|
|
|
|
|
Oye lucky, lucky oye!
Wish we could give each one a ticket who wanted one... Wish just every cricket fan could afford a ticket that's now selling at 10 times the actual cost. Wish that the Cricket World Cup too had employed an octopus to predict the mega semi-final. Let's not get greedy, wish just this one was fulfilled—instead of asking people how do they feel about securing a seat in the stadium, we too had one to flaunt. Anyway, since it's too late for the damage control, we are asking the lucky fans who didn't wait for the outcome of the India-Australia match and bought tickets well in time. Anything for the match
A text message doing the rounds in the city reads, "Shop for Rs 1 lakh at the Indian Party Shop and get a VIP pass for the World Cup semifinal match free." The owner, Tarun Arora says, "I get 15 calls every hour, seeking more information about the scheme." For those who can't afford it can go for the student block ticket that one gets complementary after shopping for Rs 30,000. Not just people from the city, he has got calls from celebrities from Mumbai as well. "Baba Siddique, personal bodyguard of Salman Khan has asked me to keep a VIP pass for him. I also got calls from Pankaj Udhas, Mika, Parvesh Rana asking for the same." And what about shopping, "Guess one lakh for a ticket as well as goodies is a good deal for the India- Pakistan match!" |
|
Think…on a Feverish pitch
A last minute sincere, dedicated attempt on Internet for a ticket for the Wednesday match leads us to another interesting find. Nothing about tickets being auctioned at various sites, neither scandalising revelation of a minister showing a suitcase full of VIP tickets! Every single status message on Gmail, every tweet and every Wall on the social networking site is crying for one thing-'Declare March 30 a national holiday, otherwise people have to work overtime to come up with all kinds of excuses to take an off on The D day'.
This is going to be the day, when all minds, corporate, government, school kids, lecturers, journalists, will work on the same frequency-- how to come up with a 'sixer' excuse. Hear it from UT Home Secretary Ram Niwas, "People are requesting for half-day leave. We haven't decided that yet, but let's look into the matter." As the Administration comes to a consensus, the cricket-crazy city is already gearing up for the 'excuses'. The smart ones have applied for a day's leave well in advance. The ones who have left it to the last-minute, are struggling with an idea. Get an idea! Maybe this will help. I am all set …..
It is nothing short of a do or die situation for the fans. They are all set with their leave applications. "I had told my boss well in advance that I have some emergency at home on March 30," laughs Manjot Sekhon, who works for a city-based bank. "Now, I have the sanctioned leave. Nobody can stop me now," he laughs. His friend, who works with a call centre, shares how his grey cells are working better than this friend. "I asked for a week's outstation leave, knowing the office would doubt if I asked for a single day off," adds Rahul Chahal, who flaunts his student ticket. Rahul's friends in various other offices have mailed a joint request for a half-day leave. "Nothing is more important than the India-Pak match,” Rahul says. Government vs corporate excuse
Cricket undoubtedly unites the nation. Popular excuses coined for the special day are making rounds. Hemraj Sharma, who works with the Excise and Taxation Department, is hoping for a miracle. "We can watch it on our computers, but it is not the same as watching it on big screen with friends and family. I cannot come up with an excuse because many employees are going to fall sick on that day." It is a sad story! Anuj Sharma, who is working as a data manager with a telecom company, is facing the same problem. "I have to go on a field visit to Jammu. I cannot think of anything,” he says. |
|
Of rhythm and poise
Tall and slender, hair cascading over a beautiful face, a sari elegantly draped, Vani is a picture of poise and grace. In Chandigarh for a performance at the Chandigarh Art and Heritage Festival on Monday, Vani shares, "Heritage festivals are an assurance that classical forms are still alive." Vani was initiated into Bharatanatyam at the age of four and she made a conscious decision to make dance her priority by the time she was 15. "My father wanted me to be a doctor. But my inner voice told me to pursue dance though I was academically inclined," she shares. Her mother sang for her performances all her life. It was only some four years back that she lost her. "I often asked her why didn't she make me a singer," she says. Passionate that Vani is about her dance, she is full of stories to share. Pleased to have performed at a temple in Kerala, Vani says she still gets goose bumps when she thinks about it. "I was there to perform for the day that celebrates Sudama meeting Krishna with a potli of rice. Impromptu, we choreographed a sequence telling the Krishna-Sudama story. While performing with my sister Meera, I felt as if Krishna was right