The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Successful strides Sabia Talwar Sharhaan Singh who is better recognised as Sid from 'Uttaran', the famous TV serial of Colors channel, is all set to enter the Bollywood industry. Born and brought up in Patiala, Sharhaan is a post graduate in theatre and television from the Punjabi University. We catch up with him to know more about our own Punjab da munda. Were you always into acting? I think I never thought of acting at any point of time in my life. It was always a hidden talent in me. During my college days, my friends and teachers used to encourage me to try my hand at modelling and acting and here I am. I also took two years of formal training in theatre and it has been worth it. When did your first break happen and what followed after that? In 2004, director Manmohan Singh spotted me and offered me Yaara Naal Baharan with Jimmy Shergill under the Yash Raj Films banner. I played the role of a typical Punjabi boy. I was over excited to act in this movie. After that, I did another Punjabi film, Watna Toh Door with Gursewak Mann but it did not work that well because of lack of promotion. Back to Honeymoon, an English-Hindi comedy movie did not release because of certain problems. Again, I acted in another Punjabi film Thana Shagna Da with Jaspal Bhatti. And hence, I decided that movies are not my share at least. Share some your appearances on the small screen… I was offered my first serial that was Rakhi from Zee TV in 2007 and then I did Aahat, Ssshhh.. Koi Hai and CID. In 2009, I started acting in Uttaran and I kept coming and going from the serial. I also did Jhansi Ki Rani for Zee TV. What is your connection with the negative roles? There is so connection but it is a coincidence that my character has a grey shade. But I think I connect to Shah Rukh Khan as in the starting even he had negative roles like in Darr and Baazigar. So I guess people like me in such roles. You and the ad mad world… I have done advertisements for Yamaha, Ponds, Gillette, Hyundai and Hero Honda. The advertisements give your face a lot of recognition as well as exposure which is essential for the industry. Any link-ups you have faced till now? Yes, who can escape from these? I have been linked up several times with Tina Dutta as we hang out together a lot. But there is nothing like that we are seeing each other we are just good friends.
	Pongal treat As the fervour of Lohri still grips our mind and embraces us in its warmth, Pongal, the festival from Tamil Nadu, should not be forgotten about... Vasudha Gupta If the recent trip to South India still has you craving for some Rasam and South Indian filter coffee, Sundaram, a speciality South Indian restaurant in Sector 26, will make Pongal more special for you. Says S Sundaram, owner of the restaurant, “Considering that our 10th anniversary and the festival of Pongal begins tomorrow, we will have special offers running at our Mohali and Sector 26 outlets for our customers.” Sharing details of the festival, he says, “The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm for four days.” Especially significant for farmers, the festival bears an uncanny resemblance to the festival of Baisakhi. Apart from the ritual of cleaning the house and discarding old items, sweet Pongal is prepared with the harvest rice. “The second is meant for the worship to the Sun God,” shares Sundaram. Apart from the extensive menu, the restaurant will be offering three taste dosa, uttapam and vada. vasudha@tribunemail.com
	stress buster Family fun Renee Singh Now that the holiday season is over and children are getting back to their schools and colleges the signs of stress slowly start building up in this generation. From the Bogeyman for little kids to the boogies of SAT’s and college bound kids, stress affects children of all generations. It is up to the parents to provide buffers for their children’s stress and the first thing they can do to help their child manage stress is to build a strong Family Unit. Include your kids in family discussions conducive to their age and lookout for signs of stress in your kids. Recognising stress in children Little kids specially with underdeveloped communication skills display stress very differently than adult ones. Very often their stress is internalised and displayed in symptoms like frequent flu like symptoms or headaches stomach aches and nausea. Children under stress also regress to behaviours like bed wetting clinginess and frequent crying. Behavioral symptoms become extreme at both sides of the spectrum. A normally active child becomes listless or hyperactive. A docile child may display signs of anger or an overactive child may become introspective. Many times when children start undergoing stress they may change their set of friends or their schoolwork starts sliding, parents often can confuse these behavioural changes with drugs but this is a sure sign of the fact that the child cannot handle the stress in his life. Helping children Children learn the best through examples. Getting down to using a few stress management strategies is the best way to teach kids. You as parents can also develop your own stress management skills which are uniquely relevant to your calm. In an overall fashion the following can be very useful guidelines in reducing stress in kids and creating healthy happy and productive kids. Eating healthy A healthy body is better able to withstand any stress induced illness. Schedule regular mealtimes and don’t allow the kids to skip meals. Vigorous exercise This is a great stress reliever. Just like adults kids need active time to unwind specially if they are TV addicts or constantly on the computer or video games. Getting them to do outdoor sport like tennis, golf or swimming is a necessity. Give your child a punching bag and let him punch all his aggression away. This is extra energy well spent and keeps the tempers calm and controlled. Spend quality time Planning a Sunday afternoon picnic