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Fight to win
The saddest part of it all is that every single woman has a story to tell about such shameful acts. Not everyone gets a chance to fight back, not everyone has the courage to fight back…not everyone is able to win the fight. We get you stories of some who actually did and came out unscathed. Sakshi Mittal, a final-year BSc student, warded-off the unwarranted 'friendship' requests by a male senior for quite some time. Till one night, as she waited for her father after a department party, he approached her and started misbehaving. A tight slap from her was enough to bring him to sense; soon her friends came to the rescue and her father joined in to thrash the guilty party. "Any girl in my situation would have been scared. I dared fight back because I was trained in martial arts," says Sakshi, who is an assistant instructor at Kings Academy of Martial Arts-33, Chandigarh. Now, along with her team, she is planning to hold free self-defense classes for girls. With no such training, for Asha it was her quick wit that saved her the day. Promising a job, this duo took her out in an auto for an 'interview'. Seeing the auto move out of Chandigarh, she panicked. When one of them got down from the auto to buy liquor, she could figure out that trouble was near. "Before I could do anything, I was sitting in the middle of two men with the auto rapidly moving out of city limits. Without giving them time to react, I just flung myself out of the auto," she recalls. It was her good fate that an elderly gentleman helped the injured Asha find her way back home. For Saloni, a BPO employee, constant lewd messages were too much to bear. "Sadly, the scenario in our society is such that it's the victim who feels embarrassed rather than the perpetrator. It took me some courage to approach the authorities but once I registered the complaint, I did get rid of the problem." Walking on the roads, public transport, office canteen or even the so-called safe confines of the house…there is hardly a place where a woman is not taunted, pinched, touched, shoved or felt. A recent study by Assocham is startling: 'It's 92 per cent of working women who feel insecure especially after dark'. Well, the nation is rising. Hope is all we have!
Hit back If caught in a situation, one can use common objects to ward-off any attacker: — Ekjot Kaur, instructor, Extreme Martial Arts
There are many laws for crimes against women. Where we fail as a society is lack of will to enforce them. The need of the hour is speed justice. Capital punishment in rape cases might not be a feasible idea because it is observed that higher the punishment, more the chances of acquittal. However, chemical castration that is prevalent in some countries for child sex crimes can be considered. — Ravi Sodhi, lawyer, author and jurist
Indian Penal Code has these sections under which one can lodge a complaint: Section 294: Obscene acts and songs. Section 354: Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty. Section 509: Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
mona@tribunemail.com
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A voice, a legend
A child-like innocent smile you will immediately warm up to, a smile that is a hallmark of her grace and strength. She adjusts the dupatta on her head, her phulkari adding colour to her fair skin. Save for the grey hair and one-odd line that absent-mindedly crosses her face, Gurmeet Bawa, the legendary Punjabi folk singer, hasn't moved much in time. She tells us that her appointment diary is booked with shows for the remaining days of the year and we know the reason why! Accompanied by her daughter Lachhi Bawa, who is also a singer, Gurmeet Bawa opens up slowly in the conversation; of course with a smile. Along with Punjabi folk singer Sukhshinder Shinda, she was felicitated by the Punjab Kala Parishad at the Punjab Gaurav Samman Samaroh at the Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh, on Thursday.
