The THIRD dimension
The era of 3-D movies has dawned and the genre is gaining popularity with each passing day
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

There was a time when going to the theatre to watch a movie was an occasion. People were all dressed and excited, and why not? The big screen and booming sound system was like nothing they had experienced before. It was definitely an event. Time changed and in came VCRs and video libraries; movies reached the homes in a cheaper, less time-consuming way!

Time-zapped and now we have big, flat screen LCDs, home theatres, and sound systems with more speakers than we can count; Internet and the ability to download the latest movies as well as microwaves with dedicated buttons to quickly make popcorn at home! We can even hit the pause button to attend a phone call or a guest. Then why would you pay Rs 150 to Rs 200 for a ticket and some popcorn sitting in a cinema that is full with unknown people, when your warm comfy sofa would be at least twice as nice?

Well, this almost sounds like the death knell of theatre, but a shimmer of hope has come with 3D cinema. We can bet no one can question the buzz around 3D cinema! James Cameron's Avatar was the crowning glory or the proof that 3D is not just a flash in the pan. And now we have a barrage of 3D films heading our way.

Dreamworks, Disney and other studios have all got behind the experience. And why not, it is indeed an experience. At Chandigarh we experienced 3D on February 18, thanks to DT Cinemas who inaugurated it with the screening of Avatar 3D special edition and Nutcracker in 3D. Since then, Fun Cinemas, Manimajra, and recently PVR Cinemas started the 3D shows with Green Lantern.

Says Sirish Handa, marketing head, Fun Cinemas, "3D is an experience. Chances are people won't be talking about the story, but about a real-life experience. In Chandigarh, the overall response of 3D is fantastic. And now with Transformers coming soon we hope to get even a better response."

Till now we've had movies like Drive Angry, Priest, Haunted, Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Green Lantern and Kung Fu Panda 2 that have been showcased. And in the pipeline are Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Cars 2, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 as well as Captain America.

Says Sunil Kumar of DT Cinemas, "The response to 3D movies has been good, but Hollywood movies have fared better than Bollywood. Though initially there were five shows for each English 3D movie and ten for Hindi, depending on the response the number shows are increased."

At PVR too the response has been good. Despite the late introduction of 3D movies, the manager at PVR says, "The response to 3D movies has been favourable despite the fact that we have just introduced them."

As for the people, their verdict on 3D cinema is definitely rocking. Yashdeep Hanspal, Mass Communication student, says "I had seen Haunted and believe me it was an amazing experience. One must watch 3D films to feel the difference." Well, whether you watched your first 3D in an IMAX or anywhere else, chances are you'll be talking about the way the characters have so much depth and realism. Why? Says Dilpreet Dang, lecturer at a private college, "3D cinema is a whole new experience, not just a medium to watch the latest blockbuster."

Tanvir Mavi, BBA student, who has seen movies like Avatar, Green Lantern, Kung Fu Panda on 3D, says, "It's a wonderful experience." So believes Punerdeep Sidhu, doctor, "3D is a bomb! As far as I can remember, I saw Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and Avatar, and both were worth the money."

But Anupreet Sidhu, fashion designing student at PU, was skeptical about watching a 3D movie since she had read some unsettling reviews. "I was worried about how or what 3D would be. But when I discovered the territories of 3D for the first time, my mind was blown away. 3D actually takes the viewers to a new height of joyous, eccentric entertainment. From flying with the Na'vi tribe in Avatar to experiencing the ghosts of Haunted, 3D is mesmerizing."

For cinema’s sake
Tapesh Sharma, Assistant Regional Secretary, Federation of Film Society of India, who has been invited to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic, is all for art movies
Ashima Sehajpal

Aishwarya Rai posed with aplomb for the shutterbugs at the Cannes Film Festival. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt marked their attendance as well. Penelope Cruz, Rachel McAdams and Salma Hayek followed suit. In between, whosoever came, saw and conquered the red carpet, but films took a backseat and celebrities and their designer costumes grabbed all the attention. So, when another film festival, Karlovy Vary Film Festival, is round the corner, we wonder what the priority will be!

