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Writing on the wall
Beautiful handwriting goes beyond colour, caste, religion and creed. From the times spoken about in history books, calligraphy has made its presence felt in religion, politics, and is today synonymous with royalty. Visual art or the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner, calligraphy has always had a regal touch. With the Internet engulfing all forms of handwriting, will the art of calligraphy stand the test of time? Bharti Sharma, a student of fine arts and a calligraphy lover, shares, “It was when I watched my father create masterpieces with calligraphy that I understood that it was not just any art, it was a part of an artist’s personality.” Although for arts students it is introduced as a normal subject, over time it manages to find followers. “Calligraphy was never really formal writing; it has made its way through from the times of Moghul paintings. Today, it has a special place. Many people get wedding cards, certificates done in calligraphy.” Not only in cards, calligraphy can be improvised and also used in graphic arts as well as logo-designing. Anand Chandrashekahr Shinde, assistant professor, Government College for Art-10, shares, “In Mumbai, calligraphy is an essential subject. Earlier, the pens were made out of bamboo shoots, but now we need to adapt to innovations. Calligraphy’s prospects are not limited to fancy writing only. Logo-designing and graphic arts also thrive on calligraphy,” he says. One national-level expert, dedicated to ensure that the knowledge of calligraphy is kept alive, is Achyut Ramchandra Palav. Achyut completed his education in applied arts from Sir JJ Institute of Art and has translated his passion into a full-time school. “One has to understand that calligraphy is not only an art, but an expressive medium where letters come alive,” he says. After his education, Achyut went to Germany and taught Indian calligraphy. “It was there I realised that calligraphy has worldwide patronage, which I started promoting in design, interiors, murals and paintings,” he shares. Talking about his quest for sharing knowledge on the art, the Mumbai-based calligrapher has also started a school. “Now, I have decided to give back what I have learnt, I travel and hold workshops for students as I firmly hold the view that it is only in schools that one really builds a personality. This skill that can be cultivated as part of a student’s personality development programme. It’s not only creative people who pursue calligraphy, my students come from diverse specialisations, including doctors, engineers and lawyers,” he adds. Principal of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, DS Kapoor, has been working hard to ensure the longevity of the skill. “Our college has regular calligraphy classes. Calligraphy is the language of design. Even the Indian manuscripts are in calligraphy and several languages have still protected the art,” he shares. Focusing on the diversity of the human touch, Ram Kumar Sharma, director, Bama Academy, says, “No matter how technologically advanced we get, the freedom to innovate and stylize only comes with a personal touch. Although calligraphy did witness a small block, particularly after more modern ways of writing came into being; now it’s staging a comeback. Just like the proverbial phoenix.”
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BOOKed in pre-school
For various reasons, parents can’t help talking about the competitiveness of the big bad world. Show them any number of movies on alternate education (read Taare Zameen Par) for kids; they would forget all about it once the movie is off the theatre! Give them any amount of dope on letting the kids follow their passion; they can’t help talking to little ones on the benefits of being a successful physician! However, it’s just about time they break free and also relieve their kids from the burden of competition. Meanwhile, Mona Shri Sethi, director, The British School, Sector-44, comes up with an interesting concept that will at least make kids in their pre-school years breathe easy; so will the parents, undoubtedly. As she says, “If your concepts are clear, the rest shouldn’t be a problem.” Mona comes up with six books for pre-school children called Kinder Magic, which will assist the kids in developing a solid base during their foundation years. These are given to the kids as two sets of books, with three books in each, which will suffice for the two foundation years of children before they enter kindergarten. Before you prepare the kids for the real classroom, these Kinder Magic books will do their magic trick. Showing us the books, which are the result of two years of research along with her qualified school staff, she shares, “The idea germinated on a visit to Cambridge for a seminar. I was impressed by the curriculum schools follow there. The whole idea of their education is to make it interesting,” she says, adding, “I thought we could do the same. As a mother of two girls, I know how confused I felt because I didn’t know what to teach them during their foundation years. You can’t pressurise them, their delicate minds form impressions easily, so we thought of doing something that would be interesting for the kids and also prepares them for kindergarten.” The Kinder Magic books are creatively designed workbooks that act as pictorial dictionaries that help in developing reading skills, use of stories, concept building, numbers and alphabets in a holistic manner. As Mona likes to describe, “In these books a ‘c’ comes before ‘a’, the idea is to first familarise them with lines, curves, and how they can form different words using them.” The best part about these books is that everything from forming the concept, design to getting the final prints is done by the experts at the British School. The lady definitely doesn’t underestimate kids. “They are smarter than what we ever were,” she laughs. You bet! An educationist, Mona, thinks that the books would take some burden off the parents as well. “They are too confused to decide what they should or shouldn’t teach their kids in this age. These theme-based books will lay the foundation for the early years of toddlers,” she says, showing the books, which has rhymes, numbers, words and beautiful ways in which a kid can go about using his or her creativity with crayons. jasmine@tribunermail.com
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What’s up this summer?
