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Of melody, notes...passion
Sufi singer Rekha Bhardwaj, who has sung hit songs Namak ishq ka and Sasural genda phool, says Bollywood has taken a liking to high-pitched voices
She has stopped taking her husband for granted. She goes absolutely well-prepared for the recordings, giving a perfectionist husband no space to point out mistakes. And together, the duo creates soulful melodies. The different voice of Sufi singer Rekha Bhardwaj and the different compositions by husband, film director and music composer, Vishal Bhardwaj, sure weave magic. While Vishal is shooting in Chandigarh for Matru Ki Biljee Ka Mandola, Rekha culls out some peppy, some rustic numbers from her repertoire at the Chandigarh Literature Festival. Other than beautiful songs, Rekha has some clear thoughts to share with us as well.
Riyaaz is always on my mind
In all her interviews, Rekha lists riyaaz as the most important thing of her life. Much more important than breathing! “Now, I have a tanpura on my i-Pad. When I travel, I use it for riyaaz. Once I check-in into any hotel, I squeeze out time for riyaaz. The days I have an early morning flight, I miss out on riyaaz physically, but mentally I pick up notes and rehearse. The bottom line is — no missing out
on riyaaz.”
On a high pitch
The trend of different kind of voices found acceptance in the industry after I sang Namak ishq ka or folk-like Sasural genda phool. Thereafter, anybody with a base voice or any kind of different voice was given a chance to sing in films, which is a good thing. Bollywood has taken a liking to high-pitch voices now.” Rekha, however, finds a new lesson in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice whenever she hears it. “In fact, I sometimes tell Vishal that whenever he gives me a high-pitch composition I can’t help thinking
about Lata ji.”
Touch my soul
“I don’t look at a song in various stages; it is a complete song that matters. The lyrics have to touch my heart, the melody has to make me feel good, only then can I do justice to the song. I have to love the song, feel it every bit to sing it well. I am glad I have had the chance to get complete songs, written by Gulzar and composed
by the best of people. The lyrics can go here and there a bit, if the melody is great I can still pull through.”
Vishal knows me well; he gives me a composition and pushes me to give in the best. Earlier, I would be afraid of working with him, given the fact that he expects through effort each time. Now, I have become more professional with him. Vishal brings out the best out in me and having worked with various people, I have also become more professional.”
In the pipeline
I am doing an album of my own titled Bandish, based on Dr Bashir Badar’s poems and composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. He will be singing three songs in this album. I have sung a dance number for Matru Ki Bijlee ka Mandola with Mohit Chauhan and Shankar Mahadevan. I have also sung for a new composer Arjit, for his short film. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Logos and egos
Women who have been forgotten by their friends or passed over for a promotion may find solace in splashing on high-end labels like Armani and Versace, according to a new study. Women who feel ignored apparently opt for expensive brands over high street options such as Topshop and H ‘n’ M to ensure that they are noticed.
The US researchers found that when an individual’s need for ‘control and a meaningful existence’ is threatened, they tend to act in provocative and attention-seeking ways to reaffirm their sense of belonging in society. And the flashier the outfit, the better, with women engaging in showy displays of consumption to get attention — and many falling into the trap of buying only branded clothes from well-known labels. But the effect is relevant for those who feel ignored. On the other hand, those who feel rejected by society do not display any special interest in designer labels, but do care more about helping others. The researchers, from the universities of Houston-Clear Lake and Texas, conducted four experiments to find out what happens when consumers experience social exclusion and if it influences their spending habits.
