|
|
|
|
|
RAID on a high
What's with these people - are they physiologically different from others or psychologically? There is something different all the same - falling from a height of 4,000 feet, tearing through the rapids in a simple inflated kayak or roaring through cuts as well as turns in mountains at 125 km hour is not everyone's business.
And then there are people, the adrenaline junkies, who take part in Maruti Suzuki's Raid-de-Himalaya, a motoring event that takes the contestants through roads manhandled by rains; rugged and inhospitable terrain. The 13th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya rally, which will be flagged off from Shimla on October 11, will cover a distance of 2,000 kms (approx) in six legs spread over six days. This year too, adventure freaks are out there and ready to take-off. Speed thrills Jagmeet Gill, the winner of Mughal Rally 2011 and a regular with Raid De Himalaya from 2008, is all set to race his passion and re-bond with his machine. For the onlookers, a good-looking boy accelerating in his gypsy could be a wow thing, but for Jagmeet it is pure passion, which he is dedicatedly following from the day he saw a few contestants of the rally at Leh in 2007. "Rallying is sure an adventurous sport, but there a lot goes in preparing for the adventure and bringing myself to the point when I give in to it completely," he shares. Speed is of course something that all participants can't seem to get over. "Mountains spare no one; I can't take them for granted. I have been driving in the hills since childhood, so I don't find it difficult driving through cuts and turns," shares Jagmeet, who loves in gurgling sound of the engine and the speed. "How I wish to zoom through the difficult terrain, but in hills we cannot race beyond 80-90 km per hour." High-risk junky These are people who can resist fear and handle stress, which is why you have them coming back for Raid-de-Himalaya. Harpreet Bawa of Team Thunderbolt from Chandigarh feels it is like tasting blood. "If you get a hang of adventure, trust me there is no going back," he laughs rebuffing any talks of risks involved in rallying. "I wouldn't be rallying if I were so bothered about risks, besides the organisers at Raid ensure that every possible safety measure is taken care of." They have to be different! "Driving on a plain road can be as risky as driving through cuts and turns. What makes a difference is my understanding of my machine and how well both respond to each other," says Harpreet, who has been rallying from 2004 and was overall second in X-treme category in 2007. Money steams Hang on if you are thinking adventure and adrenaline rush complement each other; we would like to bring in another factor, a pretty sought after one - the moolah. It takes somewhere around Rs 3-8 lakh to get a vehicle ready, especially a gypsy for a rally like Raid. No cost for passion, what say people! Harkaran Singh, competing in Raid on his gypsy, doesn't invest a thought as long as the money is going into something that he wants to do. "As clichéd as it might sound, there is definitely no price for passion. A vehicle takes one-two months for complete preparation; this ensures that there is no last-minute hassle." Take it from him According to Vijay Parmar, one of the organisers of the Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, "the challenge to pull through a rally like this is always there, but things fall into place if passion, right intent and hardwork run parallel." In fact, this year's raid for the first time will see a unique format where the X-treme and Adventure category will compete on their own treacherous paths initially, but will meet at Rangdum and continue together till the final stop at Srinagar. jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Back on the pitch
Way back, she comfortably clubbed cricket with something as feminine as a pink bracelet. As of now, Mandira Bedi, is out to 'connect with people'; put the ladies beyond the ornamental tag and right amidst the game.