Shake a leg Celebs around the world bank on dancing to lose weight. Actor Kate Hudson to sports reporter Erin Andrews credits their fitness to dancing. Researchers around the world claim that dancing not only fuels calorie burnout, it also gives better posture, uplifts one mentally and helps you make friends. And when it comes to Chandigarh, it’s raining dance workshops. Shiamak Dawar to lesser known others have brought dances from around the world to Chandigarh. Pick up a form that suits your style — Salsa, Zumba, Belly, Ballet or Line Dancing — you have it all. “Dance is the ultimate workout not only for the body but also the mind,” says Gaganpreet Chauhan, dance instructor, Spritu-all-8, Panchkula. She is offering classes for all age groups, including the one in which moms can join their kids. “My classes also include etiquette training,” says Gagan, who also touches upon serious issues like ‘good touch, bad touch’ with her students. Add colour to life Want to appreciate life in a whole new manner? Try colours. Painting is another known form of physical therapy as well as relaxation. Invest in colours, canvas, sketch-book…whatever you feel comfortable with. There are art instructors offering classes for all age groups. Mast Parindey Club is soon offering classes at Banyan Tree-48 for art and craft. Stage a show “Mime and mimicry are a few things that a child can do on his or her own,” says Priya Garg, director, Leena Mogre’s Specialised Fitness-8. Their Roller Coaster Club includes set design and theatre in their summer programme and has a performance on the finale. Siblings get discounts as well. Cook it up Thought of bringing change in your meals? How about cooking something new? Rohini Walia, a cookery expert, is offering classes on making the most of seasonal fruits - mango and melons. Grab a bite! Go sporty Skating, swimming, tennis or football, be a sports star this summer. A vigorous exercise sure restores physical and mental vigour. Burn out those negative emotions in the sports field. mona@tribunemail.com
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Shakira magic at Indian wedding
Grand palazzos, gondolas and Colombian pop star Shakira in person! It couldn’t get bigger than the grand Indian wedding of Britain-based industrialist Pramod Agarwal’s daughter in Venice at a reported cost of 10 million euros. The May 12-14 affair to remember saw as many as 800 guests and 72 hours of celebration, the high point of which was a performance by Shakira. The three-day extravaganza saw elephants and horses traipsing down the charming Italian city of canals. Agarwal, an Indian-born metals commodities trader and investor, hosted the wedding of his daughter Vinita to Muqit Teja at the San Clemente Palace Hotel and Resort. — IANS
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Jiyo zindagi, king size
The cast and crew of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara launched the digital promo of the film at a fun-filled event held on Sunday. They were at their wittiest best and kept the audience in splits. Here are snippets of the conversation between the stars and the media.
Q. The movie bears a resemblance to Dil Chahta Hai. What do you have to say about that? Farhan: The only similarity this film has with Dil Chahta Hai is that the film has three bachelors and is about their friendship and journey. I assure that the film is very different in its treatment and the content and writing is more mature than DCH. I loved being part of and making DCH and it has been a pleasure working on ZNMD as well. Zoya: I worked on DCH and it is one of my favourite Hindi films. It is a pleasure and a compliment that this film is already being compared to DCH and if that pulls the crowds in, then great. Q. The release date of the film was changed quite a few times. Why? Farhan: We want to give the best product, the best version of our film to the audiences which is why we had to change the release dates from May to June and finally July. We are very happy with this version of the film. Hrithik: Yes, I saw it last night and I am ecstatic with the movie! Zoya is the only director I have worked with twice in my career except my father. The great thing about my job is that I can be married and still play a bachelor and explore the world! I have played larger-than-life characters in movies such as Jodhaa-Akbar, Krishh, Dhoom 2, and Koi Mil Gaya. This character is completely different from what I have played before because I had to be very real, normal, and indifferent to the camera. I had a great time during the making of the film. Q. Katrina, you have ridden a bike in the film and are also a scuba diving instructor. How did you train for those scenes? Katrina: I trained to ride the bike for four days and Zoya shot with me for three hours. I enjoyed riding the bike and want to do that in Mumbai too. I might just go for bike rides with my friends. Regarding scuba diving, I trained for three days in the swimming pool in Otters Club in Bandra and thought it was very easy. Cut to a few months later, all of us were in a big boat in the sea. They stopped the boat in the middle of the sea and there was a storm. The instructor told us to jump and didn't listen to anything I said about the storm. So we jumped and it was a completely new world. When we were done shooting, the instructor told us that he had not informed us about the hammerhead sharks that were swimming above us. So scuba diving was a life-changing experience for me.