or a dinner date with them will definitely promote your communication with teach other. Set clear rules Grey areas of action are very hard for kids to handle. They need their ‘’Black and White’’ world which gives them a sense of clarity. Blurred guidelines create confusion. Lots of hugs Physical touching is a great healer Just a hug can make up for a thousand words. Here the muscles are knotted with stress. Just before your child sleeps gently massage his neck to relieve stress. Be a good listener Give your child a listening ear when he wants to discuss his problems. Don’t criticise Encourage them to ask questions and do not snub them when they sound enthusiastic. Saying sorry Teach them that accepting your mistakes does not make them feel small or hurt their ego, in fact it should raise their self esteem. Give examples from your own childhood on how you goofed up in many situations. Stress reducing games Even simple things like a game of carom or snakes and ladders which has uncomplicated wins and losses is very stress relieving. Everything in life is manageable if we deal with it correctly. Start your kids deal with stress while they are young and as parents and teachers help kids to pave the way to being healthy and happy human beings. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
	Regional ware North East Crafts Bazaar 2012 on at Crafts Bazar Sector 34 Exhibition Ground (opposite Furniture market) brings rich handloom and handicrafts from Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Assam Muga silk saree, mulberry silk saree, endi (eri) chaddar, Naga shawls, Gamocha, Laishingphee and many items of cane and bamboo are the mainstay of the exhibition. By and large many items in handicrafts of contemporary use are also introduced by the craftsmen through their inter-action and the benefits derived from sale of their handicrafts products through this Bazaar help the artisans to earn their bread and butter. On till January 23. — TNS
	Art affair Shuchi Garga’s love for tradition Indian motifs reflects in her paintings. Taking inspiration from coins, she has transferred them on to the canvas. “My work depicts our rich heritage from our ancient civilization. I have picked up themes from coins and given them new treatment in my paintings,” says Shuchi who is holding an exhibition at her home in Panchkula. Some 30 frames, acrylic on canvas, mainly in earthy and crimson hues render coins in varied ways. “Coins are also considered lucky, so I picked them as a theme for my collection,” she says. “These painting are my work of last two years. I started painting after a long gap as I had been busy in family responsibilities,” says Shuchi who has reserved after breakfast hours for painting now that she has some time to herself. Apart from coins, some of her paintings bear musical instruments. “This is my other passion. I really enjoy listening to instrumental music and this where the inspiration comes from,” she says. “Some people meditate, I paint,” she adds. — Mona
	Work out to gain more Here's the ultimate motivation for regular exercising - apart from helping you stay fit, workouts can also boost your pay packet, a new study has claimed. Researchers at Cleveland State University have carried out the study and found that jogging, swimming or even lifting weights in the gym at least three times a week could increase one's income by up to nine per cent. In fact, doing moderate exercises such as a regular brisk walk also has a positive effect on earnings, the study claims. For their study, the researchers thoroughly analysed two sets of questionnaires in the US, involving over 12,000 people. Details about salaries and the extent to which people exercised were analysed. They found that people exercising three times a week could expect a salary between six and nine per cent greater than those who do not. And, for those exercising between one and three times a month, the benefit was still an additional five per cent. This study is probably the first to establish a link between workouts and a person's income. — PTI
	Shawl show Kullu Fest on at Lajpat Rai Bhawan-15 brings many craft persons from various parts of the Himachal Pradesh to display and sell their handloom products. The products on display are Kullu woolen shawls, Kinouri shawls, pure pashmina shawls, Angora shawls and stoles, yak wool stoles and shawls and gents lohie. Also find woollen handmade socks, Kullu cap, woollen Tweed coats, Kangra cane furniture, Himachal Leather items, Kullu woollen jackets, woolen suites and more. On till January 31 — TNS
	Hrithik’s ambitious project Hrithik Roshan starrer Krrish 3 is the most ambitious project for the father-son duo till date. Hrithik talks about it. Title treaty We chose the title Krrish 3 because Koi Mil Gaya came first, then Krrish and now we are making the sequel. So this movie is about all three films. That is why Krrish 3. It will be quite a journey. Double role I loved the script as Dad was writing it. I wanted to play the hero and the villain because I was very excited. Dad told me that he would get somebody and he got Vivek. I think Vivek will be excellent in it. What matters is the script and acting. Songs, sets, effects are decoration. Script and acting count the most. Playing superhero I love being accepted as a superhero. It feels great. I hope I am worthy of the sequel and am able to do justice to all the action sequences. I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it because of my bad back but I am overcoming my health challenges and training very hard. I lost 10 kg in ten weeks to fit into a particular jacket. There is already so much hype and anticipation around the movie and we have to live up to it all. The audiences have to feel absolutely thrilled while watching it and that it was worth the wait! I love that these movies connect with people of all ages. Krrish 3 stars Hrithik Roshan, Vivek Oberoi, Kangna Ranaut, and Priyanka Chopra. It will release in late 2012 or early 2013.
