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Designs on diwali
A day left for Diwali and if by chance you still haven't added to your wardrobe, it's time you make up for the lost time. At your service are fashion designers who are coming out with creations exclusively made for the festive season. There is ample to choose from-ethnic, fusion, folk — and designers are coming up with fancy collections.
Delhi-based designer Amit Kashyap, instead of picking up the safe bets — anarkali suits with churidaars or embellished saris in flowy material — went in for the folk attire ghagra choli. "The contemporary touch was added by shortening the length of ghagra. Mirror work on ghagra choli is used for embellishments," says Amit. Surprisingly, the collection is doing pretty well, "Much better than I expected. I was apprehensive of women buying it since it's an outfit for Garba. But guess anything out-of-the-box is welcome." Light zardosi work on the creations renders a Mughal look. Colours have been picked up judiciously, making it apt for the occasion. In a bid to create something different for the festive season, Salim Asgarally chose the concept of fusion. The outcome was gown kameez. "It's a fusion between ball gown and traditional Indian kameez," informs the designer from Mumbai, who brings his collection to Chandigarh every six months. He calls it the Indian version of gowns that can be worn with churidaars. Besides choosing his favourite white and beige, this time around he also picked up hues of pink and orange. "Colours are in tandem with the season. Dupattas are heavily embellished and split into three parts." With the season changing, chiffons and georgettes have been rightly replaced by silks and velvets. Chandigarh's very own Babi Grewal went for evergreen silks and brocades for her Diwali collection. As for not introducing anything contemporary or experimental, she says, "Diwali is not the time when people want to wear Western outfits. On Diwali, one should stick to traditional stuff and there is nothing better than a heavily embellished suit or saree." A variety in designer wear is available at Samsaara, Taj, especially for the festive season. The collection from the house of Maniza D has creations set in contrasts. Lemon colour is juxtaposed well with turquoise while Fuchsia is contrasted with peacock green. Pankaj Nidhi's collection is in velvet and brocade, the winter fabrics. Subtle handwork in thread is the only fanciful work in the collection. Monish Jai Singh's tye and dye designs on satins with bling makes for the perfect Diwali outfit. ashima@tribunemail.com
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All in a FLASH!
It's that time of the year when one starts planning the Teen Patti card parties; playing with stakes that only they know. Did we hear Diwali? Although some just have fun with close friends and family by preparing for lavish dinners, we ask people what gives them a 'high' on Diwali. Says Sheetal Mahajan, a Chandigarh-based housewife, "Our dinner parties have begun; where the card sessions start around six in the evening and go up to late night. As I'm not fond of playing cards, I just enjoy watching people." She adds, "We have a group of around seven couples who alternatively host dinner-cum-card parties at their places. Every Diwali I enjoy the whole idea of just getting together."
Then there is the brigade that just can't resist playing Flash. And what fun it is when he or she gets a trail of aces and an advantage of salaami (additional from the pool of money; the winner gets money from other players too) or maybe a pure sequence! Shares Anjela Mehta, a Panchkula-based housewife "I have a kitty group of eight ladies and we start playing cards exactly a month before Diwali. We wait eagerly for this time as we have loads of fun; we even sing while playing." If on one side Anjela enjoys the ladies kitty, there are also couple parties at night. She adds, "I don't think there is something wrong in playing cards especially during Diwali, as it is considered auspicious." There are some husbands who just escort their wives to card parties even if they themselves are not into playing cards — now that's what we call a perfect couple! "Diwali is the only time of the year when we play cards. We have a group of ladies playing in the mornings and afternoons. The couple parties are at night (after dinner) so the host has to treat the guests with light snacks at midnight," says Kiran Mehra, a Ludhiana-based housewife. She adds, "Though my husband does not play, but he goes for my sake as I really like playing cards. We play Flash with a lot of variations but at low stakes." Although time is at a premium during festivals, there are some for whom cards is top priority. Says the young Namrita Sehgal, partner in a private company in Chandigarh, "It is festival time, so I'm usually busy shopping during the day and also preparing sweets for my family and friends. But night time is reserved for playing cards — Teen Patti and five card poker — with friends." She adds, "My mom's birthday is falling on this Diwali along with mine, so I'm planning a birthday-cum-Diwali bash." The element of fun surely adds to the festive spirit. Says Kiran Thapar, a Ludhiana-based housewife, "I have two kids who are married, they insist that I go for card parties. These are restricted to the family only." She adds, "When my children are out for playing cards, I usually enjoy with my grandchildren at home." So what are your stakes this Diwali? sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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LORD-ing over
Any guesses on who is the most 'popular' god this Diwali? If you chorused Lord Ganesha, you are spot on! With over a 1,000 names, Lord Ganesha is printed on almost all firecracker and sweet boxes; gifted in clay, metal, melamine, gold, silver, brass; moulded in crystal, sculpted in marble, clay and even woven in fabric!
