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Making waves
An interesting voice is any day better than an unexciting virtue; interesting, like a really, really interesting voice! Did anybody's mind sprint to recall the person that talks love, relationships, ambition, city, sarcasm, lies, neighbours, movies, career, flings, events, weather, future… Huh! Don't they banter a lot?
Don't they connect just as much? Who are you listening to? The girl on the other side; the chatter box, giving a pep talk early in the morning, late in the evening, middle of the afternoon…some of the region-based girl-RJs share what makes them click with the listeners. The lady on the microphone, in a closed studio, behind a certain frequency has some gift of the gab. "When it comes to conversations, females naturally have that charm and vivacity that draws listeners to them. No wonder that makes females a hit in this profession," RJ Reet from Jalandhar explains. She adds, "I have worked in a lot of media-related fields, this industry has a lot of security. I mean you work in a closed studio, it's just about your voice and conversations, you don't have to go out and slog." At the risk of sounding feminist, just as girl DJs rock behind the console, girl RJs have always been good on the microphone. And do the ladies from the field give their own versions? Shares RJ Meenaxi, from MY FM, "Opening up to a female comes naturally; even at home you'd rather share your problems with your mother than father. They are as it is good listeners, so no wonder we connect even with people who've never seen us and they confide in us with all sorts of problems." Dealing with the male attention right from school boys to the salt-and-pepper crowd is perhaps a natural extension of the job profile. Laughs RJ Sophie from Big FM, "With school boys, of course, I have to be a little extra sweet. It's good to have admirers, to be honest. But with people, who try to cross the line, you just have to learn to draw the line and maintain distance." Recalls RJ Meenaxi, "I remember this crazy fan, who'd send me a gift before the start of my show or this another crazy boy who'd give threats of jumping off the building if he didn't get to talk. Over-zealous male attention, sometimes you plainly ignore or calm them down." The flipside is just like the hazards in any other profession and who minds a bunch a dozen admirers. As for the other opinions on the subject, they fall pretty much in sync. Adds RJ Sophie, "I hope it doesn't sound feminist but I think female RJs definitely have their own impact and essence. People naturally open up to a voice that sounds sensitive and is pleasing to the ear." No wonder, hardly any radio station's programming content is complete without its fair share of the feminine touch. Nods RJ Laila, "There are two reasons for this. Girls would feel comfortable discussing their innermost feelings and problems with girls only; and boys too would rather discuss things with us because they want a girl's perspective, someone who has a sensitive approach to their problems." For the rest of the things, we have men behind the microphone having fun. Did all of them chorus, 'Hope nobody's sounding chauvinist…oops feminist." Isn't everybody listening to the girl on the other side; the chatter box, giving a pep talk early in the morning, late in the evening, middle of the afternoon!
manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Sick? Go on leave!
In this dog-eat-dog world, the first word that a kid picks up is competition. A world where you slog for the whole month and return with a fat cheque not knowing when to spend that; where you are made to sit in shiny glass cubicles ensuring you don't have time to think about what should be written on the epitaph...is survival easy? We know the answer, and so do you. But guess what — someone smart created a thing called sick leave, which can momentarily bail you out from the rut and madness of work.
Sick leave — to be ideally used when an employee falls sick or for the present times, leave that can be availed when an employee thinks he or she should be falling sick very soon, is now being taken even for conflicts and stress at work. According to UK government statistics, over 8 million working days per year are lost due to illness and about a third of these are due to minor ailments such as coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea. In fact, stress and conflict can trigger people to take sick leave as an excuse for a genuine reason. Do you agree? Kapil Sharma, working as senior software engineer at G Designs, Mohali, has a candid take on the sick leave situation. "It works both ways. Sometimes stress at work triggers a feeling of sickness, like severe headache, cough, cold, low or high blood pressure, while at other times when an employee feels that he or she could get into any untoward incident at work, sick leave comes up as an exciting option." Kapil can vouch for the fact that most of the employees at his workplace don't use sick leaves when they are sick. "They are rather taken to chicken out from some difficult situation at work because there is no verification of the leave." A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more in the days just before sick leave than on other days. It also found that individuals with a minor ailment were more likely to report sick when they expected that the following workday would be particularly stressful! Do we have a choice! Corporates and non-corporates following a 24X7 grilling schedule second every single word of the study. "We have limited holidays, limited sick leaves and unlimited stress at work," says Neharaj Trehan, corporate communications head with Techline, a computer software firm at Baddi. "Mostly we cannot avail all the sick leaves at one go, so we are left with no other option but avail it in one way or the other. I personally feel the stress at work these days makes employees fall sick." It is more or less an excuse now! |
Who cares? Just party
She will blow dry her hair in curly locks, she will roll over a red or any matching colour on her lips, she will slip into a sexy outfit, preferably black, she will douse herself in some enticing (this is what she thinks) perfume. She will not leave the sight of the mirror till you drag her. This how she will prepare herself for a dance party!