— ANI
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Talk of the time
VJ, actor and commentator Gaurav Kapoor is a bundle of energy. We dig in to his source…
‘What do you eat man’ — this is the first question that comes to mind when you look at actor, VJ, commentator Gaurav Kapoor talk, talk and talk. As part of IPL Season 5, Gaurav comes to Chandigarh to do what he is best at — talk. And not to forget, entertain with his cricketing anecdotes. He eats healthy food and has quit smoking since two years now, in case you still want to know - ‘what do you eat man’. It is a crazy day; he attends phone calls, runs a quick eye through his ‘to-do’ list and Gaurav is ready to roll.“I love cricket, but as a kid I always wanted to be an entertainer. Currently, I am giving 26 out of 24 hours (don’t get into mathematical calculations) to IPL. Every corner of my mind is stuffed with cricket. So, writing, talking and watching cricket is what I am doing.” Uff…’what do you eat man’. He laughs, “I am talking too fast.” What else is expected of this ‘full-of-beans’ actor and anchor. “Let’s be straight, cricket is an important sport for the country and my job is to provide audiences the right mix of cricket and entertainment,” says Gaurav. Movies — isn’t this on his checklist? “I look at things I have in hand. I have to quickly rush to the stadium (PCA Mohali), I have a couple of interviews lined up.” We give up. A glass of water please! “C’mon,” Gaurav teases us with his crackled laughter, “I am travelling 15 days a month. It is like my life is in transit, between the airport and hotel. I think travelling has lost its charm,” says Gaurav. But there is something still interesting about the plane rides. “Yes, that is the time when I chit-chat with friends. Like in the morning, I had the pleasant company of Shah Rukh Khan and others.” We need to know about his source of energy. Says Gaurav, “I pick and choose projects that are interesting. I enjoy my work, which is cricket and entertaining people. This keeps me going. It is normal to feel tired. So, I sit back; take a day off and watch movies. It is very important to respect your system.” One time that we find him talk in a serious tone! What about the fans? The crackle in his voice is back. “I love when people appreciate my work. I love to see them shout my name and when girls do it, even better. I don’t mind boys cheering for me,” Gaurav looks at his watch.Time to head to the stadium. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Punjabi beats in B-town
From Saade naal rahoge to Maa da laadla to Rum whisky, Punjabi songs have and continue to rock Bollywood Yet
again, the buzz of Punjabi songs and singers can be heard in B-town. So are they
a lucky charm for Bollywood? Recently, we have witnessed Punjabi singer Diljit
Dosanjh sing Peepa peepa ho gaya for the romcom Tere naal love
ho gaya. And John Abraham’s latest Punjabi item number Rum whisky
from the movie Vicky donor is quite a rage. Bollywood has successfully
managed to retain the Punjabi flavour in both folk as well as peppy numbers. It
was a long time ago when Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi sang Saade naal rahoge
in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Mrityudata and the song was a huge hit.
Subsequently, we have had groovy tracks like Maa da laadla by Master
Saleem in Dostana and Mauja hi mauja by Mika Singh in Jab We
Met. So, what’s the reason behind the success of Punjabi numbers?
"Punjabi singers have a tone, which is hatke from the regular
Bollywood playback singers. Bollywood also has an international market and that
way a singer gets more recognition. Punjabi cinema has a limited audience, which
is not the case with Bollywood," says Labh Janjua, who has sung many songs
for Bollywood and will be heard in the movie Hayo rabba main ki karan
soon. The movie Chaar din ki chandani, starring Kuljit Randhawa and
Tusshar Kapoor, even saw singers collaborate with RDB and a version of Dr Zeus’
Kangana has turned out well. Says singer Jasbir Jassi, "Punjabi
music has stress-relieving qualities, perhaps that is the reason why it has a
long history in Bollywood." Jassi has also sung for movies like Dobara
and Patiala house. "Bollywood movies use genres like Pop, House,
Chill Out and Punjabi music fits in every genre. With technology, Punjabi songs
sound even better," adds Jassi. Singer Harshdeep Kaur, who has also sung
for Bollywood, feels the catchy rhythm of Punjabi songs is the reason behind
their success. "Punjabi songs are very peppy; perhaps that is why they are
more popular." We wonder if there are some singers who are ready to join
the Bollywood bandwagon. Says Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal, who is currently
relishing the success of his recent movie Mirza- the untold story,
"I will definitely want to sing for Bollywood and it’s not that I haven’t
received offers till now; I’m just waiting for my kind of songs." sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com |
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will make the most of all transformations. There will be extra expenses today. At work, try not to overburden yourself since you’ve already been working very hard. Finish your pending work and you will feel better. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 48
TAURUS: It is also important that you take care of your health and eat sensibly. Professional goals and ambitions would be realised. Spend time with friends, either in social settings or just have a gathering at home. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 29 GEMINI: Concentrate on doing those things that will bring more happiness and peace. However, if you remain cool, you will be able to overcome them. Your innate talents will come to light and you will be able to exploit them . Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 60 CANCER: Interacting with government authority would be part of the day. Those who are negotiating any kind of a deal will be able to do so. Concentrate on achieving as much as you can on your own. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Sap green. Lucky number: 51 LEO: You are filled with a feeling of recklessness and want to take a challenging. At work, in your social life and home, you want to do something extra ordinary. But don’t force others to join you, since everyone would not be feeling the same. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 45 VIRGO: Your mind is now open and receptive to new experiences, ideas and views. At work, this would be a handy tool. In your personal life, there may be some issues from the past that will need an immediate resolution. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 21