there. Those were the days when performance was allowed in temples," remembers Vani. Not only a performer, Vani is a teacher too and a demanding one at that. "It's difficult being a performer and a guru at the same time. I restrict the number of my students to 10. I cannot be with my students every time they perform, so instead I give them a better set of musicians," she says. She also writes little notes with the invites asking people to come and appreciate them. On the transformation that Bharatanatyam has gone through over the decades she has been part of it, Vani says, "It's like packaging old wine in a new bottle. Earlier, the subjects were mostly mythological. Today I experiment with seasons, environment and paintings. Innovation is the key to keep the old forms alive." As for her latest moves, it is a Ganesha Suprabhatam and tillana (that's never been part of Bharatanatyam's repertoire), a jugulbandi with the percussionist that she is all revved up about. mona@tribunemail.com |
|
On comeback trail, Preity finds TV exciting
Preity Zinta comes back from sabbatical who has been away from the entertainment industry for a long time now is back with her debut TV show Guinness World Records-Ab India Todega on Colors. The dimpled beauty will co-host the reality show with Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 winner Shabbir Ahluwalia. The show will have regular people display their talent and trying to make a place for themselves in the Guinness World Records. The records being attempted are — most over the shoulder cocktail flairs in a minute, most dance spins in a minute, most omelette flips in a minute and many more. Find out what Preity has to say about the show. You have been away from films for over two years. Was that deliberate? Yes. I was away from the entertainment industry for two years because I wanted to focus on cricket and my IPL team. It was a new set up for me and I did not want to lose focus by taking up something else. My friends from the industry kept asking me about my return to films and now I have an answer. I am back. So why choose TV for your comeback? I got numerous offers for reality shows in the past but nothing excited me. I do not enjoy judging dance based shows because as I am not the number one dancer on the planet, so I can’t be judging someone else. I will not take up such offers just for the money. The idea of discovering new things through the show excited me. How would you describe your experience on this show? It has been a fun experience but shooting for a TV show means long working hours. How is this show different from other reality shows on TV? Guinness World Records-Ab India Todega represents the underbelly of India. The participants on the show are not here for glamour, they have come to display their unique talent. —HRM
|
|
Men love wearing casual clothes and they do not have much choice! We take a look at Bollywood celebrities in casual clothes. Some look good while the others look like jokers
Mika: His wannabe and arrogant attitude comes across in the picture. The shaved chest does not suit him. What's with his pose and glares indoors? He should only be heard, not seen!
Abhay Deol: He is a stylish man and we like the way he has kept his look simple and relaxed. We love the way the blue tee adds a dash of colour to his persona. His down-to-earth attitude shines through in the picture. Siddharth Mallya: He is such a cutie and we love his boyish charm. His weight loss is commendable. One can rarely go wrong with a grey tee paired with flip-flops and blue track pants, right?Irrfan Khan: He is actually at a pool party but looking at him one would say that he is vacationing in the mountains. And, white pants with white shoes are a complete no-no. We like his John Lennon glares, though. —HRM
|
|
The man who breathes music…
One of the forerunners of classical vocal music, Ustad Rashid Khan humbly credits his success to his god-gifted voice and family that noticed his talent and trained him. "Under my nana saheb, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, I got an opportunity to learn music in an environment that had 'ragas' all around," shares Khan, who was in Chandigarh to be part of the Chandigarh Art and Heritage Festival. An indomitable vocalist of Rampur Sahaswan Gharana, Khan is known for his Aogey Jab Tum (Jab We Met) Allah Hi Rahem (My Name is Khan). "I am not particularly keen to sing in Bollywood but yes if I like the sur and lyrics, I go for it," says Khan who has just finished recording two more songs for upcoming movies. He hums one, O piya re anjaan, tohe pyar jagaye re, uplifting everyone present in the room to that higher world. Ask him if classical music is losing its appeal and Khan says emphatically, "There are lovers of classical music everywhere, especially in Maharashtra and West Bengal. Even today people come on bullock carts to listen to classical music in villages there," says he. For those who want to emulate him, Khan has a piece of advice, "One needs to pursue music with a zeal." As for himself, "I carry music in my heart," he signs off.