He is indecisive, he will carelessly pull out his tee (bright colured for once), he might or might not take a good look at the mirror (you don't have mirrors at hostels or PG), but he would bathe in perform for sure. This is how men dress up for a dance party! No frills, no extra effort, no hurried visit to a parlour. Plain and simple case of limited choice, or they just don't want to…..hey guys who is answering this? White out
Could you please leave the whites for formal boardroom meetings, dig out a nice designer or at least bright shirt from your closest. Preetpal Sekhon, Ludhiana-based designer, suggests that men can make a smart choice if they plan in advance. "Whites look good, but I still suggest bright shirts for an evening party lest you want to carry the 'oh-work-is-killing me look' to the dance floor and impress the girlies." Bright shirts (read not in outrageous colours), linen shirts or the designer ones make for good party wear. Preetpal suggests formal pants, at the same time she knows most men wouldn't stick to this. "They would invariably go for denims with everything. They would leave formal pants for marriages." It sounds like a case of limited choice! Shoe shine
Eek, did we see you dancing around on the floor in your floaters. You just committed a crime! C'mon guys you can do better. It's alright to go with smart sneakers, but no 'chappals' please. We don't mind seeing you in formal shoes, unless you decide to go the jumping jack way in shoe-shining white shoes! Coating it right
Alright, how about a cool Vegas sports coat; it doesn't look overdressed. The whole idea is to have fun so how about not going overboard with anything. Maybe this helps, a checked shirt, cool sports coat, and ultra-cool sneakers - guys this sounds fun. Samarjeet Kahlon, a regular party-goer from Chandigarh, has something to share. "We are not like girls, they spend endless hours to dress up for the party where the idea is to dance and have fun. Who is bothered about what you are wearing, unless you want all eyeballs on you. All said and done, men have limited choice too, I can't go to a dance party wearing a Versace suit or sherwani. I am left with good old denims, tees and shirts." One look at the rear mirror of the Safari and boys you are good to hit the dance
floor! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
Melody in STRINGS
"During childhood, I used to wake up to the soulful strains of music emanating from the sitar being played by my mother Tripta Chakraborty. I knew the dawn and morning by this phenomenon," shares Kolkata-based sitar maestro Debajit Chakraborty.
His father Indu Chakraborty, a classical vocalist, hoped that Debajit would start learning the sitar from an early age, but he took it up for post-graduation, after completing honours degree in commerce. Not only did he excel, he also decided to make it his calling. Debajit learnt Sitar under the tutelage of Pandit Mani Lal Nag, a doyen of Vishnupur Gharana. As of now, he learns from Guru Santosh Banerjee of Rampur Senia Gharana. Holding an A-grade of AIR, Debajit has performed in top music festivals in India, Russia, Canada and the US. In Chandigarh for a sitar recital at the Pracheen Kala Kendra, Debajit shares his views on the contemporary music scene. How has the experience of learning from gurus of two different gharanas been? "Gharanas basically represent a particular style of learning devised and defined by the patriarch, but nowadays with the availability of recorded music and live concerts the artists imbibe the best features of each gharana. You never know when I switch over to my third gharana," he says. On Pandit Ravi Shankar, he says creativity, spontaneity of expression and immaculate planting of notes were the hallmark of the grandmaster. "Similarly, the tonal quality produced by Ustad Vilayat Khan Saheb on the sitar was matchless," he says. Call it a charisma or chance Debajit recalls a show at the Moscow University hall in 1998 when he was in the process of explaining raga Malhar, which is synonymous with the rainy season, suddenly it started raining…much to the delight of the audience. |
Laughter is a challenge: Kapil
A comedian has the serious responsibility of brightening your day with laughter. Says comedy king Kapil Sharma who shares his journey to success.
After completing his graduation from Hindu College of Arts in Amritsar, Kapil decided to do the next best thing to help him take his career ahead, a diploma in computer application.
