Road less travelled…
Jasmine Singh

Biking has been a step towards self-discovery for six of these avid riders, who are in Chandigarh as part of the Grand Indian Road Trip

PG Tenzing was bang on with the title of his book — Never Ask An old Bloke For Directions; a biker, a swashbuckler himself, he knew what riding a bike means at large. The onenesses with the road and with one's own self, the feeling of liberation and the acknowledgment of the bigger power that a biker gets. Smartly parked outside a Chandigarh hotel are some interesting and yes expensive looking motorbikes, five in all. Standing at a distance is a group of six — Sundeep Gajjar, Abhisekh Bhatt, Sandeep Goswami, Shivanshu Singh, Himanshu Gupta and Sunil Gupta — who we are told are the men who have been riding these mean machines and covering 16,000 kilometres across India! This is the Grand Indian Road Trip, supported by Castrol Power 1, and every biker has found a new meaning on the road.

There is a little story that we spin for you before this. This is a group XBhp.com, the global Indian biking community founded by Sundeep Gajjar, who along with the riders is constantly exploring himself as well as India. If we are to put together the distance these riders have managed to cover, the number is 10 lakh miles only! Abhisekh Bhatt, an investment banker from Delhi, owns a Pulsar 220. It is the passion for riding that gets him to the road all the time. "I have been riding for almost five-to-six years now, and each time it's a new experience," he says, looking around. Missing the road maybe! "With The Grand Indian Road Trip we have had a new experience; seeing different cultures, meeting people and re-discovering myself again," he says.

For a rider, discovery of the bliss of nature and discovery of the own self is just a by-product. Says Shivanshu Singh, IT professional from Delhi who owns a Yahama RX100, 86 model and Yamaha WR, "I started touring in 2003 and have been to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other parts of North India on my bike." Solitude and freedom is what Shivanshu gets from each bike ride. "Each time I take my bike out it is me, my bike and the road that I get," adds Shivanshe, who has also seen an increase in biking clubs over the years. "There are different clubs made for different reasons, but on this ride supported by Castrol Power 1 we wanted to promote road safety while riding. Owning a superbike is one thing, but riding it safely is what is more important," he adds.

If it is a superbike, getting a second or a third look is natural. People flocking around the bike, million queries and loads of pictures! Echoes the group, "No matter where we stop, people approach us with queries. It is nice to see their enthusiasm, but sometimes it gets a little dicey with them trying to get a little too close to the bikes," says Sandeep Goswami, the eldest member of the group, who is also the group's strength.

In the end there is a biker in everyone and the group has discovered the same time and again. "Every once in a while, someone would approach us saying they owned a bike or want to own one but they couldn't," adds Shivanshu. But one last quick tip — if you are lost on the road, never ask an old bloke for directions!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Success mantra
Frame by frame
Mona

Diwan Manna, one of the pioneers in art photography in the country, had hardly anything but grit on his side. Brought up in small town, Bareta, Punjab, where 'art' was probably an unknown word, he has over the years carved a niche for himself. There were some wrong starts but once he figured out his field, he pursued it with unmatched zeal and perseverance.

Known for his soulful images and conceptual photography (that combines photography with painting, body arts and acting to create works that defy definition), his artistic technique and expression reflect a style of his own. Known not only for his work, but also bringing Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi to the top slot in the country as its chairperson (he would rather call himself a worker), Diwan shares his take on what makes one successful.

Go with your temperament

During my childhood, I loved to break and make my own toys. Taking it to be a good enough sign for an engineer-to-be, I was put in the non-medical stream. I failed twice. I was good at painting, poetry and games; my brother saw my inclination and got me admitted to the Government College of Art-10. Though I wanted to play hockey, be a national player, and later a film-maker, that was not to be. Making most of the circumstances, I picked up photography and stuck to it.

Sense of purpose

Though I lived in a very small town, I read Maxim Gorky, Dostoevsky and Shiv Kumar Batalvi during my school days. Focus helped me rise above circumstances and try what I really wanted to. A desire to learn, passion for the field and integrity is a must for what one chooses to do in life. Being associated with the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, I have tried to bring the best from the art world to the city. My personal work has suffered, but I have tried to do the best to encourage merit.