LIBRA: There is no doubt that you have come a long way. There have been hurdles and trials, obstacles and failures but in true spirit, you have been able to overcome them. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Lucky number: 40 SCORPIO: The placement of Mars opposite Jupiter would lead to some unforeseen changes to your plans . This is a good day to take a break from hectic activity. As far as business is concerned, work on investments. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 33 SAGITTARIUS: Some of you will finally be able to resolve complicated issues that had been troubling you for sometime now. This is a day for stimulating conversations, creative ideas and exciting events and at home. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 60 CAPRICORN: You will have all the excitement that you can handle from friends and acquaintances while home will need attention in terms of quality time with spouse, children, parents and other relatives. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 51 AQUARIUS: You will receive sound advice, so pay attention. There will be unexpected glitches with your car and at the same time, many of you may come into some money from unforeseen sources. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Lucky number: 37 PISCES: Embrace the changes that have taken place and make way for new ones. Finances would show a positive trend, but again, don’t overspend. Spirituality, travel and relaxation would also be part of the day. Tarot message: You have well-wishers around who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Grey. Lucky number: 30 |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 19...
You want to reach a goal but in order to do so; you will have to trust someone who will act as your guide. Initially, you will have the innocence of a child but then, thanks to experience, you will finally reach self-awareness. Do not take rash decisions, especially while negotiating major financial deals. An important project, which you have been working upon for a long time, will be delayed. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumours about you. Get involved in activities that are exciting and keep you relaxed. Your creative talents will prove to be highly lucrative if put to proper use. You are most likely to make some major changes in and around your house. Opportunities for a romance are apparent, but will be short-lived. Stay away from gossip. Your willingness to help each and everyone will leave you tired and exhausted. Don’t reveal anything about your investments and future goals. Relations with your spouse will get strained due to your over-involvement with office. Problems could arise at home, but avoid criticising your mate over small issues. You need to use your intelligence and influence to sort out matters at work. Unexpected travel for some proves to be hectic and stressful. If you work in a team with others, try to listen to your co-workers’ opinions. There will be improvement in your finances this year. There will be gains from various sources. Inflows and expenses both could rise. Investments are possible now, except those in real estate. Friends will be helpful in your career. You will be in a relaxed and happy state of mind most of the time. You can feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines, even if you’re surrounded by people. But you could use some private time away from the public to reconnect with yourself and, perhaps, someone you love. The Moon’s entry into your sign puts you back on centerstage. You play your cards close to your chest, but new places call for new methods. Mood: Excited and relieved. Compatible signs: Taurus, Leo. Lucky colours: Powder blue, Saddle brown. Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 18, 21 22, 40, 48. Lucky gem: Bloodstone (Chalcedony). Lucky flower: Dog Rose |
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New show, new hopes
A lovely girl from Delhi, Preeti Chaudhary who became popular after portraying different roles in Hum Ladkiyan, Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki and Havan, shows no sign of stopping. Now the actor with a beautiful smile is all set to spread her charm once again on the small screen in Colors new show Kairi – Rishta Khatta Meetha, produced jointly by Shashi Mittal and Sumeet Mittal. She plays the lead role opposite Jay Bhanusali. The others actors in the supporting roles are Leena Jhumani and Prachee Pathak. Preeti Chaudhary talks about her character and lot more. Tell us about the show and your character? The show puts more light on saas-bahu relations in a comedy style. It is about a tyrant saas and her three bahus. In this show, the viewers will get to see a totally different Preeti. I am essaying the role of Ambi. It is a very powerful role of my career. I will give my best to this show. How much do you relate to your character? A lot actually. Like her I am also a happy-go-lucky and fun-loving girl. How is the experience of being a part of Kairi? I am getting an opportunity to work with some brilliant actors like Jay Bahnushali, Prachee Pathak and Leena Jhumani. And all others in the team are also good to work with. I am having a good time. Which character is close to your heart – Rajni from Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki or Ambi from Kairi? Honestly, Ambi is very close to my heart. I am enjoying every bit of it. Thanks to Ambi and I can be my natural self on the screen. Did you prepare for the role? No, I did not have to prepare for the role, it came to me naturally. So how is it working with Shashi-Sumeet Mittal and how are your other co-stars? The production team is great, my co-stars are also great people. Jay Bhanushali is a lot of fun. We all chat and just have a good time on the sets. Any message for your fans? I just want them to love me so that I can entertain them for a long time. — Dharam Pal
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Kashmera’s electrifying item number
Firebrand Kashmera Shah never fails to surprise us! Just as we thought the girl was creating a record of sorts by being robbed (Kash got robbed twice in a month a few days ago), she is all set to do an about-turn and rob others this time round! The only difference being — her targets are people’s hearts!!