VISUAL EFFECT: (L-R) Stills from Kung Fu Panda 2 and Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Chandigarh's Tapesh Sharma, Assistant Regional Secretary, Federation of Film Society of India, who has been invited by the organising committee of the festival, says, "It's a festival that celebrates only cinema. Films from over 100 countries will be screened at this festival in the Czech Republic." And he will be the only Indian to be present at the festival. His accreditation, he says, is recognition of his contribution to cinema. "I have organised various film festivals in Chandigarh, in which films from France and Czech Republic were screened. The best of the non-commercial cinema has been brought here by me."

However, at the same time, there are not many takers for international cinema in India. Tapesh adds that the Indian government should take an initiative in this case.

"Unfortunately, the government doesn't have a fixed policy when it comes to non-commercial cinema. Earlier, we used to have an international film festival in Delhi, which has now been shifted to Goa, a move that has more disadvantages than advantages." It now only attracts movie-lovers from Mumbai but for people in West Bengal or even Punjab, it's not feasible to fly down to Goa. "I was a regular at the film festival when it was held at Delhi. After it was shifted to Goa, I have not attended it even once."

With so many international film festivals happening around the world, it's time we lay emphasis on art cinema. "The genre educates about the evils of society, about the real issues that need immediate attention. Art cinema might not have commercial value, but it does a lot of value addition to the society." This is also the reason why Bengali and Marathi cinema is doing better than Punjabi.

Tapesh regrets the fact that Punjabi cinema is still about dancing around trees or at the most NRI issues. "Even if serious issues like drug abuse or female foeticide find a mention in the flick, the singer-actors take away the attention from the issues," he says. And he promises to bring back inputs from the festival to be held at the Czech Republic. "Anything for the sake of art cinema!"

MODEL MOVES
Chandigarh-based model Parth Gargish says reality shows are not his cup of tea
Manpriya Khurana

In Bollywood you need to have a godfather, television production houses prefer good looks over talent, modelling comes easy, but you need to be lucky to bag plum projects! And if you aren't ready to abuse on national television, the tag of a struggler too doesn't come easy. At times, the glamour industry is a test of resilience. Needless to say, one fallback option is a must. Parth Gargish, from Chandigarh, has his in place. "Even though I was interested in this field, I chose to complete Electronics and Communication engineering because you need a fallback option," the city-based project manager minces no words.

Nevertheless, it all started way back in college. "I was one of the top seven contestants for Mr North 2008 from Chandigarh. Moreover, I have always been interested in dancing and choreography. Winning and participating in all the national level competitions throughout school and college." Couple of local print shoots followed as did a still photo shoot for O'Neil, a foreign clothing brand. "Recently I have shot an ad with ITC for one of their upcoming health products. I can't reveal more about it because the product is yet to be launched."

Even making it up till here wasn't easy, especially if reality show is neither an option nor a route. "I will not do reality shows ever. I somehow just don't prefer all the unabashed abusing going on there. Most of it is preplanned and for the other part they ask you to throw tantrums."

Like most in the industry, he's hoping to get the right break. "I will only do quality work. Yes, if I get a break in Bollywood, nothing like it. But that's not easy since you need a godfather." Television has its shares of ifs and buts. "For TV, all they are looking for is good looks because they feel talent can still be imparted through workshops and training programmes." No one came through their fair share of struggle. He nods, "Of course, there's a lot of hardwork and at times futile struggle. You need to keep trying, go for auditions and once you land there, be prepared to be rejected." Bare minimum philosophies need to be in place.

For fellow beginners, he has a message. "Don't just get desperate for work. Most of the youngsters make a mistake of doing any substandard video that comes their way. Once you get typecast as extra, it's even more difficult." At times, it's not about what you'll do; it's also about what you'll not do!

Shine under the rainbow
With some simple steps you can avoid skin problems during the monsoon, say experts
Tanya Padda

seal the glow: Use gel based moisturisers and non-alcoholic toner touch of science: Try new treatments such as micro-dermabrasion

As rain washes away the heat, skin problems may be the only thing worrying us in the revelry. Taking care of our largest organ of our body is a challenging task but some simple steps can keep all troubles at bay, according to the experts.

