A VOICE that was...
Jasmine Singh

The demise of famous Punjabi singer Kuldeep Manak has shocked the singing fraternity. Some of them share memories of the great artiste

Main Manak Da Chela, Dass Doon Aal Dawaale Nu, Meri Umar Vi Lagg Jey Jandu Littranwale Nu`85when Punjabi singer Jazzy B sang the lines from the song Jadu from his album Rambo, we knew it was the highest respect a singer could give to another great singer — Kuldeep Manak.

The actor-singer cannot believe the news of Kuldeep Manak’s demise. After all, it was two or three days prior that he had had a word with Kuldeep Manak and asked him to get well soon. "I can’t believe he is gone. Despite his ill-health, I knew he would be fine and singing again," he says. But now it is only memories, memories of a singer who won many hearts with his raw voice, who made every child sit and acknowledge the role of a mother in their lives when he sang maa hundi hai maa oh duniya waleo. Today, it is his kaliyaan that we are left with and a legacy called Kuldeep Manak! Those who know him as a friend, mentor, or someone who called a spade a spade, share their memories.

"I was very close to him. I remember my Australian Tour with him, we had great fun together. As a singer we all know him, but as a person he was simplest man I ever knew. He was not into showbiz, all he wanted to do was sing. He would not think twice before expressing his heart’s desire, whether or not you liked it. I would become meek in his company, but he would pull me up and tell me not to worry about him being there," says Jazzy B, who recorded an album with Kuldeep Manak — Maharaja. He repeats the lines that he heard Kuldeep Manak often say, ‘don’t be scared of me being around, just sing.’

Kuldeep Manak was born as Latif Mohammed on November 15, 1951, in village Jalal of Bhatinda district. His father, Nikka Khan, was a singer too. Manak left Bhatinda and went to Ludhiana to pursue his career as a singer. He started singing with the famous duo Harcharan Grewal and Seema. When they came to Delhi, a music company official spotted Manak and asked him to record the song Jija Akhian Na Maar Vemain Kal Di Kuri (written by Babu Singh Maan Mararawale) with Seema. His first record features this song along with Laung Karaa Mitran, Machli Paunge Maape. The record was a runaway hit. And fans across all ages still remember his songs. So much so that no friends’ get-together in Punjab is complete still without at least one fan singing his number aloud!

Talking about his young fans, Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal who has shared the stage with him at Sabhyacharack Mela says he was a singer who never gave up on tradition. "No matter what, he would sing traditional songs," remembers Gippy, who shares that Manak was a very straight-forward person. "He would upset people with his straightforward approach, but this was the way he was," Gippy says.

As for singer Labh Janjua, who had interacted with him on numerous occasions, Manak was a prolific artiste who could give all the singers a run for their money. "Sabhyacharak mela was alive because of him. Her loved to perform live in whichever part of Punjab. There wouldn’t be a single soul who hasn’t heard his numbers."

Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans has loads of memories to cherish. "He was not a diplomatic singer; he would say what he had to. He lived folk throughout his life. The beauty about Kuldeep Manak was that god had designed him to sing for Punjab. After Alam Lohar and Yamla Jatt, one singer who would be remembered for carrying forward Punjabi tradition, it is Kuldeep Manak."

As Kuldeep Manak finishes his journey in the alleys of music, we are reminded of his song Soukha Niaon Yaar Labhna!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Role change
Jasmine Singh

In Chandigarh, location-hunting for his upcoming movie Lucky Unlucky, Sonu Soood shares notes on his venture and why he walked out of Dabangg 2

Tailor-made questions — straight, direct and superficial — this is how most celebrities prefer their interview sessions to be. But Sonu Sood is one actor who is okay with ‘just about any kind of question.’ So, when we wanted to delve more into his walking out of Dabangg 2, the actor doesn’t try to hide it under the politically correct cover!

In Chandigarh, location-hunting of his upcoming movie Lucky Unlucky, with which he turns producer as well, Sonu pours his heart out. “I enjoyed the whole experience of working in Dabangg. I am close to Arbaaz and family, and we understand the creative needs of each other. I liked my role as Chedi Singh in Dabangg, so I wanted the role in Dabangg 2 to stand up to its magnanimity. I wasn’t really convinced about my character and spoke to Arbaaz about it, who is directing the sequel. I decided not to be a part of the movie, but I might be doing Dabangg 3,” he laughs.