Gifted in more ways than one - the lovely elephant-head god with a potbelly, happily riding a mouse far too small for him, in fact, has an edge over Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, as far as popularity charts go. "It is a very auspicious gift. For 'smridhi' they buy Ganesha whose trunk in on left side and for 'vridhi', Ganesha with a trunk on right side is bought. Lakshmi with Ganesha is gifted for 'sthirthay'," says astrologer Madan Gupta Spatu. He adds, "Ganesha is the 'vighan nashak' (remover of all hurdles); he is the guru of all 'devtas' and all good works begin with him alone. So, when it comes to the festival, he is definitely the first choice. And according to our Hindu mythology, when Ganesha and Lakshmi are teamed together all things go well." Ask him about Ganesha taking the lead and Spatu says, "Ganesha is the simplest of all Gods. He does not need big fanfare; even the poorest of the poor can worship him in 'mitthi'." Well, as the belief goes, gifting this friendly god brings good luck. "The gift of a Ganesha figurine always enthrals me. I have nearly 50 Ganeshas at home and I am always keen on gifting this God as he brings prosperity, health and wisdom with him. My mother, however, has a collection of 108 for that is the most auspicious number," says Richa Taneja, lecturer at a private college. If you want to know more about this cute looking God, go to the google and enter Ganesha God and there are as many as 86, 143 sites available on him. Websites too are offering figurines and paintings of Ganesha for the festival of lights. One of the websites reads: "The idols and paintings of Ganesha are sculpted and painted by devotees of Lord Ganesha. So spread happiness in the lives of your friends and relatives by gifting them idol or painting of Lord Ganesha and it will add to your happiness." Well, if you've ever noticed, Ganesha is the most-painted god and New Delhi even has a well-known art gallery called Gallerie Ganesha! Says Spatu, "He is the easiest God to paint; even two lines can make a shape of Ganesha. One need not be a great artist to paint this God." Ask painters why they choose Ganapati and the reply invariably is: "It is such an interesting form and one can play with it so well." Sounds convincing but there is another reason that we think is better - Lord Ganesha is wanted even in art, so artists often turn to him so that their works sell!
