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The sceptic eye
German novelist Brigitte Burmeister believes that some degree of scepticism is must to make one
a good writer
The world may have rejoiced at the unification of Germany but trust a writer to be sceptical. So German novelist Brigitte Burmeister not only looks at the coming together of East and West Germany in 1990 through the eyes of Eastern part, but also with a fair degree of scepticism. In Chandigarh on a private visit, she says: “When a writer questions a given situation, it means he or she is not accepting the status quo.” So she is not for or against the fall of Berlin wall, only she belongs to the third alternative that of social democratic in which the individual is important. “In capitalism,” she observes, “either capital or an individual with capital matter.” Not surprising, her stories that deal with relationships post 1989, which she feels have suffered a severe jolt, are more sad than optimistic. But these are no tearjerker tales. As a writer she shuns overt sentimentality and is best known for her intellectual-emotional quotient. An expert in French literature, Brigitte, who once worked at the academy of science and has translated many French writers, is suitably impressed by French writing. In particular, the French new novel has shaped her thinking process. But that is not to say that German literary works have not impacted her. Writers such as H M Enzensberger, she holds in great esteem. In fact, she hails him as an intellectual who dares to expose the underbelly of the market system so subtly by underlining what it is doing to the human being. On the literary matrix of Germany, she states, “Not too long ago writers had a moralist humanist stance, but today they are more market-oriented. Out to make a quick buck, they write with an eye on it and have saturated the market.” Yes, indeed, Germans read a lot and writers find much encouragement as also financial support from the government. On the Indian literary scene she can’t comment though she has read Tagore, Naipaul, Shashi Tharoor and of course dear friend Germany-based poet Rajwinder Singh who, incidentally, is as much a German as Indian. In India for the first time she is stuck by its contrasts, its ability to assimilate as well its chaos. Some of what she has experienced in this vast country might spill into her writing but she quips “from real life to paper it’s not an overnight journey but a long way of transformation.” So in future though she intends to draw inspiration and inferences from her early life in a book that will not be an autobiography, the same law of evolution will apply. Between fact and fiction there is no fixed formula or ratio but yes often the line gets blurred. When real becomes imagination, when one’s own experiences turn into those of the others and their feelings one’s own emotions…. no one knows. But all she knows is when a writer learns to delve beyond and look behind the obvious to unpeel the layers of complexity called life, literature is born.
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Designed to perfection
Education and experience — with trends changing faster than the time taken by light to reach the earth (not literally), the two don’t seem to survive without each other! Pete Seeger rightly mentioned the difference between them - Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don’t! So at Raffles Millennium International, the design institute, the focus is on giving the students both, so that they don’t feel like an alien when they hit the real world. At the release of their periodic magazine Wall2Wall, based on interior and exterior design, it was evident that designing industry certainly thrives on creativity and exposure. As Prof Stephen Rawlinson, president JRE Group of Institutions (Raffles Education Corporation), likes to put it across, “a good course is known by its relevance especially in the industrial sector.” This ‘loves to talk’ professor has developed and delivered a range of programmes in the UK, Bermuda, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China and India. “The trends in interior designs change in every state and country. This is the reason we tell our students to visit workshops and see how things like furniture or other material are created from the scratch. If at one place people would like glass, others would use wood to the best. So, the idea is to give students maximum exposure.” In these leadership roles he is committed to quality education and creating educational environments that support holistic development of the individual as well as socially conscious citizens. Coming back to the periodic magazine Wall2Wall, which every student is flaunting and posing with, the pages have various well-known architects from the region sharing their views on the trends and more. Adds Nitin Dutta, campus director, Raffles Millennium International, “This is our first periodic publication; the magazine will serve as an excellent platform for the interior designing and architect fraternity in and around the region. It will also provide an opportunity for all our students to showcase their work along with leading names in the industry.”
