Race with a difference
Wanna race? Just do it with these remote-controlled radio cars
Ashima Sehajpal

DAY: SUNDAY.
PLACE: SAKETRI.
TIME: 12 NOON.
EVENT: A CAR RACE.


Toy story: The avid club members pose with radio-controlled vehicles 

Get, set, go… in no time the car touches the speed of 100 kilometers per hour. It takes off from the ground, does a wheelie and after a sharp cut comes to a smooth halt.

Amit Kangra, the driver, then gets ready for a car race, a serious business, as he knows that every competitor has an equally powerful machine. In total, 30 cars race for the number one slot, which ultimately goes to another participant, Nachiketa Bajaj. The next race would now take place next Sunday at the same venue.

Just to ensure that the car is fine after such a rough treatment, Amit lifts it as high as he can and then drops it! For those who are wondering about the strength of the driver, the answer is that it’s a radio-controlled car. The practice of radio-controlled car racing or bashing - the official term for car stunts - began two years back. An initiative by Amit, it was then that the first unofficial radio-controlled car club was formed in the city. It now has 18 members, with everyone having at least two cars. “As of now, I have five cars and I won’t mind adding to the number. It’s addictive,” says Amit, who also has the dealership of these cars in the city.

Nachiketa, a software consultant, calls it a thrilling experience, “I love to drive fast, since that’s not possible on the road, the two radio-controlled cars make me enjoy my passion of driving fast.” He adds that after a long, tiring, week, a bit of harmless fun is rejuvenating!

Another six months and the club will be shifted to the Morni Hills. The races will then be held on the two acres of land owned by Dr Rajdeep Brar from PGI, who is also a club member. “We got the track designed by professionals in Bengaluru. It will be split into two parts. One will be kept for racing and the other for stunts like wheelies, doughnuts, double flips etc,” says Dr Rajdeep, whose oldest car dates back to 1989. “It’s helps me de-stress. It is also a good excuse for a get-together with friends.”

His colleague and another club member Dr Ramandeep Virk is popular for buying the latest models. Having participated in the national event of radio-controlled cars in Bengaluru, he shares that the hobby is becoming popular with people. “Although it’s an expensive hobby, where cars begin from Rs 12,000 and go up to Rs 1.5 lakh, people don’t mind spending. The fact that everybody in the club has more than two cars proves this.” His eight-year-old son is the youngest member of the club. “It’s also fun to accessorise the cars. I have added lights, gear-boxes, suspension parts and also updated the shockers to ensure that better stunts can be performed.”

Every month, an order of a minimum of 10 cars is placed with Amit. Once the track is laid in Morni Hills, the members will strive to hold car-racing rallies with clubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Vikrant Malhotra, a private firm employee, is the richest in the club with a collection of 11 cars. His love for cars becomes apparent when he tells that he himself assembles every car. “The radio-controlled vehicles either come in the ready-to-run form or unassembled in a kit. I believe it’s an art to assemble these, it also gives me the freedom to choose the design and look of the vehicle.” Next on cards is the latest model of Baja.

“I just hope more people join the club and represent Chandigarh at national events. All one requires is passion for the cars and car racing.” Waiting for this car racing formula to become a hit in the city!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Admirable Adam!
Jasmine Singh

	Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist

Cricketers are treated as demi-gods. So be it. There is no point debating, discussing and holding a round table conference on why players from other sports are not given similar status. Let’s just cut that out for the moment and concentrate on Adam Gilchrist. Yes, from the ‘fairly doing well’ IPL Kings XI Punjab team. In Chandigarh to launch ‘Orange Premier League’ Puma’s new line of colourful shoes and clothing line, this wicket-keeper-batsman hits a six on every ball bowled to him!

Flexible stylist

I am not a rigid shopper or chained to any brands. Though I like Puma’s range of colourful shoes and clothes a lot. They are street-smart and chic. Now, you can design your own Puma shoes, which is a very interesting thing. I travel around the world, so no fuss about what to buy and from where. I look around the place, and pick-up anything that I find interesting.