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Aim, alignment and stance
Jesse Grewal The set-up has five parts-aim, alignment, stance, ball position and posture. The routine of most good players during the set-up is to take the grip and place the clubface behind the ball and aim it at the target. This is followed by the stance which is the positioning of the feet. The required width of the stance is set simultaneously with the alignment of the feet and the rest of the body. A normal stance is with the feet placed as wide as the shoulders. This helps us remain balanced and yet gives us the ability to turn the body through the swing. If the stance gets too wide we would be unable to turn our lower body on the downswing. If it is too narrow we would lose our balance. The left foot should be turned out or opened 15-20 degrees. This helps in clearing our hips or shifting our weight towards the target on the downswing. The right foot should be square for younger golfers as this helps in reducing the hip turn on the backswing and therefore creating resistance from the lower body to create maximum coil for distance. It could be opened a few degrees for the slightly older golfers as this helps in the backswing getting longer as they lose flexibility and need to turn more (picture 1). If your toes are turned inwards, the hip turn is reduced and if they are turned out the hips turn freely. The feet are placed parallel to the target line. This aspect of alignment is misunderstood by some golfers as they align their feet towards the target. Imagine a railway track - we are standing on one rail and the clubface and ball are on the other rail. The feet will always be pointing left of the target parallel to the target line. When the left foot is turned out the feet would seem open and pointing further left. The alignment is best checked from the heels (picture 2) which would be parallel to the target line. The shoulders, arms, hips and legs are also placed parallel to the target line (picture 3). The shoulders are the most important line and they should be set correctly as they influence the plane of the swing. (Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)
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Save your skin
Dr Vikas Sharma Enjoy Diwali but also be careful about your skin. Crackers and smoke can cause irritation to the skin followed by allergies. Certain ingredients cause redness, swelling, itching, and hive-like breakouts. In some cases, the skin becomes red and raw. The face, lips, eyes, ears and neck are the most common sites allergy. Here is what you can do: n When shopping for cosmetics or skin-care products, go in for hypoallergenic products. These moisturisers and sunscreens are less likely to cause allergic reactions than other cosmetic products and that these products will be gentler or even safer for the skin than other products. n Everyone wants to look nice on Diwali but avoid strong bleach a day before Diwali or any other strong facial. Because of the pollution caused by crackers, it can accentuate redness. n The same holds true for hair as well, avoid any strong hair treatment. Shampoo your hair in the morning if you have to. n Reactions to acrylic coatings on fingernails are a common cause of contact dermatitis on the fingers, as well as on the face and eyelids. Many people who use cosmetics on their fingernails (artificial nails or coatings on natural nails) may touch their face and eyelids with their nails, often without realising it. On Diwali, despite the fact that you want to look good, any chemical allergy on Diwali is aggravated due to smoke. n Most women would go in for cosmetic treatments before Diwali, but avoid it because this will cause reaction like redness. n Use a good mosituriser without an oil base before going out to burst crackers to avoid any reaction. n Do not go for any laser treatment. Swelling of the skin is a common reaction that results due to smoke from crackers. (Dr Sharma is Panchkula-based dermatologist)
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Sweet pangs
Sonia Gandhi Any festival is incomplete without sweets. Sweets are calorie laden. There are a few which have comparatively less calories, like sandesh, petha, rasgulla with less sugar syrup, channamurgi, puffed rice and roasted bengalgram laddoo prepared with syrup or jaggary. So, it is not entirely impossible to avoid high calorie food during Diwali. Here are some tips to avoid those extra calories: Drink a glass of water before you eat. A glass of water will make your stomach partially full and you will eat less. Check out the food labels. Record your calorie intake. Control the quantity of sweets. Increase your activity levels to keep yourself in a negative balance to consume your favourite sweets in moderation without too much calorie imbalance. Control the frequency of intake of sweets. It should not be like 3-4 times in a day. Home-made puddings by using skimmed milk and controlled sugar can be served instead of readymade sweets. Cut down other calorie-rich weaknesses during these days. (Gandhi is the head, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis hospital, Mohali)
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Light up the green!
On Diwali, the quintessential elements tend to remain cleaning up of the house, clearing out negative vibes and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi. Even as the house wears a festive look, the garden should be equally done up - after all it's not everyday that guests throng your house!