There is no time for contemplation; it is time to move on. Sonu does it with Lucky Unlucky. The movie stars him and Mallika Sherawat in the lead. Sonu talks about his debut production flick. “It is an action-comedy directed by Afzal Rizvi, wherein Mallika plays the ‘lucky’ and I play the character of ‘unlucky’, and how our lives get intertwined,” adds Sonu who wants to give young talent a chance with this movie. “I have struggled a lot during my initial years; with Lucky Unlucky I want to give youngsters a chance. We are doing many auditions for the same.” The movie is to be shot in and around Punjab, Chandigarh and New Delhi.

Now that he is taking his production call seriously, we wonder if he wants to give Punjabi movies a shot as well. “I wouldn’t mind doing a good Punjabi movie, but I want the script to be exceptionally good. I feel the youth of Punjab are still dealing with many problems, so we need a movie like Rang De Basanti, which can shake them up,” he adds while sitting at Saraswati Recording Studio in Chandigarh.

An accidental story
Mona

Band Slow Joe and Ginger Accident, on their maiden gig at Chandigarh on Wednesday, share their strange tale

Slow Joe and Ginger Accident, strange is the band’s name and even stranger their story. Joe Rocha’s talent for music was recognised by his father during his childhood, but Joe refused to sing for money. While he spent his peak years at dock jobs, it was an accidental meeting between Joe and Cedric de la Chapelle that put the band in place.

“It was one evening in 2007 that I saw Cedric play some three-feet guitar with four strings on a tea stall at Goa. I was mesmerised,” recalls Joe, in Chandigarh on Wednesday for a gig at Sector 17 piazza. Before he realised, Joe was singing with Cedric. The two musicians clicked instantly and not before long, Joe (67 at that time) was accompanying Cederic to France to play live at Trans Musicales de Rennes Festival 2009, Frances’s oldest live show as the lead vocalist.

Based in Lyon, France, now, together, Slow Joe & Ginger Accident have had their fair share of success. They kick-started their India tour with their first gig in Delhi, Chandigarh followed next and the band would be touring most of India during coming weeks. As for the band says Joe, “Lyrics and melody is mine while arrangements are Cedric’s and trust me, he is spectacular at it.” Joe adds shyly, “Other band members also write. Their Slow Joe where have you come from is a huge hit.”

As they set the stage at piazza on Wednesday afternoon, the mutual admiration between the band members is pretty visible. Says Cedric, “It was inspiration that I came looking for in India; found that and much more in Joe.”

On the kind of music that they play, says Cedric, “We create different moods of music.” Pop, rock and roll, Bollywood, blues, Indonesian, Ethiopian, all come together in this queer band’s music. When it comes to Bollywood, they play 50’s and 60’s songs. “We love movie Ujala’s songs, especially, Aa ab laut chalen,” says Cedric, who plays the guitar.

The other band members Alexis, Josselin and Denis are living in the euphoria of their first Indian visit. “India is amazing. Jaipur is next and we can’t wait to explore suburbs of this colourful country,” says Alexis.

Happy to be playing here, the band is looking for successful gigs in the country and exploring it more, as this is the land has given them their lead vocalist.

mona@tribunemail.com

Say hello to Armani Jr!

Designer Suneet Varma believes in keeping pace with the changing times. So, he has turned into an entrepreneur and is bringing Armani Junior, a subsidiary of international luxury fashion label Giorgio Armani, to India.

"I have bagged the Indian franchisee for Armani Junior. I wanted to do something in luxury but I was sure it had nothing to do with shoes and bags. Then I zeroed in for children's wear, as it is a niche segment and there is tremendous scope in this area," Varma said.

"We had approached them in March, met in May and finalised the deal in July. I have already been to Italy to have a look at the stock we would be keeping at the India store," he added.

The Delhi-based designer has opened a private firm, Unique Eye Luxury Apparel Pvt Ltd, along with a few partners and has signed a three-store deal with the label.

Their first store will open in luxury mall DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj in March next year.