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On road to stardom
Abhinav Shukla from Ludhiana talks about his journey from modelling to reality shows and now to the ultimate destination — Bollywood
This is how the career graph of an actor who doesn’t have a godfather in
the industry generally looks like — from modelling to acting in daily soaps to
being a part of a reality show to anchoring one and finally Bollywood. It is a
natural progression for almost all of them. But even if the path is well-trodden, it still doesn’t get any easier for those who want to make a mark in the glamour industry. Just like this Ludhiana boy, Abhinav Shukla. He began his career with modelling, made it to the top five finalists of Gladrags Manhunt, Grasim Mr India, Mr India World…and soon got a break on the small screen. “At every step, you have to prove yourself. In modelling, you have to work on your looks and physique; on TV, acting and improvisation is a must. The industry doesn’t allow you to take success for granted. Try doing that and there are a dozen replacements ready to fill in.” The shift from modelling to TV was a logical decision for him. “There are no two ways of walking the ramp. It doesn’t require any creativity and I couldn’t see any growth; TV was certainly a better option.” On to the next step; after doing TV soaps, Jersey Number 10, Jaane Kya Baat Hui and Geet Hui Sabse Parayi, he decided to go in for a reality show. Of all the offers that came his way in the last couple of years, he finally gave his nod to Survivor India. “I didn’t accept dance reality shows for I have two left feet. And shows which survive on catfights and gossip didn’t make sense to me. I am not the kinds who would shout, fight to garner TRPs for the show.” Survivor India, he says, was a different deal altogether. He didn’t find it difficult to stay with 15 other contestants on Caramon Island of Philippines, where even the basic necessities weren’t available. “I am a nature lover. When I take off from shooting, I pack my bag with a tent and stove and go trekking in the hills. Survivor India is about living in the midst of nature and I could manage that pretty well.” While living on an isolated island wasn’t that big a challenge, what was really tough was putting up with people of different temperaments, especially when fellow contestants are the very experienced reality show participants like Payal Rohatgi and Karan Patel! “Initially it was tough to understand people and their tantrums, but once I started concentrating on the tasks, it became comparatively easier for me.” He further wants to step into Bollywood and though a few offers have already come his way, nothing has materialised, but he hopes that the usual career graph follows the set pattern. So do we! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Dying dialogue
Conversation coma is the new entry into the list of words that implies loss of communication as well as connectivity in the modern world
In the age of instant communication, strangely, it’s the ‘dialogue’ that’s getting lost. A recent survey in UK revealed that ‘one in four couples speak to their partner for less than 10 minutes a day’! Called ‘conversation coma’, the survey undertaken by Bigham’s Ready Meals blames ‘increasing workloads’ for the loss of interaction. We did a quick survey in order to know if this was true for city folks as well. Strangely, it’s not just the work overload that becomes culprit for the loss of real communication. Doctor Sukriti and Doctor Neeraj have been married for close to two years now; working in the same hospital has not helped when it comes to sharing. “Whatever little time we get seems to be good enough for us,” says Dr Sukriti. “But, yes, at times we miss out on important things,” she admits. Coming from families of doctors, this couple knows that ‘time’ is a rare commodity in the profession they have chosen and are fine with it. “We come back to each other at home; that is the greatest assurance. Working in different shifts plus long working hours do take their toll,” she says. Work overload is the culprit for Avinash and Manju not getting enough time together, coupled with the responsibility of a baby. “My work has no scheduled offs. Except Sunday, I rarely get to talk to my wife,” admits Avinash. By the time he winds up his pharmaceutical shop and reaches home, it is already past 11 pm. By that time, his kid and working wife already pack up for the day. “I understand that she has to wake up early to ensure that our baby reaches school on time and she reports to her office also on time. Therefore, I can’t ask her to be up and waiting for me,” says Avinash. The couple, however, makes up for the lost time on Sundays, which they have reserved for the family. Work follows Atul and Nayna home. Both in the corporate sector, Atul, an engineer, and Nayna, in corporate communications, reach home late. “Making a meal is just not possible after such a hectic day. We rather pick up food prepared by the maid and eat it in TV’s company; too tired to talk,” they share. Well, it’s not the just working couples who miss exchange of ideas, its virtual communication that takes precedence in the life of youngsters over the ‘real’. If Facebook and Blackberry messenger take much of their time, so does talking with ‘friends’ spread across the globe over phone or Skype. “I so miss the evenings when my kids would share their day. Now despite being at home, they are on their own trip engrossed in gizmos. Talking to mum isn’t as cool as changing their profile pictures. All they talk to each other is also about downloads,” says Madhu Sharma, mother to a teenage boy and a girl. We take expert opinion. “We have surrounded ourselves with a virtual wall. We are not talking because we have nothing to say,” says Professor Jitendra Mohan, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Panjab University. In the recent times virtual reality has replaced the real life, turning us into apathetic beings with no values or sense of bonding. The information overload mainly consists of sensational news. “We are so mechanised that we fail to feel the loss. It’s only when the child goes astray that one realises that the connection is long lost.” But all is not gone, there is still hope. “Our conversation is in ‘comma’, not dead. It’s time to revive the Cs — conversation, communication, commitment, curiosity and connectivity,” he stresses. (Some of the names have been changed on request) mona@tribunemail.com
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A primitive canvas
