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Bhangra rocks
Private albums, Bollywood movies or functions…the rustic and foot-tapping notes of Punjabi music set the pace for any event. So, when it is Punjabi music all the way, can the popular Punjabi dance — bhangra — be far behind?
Chandigarh-based Avtar Singh’s Mehak Punjab Di group is pretty popular at marriages and Lohri. “This is one festival when we are quite in demand. My group of five boys and girls bring in the traditional element with our dance forms.” The time when the word ‘Deejay’ is synonymous for music, how many people want to listen and dance to the beat of the dhol? “Many,” Avtar shoots back a confident reply. “Bhangra and gidda are dance forms that express joy. The traditional dresses worn by boys and girls add colour to the mood.” Avtar ensures that the boys and girls of Mehak Punjab Di look traditionally rich with girls wearing lehenga, kurti, salwar kameez, sargi phul, paranda and phulkari. As for the men, they look great in chaadra and colourful pagg. “In addition to the marriages, we also perform at many private functions on traditional songs.” The dance form definitely expresses the core tradition of Punjab; ironically the tradition is now changing as per the demand in the market. If it’s remix music that gets you going, remix dances are something that cannot be ignored. Kuldeep Soni’s group Virsa Punjab Da from Ludhiana has adjusted to the modern trends. As Kuldeep shares, “Only on special request, the group of five boys and girls does bhangra with the dhol, otherwise on most occasions we are expected to match out steps with what the deejay is playing.” Isn’t it sad to see a traditional dance take the commercial route? “Yes, it is. But, as they say, all dance forms are an expression of joy, so it is okay as long as people are enjoying it.” Kuldeep’s bhangra group has had the chance to perform on television, in movies and various stage shows. “I ensure that the boys and girls in the group are well-trained. They are also taught how to use traditional instruments; so much so that in many Bollywood songs you will see girls and boys from different bhangra groups from Punjab adding colour to life.” From bhangra, gidda, jhumar, jaago to luddi, kikli, julli, dhamal, sammi and teeyan, the groups include all dance forms in their performance. Harpreet Singh of the city’s Dhol Wajda ensures that they fuse the traditional with the contemporary. “Most boys and girls in our group are from college and universities, and they are well-versed with modern and traditional steps. Other than the money that they get, I bet they enjoy it as well,” adds Harpreet, who takes his students to Punjab twice a year so that they can understand the traditions better. Ditto for Sartaj Dhir, who performs with Boli Pa group — a student of mechanical engineering, Sartaj shares that he can’t stop himself when he hears the dhol. “I am looking forward to Lohri; it is one time when I can enjoy and earn the most.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Celestial energy
When the excitement with which an artist paints is read in the same manner, it is pure joy for the former. Such is the story behind Agnes Simon’s art —inspired by the positive aspects of life; her art shares its beauty. On display at Alliance Francaies, her work, Energie Dense, Energie De Lumiere showcasing Memories and Shamans, are a blend of different colours, gestures and incidents, which represent the power of the universe and the earth in one canvas.
Agnes has been into meditation in order to increase her understanding of life. “I believe in being positive and hope to spread it wherever I can,” she smiles. Her current body of work, aptly titled Shaman, focuses on ancient healers, who use the Green Energy healing. “Green is one colour that is inspired from healing energies,” she describes. Memories, the other set of her paintings, revolve around the essential memories inside each person. A mother of three, this woman of several layers also seeks inspiration from music. “Apart from Indian music, widely used for meditation, the music of The Twilight Saga also inspired me,” she says. Having visited France recently and watching the country undergo an economic turmoil, Agnes is ready with the next energy. She feels. “It is a little depressing time for our country. It is the sad energy that is coming out of me due to the distance,” she says. Ready with the reds and the blacks in the colour pallete, she is not sure if she will be able to bring out happiness in her art. Using red as a colour of protection is an intentional thought. “I read a lot of Feng Shui and according to it, red is the colour of protection. I want to use it to balance out the black,” she says. Also, since her 11-year-old daughter is exploring her creativity with art, Agnes does not mind using her favourite colour. Interweaving the influences of French art in Indian paintings, her art speaks a language of its own. “My work is not the conventional thought of love but is based on the universality of love and sharing,” she smiles. (On till January 17) vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Reunion with Oprah
Talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey is coming to India next week and has expressed desire to meet Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, whom she hosted on her popular talk show, and the junior B has confirmed the news.