The garden also, in most cases, makes up for the very entrance of the house, which is another reason why one must trim the bushes and get rid of the aging leaves on plants. If this Diwali is one of those where you want to do something special, bring out your gardening tools; cut, chop and water your plants to give them a fresh dew-kissed look! If the entire house gets decorated with lights, why should the green patch remain left out? Available at the roadside stalls, the good old 'diyas' make for a perfect lighting option and if you are willing to splurge a bit, the options never finish. Go in for fancier tea-light holders, which flood the markets. Make the garden come to life and arrange the lights in a fashion to resemble a lighted rangoli. If you are willing to innovate further, hang the tea light holders on tree branches for a more festive look. Diwali after all is the festival of lights. If lighting up the garden is not really an option for you, just add a bit if cheer with a huge earthen vessel. It will be better if it has a flat base. Fill it up with water and deck it up with floating candles. Add fresh flowers to make it more special. Not only in the garden, these can also be used around the entrance gate for adding fragrance and looking out-of-the-box between the bland surroundings. Dressing up your ferns and petals for the festival? vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Emma looks back
The 22-year-old says many movies that were made in the 1970s would not be commissioned these days as studio bosses are too afraid of offending anyone, reported a website. "It concerns me that movies seem to be getting more and more conservative and watered down. I see movies made in the 70s such as Network that I really don't think would get made today. Nobody wants to risk offending the viewers. Movies need a broad appeal to succeed and bosses don' want to alienate anyone," Stone said. The actress also said many actors censor themselves to an extent where it has a severe impact on their performances. "I even hate it when people censor themselves. You can always tell when an actor has grown a 'rhino skin' to protect themselves," Stone added. —PTI
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Candid chat
"I won't take names of people but then there were these industry bigwigs who advised me against doing Tell Me O Kkhuda. They wondered whether I was making the right move of picking up this film. There were comments coming my way like 'no one will bother whether this film comes or goes'. All of this was being said when not even a single frame of the film had been shot," Arjan said. "It was disturbing because here we were a bunch of people all excited, convinced and motivated to do the film while detractors were just pulling it down for no rhyme or reason." The film was supposed to be released at least a year ago. The change in director around the film's completion mark resulted in the subsequent delay. Mayur Puri was at the helm of the film initially but producer Hema Malini took over the reins later on. With it, a perception change took place when the film's promos were released and this re-launch vehicle of Esha Deol did not seem a small affair like many would have presumed. "With the release of the film, all those who underestimated us will get an answer. No, I am not trying to prove a point. All I am saying is that never underestimate any film. There were a few glitches and technical delays. However, when a film is made by someone as big as Hema Malini, it comes with some credibility at the least," said the 34-year-old actor. "Most people who hadn't seen the film assumed that this would be a small film shot majorly in a studio. On the other hand we have travelled across the globe and made it a real big film. I wanted audience to get that message so that detractors could finally go quiet," he added. Arjan does acknowledge the contribution made by Mayur, the original director of the film. "He is a good director and had shot 80 per cent of the film. Now Hemaji has shot a few new scenes and also re-edited it since she felt that some points made by Mayur went a little off track." Chandan Roy Sanyal does a supporting role and Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna and Farooq Sheikh play important roles in Tell Me O Kkhuda. —PTI
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Pop singer Justin Timberlake and his ex-girlfriend Jessica Biel rekindled their romance by attending a party together. The on/off couple parted ways back in March, but they sparked rumours of a reconciliation after they began spending time together again in August. — PTI
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Age's just a number
"There is nothing wrong with getting older, I've always admired the experience and the abilities of older people. Nothing has changed," a publication quoted him as saying. "I have had a fantastic life and continue to do so. I may have looked different, had I done a proper job over the years that involved hard physical labour," he added. The Ocean's Eleven star feels that he has always looked older than his age. "I remember, shortly after my 43rd birthday, while in Italy, a younger girl said to me: 'Hey, Georgio, how olda you?' I was stupid enough to ask what no man should ever ask: 'How old do you think I am?' She said: '50'. I said: 'You think I am 50 years old?' She looked puzzled and said: 'OK then - 51?'" he told the newspaper. However, the heartthrob maintains that he wants to grow old gracefully and does not plan to have any facelifts. —ANI
