Exposure, cultural variance, academic experience or stay and live alone, see the world, party, adds to the resume, better the curriculum vitae…Foreign shores may still have the same appeal albeit for different reasons. Not getting through Delhi University could be a big reason to make a career, course or even a country switch.

As the students gear up for the fall session and more and more foreign aspirants turn applicants, the reasons to go abroad go beyond the obvious.

"If you get through some really good colleges, then it makes sense to stay in India, otherwise, going abroad for further studies is a better option. Because here, everybody knows, the cut offs are crazy," Nehar Goel, a Class XII pass out of Vivek High School, points at just one of the growing trends for overseas education among Indian students.

She cites her case. "Even my 80 per cent marks were not good enough for Delhi University. Almost all my friends have decided to go abroad for a post-graduation, even during under graduation we'll be doing all the summer internships and exchange programmes in a foreign country."

Aseem Goel, another city student, did exactly this. "I went to Russia on a global community development internship through AIESEC," he says.

Making a move: Navdeep Bajaj

Every stint is an opportunity. He adds, "According to me, it gave me a global perspective, opened up my mind, increased my confidence, there was unparalleled exposure and not to forget a diverse network."

No more is a student visa just en route to permanent residency. He adds, "Ultimately it all reflects on your CV and I think that's one of the reasons why youngsters are going abroad for more and more internships or study."

At least that's all Jashan Jot had in mind, B Comm student, before applying for universities in UK. All set to join University of Kent, he shares, "I did apply to a lot of Indian B-schools but the cut offs here are impossible. Heading out, is the next best option."

There are reasons more than one for anyone 'opting out'. Navdeep Bajaj, all set to join Boston University, looks at it as a wholesome opportunity. "It's going to be a huge learning experience. The reasons are not all academic. I am going to be alone, taking a lot of decisions all by myself."

Then of course there are things like practical knowledge and getting accustomed to different styles of teaching.

As the reasons for going out widen, so do the options of where to go? Kanwar Naunihal Singh, director, Sundlass Consultants says, "It's now easy to head Canada because of the relaxation of rules. Earlier, Australia was a hot destination. New Zealand is gradually replacing it."

Then there's buzz about Singapore too. Adds Nehar, "There's a reason why so many students want to go there now. First of all it's in Asia, which makes it very near, you can come back thrice a year. It also provides a good environment for studies."

Kanwar Naunihal Singh feels, "It depends. Students, who go out for a doctorate or research purposes, look at both options, that of staying abroad or coming back. While a majority of the undergraduate students still go on the pretext of a student visa."

We know the grass has always been green on the other side, but now not everyone goes out seeking greener pastures. Something Navdeep Bajaj, is certain on, "I'm going to come back for sure and join my dad's business. I am going only for studies."

Times are certainly changing.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

The basic concept of parties involves dinner, drinks and of course a whole lot of music to dance the night away. The Saturday night fever caught on when DJ Nasha stepped up and set the floor on fire. In Chandigarh to perform at the Friendship Day bash at Score, he looked every bit of the wild side of music. A bald look and the retro earrings fit the bill perfectly. For him music is more than a passion.

With no real training to become a DJ, this self-made expert at the console has understood the value of training and is now helping new comers find their way. "Yes, I do feel that training helps. It makes things easier in the longer run," he smiles. With the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games to his credit, he talks about the changes he has stood witness in the music industry.

"When I started 15-20 years ago, music had a different meaning. Now, the world is smaller for music. Now, DJs not only mix music but also make music and ensure they manage to retain the fan following for their talent," he shares.

With a look of anxiety, he reveals about his upcoming stint in films. "I am not allowed to talk about it at the moment," he shares.

DJ Nasha has not only got the crowds grooving nationally but at the international level too. "The western concept of music is very different from what it is here. People respond to music differently. Here, DJs are constantly interacting with the crowd. In the west, music does all the talking," he says. The concepts are inching towards change, he says.

"We will still take a long time before people really follow music. In the West, crowds actually follow DJs and their music. The festivals add to the flavour," he says. So what was his claim to fame? With a glisten in his eyes, he adds, "Creating the Flute Fantasy, which was showcased in the Buddha Bar 7. I was the first Indian DJ to pull it off."

