Doctors’ Day 
No matter how many apples you eat a day, there would be times when you just can’t keep them away! This sounds poetic, but you can hardly imagine them to be one. At a given day, they would come across as the most unaffected people, oblivious of the world coming down. Doctors…temperature, blood pressure, haemoglobin, bilirubin, their world revolves around a few selected words from the dictionary. Or this is what you think. All said and done, this is a profession rated as one of the top five on the matrimonial alliance list! On Doctors’ Day though, we try to peep into the other side of the ‘ward’ and catch some young bachelor doctors (you smile ear- to-ear at the mention of ‘most eligible’ bachelors), who share that they breathe life too! They like hitting discotheques on a Saturday night, drive around with friends, catch a first-day-first-show at theatres and think about getting married to their dream lady!

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Contrary to the general perception that doctors don’t have fun, which by the way is correct, he has his own idea of fun. His meaning of fun would be a little different from others though.

Fun Funda: I am in my clinic from 9 in the morning to almost 10 at night, and even late. I can’t switch off my cellphone after that because I expect my patients to give panic calls at any time. So, whenever I get time, I sleep. I sleep to my heart’s content as and when I can. This is my idea of fun. Surprised?

Passion sport: I love to play cricket and lawn tennis. Oh! I forgot to add - this is when I get time.

Holiday hoopla: I haven’t taken a good holiday for the last three years. Sunday…what’s that?

Wedding bells: I haven’t had the time to think about it. I was 25 when I completed my MD from PGI, and from that time onwards I have been only moving from one degree to another.

Dream girl: Someone who is understanding and wouldn’t shout her lungs out if I come late; someone who can help me grow as a person. Could be either from the same profession or otherwise.

— Dr Vikas Sharma, chief consultant dermatologist, National Skin Hospital 

Rachit Bansal is an enthusiastic 27-year-old from Chandigarh, who has a lot under his wings. An entrepreneur, an active member of Indian Youth Congress, he is pretty kicked about his latest assignment. Rachit is one amongst the three newly appointed members of advisory panel, Central Board of Film Certification.

This master in International Business and IT graduate from Central Queensland University, Sydney, is all for ‘family entertainment’, “I strongly believe that the media has the power to bring about a social change. It could be positive if guided well.”

Rachit well understands the impact of each programme aired for the masses. And, monitoring here is a must. “The government needs to keep checks and balances be it any field, and it’s most important when it comes to cinema,” says Rachit. Cinema is powerful because it goes much beyond the real. “Films are as much a part of real life as reel.”

With the recent films, which have created uproar with their offensive language, what would be his take? Rachit plays political as he answers this one, “I have full faith in the censor board. If they have cleared a film, it must be justifiable.” But as for his own, he is not for anything that is against moral values.

Another issue that’s raising a storm is that of reality shows. “A show is aimed at the masses and impacts them hugely. So, one needs to discern what all goes into a common man’s house through TV,” says Rachit.

We had recently informed you about the exciting performances that you can look forward to at Ratan’s mehendi on Ratan Ka Rishta on Imagine TV. Ratan’s sangeet ceremony seems to be equally exciting and here is what you can expect to see.

Anuj Thakur and Jayashree Venkatramanan, the leads of Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga will perform on the songs Ainvayi Ainvayi from Band Baaja Baraat and Dhinka Chika from Ready. Handsome hunks Naman Shaw and Angad Hasija will rock the dance floor with Sadi Galli from Tanu Weds Manu, Humka Peeni Hai from Dabangg and Character Dheela from Ready. Rashmi Desai the conniving Tapasya from Uttaran will be seen in a totally different avatar as she will dance to Darling from 7 Khoon Maaf and Billo Rani (Remix)’ from Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal.

The act that promises to be the most entertaining is one that will be performed by Dolly Bindra as she will turn item girl on Munni Badnaam Hui from Dabangg and Sheila Ki Jawaani from Tees Maar Khan. The cute couple from Sasural Genda Phool ,Jay Soni aka Ishaan and Ragini Khanna aka Suhana will perform a duet on the remix version of Kajra Mohabbat Wala and Zor Ka Jhatka from Action Replayy. Comedian Ali Asgar will be at his entertaining best as he dances on Full Volume fromThank You and Bhootni Ke from Singh Is Kinng.