For the designer, who has been in the industry for over two decades, the decision came naturally as he believes creativity lies not only in making good clothes, but in exploring business avenues as well.

"I have been in this business for 25 years and I have good knowledge about the retail space in the country. So, we understand the mindset of people and the market condition. And it is a business which one has to understand from the core and fortunately, my experience in the industry gives me an edge over others," said Varma.

"The idea is to think a little bit ahead and be creative about your business. For me, creativity goes beyond making creative saris or dresses," he added. — IANS

Women take more risks in company of other women
In the right company

Women tend to take more risks at the workplace when they are in the company of other women, suggests a new study.

Alison Booth, researcher at the Australian National University (ANU), tested whether single-sex classrooms in co-educational environments altered students' risk-taking attitudes.

"Given that risk attitudes can be shaped by the environment, changing the educational or training context could help address under-representation of women in certain areas," to a university statement quoted Booth as saying.

"This is why these findings are important. They show that risk-taking behaviour is not necessarily innate - it can be affected by the environment in which the individual is placed," she said.

"We designed a controlled experiment using first-year university students who made choices over real-stakes lotteries at two different dates. Students were randomly assigned to classes of three types: all female, all male, and co-educational. They were not allowed to change group subsequently. We found that on average women are less likely to make risky choices than men at both dates," said Booth. — IANS

Chatter box
Fictitious allegations

Actress Ragini Khanna has appeared in many serials and most of them are fictions. However, the actress denied the reports that are doing rounds saying she has been misinterpreted. She says, "I was asked if I want to do another fiction show to which I answered I won't do any fiction shows as long as I am doing Sasural Genda Phool as it already takes enough of time. I will accept some offers after I am done with SGP. But I was quoted saying I won't do fiction ever. I am an actor. How cannot I like fiction? I love fiction and I cannot survive as an actor without doing fiction. Reality shows are just a side thing for actors to do. They motivate you and throw challenges. But I enjoy my work and that's the reason why I have doing fiction shows all these years. The entire experience of working in Sasural Genda Phool has been enriching for me. Not only has it made me a better actor but also as a person. I connect with the character." That's definitely good news for fans. Isn't it?

Barkha’s light of life

Happy family: Indraneil Sengupta & Barkha Bisht

Indraneil Sengupta and Barkha Bisht have finally got a wonderful name for their daughter. They have named their two-month-old daughter Meira. Barkha has been praising her daughter calling her a quiet child and that she plans to be a cool mom when Meira grows up. Meira means light.

Return of Sneha

Sneha Wagh, who played Jyoti in Imagine's show, will return to telly with a new show by producers of Rang Badalti Odhani, Beyond Dreams Productions on a popular channel. The show will have a Punjabi background and soon they will be shooting in the North. Sudhanshu Pandey too will play one of the protagonists in the show.

Shotgun fires TV channel

Shatrughan Sinha was mighty thrilled to host the Bhojpuri KBC but little did he know that soon he would be waiting for his dues. The senior actor is angry at not being paid his fee for hosting the Bhojpuri KBC and filed a complaint with CINTAA against the regional channel. He was further enraged to know that four of his guests on the 
show - Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Govinda and Sonakshi Sinha too didn't receive the money they won.

Gautam to enter Parichay

Spicy tale: Mona Vasu & Gautam Rode

Post his recent stint as host on India's Got Talent, Gautam Rode will now be seen in Balaji's show on Colors, Parichay, playing the role of an NRI, Vineet Saxena, Richa Thakral's (played by Mona Vasu) fiancé. Richa is still in love with Kunal (Samir Soni) and is trying to break up his marriage with Siddhi. Gautam's entry should spice up the show.

Indecent proposal

Post their hit mature love story in Sony, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Balaji now is planning a show based on extra-marital affairs. They have spoken to Mona Singh to play the role of a perfect wife who is shattered to know that her husband is having an affair. Mona seems interested but things are not finalised yet. Post Jassi, it would be interesting to see Mona in a TV show.

Show time: Mona Singh

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Joint resources could be under extra pressure. The temptation to help out a friend financially should be discussed with your partner first. A sexual relationship will reach its climax. Tarot message: Prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32.