Dermatologist Dr Monika Mittal says, "In this season the temperature increases and there is a lot of humidity so acne, blackheads, open pores are common."

“Since the weather is humid, it is important to go for a cleansing and toning routine,” says Dr Purvi Kavina, a dermatologist. You should avoid using anti-fungal and perfumed soaps, instead cleanse your skin daily using a soap free cleanser. Those who have an oily skin should use special anti acne face wash daily and a scrub twice a week, advises Dr Kavina.

A non-alcoholic toner should be used each time you wash your face to close the pores and restore your skin's pH balance. This will prevent skin infections and eruptions. If you have dry skin then you need to mildly tone since the pore size is small. The next step is to moisturise your skin. Change skin care products in the monsoons. Don't use greasy creams. Instead you should go for gel based hydrating moisturisers, like those containing aloe vera,” informs Dr Kavina. People with dry skin should use a lotion based moisturiser twice daily, and anyone above 30 years of age should opt for an anti ageing moisturiser, she adds. Those with oily skin should only moisturize their skin twice a day as their skin's natural oils keep it hydrated. Also a sunscreen is a must, whether it's sunny or cloudy.

People with dry skin can use a sunscreen with more than 20 SPF and those with oily skin should use lacto calamine lotion or a gel based sunscreen, they say. Also, people who work a lot outdoors should use water resistant, gel based sunscreens, they add. Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out and re-apply every three to four hours.

Experts advise against facials or cleansing, as it could cause more acne and blemishes. But procedures like skin polishing and micro dermabrasion are advised.

Don't go overboard with home remedies as these done without guidance can aggravate acne. Another acne causing factor is applying glycerin, oil or milk products. Don't apply fruits like banana, papaya and cucumber directly on the skin because when you go out in the sun it can give you sunburn.

Armed with these skin care tips, you can go and enjoy the monsoon showers without a worry.

the ‘in’ side
Home shield
Sukhmani

After the burning heat of summer, monsoon showers are such a welcome. The weather becomes pleasant but keep in mind that our buildings need to be protected from the rain or else you may end up with seepage and dampness in your homes. Here are a few things you must do to keep your homes clean and free from dampness-

Fix any kind of cracks on your walls or roof. Waterproof your roof if possible and make sure the mouth of your rainwater pipes are not blocked with leaves or any kind of debris.

• Tile joints in bathrooms should be checked and kept sealed.
• Install ventilators in high humid areas of the house to avoid dampness. Make sure there is enough cross-ventilation and the fresh air comes to the house before the rain hits to your home.
• Termite infestation is a major problem where water leakage or high humidity exists. Check all damp places to find out termite invasion in the house and call for professional help.
• Clean your carpets and rugs regularly as these create a musty smell in rainy seasons. Expose them to sunlight from time to time.
• Protect your wood flooring from moisture and warping by keeping them properly waxed.
• Check your cupboards for any kind of dampness. Camphor balls or Neem leaves and cloves usually keep silverfish at bay.
• Regular house cleaning can protect your home from moisture content in the air. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are good options to reduce humidity levels inside your home.
• Wooden doors and windows too need attention as they tend to expand due to moisture. Protect them by painting them at regular intervals and use waterproof varnish.
• Unsecured power boxes and exposed wires can cause major problems, so get them all fixed before the monsoons hit your home.
• Get the exterior walls repainted with weather-proof paint to avoid damage. You could also try a water-sealant for maximum protection.

Road Rage
The one wheel ride
Mukesh Kharbanda

Increasing number of vehicles…increase in travel time….rising frustration. Your car stuck in the ever increasing jams…How about dodging it all and that too on a single wheel?

Yes, 'Mono-wheel' is one crazy idea from the past that has always inspired and enthralled us from its first appearance in France in 1869. Perhaps, the most well known iteration of the strange type of vehicle seems to be a perfect solution to the dilemma of uncontrollable traffic on roads today. The first ever moving mono-wheel was created in 1932 by Dr JH Purves. The motorised monster was called the Dynasphere, and it is believed to have reached speeds of up to 25 or 30 MPH. Despite the failure of the Dynasphere and other monowheel vehicles, the demand of mono-wheels has driven the advancement in their make and even the top line automakers to cross the threshold.

