Tube to fame 
The time when one had to sit under a banyan tree with a guitar in one hand is long gone. Today, uploading videos on YouTube is the way to fame for young artistes
Vasudha Gupta

Our city has always been the cradle of multi-hued talent. From cutting music albums to putting together start-ups, there is little that the youngsters in Chandigarh have not done here. Singing, as an industry, has seen innumerable changes over time and today technology has a major role to play. We check out how.

For Jasleen Aulakh, a young singing sensation, it all began after she uploaded her video on YouTube. "It was my first video, which I uploaded on YouTube that really got me into the spotlight," she says. Now, it is this song that has landed her the role of a singer for an upcoming Kabir Sadanand film. "I just returned from Mumbai, it's only due to YouTube that this happened," she says.

One of her videos, Tripping on a Dream, has not touched the right chord with the masses although another one, Meri Kahani, has been beautifully shot by her film-maker friend. "We had just come back from a gig and didn't really even know when the camera was pulled out. The sound in the song came out perfect," she smiles. Thumbs up to professionally done up videos, she feels it ends up making all the difference.

Shail Sarin, drummer from the Local Train, shares the same opinion. "The entire feel of music is to be able to share it," he says. Technology, he feels, has made all the difference to the music industry. "Today, YouTube is more of a TV channel and a spectrum of musicians are into it," he says. Coming from a family of artistes, it has been the impact of visuals that made Sahil put together videos on YouTube. "In several instances, they are not just our videos but those uploaded by our fans as well," he says. It was one of these videos that helped the band go professional with a Mumbai-based production house. "That's where it makes all the difference," he smiles.

Sometimes, it is the sheer lack of money for the budding musicians and there is no option but to upload an amateurish video, which ultimately ends up making a mark. "When we started out, we hardly had any funds and uploaded a video of our photographers," shares Sukhmani from Hari and Sukhmani. Though basic, the duo is seeking professional help for their next. "It also helps probable clients, who can have a look at your work," she adds. As for plans with the future videos, "We are planning to send them across to music channels and see how it goes," she shares.

Engaged with Punjabi rap since the past three years, Nitin Sharma aka N Gritz feels videos on Youtube end up generating better views in the market. "Our song was a school-based number and we sought no professional help," he says. Today, they are talking with two of the major names in the Punjabi music industry for lending a professional touch to their work. "There is no doubt that it makes a lot of difference," he adds.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

TRUNK full of surprise
An exclusive store in Chandigarh brings forward a Valentine Trunk Show, where different designers have showcased their creations
Sabia Talwar

Valentine's fever is on and designers across the country are set to showcase their collections under one roof - the 'Valentine Trunk Show' at Soh-Koh, Sector-26, Chandigarh; something that has already been done in Mumbai and Delhi.

On offer is a special range of apparels, footwear, imitation jewellery and other accessories. The concept behind the trunk show is that designers move on with their trunks of the same collection across different cities in India!

Delhi-based jewellery designer Pooja Motwani was here on Thursday to inaugurate the event. Says Pooja, "I have done export shows and exhibitions in UK, France, Dubai, China, Singapore; I have designed customised pieces for my clients in India as well." Pooja believes in making big, bold, colourful and noticeable designs, which are attractive enough to grab eyeballs. "I always suggest that one jewellery piece of its kind should be worn to avoid a 'too much decked-up look' where everything just mixes up," adds Pooja.

Her collection comprises imitation jewellery in Polki, Kundan, silver-based pieces, American diamonds and stones. "I include a lot of peacocks and elephants in my designs. I can design jewellery out of everything - from pearls to beads," says the 27-year-old designer. She definitely takes her work in all good fun and enjoys it so much that she has a (De$!ner) tattoo engraved at the side of her palm. Pooja has a tie-up with online stores like Homeshop18, Ferns and Petals, Hatke.com; and Deals and You. She designs for every age group and is into men's jewellery as well. "I also have worked out Valentine's combos wherein one Polki set, one pair of Kashmiri earrings and one Kundan ring would cost Rs 6,000. And one silver bracelet, one silver pendant set and one ring would cost Rs 4,000 if shopped for together."