Style is comfort

I am not a designer’s muse; I like to wear clothes that define comfort. I don’t look for any particular brand to look stylish; in fact I think I look great in anything I am comfortable in.

Miss anyone?

I miss my wife and children the most when I travel. My nine-year-old son will be joining me soon. I am looking forward to it. I travel quite extensively and anytime that I get to spend with family and close friends is always more than welcome.

Music-lover

I like all kinds of music, nothing in particular. Though I am not a very hard metal fan, other than all artists and every kind of music makes for good listening. I liked the songs from the Bollywood movie ‘Race’. They were amazing; I loved it.

Wife’s a good cook

Yet again, you will think I am more than flexible, but yes I like any kind of food. I am enjoying chicken tikka these days. Back home whenever I get time, I try and impress my family with my cooking, which by the way is a rare affair. I am glad that my wife is a great cook and I needn’t worry.

Actor in making!

Are you kidding! I think I will make a better cricketer than actor. These days I am enjoying the American series ‘Entourage’. This is where I get my sense of humour from, otherwise I don’t get much time to watch movies.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

What women want!

A new study claims that men with feminine faces will be luckier in love as more women are attracted to them than masculine men. According to the research by psychologists at New York and Princeton universities, most women prefer men with more feminine shaped faces and darker skin.

But the investigation found that men typically also want women’s faces to be feminine with plump lips and wide eyes.

Two groups of men and women were shown a selection of thousands of computer-generated faces of the opposite sex to rate, which had been manipulated to look either more masculine or feminine.

The computer model tested 50 dimensions of facial features, including nose size, plumpness of lips and facial colouring.

The scientists found that more men want women’s faces to have a feminine shape, while women also want men’s faces to have a feminine shape, but darker skin.

The findings show that male and female attractiveness are not equal and opposite, according to the researchers. — ANI

BHATT of course
Mahesh Bhatt was in Chandigarh to address a conference in support of jailed Pakistani national Dr Saiyyad Mohammad Khaleel Chishty, once an active professor of Virology in Karachi
Jasmine Singh

Mahesh Bhatt
Cause& COncern: Mahesh Bhatt

Reasons do not define filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt…he is the one giving them a meaning in his own way! So when he comes down to Chandigarh to address a conference in support of a jailed Pakistani national Dr Saiyyad Mohammad Khaleel Chishty, once an active professor of Virology in Karachi, trust him not to be caged and stick to ‘the cause of the visit’ idea. Random questions are welcome, and we couldn’t miss out on them. The first query is carefully woven around the purpose of his visit.

Mahesh Bhatt is probably among the few filmmakers who will ‘stand for a cause’ rather than pour out his concern on social networking sites, especially Twitter. “Lady, I have done it before, and I will do it in times to come as well,” he answers politely without mincing words or applying the Bollywood tact. “I cannot say anything about others in the industry. I can say only about myself,” he adds. We should have seen that coming. The phrase lesser the better doesn’t apply here. Time is too precious to be lost in vague, already-known observations!

The second query: Raj Kumar Gupta with slight commercial liberties highlighted Jessica Lall case in his movie ‘No One Killed Jessica’, Santosh Sivan’s ‘The Terrorist’ showed us the real story of a suicide bomber, ‘A Wednesday’ brought forth in a smart way the life of a common man…Bollywood has become the mouthpiece of the common man? Or not really? The answer was an unexpectedly expected one. Read this. “No, I don’t think Bollywood will now be the medium to highlight social concerns or a mouthpiece for public. On the contrary, audiences at large still go to theatres for a light break, which they get in the movie. At the same time, movies on social issues are being made, which are received well,” shares Mahesh Bhatt. It isn’t advisable to disturb Mahesh Bhatt’s flow of thought. Chances are if you miss it, it would never be the same again.