"I have been playing at every city and it didn't take me long to learn. It's just about connecting with the game and the techniques." In Panjab University to promote Nokia's consumer campaign for the Champions League T20 finals, she sticks to conversations on cricket while in between finding time to fondly talk of her three-month-old son. Juggling along with the baby herself, she's engaging with enthusiasts during road-shows across colleges, malls and corporate hubs. "It's very difficult to balance a child with work. I have a new-found respect for all the working mothers now. Every time you go back home, you just want to devote every single moment to the child." She adds, "My three-month-old baby boy is called Veer. I have got back to work after four months; I was working till the eight month of my pregnancy." And as universal as the motherhood, is the feeling of it - "It's overwhelming." It's been a while since her association with technology and cricket has been going on. Cricket, she picks up and connects with. "This time four Indian teams are playing, let's see who wins - it's a wonderful opportunity for everyone out there." She adds, "Even I was waiting to get back to whatever I was doing before." So promoting a technology brand associated with cricket was the obvious choice. As for the other projects, she's "just got back after a baby and is just busy with something she loves doing, that is, talking, promoting and being associated with the game, one way or the other." Though this time, she's here for a 'blink-and-you-miss appearance in the city. "It feels good to be coming to Chandigarh and this is for the first time I have visited the Panjab University; it's so spacious." Has she been exploring the place? "No, I haven't toured much but whatever little I have seen, it's so nice and spacious. I studied at St. Xavier's in Mumbai but that wasn't as spacious; this is the place to be at." Did that one-liner have a lot of the student brigade hooting out loud? She adds of her short and sweet trip, "I have a flight immediately after this; in fact I just got my small handbag along, not even a suitcase." It's time for the students to catch a glimpse of her and we leave it at that! manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
SNAP deal
Rare snaps of legendary Hollywood actress, Marilyn Monroe are to go under the hammer at a Florida auction later this year. "It's really hard to put a value on something like this, because it's rare and not just for the collector. These are probably the most significant images of Marilyn that are available because they're from the first part of her career," Julien said. He declined to estimate how much the images and copyrights will sell for at the company's 'Icons & Idols' auction, to be held December 2 to 4 in Beverly Hills. The photos include a black-and-white head shot of the future Monroe wearing a jaunty beret, another of her in a halter top, and a color picture of her smiling in a striped bikini on the sand. Julien said that Jasgur was hired by the Blue Book modeling agency to shoot the then-unknown Norma Jeane. — PTI
|
||||||||||
|
Celeb point
Being a very emotional woman, birthdays, mine or my loved ones, are truly special for me. And on my birthday, I love to be with my friends and my family. My brother pampers me like a princess, making cds of my favourite songs, taking me out shopping, singing songs to me, giving lovely surprises. Mom makes me sit on her lap, the most secure place in the world. And my friends, well, they make me feel how much they love me.
So, I make it a point to be home and soak on those moments on my birthday which went by on September 25. But this year was different. I got a call that I had been awarded the best actor award at a prestigious film festival for my film Monica. I was ecstatic but the flip side was it was in Delhi and on my birthday! And I was shooting everyday too. I was in two minds. But my family had a solution. On September 24, my brother took me out after my shooting. Yes hand in hand, shopping and doing masti. And his favourite line to me, 'bas haath rakh jo chahiye!’ I love it the way. Ma made my favourite food and danced with me. My friends came over to my place that night. My 2 am friends! We played passing the parcel. We sang songs, chatted. And I got saved from birthday bumps too. What a great time we had. But still what bothered me was that I would be away on my birthday. I didn't want to be alone of my birthday. I said and someone up there heard me I guess! I met Yash Chopra on the flight. He was going for the same event getting the life time achievement award. I was so thrilled chatting up with him throughout. Next my friends and relatives came to watch me. Juhi Chawla presented me the best actor award and it truly became a lovely birthday gift. The surprise was my film Stanley ka Dabba getting the best film award and I picked that up too. As I got down from stage, to be wished by the who's who of the industry present there was a lovely experience. As I settled myself in my flight back, the airhostess came up to me with a chocolate, "Happy birthday madam, from all of us!" I choked…with happiness. There's adulation as an actor, and what's more beautiful is there is genuine love around which made it the most special day! If I was on the podium, I'd say 'Thank you all for all your love, thank you my friends for loving me without being judgmental, thank you bro, for being the most special gift mom could gave me. And thanks ma for being my angel and above all, you up there my god. For making me your special child! This was truly a happy day.