Q. Abhay, you are the only guy who has kept his shirt on in the film. Hrithik and Farhan are happy to be topless? Abhay: I really had no problems taking my shirt off, I was paid for it, after all! (Laughs) Actually, Arjun Bhasin, the stylist, told me that it was a better idea for me to keep my vest on because of my chest hair. Hrithik and Farhan have no chest hair and that is why they took off their shirts. We were shooting for the tomato festival sequence and he said all the juice would get messy in my hair and nobody would notice my six-pack abs because it would not be a pretty sight. So I kept the vest on. (With a straight face), If you pay me, I don't mind taking my clothes off. Q. The movie is about living life to the fullest so what would you all do if you had only day to live? Abhay: I would get married. Katrina: I would also get married but not to Abhay. Hrithik: I am thinking about it. Zoya: I would release the film, no matter which stage of post-production it is in. Ritesh: I would go and watch the film. Farhan: I would call the doctor and ask him to confirm if I were really dying. I would spend my time calling and thanking the people that I love and acknowledging their influence in my life. Q. Katrina, the guys seem to get along fabulously so how did you mix with them? Farhan and Hrithik know each other since childhood and even Abhay mixed very well with them. It was very sweet of Abhay to make friends with me. The guys would be in one corner laughing away and I would be in another corner. We all bonded as the shooting progressed. The tomato festival was my favourite and most memorable day of the shooting. |
Madhur Bhandarkar has finally announced his long awaited dream project, Heroine at the Cannes Film Festival with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.The film was initially offered to Kareena Kapoor but she turned it down so the entire script has been re-written to suit Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Finally it 's happening… You know I actually can't say how happy I am today after announcing this project. I have worked on many films but Heroine is very close to my heart as I have worked really hard on it. And after working so hard on the script finally we will start shooting for it from June 10. Heroine is about… First of all, it is not about Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor or any other Hollywood or Bollywood actress any more. It is the story of one actress' internalized journey into stardom, the people that she meets, and the experiences that she gathers. It has nothing to do with any individual character or person. We've completely re-written the role to suit Aishwarya. You will find some emotional, shocking, scandalous encounters behind this glamorous world which the actress will portray. He as a director… I always make films about people whom I meet, about what I know, and what I have seen. Then I write it down in my script and want to give my imagination a platform and that's how I make my films. Being a director, I have to think about a lot of things. Being creative, the actor should get into the role and I am very happy that till date I have selected those women who have actually played roles just the way I imagined they would do it. Let it be Tabu, Bipasha Basu, Konkona Sen Sharma or Priyanka Chopra. And I am also confident about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as she is the perfect face for this film. On Kareena… Yes, I offered the role to her but she didn't do it. However, the reports in the media regarding her objections to certain scenes are untrue. The media can write what they want. We both know why she did not do the film. There is no bad blood between us and we might work together in the future, depending on the project. How he convinced Ash… The moment Aishwarya read the script she fell in love with it. The media simply speculated that there were too many love scenes, which I deleted for her. Let me clarify that there were no love scenes. The script has gone through changes but that happens with every film. Break ke baad… I was on a break for a long time as I was concentrating on Heroine so I took all my time for this film.Shooting begins on June 10 and I am looking forward to it. I stole the opportunity of showcasing it at Cannes as both Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ronnie Screwvala were there.