"It was after I bagged the national prize at the prestigious All-India Youth festival that APJ Collage of Fine Arts roped me in for PG Diploma in commercial arts and computer application," he informs us. Where did comedy come into the picture? "It's actually been a roller coaster ride for me. I was also into theatre and singing and always aspired to be a singer," he shares. For this young standup comedian, comedy happened by chance. Six years back, he stepped into the field of comedy and has been in love with it ever since. "Laughter Challenge happened by chance and since they were on a look out of fresh talent, it gave me a good platform to explore my comic sensibilities," he quips. Whoever said comedy is a serious business must have been someone with a wide exposure in the industry. "I never thought it would be easy. At one stage, I was face to face with Amanullah Khan. Considering how big a name he is in the comedian industry, I would have been proud of even losing to him," he shares. Fortunately, hands down it was a win win situation for Kapil. "It was one of the most pleasant experiences winning the show," he smiles. Still basking in the success of the show, Kapil started his career in comedy. From doing shows in the US, he moved into an unfamiliar zone and made his mark. One such trip made Kapil realise the value of his talent. "It was in the US, I got a call from the Reliance Group. They wanted me to perform for the Mumbai Indians. From all that I gather, Harbhajan Singh had recommended me," he starts sharing his story with a child-like excitement. "I was so excited to perform in front of prominent players. While I was waiting to perform, Sachin Tendulkar got up and came up to me. With butterflies in my stomach, I faced him and he told me how much he loved my work," he explained. The excitement grew as the continued the story. "He told me that he wanted the CDs of all my seasons. It is when such prolific persons recognise your talent and appreciate it that you realise your worth. Now a part of the fourth season of Comedy Circus that Kapil shares his fears, "It's a bit scary that people tend to expect so much from you." After bagging the three seasons of Comedy Circus, Kapil was overwhelmed when Anees Bazmee offered him a role in "It's my life". Another life changing experience has now opened doors for him in the film industry as well. "I recall being told that Anees was editing welcome when the finale of Laughter Challege ran side by side. That's where he saw my work and offered me the role without auditions. It made my life," he says
gladly. vasudha@tribunemail.com |
Gaga over Versace
Pop star Lady Gaga says she will only wear Versace clothes for the next two months because she is in love with
Donatella. Gaga is obsessed with the fashion house's garments, both new and vintage. "Right now what I'm wearing is an archive Gianni
Versace.
This was never seen before. It is a dress that was made before he died. And actually I'm wearing only Versace for like the next two months. I'm having a love affair with Donatella," she said. Gaga, known for her outrageous fashion sense, is more comfortable in less clothes. "I sometimes feel naked with clothes on. Sometimes I feel less naked with no clothes. Does that make any sense," she said. The 25-year-old admits that she sometimes goes too far with her outfits, but that doesn't stop her from being experimental. When asked if she ever regrets any of her outfits, she said: "All the time. But that's part of the fun. You know, I always try to get dressed with a little bit of humour. It's not about being sexy or being just, I guess, attractive. It's about having fun."
— IANS |
In conversation with Kiran Rao
Kiran Rao has an identity of her own. THis director of Dhobi Ghat has directed hilarious videos in Delhi Belly called Nakkadwaale disco and Switty tera pyaar chahida. The bespectacled pretty lady talks about making dance videos for the first time, influencing Aamir Khan and more.
Which videos did you direct in Delhi Belly? I have directed the Penchar video and Switty. We had great fun shooting this because it is my first dance video. A lot of people said they didn't recognise Imran when he walks in for the first time. The boys were very excited about playing gangsters and rap stars. We wanted to max the gangster-rap look. We tried on a different looks and did a few tests. It is every boy's secret dream to be a rapper. We have taken references from videos by 50 Cent, Sukhsinder Shinda, and Snoop Dogg. I have not directed the DK Bose video. It has been directed by a young and amazing music video director named Sajid. What do you think of Imran as a dancer? Imran is a good dancer. There is a making-of video for this video and you will see it later. The three of them learnt the steps in three hours. Imran hasn't danced much in his movies. The video has been choreographed and edited by Baba Yadav. What is this song about? In the film, you will see a fourth character that is standing with a gun. He is a crazed lover and he wants his Sweety back. The song is for him. The Switty in the video is Poorna Jagannathan. Aamir loved this song and he showed it to his crew and cast members in Pondicherry and guided Baba to edit it too. How was its theme conceived? We wanted to pay homage to typical rap songs. We saw many rap videos. Every song has its theme. This song has a theme where a lover wants his Sweety back so we have the girls and boys dancing together. Nakkadwaale Disco has a qawaali and ghazal feel so we mixed it to give it the feel of a concert. What do you think of the song DK Bose? Anubhav Sinha says the song is a bad influence on his young son. DK Bose is a funny song and a funny take on life. This loser says that his kismet is kadki. If someone has an opinion about it, that is fine and he can avoid listening to the song. We didn't intend anything more than a loser whining about his life. What is wrong with the lyrics? The song's name is DK Bose and that is the name of the character, just like Sheila and Munni. We do not see any problem with it. Do you think you are influencing Aamir’s choices regarding films and moving him from serious cinema to light-hearted cinema? I had a very important role to play in Delhi Belly being made. I picked up a script from Aamir's table and started laughing like crazy. He asked me what was so funny and I told him that it was the script I found in his room. Then he read it and loved it. After that, we called Akshat Verma and Jim down from America and we decided to make the movie. I thought it was an amazing script. His choices are entirely his own. We influence each other, I hope in a good way. I have only known him for about five-six years and I don't think we have changed much. We have rubbed off on each other. I think he is very much his own personality. Aamir has said Delhi Belly can ruin or change the image of Aamir Khan Productions. What do you think? This is a very different film from what we have made before. This is an out-and-out comedy. Peepli Live was a satire so it was serious. Delhi Belly is as adult film. It is not a slapstick comedy for children. It is an intelligent comedy and we have not made any film like this before. It is not an issue-based movie; it is irreverent. It is a comic caper; a story of four boys who get involved with the wrong people. I hope it is a success and everyone likes it. I have high hopes. Were you nervous or skeptical about directing this video? It was a big challenge for me. I was very excited rather than skeptical. I wanted to flex my creative muscles. I have got a taste of what it is like to do commercial stuff. It was a very good experience for me. How many more videos will be released before the film releases? We might have one more music video before the film releases. Which kind of look or video would you like to direct Aamir in? I would love to make a rap video with him. I would love to see him in an over-the-top avatar with gold chains and a fur coat.
