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Raiders’ arc
With a week to go for the raid de Himalaya, participants are all warming up
Here it comes, the time when the rallyists of Chandigarh mark in bold red on their calendar. The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya is set to take off next week, and the talk in the rallying circuit has moved on from how ‘fast’ it will be to who has the best seats, seat belts, roll cages and helmets. A must do for the die- hard rallyists, they are all geared up to keep their date with adventure and pump in adrenaline, as much as they can!
As funny as it gets
No matter how tough it gets, Raid offers its share of funny moments as well! Chandigarh’s ace rallyist Sunny Sidhu has had his hands full this year. In May, he was the body double for Telugu cinestar Ram Charan, shooting for the remake of Zanjeer. After the fast-pace action in silver Grand Vitara, Sunny was recently shooting for another automobile advertisement. “I am now preparing to be the numero uno at the Raid. I remember that at a rally once, my navigator shouted ‘right’ when we should have turned left. We landed up in the river and came out coated with mud and dirt, looking like a bhoot,” he laughs. The ‘fun’ sometimes comes from the situation. Harpreet Bawa, the guy who has turned out to be the surprise champion at marathon motorsport events can’t help laughing when he talks about the coincidence. “I celebrate my birthday at the Raid every year. Twice it has been Kaza, twice Kargil. I’m speeding through extreme terrain and some of the toughest driving conditions. This is what I want to do anyway. It’s the good life for me,” says the rallyist. There are many humorous moments, and the rallyists encounter them one time too many. Whether it is while preparing their machine or when they hit the tarmac, they can’t help grinning on things that suddenly pop up! The youngest among Chandigarh’s champion rallyists Jagmeet Gill, 28, is a professional now, driving for Team Maruti in the Adventure category. Jagmeet, the eligible bachelor, is humourous about his single status. “It’s easy to have girl-friends who are ready to wine and dine with you. No girl wants to marry a rallyist – she is afraid of his taking off on high-speed events and risking his life at the wheel every few months,” he laughs aloud.
On a serious note
Jokes apart, the Raid is a serious motorsport time for rallyists, and the big names from Chandigarh are all on board. Harkaran Singh, Dr Dhirendra Kumar, Ajay Mohan, Sunish Kumar and the rest are all set to be the first among equals. Adds Bawa, “The Raid is no cakewalk. It is the highest rally in the world.” Rallying at an amazing 6,000 meters above sea level, the Raid is staged at the highest altitudes in world motorsport. The Raid is also rated amongst the top ten toughest rallies in the world.
Technically speaking
Technology is changing, while also modernising the way motorsport events are run. Raid De Himalaya is organised by Himalayan Motorsport, the premier Shimla-based motorsport club. As for Vijay Parmar, president of Himalayan Motorsport, “Communication and timing are two of the most important parameters of a motorsport event.” The Raid now uses Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, enabling communication within a range of seven to 10 kms. “We have radio cars strung out at this distance. Every 10 to 20 minutes, we get a feedback from Marshals about who is running, who has stopped or broken down,” he adds.
It’s about time
People fight to gain every second. “The Liege Timer is the most advanced, accurate timing system which gives the organisers high credibility,” says Mayak Pareek, chief operating officer, Maruti Suzuki. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Two wheels of bliss
Bitten by the travel bug, GirishMylandla has enjoyed his solo journeys on his bike across
the country. From Kargil conflict to Orissa’s cyclone, he has seen it all...
Girish Mylandla is celebrating his 50th birthday in style. On a solo journey from Chennai (covering all states and union territories except the islands), his mission is to complete the expedition alone on his Royal Enfield Bullet in 50 days! In Chandigarh, on the 16th day of his journey on Thursday, Girish stopped by for a chat with us. A group rider in his college days, Girish hit the roads alone in 1996 when all his friends dropped out due to other engagements. He did 12,000 kms in 41 days minus any medical or mechanical back up that year. He repeated the feat in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then had to give his wandering trait some rest till this year. “Family and work kept me busy for 13 long years,” says Girish, an interior decorator by profession. But now he is free exploring roads, locales, locals and riding his beloved bike. “She is 19 years old,” he shares. Things are different this time though; it’s his first time on six-lanes as earlier he drove on two-lane highways. And he will also try for Guinness World Record for solo ride within a country if he achieves his aim of covering 18,302 kilometres in 50 days. His wife Sudha provides full back-end support from Chennai (also tracks him through GPS). The journeys, including this one, have been high on adventure. He was in Kargil during the war. “The hotel I stayed in was bombed. I rode out of the area in pitch dark minus lights and missiles flying around. I just knew that I had to make it to the other side to survive,” recalls Girish. The cyclone in Orissa in 1999 was bad and he was there too. “I dragged my bike for 36 kilometres. The electricity poles were strewn across the roads and it was with the help of locals that I managed to reach safe ground,” shares Girish. Then there have been many happy memories; touched by the natural beauty and hospitability of locals, Girish has spent memorable time in the company of total strangers who have at also invited him to stay with them! Girish is enjoying his expedition and if the weather permits, he will be home by next month’s end. “My travels are meditation on wheels,” says the man, expecting a high dose of adventure in the north-eastern states this time around. mona@tribuneindia.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: Around the end of the day your intuitive and perceptive skills would be sharp and you would be unusually sensitive to certain things. It would be this perceptiveness that may also heighten your interest in astrology.