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Bollywood actor and TV anchor turned director Sajid Khan has started directing Housefull 2. He says Housefull 2 is not a sequel to Housefull. He promises a complete joyride when the film releases early next year. What can one expect from Housefull 2? Housefull 2 is a fun loving film and I am sure when you leave the theatre your stomach will pain because of laughter as it's one of the toughest screenplays I have worked on till date. We have started shooting and the film could release by the end of 2011 or early 2012. What urged you to make a sequel to Housefull? I loved Housefull so I am making Housefull 2. But I think calling Housefull 2 a sequel will be wrong because Housefull 2 is another film in the Housefull franchise. According to me, in a sequel you continue the same story with the same characters but Housefull 2 is a different story. What draws you to make a film? I make those films which I love to watch. I make films always from the audiences' point of view. I don't make films for critics. My audience likes my film and I make my films for them. I don't make film to get recognisation or to be known as an "acclaimed director." I love watching masala Hindi movies just like my audience. Has acting taken a back seat for you? You know, actually I wanted to be part of Housefull 2. Believe me, every single character is hilarious. If I weren't directing the film, then I would be playing one of the roles. I would have loved to play Aakhri Pasta in Housefull. That role was successfully essayed by Chunky Pandey. How is your chemistry with Sajid Nadiadwala? We are best friends. If Sajid calls Sajid even at 3 in the night we will be available for each other. Sajid Nadiadwala is a great man with great talent. He knows what his audience loves to watch and is a great marketing genius. If you see the films produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, they've all done exceptionally well in marketing and attracting audiences worldwide. We make sure our actors are also promoting the film. Who all are there in Housefull 2? There's Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh from the first film. There is Rahul Khanna, Asin, Jaqueline, Shazahn, Mithunda, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Boman Irani, Chunky Pandey. Everyone has a great role in the film. Every actor will be remembered for their character in the film. — HRM
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Horror at best
Stars to skip IIFA Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, and Salman Khan may skip the IIFA Awards ceremony in Toronto. A feud between their business managers and some of Khan's family members is to blame. Let us see what happens. Shahid hurt Shahid Kapoor got injured while shooting for Mausam. He was shooting at a ground in suburban Mumbai and a ferris-wheel tumbled down on him and some other members of the crew. Thankfully, they escaped with minor injuries. Karan Johar has been invited to the Queen's 60th year celebrations in 2012. He has also been selected as a goodwill ambassador for the Olympics that will take place in London next year. Karan is elated as London is one of his favourite cities and the UK is a huge market for his films. |
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"Earlier when I got into this movie I was against reservation. I felt that things should be done on the level of merit. But after doing this film I have altered my stance on reservation to some extent. It should exist but to what extent and percentage that is debatable," the actor opined. —PTI
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Here I sit today, penning my thoughts for The Tribune for the first time ever. It's a truly special occasion because one I get to share special moments from my life with my ardent Punjabi fans and two, it takes me back to my lovely childhood memories. It was the newspaper I grew up reading and here I am with all of you today. I just got back home after watching Stanley ka dabba with my very dear friend Sonu Nigam in the theatre. A house full show, the film got a standing ovation and as the people saw me, they wouldn't go without saying how much they loved the film and Rosy miss! Sonu told me how proud he was on seeing me as an actor who has come of age. And actor is what I always wanted to become, however, coming from a family of doctors and studying in Ludhiana, it was a far-fetched dream. I remember my elocution class in Sacred Heart Convent School and the students being asked what they wanted to become when they grew up. There were obvious replies - 'mam, doctor', IAS…' and then came my turn, the captain of the class. I got up and said, 'actor". There was a stunned silence in the class, the teacher finally came up to me and asked me to come out of the class. She held my hand sweetly and explained -'Beta, you said it today, but don't say it again. You are the captain of the class, don't set a bad example.' I promised I wouldn't, but my heart knew where it belonged! When I got selected for the final round in Mumbai for the Stardust Academy, my mom supported me big time. Since I was very good in studies, everyone wanted me to be a doctor, but she said 'I never want you to say that I stopped you from doing what you really wanted to do.' She came with me to Mumbai and I prepared for the final round of histrionics. As I opened the door of the audition hall, I saw a panel of people sitting there to judge me and the faces I saw were the most famous directors of Bollywood - Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Sooraj barjatya, Shekhar Kapoor and more. I tried to remain calm, but in reality my legs were trembling. However, I also knew that I had to give it my best and make my dream come true. I looked at those faces looking at me to perform…(to be continued next week) (The writer is a Bollywood actor)
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Following the stars
Logic does make things sound better. So, when someone tells us it is important to prepare for the future, we wonder what made people like Richard Bach, Brian Weiss, Paulo Coelho advocate the importance of staying in the present. Then we are given logical explanation to it. Take it or leave it, we have all the choice. Capt (retd) Dr Lekh Raj Sharma, two-time recipient of the President's award for palmistry, and a doctorate in his subject backs everything with a reason. In city to announce the opening of palmistry and astrology centre at Seven Seas Spa Mountview, Lekh Raj Sharma is well versed with the 'doubt' that his profession and passion invites. "I understand people have all sorts of notions for astrologers. I don't nullify them after all it comes from their experience with them." Lekh Raj believes it is the dearth of genuine seekers and qualified people in this field, which has brought in this doubt. "I had always been intrigued by the movement of stars and planets and how they could affect us. All the same, I couldn't just read books and sit down to make judgments on someone's future. I had to study and research on it." This is precisely what he did. "I specialised in palmistry, with a doctorate in astrology from Benaras Hindu University. I learnt how notions supported by right reasoning could make for an interesting subject. Astrology wasn't fluff, it was a science of Maths and reasoning, leading to some conclusion called predictions according to people," shares Lekh Raj Sharma who also won an international award in astrology. Peeping into the future, leaving it to planets to decide fate doesn't seem logical though! Lekh Raj says, "Astrology is not peeping into the future, it is trying to gauge how things take shape according to the person you are. Besides, don't writers like Paulo Coelho ask you to look for signs, signs which you get everywhere? Astrology also looks for the signs and goes a step to work the signs in your favour," says this retired army officer who wants youngsters to understand this as a science and suggests — do not follow it blindly.