Taking challenges head on

As an artist, I have valued my freedom. I have never taken any job, but freelanced. It's not easy. Some days have been good, others I have gone without meals for five to seven days! But that did not deter me from my path. There are no fixed objectives in the art world, sometimes there are times when I am uncertain but that stops me from being complacent.

Learn from people

I owe a lot to my friends and teachers. In college, I got conducive environment to learn art. My teachers Viren Tanwar, Raj Jain, Jagmohan Chopra and later on, Raghu Rai, have been guiding lights in my journey. I have been a keen observer and have learnt a lot from my surroundings as well artists around me.

Be truthful to your work

I have never compromised on my art. Selling has never been my motive. I express what I truly believe in; if it sells great, I need to earn my living as well. Having Left- oriented leanings, I feel for the have-nots. My view gets reflected in one of my first series Alienation, another series on Dhaba, a slice from the life of kitchen workers. I feel that politics and religion play a significant role in life and would work on it in the future.

mona@tribunemail.com

The successful Punjabi script
Jasmine Singh

Pramod Muthu
Pramod Muthu

This has become quite a norm — not a day passes when we don't get an invite for either the launch or announcement of a new Punjabi movie! Quite in keeping, the cast and crew of upcoming Punjabi movie Saada Haq, directed by Mandeep Benipal, along with actors Pramod Muthu, Gaurav Kakkar and Dhriti were in Chandigarh to talk about the movie on Monday.

Big bad world
Pramod Muthu

You couldn't have missed this face on the silver screen; somewhere in the rush of villains Pramod Muthu can be seen spewing venom. The bad man of Khalnayak and Raja Hindustani, Pramod will be now seen in the Punjabi movie Saada Haq. "I am a Punjabi and happy that I am doing this role. "There are no defined roles for villains; the actors these days are the new heroes and villains as well," says Pramod. This doesn't sound like a very happy story, but there is more! "The new crop of directors are writings scripts for actors and not characters like us. So, we have to make-do with whatever we have," he says.

New kid on the block
Gaurav Kakkar

Gaurav Kakkar has 60-odd advertisements, modelling assignments and a short film directed by Kunal Kohli in his kitty. It definitely doesn't stop here for this Jalandhar boy, who plays the lead role in Saada Haq. "It is a good role and we have finished with the first phase of shooting in Chandigarh," says Gaurav, who will also be seen in the upcoming Punjabi movie, Munde Patiala De. "It doesn't matter whether I am working in Bollywood or Punjabi cinema as long as I am getting to do a good role. Besides, Punjabi cinema is growing at such a fast pace that actors of Punjabi origin, and without it also, want to be a part of it," he says.

Pure Punjabi
Dhriti Saharan

An Indian Idol finalist (season 1) and one Punjabi flick down, Dhriti from Mumbai plays the female lead in movie. "I am a Punjabi and I like playing the role of a young college girl who is both cheerful and serious," she keeps it to the point. Speaking Punjabi; is it ever a problem? "Not at all, my grandmother is from Punjab so I did not have any problem with it," she adds. Another indication of Punjabi cinema doing well comes from the fact that their production houses have opened offices everywhere in the country. "I dropped my pictures at one of the houses and I got a call from there. So, here I am — a pure Punjabi," she giggles.

LOOM-ing large
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Despite a variety of other materials, handloom fabrics are still a hit with people

Dress circle

  • Minimalist sundresses, form-conscious tunics, relaxed maxi-dresses and layered skirts give handloom fabric a chic new form.
  • The prints are traditional, but it's the colour palette that is contemporary and stylising is obviously modern, which makes handloom a rage with people of all ages.
  • Handloom fabrics are coming in bold prints, submerged effects and contemporary styling.

Soft mulmul, beautiful batiks, intricate kalamkari and floral fantasies all come calling in a medium that is traditional, but designs and silhouettes that are contemporary. Yes, we are talking of the handloom fabrics.

