Magnificent libraries, punting at River Cherwell flowing through the campus, cobbled streets wherein church bells fill the early mornings with warmth and a place where the world’s best minds converge. This is how city Oxonians describe the ancient seat of learning — Oxford.

The University of Oxford celebrated Oxford-India Day to mark its four hundred years of close association with our country on June 18. Talking to The Tribune, scholars, who have been to Oxford, recount what makes it as once Matthew Arnold said a ‘city of dreaming spires’.

“Oxford has always held a special place in Indian hearts,” says Rumina Sethi, professor, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University. Rumina, who has spend eight years there, admires the system that they have in place. “The university receives Indian students with open arms. Oxford Union Society ensures that the students get to meet the likes of Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Salman Rushdie or Bill Clinton. Interaction with such great people is just not possible anywhere else,” she shares.

Among many things that Rumina fondly recalls are the two magnificent libraries — Bodleian and Rhodes House. Also, regular musical concerts were her favourites. “I remember going to a concert almost every evening during my long stay there,” adds Rumina.

The opportunity of interacting with the best from diverse fields is what makes Oxford so special, says another scholar Shelley Walia. “When I think of Oxford, probably the most special memory is that of Sheldonian Theatre. I have attended my life’s best lectures there from the very best in the world,” recalls Shelley, who is director, Academic Staff College, PU. He is also a great admirer of weekly Oxford Gazette that catalogues the lectures of the week. Shelley remembers coming across linguist Noam Chomsky, Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, ethologist Richard Dawkins, philosopher Derrida and author Taslima Nasrin. “Where else but in Oxford you would come across the likes of Terry Eagleton while walking down the road,” he says. The sprawling campus basking in Nature’s glory adds to the Oxford charm. “River Cherwell that flows through the campus offers special boat rides known as punting,” quips Shelley.

Pushpinder Syal, a PU professor, who attended a conference in Corpus Christi College, Oxford, also recalls the natural beauty of the campus. “Each morning the church bells filled the atmosphere with a strange charm. The gothic architecture and the cobbled streets lent it another hue,” she says. A book reading by historical novelist Hilary Mantel, who later won Booker Prize, made Pushpinder’s conference special.

NP Rai, additional principal chief conservator forest, who went to Oxford for three-month training in social forestry in 1991, calls it a great exposure. “We are more advanced in the field of forestry,” says NP.

KK Puri, a political and social science scholar, says, “I visited my son in 2003. I saw the curriculum geared towards original thinking.” He also delivered a lecture. “No spoon feeding, the research assignments ensure true learning,” he says.

It seems like the fitness freak generation is ready to lap up just about anything that promises freedom from flab. Recounting the times when Kareena Kapoor took to power yoga to the grinding fitness sessions that Sonakshi Sinha undertook to lose 30 kilos, youngsters have taken to whatever promises results.

For now, it’s dance. The trend began with salsa, went on to get popular with Bhangra aerobics. A recent addition has been in the form of Zumba, a mix of all Latin dance forms. Not that dance workouts will replace the archetypical gymming sessions but they will sure provide a much interesting alternative. Anup Debnath, who has introduced the concept of Zumba at Bodyzone in sector 9 confirms dancing to be a healthy workout. ‘Dance work outs are about fast rhythmic movements which change every 30 seconds unlike the usual gymming sessions. Gym exercises are monotonous, where as dance workouts is all about variations. It thus has a positive affect on all body parts.’

Anup says Zumba is a combination of salsa, samba, bumbia, hip-hop, belle dance and includes even a bit of kick boxing. ‘Zumba is a not a rigid form of exercise but it is as effective as strenuous workout sessions. It’s an excellent cardio exercise, which also helps the body tone up. A 45 minute session everyday can help reduce weight, without making the skin sag.’ Belle dance is another form that’s getting popular in the city. It might initially seem like just another dance form but in no time as Gaganpreet Chauhan, a city based dance instructor says, begins to show its positive affects on the body. ‘Shedding weight through dancing is a healthier option than doing it through workout sessions. When you gym, your body gets used to working out on machine. Once you break your routine, the tendency to gain weight increases.’ In case of dance workouts, the body doesn’t use any external force, thereby tones up better.’ Adds Gagan, who runs Sprituall in Panchkula, ‘A dance session works uniformly on the whole body. Treadmill can only help you lose weight but not tone up the body.’