	Big B misses the charm of ballroom dancing “Statured elegance”, “gentle guidance” and “a picture of support to the woman in your arms” — megastar Amitabh Bachchan rues that the charm and elegance of ballroom dancing has “vanished”. “The romance and the effect of the touch and feel of ballroom dancing has vanished. There was a certain decorum in it. The getting up and asking the lady for the dance, the position of elegance as you stretched your hands to gently allow the lady to rest hers on yours,” Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com. “The firm yet gentle guidance that one conducted by the other hand on her waist, moving and controlling her composure as it were. Those piercing looks as you held her and talked of the weather and everything else under the sun, as you avoided stamping her elegant dress by your out of rhythm feet, her hand gently resting on your shoulder - a picture of support to the woman in your arms. A gesture of care and protection!! All gone now !! “Your protection these days is from the waving and pumping of the hands and feet of your neighbor on the floor. Not your partner whom you had initially asked, but your neighbour!! It is rather ridiculous but such fun..do you not think?? Thank you for confirming my ideology!!” — IANS
	Jolie’s directorial debut Actress Angelina Jolie, who is gearing up for the release of her directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey says she underwent an emotional breakdown during filming the movie. “I had a complete emotional breakdown in the shower and Brad Pitt found me crying,” she said, “I felt this huge responsibility and I felt very small. I thought, ‘Who am I to take this on?’...I had a complete meltdown,” she said. “I didn’t plan to become a director, and I still have trouble saying I’m a director, I just wanted to tell this story and I ended up, by default, being the director. It was a pleasure but I wonder if it would be a pleasure with another cast and crew, and a subject matter that wasn’t so special,” she added. The movie revolves around a Bosnian Muslim woman during the Bosnian War of the 1990s who falls in love with a Serbian policeman. As the Bosnian women are forced into camps, the policeman brings her to the prison that’s under his command, even though his true loyalties are tested. — IANS
	Fortunate Farhan Actor-director Farhan Akhtar, who will be seen essaying the role of legendary athlete Milkha Singh, says he is fortunate to play the role of the `Flying Sikh’. “I am fortunate enough to play an iconic person (Milkha) on screen. I will be forcing him to accept that I am playing his role. I think that will be enough,” he told reporters at an award nomination party here last evening. To be directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a biographical sports drama, inspired by the life of Milkha, one of the earliest sports icons of post-1947 India. The film will trace Milkha’s childhood in today’s Pakistan, the Partition and his achievements as an athlete in the independent India. Farhan will be playing the athlete and the versatile actor is leaving no stone unturned to get into shape for the demanding role. “I have started running regularly. I am also going to meet Milkha Singh.” — PTI
	Gaga’s ‘Little Monster’ gift to Beyonce’s baby Singer Lady Gaga has gifted Beyonce Knowles’ newborn girl a special baby suit, with the words “Little Monster” encrusted on it. “Little Monster”, the nickname Gaga uses for her fans, is encrusted in pink diamante, on the dress. According to friends, Gaga included a note instructing the baby, Blue Ivy Carter, to wear it to her first Lady Gaga concert. “Gaga and Beyonce have remained close since they worked together on Telephone. While they don’t speak often, they are always in touch via email and text. She knew Beyonce would find the present hilarious,” said a source. — IANS