Tarot message: Let things run their course. Lucky colour: Deep red Lucky number: 25 TAURUS: Studious persons may be preparing for an exam. Avoid getting caught up in conversations that divert you from your course. If a neighbor is going away for a while, be willing to keep an eye on their place for them. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 52 GEMINI: Relationships are essential so you must be patient with people around you. There may be times when you feel neglected; however, it may only be temporary. Both at home and with friends, exercise affection. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron Lucky number: 57 CANCER: Be careful of everything that you do, at work, since it would affect your overall career. Let all your hidden skills shine through. Business people may plan to diversify or expand in order to increase profits. Tarot message: You should focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Pale yellow Lucky number: 26 LEO: There would be an increase in confidence as you go about doing your work. Most of you would also, start planning career moves. Some of you may also, undergo trainings and skill enhancement today. Tarot message: Try not to lend money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson Lucky number: 41 VIRGO: Spending would be your focus today. There may be some splurging due to the festive air. During the mid of the day, you would be feeling stronger and more capable, at work and at home. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Aqua Lucky number: 62
LIBRA: The focus of the day would be on your ability to deal with more than one thing at a time. It is vital that you plan everything and deal with any hurdles coming your way. You should be kind to people. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels Lucky number: 60 SCORPIO: This would be quite an inspiring day. You would be able to realise your goals for the future and start working towards them. Social bonds would become stronger as you see friends and family from a new perspective. Tarot message: Do not trust people easily. Lucky colour: Ebony Lucky number: 28 SAGITTARIUS: Take care of your health and exercise caution while driving. Some of you may decide to take concrete action to improve your personal relationships. Teamwork would bring better results today. Tarot message: Allow a risky situation to pass by before starting fresh. Lucky colour: Forest green Lucky number: 33 CAPRICORN: Some of you may have exceeded your budgets limits in the past few days so now would be a good time to be rational. Domestic affairs would be calm. Socially, you may have to resolve an old problem. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Lucky number: 36 AQUARIUS: Your instincts would be relatively fast today and as a result, you would be able to make the most of situations. Deal with pending tasks at work and also, delegate, since doing too much would burn you. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Black Lucky number: 47 PISCES: Although you are driven and focused towards your goals, it is also, important that you avoid controlling team members. Understanding in professional and personal relationships, you would help you to accomplish a lot more. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for self. Lucky colour: Grey Lucky number: 58
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 1...
Your birthday falls this year on the second day of Shradh Paksha [fortnight of Shradhs spanning from September 30 to October 15]. You should be prepared to handle unexpected trends in finances. Take care of the increasing expenses. Health will be normal. Benefits at work will increase your confidence. Stop being sure
of yourself and try to work with others in a flexible way. A reliable person like you often gets stuck with boring chores. The only way to get out of this rut is to develop a lifelong passion. Without any warning you will see possibilities where you once encountered brick walls. If you play your cards right, you could have a paper or article published in a respected magazine or journal. Push your projects and deals while it is less sticky than usual. Resolve your matters, be positive ones and save the aggressiveness for an appropriate time. You will feel the urge to experience something new, which will highlight your good points. Try to be creative if you don't want to miss the opportunity of a new investment. Remember the old saying: "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." You must believe that things will soon improve. If you calm down and make a sensible decision, unfortunate circumstances can work in your favor. An emotional situation needs 'fast attention', especially if it involves in-laws and elders. Fun gatherings and good understanding makes the weekend workable. Financially this will be a favourable period. If you are keen on making fresh investments consult a professional and invest your hard earned money wisely. Investment in land or property will be beneficial. People in power are easier to reach through a pal. Finding 'just the right' inside link can lead to huge profit or 'improved relationship status.' Health won't be so good. You will be feeling weak. Moreover, there are other minor diseases in store for you. Nothing to worry though, you will get well soon. Regular health exercises will prove beneficial. It is okay to go further than usual in pursuit of pleasure as long as you understand the risks. Mood: Excited. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Sagittarius Lucky colours: Hot Pink, Lemon Chiffon Lucky days: Monday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 12, 34, 80
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Time for some magic
Samiksha Bhatnagar who was last seen in Sahara One’s Niyati and Sony Entertainment Television’s Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada has bagged two upcoming shows wherein she plays pivotal roles. She will be essaying the role of Harpreet in Veera (earlier titled Sooli Upar Sej Piya Ki) for Star Plus where she plays the wife of the protagonist. Samiksha who is a talented dancer cum singer will also be seen in SAB TV’s upcoming show Baal Veer. This show is a fantasy -based show where she plays the role of Vijdhar Pari who has the power of bijli. Of the nine fairies, she is the strongest one who protects people from evil intentions.