— HRM |
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London feels like ‘home’
Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence has said she is in love with the UK capital and wants to raise her family here. The 20-year-old actress, who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, before moving to Los Angeles when she was 16, spent five months in the UK capital filming X-Men: First Class and can't wait to return on a more permanent basis.
"When I first landed in London I remember calling my mom and going, 'I think I'm going to live here, I think I want to raise my family here,'" she said. During the filming of the superhero movie, Lawrence grew close to her co-star Nicholas Hoult and while she refused to admit whether they're dating, she confessed she is seeing someone. "No, I'm not single," Lawrence said when asked about her relationship status. She also revealed how she hates exercise and only does it because she knows it's important for her job to look good. "I don't like people saying, 'Oh, I'm addicted to exercise. I'm like, 'Screw you - just leave!' Because it's not fun, going on runs. I can never wait for it to be over," she added.
— PTI |
Model and TV anchor Pravesh Rana is all set to take a plunge into Bollywood playing the title role in Tigmanshu Dhulia's adaptation of Hamlet and says he couldn't have asked for a better film to debut with. The 27-year-old, who won the Mr India title in 2008, is looking forward to step into the Hindi film industry playing the lead in the Shakespearean tragedy. "I play the lead role in the adaptation of Hamletx and I could not have asked for anything better than this for a beginning. With Tigmanshu in hold of the direction, the expectations are high, no doubt. I will try my best," says Pravesh. Given the intensity of the character and the responsibilities attached to justifying the legendary role, Pravesh said he will be taking up acting workshops. "Since it is such a celebrated character, it will have its own share of praise and criticism. But we are trying our best to do justice to the role and conducting workshops to get into the mood of the character. We are being extra cautious," he said. The former model, who shot to fame with the hit reality show Bigg Boss 3, said Hamlet will be adapted to a contemporary setting in North India for the film. However, Pravesh said, unlike the general perception about the film being a dark one, the project will actually be a commercial entertainer. — PTI |
Separation pangs
They had a quiet wedding and immediately plunged into work! The newly wedded couple - filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actress Kalki Koechlin - hope to spend quality time together once she wraps up shooting for Dibakar Banarjee Shanghai.
"We really want to go out for our honeymoon soon, don't know where we will head but we both like mountains and beaches, it depends on our mood and how tired we are. After I finish Dibakar's film, we will go off and spend some quality time," Kalki. Kashyap, who introduced Kalki in 2009 with Dev D and also produced her next film Shaitan, says he looks up to his wife and feels that the bonding and intellectual graph between them is quite strong. "The compatibility between us is amazing. Our bonding and intellectual graphs come down to same level. She is a writer herself, so it's not that I can't talk to her about my work or take her opinions because she herself has some great way of thinking and projecting things differently," said Kashyap. The two were living together since the past three years before tying the knot in a small family ceremony April 30. "Getting married was our decision and wasn't a society pressure or any other pressure. We have been living together for three years, it was not less to any married couple but it is a good feeling to call her my wife," said the filmmaker, known for directing films like Black Friday and Dev D. Kalki added: "We didn't want any social pressure to hover over us, so we tied the knot in a small intimate ceremony with only 25 people that too our family members, and moreover I had this feeling that the quicker we get married the longer it will last." Kalki, who has films like My Friend Pinto, Shanghai and Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara in her kitty, is trying to juggle between her personal and professional life ever since she got married. "We are constantly in touch, via phone. We manage it but it is definitely tough but the relationship will last longer because we are grateful to see each other every time we meet after gaps. It is part of the business and whenever I have free time I go and see him on his shoots," she
said. — IANS |
Tea party for Japan
Rocker Gwen Stefani has raised more than 75,000 pounds for aid efforts in Japan by hosting a Harajuku-themed tea party.