Mono-wheels have seen a transition from a distant vision to a future vehicle by an automobile giant like Honda. The UX-3 from Honda is an absurdly bizarre contraption that has been devised to evaluate a completely new form of transport. The UX-3 is an experimental technology at the moment, but Honda intends to continue research and development of the vehicle, including testing in real-world situations, to confirm the practicality of the technology. Despite the fact the Honda UX-3 makes the driver look like on a different planet, it does feature some pretty impressive technology within its sleek bodywork. Namely Honda's Omni-directional driving wheel system (HOT Drive System) which enables movement in all directions, including right and left and diagonal, thanks to many small, motor-controlled wheels that are connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving the small-diameter wheels, the device moves on the x-axis. Combining these movements allows the UX-3 to travel diagonally too.

Honda's balance control technology enables ASIMO to stand, walk and run in a controlled manner.

This technology has been developed for the U3-X-to detect a shift in the rider's bodyweight to adjust the direction and the speed of the device.

Based on the incline sensor data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation using weight shift only.

Monowheels have never caught on with a mass audience. The fanciful appearance of the monowheel guarantees that there will always be new generation of designers willing to try their hand at creating the next notable one.

(Mukesh Kharbanda is a Chandigarh-based auto expert)

it’s rocking
Ode to Switty

catchy & crazy: Imran Khan in Delhi Belly

Switty Tera Pyaar

Ram Sampath deserves a huge round of applause. It is for his music that Delhi Belly has become the most awaited movie of the season. If DK Bose helped the flick get immediate attention, it's the next track, Switty Tera Pyar that's adding to the excitement. The rap track and Akon like look of all Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor has already made the song a hit with the youngsters. Lets find out what makes the song just a hit.

The looker Imran

I can watch the video of the song any number of times because Imran is looking really handsome. His look is new. From the boy next door, the song has changed his look to a rock star. The song has very street lyrics, which is well complemented by the look of all three actors. Ram Sampath deserves a mention here for sure. Never before has a movie offered so much variety in terms of its music.

Richa Sharma, PU student

Repeat value

It’s a song that compels you to listen to it again and again. The lyrics are witty and very youth oriented. I think one big add on of the song is its choreography. Aamir Khan as always has attempted something new with his product. The Punjabi touch in the song makes it a foot tapping number. I am sure, it will be the next in demand track after DK Bose in all the discotheques.

Sonali Sachdeva, a student of DAV-10, Chandigarh

Lovely experiment

Music of Delhi Belly is experimental by all means and Switty Tera Pyar falls in tandem too. It has a playful tune, wacky lyrics and rap like video-all the ingredients that makes it a hit among youngsters. For a Punjabi music fan, music just can't get better than the track. The song has a lot of energy and is sung extremely well by Keerthi Sagathia. Thumbs up from my side to the song. A toast to Ram Sampath's fresh music.

Gaurav Mehta, a student of SD College, Chandigarh

New faces of 2011
This year get ready to see several new faces vying for your attention. From Zoa Morani in Always Kabhi Kabhi to Parineeti Chopra in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, take a look...

Cousin calling: Parineeti Chopra

Another PC on the block!

Parineeti Chopra in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl: Priyanka Chopra's cousin is pretty and attractive. She was part of YRF's marketing team before Maneesh Sharma cast her in the film and YRF signed her on for a three-film contract.

toy boy: Arjun Kapoor

Networking to the hilt

Arjun Kapoor in Virus Diwan: He was obese and he shed weight (thanks to Salman Khan) to make his debut in Bollywood.

Short n sweet: Poorna Jagannathan

Delhi belle

Breaking conventions: Zoa Morani

Sing a song

Zoa Morani in Always Kabhi Kabhi: Karim Morani's daughter is the reason Roshan Abbas' directorial debut got made. She has the most complex role in the film and has one song all to herself. Zoa is not conventionally pretty or solo-heroine material but she is expressive and attractive. There is no buzz about what she is doing post the recently-released film.