And with designers playing with these fabrics, we have minimalist sundresses, form-conscious tunics, relaxed maxi-dresses and layered skirts that give this ethnic fabric a chic new form. "Summer has always been about handloom fabrics," says an employee from Fabindia. She adds, "The designers have always been interested in traditional patterns and fabrics, as it gives them an opportunity to showcase their creativity, but lately handloom fabrics are coming in bold prints, submerged effects and contemporary styling and that is what makes it in vogue." Turning to designers, they have always celebrated the ancient art and traditional fabrics. "Designers always make use of traditional fabrics, it's just that the handloom fabric is turning more fine, which is making it popular," says Poonam Thakur, academic head, NIIFT, Mohali.

She says, "The prints are traditional but the colour palette is contemporary and modern, which makes handloom a rage with people of all ages." And yes, the price of handloom fabrics has gone up so it also adds to the beauty of the piece.

Well, a lot of designers have been experimenting with the handloom fabrics and Global Desi in DT Mall is one store where you can check traditional printing in modern silhouettes. "A lot of effort goes into creating and washing the handloom fabric to suit the dramatic silhouettes that are in demand these days," says Param Thakur from Khadhi Plus. He adds, "Though earlier the handloom fabric was thought to be coarse, over the years it has turned finer. Though prints and motifs on the fabric are traditional, but the embellishments and the stylising is contemporary."

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Avoid new debt or excess ive spending. Loved ones may not fully understand your daily needs. Tonight rest and pamper the body. Minor muscle aches may be bothersome. You easily become enthusiastic but you must stay grounded. Tarot message: Try to curb your bad habits. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 62

TAURUS: You work best with people who share a common vision. Yoga and meditation bring balance. You can blend logic and intuition to come up with new, creative directions. Tarot message: Meditate to maintain balance of your head and heart. 

Lucky colour: White

Lucky number: 31

GEMINI: You have the charisma that inspires others to follow you. Today you are capable to handle more than two situations at the same time. A partner can have a stabilising influence.

Tarot message: Do as much hard work as you can to get ahead of others. Lucky colour: Bottle green

Lucky number: 39

CANCER: You are in a confused situation where what you have to do doesn’t exactly agree with what you’ve been taught. Be very careful about what you really have the authority to do. Love and romance add special flavour. Tarot message: Outline your goals then make a plan to achieve them. Lucky colour: Cyan Lucky number: 43

LEO: You may take the lead today; set the pace and take control of situations. There will be problems in relationships today; the challenge is to find solutions. Tarot message: Don’t lose out on the momentum plus the goodwill that you have built up.  

Lucky colour: Navy Blue

Lucky number: 29

VIRGO: Subtle pressure within organisations seems necessary to get things done. You should also pay attention to your motives; ensure they are positive. Important issues come to light today.

Tarot message: In your ambitious pursuit be careful not to take wrong decisions. Lucky colour: Grey

Lucky number: 27

LIBRA: You must address problems even though there is a dark underside to them. You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm for projects that are important to you. You need to take frequent breaks at work and watch your diet and fitness routine. Tarot message: Think before you speak.

Lucky colour: Dark turquoise 

Lucky number: 53

SCORPIO: Today your best approach is not to confront people but to go ahead with your own tasks with great dedication. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty. Stay calm and refuse to let anyone bother you. Tarot message: It’s best not to be unrealistic about goals and targets. Lucky colour: Golden

Lucky number: 31

SAGITTARIUS: Attend any event that will place you with people you find stimulating. You are on a winning streak. Having fun is what life is all about.

Tarot message: Don’t let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to.

Lucky colour: Magenta

Lucky number: 39

CAPRICORN: Recent professional setbacks can easily be turned into triumph. Don’t yield to temptation. You will not get away with wrongful doings, so don’t even try. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision.