“Oprah is coming here to shoot a documentary and she has expressed a desire to meet,” the 35-year-old actor said. Aishwarya made her maiden appearance on the “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2005, the year in which she featured in an Indo-British production venture Mistress Of Spices. In 2009, she was invited with her spouse Abhishek to the show and in the same year Ash featured in The Pink Panther 2. Abhishek is looking forward to meeting Winfrey. “She is always very respectful and very loving towards both of us and it’ll be wonderful to meet her,” said Abhishek whose latest flick Players received mixed reviews at the box-office. Buzz is that the Bachchan clan is planning to host a private dinner for Winfrey. This is Winfrey’s first visit to India and she is also expected to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival scheduled for later this month. The visit is largely a part of her new show Next Chapter, which will see Winfrey travelling around the world and interviewing celebrities. Reportedly, she is planning to interview Indian spiritual guru Deepak Chopra for her new show. —IANS
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Telly tale
Angad Hasija is a ‘mamma’s boy’ and wears the tag proudly on his sleeves. In Chandigarh on Wednesday for pre-Lohri celebrations, Angad, good in looks as well as manners, shares his ‘happening telly life’ with us.
The beginning Screen presence Small screen happened soon and his character Alekh in Bidaai was much appreciated. “To play a schizophrenic was quite a challenge. I was very nervous for the first month but the audiences’ response helped me get on my feet. In his next show Phulwa, Angad played a very different role. “It was deliberate. Bidaai got me recognition and I wanted to live up to audiences’ expectations,” says Angad, who worked hard on his physique for the new show. “It was fun. Most of the days on the shoot I was told that I am not wearing any clothes so I had to work on my body.” His third big show on air, Zee TV’s Ram Milaye Jodi has him in a new avatar. “So far the feedback is very positive and there will be many interesting twists and turns to the show,” promises Angad. Next move So are movies in the offing? So far he hasn’t come across an interesting role. “I had offers for a few Punjabi movies, but I did not like the roles much. I would rather play a flamboyant, larger-than-life hero,” says Angad, who ensures that he puts in his best in every job that he chooses to do. Off screen Doing a daily soap leaves him little time, but whenever Angad is free he loves to pursue his passion of interior designing and story-writing. “Managing work and home is a tough task, but I do fulfill my passion by doing up my house or that of my friends.” And, yes, this mamma’s boy is happy being in a field that his mum chose for him. Also, her decision to get him married at 22 worked well! “I think all worked out well. Since I was secure in a relationship, it saved me the distraction of hunting for a girl-friend and keeping her amused. That helped me focus on my career,” quips Angad. mona@tribunemail.com
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Hair-raising success
‘Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it’. As Munish Bajaj, executive director Tress Lounge, L’Oreal, bags the North India Business and Excellence Award 2012 in New Delhi from Shashi Tharoor, winning the best Unisex Salon Brand in tri-city, we recall the man saying all he was concerned ever was about his work and not the reward. But winning has taken his confidence a notch higher, and he looks forward to doing much more in the growing beauty industry. His story is that of a person who believes in his karma.
Success story Says Munish Bajaj who started with the enterprise 2003 when L’Oreal motivated him to open a salon. “All I knew from the minute go was that I had to do something different. I also knew that women have a strong hold in the beauty industry, but I had the will and right intention. I feel I have managed to create a success story everyday.” Munish, managing 16 branches across tri city. Beauty no bar Fashion, wellness and beauty are segments that are ever-growing. New products, new techniques, it isn’t easy to be on the cutting edge. Munish, however, never thought this as a challenge. “I have faith in my staff, my family and friends and I know I can move on till I have their support,” he says. “I don’t sell products or techniques, rather I offer services, which is the USP of all our centres,” adds Munish. At your service “Products can make a person look beautiful, my endeavour, however, has been to build relations with my clients. The idea is to tell them that we are concerned about their overall well being, and if in a way our services can make them stress free, we are always at your service,” offers Munish who travels widely and brings in the best of experiences to his salons and spa. “Beauty and health go hand in hand so I have hired an experienced staff and doctors as well, who make those three to four hours of the client spend in the salon or spa a memorable service,” provides Munish who plans to open 50 more salons by the end of the year. He also plans to open Franchise models of his own brand Tress Lounge, Hair Raiserz. “This will provide job opportunity to youngsters and people who want to excel in the beauty industry,” he says thanking the people of tri-city for giving him this honour.