Then & now She would enthrall a gathering of hundreds in akhaaras with her Mirza, Jugni and Suhaag. The singer has travelled to 25 countries with her voice and the magic continues. "I am still singing," she answers, wondering what is so surprising about it! "But, I only sing folk songs. Earlier, akharaas were the only way of listening to singers, now you have so many options." This hasn't affected her fan-following. "It is not only elders, youngsters also like listening to my songs. They request me to sing my old numbers," we catch a fulfilling smile there! I will go on… Gurmeet Bawa has popularised Jugni, the song which has now been sung by almost every singer. When it comes to performing on stage till date, she says, "I can sing for hours together." Well, she can still give many Punjabi singers a run for their money and will be releasing an album on folk music pretty soon. "I still go to many villages in Punjab because I feel there are many tales and folklores that can be dug out." She moves with time, but at her own rhythm. "I realised at a very early stage that I would only sing folk music; this is something I want to preserve so that the younger generation knows what folk music and instruments are all about." Riyaaz — the magical word Given her growing age, one wonders where Gurmeet Bawa collects all the energy from. "Riyaaz, I do it almost every day either in the morning or the evening," shares Gurmeet Bawa with her daughter adding that her mother believes in yoga. Any particular diet chart? "No fried food; I like pakoras but I can't eat them," she shares her little secret! Singer, song-writer, a bhangra record producer; Sukshinder Shinda totally believes in carrying forward the rich folk tradition of Punjab. He definitely misses the
akharaas, but he has also attuned himself to the times. "To sell something, vark lagaana hunda
hai. Nonetheless, I am connected to the rich folk culture. I sing with folk instruments, at the same time I have musicians with their set-up on the dais." In 2006, Sukshinder Shinda won two awards at the UK Asian Music Awards for the 'Best Album' and 'Best
Video'. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Colours of Christmas
To welcome the New Year in style and to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the students of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)-8, Chandigarh organised a theme-based Christmas party.
The students were dressed in self-designed attires according to the theme- Merry Christmas. They enthusiastically participated in the X-mas celebration and decorated the venue in the colours of Christmas—white and red with dashes of green. Students made handmade cutouts of beautiful Santa caps, golden and silver bells, vibrant stars, mistletoes, golden lights and innovative stockings to create the true Christmas eve atmosphere by using their imagination and creative talent. The highlight was a huge backdrop painted by the interior design students showing the arrival of Santa on his famous sledge at midnight. The students danced to festive tunes rendered by DJ Bhanu. They gave a wonderful dance performance on popular Bollywood numbers. Prizes were given to the winners of best dancer, Best dressed student, best dressed faculty and winners of musical chairs game. —TNS
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Picture this...
Khushi Motion Pictures' Bhushan Sharma is ready with two Hindi feature films for release in May 2013. In keeping with their distinct style, owner Bhushan Sharma announced two back to-back projects, ready for release and titled Pranam Walekum and Couching Tiger Mannu.
They plan to tackle various genres such as social drama, satire, comedy, love story, fantasy and so on.—TNS
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Party time
Christmas is around the corner and it means you will have a lot of parties. Da Milano presents a glamorous and striking collection of party bags and other leather accessories on this Christmas party season.
The party range includes wallets, I pad covers, belts and more. The price range for ladies handbags in Italian leather starts from Rs 7,995 and leather accessories starts from Rs 1,999 onwards. The collection is available at all Da Milano Boutiques across India. — TNS
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Will the world end?
Many believe that December 21 will mark a major shift in the history of our planet be it with a massive cosmic collision, a global environmental disaster, an Armageddon-like religious showdown, or a more subtle transformation. There is no cogent distinction between the sobering facts and hysterical fiction—what, if any, modern scientific proof exists?
Is there any other compelling evidence throughout history that 2012 will be a year of unprecedented, deadly upheaval? A special show called Nostradamus on Histroy channel looks for the parallels between the nightmarish daily headlines and the 2012 prophecies from Nostradamus
and others.
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STAR TRACK Salman Khan is known for recommending his friends and helping them establish or revive their careers in Bollywood. We tell you about his new friendships and some of his finds! Katrina Kaif: She would have faded into sultry oblivion had it not been for Salman who took a shining to her. She owes a large portion of her success to him because he got her decent movies and even acted with her. He is the only family she has in Mumbai and he still takes care of her. Zarine Khan: He signed her on for Veer because she looks like Katrina Kaif. Her career has not really gone places though he recommended her for an item song in Ready in which she looked hot. She also did Housefull 2. She can barely act but is a regular in the fashion show circuit. Sneha Ullal: He signed her on for Lucky No Time For Love because she resembles his former flame Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. That was the last prominent film she did and has disappeared for quite a few years. Preity Zinta: She is planning to re-launch her career with Ishqk in Paris which is lying in the cans for lack of distributors and because the director is sick. Salman is helping her find a good distributor because no one can turn down Salman Khan. She also did an item song in Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Sonakshi Sinha: He asked her to get into shape and gave her a blockbuster debut with Dabangg. She is doing Dabangg 2 as well and has since done other blockbuster masala films like Rowdy Rathore and Son of Sardaar. She is Bollywood's new lucky mascot and is usually paired opposite the older heroes. The uncles have got their auntie!