|
||||||||||
|
Get festive with food
Says Ramit Kohli, Sous chef, Taj-17, "Navratras are a special time for people in India so we have prepared a new menu for each day. Our thali includes a starter, dessert, paneer dish, two vegetables, curd, fresh fruits and chutneys." If your are looking for some lip-smacking dishes, try their dabi arbi ke kebab, sabz pakoda, kutte atta ke pakoda, sabudana aur kaju ki kheer, seb aur anara ka halwa, pethe ki mithia and khazana lazzat (cottage dumplings). Hotel Western Court, Sector 43 and in Panchkula, has an assortment to choose from. Says Rajeev Kakkar, group general manager, "We have elaborate menu; a little more than the usual. We will be serving a three-course meal. Starting with starters like masala chaat, kurkure pakode ka zakhira, banana chips, falhari chaat, we have sabudana ki tikki and aloo tikki. For the main course, we have bhuni arbi, petha lazedar, khus khus aloo, paneer tawa masala and malai wale kofte. In breads and rice, we are serving vrat ke chawal ka pulao, plain vrat ke chawal, kuttu atta ki puri, singhara puri, kuttu atta paranthe stuffed with aloo or paneer. For the dessert, you can try petha kesari halwa, elachi makahana kheer or sabudana ki kheer." Sundaram's in Sector 26 and Mohali is offering dishes like sabudana papad, aloo ki sabzi, paneer bhurji, sabudana kheer and you can also try the dosa. Says Sundram, "It's possible to make dosas for the fast, but we cannot play with the ingredients when it comes to South-Indian cuisine, but if people really want to have a dosa we can eliminate onions and garlic from it." Sindhi's, in Sector 17, has cooks who do not eat onion and garlic. Says Priyanka Bajaj, owner, "We know the importance of the fast; so our cooks make sure that the food is done up in a devout manner." Listing out the variety, she says we have the regular thali that includes samak ke chawal, samak ke atta ki puri, aloo sabzi, petha, ras malai, chips and fruit chaat." For Kava-26, they are sticking to the usual Navratra fare that includes tried and tested dishes like singhare ke atte ki kadhi, sitaful ka kofta, singhare ke atte ki chaat papri, tawa arbi, aloo aur sabudane ki tikki. If you want to indulge more, they are serving doodhia paneer, jeera aloo, sitaful ki subzi, sumak rice, singhare ke aate ki poori, sabudane ka papad, sweet lassi, seasonal fresh fruit juice, seasonal cut fruits and sabudane ki kheer. And if you want to try all these delicacies, you can order their Navratra thali or Navratra special thali.
|
||||||||||
|
What a sight!
Size, colour and vision get a new definition as SHARP launches the world's largest 108-inch LCD at Hotel Taj, Chandigarh, on Tuesday.
Says Bawa Lakhwir, regional manager, SHARP Business Systems India Limited, "It's purely out of choice that people who want to have an experience larger than life should buy this for residential use. As it is the high income group is the target, so if they can buy luxury cars worth crores then why not this product, which is so unique in itself." Although the sum is not affordable for the common man and even the installation is not an easy job, the product would be worth its while at malls, airports or in huge boardrooms. "The display is an innovation in itself and first-ever of its kind, which will enhance the lifestyle of the consumer," shares Sunil K. Sinha, managing director. sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
|
||||||||||
|
Chatter box
Not all are lucky enough to find their soulmate in the first attempt. Nevertheless life and love gives people second chances to find the person who truly loves them. This is true in the case of popular TV characters too. Love, ex aur
dhoka
Geet: Geet ( Drashti Dhami) from Geet-Hui Sabse Parayi on Star One fell in love with handsome and charming Dev. It was only after marriage that she realised that Dev was already married and cheated her into marrying him for dowry. However, Geet found love again in Dev’s brother
Maan. Their relationship began with hatred for each other but they soon realised that they could not live without each other. Geet and Maan are now one of the hottest couples on TV
Tragic
beginning
Alka: The stylish Alka (Sara Khan) from Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein who had returned from abroad fell for the charms of simple
Chander. His determination to do something for his villagers impressed her. Unfortunately their romance ended in a tragedy as Chander was shot dead on their wedding day. Alka went into depression and even contemplated ending her life. However, Jay whom Alka had initially suspected to be Chander’s murderer has given Alka a reason to start life afresh. He risked his life to save her when she was attacked and it now seems like Alka is realising how much he loves her. We hope that Alka finds her manzil in Jay. Opposites
attract
Love at
last
Panchi: Panchi (Vahbiz Dorabjee) in Pyar Ki Ek Nai Kahani seems to be the unluckiest in love. She was cheated by three men. First it was her fiancé Danish whom she dumped after finding out that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his child. It was then her boss Siddharth who wooed her but it was later revealed that he was a vampire who was using her for ulterior motives. After this Neel entered her life but he turned out to be a womaniser who was only pretending to be in love with her. Panchi has now found love again in Danish who has mended his ways and realised that he truly loves