TAURUS: Your partner supports you. Do not allow yourself to be talked into an erratic move. Right time to purchase something that adds to the value of your house. Working toward your goals may seem a little harder. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 52.

GEMINI: Arguments may arise with your mate or partner. Consult experts when cash questions come up. Daydreaming could inspire creative ideas and you might become quite inventive on the job. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 64.

CANCER: You draw The Emperor, so the day is comfortable. Love stars look up. It should be much easier for you to meet challenges. Stay tuned in to the work at hand and you will be wiser. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53.

LEO: Tension builds and tempers can fray. An irritating coworker can push you to your limits. Do some deep breathing and you can maintain your composure and avoid a confrontation. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40.

VIRGO: Your card The Moon indicates an emotional setback. Stick to what you know and understand. Money problem will prevail. Legal suits turn in your favour. A good day for children to meet friends. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61. 

LIBRA: At work, colleague steers you into a new direction. Financial rewards may get delayed. Love stars are behind the clouds. A small celebration at home is likely. Professionals, you need a break. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26.

SCORPIO: Get cracking early. What you need now is energy. Be careful with money. This is not the right day for writing official letters. An irresistible attraction to someone can override your common sense. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47.

SAGITTARIUS: Your card The Nine of Cups reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments may arise with your spouse or partner over money. Love life is exciting. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Your card Page of Pentacles promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to. Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. Tarot message: Lay emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50.

AQUARIUS: Business is good and long term benefits are guaranteed. You need time to understand the changes that are taking place in your psyche. Your mind can wander and cause mistakes. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62.

PISCES: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. The married or those in love will find the day exciting. A lot of energy will be expended on communication today. Tarot message: Do not invest in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 45.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 1...

If you plan to entertain your friends or relatives at home to celebrate your birthday, a cultural or travel theme would be fun. You've got great instincts when it comes to making people comfortable. You start the year fresh and engaged, full of great energy and ready for almost anything. There should be few surprises. Cash flow problems may pop up but it will not last. The stars will help you find a different way of working. Be creative. Self-employed people will have fewer tasks. Be careful as you could miss out on some great opportunities. Look before you leap! Ask an older and wiser person to help you understand the boundaries. If you don't find a way to cool things down, your dreams will die. Your renewed confidence will make you think that anything is possible. A busy 2012 is likely with you wearing 'many hats'. Community events and duty may rob some of your productive time; so don't overdo it. A long talk may be needed to keep someone 'in line.' Investments in foreign securities will work out favourably. If you've a plan, you need to implement it as quickly you can. Success is on the way. Your intuitions and forecast in the financial situation will prove accurate and you will make profit. The middle-aged or elderly persons may suffer from diabetes. But little cure can keep you fit and fine.

Property: Purchase land in 2012 and construct your house.

Mood: Confident.

Compatible signs: Taurus, Gemini, Pisces.

Lucky colours: Hot pink, lemon.

Lucky Days: Saturday.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 14.

Lucky Gem: Ruby.

Lucky Flower: Red rose.

Udit Narayan Jha (December 1, 1955, Bhardah Nepal), who has sung more than 15,000 songs in more than 30 different languages. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2009. In Mumbai, he was trained in Indian classical music at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. He got a break in 1980 for the Hindi film Unees Bees. However, success came in 1988 with his songs for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Due to negative Venus in his horoscope, Udit Narayan's family life may remain disturbed from time to time but career wise, he will shine in music world.

Fight the lines
Roopa Pahwa

Aging is inevitable, but healthy food choices can help us extend our lives, and make us feel and look much younger. The general guidelines for the anti-aging diet are-low calorie consumption, less intake of saturated fats, salt and sugars and eating plenty of wholegrain, oily fish, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Here is a list of foods that you should include in your diet. These foods will help your body fight off the damages caused by aging.

Berries: All black and blue berries such as blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and black grapes contain powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your body against damage caused by free radicals and hence fight against aging.

Nuts: Nuts are tasty and loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs. They are a rich source of potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper and selenium. Most varieties are very high in fibre and are rich sources of unsaturated fats. Adding nuts to your diet can enhance the functioning of your digestive and immune systems. They help improve your skin and help to prevent cancer. Nuts may also help control cholesterol levels. The only drawback of nuts is that they are high in fat, so only a handful a day is good but not more. A good way to add nuts to your everyday diet is to sprinkle them over a salad or to add them to cereals.