Apart from Pooja, there are designers like Barokh from Kolkata, which offers artificial jewellery, Mumbai-based label Kosh offers modern designer sarees and a Kolkata-based accessory designer offers clutches, belts and other fashion accessories.

Echo the sisters, Arshi Gupta, Aarti Gupta and Naini Gupta, who run the store Soh-Koh, "The stuff being put forward in this trunk show is youth-centric and is especially for Valentine's Day. We are also running a contest where a lucky couple will win customised pair of shoes from Swati Mehrotra's label on February 13."

sabiatalwar@tribuneamail.com

The bridesman 
Designer Sabyasachi has forayed into the TV world with his Band Baajaa Bride with Sabyasachi. He is excited about the new role

After serving the fashion world for over a decade, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has now forayed into the TV world with his Band Baajaa Bride with Sabyasachi show that he says will enable him connect with a market he has not tapped.

The 37-year-old is the designer for the second season of the show where he will makeover 13 girls into bridal divas.

"Yes, this is the first time I am doing a full-fledged television show. I took this opportunity as I feel the show will give me a chance to dress up brides from all over India, from different communities, religions and economic backgrounds. Also, keeping in mind the bridal season, it is an apt time to be the part of a show which is entirely dedicated to bridal wear," Mukherjee said.

The designer also feels the show will allow him to explore a new market.

"We designers always get the chance to design for high-end celebrities, socialities and models but Band Baaja... will give me a chance to connect with untapped market, which always aspires to wear our creations but never did so because of high prices and limited designs.

"It will be little bit of reality check for me to know about these girls and their mindsets," he said.

Talking about his experience while facing the camera, he said: "This is not the first time I am facing the camera. I have given many interviews in the past and that experience helped me during the shooting of the show. Also, my experience working with these girls was very interesting. I went to their homes, ate with them, interacted with their families."

The show goes on air Friday on NDTV Good Times. — IANS

Million-dollar Art

A collection of artwork owned by the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor fetched 21.9 million dollars at an auction. Vincent Van Gogh's landscape Vue de l'asile de la Chapelle de Remy, which hung in the living room of the late star's California home, was the biggest draw of the Christie's sale in London on Tuesday where it netted 16 million dollars.

"As the crown jewel of her art collection, we are delighted with the price achieved for Van Gogh's Vue de l'asile, a profoundly beautiful work from one of the creative high points of the artist's career," Contactmusic quoted Marc Porter, chairman of Christie's Americas, as saying.

A youthful self-portrait by Edgar Degas and a large-scale landscape by Claude Pissarro were also sold for 1.1 million and 4.7 million dollars, respectively. — ANI

Star Track
In the dress circle
We tell you which outfit the stars are usually seen in at events



Deepika Padukone Her sense of style has evolved immensely. She wears gowns at award functions and looks elegant in them. She is seen in dresses, maxis, and pants with tops at events. Bipasha Basu She loves showing off her toned figure in short dresses with high heels. She usually wears black and likes colour blocking too. Sonam Kapoor She introduced pants in Bollywood. While she does her share of dresses with heels, she is also seen in pants with blouses and takes risks in the fashion department.Kangna Ranaut She is constantly playing her clothes, hair, and make-up and we love her adventurous streak. Yet, if we have to 
say one thing it would be that she loves wearing heels with pretty frocks and dresses.

Priyanka goes to Hollywood

From Agneepath to Don 2, Priyanka Chopra’s films are doing well in the box-office. Chopra, who is all set to release her debut album this year, is already being eyed by the West. 

According to a Hollywood website, Bollywood actress has now been signed by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) that handles many A-listers in Hollywood. In other words, CAA will open the doors of Hollywood for Priyanka. She is quite a charmer on Twitter too. — HRM

Chatter box

Jiaa’s dream role

Star Plus’ Saath Nibhana Saathiya may be Jiaa Manek’s first show, but she has already become a sensation with her character, Gopi. In an exclusive chat with us, Jiaa speaks about her popularity quotient.

How much time do you spend watching TV everyday? When was the last time you watched TV at a stretch?

I don’t get time to watch TV at all. I come back home at 9 pm and by the time I am home, I feel so tired that I just go to bed. Honestly, I don’t even remember when I watched TV last for an hour even.