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Casserole culture
Kandla Nijhwone Why am I calling this Casserole culture when casseroles are miles removed from our own culture? Well, to initiate a few new tricks this new year, that's why! Stews and casseroles are hearty, large dishes full of steaming hot food, comforting, flavoursome and nourishing. You can throw in any vegetables you have in hand along with a protein, be it chicken, sausage, paneer or tofu and flavour it with herbs and garlic. Voila! It’s a single-pot dinner, ready in a jiffy! You can serve it with a simple warm loaf of garlic bread, buttered dinner rolls or even a herby, fragrant rice! Bean and protein casserole
n
4 tbsp refined oil n
300 gm sausages, boneless chicken, tofu or paneer n
2 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried) n
4 cloves garlic, chopped n
1 tsp finely chopped dried red chilly n
4 carrots peeled and chopped n
4 celery sticks, chopped n
3 cups soaked soya bean or rajmah, (or a combination of both) partially cooked n
Salt, pepper to taste n
1 ½ cups boiling water n
300 gm tomatoes, chopped Method (Nijhwone is a Chandigarh-based |
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Men take more risks
Men are twice more likely than women to take risks at work, so a healthy balance of both genders at work place would be a good idea to make business thrive, a new research has said. The study, conducted by psychologists from the British Psychological Society, surveyed 2,000 men and women working in 20 different fields of work worldwide.
They said the gap between men and women when it came to risk-taking was 'unexpected in its magnitude.' The authMen take more risks or of the study suggested that the gulf between men and women was genetically shaped by evolution and ensured 'the survival of our ancestors.' Early men had to take risks to fulfill their role as hunter-gatherers to put food on the table, while a woman's cautious approach would have helped hold their families together. "The magnitude of the difference in risk taking between men and women was unexpected. Females were more than twice as likely to be wary and almost twice as likely to be prudent whilst males were more than twice as likely to be adventurous and almost twice as likely to be carefree," he said. Trikey also suggested that employers could use this change in attitudes to their benefit by providing a gender balance in the workplace. "Risk taking is necessary and desirable, but we need to reinstate the balance that ensured the survival of our ancestors," he said. "Whether this is best done by gender selection manipulation is arguable, but the aim should be to achieve a balance of risk types," he added. —ANI
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Fashion check list
Sonal Chauhan: She dresses quite decently. We like the turquoise dress on her paired with beige wedges. She looks very comfortable yet stylish!
OFF TRACK Neha Dhupia: For a change, the usually stylish actress isn’t looking comfortable. The belt is too big for her, the print is blah, and the booties are a bit in-your-face.
Style diva Shazahn Padamsee: We are so glad that the PYT is finally wearing some colour and her hair and make-up are a tad relaxed. It is a comfortable yet dressy look!
Fashion forever Sonam Kapoor: Check out those high booties! Sonam completely rocks this edgy Shane and Falguni Peacock dress with the right make-up, hair, and attitude. — HRM
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The Race is on...
Players has flopped so all hopes are pinned on Abbas-Mustan’s sequel to their last blockbuster, Race. The much-anticipated sequel will have eight stars in it and Sanjay Dutt too will be a part of it.
Four pretty girls of all shapes and sizes will add their touches of glamour and sensuality. They are Amisha Patel, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Abbas-Mustan’s favourite hottie Bipasha Basu. The (mostly) drool-worthy hunks in the movie are Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor and John Abraham. Now Sanjay Dutt has joined the cast. A source says, “Sanjay is great for stylish action movies. He has the presence and the swagger. Abbas-Mustan were very keen on having him so they convinced the producers of the film (Tips and UTV) and got him aboard. His role is being kept under wraps but obviously it is an interesting and an integral one. The movie will have its usual share of twists and turns.” The source adds, “Saif was superb in Race and Bipasha was smoking hot so they are in the sequel to make the connect. The new cast will take the movie forward. Deepika is paired with Saif and John is paired with Jacqueline. Both the couples have sizzling intimate scenes because sex, glamour, slick action, and twists are the USP of Race and most thrillers made by Abbas-Mustan. Initially, only Tips was producing the film but UTV came on board as the cast got bigger and better. The film is being shot in Dubai, South Africa, and Turkey. It has something for everyone.” Race 2 will release in late 2012. —HRM
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Friends again
Flop show! Abbas-Mustan’s much awaited and promoted thriller Players got a very poor opening and bad reviews so the film has flopped and it will not pick up at all now. That’s confirmed news and that’s sad.