|
|
Fun on the sets
Natasha Coutinho Working in a daily soap is serious business with tight schedules and long working hours. However, there are also some funny incidents that occur on the sets that are unforgettable. We get TV stars to share some of the hilarious incidents that have occurred on the sets of their shows.
Siddharth Shukla: Recently we were shooting for Aahat till 4 or 5 am. The lady who was playing the ghost in the show was still in her getup and I planned to play a prank of random people. I convinced the lady to sit in the front seat of my car and we would keep stopping to ask for directions. Everyone who saw the lady was horrified and ran away while I and my co-star had a good laugh. Shruti Ulfat: There was a scene in Saural Genda Phool where Ishaan (Jay Soni) had to sleep in my lap. He really fell asleep and no one realised it. We kept trying to wake him up after the scene was shot but he was in deep slumber. That’s when we realised that he has really fallen asleep and everyone was in splits.
Sunaina Gulia: We keep having funny incidents everyday on the sets of Dill Mill Gayye. I don’t think any other show has such a bunch of mad young people. The funniest of the lot is Ayaz (Dr Shubhakar) and with him around funny incidents keep happening. We laugh so much that the producers had once threatened to film a video of us laughing to show us how much time we waste on the sets (laughs).
|
|
Brand it like Bachchan
"It is not important to wear brands... you should wear what looks good on you. Brand is not important for me. I buy what I like," Bachchan Junior said during the Mint Luxury Conference here
yesterday. Abhishek said he gives importance to quality. "What is also important to me is the quality of the product and that it should suit me. As long as I am convinced that the quality is not bad I will buy it even if it is unbranded." When asked what is his definition of luxury, Bachchan said, "Spending on my family is luxury for me. I would like to spend on buying things for my family...I am not a big shopper."
Bachchan, who is a brand ambassador for Omega watches, said that he agrees to endorse a brand only if he is satisfied with the quality of the product. "Endorsing a product is not just a financial understanding but a lot more. Before accepting the offer for endorsing Omega watches, I did some research on the product as well as the company. If I am satisfied with the product only then I agree to give my name to it," he said. When asked whether he uses the products he endorses, Abhishek said, "When I endorse a product, it is my duty to use it. Some may not do it (using the brand they endorse), but I do." — PTI |
|
Akshay admires Gurjit
Punjabi singer Gurjit Rahal has a new fan in Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who has decided to back his latest album Take Ova, a collaboration with the UK-based group RDB.