Make us feel safe
The brutal gang rape on a moving bus in Delhi has drawn strong reactions from the whole country, including Bollywood as many female stars raised questions about their safety in the Capital. Here’s what they wrote on Twitter:
Priyanka Chopra: “It's so scary that an independent woman in her own country cannot take a bus without the fear of being attacked.. This is not just a crime against women.. It's a crime against society.. With so much being said about how women need to dress appropriately or behave appropriately.. I find this whole dialogue absurd.. A woman is not raped because she's out at night or wearing a short dress or drinking.. She's raped cause SOMEONE bloody RAPED HER!! And there is no excuse or explanation for that!! Small men who feel powerful by taking on a young girl minding her own business?! Living her beautiful life?! Why Kind of a democracy r we living in? Where a girl can't be all she is wants to be just out of fear if Man!! Is this India Shining?? Is this even India? Whr is the fear if the law? Of the Govt? It's shameful!’ Huma Qureshi: “I am girl. I am from Delhi. It could hav been me. Fear is not a deterrent. Only a temp sensational way of brushing aside the real issue. Stop nurturing men 2 think they r masters. Its not ok to b rude, uncouth even in seemingly small ways. In dat attitude is d seed of d problem. Or women to think that they r either 2 be put indoors, away from d male gaze nor goddesses to b put on a pedestal.” Ayesha Takia Azmi: “Enough is enough with the amount of assaults, molestations, Rapes n eveteasing in this country. We as women need to feel safe n all of us as indian citizens ask for the death penalty/ capital punishment for Rapists! We want this to stop, we want women's rites to b acknowledged, we want strict laws n Capital punishment for rapists! Parents need to teach sons to respect women, instead of asking women to stop leaving the house!” Simi Garewal: “The Constitution guarantees safety & security of our citizens? Who is in charge?? Who will take care of our women from rapist beasts? Beware this army of beasts that are being spawned in India!! Mothers – what are u teaching your sons? How can the lawmakers watch silently?” Gul Panag: “It's time we stopped seeing this as a Delhi problem. Lack of safety of women is a systemic, endemic Indian problem.” Farah Khan Ali: “The time has arrived 4 d Indian woman 2 learn self defence instead of learning how 2 cook. Time 2 take matters in r own hands. Protect urself.” Shabana Azmi: “Certainty of punishment acts as deterrent Death penalty not d answer. Conviction rate in rape cases is non existent. Guarantee safety of women. Rape underreported bcoz victim is blamed dat she invited it. Ven woman says she is raped onus must rest on accused to prove otherwise.” Shriya Saran: “Don't take it lightly because you locality, neighbourhood or city is safe. Tomorrow it could be you. Let's make sure that incidents like these are not repeated ever again. Men should be afraid of the repercussions before they even think of it.” Lisa Haydon: “What sort of sexually oppressed beasts roam our country! Disgusted!” Geeta Kapur: “Don't give speeches on how 2run a country. stop women frm wanting to run away from a country where they feel naked whilst being fully clothed.” Sandhya Mridul: “I suggest all mothers have a chat with your sons and teach your daughters martial arts! Nobody else here to protect you .. Start at home!”
Sonam Kapoor is a pretty girl with a good heart. She is selling 50 pieces from her wardrobe which she has worn in movies and on the red carpet and events. The proceeds of the sale will go to Smile Foundation. The sales will take place at Pernia's Pop Up Shop website and feature many of her popular clothes which are in mint condition. The prices vary from Rs 1,000 to Rs 40,000.