Avocado (butter fruit or makhanphal): Avocados are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fats. People on low fat diet usually avoid it because it contains a lot of fat. But actually it is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that may help to reduce the level of cholesterol in body. It is also a very good source of Vitamin E, which is essential for keeping skin smooth and young. Also, avocado contains potassium which helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Green Tea: Some of the anti-aging health benefits of drinking green tea include, protection from cancer, heart disease and dementia, increased weight loss and greater physical stamina. Being rich in flavonoids, it can also help protect the skin against ageing as well as reduce skin damage caused by the sun. It is inexpensive, tastes good and can very easily be added to your diet.

Chocolate: Chocolate (dark chocolate) is good for you. Recent research shows that eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate brings numerous health benefits to you. Dark chocolate is unusually rich in flavonols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining healthy blood vessels lowers the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. Dark chocolate also protect your heart against aging, damage and heart disease. The only draw-back is that chocolate also has calories. Have a little square every day, but don't overdo it.

Wine: Red wine is rich in antioxidants, minerals and resveratrol, which makes it a perfect anti-aging portion. Antioxidants fight free radicals and resveratrol has anti-aging, antiviral, anti-cancer and heart healthy properties. At the end of your day have a glass or two to relax and unwind. You'll get the benefits of a delicious drink along with its anti-aging properties However, if you don't like to drink you can opt for eating a lot of red grapes instead.

Vegetables: Vegetables and youth go side by side. Spinach, carrots, salad leaves, lettuce, kale, broccoli, beets, onions, red bell peppers, beans, alfalfa sprouts etc are highly beneficial for the body. Not only do they help keep the body weight low but also help fight toxins which in turn ward off various age related diseases. Make sure to include these vegetables in your daily diet and make it a regular fare.

Yogurt: In aging people, gradual decline of immunity is a natural phenomenon. With age you lose bacteria in your intestine, making it more difficult to prevent digestive diseases. Yogurt is full of healthy probiotics (good bacteria) that help promote a balanced intestinal environment. And 
this in turn helps diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal diseases. Yogurt is also rich in important minerals like potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins.

Fish: Your anti-aging diet plan must include fish. Fish is a healthy protein source and contains omega-3 essential fatty acid. It stimulates the immune system, reduces your cholesterol, lowers risk of heart disease and is good for brain health. Opt for oily fish like salmon and tuna, and do take care of mercury levels and fish contamination which is a major concern these days. If fish is not a favourite or you just don't eat enough, try adding walnuts and ground flaxseed to your diet since these foods also are rich in fatty acids.

Whole Grains: Make sure to include whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal to your diet. These foods provide the much needed fibre to your diet as well as aid specifically in anti-aging by helping to prevent diabetes, colon disease and cancer, gum disease, and more. Also these contain complex carbohydrates, which provide you with a consistent supply of energy throughout the day!

ART affair
Vasudha Gupta

Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi has brought together 127 works of artists from the region

Fine strokes: Paintings and sculptures at Punjab Kala Bhawan

Henry Moore had once said that there's no retirement age for an artist; it's your way of living so there's no end to it. He must have never known that his words have been etched in the memory of every person who has held a brush in his hand!

For the purpose of gathering the best from the artistic industry of Punjab, the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi has brought together 127 works from the 628 submissions received. Elaborating upon the process followed by the Akademi, RN Singh, secretary of the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, says, "The forms were sent out to all categories of students, professionals and galleries located in Punjab." In order to shortlist the candidates, three judges from diverse yet expert backgrounds were brought together to evaluate the works of art. "We had Sardar Mehar Singh, a very senior artist, Vijender Sharma and an artist of French origin Martine Le Cam to assess the works," says Singh. Out of the selected works, five works each from the student and the professional category have also been awarded. "We have recently also started with the Punjab Kala Rattan award to honour a reputed painter. We decided to give this award to celebrate the contribution of Nek Chand," says Singh.