But at the last minute it did not work out but Akshay promised that he will help promote the album," said Rahal. The musician said that the actor has a keen ear for music and enjoys listening to the new experimental genres. "He knows his music and knows which tunes will click. He enjoys listening to experimental and fusion genres and he can rap like anything," said the young artiste. Take Ova, being released by Universal has a total of 12 tracks, which Rahal says is a mix of folk, Bhangra, R&B and pop tunes. "It is a good mix of old and new elements and it is Punjabi in it's spirit and ethos. The songs address topical issues like immigration in an emotional way," said Rahal. The singer said that while growing up in Canada, music was his connection to his Indian roots and at a very young age he decided to become a singer. "I moved to Canada while I was six and grew up there. The country has a thriving Indian community and so I listened to a lot of old and new Indian music and I always knew I wanted to be a musician," said Rahal. — PTI
|
|
Judith Doeker is currently in Mumbai researching for her documentary titled Judith goes to Bollywood which will be broadcast on the German public channel ZDF later this year. In addition to this, Doeker will also write a book on her Bollywood experiences. Will she be able to find herself a job as an exotic new entry to the world of Hindi films? —Agency
|
|
Trend Setter Style makes the man and a distinctive style sets him apart. This week we interacted with Harman Singh who has combined a B Tech in Industrial engineering with fashion designing. He won titles like I Hunk by IBIBO.com and Mr Fresher. Harman votes for the classic look… Your sense of style is… For me the classic look is ultimate, something, which sits easy on my persona and not because I want to look like the hunk next door. Out of 10 of my outfits, only two would be loud and asking for attention! Latest addition to your wardrobe … A self-designed dark grey Tuxedo with a neckband teamed with a shirt in raw silk in the soft colour of baby pink. Oh! My it is cool and I love myself in it! Brand freak or a street junkie? Hmm! I think a judicious mix of both. Brands of course make my day but many a times I have seen that the body fit of the clothes picked up casually is great and then they merge into the brands! Choose a look: Sporty, glamorous or chic … Glamorous any time! My style icon would be…. Shah Rukh Khan with his studied elegance. Who is the worst dressed celebrity? It has to be Govinda. I really don’t understand where he got the tacky dressing sense. One fashion funda you don’t understand ? It is that fusion look which sometimes looks outrageous and absolutely out of sync as in T shirts with standing collars. Your take on accessories… Accessories like watch, belt etc should be classy and complement the attire rather than stand out separately. One thing that boosts your confidence… Neat and chic hair style.
|
|
Break the vicious circle
Simmi Waraich I am studying in college. I live alone with my mother as I lost my father when I was a child. My mother does not interact with many people. I love playing the guitar. I feel very negative about life and even get thoughts of dying at times. I do not have many friends. I want to be happy. How can I achieve that? Many a times losing one parent when a child, being socially isolated and having few friends can all predispose to or worsen negative thinking. It becomes like a vicious cycle of negative thoughts- leading to feeling sad-social isolation leading to more negative thoughts and so on. The trick is to break the cycle by changing the negative thinking by asking oneself— "Is it helping me to think this way?" "Am I giving this too much importance?" Consider what a friend would say in the same situation. As Carl Jung said- "I am not what happens to me. I choose who I become." At night close your eyes and picture what attributes you wish to have and feel yourself become calmer and stronger day by day. Second, talk about your thoughts to others. Get help if thoughts of dying persist. Remember, we go see a doctor if our stomach hurts, so if our mind is hurting and feeling weak-get help for it-ask for counselling. Calm yourself
My son does not follow a routine and then near his exams, he gets very anxious. He will not listen then and does not sleep or eat. How can I help him? Usually these problems start early on. Parents can help children by teaching them simple calming down techniques early on-like deep breathing. Taking a deep breath in and slowly exhaling and saying relax. Continue this through the year so one can use it during exams. Second is catching one's thoughts early helps. Instead of 'Oh, I don't know what I'll do now. I have messed it up', teach the child to say instead 'Relax, I find this a little tough but I will give it my best shot. Its okay if I get it wrong. It's only a test. Anyone can make a mistake'. Plan a timetable and routine well before the exams and make sure he follows it. Following a plan helps one to organise oneself. Take time outs for recreation. Stay calm as that is the best modelling you can do and helps the child to stay calm too. (Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Trouble shooter, Life + Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh) |
|
Spicy treat
It’s time for Ludhianvis to relax and savour an elaborate spread of mouth-watering flavours of Hyderabadi cuisine at Itminaan Se, a Hyderabadi food festival on at Hotel Fortune Klassik.