For Nasha, his love for music does not over power his inclination towards the classical music. "I have played with Ustad Sultan Khan, Ranjit Barot, Sivamani. There is no comparison between classical music and the music we produce. Both are different and close to my heart," he says.

A part of the clubbing scene for a long time now, he cracks a serious joke, "I have stopped listening to music. I am now focusing on making music as a breed and gearing up for the 'Order of the Essence', where several big DJs will come together," he shares.

With computers engulfing normal life, his concept of music on the Internet is simple and straight. "It's a positive movement towards better music. Thanks to the rampant use of the Internet, it is easy and helps create better music. Experimentation has opened new doors in the field of music," he says.

"It's a high," is his definition of music as he goes off to pose for the shutterbugs at the console.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

All the nineteen-to-dozen talk about models as mere perfect bodies walking the ramp with everything in place, except for grey matter, is long gone and forgotten! With every Miss India or Universe doing something substantial, read Bollywood movies, models seem to have more substance.

Recently, ex-Miss India and Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra signed a deal with Universal Music and Desi Hits to record and release her first music album; models definitely are more than ramp, garment malfunction and anorexia now!

In Chandigarh to perform at the launch of Zen Lounge by Zazen, P3, Panchkula, we spoke to yet another model who is pursuing her passion - deejaying - in a big way. Barkha Kaul, the pretty girl from Delhi believes that there are different facets to her personality and music is a part of it.

"I have been modelling for a long time now and then I decided to take up deejaying, something after my heart. A basic course in it and I was all set to make people groove on the floor," shares Barkha. It is always a delight to see a beautiful girl behind the console. She smiles, "Yes people do acknowledge a pretty face behind the console, but the attention gradually shifts to music. So, in the end it is about music and not who is making it," she adds.

But we can't ignore this girl, the model who walked the ramp and still does it with elegance. She brings in the same style in her music as well. "I play commercial and popular club music," she pauses and then adds that being a model and an artist always has an added advantage. "Being a model always complements being a deejay," Barkha explains. "When people approach me to perform at the gig, they know she is a model, a nice face and so they are excited to see me play," she throws her head back in laughter.

Deejaying is a passion for Barkha and something in which where people take her seriously. Ironically, models have to do something else to make people treat them seriously! "It is okay if I am a model, there are many models doing the same thing, but with deejaying I am treated as an artist who is pursuing her passion," puts in Barkha who has lost count of the gigs she has performed. Next in the pipeline. But of course, "music production in Bollywood," she smiles again.

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

The worst malady afflicting this technology-driven age is our ever-shifting latitude of tolerance that widens and constricts according to our convenience. If something does not bother us personally, we simply let it pass even though our collective consciousness may chafe under its burden.

The play 'Teehvin Sadi', staged at Punjabi Bhawan in Ludhiana on Saturday evening, brought this out through the poignant story of a man who loses his mind while conducting a research on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A Punjabi adaptation of Bengali playwright Badal Sircar's play 'Tringsha Shatabdi', the 'Teehvin Sadi' is a thought-provoking comment on history and polity.

History is replete with gruesome details about Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. But most of us, if at all we let these details enter our mental horizon, deal with them at a purely intellectual level. After all, 66 years separate us from these tragic bombings. And we're complacent in our time-buffered zone. But the fact is that the danger of nuclear weapons has still not diminished. The spectre of nuclear destruction stares us in the face. Why don't we own up our moral responsibility for what happens around us?

A thinking man's journey is never easy. (We leave out the women here because in the play the protagonist's wife is thought-deprived, though between her trips to the kitchen she does manage to shoot a question or two.) The protagonist of the play has an uneasy relationship with his own self because he feels that at some point he cannot absolve himself of the historical wrongs.

Some may dismiss his disquiet as the blubber of a man with a queasy conscience. But that would just be missing the whole idea of the play about which Sircar had once said that it was not a document on the nuclear bombings. It was a call to be human enough to own up your responsibility.

The play, organized by Rangmanch Rangnagri theatre group, was well received by the audience, though it would have been better if there had been more viewers to appreciate it.