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Butterfly bend
The butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana) is an easy yoga posture designed to relieve inner-thigh tension as well as muscle discomfort around the legs and back due to standing for too long. It soothes menstrual discomfort and helps relieve symptoms of menopause. It works on the pelvic muscles, hip joints and inner thighs that is why it also cures Sciatica, infertility and uro-genital disorder. It stimulates abdominal organs, ovaries and prostate gland, bladder and kidneys. Consistent practice of this pose until late into pregnancy is said to help ease childbirth. Part one of this pose is for the beginners and part two can only be performed if you are perfect in part one.
n Part one-Bend your knees and bring your sole closer to each other. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, raising your pelvis on a blanket if your hips or groins are tight. Exhale, bend your knees, pull your heels toward your pelvis, then drop your knees out to the sides and press the soles of your feet together. Bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you comfortably can. With the first and second finger and thumb, grasp the big toe of each foot. Always keep the outer edges of the feet firmly on the floor. The perineum then will be approximately parallel to the floor and the pelvis in a neutral position. Never force your knees down. Instead release the heads of the thigh bones toward the floor. When this action leads, the knees follow. Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes or do 50 repetitions. Then inhale, lift your knees away from the floor, and extend the legs back to their original position. n Part two-Exhale and lean your torso forward between the knees. Remember to come forward from the hip joints, not the waist. Bend your elbows and push them against the inner thighs or calves. If your head doesn't rest comfortably on the floor, support it on a block or the front edge of a chair seat. (Juneja is a Chandigarh-based yoga expert) |
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SUCCESS MANTRA Rajni Bector had no more than a minute to name the brand that she led from a meagre Rs 300 to a turnover of around Rs 600 crore. One of the directors and more of a mentor of Cremica group, Bector's is a true success story from the region. This entrepreneur from Ludhiana established a huge empire when women from 'good' houses did not work. "It all started when my children were away to hostel. Alone in a large house, I took succour in cooking and organising parties," shares Bector. Her cooking got popular among friends, especially the ice-creams. Encouraged by family and friends to turn her passion for cooking into her profession, Bector started making ice-creams from her kitchen. Orders started pouring from close ones whom she couldn't refuse. Demand grew so much that she had to move from her kitchen to her backyard to put up a small ice-cream plant. "It was then that my husband, a businessman himself, suggested registering the company. 'Do it properly' he said and asked me the name for the concern. I asked him to give me some time before I could come up with a suitable name, but he would hear none of it. I was working with cream that time, so 'Cremica' was born," shares Bector. Ice-cream led to bread, biscuits and then children came back finishing their studies and joined Bector. Then came McDonalds' prestigious order and work further diversified to buns, sauce, namkeen and is growing with each year. Today, Cremica supplies to the Army, railways and exports as well. "The beginning wasn't easy. It was looked down upon if women worked, but my husband gave me unconditional support and so did my father-in-law. He said, 'Do what gives you happiness'," remembers Bector. Today, she is more of a mentor for Cremica and spends a larger part of her time in looking after her associates. Her factories have addresses all around the country with some 5,000 workers manning operations. When Bector is not looking after her concern or her family, she is helping the less privileged ones. And what is she looking forward to in life? "To ensure that my family stays together and charts a new course of success," she says. This woman with a vision shares her success mantras with our readers. Work is worship These are no simple words. Treat your work as a prayer and you will sure be rewarded with success. Listen to others 'I am right' attitude is unfavourable for success. Listen to others if you want to grow. Strive for perfection Don't let complacency set in. There is always scope for improvement. Keep striving to better your work. Put the best effort Never compromise on quality. I use only the best available ingredients in my products. Similarly, invest in the best resources to get the best results. Be genuine to yourself and others Bluffing doesn't work. Be true to your inner consciousness and also people you work with. Let not success turn you headstrong. Be humble, let success only fuel the desire to strive better! mona@tribunemail.com
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Art(y) Affair