Lucky colour: Olive

Lucky number: 46

AQUARIUS: Emotional triangles are easily resolved. Miscalculations or written errors may provide new insights into present business problems. Colleagues will now offer bold public statements or ask probing personal questions. Tarot message: Focus on meditation, exercise and yoga. Lucky colour: Rust Lucky number: 39

PISCES: Remain patient and listen to new instructions. Gossip and romantic speculations are entertaining. A balance in all areas of life is recommended.  Forgotten career aspirations need to be revisited. Tarot message: At work make no major changes in your routine. Lucky colour: Fuchsia

Lucky number: 36

Chatter box
On the wish-list…

We hear many stories of reincarnation and being born again, but ever thought if you were to be born again, then who would you like to be? We quizzed TV actors about what would they like to be in their next birth? Read on to find out

Pooja Gor


Character love: Pooja Gor

Another life: Hiten Tejwani
Another life: Hiten Tejwani

I would like to be born as Pooja Gor but with Pratigya’s qualities because Pratigya is everyone’s idol.  And why Pooja - because I love my life and I just love everything about my life.

Ratan Rajput

I would like to be born as Ratan Rajput again because I love my family, my life and everything around. Also, there are certain things in life I wanted to do in my childhood. And since I can’t have my childhood back, I would like to be born again and do all that I want to do.

Hiten Tejwani

I would like to be born as Hiten Tejwani because I feel there is a lot that I haven’t done yet. One life time isn’t for me to do all the things I want to do. So if I could be born again, I would like to do all those things and help all my family and friends.

Mansi Parekh

I would like to be born as a writer. As they say, pen is mightier than the sword. Ideas and thoughts can change the world. If I could be born as a writer again, I would love to do something for the world and change the way people think.

Jai Soni

I would like to be born as Ambani’s son. (Laughs) I think it would be really fun to have all the luxury, power and be born as a star kid. I wouldn’t have to worry much about anything in life.

Natasha Sharma

I would like to be born as a famous singer. I can sing well too now but it’s just that I haven’t had training. Also, I couldn’t make singing my profession. I really envy people who can sing well and have made it their profession. I look up to them.

A true mentor

Young Rustam Ansari from Patna had his dream come true when he auditioned for Zee TV’s DID L’il Masters. Not only did his act win the judges’ approval with his “slow-motion” act, but he also received a dance scholarship from his mentor Terence Lewis who was so touched by his passion for dance that he volunteered to sponsor Rustam’s education and dance lessons for the rest of his childhood. Life hasn’t been too kind for Rustam. Born into a lower middle class family, struggling to make ends meet, dance did not figure in his father’s list of priorities. “Dance is something that only the rich can afford to ‘waste time’ on,” said his father who wants Rustam to take up his share of shouldering the family’s financial responsibility by working as a physical labourer. It has only been through the help and insistence of his dance teacher that Rustam came to the auditions! Touched by the boy’s story and moved by his beautiful performance, Terence took a stand on his behalf and offered to pay for Rustam’s schooling as well as a scholarship for his education in dance! “It is extremely sad to see children work at such a young age when they should be enjoying their childhood. And what is even worse is that parents who push them to shoulder adult responsibilities when they should be dedicating time to pursuing an education and enjoying their lives. Sadly, there are thousands of children who are in a similar situation across the country.” said Master Terence looking distraught after meeting Rustam post his performance.

Weight watch
Must-haves on your diet chart...
Swapana Singla

There are certain important nutrients which are mandatory during diet management and exercise. If your diet does not have these important nutrients mentioned below, it is advised to take supplements to cope up with the effects and after effects of weight training.

Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, it is a water soluble vitamin that is excreted daily without storing. This vitamin helps in the formation of collagen fibres which gives strength, elasticity and growth to all the tissues in the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Common deficiency symptoms: Bleeding gums, ulcers in the mouth, swollen joints and poor wound healing.

How does it help: Any form of physical activity requires energy which is derived when kilocalories are oxidised. This breakdown of energy is oxidation. During oxidation there is release of free radicals which act as scavengers of our body tissues destroying them. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it destroys the free radicals. During exercise our body muscle and ligament goes through continuous wear and tear.

Vitamin C is required to build up these injured tissues on regular basis. It also reduces the appearances of tired and lustreless skin.

Diet rich in vitamin C: lime, Indian gooseberry (amla), citrus fruits.

Recommended daily requirement: 40-45mg/day

Calcium: Required for the strength of bones, teeth and hair.