Let’s turn back to the issue - does calling a ‘spade a spade’ director want to convert the cause into a 35-mm movie? Mahesh Bhatt shoots another candid shot. “I don’t think because there is no audience for such subjects. Besides, the amount that goes into movie making and marketing is huge. Tell me who wants to buy such topics?” he adds.

Talking about causes and Bollywood standing for them…is it for real - the concern? “It is easy to support fashionable causes, but very different to stand for something you choose to gain nothing from,” provides the director leaving us to read between the lines.

Expect him to tweet on this too! “Why not if society is dying; something like tweets can make a difference,” he says. Well, we can’t say anything about it, but whatever Mahesh Bhatt says definitely makes a difference to our copy!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Chatter box
Veena Malik dazzles in bridal wear

Veena Malik, who first got noticed in Bigg Boss house, recently did her first-ever bridal photo shoot for Riyaz and Reshma Gangji of Libas Stores. The shoot was held at Madh Island in Mumbai.

The actress posed in four backless bridal outfits, including one photo in which she is seen emerging from the sea. The hoardings will be out by next week.

Fashion Photographer Praveen Talan who shot the pictures says, “I was happy to work with Veena as she is a well-known face and is a complete professional. She is very good at her job. I had to just switch on my camera and she was ready with a range of expressions.”

Reports of her bonding with Bigg Boss housemate Ashmit Patel are still doing the rounds. Lets see whether Veena becomes a bride in real life too, hopefully in the near future.

Yashashri’s summer fundas

Yashashri Masurkar
Chill out: Yashashri Masurkar

The bubbly Khanak aka Yashashri Masurkar from Rang Badalti Odhani on STAR One knows how to remain cool even in the sweltering heat of summer. We get her to share her fundas about how to beat the heat, with fans.

What do you like wearing during summer?

I wear cotton clothes. Anything that makes me feel cool and comfortable is okay.

Is there any special food/beverage that you take?

I include lots of fresh fruits and juices to keep my body hydrated during summer. I keep sipping water, which is most important.

Which is your favourite perfume or deodorant?

I love collecting various perfumes and I have a lot of them stored at home. My favourite is Pleasure by Estee Lauder.

What is your favourite summer getaway?

I don’t really have a favourite destination but like to visit any place with a low temperature.

Any childhood memories of summer holidays?

I remember visiting my native place during summer holidays and having lots of fun. I used to enjoy eating lots of fruits and drinking coconut water. Another memory is spending the whole day playing in the fields.

Where would you go for a date this season?

I would choose indoors.

Any advice to your fans to beat the heat?

My advice would be to drink lots of water, have fruits specially water based fruits. Don’t forget to use sunscreen when you leave the house.

— HRM

No skin show for bride-to-be Nivedita Tiwari

Nivedita Tiwari who plays Runjhun, the lead protagonist in Zee TV’s Bhagonwali…Baatein Apni Takdeer recently got engaged to her boyfriend in Guwahati, Assam. “Couple of months ago, when she suddenly asked the producers for a week’s off, everyone was stunned. Nivedita finally confided that she is getting engaged,” said an insider.

Well if it was an engagement for Nivedita in real life, on the other hand it was marriage for Runjhun in reel life. Now all actors are aware of the fact that the newly wed couple will go in for a makeover.

Whereas Nivedita was earlier comfortable wearing low-waist saris, draped in a way to make her look attractive, she unexpectedly told the dress man to give her outfits that covered her entire body. On top of that she refused to do any intimate scenes with her onscreen husband, Guddu Shukla, played by Himanshoo Malhotra.

“No skin show or romance for me on screen as I am a very shy person,” said Nivedita.

Sources said, “All of this is not coming from Nivedita but its her fiancée who doesn’t approve and has started controlling her life. And this is the reason she has suddenly become very conservative about so many things, which are routine when a lead actor plays in soap.”