She is a photographer and a painter rolled into one. "That's exactly how artists are; we take interest in various aspects of art," says Namrata Singh, a budding artist, who has put up her first solo exhibition at the Punjab Kala Bhavan-16, Chandigarh. "My passion for art began when I started studying fine arts in 1997. A pass out from SDNT College, Pune, Namrata is busy seeking inspiration from life. "Art is not something that one can just learn. It needs constant innovation and research. Whenever I think about a painting, I look for diverse ways to depict a thought," she says. "Like here, I created a collage out of magazine cut-out and just wanted to depict a spectrum of colours," she shares pointing to her favourite creation with a sense of pride. Strolling through the art gallery, a painting with a bouquet of roses caught our attention. "This is my favourite, a perfect reflection of the fact that colours and women are closely connected," she smiled. As a stark contrast, one entire portion of the exhibition donned black and white pictures. "The juxtaposition of colours and the black and white has been intentional. These photographs were captured during my several trips to the United States, Canada and Hoshiarpur," she shares. Just as she completes the sentence, her eyes shine, "That's where my maternal family lives. I have always had fond memories of the place and wanted to project them in my work," she says. Namrata took her creativity ahead and went on to complete a course in animation from Vancouver Institute of Media Arts in 2005. Talking about her inclination towards capturing animals, she explains the picture of a tiger. "This is something I just had to capture," she says. "Tigers are fascinating creatures. When you see a wild cat sleeping like a cub, it's not something worth missing," she says. Another picture, which would have echoed a bit more in black and white, showed a small humming bird. "I just wanted to ensure that the bird was the object of the attention," she says. "Playing with colours unleashes creativity. Abstract art does just that for the artist. When there is no structure to art, even inter-operations differ. It's always a delight for an artist when viewers understand art with their own definitions," she says.
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Want to live longer?
Having supportive colleagues not only makes the workday easier, it may also help people live longer, according to a new studyResearchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel found that a good relationship with co-workers had an impact on mortality risk for people and was most pronounced between the ages of 38 and 43. "Peer social support, which could represent how well a participant is socially integrated in his or her employment context, is a potent predictor of the risk of all causes of mortality," the researchers said. Dr. Arie Shirom and her team studied the medical records of more than 800 workers who had been followed for 20 years, from 1988 to 2008, and questionnaires that measured job demands, control at work and peer and supervisor support. Although complaining about the boss is a favorite work topic, the study showed that having a supportive supervisor had no impact on mortality. The researchers also found a pronounced difference between the sexes in the impact of having control and decision-making authority at work. It increased the risk of mortality for women in the study, but had a protective effect for men. Decision authority was based on workers being able to use their initiative, having input on how to use their skills and the freedom to make decisions to accomplish tasks. Shirom explained the findings saying that most of the people in the study held blue collar jobs, in which men typically had high levels of control and women did not. One-third of people in the study were women. The average workday was 8.8 hours. Eighty per cent were married with children, and nearly half had at least 12 years of education. The researchers controlled other risk factors that could impact mortality such as a cholesterol levels, blood pressure etc. — Reuters
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Speaking about his latest project, Chopra said, "Everyone knows that when I make a movie, Shahrukh will be involved with it. Once Adi gives me the final draft of the script, I will finalise the two girls who will be cast along with Shahrukh." For the first time, Chopra and Rahman have come together for the music of a project. Speaking on his collaboration with Rahman, Chopra said, "I am starting work on the music of my untitled film with the very talented Rahman. Apart from the great honour that he has consistently brought to our country, he is also someone that has created some outstanding and memorable music. Rahman, while speaking about working with the filmmaker for the first time said, "I am very excited to work with Yashji and I am humbled by his faith in me for his film. I have seen that Yashji always portrays music as the inevitable essence of love and divinity in his movies. I hope as a team we can bring tremendous joy to all.” — Agencies
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astro turf
ARIES: Don’t let ego clashes spoil your family life. Watch your emotions. Operate with the future in mind. Cupid strikes. You are bubbling with excitement. Focus on social activities brings fun and romance. Be alert to an easy-come, easy-go approach. Don’t listen to tips on investments from a friend or associate. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28.