What are your favourite shows on TV?  Who are your favourite personalities on TV?

Obviously, it has to be my show. I am usually shooting when it is being telecast. So, I record and watch it when I am home. My favourite TV personality is Surekha Sikri aka Dadisa from Balika Vadhu. She’s really an excellent actress.

What do you love the most about Indian serials?

I love that it focuses on family values and emotional side. The shows are made from heart in India, which is astounding.

What do you detest the most about Indian serials?

I don’t like the fact that sometimes to keep a plot interesting, the story is dragged too far. It tends to be dramatic. A story should be convincing if you want the audience to keep watching your show.

Your take on Indian news channels…

They just want to sensationalise everything. Ethically, it is wrong, as a news report should only be based on facts. But gossip and sensational news sell like hot cakes.

Your earliest memories of Indian television…

I remember I used to watch Swabhimaan directed by Mahesh Bhatt on Doordarshan. I also adored The Bold and The Beautiful on Star World.

Your dream role on television…

Gopi is actually my dream role. When I started doing the show, I had no clue that it would be appreciated this much. I believe as an actor, the role that gets appreciated is a dream role.

Lights, camera, drama 

In Zee TV’s Afsar Bitiya, there will be major drama after Krishna (Mitali Nag) and her family celebrate her clearing the mains exam. Later Tuntun Singh’s (Shahbaz Khan) will plan and frame Vidyapati (Virendra Saxena) in a false bribing case. Krishna will then struggle to prove the truth.

 

TV can wait

Tannaz Irani, who recently gave birth to a girl, is busy in Dubai with her husband Bakhtiyar as the couple is working on their dance school. She claims she will soon return to TV, once things are settled. The school is doing well with 300 students and already the couple is thinking of branching out.

 

Purvi gets a shock

While Purvi in Zee’s Pavitra Rishta thinks Archana (Ankita Lokhande) and Manav (Hiten Tejwani) are back together, she will soon get a shock to know that isn’t the truth. She will soon find out that Archana and Manav are going through a divorce which will disturb her. She will decide to do something about it.

New beginning

In Zee’s Ram Milaayi Jodi, Anukalp (Sujay Reu) will die soon. The actor replaced Nishant Malkani but couldn’t work as the lead in the show which is why Angad Hasija was introduced as Aditya. He plays Anukalp’s brother. Now after eight months, Sujay’s role will end making way for Mona and Aditya to hook up.

 

On the wish-list

Star of Life OKs Mahadev, Mohit Raina, has done numerous roles on telly. But his ultimate dream is to play a superhero. This handsome actor is enjoying playing Lord Shiva currently, which is a once in a lifetime role. Mohit who hardly has free time surfs the net and the social networking sites to stay connected.

 

 

All friends, no foes...

Priyal Gor, who plays the cute Moniya in Sony’s Dekha Ek Khwaab, not only bonds well with Mataji aka Aruna Irani on screen but off screen as well. They share food, stories and tips about everything under the sun. Priyal is friends with everyone on the sets, including Udayveer.

The ‘in’ side
Sukhmani
Window with a view 

Bay windows are usually a unit of three or more windows projecting out from an outer wall of a house. Bay windows add more light, depth and dimension to a room. They create an interesting focal point and allow a lot of natural light and a beautiful outside view. Here are a few tips to decorate your window space—

n Your first step is to decide on a window treatment and also if you want to treat it as one unit or three individual ones.

n Whatever you use to cover your windows, be it drapes or blinds, make sure it blends with the rest of the room. Don’t make the bay area look like a separate area, in fact make it the focal point of the room.

n Avoid using a straight rod for your curtains, instead use bow rods specially designed for bay windows.

n Keep your drapes clean and simple. You can use a valance to cover the rods.

n Instead of curtains, you can consider using wooden shutters to add a country charm to your room.

n Seating is a must if you want to enjoy your bay window to the fullest. You can build a window seat with a cushion and colorful throw pillows on top with storage below.

n Most home owners make a mistake of placing a sofa in front. You must showcase your window instead of hiding it.

n Use small groupings of furniture instead, like a comfy chair placed at an angle, a table and a floor lamp.

n You must also accessorise your bay window with a reading lamp, rug, plants etc. to create a dramatic effect.

n The possibilities are endless. The goal is to decorate your bay windows in a way that enhances their functional and aesthetic qualities.