Deficiency symptoms: Bowed legs in children called as rickets, cavities in your long bones in adults known as osteoporosis.

How does it help: For fat or obese individual, the legs which act as weight bearing part of the body goes through lot of stress especially during cardio exercise and weight training exercises also. All these stress causes cramps and pain in the long bones causing limitation in your overall movement. Diet and exercise also causes hair loss due to thinning of hair making it fragile and lustreless. Calcium gives strength and stability to bones and connective tissues like ligaments to cope up with the exercise regime.

Diet rich in calcium: Milk, yoghurt, paneer, custard apple.

Daily required: 1.2gm (1200mg)

Essential fatty acids EFA: There are main three essential fatty acids linolenic, linoleic and arachidonic acid. These are called as essential since it is not processed in your body and its sources become limited in fat-free diet while dieting. And the most important function, it protects the internal vital organs like heart, kidneys, liver, eyes and brain by creating an insulation.

Deficiency symptoms: Toad skin (dry, flaky skin, with horn like eruptions on skin), loss of hair and poor wound healing.

How does it help: Since EFA are unsaturated fatty acids, it helps in increasing the HDL (high density lipo-protiens) which is good cholesterol. These HDL helps in the mobility and utilisation of fats, thus decreasing its stores and their main function of thinning the blood, reduces the chances of heart attacks and stroke.

Diet rich in EFA: Mustard oil, soybean oil, olive oil, ground nuts, almonds and fish

Daily total fat intake: 250mg and should have maximum inclusion of the above foods.

(Dr Singla is a Zirakpur-based cosmetologist and obesity consultant)

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 1...

Get inspiration from the theme of May day and translate it into practical life to be successful. You may brood over finances and will realise the importance of financial planning. You may have to compromise on certain things regarding career as there can be some stressful moments. There are chances for your family participating in auspicious activities, travelling is also on the cards. It’s becoming apparent someone you’re with has no desire to make a firm commitment about your relationship. They have no desire to give you anything back. 

Don’t take things at face value. Even if someone’s saying yes, you’d better revisit the question. This is also an excellent time for new business, opportunities flow to you. Act now, because circumstances may not be so favourable later on. 2012-13 will be the year of initiative and winning ideas. Remember that if you get off to a good start, you’re halfway there. If you work in the field of communication, try not to be sullen as this doesn’t suit the atmosphere around you. Students will have to study hard for they are likely to encounter several distractions. Socialising with friends and spending more time outdoors will severely affect your studies. Avoid clashes with extended family especially over money and child arrangements or discipline. Lay low on spending and beef up investments in domestic needs.

Carefully watch your expenses as the stars won’t support you professionally. Co-workers or loved ones might surprise you and entail sudden life-changing decisions. You must be very cautious concerning your health, especially if you have major relationship problems. Lack of enthusiasm and even overstressing might affect you. Journeys abroad and faith in the possibility of healing could prove to be a patent medicine. You’re at peace with yourself.Mood: Cheerful for the most part

Compatible signs: Leo, Gemini

Lucky colours: Pink and purple

Lucky days: Friday and Sunday.

Lucky numbers: 7, 11, 15, 32, 37

Lucky flower: Sunflower.

Suggestion on birthday: Seek blessings of father.

Prabodh Chandra Dey (May 1, 1919), better known by his nickname Manna Dey is rated best classical singer among all singers of Hindi film music though he sang all types of songs from Pop to folk. He has recorded more than 3500 songs over the course of his career. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1971, the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007.

Par Excellence
The learning process
Jesse Grewal

As a beginner, it is very important to understand the learning process. Learning any skill is dependent on feedback. In golf a change in technique should result in a change in the ball flight.

If we are able to co-relate the two, we will learn to play better golf. If the grip is changed, the ball flight should change too. The grip controls the club face and the club face controls the direction of the balls flight. If the club face is open at impact the ball will slice or curve to the right (for right handed players). The ball could also move to the right if it is hit off the toe of the club or if your swing path is wrong. Multiple reasons for deviations in ball flight confuses players.