Cotton and Silk Fab on at Lajpat Rai Bhavan-15 have some great eco-friendly stuff available from all across the country.

A range of cotton and silk fabrics - Chanderi, Bhagalpuri, Banarasi, Kota Doria, Asam silk - one would get running fabric as well as suit pieces with duppattas in variety of designs. Readymade white kurtas with Kashmiri embroidery are a fascinating buy. One can pick up kids' kurtas as well as for women for Rs 180 onwards. There is a range of kids wear here too. Little frocks, lenhga cholis from Rajasthan and Gujarat, there is lots of interesting stuff in reasonable rate.

Also, on display is jewellery - Rajasthani bangles made of laakh, beads and stone stuff. Check out brass and 'seep' bangles available Rs 150 onwards.

However, its 'durries' that are a steal here. Done in sheetalpatti, grass and cotton form West Bengal and north-east states, they are eco-friendly option for flooring in bright colours. Check out interesting curtains made of grass and cotton available from Rs 150 onwards. The carpets from Bhadoi in contemporary designs are available Rs 800 onwards.

Dried flowers, bags and shoes, there is lot more stuff available for your home and wardrobe.

On till August 15 — TNS

"I just have a million things to deal with, you don't even talk to me right now." There was an irritable tone from the other end of the table when I just walked in home to ask my sister a simple question like "What's for dinner tonight," she snapped. I questioned myself is she stressed…

n Can one explain away stress as temporary, even though you can't remember the last time you took a breather?

n Do you define stress as an integral part of your home life or a part of your own personality, something that would make you say 'things are always crazy around here' or "I have a lot of energy - I'm just hyper".

Anxious parents waited as audience as the stage readied itself for a scintillating performance by young musicians. The musicians who presented an articulate performance have been trained in music by Bridge Music Academy.

With a fresh centre at the British High School, the academy plans to make Chandigarh a destination for music education. Functioning as a school for music, the institute aims to provide a holistic knowledge in the field of music. As a part of the curriculum, theoretical knowledge and examinations will also be conducted.

As a part of the celebrations, the students trained in the past one year played magic on the drums, violin, guitar, piano and the electric board. The crowd cheered as a young boy took to the keyboard like a trained professional.

The performers grew when the sound of the song 'Shape of my Heart' by Sting. Two young players gave their twist to the theme song from the cult movie Harry Potter.

Here's hoping the step will increase the knowledge base of the music-hungry fans.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

It was sheer fun for the students of INIFD and Khalsa College for Women here on Saturday as they celebrated the monsoon festival of Teej.

Rain added to the charm of the festival. The girls had a gala time on the swings even though it was heavily raining. The girls danced and also sang boliyaan.

At Khalsa College for Women, a talent hunt competition, including a mehndi competition, music vocal, rangoli, embroidery, histrionics, sanjhi, sehra, kalire-making contests, long hair competition, saag cutting, pakhi making, knitting, vermicelli making, creative writing, were organised.

The main aim was to make the students aware of the beauty of their culture.

The students also enjoyed the ride on the tonga and a tamsha event was also organised for the students.

A giddha competition was also organised. The Heritage Room was decorated to show the richness of Punjabi culture.

Same was the atmosphere at the INIFD, where giddha and bhangra competitions were organised. Boliyaan, peengh (swings), mehndi, Punjabi attire and selection of Miss Teej were the highlights of the celebrations. Despite heavy rain, the students danced and enjoyed to the hilt. They also got acquainted with traditional handicraft. — TNS 

LIBRA: Make the efforts to apply for a job you really do want. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people in on what you are planning. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms in writing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors and consultants can be productive. Imagination is important for artists and script writers. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47

SAGITTARIUS: Your card is the Magician so you are not likely to be taken unaware by surprise happenings. If worried about health you should consider alternative therapies as an aid to healing. Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Spend this perfect day with your sweet-heart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love most. Answer business correspondence. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35

AQUARIUS: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract make sure to negotiate and organize all the specific terms and conditions. A greater work load is likely to placed upon shoulders. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationship. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40

PISCES: Today is a test of know how and competence in your profession. Your performance is on public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. Evening is comfortable in the company of family members. Tarot message: You gain by being practical Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32

Dinesh Thakur (August 08, Delhi) made his film debut in 1971, with Mere Apne and followed it up with Basu Bhattacharya's Anubhav, Griha Pravesh. 1974 saw him appearing in Rajnigandha along side Amol Palekar and Vidya Sinha, which won the Filmfare Best Film Award. Writing the story and screenplay of Ghar (1978), won him the 1979 Filmfare Best Story Award. Dinesh's horoscope though indicates problems in married life but a very good career in writing. We can expect outstanding film script before 2015 from him.