TAURUS: You could be feeling a little irritable early in the day, so leave other people alone until you start to relax and warm up. Don’t mortgage joint assets. Long distance travel is favourable. Protect kids against infection or stomach problem. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 63. GEMINI: Mental and physical energy can be successfully combined today. Property matters must also be handled with a great deal of care. Party time ahead. You have sensitivity and empathy for those around you. Take everything you are told with a pinch of salt when meeting suitors. Don’t exaggerate. Poetry, art will appeal greatly. Tarot message: Don’t divest assets. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 48. CANCER: You have high hopes in love. A peaceful day. Women: if intended to do any shopping, go out before lunch time. Pay great attention to detail. Take care of housework. Don’t criticise those close to you as it won’t be appreciated. A side interest can look like a good business proposition. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 39. LEO: This is a good business day. Your personal and public lives clash. Travelling may affect health. Watch what you say. This Venus transit is quite favorable for financial negotiations. Do not be extravagant. Venus may tempt you to be more lavish than your budget would allow. Tarot message: Don’t dismiss advice from youthful origin. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25. VIRGO: There is a chaotic energy in the celestial sphere. Upsets or accidents could occur. Think before you act and this time shall pass. Relationships are on your mind. Love yourself. Your partner will be helpful. Women: social work attracts you. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 46. LIBRA: Opportunities come your way. “Ace of Pentacles” suggests a tension in your personal and professional relationships. Stay detached. Identify problems and resolve your differences. You enjoy good rapport with your associates. Luck is with you. Don’t lie to your partner. Tarot message: Avoid unpleasant situations. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35. SCORPIO: Complete work. Your spouse might be feeling a little emotional. Avoid arguments. You enjoy at a social function. Study art, religion, poetry, music and spiritual or occult subjects. A friend in need may call upon for help and advice. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44. SAGITTARIUS: A tricky day. You don’t get time to relax. Children’s demands may be neglected. A difficult day for important business moves. Communicative Mercury joins a loving Venus to bring compassion in personal and professional dealings. Check deals on travel. Tarot message: Determination pays. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. CAPRICORN: Handle money sensibly. Double check details before signing a deal. Question a partner’s odd spending habits. Pay attention to the present job. Watch out for the unexpected. People will be more in tune with you. You are in a romantic mood this evening. Prudence is the key. Tarot message: Difficulties at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 30. AQUARIUS:Take the morning off, dozing and dreaming. Save money. Feed your intellectual interests. A political gathering attracts you. You may plan to go on a pilgrimage. The day is good for romance. Good luck on the domestic front cheers you. Students: you make new friends. Long journey gets delayed. Tarot message: Plan your life. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27. PISCES: Let people know if you are going to be late for important appointments. It is difficult to concentrate on studies. Arguments with colleagues may become serious. Travel, study or foreign contacts highlighted. Contacting a friend or sibling overseas takes your time. Tarot message: Take up a new learning opportunity. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.
chatter box When it comes to the size of families on television shows, the word is large. It is these big families who teach us about righteousness in life and giving importance to family bonding in their own unique way. We take a look at some of these unique families who stand out. Sanghavan family in Laado The matriarch Ammaji rules the house with an iron fist. Her rules and decisions are never challenged by anyone. Ammaji’s verdict is the last verdict. The story is set in the male dominated Veerpur in Haryana and girls are treated as a bane instead of a boon. Now Ammaji has two grand daughters and she is enjoying playing goody-two-shoes while pitting them against each other. Raichand’s family in Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahaani They are vampires. Period. They are as unique as they get. The most respected family in Dehradun, the Raichands are elite who live in a palatial bungalow and roam free among humans. Though their thirst for blood is never quenched, they are an epitome of positivity and goodness. That enables them to make an impact on the audiences. Mona, Anukalp’s families in Ram Milaye Jodi Mona is a Sikh while Anukalp is a Gujarati. Totally diverse, the two lovebirds get married after a lot of false starts. Post Mona and Anukalp’s marriage, the unity in both the families was sight for sore eyes. Chaturvedi family in Saas Bina Sasural The uniqueness of the family is that the family consists of men only. They abhor women and have their reasons for the same. So when the son of the Chaturvedi family, Tej falls in love and decides to marry Tanya aka Toasty, there is hell. In spite of differences between the brothers, the family always stays together. Toasty’s entry post marriage was tough on her but she soon became a pro at handling household work and win the heart of everyone in the family. Apoorva’s family in Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo The uniqueness of Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo is the situational comedy that arises from a small lie by the protagonist-Apoorva he tells his employer Dhirubhai Jhaveri about his big family to get a job. Successful businessman Dhirubhai hates lies and liars and believes in family bonding and values. Ultimately Apoorva creates a fake family to impress Dhirubhai and his niece Aarti who he marries. Eventually, Apoorva’s fake family becomes his real family and also helps Dhirubhai whenever he is in trouble. Modi family (Saath Nibhana