 (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

Doc Talk
Dr Harpreet S. Bakshi

Mane attraction

Hair transplantation has now become a well-known and permanent treatment for baldness and hair loss. Hair transplantation relocates hair follicles, encouraging natural hair growth in balding areas. Although this procedure is most commonly performed on men, hair transplantation is growing more popular among women too.

It can be performed for traumatic or post burn scares and hairless areas of scalp and eyebrow. Hair transplant can be done by the old or “strip” technique (which may give a scar) or the new advanced FUE technique (scarless and painless).

Hair transplant can be tailored according to an individual’s requirement. The latest ‘FUE’ method of hair transplant offers flexibility and can be tailored according to an individual’s need with respect to time, money and site of hair transplant.

Now hair transplant is done in shifts or sessions with each session consisting of placement of a variable of 500-1200 hairs. On an average, normally around 800-1,000 hairs are transplanted in one session and it takes around 4 hours for the same. The cost of hair transplant is around Rs 40-50/hair and the cost of one session depends on the number of hair implanted.

In case, the total requirement of an individual which is 2,000 hair, then it can be done in two sessions. If an individual has paucity of time, he can get small sessions of 400-500 hairs within two hours.

Since the procedure is a ‘day care’ office procedure, it does not require any hospital stay or bed rest or any prolonged anaesthesia. The patient can comfortably drive back home and can get back to his office the very next day.

(Dr Bakshi is a Panchkula-based cosmetic and plastic surgeon)

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 10...

Business folk should be cautioned not to invest their money in fresh ventures for these could get blocked for a long period. Do not let a feeling of despair interfere with your day-to-day activities. The employed will have to work hard to retain their present position at work. Complacent behaviour could give an opportunity to a colleague to supersede you. You'll be very receptive and will take every opportunity to improve your finances and ego. Make sure, you are not a chaotic organiser. You might seem to be stumbling over your own feet in April. But you will be blessed with better judgment by May. Stop avoiding what is scaring you; and confront your problem head-on. Although you might not be able to totally get your life in order, you can cut down the number of things that are bothering you. Expand your horizons and concentrate on a realistic new future. You may suffer from gastric, digestive problems and other similar diseases in August. You're warm and generous A recent association with a person of the opposite sex could become more intimate and meaningful.

Mood: Happy and cheerful. Compatible signs: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Orange, Purple. Lucky days: Monday. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 17, 18, 22. Lucky Gem: Tourmaline - Ruby. Lucky Flower: Contra Costa. Suggestion on birthday: Donate a packet of milk to needy or in a religious place.

Emma Roberts (February 10, 1991 Rhinebeck, New York) is the niece of Julia Roberts. She got a big break with the movie, Spymate starring Chris Potter. She became a teen idol, at the age of 13 as Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous. She got big roles in movies like Wild Child, Hotel for Dogs and the successful Limelife. 

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors, employers and consultants can be productive. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to concentrate on leisure activities. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47

TAURUS: You are not likely to be caught unawares by sudden happenings. If worried about health, you should consider alternative therapies for recovery. Give your best, dont worry about results. Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love the most. Answer business correspondence and pay bills that have been long outstanding. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35

CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organise all the specific terms and conditions. A greater work load is likely to be placed upon your shoulders. Tarot message: Don't take impulsive decisions in relationship. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40

LEO: Today is a test of your knowledge. Your performance is on public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. The day favours those of you now treading unfamiliar ground. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Sudden encounters with extraordinary characters leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. You will find it difficult to reach agreements with loved ones. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Don't be carried away with false promises. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25 

LIBRA: Do your best to comply and satisfy your partner. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled. Factory workers will not get any co-operation from labours. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: The cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is because of your hard-work. Long-term projects and contracts can be paying off handsomely. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. Relationships get better. Do not make the mistake of working late. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Turn on the charm and the world's your oyster. Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck and those with partners are back in saddle. Tarot message: By applying your wisdom, you can build great success. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: A day is built for workaholics, which is great, if you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Income may dwindle and expenses could rise. Do what you can to improve your mind. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 65

PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61





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