The No Doubt star is a longtime fan of Japanese culture and even travelled with a group of Japanese dancers called the Harajuku Girls during her stint as a solo artist.
She was shocked to see the damage caused by the earthquake/tsunami disaster in the country earlier this year and set about making plans to raise money to help. Stefani hosted a private tea party at in California to make money for Save the Children's Japan Earthquake Emergency Fund. She auctioned off tickets to the event back in April and gave attendees a special treat by performing with her band during the evening. Stefani and her guests were joined by her husband and two sons, as well as her parents.
— PTI |
Singer Rochelle Wiseman is wearing a pre-engagement ring to show her sincerity to boyfriend Marvin Humes. Wiseman, known for her work in pop groups S Club 8 and The Saturdays, has been dating Humes of British boy-band JLS since March 2010 and she has been wearing a sparkler on her ring finger. "It's an eternity ring that's she's been wearing, kind of like a promise ring for Marvin. It's one step down from an engagement and kind of like a test before the real deal goes ahead. Marvin and Rochelle are really happy together. They're great right now" says Hume's bandmate Oritse Williams. Humes, who reconciled with Wiseman, 22, in January after a brief two-month split, admits he can't wait to be a father. — IANS |
Socialite Paris Hilton is great with kids and reportedly loves spending time with her boyfriend Cy Waits' seven-year-old daughter, Shea. The 30-year-old heiress is infamous for her partying ways but her assistant Lexie Dreyfus claimed the blonde beauty is fantastic with kids and loves spending time with Waits' daughter from a previous relationship. "She really is very good with children. She loves Paris, wouldn't you if you were a seven-year-old girl?" Dreyfus said. Beside spending time shopping and putting on make-up with Shea, Hilton's idea of a good time is spending a quiet night at home with Waits and has put her wild partying days behind her. "They're happy. They're in love. She loves him, he loves her. They haven't been fighting. They're totally all good. I think he is good for her. He's very chilled out, down to earth. He doesn't like going to clubs or parties. She'll stay home more because she wants to be with him," Dreyfus added. — PTI |
Pet peeves
Hollywood star Hilary Duff has said that she was so worried about her sick pet that she almost had a "nervous breakdown". The 23-year-old singer and actress was distressed as her Chihuahua, Lola, fell ill with seizures.
She shared her stressful situation with fans on Twitter. Duff received a slew of encouraging messages, including a post from her High School Musical star friend Ashley Tisdale, who tweeted, "Sending positive vibes your way for Lola!" The Lizzie McGuire star later returned to the social networking site, after she had calmed down, to thank fans for their support. "Oh I seriously love you guys! Thank you for all the sweet messages. She is on medication now and hopefully it will start to work," she wrote.
— PTI |
Christina Aguilera, has revealed that she loves living with her toyboy lover, Matt Rutler, 25, as there is no drama involved with him. "There's never any drama," says the Burlesque star. "People I've known for 10 years see us together and they've told me, 'I just can't believe the person who's in front of me, because I've never seen you so light, never seen you so happy," she said. The singer also added that her production assistant Rutler, is the perfect partner, because he gets on with her three-year-old son Max. "They're buddies. If my son didn't sit well with him then I wouldn't sit well with him," she said. — ANI |
Active social life spells longer life A study has suggested that making small, healthy lifestyle changes and involvement in meaningful activities are critical to healthy aging. The USC study showed small day-to-day changes can result in measurable improvements in quality of life. Guided by lifestyle advisors, seniors participating in the study made small, sustainable changes in their routines (such as visiting a museum with a friend once a week) that led to measurable gains in quality of life, including lower rates of depression and better reported satisfaction with life. According to lead investigator Florence Clark, the study validates the current trend in public health strategies to focus on preventing illness and disability, as opposed to treating issues once they have already begun to negatively impact health. "What is critical is that, as we age, we continue to be engaged in life through a - sustainable mix of productive, social, physical and spiritual activities," Clark said. This goal of prevention and wellness is really a key to health care reform, and results in cost savings to the society. "The emphasis now is prevention. There are non-pharmacologic interventions that work," she said. Clark is professor and associate dean of the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, and president of the American Occupational Therapy Association. "Being engaged in a social life has a positive effect on health, but the public is not sufficiently aware of how key this is to successful aging," she said. The older adult participants were described as "well" because they were living in the community, not in a skilled nursing facility or other institutional setting. The study showed that, compared with other interventions, this lifestyle intervention was cost-effective. For every dollar spent, there was a significant enough gain in health outcomes to justify the expenditure, according to Clark. — ANI |