An exhibition at the Government College of Art-10, Chandigarh, highlights the treasure of tribal art
They say it all started as a mode of expression; then it became a profession and now a mission — a mission of about 700 tribes of India to preserve their art forms. And doing its bit is the Government College of Art-10, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd, which, as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, has organised a Tribal Art Exhibition to spread awareness about this treasure trove. Though tribal paintings and artifacts have been part of many an art and craft exhibition in Chandigarh, it is for the first time it takes an academic dimension. So, here, at the exhibition hall of the college, one does not just get to see paintings from various tribes like Gonds from Madhya Pradesh, Sauras from Orissa, Pithoras from Gujarat and Murias from Chattisgarh, but also the action. “We want to beautify nature through our paintings,” says an artisan from the Gond tribe Mangru Ulikey, who is busy giving wings to his tree. Like so many other tribal paintings, Gond paintings too are the living expressions of the people who are deeply linked to their day-to-day life and hence have a primitive touch. The only modernity that has crept in Mangru’s frames is acrylic colour. For Hari Bhai Rathva from Gujarat, painting is no less than a divine offering to his god. “My family has been painting in the honour of Baba Pithora since generations. These paintings are made on the main wall of the house. Each painting has a story to tell—a story about the five horses of Lord Ganesha, Ramdev, Krishna and Pithora,” he explains. The sentiment is more or less the same for other participating tribes as well, where nature remains the prime focus; only the name of the gods and rituals change. According to DS Kapoor, principal of the college, “This exhibition is for all nature lovers and specially the students who can watch the most original form of nature paintings as it is happening and learn about the tribal heritage of India.” And for art lovers it is an opportunity to witness the form where life and creativity are inseparable, to learn about the unique philosophy of the tribes, nurtured with myth, legends and their fantasy, which separate them from urbane sensitivity. (On till January 24)
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Designed to perfection
Education and experience - with trends changing faster than the time taken by light to reach the earth (not literally), the two don’t seem to survive without each other! Pete Seeger rightly mentioned the difference between them — Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't!
So at Raffles Millennium International, the design institute, the focus is on giving the students both, so that they don’t feel like an alien when they hit the real world. At the release of their periodic magazine Wall2Wall, based on interior and exterior design, it was evident that designing industry certainly thrives on creativity and exposure. As Prof Stephen Rawlinson, president JRE Group of Institutions (Raffles Education Corporation), likes to put it across, “a good course is known by its relevance especially in the industrial sector.” With people travelling and bringing in newer designs to their homes, a student of this subject cannot limit himself or herself to computer or Internet learning; or can they? “Do you think Internet knowledge is sufficient when it comes to designing something,” shares Stephen, “the courses that we design have all the modern requirements; they are relevant and employable. In addition to this, we also create a creative challenge for them, which comes handy when they go out to do something on their own.” Professor Stephen Rawlinson is an award-winning international educator with a good experience in tertiary-level teaching and leadership in intercultural competence, business strategy and global management. This ‘loves to talk’ professor has developed and delivered a range of programmes all over the world. “The trends in interior designs change in every state and country. This is the reason we tell our students to visit workshops and see how things like furniture or other material are created from the scratch. If at one place people would like glass, others would use wood to the best. So, the idea is to give students maximum exposure.” In these leadership roles he is committed to quality education and creating educational environments that support holistic development of the individual as well as socially conscious citizens. Coming back to the periodic magazine Wall2Wall, which every student is flaunting and posing with, the pages have various well-known architects from the region sharing their views on the trends and more. Adds Nitin Dutta, campus director, Raffles Millennium International, “This is our first periodic publication; the magazine will serve as an excellent platform for the interior designing and architect fraternity. It will also provide an opportunity for all our students to showcase their work.” The magazine would also have articles from top Indian and International architects, detailing their experiences and observations during various exciting projects handled by them. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: Take proper care of your health. Social life, political activity will bring recognition. Put off dicey deals. Think before you speak and you will avoid foot-in-mouth disease. This process will help you define a balanced self-image. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 40
TAURUS:
Don’t rush into making any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you advice. A shopping trip could deplete your savings but add value to your day. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: golden. Magic number: 28 GEMINI:
Dispute over small issue is possible. Heavy expenses might make you frustrated. A subtle shift in your equilibrium can come about, allowing you to enjoy aspects of your life like never before. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 41 CANCER:
Love life will be exciting. A friend may be helpful to you. Financial matters may come under strain. Watch what you put in your mouth or you will add inches to your waist-line. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 33 LEO: Personal relations may be neglected. Students: mind your language. A chance encounter with a foreigner or traveller may bring a hint of déjà vu and something from the past back into your life again. Tarot message: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky colour: Lemon.