Yes! Anyone who has witnessed Kash perform a certain raunchy item song titled Boneless Biryani (ouch!) in her next movie Mr Money starring beau Krushna in the lead, hasn’t stopped raving about her electrifying performance. Insiders say that this catchy tapori number composed by Sanjeev-Darshan is of the kind that ruled the roost during the golden times of Krushna’s uncle Govinda, as he paired up with the indomitable Karisma Kapoor in various superhits. What’s more! Its thrills are designed by none other than ace actor-choreographer Prabhu Deva’s brother Vishnu Deva, while the film is produced by Sunil Gulani and Anand Gupta. “The raw energy Kashmera exudes in the song is maddeningly crazy. She’s gonna shock, stun and scandalise everyone,” quips her director Rikshhit Matta. “So magnetic is the effect, that when we shot this number in a Punjabi dhabha’s lawns at Madh Island this week, the word spread like wildfire and a huge crowd gathered to watch Kashmera dazzle and sparkle even at 3am,” he reveals. Gosh! That’s some praise coming the damsel’s way! We just hope this number doesn’t make all of us blind with all that brightness when the movie releases in August this year. Tch tch!
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Ness & I are friends: Preity Zinta
She was in the news when team Punjab, owned by Ness Wadia and Mohit Burman ran into dilemma with BCCI. Subsequently, there were rumours that they were planning to sell their stake in the team.
Her working relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ness was also under rumour. In the middle of all this, she took a big step and launched her plans to turn producer. But when quizzed if she has moved on, she said, “Of course! What do you believe? I’m a loser? Yes, of course we are friends. When you date someone for that long how can you not be friends? But we are not best friends. We don’t talk to each other daily because that’s strange! I’m sure if something ever went wrong he would stand by me and vice versa but there isn’t anything more than that.” “I remember an article last year when a paparazzo took a picture of us talking gladly together and next thing I knew we were getting back together! That’s not happening. Today I am frightened of talking to someone because I will be linked to him. In my career as an actress, I have never got mixed up with anybody from the world of films. I have always kept my professional and personal life separate as that’s my policy. The only time I got mixed up both professionally and personally was with Ness. I don’t think I would ever do that in the future. It becomes too complicated,” she added.
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Movie buff
Arjun Kapoor is all set to make his debut with YRF’s Ishaqzaade this May. What most of us don’t know about Arjun is that he is a big movie buff. Yes we all are, but Arjun loves movies to another level altogether. He has a collection of 7,500 DVDs at his house. Yes that’s a huge number!
Says a source, “While most people love to party and chill, this Kapoor lad is a little different. He loves watching movies. When you walk into his room, what catches your eye is the huge collection of DVDs that he has. All alphabetically arranged like you would see in a library. From romantic films to comedy to action. He has all of them. Some of them even in foreign languages. He is a huge movie buff and since years he has been watching one film a day.” Confirms the spokesperson of Ishaqzaade, “Arjun loves watching films and has a huge collection of DVDs. More than 7,500 DVDs to be precise.” Boy Arjun Kapoor seems to have created quite a buzz in the industry. Ishaqzaade portrays the twists and turns of a countryside love affair. It brings Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra together for the first time on the silver screen. The trailer reflects a true desi performance by Arjun, while Parineeti is making waves with her well-awarded debut in Ladies v/s Ricky Behl. Written and directed by Habib Fazil of Do Dooni Char and Band Baaja Baaraat (writer) fame, the film promises to mark a new page by Yash Raj Films. The film’s music has been composed by Amit Trivedi and is already making waves with the title track Aafaton Ke Parinde. The item song featuring Gauhar Khan is also out now.