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Happy again
However, insiders close to the Mission Impossible star insist that he has reverted to his softer romantic ways. "Tom is a changed man. He's far less intense these days and everything is good in their relationship," a website quoted a source as telling a magazine. "Katie seems really relaxed around Tom - not at all stressed out. Things are looking very good for them right now," the source added. The pair is even said to be preparing to renew their wedding vows. —ANI
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Not just a love story
Sajjan Singh - Ganga from Mann Ki Awaaz...Pratigya
Ashutosh - Niddhi Verma in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge
Ram - Priya in Bade Achche Lagte Hain A 40-year old successful but fat business tycoon Ram Kapoor married a 33 year old Priya Sharma who had given up on marriage. This mature love story is different as though they are compatible, the protagonists think of their marriage as a compromise. But we can see the chemistry between them. Kunal - Siddhi in Parichay Kunal got married to his younger brother’s fiancé Siddhi after his death. A loser in life Kunal was in love with his senior’s daughter Richa Thakral but fate separated them. Having married Anand’s love Siddhi, both Kunal and Siddhi are now struggling to find the middle ground as they have clashing personalities. Gaurav and Karan in Maryada
Abhay-Piya in Pyaar Ki Ye Ek Kahaani This love story needs no introduction as it is an impossible love between the Vampire Abhay and the human Piya. The struggles, the turmoil and yes the twists in this tale are indeed different. Simar and Prem in Sasural Simar Ka While Simar was supposed to marry Prem, she goes to a dance competition on the day of her marriage and her younger sister Roli has to take her place in the mandap. Unaware Prem gets married to Roli. Later when Simar returns, she is heartbroken but carries on with the duties of a wife.
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All charged up
Aamir Khan, the latest Bollywood star set to make his television debut, confesses he does not know much about the TV industry but that could also work to his advantage as he likes to do things his way. The actor-filmmaker promises that his show, like his films, will be “different” and connect with the masses. Aamir is to host and produce a show that will bring real stories of people on the small screen.
“I am sure I will face difficulties when it comes to television...It is a field I know very little about. Fortunately, the people I am interacting with are very bright minded. I am trying to absorb as much as I can,” says Aamir. “There are some advantages for me and some disadvantages. The advantage is that because I don’t know much, I tend to do things my way, which sometimes surprise these people and they say aisa to hota nai hai yahaan, then I cross question them, kyu nahi hota |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 25... You protect those you love and now onwards you will be able to express some of your feelings as well. Contracts and agreements are favoured now, as are studies, writing and correspondence. Every comment can have a double meaning. Assess and gather your resources as 2012 begins. It’s an excellent time for team-building. Do a dry run, critique and improve. Prudence is advised in business. Avoid spending, especially rash purchases and postpone contracts. Some clashes with parents or power figures are likely. A big bargain may drive bigger spending. High end items, real estate, travel/vacations and elective medical procedures top the list. Demands on your time, effort and energy are on the rise. You need to be more caring towards your family members’ health. Those of you who have just recovered from a spell of illness should be careful regarding their health. The work pressure is likely to increase in the near future; therefore you should take necessary steps so that it does not affect your health. Mood: Expansive, excited and in need of monitoring and control. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Aries. Lucky colours: White smoke, Hot pink. Lucky Days: .Tuesday and Wednesday. Lucky Numbers: 2, 12, 16, 22, 44 Lucky Flower: Tulip. Lucky Gem: South sea pearl.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You may be under some stress this morning. Don’t attempt to get new plans going. Stock brokers take a back seat. Give yourself some breathing space. Tarot message: You can stabilize your financial situation, if you make property investments. TAURUS: Argument with your spouse is possible. Watch your temper if you want harmony is to be maintained. Give attention to the spiritual side of your life now. Go over your business accounts and loan re-payments. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky
colour: Crimson. GEMINI: Take full advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. You will get what you expect. You could witness mood swings. Whatever is frightening you, the fear is far greater than what will actually happen. Tarot message: Don’t overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36. CANCER: Keep your spirits high by putting forward a cheerful face. Students: enjoy cheerful moments in the campus. You are likely to attract happy and positive people with whom you can have fun. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being impulsive. LEO: If working on a commission basis, you will be able to increase your earnings. Breeze through your chores early before any interruptions interfere with the beauty of your surroundings. VIRGO: It would be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against accidents while cooking. Talk to your partner and children, about the plans for the day. Tarot message: Wait a while everything will get sorted out on its own. LIBRA: Secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. Today your boss may promise for a salary increase in the near future. This bodes well for financial matters and makes it a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Tarot message: Be creative. Lucky
colour: Yellow. SCORPIO: Don’t get excited so easily. Lovers: a good day for introducing your beloved to your parents. Act as per your insight, and then write down what has become apparent. Work out your moves rationally. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky
colour: White. SAGITTARIUS: Discussion behind closed doors could work out very well. Envy can be a problem, so get advice. Get outside if you can. Take a walk during lunch break, which will help you clear your head and bring peace to your heart. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 42. CAPRICORN: Your plans for saving are likely to meet approval. Be careful or live to regret your actions. An emotional mood can interfere with your judgments, so make sure you have all the facts first. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home might need attention. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 26.. AQUARIUS:
Don’t try to make money the easy way. Romance will bloom. The second half of the day favours social work. Women : follow all safety rules while driving. It’s time to polish up your natural good humor. Tarot message: Think twice before making important decisions. Lucky
colour: Turquoise. PISCES: Don’t snap decisions. Mutually held funds must not be disturbed without your consent. The demands of your ego are not likely to be so strong, giving you more sensitivity. Be careful when it comes to lending money. |
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Easy A actress Emma Stone thinks Hollywood has grown more conservative as studio bosses are afraid of causing offence.
Arjan Bajwa, who is playing the lead opposite Esha Deol in Tell Me O Kkhuda, says many in the industry had advised him against taking up the film. The Fashion star says he was unsure whether to take up the project or not as people said it wouldn't make a mark at the box office.
George Clooney has admitted that he finds nothing wrong with getting older and jokes that he is "only half way there." The 50-year-old Hollywood hunk, who is currently dating Stacy Keibler- a model and former wrestler 18 years younger to him, claims that he is going to enjoy this part of life as well.
Tom Cruise has become a "changed man" after his romantic life with wife Katie Holmes hit a rocky patch earlier this year, according to sources. Reports were circulating that his romance with Holmes had become less intense, with some sources claiming that the Hollywood actor was "controlling" the relationship.
Change is constant and television content too keeps changing with time. Our fictional shows are not far behind. One only has to surf through channels to see that the definition of love on television has changed. Here we look at some of the TV love stories with a difference.
Thakur Sajjan Singh was waiting for the arrival of his grandchild but instead he brought in a bigger twist in the tale when he brought home a simple teenager girl Ganga. Her arrival surprised everyone in the family but later his decision to marry her shocked them. The audiences loved Sajjan getting romantic by singing Dil toh bachcha hai ji.
A senior doctor Dr.Ashutosh being attracted to his intern Dr.Niddhi Verma was a surprise as we have seen doctors romancing their peers in shows like Sanjeevani and Dill Mill Gayye but such romance and the age gap is a novelty. Ashutosh suppresses his feelings for her because of their huge age gap. The hesitation due to the age difference adds to the love story. 
This is a first on Indian television wherein a love story between two men has been shown so openly. Star Plus late night show Maryada Lekin Kab Tak showcases the love between two guys, one of whom is married due to family pressure while his lover gets jealous. 
Navneet Nishan (October 25, 1965) is best known for her role as Tara in the soap opera, Tara, Kavyanjali, Kasautii Zindagii Kay. She has acted in a number of Punjabi movies as well. Nishan has played roles in the movies Dilwale, Waaris, Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke, Jee Aayan Nu and Asa Nu Maan Watna Da, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Raja Hindustani, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Mela. She appeared in My Name Is Khan. Navneet has more scope in writing and directing as per her stars.