No reality shows for Iqbal
Tall and well-built Iqbal Khan is etched in the audiences minds as Angad from Kaisa Ye Pyaar Hai. Juggling between the big screen and the small screen, Iqbal was last seen in Sanjog Se Bani Sangini as the lead and Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli in a cameo. He is now back on the small screen as the lead actor in Teri Meri Love Stories. Iqbal will woo the audiences with his charm again as he stars in a romantic story opposite Divyanka Tripathi. Iqbal has never been a part of any one of them. The actor says he doesn’t want to share his personal life with anyone and he will not do reality shows.
Divine blessings
When someone shouts on the sets of Zee TV’s Ramayan, Calender…khana lao, then all that is served is vegetarian food. This is what we call a piece of gastronomical news. The news is that everyone on the sets of Ramayan, the cast and crew, have shunned non-vegetarian food and turned to veggies. The crew has turned vegetarian to get the feel of the show and to get into the skin of the characters. Gagan Malik aka Ram set the ball rolling. Actually, it was Gagan’s mother who asked him to give up non-vegetarian food as he is playing a pious role. Obeying his mother’s decision the actor gave up on it. However, soon after that, Neha Sargam aka Sita too treaded the same path. When Ram and Sita went veggies, Laxman couldn’t have been left behind! Neil Bhatt, an eggetarian also took an oath to give up eating eggs. Moti Sagar, the producer of the show was impressed with the move and later decided to stop the availability of non-vegetarian food on the sets.
No takers
Shilpa Anand who was recently seen in one of the telefilms on Star Plus’ Teri Meri Love Stories is anxiously waiting for the release of her Bollywood flick, Bloody Ishhq. The actress says she hasn’t received any good offers from television yet but she would love to come back. Love never dies
Veena Malik once again has fallen in love and it is none other than her ex lover, Pakistani cricketer Mohd. Asif. Veena recalls her special moment, which she has spent with Asif. Says Veena, “I miss Asif a lot. Once he gave me relaxing feet massage.” Veena broke her relationship with Asif after his name came in the limelight for a match fixing scam. Now, she seems to have forgotten every glitch with Asif and is emotional yet again.
More to come
Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, on Sony Entertainment Television, is currently witnessing some intense drama wherein scenes of how neurosurgery is done are being shown. Soon the plot will see some more interesting twists and turns. In the upcoming episodes, Dr Ashutosh and Dr Nidhi will find an orphan girl named Khushi and both will develop a liking for her. While Dr Ashutosh will feel that they should adopt the girl, Dr Nidhi will be apprehensive about it. Slowly, Dr Nidhi will also start liking the girl. But even after all this the couple will not adopt the girl. Seeing the girl’s apathy, Dr Nidhi will start to feel that motherhood is indeed a blessing.
Cool gurus
Touch & go
He always wanted to do Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, but filmmaker Karan Johar says that India's Got Talent (IGT) is his window to the coutnry and that he has gained a lot by being part of the talent show. Karan started his stint as a judge on small screen with the fifth season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. Drawing a comparison between the two, Karan said," Jhalak... is the show I always wanted to do but never had the time for, whereas IGT fascinated me tremendously. Jhalak... is a celebrity dance show whereas as IGT brings hidden talent from across the country. It is very fascinating and I feel it has nurtured me."
— IANS
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Secret Islands of the stars
Bollywood celebrities work hard, making and promoting movies most of the year. No wonder, they love their annual vacations. Check out some of their favourite destinations
Sand, sea and surfing
Priyanka Chopra loves Thailand: Priyanka is a beach babe and loves all the islands of Thailand such as Koh Samui and Phuket. She went on a long overdue holiday to Thailand for a week, a couple of years ago and then went again for her birthday break.