How can Ratan and the three prospective bridegrooms be left behind? The three contenders will attempt to win Ratan over with their dancing skills. Abhinav will dance to

Pee Loon (Remix) from Once Upon a Time in Mumbai while Deepak on Humko Pyaar Hua from Ready. Last but not the least Anupam will perform on two romantic numbers.

This season Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs is filled with loads of young singing geniuses which tells us that our country has an abundance of talent.

It’s good to see such a bunch of talented kids being groomed under the guidance of three cools gurus - Adnan Sami, Kailash Kher and Javed Ali. The one maha guru Alka Yagnik is truly encouraging to the young singers. All gurus are very cool when it comes to judging.  

The children who range from 8 to 14 years belie their age completely as they take to the mike as seasoned pros. They are divided into Kailash Ke avadhoo, Adnan ke anokhe and Javed ke abhiroo. All little contestants are very impressive. The show has all the three mentors selecting two each from their teams for the challenge round and the weakest of them are eliminated by Alkaji. It’s heart breaking to see the young minds sad after so many rehearsals. All the three gurus praise the little kids with soulful words like sukoon, ruhaaniyat while the Maha guruian Alka Yagnik is calm and composed.

Ragini Khanna aka Suhana will be seen performing a romantic duet with Sasural Genda Phool co-star Jay Soni in the finale of Comedy Ke Tansen on Sony. We get Ragini to reveal a little about the act as well as share her view about her onscreen chemistry with Jay, which viewers of the show can’t get enough of.

Tell us something about your upcoming performance in Comedy Circus?

Jay and I will be performing on two romantic numbers. They are Te Amo from Dum Maaro Dum and Nakhre from Action Replayy.

Tell us about your look in the act?

I will be wearing some cool western outfits. I will be donning dresses for both the performances. 

What does dance mean to you?

Jhalak Dikhla Jaa opened new avenues for me. I learnt the technicalities of dance by being a part of that show and still I wish to learn more. I consider myself as an amateur in dance.

Your cousin Krishna has made a career out of comedy and everyone has loved his acts on this show. What do you have to say about it?

I had danced with Krishna in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa where we had competed with each other and we had so much fun. He is a class apart and the best actor on TV today, no one can match his talent. He is a good looker, great dancer and fantastic at comedy. He is a complete package.

Fans of Sasural Genda Phool love the chemistry between Suhana and Ishaan, what is your take on it?

Jay and I understand each other very well and I feel that it reflects onscreen. We are good friends in real life. Also our characters Ishaan and Suhana are real people and that helps in portraying the characters well

What is it that you like about Jay?

Siddhant Karnick has a reason to celebrate. His film The Au Revoir has won the best romantic film award at the Bodega Bay International Film Festival.

Unfortunately it seems like the actor will have to postpone his celebrations as he is recovering from a stiff neck and an injured knee. Siddhanth injured himself while imitating King of Pop Micheal Jackson during a stage show.

Siddhant recalls “The act was a tribute to Micheal Jackson and I had injured myself during the rehearsals itself. When I was performing the same step during the show, I injured my knee yet again and this time it was much worse. I could feel the blood gushing out but I decided to let the show go on. “The act ended up as an actual tribute to MJ as there was actual ‘Blood on the dance floor”, laughs Siddhant.

If that was not enough he even ended up straining his neck during the performance. The actor reveals “There were a lot of hip hop style moves in the performance and I ended up with a stiff neck. Now I can’t look right or left, just straight. Honestly if I am asked to repeat that performance, I am still game for it inspite of what happened last time. I will be uploading the videos of the performance on the Internet soon so my fans can spot the moment where I busted my knee. For now I am just recovering at home”

Siddhant who is still remembered as Siddharth from Pyaar KIi Yeh Ek Kahaani, is still in touch with his co-stars from the show and made sure to call up Vivian aka Abhay who celebrates his birthday today. The actor says “I wished Vivian and it was great to know that he is working today. That is the best way to celebrate one’s birthday.”