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Loving the reel life
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, a hit show of Star Plus will complete three successful years in January 12. We caught up with Naitik aka Karan Mehra to talk about the show, his character, achievements, and more.
How has been the entire experience as Naitik on the show? It has been a great journey so far. I have learnt a lot and am still learning. The character has so many shades. I am very thankful that the audience continue to like my character. How are you celebrating the anniversary? Nothing has been planned as of now. We may all go out together for a dinner or something. I am sure there will be a cake-cutting ceremony. How has Naitik affected your life? The character has affected me in every way. Whatever I am today, it’s because of my character. The show and Naitik have not only got me fame and money, but also taught me how to deal with different situations in life. In a span of three years, which is your favourite emotional scene from the show and why? There are many scenes. It’s hard to pick one. It’s quiet clear that the audience has continued to like the show for its different sequences. We shot many songs that have been appreciated by audiences. There were a couple of rain sequences too. Who has been your inspiration for the character? The character itself has been the inspiration. Once I began to understand Naitik, I started portraying him even better. Also, the female co-stars have been quite an inspiration for the fabulous chemistry. How is your rapport with all your
co-stars? I keep it very professional. I don’t mix my professional life with my personal life. What’s the best compliment you have got till now? I had some women walking up to me and telling me that they want a guy like me for their daughters. That is so flattering!
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Chatter Box
Hope the fresh storyline will be appreciated by audience.
Munisha Khatwani, who is seen in the new reality show Survivor India can't get along with Payal Rohtagi, a fellow contestant. There fought a lot during the show and the relationship went for a toss. Both of them can't stand each other. Before the show they were casual friends but today they can't stand the sight of each other.
Gimme grey Television actress Rucha Gujrathi was last seen as Natasha in Rang Badalti Odhani. She is currently seen as Keya, an NRI returned who has come to marry Ved. Her character is grey and Rucha feels negative characters help actors grow and evolve. positive vibes: Rucha Gujrathi
Rakhi takes her pick |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 12...
Your finances are one area you may not feel like dealing with in 2012. As long as you don't put them off for too long, it's okay to leave it for another time. Just be sure that you and your partner are on the same page. Get down to doing something interesting before you die of boredom. If you are a journalist, you'll get the chance to work on an incredible scoop. The fact that you can't remember when you last had fun simply means you aren’t living life to the fullest these days. Making future plans gives you a sense of purpose and direction. Fortunately, you have a little extra money to play with, so there won't be any trouble covering expenses. Just be sure to approach your adventure with a level head. Continuously changing your plans will cause you to lose ground. Stay focused on your goal and don't be distracted. If you play your cards right, you'll get some favourable publicity. It's a good time for you to step up and ensure that you know where you're going, as this level of speed can't be sustained forever. No matter what projects you've got on your desk this January, you need to make sure that you get plenty of face-time with customers, peers and the others who are a part of your working life. Social energy is driving everything. Push to get as much done early in February as you can. Bickering between members may put you in the middle. Children need to be parented but siblings and in-laws are another matter. Don't be drawn into playing any victim, rescuer, persecutor roles. Avoid pushing any issue or position. People making big promises will not keep up with their word when the actual time comes, so do not depend on others and go with your own resources and instincts. A big transaction this week will bring big revenue for a number of years. Health problem are indicated for the asthmatic patients. The line between love and friendship may be blurred, which can create some confusion. Just enjoy the gifts of the present and let the future take care of itself. Mood : Clear on facts but not on emotions and relationships. Compatible signs: Taurus, Pisces Lucky colours: Golden , Fuchsia Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 1, 2, 17, 22, 34 Lucky gem: Iolite - the gemstone of vikings Lucky Flower: Daisy
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AstroTurf
ARIES: Your card suggests that extra money is likely to come from somewhere. You will start off in a confident, optimistic mood. Life is not likely to run according to your plan. Personal dreams, hopes and wishes are up for a review.
Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 40 TAURUS: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Stay focused on business because that will pay dividends. Family members are co-operative. Romance could lead to much turmoil. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Magic number: 29 GEMINI: Reckless spending will be a cause of regret. No matter how tempting a purchase is, think twice before pulling out your credit card. You need to spend more time on repair work in your house. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 CANCER: Though you have sufficient funds but stick to window shopping. Arrangements you made to meet friends can change at the last moment. Expect a degree of chaos and mayhem in the traffic. Tarot message: Minor official pin pricks are better ignored. Have fun with friends. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26 LEO: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting all your paper work into coherent order, which may involve paying bills or arranging for extra credit. Partnership affairs are in the lime light. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: This can be the lull before the storm. Do not bottle up emotions and become agitated. Influential people will like your style. Health issues should be treated right away. You will want to avoid any future problems. Tarot message: Try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42
LIBRA: Your personal skills and style of working are likely to shine. No special problems to deal with at home. You may receive a romantic proposition and you should be very careful about how you respond. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Peach. SCORPIO: Lots of secrets can make for an interesting day. Stimulating ideas will be in abundance. Your partner could talk to you about joining a gym or dance classes together for fun. Business will tick over smoothly enough. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 64 SAGITTARIUS: This is a day when dreams come true. If you believe in something with enough heart and hope, it just might happen. You are in a position to move and motivate others. Tarot message: You will not get away with wrongful doings, so don't even try. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 CAPRICORN: Career affairs can be reaching a triumphant climax. You are in an ideal job, doing what you love and showing the world just how capable you are. Your spouse is likely to be erratic. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: Your card reveals that you are noted for your hard work. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with additional expenses. Let people know how much you love and appreciate them. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 63 PISCES: You need more clarity and open-ness in financial or business matters. It is important that you get expert advice to solve your problems. Teenagers might meet someone interesting today. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting your contacts. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51
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At one of the sports awards function, Shah Rukh Khan tried to a do a balle balle with Harbhahjan Singh and expressed his desire to learn bhangra! And it isn’t the popularity, but the feeling of joy and the expression of happiness that bhangra denotes. As for the commercial value (everything boils down to this crude fact), you have to wait and count the number of bhangra groups performing on Lohri and any other marriage or private function. As you get ready to do a balle balle around the Lohri bonfire, spare a thought and a smile for the handsome, traditionally attired boys and girls from various bhangra groups! 
“It was in my childhood that I fell in love with colours and painting. It turned out to be the best way to express my self,” she says. Working with acrylic and ink, Agnes’s abstract paintings are more about expressing the energies around her. Accompanying her husband with his work first brought Agnes to Pune and now to Chandigarh. “All of my work at the exhibition is what I have painted in Chandigarh,” she says.
An interior decorator, Angad was happy manning his store along with his mother in Chandigarh some six years back. “My mother, like all others mums, found me the most handsome son ever and dreamt of me being ‘the’ Shah Rukh Khan one day.” On his mother’s insistence, Angad participated in the Mr North competition followed by Mr Punjab. He won both, which paved the way for a career in Punjabi videos followed by ramp and acting. “I acted in many hit videos before moving on to Delhi for ramp shows and then Mumbai,” says Angad. 
Body wise
Anurag Kashyap and Arbaaz Khan had a spat on Twitter last year over Dabangg 2. Arbaaz and Anurag made up at Farhan Akhtar’s birthday bash earlier this week.
Star Plus' most popular prime-time show Diya Aur Baat Hum is the story of Sooraj and Sandhya. The director Sumeet Mittal heard this story from his hometown Ahmedabad in which a Paanipuri-wala was helping his wife for her civil servant exams and from this story, he gave birth to Sooraj and Sandhya’s characters.
Poonam Pandey mobbed
At loggerheads 
Arun Govil ( January 12,1958, Ramnagar - Meerut) has acted in various Hindi, Bhojpuri, Oriya and Telugu movies. Ramanand Sagar cast Govil as Vikramaditya in his television series Vikram Aur Betaal and Rama in his highly successful television series Ramayan. His role as Rama gave him a lot of exposure and got him roles in other series, including Harishchandra in Vishwamitra and Buddha in TV series Buddha. His film and TV career has come to an end as an actor.