The Eatery
It's screaming summers and what better way to beat the heat than with ice-creams. And available across the city are not only the regular varieties, but the low-in-fat delicacy — gelatos. Having become more than popular with the city people gelatos is basically an Italian ice cream which in comparison to ordinary ice cream contains low fat, and fruit flavours are water-based, containing less than one per cent fat. Also, it is produced daily to ensure the product is always fresh, unlike normal ice cream, which is manufactured and stored for long periods. That's not all, gelato has no gelatin and is without air too, so considering the goodness of this cold dessert this week we get you four best places to get a scoop of ice-cold fun. Ice-ice baby Gelatos' in Sector 8 is one place that serves you varied flavours of this ice-cream. You can choose from mango, melon, chocolate and lot many flavours. Price: Rs 90 Cool comfort Nick Baker's in Sector 35 too has a wide variety of gelatos. Here you can choose from green apple, chocolate chips, blueberry and more. Price: Rs 70. Pick your flavour A small counter at Paras Down Town Mall in Zirakpur too serves gelatos. Here too you can try the varied flavours of the ice-cream. Price: Rs 50. Just natural Subway in Sector 35 and 17 too serves natural ice-creams. The brand is called New Zealand Nature premium ice cream and it provides 34 fat free vegetarian flavours to health conscious ice cream lovers. Price: Rs 70 |
The Eatery
If any dessert had to be termed as a heavenly sweet, it has to be the ice-cream, right from the plain handmade ones to the exotic forms and flavours available today. The 'happening' city Ludhiana churns out the yummiest of ice-creams which glide down ones system leaving one craving for more. Black-currant and choco-chip ice-creams from the house of 'Cremica' are hot favourites with the youngsters here. For the romantics, it is the Strawbery Crush and Alphanso Mango. The kiddos would any day go for delicious butterscotch and ice-cream sodas. A Cremica ice cream available at their select parlours is the pride of the city. Close on its heels is the brand Basant (known for their 'teele' wali kulfi), which has launched new flavours like choco almond and kesar pista in fancy packing. Their Basant special, laden with dry fruits is too very popular. For the South Indian, now the city also offers choices at Sagar Ratna, 'Gadbad', with its fresh fruit, mixed with a medley of ice cream flavors and topped with chocolate sauce. Dilkush is another attraction which is a special mix of mango ice cream with other flavours and topped with tinned and dry fruit. Among the other noted brands, Baskin Robbins at subway and Bluebells at Hot Breads seem to have a steady clientele. Competing with each other, the ice-cream carts with their tinkle bells are Mother Dairy, Amul, Vadilal, Kwality Walls (in the order of the most preferred taste). Pricing Cones with two scoops range between Rs 30 and 140, depending on the flavour. Bricks of Cremica and Basant ice cream per litre are Rs 100 and Rs 80 per litre, respectively. Dilkush is available for Rs 130 per serving. Meanwhile, Basant Special can be had for Rs 240 per kg. |
high spirits
Mojito
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Havana Club Aged White Rum 1 tbs superfine sugar Lime wedges Club soda Mint sprigs Garnish: Mint leaves Instructions Muddle mint leaves, superfine sugar and lime in a mixing glass. Add 1 1/2 oz light rum and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain the mixture into a tall glass and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh mint sprig. Sugarcane syrup can be used to replace superfine sugar. Cocktail Facts The drink became very popular during prohibition in the US. It was then that the American high society fled to Cuba in search of good times. This weekend party exodus made Havana the original party island getaway. It was during this time that the original Havana Club cocktails such as 'mojitos' and 'cuba libres' were invented, transforming rum into party drinks for the American A-list crowd. Vineet Mishra, Director, cocktailJockey.com |
Cheat code Telly actors Bhavana Balsaver (Rang Badalti Odhni), Ashiesh Roy (Sasural Simar Ka) and Sheetal Maulik (Gutar Gu) are set to leave for Hong Kong soon. They will be performing shows of their play Hera Pheri. We speak to the actors as they reveal about the play. "Hera Pheri is a play about love and moralities, about the choices we make in life and how it all comes back to haunts us!" explained Bhavana Balsaver. "Its one of the funniest situational comedies I've done," adds Ashiesh Roy, who used to play the lead character of lawyer Jatin Rai earlier, but chose to play the sycophantic friend Chetan Bakshi this time round. "I had wanted to play the conniving yet sweet friend Chetan. It's a very interesting character. We all have such good friends who, slowly but steadily take over our lives, our thoughts, our actions, since we trust them so much!" winks Ashiesh. Sanjiv Jotangia, who plays Jatin this time round, tells us about his character in the play, "I play an upwardly mobile young man named Jatin Rai, living in Mumbai with his chirpy young wife Kavita". Sheetal Maulik, who plays Kavita, chips in. "Kavita is a happy housewife while Jatin is a practicing liar I mean lawyer (laughs). He has been working in a prestigious law firm for the past seven years, and is due to become a partner