The eternal romantic teams up with the king of romance once again. As already announced, Yash Chopra's next directorial venture stars the king of romance, Shahrukh Khan. The film is yet untitled. Yash Chopra had commented earlier, "Everyone knows that when I make a movie, Shahrukh will be involved in it. He is like family to YRF, and I have always regarded him as one of my own."

Also, after days of media conjecturing, we are happy to confirm that the two ladies who will also be a part of this project have been finalised. They are none other than Katrina Kaif, who will be playing a role opposite Shahrukh for the very first time, and Anushka Sharma, who was launched in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi alongside Shahrukh. Orchestrated by Yash Chopra, this movie will mark the coming together yet again of the award winning duo of music maestro A. R. Rahman and poet and lyricist Gulzar. We spoke to Yash Chopra about this upcoming film.

"It's been 7 years since I directed Veer-Zaara. As I begin work on my new film, I hear my inner voice asking me a lot of questions. Am I sure I want to direct again; I am nearly 80 years old and the audience is getting younger day by day? Can I really speak from my heart and still expect today's youth to listen to me? Will I be able to live up to the blind faith that Shahrukh Khan has in me, and give him yet another memorable romantic film? Will I be able to present the beautiful Katrina Kaif and the very talented Anushka Sharma in a way they have never been seen before? Will I be able to inspire Rahman and Gulzarbhai enough to create their best work yet?," Yashji says.

"The honest answer to all these questions is... I don't know! All I know is that I'm making a film that I believe in, a film that is about love and nothing else. It is a film which has an old soul, but a young heart. A film which is classic in its look, but contemporary in its language. A film which I'm making on one simple faith... the love that my audiences have given to me over the years. They have tolerated my indulgences for the past 50 years, and I'm sure they will indulge me one more time," he continues. The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2012 release, the festive time when Yash Chopra movies over the years have lit up homes worldwide. — HRM 

Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor: They make a very cute pair. She is hot and gorgeous while he is a good-looking boy. The first-time on-screen couple will be seen in Dharma Productions' Short Term Shaadi. Kareena's character is supposedly spontaneous and fun while Imran is subdued and then she changes his attitude and life. Sounds like Jab We Met to us! Both are sporting considerably different looks in the film that will release in December.

Deadly obstacles, dangerous manoeuvres, a cliff-hanger, wheelie, stoopie….biking can have more connotations than just riding! The 'adrenaline challenge' is just one of things stunt-biking does. For someone like Babar Khan, winner of MTV Stunt Mania season 2, it is a life-changing experience, a 360-degree turn.

In Chandigarh along with Rannvijay to talk about 'Stunt Mania Season 3', Babar Khan is more in love with life than he ever was. Life cannot be taken for granted; he has got the message loud and clear. "Being the winner of Stunt Mania Season 2 was indeed a life-changing experience for me. It made me touch base with my own self; I can understand my limitations, and my positive aspects. Not to miss the recognition it has given me," shares Babar, who opened an academy and workshop where he makes performance bikes. "Bikes have been a passion and now I know I would never get away from it, thankfully."

The other connotation of stunt biking projects reads as 'danger'. The man has one-time too many up, close and personal experiences in it. "The word is danger, danger that gives confidence, and it is danger that makes me explore and overcome it," says Babar who had to rough it out first in the family for parental support. "My family was not in favour of stunt biking because I have had many crashes before. They had sold off my bike, so all this while I was practising on my friend's bike. But after the victory at Stunt Mania, they changed their opinion. Now, my father gets biking stuff from me whenever he travels," Babar smiles, sharing the third connotation of biking - safety.