Sony's most popular show Krishnaben Khakrawala will see a major twist wherein Krishnaben aka Indira Krishnan plans to write a letter to editor of a newspaper, mentioning that the people of Ambawadi will drink the contaminated water -if the Municipal Corporation doesn't repair the pipeline of their society. Hope she gets positive response.

India Got Dharam!

Veteran actor Dharmendra's debut on television in Colors' reality show India's Got Talent-3 as a judge is turning out to be a hit. With the opening episode garnering superb ratings than previous seasons of the show, no wonder Colors is thrilled. For the first episode it got 3.91 TVR trumping other celeb shows on TV. Dharmendra's appeal and magnetism sure is still working.

Old loss

He was the oldest contestant in Sony's X Factor and now Kartar Singh will be the next elimination on the show. The talented 63-year-old singer will lose the face-off round with the Deewana group and this will mean a second loss for Shreya's Ghoshal group.

Gadget freak

Swapnil Joshi, who is thrilled to be doing Papad Pol as Vinaychand, loves his gadgets and his favourite these days is his tab. "I can see videos, listen to audio songs, see films, read books which give me a true to life and personalised feel," he says. "During breaks I can spend time easily on my tab. I can even access mail and multi- task too. Like while reading a book or browsing on the net I can listen to music. I catch all news on my tab which is fun."

All decked up

Mahhi Vij aka Nakusha in Laagi Tujhse Lagan on Colors recently was getting married which never happened as she saw Dutta and her memory returned. But for four days while the emotional scenes were shot she wore a designer lehenga for her onscreen wedding with Deegu (Aadeshh Chaudhry). The actress was quite excited to wear the heavy and expensive lehenga but after few days of shooting in it, we guess she couldn't wait to take it off.

Prayer times

Television actress Anjali Abrol, who was last seen Chhajje Chajje Ka Pyaar, recently visited Vaishnoo Devi in Jammu. She is a great follower of Mata Rani and had gone to thank for all the happiness in her life.

Murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense and a chill down your spine is what CID built on. This show has successfully been running since the past 14 years, with ACP Pradyuman aka Shivaji Satam leading from the forefront. We speak to the actor as he reveals about what makes the show so popular, recalls fan incidents and much more.

It's been 14 years so how does CID still hold your interest?

CID has been a part of my life for 14 years now and I can never tired of playing ACP Pradyuman because I can never get bored of acting. The character is close to my heart and the show still has its loyal viewers who have been watching it for years now.

The show is being made into a movie, can you update us on that front?

The movie is in the pipleine and is still at the planning stage. I am sure the movie will begin soon.

CID has a lot of young fans. Why do you think the show appeals to the youth?

A lot of fans have told me that they relate to the three protagonists ACP Pradyuman, Abhijeet and Daya and the happenings in our lives. All the characters in CID are very real and the show stresses on love and loyalty towards the country. My character ACP Pradyuman killed his own son because he was a criminal who refused to surrender to the police. Of course, as a father I grieved his death but the message was that duty towards the country comes first. CID does not glorify crime because we have a certain social responsibly. We also make it a point to avoid showing crimes on women and children.

You have a trademark hand gesture, who came up with the idea?

The mannerisms of a character are the actor's contribution (laughs). It is the mannerisms that help to make characters larger than life and it is the same with ACP Pradyuman. I am glad that people like my hand gesture.

Which have been your favourite cases?

If I had to pick then the episode where I killed my own son is my favourite as I got to portray a range of emotions, since I had to choose between my love for my son and my responsibility towards the country. Then there was also the episode where I had gone to solve a case and ended up getting kidnapped and was on the verge of getting killed.