	Calling quits Beautiful lady Kavita Kaushik became a household name with her character Chandramukhi Chautala from SAB TV's FIR. With her Haryanvi accent and versatility, she made Chandramukhi quite popular. But after six years of playing a cop in the sitcom, Kavita has decided to quit. We caught up with Kavita to know the reasons. Why are you quitting the show? Nothing in particular, I just needed a break from FIR. I have been doing the role for 6 years and got really bored. So I decided to quit. I've given the makers notice period till March. Are you planning to go on a holiday? I keep going on holidays and travel abroad often. I am not like other television actors. I work for 20 days and travel for 10 days. I am planning to go to Dubai soon. When do you plan to return? I really don't know. I haven't decided anything yet. Have you been offered any roles? No. I am still waiting for the phone to ring. So let's see. What kind of roles interests you? Something challenging that sweeps me off my feet. But definitely I won't do the same kind of role. How close is Chandramukhi Chautala character to you? It's very close to my heart. Not only I rose with it, but the character also grew up with me. What will you miss the most about FIR? I will miss everything about the show. Six years isn't a short time. I have been so used to the show and everyone in it. But I guess it's time for me to just move on.
	CHATTER BOX A grand entry Devon Ke Dev Mahadev' on Life OK will witness the entry of a bold and beautiful lady, Madinike aka Rakshanda Khan. Having acted in several television shows, Rakshanda now comes to play an integral role in the Shiv-Sati's love story. Rakshanda Khan aka Madinike will be one of the most beautiful women on the show but yet unmarried. She is witty and has a good sense of humor. She is blunt and speaks her mind. No function is complete without her. Everyone respects her for her dancing talent and her dazzling personality. She is very fond of Sati and treats her as her own daughter. "I am super excited and I love my character in the show. Also, it's the first time when I will be acting in a mythological show. So it's pretty exciting and I can't wait to start the shooting for the show" says Rakshanda. With a talented actress like Rakshanda on the show, there's a lot to wait & watch. Keep watching Devon Ke Dev Mahadev to witness a completely unexpected twist in the story. New Act: Rakshanda Khan Mithun at his best For the gala episode of the show, the best minds of the west and east came together to put up a dance act so entertaining. Master Terence Lewis and International choreographer Alex Magno, who trains Pop Divas like Britney Spears and Madonna has choreographed the opening act of the show where Grand Master Mithun Chakraborty, India's original Disco Dancer will take the center stage along with 18 contestants. The act is Mithun da's tribute to the dancing legend, Michael Jackson whom he idolizes till date. Mithun said, "I was very excited when Terence requested me to be a part of the opening act. My only brief to him was that I want to do something different that my fans have not seen hitherto. Legal hassles Rajan Shahi's show Kuch Toh Log Kahenge on Sony has new trouble as BMC officials demolished a part of the set on January 12 in Mudh Island, Mumbai. Apparently the set was put up on a property owned by someone who was fighting a case for illegal construction. When BMC got the court order, they demolished the set. For now, there are a good number of already shot episodes, so the telecast won't be hindered. RUNNING INTO TROUBLE: A still from Kuch Toh Log Kahenge Sara turns matchmaker Sara Khan currently seen as the bubbly Mona in Zee's Ram Milaayi Jodi, believes in matchmaking. She has set up many of her friends on blind dates. Recently one of her attempts became successful when two co-stars of her show Preet Kaur (aka Sweety on Ram Milaayi Jodi) and Vishal (aka Parmeet on Ram Milaayi Jodi) got in a relationship. They met through Sara and soon were in love. Playing cupid: Sara Khan Small screen, big experiences Hrithik Roshan debuted on TV with Star Plus' dance reality show Just Dance and promoting Agneepath, he said he would love to be part of Just Dance season 2. He is busy shooting till September for Krrish 3 but apparently he enjoyed the stint on TV with co-judges Vaibhavi Merchant and Farah Khan. Quality time Shah Rukh Khan is in friendship mode. He had a good time over the weekend with old friends: Madhuri and Juhi and enjoyed meeting Ram Nene. He was rehearsing for the award shows as well. Looks matter We like Madhavan and think he is good-looking and a good actor. However, we don’t like his wannabe cool dude look in Jodi Breakers. He is overweight to play the role and somehow doesn’t click. Movie is out in February and that could change our minds.