Saif Ali Khan loves London: The nawab studied in England and has many friends there. He went for a reunion recently. He celebrated his birthday with Kareena at their favourite hotel in London and also whisked her off to London for her birthday this year. He has a flair for doing things and holidaying is something Saif takes very seriously and religiously.
Kareena Kapoor loves Switzerland: Kareena fell in love with the heavenly mountainous country when Saif started taking her there for their annual vacations. They go there once, if not twice a year. Their families and friends join them too. Bebo wants to buy a house there and wouldn't mind living there for a few months each year.
Under the Tuscan sun
Home alone: Anushka Sharma
An evening in Paris
Kangna Ranaut loves Paris: She loves the good life filled with good food and fashionable clothes. Therefore, she loves Paris. She recently visited the City of Lights while shooting for a movie and wants to go there for her honeymoon.
Queen size: Kangna Ranaut
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Denial mode
Simmi Waraich
Vikash, Chandigarh Some people are introverts and continue to be so. He may be wary of accepting his own mistakes and may be avoiding getting a job. You could push him and insist he applies for work and start contributing to household expenses. You could continue to encourage him to go for counselling regularly, agree on a contract with him where he goes once a week for a period of three months that way he will form a rapport with his counsellor and slowly be introduced to new ideas and ways of dealing with things. What else does he do around the house? Allot a few chores, like gardening or fetching daily requirements or discuss with him what he can do around the house. Maintain your relationship by spending time together. Do remember, he is 30 and is responsible for the decisions he is taking in his life even if you feel they are not correct. Be there for him but also help him become independent by being clear that he is expected to contribute monetarily and otherwise at home. For a week or two, I feel low and sad. Negative thoughts brew in my mind. Then for one or two weeks I may feel quite happy and enjoy going out and doing things. However, the negative thoughts do affect my life and my relationships as at those times I avoid people and stay away from friends. I have been told I have cyclothymia. Is that serious? Harpreet, Mohali See, when one is told that one has a particular disorder, it may be upsetting for a while but a diagnosis just helps to identify the condition. However, learning about it helps—one realises that it is not all in our hands but how we deal with this disorder matters. Remind yourself to take it slow and be kind to yourself. Identify triggers and have a plan in mind for the low days. talk to relatives about how on certain days, you may not wish to talk but appreciate having them around and giving you time. Get therapy regularly. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psychiatrist)
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For a cause
Punjabi singer Jassi Jasraj is back with his though provoking album There are some people who try to do their bit regarding some serious issues and Jassi
Jasraj, a Punjabi singer is one of them. He has recently come up with his album Tezaab 1984: Ik
Ardaas. Says Jassi, “The album is based on the 1984 incident. It’s been 28 years and we haven’t seen any sign of justice. The album is a request to everyone to wake up and fight for
it.” Jassi has penned the lyrics of the album. He has also directed the video besides being the singer of the moving songs. “I had been working on this album for three years, which is based on an interesting concept.” While working on sensitive issues, one needs to be sure about the facts, which is why Jassi has roped in Harvinder Singh
Phoolka, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court. “I thank Harvinder Singh Phoolka who has given commentary in the song regarding the case as he has been fighting against it for many years now.” We wonder what kind of songs the album includes. “Tezaab 1984 is the main track, which is a 17 min song along with the video. The other number Tandoor is also interesting.” Jassi wants the youth to support this album, as he says, “The album has received a good response on
Youtube.” About his projects in pipeline, the singer is coming up with another music album Zanjeer 2. He will also be acting in a Punjabi movie. “Being a writer I can understand all kinds of expressions, which is also the job of an actor.” Dedication can go a long way to bring a change and this is what life is all about.
sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Making of a good poem
Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi organised a Ru-ba-ru with the eminent Punjabi poet, Parminderjeet On Saturday evening at the UT Guest House. The event was attended by a large number of prominent writers of the city. Parminderjeet has made a name for himself in the field of poetry and literary journalism as well. At the event Parminderjeet regaled the audience with an impassioned account of his journey as writer and publisher, the various milestones and hurdles he encountered and more. He spoke at length on poetry and what he considers a good poem. In his opinion, every poem must have its own music and rhythm, which comes only after the poet undergoes rigorous discipline and practice. Although free verse is popular now, in the poet's opinion it is harder to write because the tools that are available in rhymed poetry are not used and the writer has to depend on his / her own ingenuity to bring in the poetic effect. Parminderjeet concluded the session by reading some of his poems to great applause. In particular, his poem entitled "Shukranama" was much appreciated. The evening's session was chaired by KK Rattu, director of Doordarshan, Chandigarh, who commented on the achievements of Parminderjeet at the end of the session.