The food, a harmonious blend of unique flavours, pleased many coming here to enjoy the treat. The cuisine as rich as the lifestyle of the nobility and as delicate as the graciousness of the Hyderabadi hosts won over many. About the uniqueness of Hyderabadi food, the chef said, “The ratio of spices to be used in each dish has to be precise to bring out the delicate flavours of that dish.” The authentic Hyderabadi gourmet comprises a range of savoury dishes that are inimitable in taste and aroma. “Uniquely reminiscent of the rich and indulgent lifestyle of the nizaam era,” he quips. The briyani continues to be the most popular dish because of its richness and taste as it is a perfect mingling of ingredients. The secret behind preparing a perfect briyani Chef Vishal said, “The right amount of water, correct mix of spices and exact time leads to a tasty briyani.” Some spices have been specially flown in from Hyderabad. In desserts one can relish special kheer with pooris, made of mava and coconut and is stuffed with jaggery and daal. Chef Vishal considers Jalli kebab to be his specialty. “These are chicken parches marinated and finished on a griddle,” he chips in.
The food festival is on till April 3. |
|
Beat it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFWjpYbLTjc
(As told to Jasmine Singh) |
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is March 29...
With your basic number 2, ruled by Moon, having feminine softness and comeliness, the number 4 of 2011 will be quite compatible. Income will inflate and family members will cooperate. Concentration in studies, office work, yoga, meditation and such spheres will be a problem. Spouse and beloved both will have warmer relations. 2011 is the year of romance, fun and frolic. June promises confidence, courage, and new schemes. Innovative projects will accomplish in December. September and October are exciting and pleasurable. There might also be money making through real estate. November will be the month spent purchasing from sales. |
|
Astro turf
ARIES: Do not become easily ruffled. Health may be determinably affected while travelling. Your personal and public life is likely to clash in the evening. Women: Do not argue over silly matters.
Tarot message: Feel good about yourself & prepare yourself for a mental battle.Lucky colour: Bottle GreenMagic number: 63. TAURUS: You have achieved most of your short-term objectives today. It promises to be a good business day. Associates will be helpful. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial to progress. Eat wisely. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 27. GEMINI: Your resources can be boosted. It is a good time to look at real estate. Whatever you set your mind at, you can achieve it now. So get up and get going. Health is not a worry. Turn to your family if you need advice. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 36. CANCER: Your card Two of Pentacles shines on love, money & sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Women: Do not worry about holding your jobs. Don’t be close-minded about anything. Do not exercise heavily. Consult a physician or a trainer.Tarot message: Don’t fall for rash promises.Lucky colour: Orange.Magic number: 44. LEO: There are better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to grab opportunities that come your way. Watch your step while dealing with superiors. Women: Cut down on shopping bills. Speak your mind. Tarot message: Do as many courses as you can. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 51. VIRGO: Your emotions can override your good judgement. Some problems for factory workers are indicated. You could be misreading the actions of loved ones. Your diet needs more attention. Students: Focus on hobbies. Do not take risk for quick gains. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 65. LIBRA: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. Old patients: Take complete rest. You may have some worries that cause restlessness. A good book or a movie might bring you some respite. Lovers: A romantic evening lies ahead. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from reaching their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple.Magic number: 52. SCORPIO: Good company is likely to figure prominently in today’s activities. Women: Focus on a balanced diet. Your pet animal needs attention. Teenage girls will be at their charming best. A Libra friend will be supportive.Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time.Lucky colour: Peach.Magic number: 32. SAGITTARIUS: This is not the right day for attempts to complete property deals. You need to get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. You may have to make a long journey, which will be successful.Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron.Magic number: 28. CAPRICORN: TYou can bring dreams back into focus with the added benefit of your age and wisdom. You will be in a mood to meet people from different walks of life. An overseas visitor may be relying on you. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 46. AQUARIUS: Indulging in gossip with the neighbours will not satisfy. Check out newspapers to find activities that appeal. Students should give plenty of time to study. You may feel a bit scruffy and careless during evening. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson.Magic number: 58. PISCES: Beware! Someone may backstab you. It’s a very good time to meet government officials. Health of your child needs attention. You are likely to have a lot of fun at work and enjoy a few pranks with co-workers. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors.Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 31. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Stamina, experience and looks, the three basic qualities of a dancer stay together for a short span. Stamina goes by the time experience is gained. But Vani Ganpathy, the famed Bharatanatyam danseuse, seems to possess all three.