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Body art
“Tattoos have been used for centuries to reflect changes in lifestyles but in recent years, they have also become a fashion accessory, a trend fuelled by basketball players, music bands and celebrities,” says Nitin Chauhan from Herbuzer Tattoos and Body Piercing in Sector 15. He adds, “Tattoos have been popular for quite some time now, but our city has woken to the trend lately, maybe in the last year-and-a-half. Tattoo is not just about getting yourself; pierced, it is a concept, a feeling, a thought that you want to stay with. But that is not the case here; youngsters get tattooed here due to peer pressure. As for the most loved patterns, he says, “Stars and angels for girls; and lions, religious symbols and names of their fathers or forefathers for boys.” Tattoos are more of a fashion accessory in the city and youngsters generally go in for ones that celebrities don. Says Sanjay Narula, from Tattoo World in Sector 17, “It’s usually butterflies and stars for girls, while it is lions or tribal designs for boys.” As for the safety measures Sanjay says, “Cheap colours or non-sterilised needles can be dangerous, so we take utmost care. We also provide ointments and oils for after-care.” Like all art this too does not come cheap, so be ready to shell out a good amount. “The cost of a tattoo cannot be fixed as it depends on size, designs and even artists. The more experienced the artist, the more he or she would charge, but we charge according to size per square inches. The first inch costs Rs 1,500 and includes needles and colours, the second inch costs 700,” says Nitin. He has a word of advice, “It is a painful procedure so one must think of a pattern or design before getting it engraved.”
Design element
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Dare to dream
Vasudha Gupta Pranvika Bedi, a student in Carmel Convent School, doing exceedingly well in painting, declamation, oration and science projects, hopes to follow her father’s footsteps and become a judge. We ask her what makes her a whizkid. Motivational factor My family has been my biggest support system. Also, motivation for me comes from the urge to do something big in life. I feel since these are my formative years, I need to be certain how I want my life to shape up. I have flamboyant dreams and I must accomplish them. Feathers in your cap I won the National Science Exhibition organised by CBSE, New Delhi. Getting selected to represent the north zone at the national level was a stroke of luck. It was after this competition that I was adjudged The Youngest Budding Scientist. During the course of my education, I received the Inspire Award and represented Chandigarh at the national level for the same. Also making my mark in the field of declamation, I was awarded the first prize in a declamation contest organised by Rama Krishna Mission Ashram. Strengths and weaknesses Art has been my strongest point since a very young age. I have also been strongly inclined towards oration. Dedication to work ends up being a strong point in life. Education, competitions and activities keep me busy so time management tends to be an issue. Flipside of being an achiever People tend to start taking you for granted. The thought of being perceived as a perfectionist tends to put pressure of always being efficient. There is no doubt that peers tend to get disturbed on seeing someone else’s success. Words of wisdom As long as you are sincere in your efforts, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your dreams. Also, maintaining focus on where you see yourself in future makes a lot of difference. (If you think you fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com. We’ll sift the best from the rest)
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Wider canvas
Sometimes it is the thought of missing something in life that drives you to help others. Such is the theory, which Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, director of the Zazen Art Gallery applied to his current field of work. Inclined towards bridging the gap between artists, art promoters and art galleries, Sanjeev has brought together 15 artists from the region for his 2x2 exhibition.