— TNS
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Yash Chopra calls it a day
Veteran film maker Yash Chopra turned 80 last week. It was indeed a moment to savour for the film industry and the entire country.
The director also received a special treat when he was interviewed by Shahrukh Khan in a small chit-chat. The conversation was around the life that he has spent in
Bollywood.
Yash Chopra also declared that Jab Tak Hai Jaan would be his last film as a director. He said, “Jab Tak Hai Jaan will be my last film as a director. I have got enough love in my 50 years of career. The industry has given me so much. Now I want to encourage and motivate young talent - be it actors, directors or other technicians. I feel accomplished today.”
Yash Chopra started his career, as a director, with Dhool ka Phool in 1959. The movie was very successful. Later on he went on to direct movies like
Deewar, Silsila, Chandni, Darr, Dil to Pagal Hai, Veer Zaara. It’s an endless list of memorable movies.
— HRM
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Alia is one in 400!
Director-producer Karan Johar, who is launching Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia in his upcoming film Student Of The Year, says the newcomer wasn't the first choice for the movie.
The 19-year-old debutante plays the role of a rich brat named Shanaya Singhania in the film, which also stars newbies Varun Dhawan and Siddharth
Malhotra. "We screen tested over 400 girls from across Mumbai and other cities. This is when Niranjan Iyengar told me that Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia was raring to go and she could just be the right fit for the film. I did her test and was convinced that she had this X factor that could work for the film," Johar said. And though Alia was fit for the role, Karan says the only problem was that she was on the heavier side, which didn't set well with the vision of his female protagonist. "The only thing that I had to ask her was to lose weight. Since she had a few extra kilos on her, she was assigned a dietician as well as a trainer. She worked for full three months and came back all slim and ready to face the camera," he said.
— PTI
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With wedding season on the way, Silk Utsav at Kisan Bhawan brings the best of fabrics from across the country. Organised by
Rashtriya Sanskriti Samaj Avom Sabhayata New Delhi, this exhibition gives the weavers and artisans from across the country a chance to display and sell their ware. You can buy all kinds of silk here. Starting Rs 350 per metre there is a range of fabrics to choose from: plain, with block prints and zari work. What we noticed is raw silk suits with block print dupattas starting Rs1,300 onwards. Also available is a range of saris from routine wear cotton to silk ones for the wedding. Amongst the 70 odd stalls, the one from Andhra Pradesh has interesting range of crochet stuff. From table runners to dresses, this has it all. You can pick up a beautiful bright top for Rs 550. Silver jewellery as well as imitation, achar murabbas to handlooms, terracotta figurines and lamps, Silk Utsav offers a range of stuff. On till October 8.
— TNS
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Pop star couple Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber love going on romantic Disneyland dates. The 20-year-old singer-actress and her boyfriend like taking time out of the spotlight by visiting theme parks together, but while Bieber insists that they go to Disneyland, Gomez prefers something a little more exciting, reported a publication online. "We go to Disneyland a lot, he likes it, but we go to Knott's Scary Farm event at Knott's Berry Farm in California because that's my favourite. I'm the kind of person that likes to get scared - but I'm covering my eyes and ears the entire time," Gomez said in a talk show. The pair have been inseparable since they began dating 18 months ago and she said that she is missing the Boyfriend singer since he left on his world tour. The couple has been going steady since they started dating each other. All this, despite theirs being one of the most talked about relationships.
— PTI
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Shraddha Nigam [ October 1, 1979 ] became popular after her debut serial Choodiyan. Later she played the role of a detective in a popular serial Krishna Arjun along with Hussain Kuwajerwala. Shradhha Nigam has also played roles in serials like Krishna Arjun and Choodiyan. The stars do not support her career in the glamorous world.
Life OK will soon see a new talent show for kids, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz. This unique talent show will be judged by actress Sonali Bendre and dance guru Terence Lewis. The show is based on a simple concept. There will be no eliminations or aggressive competition. In fact, all participants will be given a chance to showcase their talent and a select few will get the opportunity to display their talent once more. Sonali Bendre is all for the cause. She says that there will no fighting among the judges.
London dreams
The girl from the Alps
Anushka Sharma loves The Himalayas: Anushka Sharma loves holidaying by herself at different destinations around the globe. She is particularly fond of the Himalayas. Recently, she had a great time at beaches across Italy. She has said that Italian men genuinely compliment women without making them uncomfortable, a trait which Indian men lack.
My son is 30 years old. He is an introvert though he has a few friends. He was working but recently lost his job. One reason for that was that he used to get late for work. However, he disagrees and thinks that none warned him about being late. We are worried about him as he hardly goes out and is not getting married as well. We have taken him for
counselling.