Except for Bhangra aerobics, it’s only the Latin dances that are serving the purpose of weight loss.

Bandeep Rekhi, dance instructor at Leena Mogre Fitness centre lists the most popular dance forms, ‘Cha Cha, Jive, Samba, Rumba and Paso Doble. Dancing is a recreational activity. It’s enjoyable and at the same time, you burn calories exactly the number as you would in a work out session.’ He adds that lifting weights to tone up the body is rather a painful exercise.

“From an eight-year-old boy to a 65-year-old woman, there are people from all age groups in my dance classes.’ But all said and done, it’s Bhangra Aerobics which is the most beneficial form of dance workout.

Anup says, “Bhangra is a high intensity work out. It’s fantastic cardio exercise and works well for thighs, abs and upper arms.”

Do we need anymore reasons why dance workouts are being preferred to strenuous workout sessions!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Model-turned-actor Shikha Swaroop (Miss India 1988) debuted in the glamour world at the age of 13. She came into limelight with Doordarshan's costume drama Chandrakanta. Post Chandrakanta, she did films like Police Public, Pyar Hua Chori Chori, Tehelka, Kaayda Kanoon, Cheeta, Naagmani and Thanedarni. She also did TV shows Yug and Black. Shikha, the gorgeous actor makes a comeback after nine years with Sahara One Television most ambitious fantasy drama Kahani Chandrakanta Ki, reportedly inspired from the book Chandrakanta Santiti. An usually sober and hard pressed for time, Shikha talks about playing Chandrakanta, a queen who runs a great kingdom.

This is the second time you are playing a historical character. How did you prepare yourself?

I am relying on the script which is inspired from the book Chandrakanta Santiti. As an actor, my job is to play the character well. I know the adaptation is real and I am giving my 100 per cent to my role.

How different is this show from the earlier one?

Both shows are different. The technology has improved now. The production values, the sets and locations are totally new. It is as exciting as it was.

Do you think the audience will see the real in you?

Yes, the viewers will see this time Chandrakanta as a queen who will do more justice to the new different character.

You are a seasoned actor. How has the journey been so far on TV ?

Good. Today, there are so many new comers in television industry. I learn everyday and always focus on rehearsals before the shoot.

How is it working with the director of this fantasy drama and how was your experience?

Wonderful, Sunil Agnihotri is an easy going guy, very grounded and systematic in his method of working. He has moved far ahead in terms of the post-production and the graphics of this show.

Any plans of getting back to Bollywood?

With Kahani Chandrakanti Ki, I have just made a comeback. I am concentrating on the show. But I hope that when there is a calling it will happen.

You have been a model aslo. What does fashion mean to you?

Veteran actress Deepti Naval, who makes a comeback after a decade on small screen with Mukti Badhan, feels serious subjects should be explored on television and everything need not be entertaining. "There are strong subjects being shown on television serials like - Phoolva, Uttaran, Na ana Iss Desh Laado and others. These are serious subjects which needs to be tackled. Why not show it on television ?. Everything need not be super entertainment as it leaves you blank and (you have) nothing to carry back," said the actress.

"Today there are so many films that you see and forget it. Nothing is memorable. The last memorable film that I saw is Guzaarish. I am huge Sanjay Leela Bhansali fan," said Deepti, who has produced, directed and acted in a serial called Thoda Sa Asmaan in 1993 and acted in Muqammal in 2003, said.

Deepti, who mesmerised audiences with her performances in both parallel and mainstream cinema and played prominent roles in films like Chashme Baddhoor, Saath Saath, and Angoor, will essay the role of Chandraprabha, ex-lover of the protagonist I M Virani in Mukti Bandhan.

On her role in the serial, the 54-year-old actress said, "It seems Chadraprabha lost her life in a train accident but actually she survives. She resurfaces as Sadhvi Chandrasmita, a woman of positivity and serenity. Sadhvi Chandrasmita goes on to spread happiness and regards it as the only way to reduce pain and agony in one's life." — PTI 

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who at 68 can give young stars a run for their money, says he was comfortable with the temperament of today's youth. The Bollywood legend says he is sympathetic to their causes provided they remain within certain parameters. "I enjoy the enthusiasm of today's youth and just being in their company," he said.