Babar explains, "Life is a beautiful gift, not be wasted on any untoward, deliberate accident. Those who are fond of stunt-biking, or making their bike do weird things, must also remember that safety is an important thing while doing stunts. In the third season of Stunt Mania we are providing the riders with the best safety equipment," adds Babar who a small advice for the wanna be stunt bikers. "The choice is between a sadak chap biker and a trained stunt-biker. If you want to maintain your skill, learn it well."

Last but definitely not the least (because someone else will have more connotations on biking), ride to Bollywood. Now, you don't have to struggle too hard, neither are you required to pose left, right at centre at portfolio shoots. If you are a stunt-biker, you are already on the road to Bollywood. "I am getting offers from Bollywood already. I have done a couple of stunts in movies like FALTU, Double Dhamaal, and a Bajaj Pulsar advertisement. I expect to do more work in movies and win international contests," says Babar, after giving a new connotation to biking - fun unlimited!

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We've known it for quite sometime now, something was coming up in Sector 35. A building, a hotel, a mall or a multiplex till they added the JW Marriott to the city's skyline! On Wednesday, the five-star property announced its arrival and flung open its doors with a press conference and a bash in tow. "We are happy to be finally coming to the city. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, it is an extremely prestigious city. After Mumbai, this is the second JW Marriott hotel in India," Rajeev Menon, area vice president, Marriott International, welcomed the guests.

City beautiful

The special touch couldn't be missed, starting from the Satsrikal with which the guards and the staff all across the lobby greeted everybody. Beyond the greetings, they have gone an extra mile to lend the flavour of Punjab. Shares Menon, "Our chef actually went around the villages of Punjab to learn some of the local delicacies. Because we just don't want it to be a regular eating experience." Post the Juhu hotel, it took them close to decade to add another link in the chain. Any luxury hotel takes close to three to five years. While this one's not massive but a location like this is going to be very rare for any other hotel that plans to come up… Menon adds, "We've conceived it for the last five years, just took us a bit of a time to put it all together."

Finances

With a property like that, it is quite natural for queries to revolve around the revenue. While the men across the table, including Rajeev Menon and Deepak Manocha, general manager "wouldn't typically discuss numbers," the property is pegged at Rs 350 crore. For an investment like that, the city's connectivity is not a concern for them. Adds Rajeev, "I am based in Mumbai and flying to Chandigarh almost every other week."

Interiors

Even though the landscape may not be "unending" , the property boasts of 165 guest rooms, four suites, and one Presidential suite. Once inside it's a splash of hues of pastel brown interiors. Though most of the sections are yet too open, there's Saffron, the fine dining Indian cuisine, The Café@JW, Oregano Restaurant and Bar, offering the Italian cuisine, Chandigarh Baking Co, The Lounge and the spa Quan Spa. Then there are staples of any five-star brand, pool and the lawns and the banqueting facilities. The grand ballroom has a ceiling height of over 6 metres and comes replete with crystal chandeliers et al. On the outside, it's just as towering and imposing.

LIBRA: Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays. The newly married will find home atmosphere tense. Trying to make last-minute changes won’t help matters. Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red. Magic Number: 32.

SCORPIO: Your card “Four of Wands” promises an excellent day. Preventing health problem is better than treating them. Focus on meditation, yoga and exercise. A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Tarot Message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success.  Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic Number: 42.

SAGITTARIUS: Use charm, diplomacy, respect and cooperation in dealing with people if you want positive results. You might suffer a sudden loss of confidence. Domestic affairs seem frustrating, so simply avoid them now. Tarot Message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic Number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Pleasant day for everything. Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events . Turn your attention to jobs that gives you an opportunity to make the best use of your intellect. Senior citizens: meditation gives you a relaxed mind. Tarot Message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youngsters. Lucky colour: Royal Blue. Magic Number: 36.

AQUARIUS: Doing a spell of overtime or catching up with work at home would help pay the bills. Your desires seem to have no end but your bank account will dry up before your wants. Tarot Message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic Number: 33.

PISCES: A healthy competitive instinct can be harnessed for greater accomplishment. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Friends and finances should not be mixed. Children will be a source of happiness. Tarot Message: Versatility and a quick mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic Number: 64.