Saathiya) The bahus of the Modi family Gopi and Rashi don’t share good relationship with their husbands. They carry on their household duties without a hitch and seek contentment in life. While Gopi wants her husband’s love, Rashi wants Modi’s money. Also in most shows the saas-bahu drama is evident but in this family the saas Koki favours her bahu Gopi. This uniqueness has the audiences hooked. Tusshar-Amrita ki... Toh Lag Gayi Naukri Tusshar Kapoor and Amrita Rao will make an appearance in Meri Toh Lag Gayi Naukri on Bindass TV tonight. The duo will be promoting their film Love U Mr Kalakaar and also offer some love advice to the lead pair Ayaan and
Sonika. Akshay’s double role bonanza! He plays the role of the angry young man Deepak, who hates his father as he raped his mother and even wants to kill him. And the role of an old guy, Deepak’s father too. Gaurav Chanana had done the last double role in Yehi Toh Hai few years back. 26-year-old Akshay is enjoying playing a 17-year-old and 55-year-old guy, respectively. Theme party for
Uttaran
The team of Uttaran team decided it would be fun to have a theme party to celebrate the completion of 600 episodes of their hit show. The Colors show that began with two girls from different strata of society befriending each other to being married to the same person. The unit and cast had a blast playacting. Among the men, Ayub Khan looked believable dressed as a old woman, while hero Nandish Sandhu wasn’t able to pull off the womanly attire. While Ammo and Tina looked cool dressed as Thakurs, Rashmi Desai skipped the dressing part. The party went past midnight and everyone enjoyed making fun of each other and the gender change theme.
the year ahead
If your birthday is May 18...
Someone in your circle will offer very important suggestions to change your 2012. Go ahead and accept advice. You won’t lament later. This is also a good time to submit writing for publication or serials or films. Poet or lyricists grab the opportunity as your lyrics may come on everyone’s lips next year. You may not be paid much at first, but eventually, you can command a handsome price for your labour. You’ll be under the ultra-beneficial influence of stars . Big changes are ahead that you can’t imagine. You might accidentally sabotage some important relationship! Try a little extra humility in October . Earnings will be more than you anticipated after Saturn turns to Libra sign in November . Collaboration and professional harmony with Leos will be excellent. The stars are not totally positive for those who work in police. Good time for students. Those pursuing studies, would find this span to be favourable. If planning to go abroad for studies this is a most suitable time, don’t miss it. She is also remembered for her part in Aradhana where she plays Rajesh Khanna’s girlfriend and the song Bagon me bahar hai, kaliyon pe nikhar hai. She has acted for over forty years. Having number 9 as the basic digit, she will continue to be active in the future as well.
beat it
Song: My House Singers: Marcel & Stefano Pain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR-GlAjaOaA This track is the no 1 progressive house track on beat port these days. I like the song because it a strong bassline. Also, the various elements of the track comprising of harmony, lead and the melody are very nice, and all aligned in a very refined manner. The effects of the elements are also used in a very neat manner. As the track progresses, the song gets more and more groovy. So, you can sway to it as you want. (As told to Jasmine Singh) |
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Waltzing across the hall, dabbling in colour, dishing out culinary delights or showcasing your acting talent….what’s your agenda this summer? We list out the options Chandigarh offers.
Q. Hrithik, have you seen the film yet? How does it feel to play a bachelor? 
Ragini MMS has positively emerged as the most lethal combination of sex and horror to hit Indian screens. On the day of its premiere, the thriller had a strong visceral impact on some of the industry beauties. Anita Hassanandani came out of the screen even before the interval with tears rolling down her eyes. "It's fabulous but I can't watch the second half. It's too scary!" she remarked. Shriya Saran accompanied by her mother left in the interval both looking visibly shaken. "I'm going to struggle to sleep at night!" said Shriya. Celina Jaitly's friends convinced her to sit through the film at the end of which she tweeted, "It's the most real horror film I've seen. It really scared me." So much so that in a hasty bid to leave the cinema, she left her expensive Gucci bag behind.
Guest of honour 
Actor Saif Ali Khan, who will be seen in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, dealing with the issue of reservation, says the film has altered his perception and broadened his view about the subject.
Ace music director and Oscar winner A R Rahman will compose tunes for filmmaker Yash Chopra's next directorial venture which will star Shah Rukh Khan with two leading ladies.
Preet Se Bandhi Yeh Dori...Ram Milaayi Jodi is the tale of Mona and Anukalp, who hail from culturally diverse families. 
Akshay Sethi feels lucky to get the chance to play a double role in Sasuraal Genda Phool.
Farida Jalal (May 18, 1949) who began her career in the 60s has her birthday today. Her roles progressed from that of a sister and girlfriend to aunt and mother and sometimes to a nanny.
Genre: Progressive House