According to him, today's generation is brighter, keen to succeed, fast and uses cryptic language. "We have to move with changing times. I find myself way beyond the average age of the film sets which is 25 and I am close to 70. I like listening to what they say, clothes they wear. I enjoy being in their company and this happens just naturally to me," he said. Bachchan said he had decided much before Abhishek was born that if he had a son, he would be his friend. "The day he started wearing my shoes, I started treating him as a friend. As a father, I am concerned about him, look after him and advice him. But, we talk as friends. My father was a man of letters. — PTI

Once you know Abhay Deol is in a film, you know it's going to be a good film. He is a selective actor. "I don't want to do random films. I keep getting many offers, but I want to stick with my kind of cinema, which audiences and the media perceive as off-beat films," smiles Abhay. We talk to Abhay Deol about his kind of cinema and much more.

Films

I want to do all kinds of films, but I should be happy with the script. When I get a script, my decision is dictated not only by the script but also by my role, the director, and the production house. For instance, my chemistry with Dibakar is great. He is a clear guy; he knows what he wants to make. Now, even I know what he wants from me, so it's easy to work with him. I don't read scripts or work randomly. Once I finish one film, I take a break, give myself a little space, and then choose and prepare for another project. Also, these days, there are a good lot of new directors.

Current projects

Currently, I am busy with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara's promotions. It's a wonderful film, and it's nothing like The Hangover. I didn't like the film, and I would never do a film which is like a film which I didn't like in the first place. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is about three young guys and their road trip. After the film releases, I will take a little vacation, because taking time off is very important, especially when you are working in this field. You should let life happen...set yourself free, that's the only way you can grow.

Favourite films

I am a good movie viewer. I watch everything, but it takes me only 15 minutes to know whether a film is worth watching or not. I love watching old Hindi comedies like Chupke Chupke, which is one of my favourites. I recently watched a French film called Le Gamin Au Vélo. It was about a son who is in search of his father. It was a lovely film, and I didn't move till the film got over. Let it be any language, but films are such entertainment tools that they make you sit on your seat, if you love them. I recently watched Love Sex Aur Dhoka, which I liked because it was shot using a handy camera. I really want to watch Shaitan now, as I have heard a lot about it.

All in the family…

I don't know whether I will be able to act with my family ever, because I am quite shy. I am not sure whether I can give my shots opposite Sunny dada and Pappa (Dharamendra). Bobby is fine, as he is close to my age, so we share a bond. Our family is a typical family that stays together, eats together, and watches movies together. When my films release, they don't watch them because they are usually intense, even violent, and not family entertainers.

After remixing two tracks from American singer Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way, Indian music composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant on Saturday launched a photo exhibition of the star's most visually impactful photographs.

Called Lady Gaga Wall Of Fame, the exhibition was organised by Universal Music India at Planet M to celebrate the success of Born This Way.

"Collaborating with Lady Gaga for the hit song Born This Way was initially challenging as we only knew that she was looking at reaching out to Indians worldwide by choosing to work with us. And so, we infused the song with a strong Bollywood beat in a signature Salim-Sulaiman style while retaining the songs original flavor," Salim said in a statement.

"The acceptance was huge and even voted as the best version of Born This Way by LA Times. We are honoured that it has been included on the album for India. It was after this that Lady Gaga wanted us to work on the song Judas.

"This time around we were more experimental. We infused the song with Rajasthani vocals and the Sarangi and once again we are overwhelmed by the response! The Lady Gaga Wall Of Fame is another opportunity we just could not miss being part of as it's a great idea to showcase her artistic and creative side to her fans through her imagery," he added.

Born This Way has shipped 4.4 million copies worldwide and debuted at number one in 27 countries —IANS

It’s all in the mind. If you can deal with your mind, everything else will be sorted out Akshay Kumar in one of the episodes of Khatron Key Khiladai Torchaar shared this mantra with his contestants who are dealing to pin down their fear.

The lady standing next to us at the Tata Indica eV2 Mileage Marathon, Jaswinder Cheema saw the episode. "If you can deal with your mind, everything else will be sorted out," she repeats the lines verbatim. At the flag of the rally in Chandigarh Punjabi actor Jaswinder, who debuted with Ek Kudi Punjab Di, is all full of ideas…We love her already when she talks about promoting herself because no one would care to do it for her. "For a woman being an actor in Punjabi cinema is a different ball game altogether," says Jaswinder Miss PTC Punjabi 2008 winner. "Creating a fan base, doing good roles and finally carving a niche, it is just not easy here."