The first thing to do is to place your hands correctly on the club. An incorrect grip sets one on the wrong learning process and this leads to compensations in the swing. Place the ball on a tee and try to hit the tee out from under the ball. With a little practice one begins to hit a few balls off the middle of the club face. These ‘middled’ shots sound and feel different and are a lot better. This is called the ‘sweet’ spot of the club face. When the ball is hit off the middle of the face the variability of direction due to toe or heel contact seizes. Now, if the ball is not going straight it could only be from the club face (open or shut) or the path of the swing.

If the ball is curving to the right (slice), it is due to an open face at impact. If it starts immediately to the right (push) it is due to an in to out path of the club. The open face could be from a faulty grip or lack of release (shutting action of the hands though impact). Check the number of knuckles visible of the left hand. Ideally 2-3 knuckles should be visible with the ‘V’ pointing between the right collar bone and shoulder.

If the grip pressure is too high or tight one cannot release the club. Lift the club in the air in front of you to waist height after taking the grip. Loosen the arms while maintaining grip pressure. You will feel the weight of the club head. When the arms are tight and extended one cannot feel the weight of the club head. Once one feels the weight of the club head drop your arms down and place the club head behind the ball. Watch the pre-shot routine of the good

players and you will find that a majority of them take the grip with the club in the air at waist height. Many of them do not ground the club at address and keep it hovering slightly in the air behind the ball. This helps them feel the club head and not get tight with the arms.

In the old books the term used was ‘the hold’ and not ‘the grip’. The hold is a better term from the point of grip pressure. When a player is asked to ‘grip’ a club the mind visualises a firm or tight position of the hands. Feel that you are holding the club or are shaking hands with it and not gripping it. This would help the freewheeling action of the club head through the swing.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

Bold & beautiful
Ashima Batish

When Tarun Tahiliani makes a fashion forecast, fashion followers do take a note of it. For, the designer has been there on the top of fashion scene for two decades now. His creations along with a few others from the list have put India on the map of fashion. Here he spells trends for this season and you got to take him seriously.

What’s in

Very light and ethereal fabrics. Nothing is more comforting in the Summer than cotton or sheer chiffons. This is also the season of prints. The bolder and bigger prints are, the better it is. What matters is how good one is at choosing the bright colours and print patterns.

What’s out

Stiff fabrics. They aren’t meant for a sweltering summer like India. Over the top embroideries will make you look straight from Pluto, the coldest planet. Same goes for the heavy embellishments.

Colour count

Right mix of bling and pastels will up your fashion quotient. Lime, peach, light pink, mauve, beige, have all colours in your wardrobe to survive the hot temperatures.

Best dressed celebrity

There are no second thoughts about it, Mehr Rampal. She is still the fashion icon. After her, it’s Shilpa Shetty. Whether she is in Westerns or ethnic wear, she knows how to make head turns.

Party couture

I have always maintained that nothing works better than a saree in a sheer fabric stylishly paired with a sexy blouse for parties. Compare a short dress with a nicely draped saree over a perfect blouse, and the better pick will be apparent.

The idol designer

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfield. Not just design wise, also at forming marketing strategies, he is a genius. I was amazed at his last collection which was India inspired.

On the Indian fashion fraternity

We have a rich history of fashion. The royal houses of Jaipur, Udaipur, Patiala and Kapurthala still provide inspirations to couturiers. We designers need not ever go to the West with our creations because the whole world is coming to India, they want our designs, our creations. The Indian fashion industry has truly arrived.

Content says it all

She moved from television to regional movies to Bollywood. Actress Yami Gautam, who debuted in Hindi films with the unconventional yet successful movie Vicky Donor, says movies are not about language but about content.

“You can’t tag me as a regional actress. Whatever I did was considering the content over the language,” Yami said.

“I started my career with television and whatever work I did was keeping the content as my top most priority. Same goes with the movies, I never grabbed any work! There were a lot of offers before Vicky Donor, but I wanted to wait for the right opportunity. Side by side I was doing ads and I’m fortunate that I worked in Vicky Donor,” she added.