Bobby
Deol: He is perfectly dressed for a pool party (where this picture was taken). We love the floral shirt, the white shorts, and floaters. The glares add a comic
element to his look and are apt for his costume. He looks completely relaxed.
Aamir Khan: The moustache suits him and how! He looks regal! Aamir is the last person to get the classic combination of white-with-denim wrong and the brown shoes are smart. How does he manage to look younger and more dashing every year?
Karishma Randheva: Normally heroines are introduced by highlighting their beauty like close-ups of her smile, eyes but in Hello Dolly, I was introduced with a close up of a pimple on my face (laughs). They had made an artificial pimple for me which kept falling off. Even my introductory dialogue was hilarious Duniya ek aag ka gola hai aur ek pimple ka matlab hai suicide. It made no sense to me and I kept bursting into laughter before the director said cut.
Sulagna Panigrahi: In Do Saheliyan there was a sequence where my parents are dead and their bodies are kept in the hall. I had to run towards them crying and hug them. While shooting the scene I accidently slipped and fell exactly besides them. After that everyone kept pulling my leg saying that it looked as if three dead bodies were laying side by side (laughs).
Parneet Bhatt: A funny incident just happened a few minutes back on the sets of Geet Hui Sab Se Parayi. A trolley almost hit Drashti and she had a narrow escape. At that time it was scary but now everyone is having a good laugh over it. Another incident happened when I was shooting for Arsalaan. I had to climb up a hill of about 40 feet. We did three retakes and during the fourth take when I climbed the hill I found some 300-400 villagers waiting for me and they started clapping as soon as I reached the spot. It was really shocking but later the entire unit was laughing about the incident.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who has endorsed a couple of international brands, says that he is not brand-conscious, and would prefer to wear what suits him even if it is an unbranded product.
The Canada-bred singer who was born in Punjab, met the Khiladi while he was shooting for his upcoming film Thank You in the country. "Akshay and the producers of Thank You really liked the song Aish Karogi and wanted it to be a part of the film.
For years now a growing numbers of Germans have been fascinated by Bollywood. Now, German actress Judith Doeker wants to take the Germans' love affair to Bollywood to a whole new level by scoring herself a role in a big Bollywood blockbuster and giving Germans an inside taste of Mumbai's tinsel-town.
Connoisseurs of Hyderabadi food were in for a pleasant surprise when the executive chef Vishal Chandok offered a wide array of flavours from the Deccan heartland.
Murgh ka shorba
Lucky Ali, the singer with a difference known to deliver different songs. Those of you who have heard him know what am I talking about. O Sanam is a cult song, which has everything great about it. The strings of guitar, the soothing lyrics, the unexpected breaks, this song is just perfect in every sense. Another thing about the song is different takes that it has to it, high, low and medium. Shot at the pyramids of Egypt, O Sanman has never gone of my playlist. You can hum this song, you can sway to it, only that you cannot rock to it. Lucky Ali's strong point has always been the guitar, and every song has a touch of it. He lays emphasis on lyrics with meaning, which shows in this song too. 
Michael Winterbottom (29 Mar 1961) Blackburn, Lancashire, who shares his birthday with you, is a British filmmaker who has directed sixteen films in the past thirteen years. Three of his movies, Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland and 24 Hour Party People, have been nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His first theatrical film, Butterfly Kiss, firmly established his intense visual sense. He has already begun work on a
project that will not be released until 2012.