Tune in to Zee TV’s early primetime saga, Bhagonwali… Baatein Apni Takdeer, every Monday to Friday at 6 pm.

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
Rana gets Abhishek's Department

After making his Bollywood debut alongside Abhishek Bachchan in Dum Maaro Dum, southern actor Rana Daggubati has now replaced the junior Bachchan as the lead in Department, reveals filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma.

Varma's project was to feature an ensemble cast, including Abhishek, but there is a change in plan.

“Due to date problems to match combinations with other actors, I am going ahead with Rana Daggubati instead of Abhishek Bachchan in Department,” Varma announced on his Twitter page.The director has earlier worked with Abhishek in Sarkar and Sarkar Raj.

— IANS

Abby just wanna have fun

Everyone calls him a prankster, but Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan refuses to accept the tag and says that he just likes having fun on the sets.

“For me the entire process of shooting is fun. I have got stuck with this terrible tag that I'm a prankster, which I'm not. It's just that I like to enjoy myself as an actor on the sets,” The 35-year-old said.

“As actors we can't ensure whether the film will be a hit or not but the only thing that we can ensure is that the process of making that film was a fun memory and that's what I do,” he added.

Kunal can't find a name

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli has still not been able to decide upon a suitable title for his next project, which features Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

“No title as yet for my film with Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka chopra. Will announce it here on twitter for y'all when we get a title (sic),” Kohli posted on his Twitter page. Shahid and Priyanka will be seen together on screen after Kaminey. — IANS

Riya's not dating Sreesanth

Bollywood actress Riya Sen has cleared the air about her link-up with Indian cricketer Sreesanth. “Guys please! I am not dating shreesanth! I just attended 3 matches for kochi and that's that! It was work! So ... Rest ur imaginations ... (sic),” Riya posted on Twitter. Riya, daughter of yesteryears' actress Moon Moon Sen, was earlier in a relationship with Ashmit Patel.

Anurag is not a meddler

Despite being a director himself, Anurag Kashyap says that he never meddles with the working of a director whose film he is producing.

“I, as a director, have always wanted a producer who lets me be. So, when I am a producer, I try to be that, because I understand. So, I leave the person alone and I don't disturb my director, just because I'm the producer of the film,” Kashyap said. Kashyap has produced films like Aamir, Udaan and now the upcoming Shaitan.

Amole plays the father figure

Amole Gupte has many children in his upcoming film Stanley Ka Dabba, but the filmmaker is purposely keeping them out of the promotional events for the film. “You will see the kids in the film and I think that's better, because they are all kids, I don't want them to get into panic mode when the media approaches them. 

Some Haunted memories

From a reality show to television's daily soap, Twinkle Bajpayi has come a long way. She is making her debut in Bollywood as a lead actress in Vikram Bhatt's film Haunted 3D. We chat with the actress about her journey till date...

What is your role in Haunted 3D?

I am playing Meera. But I am not allowed to divulge more about my character. Though my real name is Twinkle Bajpai, it was Vikram sir, who asked me to change my screen name to Tia for Haunted.

How is Vikram as a director?

As far as I am concerned, Vikram sir is more than just a director to me. He is a great friend to both Mahaakshay and me, though I must confess that initially we were quite scared of him. I have a comfort level with him, which helps face the camera. He is particular that his actors should mouth the dialogues the way they are written.

How did you get the role?

I had acted in a music video for Vikram sir’s company. Though I did not give an audition for this part, he was impressed by what he had seen of me in the video and selected me for Haunted.

Wasn't it singing, and not acting, on your agenda when you came to Mumbai?

Yes. It is true that when I came from Lucknow six years back to take part in Sa Re Ga Ma, I did not even know that I could act. I always dreamt of only singing. I have also sung for Haunted.

How did you hone your acting talent?

