has substantially contributed to this noble cause," opines Shobha Koser, acclaimed kathak dancer and registrar of the Pracheen Kala Kendra.

In keeping with this, the 41st annual three-day All-India Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan will be held at the Tagore Theatre from March 4 to 6. Here is the itinerary.

March 4

Internationally acclaimed Mumbai-based vocalist Begum Parveen Sultana will perform at the inaugural evening. Sultana occupies a place of pride in the realm of classical music. She has a melodious voice along with tonal clarity and purity of notes.

March 5

On the second day, kathak dancer and younger son of kathak legend Pandit Birju Maharaj, Deepak Maharaj, will mesmerise the city audience with his solo recital. While remaining deeply rooted in tradition, Deepak has evolved his own individual style in keeping with his Gharana. For the second performance of the day, his elder brother, Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj, will lead his troupe in presenting "Kramsha" dance in kathak style.

March 6

Versatile sitarist Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan will provide the grand finale of the mega event. Son and disciple of late sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan, Shujaat Khan is a gifted musician.

Other accomplished musicians to accompany the artistes on all three days include Srinivas Acharya (harmonium) and Mithilesh Kumar, Sudhir Pandey and Arunangshu Chaudhury (tabla).

(At Tagore Theatre from 7 pm onwards)

Exhibition of home solutions

Like every year, the exhibition Inside Outside Mega Show, starting from Wednesday onwards, will serve the purpose of a one-stop shop. On display will be the A to Z items of home décor, building material and home appliances. Says Mahesh Thakur, general manager, North India, "The idea to is provide people with ample choice of just everything that has to do with a comfortable living. From kitchen ware, modular kitchens, furniture, flooring, home appliances, wall coverings to even jacuzzis will be available here."

Over 100 brands will be part of the exhibition.

"Products from brands like Asian Paints, Bosch, Eureka Forbes Automation, Philips Electronics, Tanishq Décor will be available. Besides, interior decorators, our clients also include architects, designers, and builders."

To further encourage participation from those in the construction and home furnishing business, the best stall at the exhibition will be awarded.

"Two other important awards would be for the architect and the builder of the year. Through awards we wish to inspire people to get experimental with architecture, the reason why we have a figure from Rock Garden printed on the brochure," adds Mahesh.

The exhibition will be on display at the Sekhon banquet hall on the Zirakpur-Panchkula highway.

(On till March 6)

— TNS

Renee Writes
Be yourself

I am a 27 and have done my graduation from a business school in Delhi. Life seemed to be at full throttle till the other day when a cousin of mine from the US told me that I am wasting my life here in India, urging me to explore other options abroad. Ever since, I have been feeling restless and disappointed with my position. I recently secured a fairly respectable and well paying job in a multinational company and was looking forward to join. Now, I am a little skeptical. Please guide.

— Rachna Malhotra
Karnal

Calm down and unwind yourself. Allowing somebody's comment to shake up your mental make up is not a very sensible and wise thing to do. Everybody has his/her own perspective on life, so you must not allow other peoples views or opinions to colour your perceptions. Please spend some time with yourself and introspect. Find out what you really want from life. Whatever could be your cousins' road to happiness need not necessarily be yours. So, just relax and take it easy. Take up your job, enjoy it for a while and see how things fare. You might end up having a great time there. Give yourself the chance to be yourself. You will love it. Do not allow people to goad you into doing something that you do not want to.

Shed your blinkers

I am a 32-year-old banker. My fiancé is 37 and is also working in a bank. We are getting married in a few months. Off late we started shopping together for our new home. What I realised is that ever since we have started hanging out together we do not seem to agree on anything. I like one thing but he likes the other. He is rigid in his approach and I am getting more and more unsure about our relationship. I am thinking of having a heart to heart chat with him. Or, do you think we should just give up? I cannot make up my mind as I fear that I will end up compromising every time even though I am a very practical and clear-headed girl.

— Ritu Patheja
Mohali

No need to feel confused. These are apprehensions everyone experiences before marriage. You see marriage is a big commitment and requires a lot of sacrifice and compromise. In today's world we have become so self- centered that we seldom consider the other person's ideas or perspectives. Just change your thinking cap and stop being judgmental. Acceptance is a great virtue. You must be open-minded towards his views. No harm in having a heart to heart chat with him but do not play the blame game and tell him that you are incompatible. Try doing a few things together where you can learn to appreciate and enjoy each other's company. I'm sure things will work out in your favour. Let go of your clichéd views and flow free.

Tame your ego

I am 19 years old and am working at a call centre. I get enough money to enjoy myself and although I am pursuing a correspondence course, I still find time to indulge. My problem is that I have a friend and although she is younger to me, she makes me feel inferior to her. She seems to be good at everything she does and normally does things better than me. She is better in studies as she manages to come 1st in class. She is better at sports and is a good artist. I never seem to live up to her standards and now it is beginning to bother me, what must I do.

— Anil Barma
Gurgaon

Well, this is really nothing to worry about. You are just allowing you ego to get the better of you. Do not let this happen as it may not be on her agenda to prove you wrong. She may just be good at things naturally. Why must you allow it to bruise your ego? Time and again we must learn to evaluate our own selves and if you feel that you are not up to the mark in your own eyes then there is a problem. Remember we are all unique as individuals and there is no competition between partners or friends. Learn to compete with your own self to boost your self-esteem. Life is a wonderful journey; so learn to appreciate your friend for her positive qualities.

at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd





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