It is only now that Punjab has started moving towards sculptures and in a big way. "Nek Chand has pioneered sculpting scenario in Chandigarh and it is only now that we are becoming a hub of sculptures," Singh adds. Apart from organising regular exhibits, the Akademi is doing much more to promote art and culture in Punjab. "We have decided to rename to gallery at the Punjab Lalit Akademi after the celebrated artist SG Thakur Singh.

Here's to all those with paints and brushes for inspiration!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

TREND SETTER
Elegant statement

Being 'a la mode' has become a little tough with the fashion scene changing rapidly and being so globalised that we have to be extra smart to follow the latest trend. Those who can cultivate this aura do warrant a second glance. A student of Architecture Interiors, winsome Nazam Sood with her own distinctive style, tells us how

Your sense of style is …

It is the perception of style which makes a person stylish. I feel elegance is an important part of style. And it stands the test of time.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing…

My striking red shoes which look out of this world!

Brand freak or street smart?

Both. The only condition is that it has to be appropriate, whether picked up from the street or a brand.

Choose a look chic, sporty or glamorous …

Both chic and glamorous. It depends on what the occasion demands.

Your style icon would be…

Kareena and Sonam Kapoor have now reached the stage where they can be emulated.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Vidya Balan may be a good actress but her dressing sense is a sorry state of affairs

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Loose harem pants somehow don't gel with me.

Your take on accessories?

I freak out on accessories, especially watches and bracelets.

Given a choice, you would like to be dressed by…

Manish Malhotra, especially for formal attire like a lehnga.

What gives you a high on your confidence level?

When I am properly dressed as the occasion demands then I feel very sure and confident of myself.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Secret of success

Abstaining yourself from revealing your weight loss plan could be the key to successful accomplishment of your goal, a new study has revealed. A study from New York University revealed that those who shared details of their regimes with family and friends were less likely to meet their goals.

According to the researchers, positive recognition people get when they discuss their diet can be interpreted as accomplishment, as a result of which dieters are less likely to stick to their plan as strictly as before.

"The danger is that you feel that you have already reached the goal and because of that you don't have to act on it any more," Professor of psychology, Dr Peter Gollwitzer, who lead the study, said.

He gave tips to dieters, which could help them in following their weight loss regime successfully.

"One is simple-you can keep your mouth shut." "Another one is to form different kinds of intentions, not only say what you want to do but also when, where and how you want to do it." He said that by describing our objective, we mentally map out our future, so are more likely to follow through.

The third solution, he continued, was to only share your weight-loss plan with a trusted few, who can help you keep on course. Tara Harwood, a registered dietician echoed his advice," she added.

— ANI

Natural progression

Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is organising an exclusive slide lecture by eminent artist and legendary landscape painter Paramjit Singh.

An art book in Punjabi Sahaj Prakriti containing almost 80 plates of paintings depicting life and art of Paramjit Singh, written in Hindi by Vinod Bhardwaj, renowned art critic and translated in Punjabi by Amarjit Chandan, one of the best poets of Punjabi will be released on this occasion.

A specially prepared portfolio containing 10 aesthetically printed reproductions of Paramjit Singh's paintings will also be released. All the prints will be of limited edition, individually signed by Paramjit Singh.

Professor B. N. Goswamy, acclaimed art historian and Padma Bhushan awardee, Poet Amarjit Chandan and art Critic Vinod Bhardwaj will speak about the art of Paramjit Singh. — TNS

(On December 2 at the Auditorium of Government Museum and Art Gallery-10)

Doomed to be single!

Lady Gaga has revealed that she’s tone-deaf about relationships and fears being ticketed for a lifetime of singlehood. The pop queen revealed that she’s been caught in nothing but bad romance on the stormy sea of love.

“I have never felt truly cherished by a lover,” said the singer in an interview.

“I have an inability to know what happiness feels like with a man. Gaga said that all of her relationships start well — before they inevitably crash and burn.

“I have this effect on people where it starts out good,” she said. “Then when I’m in these relationships with people who are also creative, or creative in their own way, what happens is the attraction is initially there and it’s all unicorns and rainbows. And then they hate me. Oddly enough, Gaga said she’s endured horrible break-ups that have been followed with her ex popping the question.

“How f—kin’ romantic, you a — hole. Sure pop a ring on my finger and make it all better,” she said.