I have not learnt acting at all. I will be able to learn it only when I get to play different characters. It was Rajan Shahi who taught me when I was cast by Dheeraj Kumar in his serial Ghar Ki Lakshmi- Betiyaan in the role of Lakshmi.

Which are the other serials you have done besides Ghar Ki Lakshmi-Betiyaan?

Besides Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan, I acted in Ekta Kapoor's Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in which I got the opportunity to essay a negative role when the serial took a leap of 20 years. I played the role of Smriti Irani's grandson's wife Vaidehi.

— HRM

Spear-heading a riot

Pop princess Britney Spears' surprise appearance caused chaos at R&B star Nicki Minaj's party as security guards struggled to control the over-excited crowd.Minaj, 26, took to the stage for an after party at The Factory venue in West Hollywood on Friday night following her performance with Lil Wayne at the city's Staples Center.

Her soon-to-be-touring partner Spears showed up at the event and joined Minaj on stage, but the resulting crowd surge left a number of fans feeling faint and they had to be carried out by security guards.

"(It) was complete pandemonium. Six people were carried out after hyperventilating. They literally fainted when Britney walked onto the stage where Nicki was hanging," said a source.

"People were crowd surfing to get to the stage. Screams were so loud for Nicki and Brit you couldn't hear the music. Bouncers couldn't hold the crowd back." Spears later told fans about her night out with Minaj in a post on her Twitter page, writing, "Hanging with my girl Nicki Minaj at her after party at The Factory. Love you girl. Britney

."The two new friends have teamed up in the studio to record a remix of Spears' new single Till The World Ends.

— PTI

Johnny Depp prefers mansion

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp refused to stay in a five-star hotel and instead opted for a mansion complete with a huge wine cellar while shooting for his new film.The 47-year-old actor, who is currently shooting in London for Dark Shadows, demanded a vintage wine cellar during his entire stay.

"Johnny's very picky. He's also shipping over crates of home-made wine from his vineyards. He's demanded the cellar to be a particular temperature," said a source.

The Pirates of the Carribean star has also shipped his wife Vanessa Paradis, 38, and children Lily Rose, 12, and John Jack, nine, to the UK while making his new film.

Scheduled to release next year, Dark Shadows is a gothic-horror tale centering on the life of vampire Barnabas Collins and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolves and ghosts.

The film also stars teen actress Chloe Moretz and The Deal star Michael Sheen.

—PTI

Smart decision, AMY

Amy Smart
Getting hitched: Amy Smart

Actress Amy Smart has announced her engagement to boyfriend Carter Oosterhouse. Smart told a US magazine that the news was ‘very new’ and ‘very exciting’.

The couple have had somewhat of a whirlwind romance after meeting in November 2010 at a green charity event.

"They are perfect for each other. Here are two wholesome, kind, sweet Midwestern types. Neither has sold out and gone Hollywood," a source said.

The 35-year-old was photographed wearing her impressive engagement ring following the announcement, at the Earth Day Body Shop event in NYC.

— IANS

Swing it right

Once the fundamentals are in place – grip, set-up and an on plane backswing - the player is in correct position at the top to hit a good shot. But all this does not guarantee a good shot. The correct sequence of the downswing, done repeatedly with the right timing, allows us to make a repeatable ball flight.


Game Plan: Sequence of backswing

Technically, the work on the grip, set-up and backswing could be done at home without a ball. We do not need to use the time at the practice area working on these. The downswing is what we really work on with the ball.

At the top of the backswing, the club is on the plane of the left arm or the swing plane. The downswing should begin with the lower body – the turning of the hips or the belt buckle towards the target. This coupled with the dropping of the arms brings the club in a plane slightly flatter than the downswing plane and for a correct inside to square to inside path. This movement of the hips brings the upper body behind the ball into a powerful hitting position and the ball will start on target line.

If the player does not turn the hips or lower body first but throws the arms or upper body instead, the club will come ‘over the top’ or from outside resulting in a ‘pull’, which could lead to a slice.