Magic number: 39 VIRGO: Make sure insurance-related documents are in order. If single; meeting may spark new romance. Pleasure comes from spending time with loved ones. A partner may be obsessed with something. Do what is important to you. Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom. Lucky colour: Baby pink. Magic number: 27
LIBRA: Do not be rash or impulsive. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. The chance of a brush with crime suggests that you should not leave your car parked in a suspect area. Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky colour: Coral. Magic number: 60 SCORPIO:
Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. The Moon joins loving Venus which promises setting the scene for romance. Travelling is on the cards but beware of strangers. Tarot message: Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well being. Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54 SAGITTARIUS:
A past issue could be nagging you and interrupting your day. Put it to rest, either by talking it over with others involved or by accepting that you have no control over any one but yourself. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Indigo. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN:
Today you are likely to spend money on books. Later in the day you should be able to get your ideas for home improvement. Use imagination in whatever creative project you are undertaking now. Tarot message: Keep in mind that perseverance is key to success. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS:
Friends are pleasant but not particularly significant. Gain from speculation is on the cards. Your energy could be at low ebb. A busy schedule of social engagements might not seem too exciting right now. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55 PISCES:
Meeting new people will bring delightful opportunity for romance and minor flirtation. Remain flexible throughout the day, and you won’t be disappointed. Family matters can be important and dominate your time. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Rust.
Magic number: 38
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 17...
You will feel very optimistic about your future and have the courage to take a few calculated risks in your career. This attitude will perhaps help you to improve your career graph as well as increase your income. Personal satisfaction is indicated. The employed can discuss their needs and problems with a senior. It will be a perfect month for requesting credit, making speculative operations and investing in property. For those born before 2000, relationships with colleagues could be rather complicated and could risk creating obstacles. The freedom you gain should be used to devise a new plan of action. The bigger risk will offer bigger rewards if you do not back down. A special anniversary will bring back powerful memories. The tough times will be a test that will prove to you the identity of your true friends. Heavy expenses are indicated on household items and also on entertainment. The married are likely to spend more time away from their home, which could create a few problems. Investments in foreign securities will work out favourably. If you’ve any 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 may profit by it. Venus is adding colour, and sense of possibility to your love life. You’re ready to create more experiences through adventure, thrilling risks and being in environments that are more alive to you. You won’t be able to charm someone into giving you their business. Ultimately, you’re better off without this pinchpenny as a customer. Ease your disappointment by enjoying a quiet evening with family. Being surrounded by people you know and love takes the sting out of work related disappointments. You’re in the position to help a relative get better education. Even a small gift of money will go a long way towards easing their journey. It’s great to be on the same page as your partner, but sometimes you just want to get started with something.
Minissha Lamba (January 18, 1985, Kashmir) has done a music video (Tera Suroor) for the hit music album Aap Ka Suroor by Himesh Reshammiya. Her first movie Yahaan, which was directed by Shoojit Sircar was released in 2005. Venus being prime star in her horoscope, she will excel in the industry very shortly. She will get good roles.
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Hrithik waits eagerly
The original, directed by Mukul Anand, came in 1990 and Big B had won a national award for his performance in the movie. While the original Agneepath was produced by Yash
Johar, the remake is being financed by the late filmmaker's son, Karan Johar. At the same time, he is also excited about Sanjay Dutt's villainous role in the action thriller and claims that Kancha Cheena will be the next big villain in
Bollywood. "If you are an actor, you want to do all kind of roles. Kancha is one of the best roles and also one of the best performed roles. There was one Gabbar Singh, there was one Mogambo and now one Kancha
Cheena, the 38-year-old said at a promotional event. — IANS
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Pouch mystery
Voodoo magic:
Jaishree Venkatraman
Health hazards
Rohit Purohit, seen in Imagine TV’s Chandragupta Maurya, injured his thumb while shooting for the show. He hurt his elbow and thumb during a fight sequence. Now a fight sequence between Chandragupta and Badrasaal, will be cut down.