Shooting star: Nargis Fakhri

Debut with a bang

Nargis Fakhri in Rock Star: The first look of Rock Star isn't even out but she has generated immense buzz thanks to her link-up with Ranbir Kapoor, her exotic roots, and Kingfisher calendar shoots.

Nargis' Hindi is not good but buzz is that she is a terrific actor. We'll have to wait and watch how this pretty face lives up to expectations.

mumbai gal: Kajal Aggarwal

She plays Ranbir's character's love interest in the film. Aditi Rao Hydari is the other female lead in Imtiaz Ali's musical.

 

Rising down south

Kajal Aggrawal in Singham: Kajal makes her debut opposite Ajay Devgn in Rohit Shetty much awaited and hyped South-Indian style film Singham.

Zayed turns producer

Behind the lens: Zayed Khan

Following in the footsteps of his father Sanjay Khan, Bollywood actor Zayed Khan is set to make his foray into production with 'Love Breakups Zindagi', a slice of life film about relationships.

Zayed has teamed up with Dia Mirza for Born Free Entertainment, their production house and the actress will also be seen opposite him in the movie. "Love Breakups Zindagi" can be called a film which will relate to the audience. The story is about relationships in one's life. "For some relationships are complex while for others they are smooth... While others have a mixture of all. Our film shows all the aspects and we have tried to focus on the positive aspects. As how break-ups can be a new beginning," said Zayed.

The film also stars Mirza and Cyrus Sahukar and Tisca Chopra. Zayed, who debuted with Chura Liya Hai Tumne, says he wanted to make his debut as a producer with a wholesome film. "We wanted our first film to have a balance of everything. The genre was apt for debutants like us. It is a rom-com, which is very youth centric," added Zayed. In 'Love ......', Zayed plays the role of Jai, who is a sales executive from Delhi. Suffering from mid-life crisis, he hates everything about Mumbai, where he is posted for his job. Apart from 'Love....', Zayed will be seen in Priyadarshan's upcoming film Tezz, alongside Ajay Devgan, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Sameera Reddy. He is also working in a comedy titled Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene. — PTI

So far so good

Uday Chopra to quit acting after Dhoom 3

Time to exit: Uday Chopra

Uday Chopra turned to Bacchus to make an important confession - that he is giving up acting. "Ok confession time... Dhoom 3 is my swan song... my last film... no I'm not giving up acting... quite the opposite, acting is giving up on me!" he tweeted. Uday, who posted a series of tweets while at a bar in Kansas, later apologised for being drunk.

"Ok I'm not in India...it's night where I am and I'm letting the wine hit me...so ask ur craziest questions and I'll answer...go!!!" he tweeted, adding later, " lol sorry I'm drunk!!!" Uday has failed to impress with acting skills despite being a part of hit franchise like Dhoom.

Pyar Impossible, his last film as an actor and scriptwiter, bombed at the box office despite starring Priyanka Chopra. He has been a part of box office duds like Supari and Neal 'n' Nikki. — PTI

Aishwarya is new dream girl: Hema Malini

Guest appearance

TV actresses Mona Singh and Supriya Pilgaonkar will be seen shaking a leg on bride-to-be Ratan Rajput’s mehendi ceremony in Imagine TV’s Ratan Ka Rishta. They would be joined by Neha Marda, Sneha Wagh and Supriya Kumari and the artists will be seen performing on dance numbers like Rola Pe Gaya, Mehendi Rang Layee and Dhoom Tana.