	ASTRO TURF P Khurrana ARIES: Expensive plans will have to put on hold for the time being. An optimistic turn of events will create a passionate aura. However, romantic vibes might be the result of the rose-coloured glasses. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 26. TAURUS: You may have some difficulty in controlling your emotions. Agreements, which have been dragging on, can be successfully negotiated. Nostalgia over the past can lead to reflection. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55. GEMINI: Plug away steadily in the back ground. This is not the time for grabbing centre stage. Try to improve your overall financial situation. For the sake of your safety, don't take people at face value. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Magic number: 46. CANCER: Improvement will continue in general financial picture. You may have mood swings. Learn to let go and have no attachment to your emotions. Underneath you will notice that you remain the same. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade. Magic number: 29. LEO: No need to make any important move. Conditions are too weak at the moment to contemplate fresh operations. You should not be too critical of co-workers. Family member will bring more happiness. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27. VIRGO: The affairs of close companion are favoured today. The moon dances with Venus, the goddess of love. This will touch the the subconscious. An accident could occur if you are not careful. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 35. LIBRA: Earnings can be increased if you try. Deception from opposite sex is on the cards. Plans and inspiration may be swirling around in your mind, but your ability to follow through on them is probably nil. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27. SCORPIO: An early morning disturbance could get up a lot sooner than usual, which will give you a chance to catch up some housework. An argumentative neighbour might be annoying. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 44. SAGITTARIUS: The day is going to be rather slow; plan ahead. Take advantage of other people's experience. Family will be better company than friends this evening. Focus on meditation or yoga. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 32. CAPRICORN: A financial matter that has been delayed should have forward now. Self-control and the determination to achieve put you in a promising situation with any work. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 41. AQUARIUS: You should finally feel your self esteem rising, if you have are with older relatives. Mull over an offer from your workplace to pay for a managerial training course. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 43. PISCES: Some one could be out to put a fast one over on you. Be particularly wary if dealing with property matters. You will actually enjoy having your ideas tested by an intelligent person who believes somewhat differently from you. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52.
	THE YEAR AHEAD Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is January 16... The year will be marked with moderate relationships. There may be chances of disputes; however, you can mend suitable ways to make the year a positive one. You will be able to secure yourself from any negative influences by adopting some spiritual practices. You may have to sacrifice your domestic comforts. Searching for positive results will be the order of the day. You will have a wonderful opportunity to change your life in June. There is a possibility of receiving a large sum of money, which you had not expected, indicated during last months of year. You may meet someone by hazard, who will probably become a great friend. In September you have much good luck in the financial field. You may be surprised to see that the days to come will be beneficial for you. Soon all your misfortunes, your debts and lack of money will be a distant memory. Several positive energies will flow into your life, giving you bliss and happiness. Destiny has ordained that you will benefit from this amazing time and its attendant luck and happiness. Be sure not to miss out on these unique and unexpected opportunities, which will come your way. If your partner isn't up to your homemaking standards, try to look at life from their perspective. Work on sharing happiness, rather than fighting for control. You feel stronger when you've got your partner by your side. Hang on to their hand and don't let go until you've got the new plans for support firmly in place. You may have a good cash flow. However you may need to loosen your purse strings to make your workplace a comfortable area to work in. You may save your costs by aligning with your existing resources. Your vitality will be quite helpful and you may concentrate on working out a better posture. You may have good physical and mental health. Health consciousness will prevail. Professional travel for new opportunities could be in the offing. Apply for plots in government plans. Mood: In need of 'subtlety'. Compatible signs: Libra, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Fire brick and Cyan. Lucky days: Tuesday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 17, 27, 75. Lucky gem: Rose Quartz. Lucky flower: Summer's darling. Kabir Bedi (January 16, 1946, Punjab) began his career in Bollywood, worked in Hollywood, and became a star in Europe. In the James Bond film Octopussy, he played the villain Gobinda who battled Roger Moore from start to finish. He starred in The Bold and the Beautiful, the second most-watched television show in the world, seen by over a billion people in 149 countries. Kabir has acted in over 60 films. Kabir will again shine in 2014 as per stars but he will miss home life.