Panchi. We are hoping that this relationship gives Panchi the happiness that she deserves after all the heartbreaks that she has been through. Soulmate search
Akshara: The sweet and innocent Akshara
(Hina Khan) from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai was engaged to Rituraj and had already started dreaming about her future with him, when the engagement was called off. Akshara was left heartbroken by the incident but as they say whatever happens, happens for good. Naitik entered Akshara’s life next and even though it was an arranged marriage, the couple found their soulmates in each other. Akshara and Naitik have now completed two successful years of marriage and are very happy as they are expecting their first child. Simple
feeling
Suhana: The smart Suhana (Ragini Khanna) from Sasural Genda Phool was dating her equally cool boyfriend Sid and thought that she had found her perfect match in him but destiny had something else in store for her. After Sid broke her heart, her dad KK forced her to marry the simple
Ishaan. At first Suhana was flabbergasted about how she would adjust with Ishaan, his family and his simple household but later she learnt to adjust.
Tu nahi to aur sahi
Tapasya: The wicked and conniving Tapasya (Rashmi Desai) from Uttaran has had three relationships. First she was in love with her boyfriend Sid. She then claimed to be in love with Veer and caused trouble in Ichcha and Veer’s marriage by even claiming that he is the father of her child. Tapasya now seems to be in love with
Rathod.
Twitter is extended family: Big B
e all know Big B is techno savvy as he is among very few Bollywood actors who are updated on technology and are in direct touch with their fans.
In the episode, he said that he is in contact with his fans through blogs and social networking sites. His fans are his extended family as he is very close to them.
Amitji says his fans are very considerate about his health and he loves sharing his feelings with them! Now we know why he is so much loved! Isn’t it?
Simi has no time for Paris
Heiress Paris Hilton landed in Mumbai over the weekend and already ruffled some feathers. Apparently, after Karan Johar refused to interview her for unknown reasons, rumours are that he was asked not to ask any personal questions, Simi Garewal too snubbed Paris by refusing to interview her on her chat show India’s Most Desirable on Star World. Rumours are Simi didn’t want to be Paris’ second choice after Karan
Johar. Reportedly, Simi’s PR claimed Simi’s packed schedule is the real reason for turning her down. Moreover, Simi likes to thoroughly research each guest but she wouldn’t have the time to do so for Paris’ sudden interview.
Back to small screen
She has been approached to play the lead in a youth-based show called Pyaar Ki
Naukri, produced by Spellbound and Walkwater Productions.
Apparently, the show is on the lines of Zee’s Astitva with a love story of a mature girl and younger boy. Aamna is mum on the project as is producer Pearl Grey. Let’s wait and watch. |
||||||||||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: It is a day to forget worries. Romance is likely to be in your mind. Uncooperative family members will throw a spanner in your life. Sportsmen may feel restless. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62.
TAURUS: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters connected with the state or government agency will go smoothly. Loss through speculation is on the cards. Tarot Message: Change the status quo both at work and relationships by voicing your feelings. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 29. GEMINI: Trying to get some time for yourself could be the hardest thing to do. Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Tarot message: Follow your instinct and don’t hesitate to act accordingly. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 30. CANCER: Teamwork is the key word of the day. Home life will be pleasant. You will attend a party full of people you know and love, making it a night to remember. Tarot message: Draw your inner strength and begin moving from thought to action. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 64. LEO: Life is not always the bed of roses. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. No pain, no gain. Look after yourself now, and you will avoid problems. A woman would be supportive. Tarot message: The confrontation needs to be managed with care. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 59. VIRGO: Let projects take their time. You will be happy in the company of friends. Some of you could be suffering from financial insecurity. It is a temporary phase. Tarot message: You must realise that it’s important to enjoy your dreams but be sure you don’t play tricks on yourself. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41.