Tell us about some memorable fan incidents?

A lot of fans have sent me portraits of myself and it is always great to receive greeting cards and letters from kids. I was thrilled to know that the Mangeshkar family are regular viewers of CID.

Has any fan asked to solve a crime in real life?

Yes there have been many such incidents as the credibility of the show is so high that people tend to forget the difference between reality and make believe. We have to explain to such fans that we do not belong to CID in real life.

Accidentally in love - that's how Sukirti found love. "It is destiny that has brought us together and it is love that will keep us together," says Sukirti Kandpal speaking about her relationship with boyfriend Rishabh Jain.

Sukirti who is popularly known as Piya from Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani met her beau six years ago and feels lucky to have him in her life.

The pretty Sukirti says, "I know Rishabh since six years now. He is a director with Avitel studios and is also into construction business. We started off as friends and co-incidentally we first met on Friendships Day.

Sukitri also reveals that the couple does not get to spend much time together thanks to her hectic schedule but Rishabh understands her situation. The actress says, "We do not get to be together often now because I am always shooting but he is an understanding boyfriend. At times I have ruined his elaborate plans without any explanation because my shoot got extended. 

The Young Money rappers, Nicki Minaj and Drake are part of the 3D animation film, Ice Age 3.

The 26-year-old first lady of Young Money and label mate Drake have landed roles in the upcoming Ice Age: Continental Drift along with returning cast members Queen Latifa, Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo.

The fourth installment of the Twentieth Century Fox franchise will also feature Jennifer Lopez, Aziz Ansari and Joy Behar.

The film is slated for a July 2012 release. Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier will direct.

Actor Jackie Shroff said though his foray into the South Indian film industry was an impromptu one, he was thrilled with the love of the fans who treat actors like 'god'.

"I am doing films down south as people from there are approaching me. The filmmakers want me to be part of their films. It is not something I had planned," Jackie told in an interview.

Jackie, fondly called Jaggu Dada, has done films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

The actor made his debut in Kannada by acting in Care of Footpath directed by world's youngest film director Kishan Shrikanth, who was then 10 years old, in 2006.

Jackie's entry in Malayalam industry was through Athishayan, a 2007 science fiction inspired from the 2003 American superhero film Hulk.

Aaranya Kaandam, a 2011 action film produced by S P Charan, son of renowned singer Balasubhramaniyam, marked the debut of Jackie in Tamil films.

"In south, films are treated like religion and fans treat stars like gods. Rajnikanth is treated like a god. The audience shows their loyalty towards actors. They respect their actors a lot. There is a lot of talent in the south industry," Jackie said.

"Almost each and every person in the south would watch movie in theaters, very rarely would someone buy a DVD. Fans go to the extremes for their stars. Even if the film is atrocious they will go and watch it for their stars. In Bollywood, if a film is bad, you know audiences are not going to watch it," he said.

— PTI 

Actors Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Tye Sheridan are in talks to star in Mud for writer-director Jeff Nichols.

Mud follows a fugitive named Mud (McConaughey) who is befriended by a fourteen year old boy (Sheridan) as he attempts to reunite with his soul mate Juniper (Witherspoon).

Nichols wrote the original screenplay and will direct.

Everest Entertainment is financing and producing the film.

"Jeff Nichols has written a beautiful story with rich characters learning valuable lessons through life-changing circumstances. With Jeff's vision, this will be a work of art," said Lisa Maria Falcone from Everest Entertainment.

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar says that she prefers working on small screen projects to movies, because TV filming schedules allow her to be a hands-on mother.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star wed Freddie Prinze Jr in 2002 and they welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Grace, in 2009.

Gellar, 34, hasn't made a film since giving birth, choosing TV roles instead - and t is perfectly happy taking time away from blockbusters so she can be with her family.

David and Victoria Beckham are spending almost half a million pounds on daughter Harper's care as the celebrity couple has hired three nannies to pamper the kid round the clock.

Victoria, 37, and David, 36, have employed a morning helper, an afternoon assistant and a night nurse for the 27-day-old tot.

"Their team of nannies is set to leave them with a 438,000 pounds-a-year bill," says a source. — IANS