very soon. In fact, his boss Irani (Hormadz Chesan) is coming home for dinner that very evening, to break this splendid news to the young couple". Ashiesh adds, "But as luck will have it, that very day Jatin's old college acquaintance Chetan Bakshi comes visiting and unwittingly stumbles upon a dark secret in Jatin's life - that the super-successful lawyer does not hold a genuine law degree!!! The free-loader Chetan immediately starts black-mailing Jatin, and settles down in his house indefinitely. He also engages a model named Tina to pose for his paintings, and asks the modeling agency to send her at Jatin's address." Bhavana, who plays Tina, sums up. "When the pretty Tina comes asking for Jatin, Kavita suspects her husband's fidelity and storms out of the house, completely forgetting that Jatin's boss is coming for dinner! A panic stricken Jatin somehow persuades Tina to pose as his wife when his boss arrives. Meanwhile, Kavita returns home in remorse and Jatin tells his boss that she's Chetan's wife! Irani has to stay over at Jatin's house for the night because of foul weather, and catches Jatin and Tina in a rather awkward situation. Both Kavita and Chetan are upset with Jatin and Tina, and the boss is confused as hell! In the course of a single evening, Jatin's happy world of lies lay in shambles - his promotion up in smoke and his loving wife suspecting him of infidelity!" But, after a whole lot of comical twists and turns - the truth is revealed and all misunderstandings are sorted out. Jatin and Kavita make up while Tina and Chetan hook up. Jatin promises his boss that he will attend night school and get a real law degree. All is well that ends well. We wish the cast good luck for their upcoming performance in Honk Kong. Comeback King
Remember Cezanne Khan - Anurag of Kasauti Zindagi Kay? Well he has reappeared on the Mumbai radar and is making himself heard and seen. Reportedly, he was busy doing Pakistani shows in Dubai. Apparently his popularity as Anurag Basu brought him loads of work and better pay so he opted for Pakistani TV shows than doing serials on Indian television. Well so now that he is back in Mumbai, is he looking for work or taking a break before he whizzes off again? MUMBAI CALLING: Cezanne Khan Hrithik turns mentor
Bollywood icon and dance sensation, Hrithik Roshan, who is all set to debut as judge in Star Plus' new offering dance reality show, Just Dance, has given some important dance tips for his fans and contestants. Perfectionist Hrithik gave gyaan on dancing which he says comes from dedication. For him, dance is an art where one needs to completely absorb themselves in every move. According to him, a true dancer never looses his style. It's nice to know that he is grooming all the contestants perfectly and turned into a true dance mentor.
DANCE DIVA: Hrithik Roshan Hair and there
Arshad Warsi is in love with his hair dryer or so it seemed on the sets of Star Plus' Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla. Once the shot would be cut, he would take out his dryer and work on his face and hair. Was it a need to have perfect hair or did the heat get to him? Liliput enters Sajan Re…
Veteran actor Lilliput will now be seen in a different look, a fresh avatar and as a new entry in Sab TV's show, Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo. Lilliput who has tickled our funny bones time and again will play the role of a suspicious, strict quality inspector whose will land Apoorva and his family in trouble. In two minds
Rumours are that Imagine's Chandragupta Mourya will soon head forward in the storyline and the young Chandragupta will grow up. Post the leap, Chandragupta will be played by Ashish Sharma. But apparently Ashish has a film in hand called Picture Abhi Baki Hai Dost, which will go on floors in September, so he is in two minds about the film. Paanch ka punch
The new show on Zee TV, Mrs. Kaushik Ke Paanch Bahuyein, produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms finally has a launch date. It will start on June 20. As Sanjog Se Bani Sangini went off air recently, Zee meanwhile is airing Pavitra Ristha and Ram Milyae Jodi for 45 minutes each. The promos of Mrs. Kaushik Ke Paanch Bahuyein have been on air for a while now, and hooked the audiences too. A still from Mrs. Kaushik Ke Paanch Bahuyein Jaaved Jafferi turns host
Jaaved Jafferi, who has been lending his voice for many kids related shows, is finally hosting a show called Mai Ka Lal. It will be an interactive game show which starts from June 12 on Disney Channel. Jaaved will be introducing each episode in his own unique style and entertaining the audiences. SHOWMAN: Jaaved Jafferi |
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beat it
Drum & Bass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2QxIvBGbuc D Code - Universal Sound (Feat. Silent Source) This is among the earlier releases from D Code, one of the main producer for Shiva Soundsystem. The tracks starts off ina very chilled out maner…something like a lounge track…goes on the same way till about a minute and a half and the ty=urns into a proper drum and bass track..the producer has used some the vocals and the effects in a great way. (As told to Jasmine Singh) DJ Sameer’s song of the day |
astro turf
ARIES:A hazardous day. Keep your mind on the job throughout the day. Do not be tempted to day dream of what lies ahead once your working week is done. Romance could be an anticlimax. Be tactful in your criticism. Tarot Message: Health of elderly member at home will need looking after.