The 25-year-old became a known name on the small screen after working in shows like Chand Ke Paar Chaloand Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam. Before Vicky Donor, Yami featured in Kannada film Ullasa Utsaha, Telugu movie Nuvvila and Ek Noor, which was made in Punjabi.

Praising the film Vicky Donor which is about sperm donation, Yami says the movie’s success reflects the audiences’ maturity.

“The success of movie shows how Indian society is becoming open to the subject of sperm donation and does not consider it a taboo subject anymore,” she said.

In Vicky Donor, Yami plays a Bengali girl who falls in love with Vicky Arora, who donates sperms.

Though she is a part of showbiz, the actress, who is pursuing law from the Chandigarh University, says education is priceless.

“I think education never goes waste. Even if I don’t become an IAS officer and right now it is not possible in anyway, I would still want to complete my law. My father has said, ‘If you get a Filmfare Award, I would be happy but for me your degree and education is more important.’ I never underestimate education,” she said. — IANS

Side-effects of stardom

Actor-turned model Rajneesh Duggal says for any celebrity, handling fame is the most arduous task and feels some times it takes a toll on their growth. “Being a part of the industry, I know fame can very easily get to your head, fan following can make you get lost anytime. There are very few people who can comfortably handle and digest fame...fame can be a problem in the growth of a celebrity,” Rajneesh said in an interview.

The actor, who debuted in Bollywood with the movie 1920, is now looking forward to Dangerous Ishq, in which he has teamed up with Karisma Kapoor. The film will see him in four different characters from four different time zones and different religions.

Scheduled for a May 11 release, Dangerous Ishq, a thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt, also features Divya Dutta.

“I’m playing four characters with unique shades. I’m playing a Hindu from Rajasthan and a Muslim in another sequence. Since it was four different characters, I had to put all of my energy into it,” he said refusing to reveal about the other two parts.

Rajneesh, who played a religious person in 1920, expressed his views on religion related conflict in the country saying, “I think, the conflict in religion is created by politics. The major fight in the religion is related to politics. Most of the politicians are fighting over religion in our country.”

“I also feel conflict is always created by either fanatics or politicians. Common people hardly fight over religion; they respect each other and their faith. They want to live in harmony,” added the model-turned actor who is a devotee of Lord Krishna.

— IANS

TRENDSETTER
Sportsman’s spirit

Karan Ajmani
Karan Ajmani

Style defines the persona of an individual which maybe his own cultivated ‘look’ or a smart blend of what’s latest and his personal preferences. Whatever it is, such a person stands out in the crowd and is noticed by all. State-level basket ball player Karan Ajmani, a final B Com student, is all for a ‘sporty look’.

Your sense of style?

The secret of real style is to dress according to the occasion. For me, a cultivated ‘sporty look’ denotes real style.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

My Jordan high-ankle shoes from the USA.

Brand crazy or street pick-ups?

Brands for shoes and jeans and for the rest smart street wear will do.

Your style icon would be…

Christiano Ronaldo for the sporty look and Brad Pitt for the formals.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Govinda for his floral shirts!

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous

Sporty all the way.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Wearing sporty shoes with formal attire looks awful.

Your take on accessories?

For me sporty accessories like a head band, wrist or elbow band are the ideal.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When I get a compliment especially for my sporty look, it boosts my confidence.

—As told to Poonam Bindra

(If you think you too fit the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com We’ll sift the best from the rest)

Kat’s no more troubled

Actress Katrina Kaif, who is teaming up with Salman Khan again in Ek Tha Tiger, says she is not bothered about the gossip that goes around regarding her and the actor.

Katrina reportedly dated Salman when she started off her career in Bollywood but later separated. And their new movie has got the rumour mills spinning again. She was last seen with the Dabangg star in 2008 movie Yuvraaj.

“When we start working for a movie we go in as professionals. I am here to do my job and if people want to highlight baseless stories then it’s up to them. I don’t think that these stories will have any affect on my work and the film.

“I am never bothered about such stories. Why should I? I think it’s what every actor goes through. When you start working in the industry, people talking about you is normal and becomes a part of your life. Why analyse it so much?” Katrina said.

The 27-year-old actress, who first starred alongside Salman in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, said she is excited to work with him again.