Jaswinder was lucky to get a woman centric role in Ek Kudi Punjab di but she knows she wouldn't be lucky all the time. "I began my career with a strong role, the same wouldn't happen all the time. Punjabi cinema is still working on creating stronger roles for women. Girls in Punjab are not forthcoming when it comes to working in the movies," she shares. But this girl is grateful to her folks back in Batala, Punjab. "In Punjab and elsewhere to I feel girls are expected to follow in a certain manner and so are their parents. My parents on the other hand defied all set norms, encouraged me to take up modeling and acting eventually. What more they have let me drive down from Amritsar to Chandigarh for the event," she laughs.

"I have completed my masters in theatre and am concentrating on my upcoming movie. I would want to try my luck in Bollywood as well. Why shouldn't I," she says. Indeed, it's all in the mind!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Strong toned shoulders are a must for all and a good shoulder workout must feature in everyone's fitness routine.

Toned worked out shoulders will make men appear broad and powerful, because it does not matter how big, your chest and biceps are, if you have narrow shoulders you appear weak.

And as for women, toned shoulders will help them appear sleek and sexy. Also, aside from looking great, your shoulders are involved in just about everything you do, so exercising them will make daily functioning (functional fitness) that much more easier.

Listed below are some exercises that will give you a well-rounded workout and help you in increasing muscle growth and muscle definition.

Exercises
Front dumbbell raise
This is an excellent movement to isolate the front deltoids. It may be performed in a standing or sitting position. Be sure that if you are seated your back is straight; if standing your knees are slightly bent to protect your lower back. This movement may be performed using a bar as well, just follow the same steps with the bar in mind if needed.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

Hold the dumbbells with an overhand grip (palms down) shoulder-width apart. Your arms should hang down at your sides with your elbows slightly bent.

Raise the dumbbells to the front of your body at shoulder height, keeping your elbows only slightly bent. Return to the starting position.

Keep back and head straight in a neutral position-hyperextension or excessive flexing may cause injury. Stabilize your shoulders by squeezing your shoulder blades together throughout the movement.

Seated dumbbell shoulder press
This exercise develops the entire shoulder muscle group.

Sit in an upright position or stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

Position the dumbbells to ear level with an overhand grip (palms facing forward).

Press your hands above your head, keeping your wrists over your elbows and your arms moving parallel to your body at all times.

Return to starting position.

Do not lean back in case the weight used is heavy. This reduces the effectiveness of the exercise as well as placing an unnecessary strain on the lower back. Also keep your back and head straight in a neutral position -- hyperextension or excessive flexing may cause injury.

Side-lateral raise

This is an excellent exercise to isolate the side deltoids. It may be performed in a standing or sitting positions. Be sure that if you are seated your back is straight; if standing your knees are slightly bent to protect your lower back.

Stand upright, arms at your sides, holding a dumbbell in each hand, with your palms facing your body and your elbows slightly bent.

Keep your shoulders back, your chest out, and your lower back straight with a slight forward lean. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.

Slowly raise both dumbbells in unison in a straight line until they're at shoulder level. Make sure that your elbows are slightly bent, and keep your arms in the same plane as your torso.

Hold for a second, and then slowly lower your arms to the starting position.

Do not swing the weight up, carefully muscle it up. While performing this exercise, be sure not to turn your thumbs down at the top of the movement.

Dumbbell shrug

It is a terrific shoulder exercise. The shoulder shrug works the trapezius muscle in the back of your neck.

Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting your arms hang alongside your body. Your palms should face your body. Make sure your shoulders are back and relaxed.

Slowly shrug your shoulders (pull shoulders towards your ears) as high as they'll go, keeping your head still and your chin slightly tucked. Hold for a second, and then slowly return to the starting position.

Remember to breathe out when shrugging your shoulders up. Tighten your abdominals (stomach muscles) when doing this exercise. Concentrate on maintaining a good posture. 

Tips

Save shoulders from injury during a workout

Overtraining-Either you are doing an exercise too often or lifting too much weight or doing both.

Unbalanced workouts- Shoulder injuries may occur because this is a joint with a wide range of motion. The tendency is not to do exercises that support that much range of motion.

Poor technique-You have poor form when doing exercises thereby, stretching muscle tissue too much in the process.