While Mona will perform on folk numbers like Resham Ka Rumaal and Holia, Supriya Pilgaonkar will set the dance floor on fire with her performance on the song Sajanji Ghar Aaye. “I love the tracks that I will be performing on and I am really looking forward for Ratan’s mehendi ceremony. I am sure she will take the right decision and I wish her all the very best,” said Mona. — IANS

chatter box

Family problems Television actor Shweta Tiwari is very tense these days due to a family problem. No it isn’t her ex-husband Raja troubling her again but the fact that her grandfather is ill. She rushed to Lucknow on Monday morning to see her grandfather, who has been unwell for a long time. The actor is very close to her grandpa and has been praying he recovers soon. GRAND PA’S GIRL: Shweta Tiwari

 

Joint venture Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs will just be at the click of your computer mouse. Li’l Champs has associated with Singchana.com, an online karaoke website that allows users to match the renditions of their favourite songs against the pitch of the original singer. Young aspiring singers can sing karaoke, practice their singing and challenge friends via the web to beat their score. The website takes the player’s voice and converts it automatically into a visual representation which is simultaneously compared with the original singer’s voice. Players then score according to how closely their singing matches the pitch and tone of the original.

TEAM WORK: Contestants of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs

 

Star struck Apara One often sees various coloured stones on actors’ fingers and wonders as to why a successful person would believe in things like astrology, numerology and fate? A veteran TV actor is an avid believer in astrology, as is her on-screen character in Hamari Saas Leela. We are talking about Apara Mehta, whose reel character Leela, is seeking help from astrologers to search for perfect brides for her sons. In real life too, she has consulted her astrologers to find out if her show will do well or not. And in a perfect state of coincidence, the producer of the show Asit Modi also believes in astrology.   BELIEVE IT OR NOT: Apara Mehta

 

All the best Television’s drama queen Rakhi Sawant is thrilled to know that her favourite actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is expecting her first baby. She is happy that Big B will now become dadaji. She feels that Aishwarya has everything in life and now new happiness awaits her in the form of motherhood. She was heard giving her best wishes to the Bachchans.       WELL WISHER: Rakhi Sawant

Ashmit’s flirty gyaan

Shovon’s out of X-Factor

Racing against time

astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: A problem free day. A long distance trip is in the offing. Continually do an inventory of important items to avoid losing something of value. Problems with government officials indicated. Stick to the speed limit. Tarot Message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic Number: 56

TAURUS: An easy going day; map out what you want. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to. Personal plans are likely to progress. Be straight and above board when dealing with employment affairs. Be independent. If you have kids, a pantomime would weave its magic. Tarot Message: Plan your. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic Number: 27

GEMINI: A lot can be achieved if you take one step at a time and avoid excess. Self-employed might find it hard to divide time between work and family. Try not to let some important work slip away. Be calm. Tarot Message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow Pastels. Magic Number: 30.

CANCER: This is a good time not only to think outside the box. Passion can become a little excessive. Traditions seem important to you right now. Holiday shopping can be fun, and you might come up with imaginative gift ideas. Tarot Message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic Number: 50.

LEO: Adopt a wait & watch policy. Close relationship become affectionate and sociable. Brace for a hectic evening ahead. Your reserved, responsible side takes the lead, and you will be out to get what’s best for you. You are popular with friends and associates. Tarot Message: Learn to accept responsibility. Lucky colour: Silver Grey. Magic Number: 44

VIRGO: Suddenly your love life feels less restricted. Phone calls, correspondence, and e-mails may take half the day to deal with, along with people knocking on your door. Family matters take priority today. Don’t let stress and overload frazzle you. Tarot Message: Set pleasant set of events in motion. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic Number: 35

the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 30...

Ruled by Jupiter, number 3 people are sociable, friendly, kind, positive, and optimistic. Your birthday on June 30 of 2011 shows individual self-expression is necessary for your happiness. You tend to have a good way of expressing yourself with words, certainly in a manner that is clear and understandable. You have a fair chance of success in fields requiring skill with words. Business: Be smart about de-stressing. Your healthy spirit of competition is particularly motivational now. You want to be the star as you should be. Career: A change of plan, hitches and misunderstandings are to be expected.The Saturn advises those born in the last decade to avoid getting involved in controversies. Education: If you have applied for visa or PR for study abroad, 2011-12 is the year to celebrate. Family: Demands on your patience and wallet rise sharply, especially with hotel and health issues. Difference of opinion between father and son can crop u. Finance: Youngsters will get motivated to make some money during their spare time.