“I can buy myself a f—kin’ ring.” If it came down to a choice between her career and a man, Gaga said she would pick her fans whom she refers as Little Monsters every time.

“If I’m supposed to end up like some crazy casualty, then that’s my destiny. “I love show business. I need it. It’s like breath. “When I’m on stage, I’m so giving and so open and myself. And when the spotlight goes off, I don’t quite know what to do with myself.” She added that a man once warned her that she’ll end her days as a lonely old woman.

She is reportedly dating Vampire Diaries actor Taylor Kinney in recent months. — ANI

Men of style

(From Left) Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Aamir Khan

Shah Rukh Khan

Let’s take a look at mature men in the industry and their sense of fashion and style.

Formal Khan

Aamir Khan has an impish charm and appearance to him and looks young. He mostly wears a black tee with jeans and smart shoes. He looks smashing in formals and has a great personality.

Colour it right

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most stylish men in Bollywood and he looks good no matter what he wears. He wears colour too and knows how to use it just right.

Forever young

Anil Kapoor looks amazingly fit and young. He is impeccably dressed in this black suit.

Fit as a fiddle

Jeetendra doesn’t make too many public appearances. We have to say he has maintained himself well. He is slim and tall and we think he looks good in the grey suit.

Age appropriate

Rishi Kapoor is still very charming and is seen in shirts with jeans or pants. He dresses well and age appropriately.

Boyish charm

Shah Rukh Khan dresses like a boy and is usually seen in grey/black/white tees with jeans and shoes. Sometimes, he wears formals and he looks good. He is slim and short. — HRM

Line of success

Wondering why Hollywood is always obsessed with young look, India’s best export to West, actress Freida Pinto says she cannot wait to grow old.

The 27-year-old actress, who has starred in many international projects post her rise to fame with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, says she wants her face to reflect the experience she would gain in her career.

“I don’t understand why everyone wants to look young. I can’t wait to grow older. I would love to have wrinkles like Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, Susan Sarandon, Helen Mirren because each wrinkle has its own story. I admire the amount of character their faces have now more than before.

“I know actresses are under the scanner and growing old is difficult for them. But it’s nice to age gracefully,” Pinto said. And it’s not only the Hollywood actresses that she admires. Pinto is a huge fan of Shabana Azmi and would love to star in the films she did in the eighties. — PTI

Tom in World War?

New role: Tom Hanks

Hollywood star Tom Hanks is producing a World War II drama based on Erik Larson’s book, which is set in the world of Hitler’s Germany.

Universal studio and Hanks’ Playtone have bought the rights of Larson’s non-fiction best-seller In the Garden of Beasts to produce. Hanks is also eyeing the project as a potential starring vehicle. The book tells the true tale of William Dodd, the United States’ reluctant and mild-mannered ambassador to Berlin in 1933, and his daughter Martha, a vivacious socialite who had romantic affairs with a Gestapo official and a Soviet spy.

Dodd and his family at first naively navigated life in Nazi Germany but they slowly gained awareness of the mounting brutality around them.

Larson’s The Devil and the White City, another nonfiction book is in development by Leonardo DiCaprio and his Appian Way shingle. Hanks has previously starred in Saving Private Ryan while his production house was behind the Emmy-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, The Pacific and John Adams. — PTI

Meeting the standards

Parental pressure: Angelina Jolie

Kylie’s generous gesture

Pop star Kylie Minogue is raising funds for a children’s charity by selling off her personalised sports car. She has offered her black Lexus for an auction in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

“I am delighted to be donating my Lexus CT200h to the NSPCC for their City of London Christmas dinner, with all the proceeds going to their Helpline” she said. “I have been driving it throughout 2011 and I hope that the generous bidder gets as much enjoyment out of it as I have!” she added. The sale would take place at a gala in London on Thursday. — ANI

Hitler in trouble

Zee TV's recently launched show Hitler Didi is causing distress to a US-based rights organisation, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which wants the channel to remove the name Hitler from the show's title as he was a dictator and a mass murderer.

They have sent a letter to channel's chairman Subhash Chandra too. The channel agreed, apologised and plans to change the title. It will perhaps change the title in the US while keeping the same name in India.