Angry young man
Ever since he came out of the Bigg Boss house, Amar Upadhyay is a very angry man. He realised that adult star Sunny Leone’s comments about him and his behaviour has set a negative vibe about him in the media. Amar was shocked to learn about them as he had only kissed her hand in a task, he adds in defense. Amar wonders what will Sunny do in a film like Jism 2? But he is glad the accusation didn’t affect his wife Hetal.
Honeymoon shoot
While Jeevika (Krystle Dsouza) and Viren (Karan Tacker), from Star Plus’ Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain, are on their way to Goa for their honeymoon, the actors in question are delighted to shoot in Goa. The shoot will be in Goa for 2-3 days to capture honeymoon sequences on real locations and return to Mumbai to shoot the rest. Everyone is excited about the outdoor shoot and it is Krystle and Karan’s favourite holiday spot.
Movie magic
Step ahead: Divyanka Tripathi Moving apart
Pracheen Chauhan, seen as Keerat in Color’s Havan was dating Archana Taide for two-and-a-half years. They had met on the sets of their show Colors’ Maat Pitaah Ke Charno Mein Swarg and fell in love and were planning to get married in 2012. But they spilt up due to the stress of less work in the last year. Both Pracheen and Archana didn’t have any shows and it took a toll on their
relationship. Keeping the cat in the bag
Though most tv actors are open about their relationship and don’t mind letting the public in on their private lives, they themselves ironically hardly have private lives to enjoy. Shooting nonstop for their shows leaves them with little time for sleep and recreational activities and Sargun Mehta aka Phulwa of Colors’ Phulwa is one such lady. After announcement of her love for Ravi Dubey aka Tej of Sony’s Saas Bina Sasuraal, she now claims she is too busy to tie the knot. Ask Sargun about Ravi and she can talk about him nonstop while blushing in between as well but pose the question of marriage and she replies, “We are both enjoying our lives and career right now. The duo met on their show Zee TV’s 12/24 Karol Bagh and never looked back.
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Success story
The show has become a success in a short span of time. How do you feel? Who do you credit the success to? Obviously, I feel great. The credit definitely doesn’t go to me. There are so many people who have put so much effort and hard-work for the show. It’s a team effort. Also, it increases pressure. If the show is doing well, people expect you to do even better. How did you bag Diya Aur Baati? I did some commercials and was a part of some plays. I happen to know about the show, I went to try my luck and auditioned. I could not believe my luck when I got the call. I always wanted to be famous. This is your first show. How has the experience been during the shooting and with your co-stars? The first few episodes were difficult for me. I was a little conscious and felt nervous. I had no clue about how things worked. But everybody on the sets supported and encouraged me. Today, I am quite comfortable. What do you think of your co-stars Anas Rashid and Neeluji who plays your mother-in-law? Anas and I share a very professional relationship. Other than work-related stuff, we don’t talk that much. But Neeluji is my best friend on the sets. She’s like a mother to me. She’s a brilliant actress and a wonderful human being. What do you like and dislike most about your character Sandhya? There isn’t anything that I dislike about her. I like that she’s bold, patriotic, and an aware citizen. She’s so innocent and noble that she will do anything to help others. She even crosses her line to fight for the greater good. Is she bitter or has she given up? What do you think of putting duty ahead of ambition, desires- does it work? She hasn’t given up or feeling bitter. She has accepted the challenges and will fight the odds. Challenges are a part of life. Ambitions and responsibilities are two different things. You can never really be sincere about your ambitions if you run away from responsibilities and duties. If you help others and are responsible, people will realise it one day. How is Deepika different
from Sandhya? There’s similarity between us. She loves studies and I love studies too. I did my MBA and hope to study further. She never gives up and neither do I. Sandhya, however, is taken for granted by people and she listens to them to. I’m very straightforward and I just speak out my heart.
— HRM
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Making peace
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have come a long way since parting ways last year. They have matured enough to perform together on stage during this world tour.