LIBRA: Relax; there is no work pressure at all. Property matters are highlighted. Eligible: a good proposal coming your way. A romantic alliance is likely to blossom by the evening. Nothing is to be taken seriously. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 46. SCORPIO: Best day to get things done by people in power. You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Family affairs run along smoothly. Tarot message: Be determined and work on your self confidence which will be on trial. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: Love relations are bubbling with excitement. Making a spontaneous trip can be exciting. Students will get down to their tasks and creative hobbies. Businessmen: expect help from clients. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Crème. Magic number: 27. CAPRICORN: Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled. Believe in your own worthiness. Politicians: danger looms large over the head. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43. AQUARIUS: Scarifies today can put you in a far better place in future. Sudden travel could disturb certain plans. A long awaited issue finally gets settled. Tarot message: Now is the need to question the value judgment which has shaping your financial aspects. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60 PISCES: The Moon reveals that you could stretch your relationship a bit too far. Speak your mind to your beloved to clear misunderstanding. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance or permission. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 42.
The year ahead
If your birthday is September 28...
Today on your birthday, you may want to keep some things going on in your private life. If you have an interest in physical and emotional relationship issues, this is a good time to start. The occult or mysteries of life and death will provide some intriguing reading material. Business folk should be cautioned not to invest their money in fresh ventures as it could get blocked for a long period. Do not let a feeling of despair interfere with your day-to-day activities. The employed will have to work hard to retain their present position at work. A complacent stance could give an opportunity to a colleague to supersede you for the next promotion. Your birth on the 28th day of this month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life path. The number 1 energy suggests more executive ability and leadership qualities. Twenty eight gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. You’ll soon be able to overcome all your problems but try not to invade co-workers’ space if you don’t want to be criticised. If you still haven’t found the right career path for you, an important encounter will open new doors. The stars recommend you don’t let this opportunity slip by. As problems arise, you will be forced to use your own imagination. Make careful consideration before signing any legal documents. Emotions and vulnerabilities prevail over your own health. If you are planning to buy a studio or premises of your own, it will now be easier to arrange for loan, which can supplement your savings. Health wise, 2011-12 may bring abdominal disorders, eye infection or dental problems. You need to take care of your health as slight headache, fever or such minor problems are in store for you. Stay calm if you want to avoid conflict with your spouse. Mood: Drained and low. Compatible signs: Aries, Leo. Lucky colours: Military green, yellow. Lucky days: Thursday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 2, 7, 15, 34, 50. Lucky flower: Tulip. Lucky gem: Bloodstone.
|
||||||||||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Finally, the festive season is here. And what better way to begin a propitious time than with food! When we say food, we mean no ordinary delicacies but food fit for fasting. Though a quick calorie count reveals that these food items are much more fattening than a normal Indian household meal, since it's the festive time there's a ready excuse. Almost all restaurants in Chandigarh are geared up to serve the best Navartri fare.
Priya: Priya (Sakshi Tanwar) from Bade Acche Laggte Hai was engaged to Ashwin who seemed to be the perfect gentleman. But Ashwin ditched her and married her friend
Shruti. This came as a shock to Priya and shook her faith in marriage.Priya then agreed to marry Ram only for the sake of her brother who refused to marry till she settled down. This is another jodi that are complete opposites and have their share of bickering.
Aamna Shariff will soon be back on TV. The pretty actress who became famous with her debut show Kahiin To
Hoga, tried her luck in films but wasn’t successful. She will make a comeback on a popular channel.
Lata Mangeshkar (September 28, 1929, Indore) started career in 1942 and has sung in over 20 regional Indian languages and in Hindi. Lata is the second vocalist ever to have received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. Mangeshkar featured in the Guiness Book of World Records for having made the most recordings in the world. Her patriotic song Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon moved Pt Nehru in 1963. The combination of number one and four in her birth date is the secret of her melody while Mercury which is an indicator of voice in astrology is very strong. Saturn has helped her to rule. She has a very long life as per her birth scope.