Lucky Colour: Peach. Magic Number: 32
TAURUS: Old acquaintances are likely to pop up and you will be intrigued to exchange stares. No need to make any important move today. Keep the law breakers at bay. Follow an old hobby again. Take care of your stomach.
Tarot Message: Feel good about yourself & prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky Colour: Orange. Magic Number: 28 GEMINI: A call or a visit from a relative you have not seen for ages brings an opportunity to remember the past and catch up on more recent family happenings. Entrepreneurs must try for the loan. Past differences could easily cause quarrels today. Tarot Message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances.
Lucky Colour: Pink Magic Number: 30 CANCER: This is a fantastic time to visit friends and to keep abreast of their news. Complete errands, socialize and catch up on outstanding paper-work and correspondence. Turning point in personal relationship. Health problem are not a worry. Hold your temper. Tarot Message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors.
Lucky Colour: Yellow Magic Number: 31 LEO:The card "King of Wands" reveals best moments to relax and socialize with friends and loved ones. You should be lucky in your choice of entertainment. Be sure to grasp the job opportunity. Motivation is likely to wane leaving you feeling frustrated and angry.
Tarot Message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky Colour: Fuchsia Magic Number: 64 VIRGO: Discussing with those in close proximity increase but you will instinctively know when to talk and when to put your head down and work. Defer making fresh investments. A nagging issue at home is amicably resolved.
Tarot Message: You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky Colour: Burgundy Magic Number: 42 LIBRA: Catching up on jobs you have been putting off for a while seems wise idea. Time to check out meditation and yoga. You will shine in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you. Falling into bad company or unhealthy habits will be regretted. Tarot Message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky Colour: Beige
Magic Number: 59 SCORPIO: Do not miss the opportunity to complete unfinished business that seems to be weighing on your mind and spirit. You will be amazed how much lighter you will feel when you have shed those concerns. New partnership can be formed. Tarot Message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky Colour: Peach.
Magic Number: 60 SAGITTARIUS:Use your status of communication boldly with a creative expression. Patronage from powerful individuals can validate your efforts. Share problems with loved ones. Tarot Message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky Coloru: Deep Red.
Magic Number: 40 CAPRICORN: Be positive in your approach. You will be better able to cope with jobs that require team efforts. Be wary of situation were it could be easy to make a mistake in haste. Tarot Message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky Colour: Purple. Magic Number: 57 AQUARIUS:Whatever you do, the focus of everyone's attention is likely to be firmly on you. Check your car before you set out. Relatives will be difficult to get along with. Tarot Message: Wait for a while, everything will get sorted out on its own.
Lucky Colour: Forest Green Magic Number: 52 PISCES: A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Make your boss aware of all the hard work that you have been putting in. Tarot Message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business.
Lucky Colour: Pink Magic Number: 63
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the year ahead
If your birthday is June 12...
The number 3 is astrologically linked to Gemini and is influenced by Jupiter and Venus. It is ruled by fire and earth .Wednesday is a good day for them. In 2011-12 there may be confusion, disorientation and mental fogginess. Spell out terms clearly in any contracts or agreements, financial dealings. You are also likely to forget appointments, overlook significant details, make errors in computation. Write every engagement in front of you. Any sort of intoxicants should be strictly avoided this birthday onwards. December is an excellent time to make decisions about your financial affairs. January to June 2012 is the period of spending quality time with an old and trusted friend, or enjoying the company of an experienced, mature person who has much of substance to give you. July is the time to check that bills and insurance are paid before any extra interest charges and late penalties start to mount. Have you overlooked a loan payment? Reply promptly to all official letters and communications. You need to pay closer attention to your coworkers. Your beloved will feel ignored and will want you by his or her side. Be as understanding as you can at this delicate time. This year your creativity may need a small push. Visit a museum or monument in this rainy season. Rebecca Holden (June 12, 1958,Dallas, Texas,) is an American actress and singer.She moved to Hollywood and her first appearance on TV was a guest spot on Three's Company, but it wasn't until 1983 when she got her big break starring on the hit TV series Knight Rider as April Curtis during the show's second season . She has toured internationally, and worked tirelessly for charitable causes such as "Toys for Tots" and "Feed the Children" and the Special Olympics. She is truly a wonderful combination of beauty and brains, and a very loving person. |
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