Ranbir was supposed to go on his World Tour last year with Katrina Kaif in tow. She was his girlfriend then and she was chosen over Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor who had made fun of him on a talk show. Then the break-up happened and the World Tour was called off. A source says, “Both Ranbir and Katrina have come a long way since then. Ranbir is a bonafide star after the success of Rockstar and its phenomenal music. He now has a good bank of chartbusters. Katrina Kaif is a huge star abroad as well. She is working out her dates to go on the world tour in August to UK, USA, and Canada.” The source continues, “We do not know how comfortable Ranbir and Katrina will be together. They aren’t really cordial. It is obvious that Ranbir and Deepika are friends and they are also doing a romantic comedy together but nothing is known about Ranbir’s equation with Katrina. They didn’t admit to their romance so they also denied their break-up. Ranbir is definitely trying to mend things with his exes. He even made friends with Siddharth Mallya who is apparently seeing Deepika. Katrina is doing a very good job of being friends with Salman. Her equation with Ranbir and their professionalism with each other are yet to be seen. She even opted out of a film with him.” August 2012 will tell us their level of professionalism.
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Looking for love
Simmi Waraich
Have you met any boys through your parents or only outside with friends? At times, it becomes difficult to decide in both cases. For example, meeting someone the first time, we may judge them by looks or physical appearance or dress sense. Then we may try to match hobbies or whether a person is an extrovert or introvert. A similar background, similar interests do help in a marriage but perhaps you could write down thoughts you get when you meet someone. Then write what is another way of looking at it. Are you being negative and not seeing the positives in the person? If you feel a boy should not have a past, it may not be possible as it is natural for young people to get into relationships. If you talk about it openly with the boy in fact, he might feel comfortable sharing things with you otherwise many people just hide past relationships. You have to decide what you want- a person who hides the past or talks to you about it! As for life not being fulfilling, maybe again you are focussing on what you do not have. What is it that you do have? What makes you happy? Do you work or help out someone less privileged than you like teach a child. Or do you take out time for exercise, friends and family. Plan the things you would like to do for the next one month and do them one at a time. Marriage may add to your happiness but will not make you more complete - you are a complete happy person as you are. Now. At this time. Sit down and try a visualisation exercise. Close your eyes and feel your worries drift away. Visualise yourself in a place you find peaceful - like a lake or hills. Feel the cool breeze on your face. Hear the sound of the birds and water flowing in a stream. Feel the cool water under your feet as you step in the lake or stream. Just stand there and visualise the trees around you, see the colour of the water and details around you. Enjoy the feeling of deep relaxation that envelopes you as you slowly explore your restful place. When you are ready, gently open your eyes and come back to the present. Don’t worry if you sometimes zone out or lose track of where you are. Let her be My daughter got married at the age of 22 years. Her husband died after one year. She wanted to stay there with her in-laws so we respected her wishes and let her be. Now I find that she is getting increasingly negative. She is not working and has no children. — Sumita, Panchkula I know it can be difficult but let her make her own decisions. One can suggest counselling but only if she goes regularly. Otherwise be a friend to her so that she can talk to you or visit you anytime. Talk about this only when she brings up the topic. Use open-ended questions like ‘What would you like to do?’ ‘What are the other options?’ Do not force your opinions on her. (Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh)
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Road rage Mukesh Kharbanda Amidst the glitter of Bollywood stars and celebs and the launches of jaw-dropping concept vehicles, a segment of cars that got a new definition in the Auto Expo 2012 is SUVs. SUVs have certainly emerged the hot favourite this season as giants like Ford, Tata Motors, M&M and Maruti bring in their rugged machines. Car manufacturers’ inclination towards this segment is interesting to observe. The auto expo has paved the path for SUV segment to create a heated buzz in the coming months and a number of top launches have given an array of flavours to the SUV admirers. The amazing launches are all expected to be competitively priced, owing to the fierce opponents proving a sweet curve for the buyers. Despite gloomy predictions for the Indian economy in the times to come, car makers seem to believe in a different theory altogether. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, leading player in the multi-utility vehicles, has brought its South Korean Ssangyong brand in India with the unveiling of 2.7-litre direct-injected diesel engine seven-seater SUV Rexton that is expected to be on the roads by the end of 2012. Tata Motors enters the ring with its Tata Safari Storme, the new generation four-wheel drive, Safari SUV powered by a 2.2-litre, 16-valve diesel engine. Safari Storme is portrayed as a contemporary SUV suited to the desires of today’s SUV lovers. The Duster, SUV from Renault that was originally developed by its Romanian subsidiary, Dacia would be made available in both petrol and diesel variants soon. With an expected price range of Rs 7-9 lakh. Maruti Suzuki unveiled its concept compact SUV XA Alpha designed for the young. In XA Alpha, the ‘Alpha’ represents trendiness and newness that the youth connect to. But amongst all, the car on which analysts are placing their bet is from Ford India’s Kitty. Ford EcoSport, its new global compact sports utility vehicle, expected to be priced in the range of Rs 7-10 lakhs, could prove a game changer. Analysts believe the EcoSport has the potential to pave the path of SUV glory for Ford and re-measure the success of Figo if they get their pricing apt. Being less than four metres, EcoSport will help company in keeping the price low as it will be eligible for lower excise duty meant for compact cars. The EcoSport has been a market phenomenon since it was launched in South America in 2003 as the region’s first affordable SUV. Considering the SUV essence in the air, it won’t be wrong to say that the expo has marked the beginning of a new SUV era. (Kharbanda is a Chandigarh-based automobile expert)
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One for the eye!