Putting his efforts together to take young artists from the region to Mumbai in October, Sanjeev hopes to take only the best. “I am spacing out three exhibitions over the next few months and all the works will go for pan-India exhibits in several galleries. The entire idea is to collect young artists from the region and provide them a platform to showcase their work. Alka Kalra, a Mohali-based artist, was initially an MBA and working as a corporate trainer before she picked up the brush. “I have been painting since the past six years,” she smiles. Her inspiration is not the regular nature, fruit or flowers but the very conventional Punjabi dhaba. “It was long back that I went to a dhaba in Manali for a meal and was amazed to see so many people slogging in a dhaba,” she shares. Now, planning a solo exhibition on her dhaba series, Alka is also shrinking the number of colours she is using. “The contrast of utensils comes out brighter in a black background,” she says. Ramandeep Kaur, another young artist from the region, completed her Masters in Commerce and then stepped into the art fraternity. Her series is called In search. “It is the first portrait I ever made,” she says. The presence of a red thread symbolises breaking of boundaries. “It represents the relaxed feeling one feels when there are no restrictions,” she adds. As someone once said, creating art is like a silent poetry, we hope the poetry gains more meaning everyday. (On till April 20) vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Beaming with style
Simranjeet Gill If you think that all that matters in your swanky car are the exteriors, the interiors, the colour, wheel alloys and the price and you feel you haven’t missed out on anything, I’d suggest you to go around your car once. Still can’t figure out? Turn on the lights! Now you see. Yes, the car headlights are an equally important part of the car, and something that can make it stand out from the rest. Fancy looking headlights are something that car owners look out for. Categories of headlights neon underglow lights, hood illuminating lights, boot lights, extra intense headlights find favour with car buyers. Adding little more jazz with stickers or reflector films is something that people like doing to the headlights. Definitely, headlights have moved over simple concave mirrors with a simple bulb giving yellowish light to xenon or projector lamps (HID lights). Leave aside the hi end models, even mid segment models are going in for xenon lights, which have presence of xenon gas inside that allows better lighting as xenon gas instantly carries the charge forward. On the other hand HID lights have a bluish color. Skoda Octavia was the first car in India to come out with HID lights. This promises better visibility. Headlights in cars are not a style factor but a vital part where rests the safety of all the occupants, as headlights determine the visibility. The whole new models of Audi, Swift and Lancers use LED as it produces strong beam of light given the small surface area they are subjected to. LED lighting system in cars ensures a longer shelf life and also reduces the cost in the long run. These smart looking fancy lights is what we see on Mercedes models, which could be either in the form of day time running lamps (DLRs) or headlamps. The choice in headlights doesn’t finish with fancy or smart lights. Automotive lighting bears no significance to the speed of the car, as it is always throwing out constant beam of light. While normal headlamps would not completely illuminate the road on sudden twists and turns, automotive lights provide a clear vision till far ahead. Models like Volvo can lower the beam itself when they sense an oncoming car so that the driver has maximum vision on the road. No matter what headlight you would like your car to sport, remember better visibility and safety is what the selection should be based on. It should be easy to operate, positioned in pairs and should produce low and high beam. (Gill is Chandigarh-based hog rider)
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Lawn ranger
A good lawn can enhance the beauty of a garden Satish Narula You may have best of trees, climbers or shrubs in your garden. You may also have fancy pots and baskets to hang at strategic points in the garden. You may even have a good hedge. But if your lawn is bad, nothing else matters. Lawn forms the major part of your garden. Remember, it is like a canvass that supports other garden objects and features like a painting. So, make it the best. Normally, it has been seen that those who want to lay a fresh lawn do so with the onset of spring and that too in a hurry. This is not correct. As I have already said that the lawn is the backbone of a garden, it should get due attention while laying it afresh. The process in fact should start during the last week of April when the site should be dug at least one foot deep. After digging whatever visible grass remnants, pebbles, weeds and the other foreign objects etc should be picked up. The soil thus manipulated, should be left exposed to the summer sun. This will burn the weeds and kill the insects-pests. It should be left as such for at least a fortnight after which the whole process should be repeated. The same digging and picking etc. should be done after another fortnight to remove what ever is left of the weeds, old grass and pebbles. After three such operations, broadcast superphosphate and muriate of potash at the rate of one kg and 250 gm respectively in the soil and mix it thoroughly. Similarly, dust should be sprinkled on the site all through to keep the white ants at bay. The soil then should be levelled. Nearing the third week of June, one can expect pre-monsoon showers. If it so happens, you can find out any fault in the leveling of the site as there could be accumulation of water. By the last week of June, you should be completely ready with leveled site which is done with the help of small piece of wooden box (phatti). The actual planting can be done after two to three showers. So, as to get quick and better results one should plant the grass at four inches distance. Immediately after planting, give water. Keep the weeds under check if any emergence is noticed. When once a good turf is formed, there are less chances of weed emergence. (Narula is a PAU horticulturist.)