If the hips turn too fast as it does with most juniors, the club drops too inside and ‘gets stuck behind’ the body leading to the ball starting right or a ‘push’.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy.) If you have any query contact him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com

A mystic’s path


Soul food: Jasleen Narula

Spirituality is one of the most commonly used words today with a variety of ideas associated with it. Each one of us is here for a reason, even if we don’t believe it or haven’t felt it, doesn’t mean it is not true. Electricity was discovered in the 17th Century but that does not mean it did not exist before that. It’s just that there was no one before that to comprehend its existence. Similarly, there are laws that are governing our lives even if we don’t believe in them. It is not just for us to understand but it also adds a beautiful dimension to life.

The destination is common but there are many paths leading us there. Even the smallest of acts that give us inner happiness is a milestone on that path. There are numerous ways like doing meditation, being aware, doing service, reading books on theosophy, spirituality and positive thinking, donating money and so many others.

I realised my path early in life; it was after I completed my Class X exams when I was already reading books on spirituality and the right attitude towards life. It was not long, when I knew that there is more than just going to school, being with friends and the way I understood God. My journey since then has been incredible, everyday I learn something new and different that takes me closer to the higher world. But I experienced the bliss even more deeply when I extended out to introduce children to meditation.

One of the best things I experienced was that there is no competition; every individual has a unique path. Everyone moves at their pace. Spirituality is not the goal it is a way to define life, keeping in mind certain principles that make us live our life more fully.

We all realise our responsibilities towards others around us but why not take out some time to think about our individual quest in life. It takes the same amount of energy to think every thought but its up to us to decide the content.

(Jassleen Narula, an education enthusiast shares what spirituality means to her) If you want to share your spiritual quest email to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Keeping the Faith, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh, along with a contact number.

Why women cut their hair after a break-up

Much to the surprise of her friends, 23-year-old Prachi Nigam, after a gap of four years, cut her long hair to shoulder-length — a rebellious way to tell her ex-boyfriend, “You are no more in my life and the thing you loved most about me I have got rid of.”

This is not just Nigam’s story, but most young women these days cut their hair after a break-up to announce their “break-free” image. But the drastic makeover can turn either way - a head-turner or a complete drab.

Some Hollywood celebrities too have changed their hairstyle - both for good and bad after their break-up.
While singer Miley Cyrus had a new hairdo and hair colour a few months after the breakup with Nick Jonas in 2007 and the change looked refreshing, Britney Spears at the same time went bald after her break-up with Keven Federline in 2007, which did not enhance her looks one bit.

Though there is no rulebook to understand the psyche behind this move, experts say men generally like women with long hair, and hence after the break-up, the best way to hurt their ex is by chopping off the long tresses.

“Generally, men like women with long hair, so if that is the case, after a break-up a change in hair style is a way of saying ‘I am no longer going to consider my hair that important as you wanted them to be. So, as you are off from my life, they are off too,” relationship expert Kamal Khurana said.

But there is another side of the coin too. It may also be that a woman wants to get a makeover and look more confident, sexy and wants to get over the break-up, hence she goes for a hair-cut.

“Sometimes it is purely because one wants a change. A haircut that changes one’s look, appearance, is refreshing,” psychiatrist Sanjay Chugh said.

“Often when people go through break-ups, the self-esteem becomes vulnerable and you begin to question yourself - your looks, physical appearance, intelligence, smartness, social skills,” he added.

“An extension of this could make a person reject or disapprove parts of herself and you may want to do away with them by changing your style, dressing, appearance etc,” Chugh said.

“This could also help uplift the confidence temporarily and also revive the hope of finding someone new in the social circuit who may fall for the new look,” he added.

There is one more side to this hair-cut theory, though a negative one.

Twenty-seven-year-old Hritu Kaneja went in for a bob-cut after her break-up. The style didn’t suit her face and added years to her appearance.