Manju Dewan
Semolina duck Ingredients:
For garnishing: 1 tomato (hollow and round sliced), Cashewnuts Method
(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) As told to Poonam Bindra
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The Dirty Picture has turned Vidya Balan’s fortunes around and cemented her place as a “hero” in the industry. Her childhood favourite actor and crush, SRK, is very keen on working with her. Vidya was going through a bad phase as far as movies, fashion, and even her personal life was concerned. Then, Ishqiya and Paa turned her fortunes around. She started wearing Indian clothes that suited her instead of Western ones and made peace with alleged boyfriend Shahid Kapoor. She has now found love with Siddharth Roy Kapur and the success of The Dirty Picture and No One Killed Jessica has cemented her place as a bankable star. So it comes as no surprise that King Khan wants to work with her. They have been trying to work together in the past but nothing materialised. SRK recently said, “I have not seen The Dirty Picture. I have seen Ishqiya and loved her work in it. She is a terrific actress. I have also seen and liked Paa.” He adds, “Today’s actresses work very, very hard. They are all amazing and doing very well for themselves. I want to work with everyone. It would be great to work with Vidya when we get the right film.” Vidya has admitted her crush on Shah Rukh Khan in the past. She is no exception to his charm as seen in movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She said that she would love to work with him and it would be like a dream come true! Vidya is currently promoting Kahaani and SRK will begin his film directed by Yash Chopra soon.
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Mood : Into ‘investments’. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Sagittarius, Leo. Lucky colours: Bright yellow. Lucky days: Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 9, 10, 19, 90, 99. Lucky gem: Red Beryl Gemstone. Lucky flower: Windflower.
If Hrithik Roshan is eagerly awaiting the release of Agneepath, he is equally keen to show the film to the original Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, Amitabh
Bachchan. "I think once the film is ready for previews, he will be the first person we will call," said Hrithik who reprises Amitabh's role in the Agneepath remake.
Jayshree Venkatramanan aka Sarika of Beend Banoongaa Ghodi Chadhunga had an experience she can’t forget. Enroute to her shoot, she gave money to a eunuch who in return gave her a flower and a small pouch. When Jayshree opened the pouch, she felt dizzy and threw the pouch away. Once she reached the sets, she got some medical care. She is still wondering about the ingredients of the pouch that made her dizzy.
Divyanka Tripathi who is seen in SAB TV’s Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story, signed a bilingual film called
Lala Hardaul in Bundelkhandi and Chundri Odhasi Mahro Bir in Rajasthani. She plays the role of Rani Padmavati and shooting in both languages was really tough for her. She paid attention to detail be it costumes or body language to be as authentic as possible.
Star Plus’ Diya Aur Bati Hum maybe Deepika Singh’s first show but her character Sandhya has become a household favourite within months of launch. The newbie actress is glad that her show is a hit but claims she’s still learning and cherishing each moment. We caught up with her to speak about the show, her success and more…
I am 30 years old. I am fairly attractive but I have not got married yet as no one suitable has come along. Many of my friends have boyfriends. Though I did have one for sometime, I do not have one right now. I find most boys either too casual or I feel they have a past. I find myself brooding on this and do not find life as fulfilling as I feel it should be at my age. —
Priya, Chandigarh
Presentation and garnishing of food is an art. When something appeals to the eye half the job of pleasing the palate is done. Of course, the taste has to match the visual impact but it has now become important to present a delicacy in an artistic manner. Semonila is very easy to digest and can be had in many ways. We have a recipe for you which uses this grain and looks good to the eye. Something nutritious and healthy for the kiddos and an eye catcher at the coffee parties.