Each to his own each individual has his or her own style going by the fashion trends followed by that person. For Jiteshwar Bakshi, a graduate of Supply Chain Logistics, it has to be all balanced.

Your sense of style is …..

For me style is a synonym for symmetry for that elegant, neat and balanced look.

Latest addition to your clothing…

My Mont Blanc pen with its matt finish it adds to a suave look.

Brand crazy or street pick-ups?

I was brand crazy earlier but now it is all about suitability.

My style Icon would be…….

Abhay Deol, with his simple retro look, which is always in fashion.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

That would be Govinda only with his outlandish clothing.

Which look would you prefer - sporty, chic or glamourous

I think I would go in for elegant simplicity.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…..

I can never understand attires showcased by models on the ramp, which I find totally unwearable.

Your take on accessories?

I find all leather stuff very cool and also feel that gold doesn't gel with a boyish look.

What boosts your confidence level……..

Knowledge above everything else, gives me that 'oomph' in life.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Tangled hair can not only ruin your look but ruin your day too. Hair make the maximum difference to your look and it's the simple hair brush which is vital part of taking good care of your hair. Choosing the right brush is very important depending on your hair type and styling needs.

Round hair brush: These brushes are generally used to give a curl and definition to hair. For shorter hair, use a smaller brush and curl strategic pieces of your hair. For longer hair, round hair brushes can be used to curl the ends, or just to straighten them,” says Preet, a hair styling expert.

Vent hair brush: Created with a hole in the middle of the base, the vent hair brush lets air pass through the brush allowing for faster blow drying. These brushes can also boost volume and detangle your hair," says Lucky Ali, hair styling expert.

Paddle hair brush: These brushes are great to straighten medium to long hair, a paddle hair brush smoothes as it lengthens and is also used for unkempt hair,” says Amandeep, from Aafro unisex salon.

Cushion hair brush: Made for medium to long hair, cushion hair brush is a daily brush that massages the scalp. It can straighten tidy and neat hair and gives it a professional look.

Looking to please your gastric impulses right at the start of the day, then partake a wholesome multi-cuisine breakfast at the Silver Leaf in the centrally located Imperial Executive Hotel on Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana. As we draw near the appetising buffet we wonder from where to start as there is the variety of tandoori paranthas, chana bhatura and puri bhaji on one side with a medley of South Indian food and continental array on the other.

“Lahori chana of this joint is awesome!” says Vivek Goyal an industrialist who is a regular for breakfast. He adds that --- the day my wife is not in a mood to cook something special, we just come here! “The Lahori Chana" has cubes of paneer and potato mixed in it giving the special crunchy flavour. The puris, spiced up with zeera and ajwain also are the typical delight of an Indian breakfast complete with a wholesome glass of Lassi.

Canadian educationist, James and his wife staying in the hotel for past two months say, "A special attraction for breakfast and we specially relish their stuffed paranthas!" The south Indian delicacies give the special Punjabi touch to please Ludhianvis. We only tasted the well blended "Tomato Uttapam" but the variety of dosas, idlis and vadas was quite tempting !

"Our chef, HC Bharadwaj is very particular about the breakfast, freshness and crispness of the dishes prepared by him" and this is told to us by the young & handsome owner, Varun Dhanda, whose friends too, often drop in for their breakfast before going to office and factories. On one corner, could be spotted a group of young executives enjoying the breakfast "It is the most convenient place to have our morning meeting in the adjoining room and then enjoy this sumptuous breakfast afterwards" says Puneet Gupta an executive with Airtel.

As one palate has got used to a fusion taste (of Indian and Western) we could not do without digging into the mushrooms stuffed omelette with rolls and butter toast and washed down with fresh juice to get the springy taste.

What a happy start at the Silver Leaf for a long and sometime arduous day.

At Rs 275 + taxes / person
Poonam Bindra

Neetu Chandra (June 20 ,1984 ,Patna). She has done dozens of ads and videos for reputed firms. Before entering the Hindi film Industry, Neetu was an avid sportsperson. She is a black belt holder in Taekwondo. She entered film in 2005 in Garam Masala in which she portrayed Sweety, an airhostess besides films like Traffic Signal and Rann. Neetu was on the cover of Maxim India on the January 2009 issue of the magazine. Astrologically she will grow very fast in her Bollywood career.