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Get personal with your workouts
Sachin Kalra
You need motivation
The hardest part in fitness is staying motivated, accountable and consistent. Paying for personal training sessions and having a scheduled appointment may encourage you to exercise even if you do not feel like it, especially if a trainer shows up at your door. You are new to fitness
Knowing how to set up a complete exercise schedule that includes all the activities you need to do—cardio, weight training and flexibility - can be overwhelming. This is where a personal trainer can be of the biggest help. Customised programme
An exercise programme that works for one person may not work for another. A personal trainer will develop the most effective programme for you, based on your fitness evaluation results and personal goals. You don’t want to waste time
Today’s hectic lifestyles mean you do not have time to waste on ineffective exercise routines. A personal trainer is the best way to make sure your time is used wisely and efficiently to meet your fitness goals. With a personal trainer, you will see results. That is what personal trainers are there for, to give you the results you are looking for. You are unsure about form
One of the easiest ways to stifle results is to use poor exercise form. You can work out day-in and day-out, but unless you perform your exercises correctly, you will not see the results you long for. Bad form can cause a serious injury. A trainer can tell you what to do. You have a specific illness
If you are injured and/or have a specific illness, then your doctor and trainer can work together to make sure that your training routine is effective and safe. (Kalra is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)
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Dhanush denies Rajinikanth paid for ‘3’ losses
Tamil star Dhanush is upset with reports that his father-in-law, the legendary Rajinikanth, is reimbursing the Telugu distributor’s revenue losses for his movie 3.
Dhanush, who became a sensation across the country with his song Kolaveri di, is married to Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya, who has directed 3. “How I love the stories that are created just because I am married to a particular person’s daughter,” said Dhanush. “3 has suffered no losses. And even if there are losses to be compensated for, god has been kind to me. I can take care of my own financial liabilities, thank you very much,” he added. The Hindi version of 3 will be released next month, and it also features Kamal Haasan’s daughter Shruti, who is yet to establish a foothold in Bollywood. The protective father and the movie enthusiast in Kamal feels 3 could do good to the Hindi film careers of Dhanush and Shruti, provided it is edited well, especially in the second half. Dhanush, who has been painstakingly working on the Hindi version of 3. “ I am editing the film down further. Kamal sir did see the film and was kind enough to make suggestions.”
— IANS
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Sky is not the limit...
Life OK launched its new show, Aasman se Aagey with the event attended by some of the biggest names of reality television in India battling it out in an enthralling discussion on the reality behind shows.
The afternoon soiree began with an electrifying dance performance by the protagonist of the show, Meenakshi, followed by a riveting discussion. With a panel consisting of candid Rakhi Sawant, the demure Abhijeet Sawant, and the cast of the show— Apoorva Agnihotri aka producer DC, and Manini De as judge and Rajesh Khera dressed in his show character the sari-clad judge Sanam, the discussion was as stimulating as it could get. Adding the ‘serious’ quotient to the otherwise lively discussion were media person Anuj Alankar, and General Manager, Life OK, Ajit Thakur. With Rakhi Sawant in her bindass avatar and at her talkative best, the discussions revolved around whether reality shows exploit the hunger to be recognised, for that ‘one chance'? Do expecting talent based on aggression or strength based on the ability to create drama? The show will lift the veil of glamour of talent shows to reveal the cut throat competition in the reality TVworld, the pressure and the hastened mental metamorphosis of contestants from toddlers to adolescents to adults.
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Change is the name of the game
Kangna Ranaut is known for her distinct curly hair and ever-changing hair-colour and styles. She talks about hair care and experimenting.
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Arshad Warsi (April 19, 1968) got the first offer to act in Amitabh Bachchan’s production Tere Mere Sapne in 1996. He has since appeared in several successful films such as Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Salaam Namaste, Golmaal, Kabul Express, the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS, which also won him his first Filmfare Award under the category of Best Comedian.
Howsoever much you detest the idea of pricking your body; tattoos are indeed the most happening form of all body arts. It’s hard to overlook the authentically rebellious or artistically pierced college-going students. Tattoos are probably more creative and varied these days, right from skulls, serpents, flame-breathing dragons, flowers, vines, angels, demons, daggers, buxom bombshells and portraits of actors and actresses, to tattoos of loved ones!
Hiring a personal health trainer provides certain benefits that you cannot find when working out on your own. Hiring one may seem overwhelming and costly, but I can assure you that it will be a good decision. Discussed below are some reasons why a personal trainer can be instrumental in helping you to reach your fitness goals.