“I am excited about the film, it’s shaping up well.”

Salman is working with Yash Raj for the first time and it’s my second film with them. It’s always fun working with Salman, he makes everything very comfortable on the sets,” she said.

Katrina is also working in another Yash Raj film opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The untitled film will mark the comeback of veteran director Yash Chopra after a gap of eight years. — PTI

Strictly for adults

Rapper Nicki Minaj says she would be upset if she heard children singing along to the explicit lyrics of her albums. The 29-year-old Super Bass hitmaker’s records include adult-only versions of her mainstream tracks and she said that she is a puritan at heart who believes children need protecting, reported a publication.

“I don’t want children cursing. I’m very strict on my nieces and my little brother. They have to listen to clean versions of music,” said Minaj.

“If you asked any adult, ‘Would you like your children knowing every part of your life and speaking exactly the way you speak when you talk to adults?’ they’d say no, so I’m a firm believer in children remaining children,” she added.

The singer refuses to scrap swear words from her albums, insisting it’s sexist to expect a female rapper to not use such words while her male peers continue to curse.

“Why do people ask me to lose swear words? Do people ask Eminem to lose swear words? Do they ask Lil Wayne to lose swear words? Nobody stops them and says ‘Would you stop swearing... for the children, please?’” said Minaj.

— PTI

I will move to country music: Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry wants to ditch her pop style of music and become a wholesome country singer.

The 27-year-old, who has given hits like Fireworks and Part of Me, said she wants to be like Grammy-winning singer Patty Griffin, reported a publication.

“I’ve always wanted to make something like an acoustic record. My favourite record is Patty Griffin’s Flaming Red. I discovered it when I was in Nashville.

“I definitely want to do a Patty Griffin-esque thing at some point. It’s something that I’m really excited about because I know I can do it and I haven’t really played that card yet,” Perry said.

The singer, who recently split from husband Russell Brand, is currently dating Florence and the Machine guitarist Rob Aackroyd.

— PTI

Wedding renewal

In love: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
In love: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

Pop star Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon renewed their wedding vows on the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The 42-year-old who married the TV presenter in a ceremony in the Bahamas four years ago took to Twitter to share about her incredible night, reported a publication.

“Tonight was an incredible night. I can’t express how amazing it was to renew our vows in Paris at the top of the Eiffel tower. Thank you so much to all the fans who came out as always and showed their love and support. I love you!(sic)” she posted on her Twitter page.

Cannon, who has recently battled ill health, recently said that he continued to be amazed by his marriage to Carey, with whom he has one-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.

“We get married every year; it’s our thing. I just have to keep doing it to make sure it’s real!” he has said.

— PTI

Date with words

The book fair organised by Sandhya Social and Educational Society with the assistance of National Book Trust, India, of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, Government of India, presents about 25 publishers and distributors.

Books are available on various subjects in Hindi, Punjabi and English. Educational CDs, scientific material are also available.

On till May 6 at Lajpat Rai Bhavan

Heidi Klum’s baby steps to fashion

Model-actress Heidi Klum is drawing on her experience as a mother as she is all set to launch her own fashion line for kids.

The 38-year-old German beauty, who recently split from singer husband Seal, has teamed up with bosses at retailers Babies “R” Us to create the Truly Scrumptious range of products, which will include babywear, children’s clothing, home furnishings and accessories, reported a publication.

“I know how important it is for mums to make smart purchases when it comes to shopping for their ever-growing children,” Klum said.

The model raises four kids, a daughter from her first marriage to Ric Pipino and three kids from estranged husband Seal.

The Truly Scrumptious collection will launch in Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us stores this autumn. — PTI

Power of faith

Hollywood actress Keira Knightley says if she believed in God she would have been forgiven for having done anything wrong.

The 27-year-old self-proclaimed atheist said she wished she was a Catholic because she would “just get to ask for forgiveness”, reported a publication.

“It sounds much better than having to live with guilt. It’s absolutely extraordinary. If only I wasn’t an atheist, I could get away with anything. You’d just ask for forgiveness and then you’d be forgiven,” Knightley said. — PTI





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