According to Khurana, she was in a depressive mode where looking good didn’t matter any more.

“See, it depends on person to person. In this case, the person is so depressed that she doesn’t want to come out of this failed relationship. Hence the feel-good factor has died somewhere and she is sulking,” he said.

“This is a depressing phase and it does get difficult to get out of it,” he added.

Though getting a hair-cut or a makeover is not the only thing a person goes in for.

After abiding by all those restrictions that were imposed while one was in a relationship - like no partying hard, avoiding short dresses and many more, a person rebels, and starts doing exactly what he or she was not told to do.

“This is because a person is trying to justify himself/herself that the person is no more a part of his life and they are free to do anything. Hence they indulge in activities that were once disliked by their beaus,” Chugh said.

“It’s just a smart way of hurting their exs and it does work because the break-up is fresh and with life so well connected through social networking sites, the pictures are uploaded in minutes and the purpose solved,” he added. — IANS

HEART talk
Parvesh Rana

Give him space

I am 32, even after five years of a happy marriage after six years of courtship, I am still obsessed with my husband. The slightest argument puts me off for the entire day and I can’t concentrate on work. Do you think I need help?

— Ashmita, Chandigarh

This is a rare case, but I am impressed, very few wives are so fond of their husbands after so long. Please understand, apart from being your husband, he is an individual too. Please give him some space and trust. There is a thin line between obsession and possession, too much of care and love can also put people off.

I am a college going student, but my parents want to get me married. I want to pursue studies and make a career but at the same time, I don’t want to hurt them. What should I do?

— Manpreet Kaur, Mohali

Talk to your parents. After all, this is your life. You shouldn’t give up your dreams and career for anyone. Talk to your folks, I am sure they will understand. Also take into account that your folks come from a probably different school of thought. Times have changed, and you should politely make them realise this.

(Rana, actor and anchor writes this column. If you have any query, send it to lifestyletribune@gmail.com)

Fashionista
Check this out
Prabhdip Brar

What is making a comeback are stripes or plaids! They’re always in fashion and can be made into the most professional appearing garments that can emerge from the sewing room.

A little needs to be talked about which is the sewing of it. Is the construction of check garments easy?

Careless cutting and sewing can ruin even the prettiest plaid or stripe material. It is imperative, therefore, that you have an understanding of two essential words in the plaid/ stripe jargon: even and uneven. Designers/design houses both national as well as international have come out with these classic plaids with full throttle this spring /summer. Tommy Hilfiger shows them in various arrays of blues/reds and whites, M&S displays them in all colours also in breakfast table shades of blue and white and red and white. Zara has interesting combinations of earthy browns with minty greens. The sudden comeback of boyfriend silhouette of tight fitting shirts with flap pockets on the front upper and double placket with school buttons tied with a knot at the front are a sure shot success formula this season as they can be worn with jeans/slacks/ tights and skirts and make you look hip and happy!

Stitch it yourself? 

If you are creative and want to plan and stitch a plaid fabric yourself, always buy half a yard extra to allow for matching and then plan how the plaid or stripe should run. If the fabric pattern is bold and large, more care is required than for a smaller stripe or plaid. All of the rules for cutting stripes and plaids can be summed up in one dire warning. Even stripes are easiest to work with and can meet to form chevron “Vs” without difficulty.

Stripes and plaids cannot match in every area; therefore priority must be given to side, front armhole and waist seams, or to points where an upper and lower garment meet.  

(Dr Brar, Assistant Professor, UIFT, Panjab University, Chandigarh.)

The year ahead

Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 26...

If associated with agriculture, 2011-12 will be a boon for you. Excellent gains from agriculture, trading, inputs, fertiliser, tractor business, transport etc are indicated. Till November opponents will be subdued. Refrain from being overambitious and overcautious. Opposite sex will attract between November and December, which can result into long companionship. Avoid overconfidence in the partner. Don’t take anyone especially a woman on face value while travelling. If expecting an addition in the family, you can book a party hall for celebrations. No disturbances from any quarter on the romantic plane. Romance will flourish and bloom. Being a Taurean, the number 4 of 2011 is very favourable. Whenever you go for fixing marriage or meeting important people, select the number 2 or 4 or Fridays or Mondays. You navigate all the hurdles successfully and nothing pending will remain till the end of the year.

Moushumi Chatterjee (April 26, 1948, Kolkata), an extremely beautiful and talented actress, celebrates her birthday with you.  

Married to Jayant Mukherjee (son of Hemant Kumar), she first starred in a Bengali movie Balika Badhu in 1967. She was on the top of her career in the 70s and early 80s, alongwith Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Jitendra. She received Filmfare nominations as Best Actress for Anuraag (1972) in which she played a blind girl, and as the Best Supporting Actress for Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) in which she played a rape survivor. She still acts in movies and on the small screen, but not at the same pace as earlier in her career.

Her forthcoming film The Japanese Wife can facilitate  her come back in 2011. Between 2012-13, she will try another attempt in politics according to her stars. But again it will prove futile.

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Your card Ten of Pentacles reveals that your plans to save plans are likely to get approved. An emotional mood can interfere with judgment and decisions. A lover’s quarrel can put you through the wringer. Watch what you eat. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member will need looking after. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 26.

TAURUS: You draw The Lovers, so new attractions are likely to be serious. Don’t make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The day favours social work. Women drivers: Follow all safety rules. Business opportunities might show profits. Plan an early night. Tarot message: Not a bad time to open new doors. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 62. 

GEMINI: Venus lady of love may bring happy news tonight. Don’t take hasty decisions. Mutually held funds must not be disturbed without your consent. Be careful when it comes to lending money. A friend might let you down. Tarot message: Avoid gossip at workplace. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 44.

CANCER: You may be under some stress. Don’t attempt to get new plans going. Work in seclusion if possible. Take the help of a Gemini. Stockbrokers take a back seat. You and your co-workers are on different wavelength. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

LEO: Argument with your spouse is possible. Watch your temper. Pay more attention to your creative and spiritual side. Go over your business accounts and loan repayment. Update your budget to suit your financial position. An excellent time to begin writing a journal. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 30.

VIRGO: Take full advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Don’t argue with the elders. You will get what you expect. You experience mood swings and anxiety. You may even quarrel with your lover. Your fear is greater than what will actually happen. Delightful surprises in store. Tarot message: Don’t overspend. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36.

LIBRA: Keep your spirits up. Put forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks and saving certificates. Your creativity shines. Students enjoy cheerful moments. You attract happy and positive people. Mutually warm feelings generate agreement. Don’t ignore any messages. Speak to your parents about a loan. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55.

SCORPIO: “Two of cups” promise many opportunities on the financial front. Commission agents increase their earning. The day ends nicely. You will enjoy a shopping trip. Love matters are high and many of you could be planning a wedding.

Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32.

SAGITTARIUS: A tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. Keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against accident while cooking. Talk to your partner and children about plans for the day. Compromise if necessary. Air your intentions. Don’t use the credit cards. Tarot message: Wait while everything will get sorted out. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40.

CAPRICORN: Secret meeting with influential people goes well. Your boss may promise a salary hike in the near future. Venus and Mars together stimulate the sexual side of an existing relationship. Your partner may come into an inheritance or receive a pay hike. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52.

AQUARIUS: The queen of Cups brings a job offer. Don’t be excitable. Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: a good day to introduce your beloved to your parents. Act upon your insight. Work out your moves logically. You are in danger of compromising on things you hold dear. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 58.

PISCES: A fine day to start something new. Businessmen: you can make a secret deal or alliance. Get advice but keep your real plans a secret. Take a walk to clear your head and bring peace to your heart.

Tarot message: Feel good about yourself & prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 42.





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