Another item song for Veena
After finishing the shoot for Kannada remake of The Dirty Picture, Veena Malik recently shot for an item number in a Punjabi film titled Jatts Golmaal. The film stars Arya Babbar in lead role, who will be next seen in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. She is doing six back-to-back movies, including The City That Never Sleeps where she will break Guinness Book of World Records which is directed by Haroon Rashid and produced by Satish Reddy. Now, she is all set to make Punjabis groove with her Veena said, “It was great fun and I loved the song and this is first time I had done an item number for a Punjabi movie. Farah Khan’s team has shot it amazingly. I am looking forward to it because it’s a fun song and I hope people love it.” The number has been sung by Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan.
Going bohemian
Chitrangda Singh plays a rookie intern and sports a bohemian look in the beginning of the film Inkaar. So she and stylist Rick Roy went shopping for junk jewellery in Mumbai and had fun doing that! She even got her nose pierced to get into the skin of the character. The film has been shot in Mumbai and Bangkok.
Family & Filmfare score
Kareena Kapoor has won six Filmfare awards so far and she feels Ranbir Kapoor will cross her record pretty soon.
My awards I always wanted to become an actress and win Filmfare awards. I would imagine giving a speech and thanking my family and friends and fans and directors. I have won six so far for Jab We Met, Omkara, Chameli, Dev, Refugee, and We Are Family. I am looking forward to nominations next year as I had four releases this year with Ek Main Aur Ekk Tuu, Heroine, Agent Vinod and Talaash. Ranbir’s achievements Ranbir has already won four awards for Saawariya, Rockstar and Wake Up Sid. Now I have competition in the family only but it is a very proud moment for us Kapoors. My grandfather won 11 Filmfare awards and being a Kapoor puts pressure on you to live up to the name and act well! I am very proud of Ranbir and the movies he has chosen. I am taking it slow right now and I am doing Prakash Jha's Satyagraha in 2013 along with Punit Malhotra's romantic comedy with Imran Khan again. Imran is one of my favourite co-stars.
Back in business
Shilpa Shetty is an excellent dancer and will be judging a dance reality show. She has lost all her baby weight and is glowing more than ever! She has even got a lovely new short hair-do and looks fabulous. She is excited about judging the dance show's latest season.
Bips reunites with Sallu
Salman Khan has roped in Bipasha Basu as the brand ambassador for brother Sohail Khan’s Mumbai team for a celebrity cricket tournament. She was chosen instead of Sonakshi Sinha, Kangana Ranaut, and Zarine Khan. She made friends with the star again post her break-up with John Abraham. John and Salman don't get along but now Bips is back in Salman's good books.
For the last song of Dabangg 2, Saanson Mein, shot exclusively on the Desert Highways of Dubai. Salman Khan rode the 1800 cc Suzuki bike. Radhika and Vinay, who directed the song, says the whole unit was stunned as Salman was riding the bike at 190 km per hour and in the middle of the take a sand storm started. Nobody was able to see anything but Salman with precision rode the bike through the storm and gave a perfect shot. Radhika, Vinay and the whole team took a sigh of relief seeing Salman and Sonakshi safe as the storm passed away. So special
Shah Rukh Khan was a special guest at the 87th birthday celebrations of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad on Friday. And guess who accompanied him from Bollywood? Sonal Chauhan! The actress was the only other B-town name to be invited to the exclusive bash. Both flew into Kuala Lumpur in a private plane only for a few hours for the
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Nostradamus prophecies on TV
Many believe that December 21 will mark a major shift in the history of our planet be it with a massive cosmic collision, a global environmental disaster, an Armageddon-like religious showdown, or a more subtle transformation.
There is no cogent distinction between the sobering facts and hysterical fiction—what, if any, modern scientific proof exists? Is there any other compelling evidence throughout history that 2012 will be a year of unprecedented, deadly upheaval? A special show called Nostradamus on Histroy channel looks for the parallels between the nightmarish daily headlines and the 2012 prophecies from Nostradamus
and others.
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We are one!
General entertainment channel Life OK celebrated its first birthday, completing an eventful and highly successful year of redefining content and inspiring imagination. The channel gave a diverse blend of content ranging from mythology to comedy, thriller to reality and drama.
It has got appreciation from the viewers especially for popular mythological saga Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev. Ajit Thakur, general manager, Life OK, said: "We have completed a year of providing refreshing entertainment to India. Every journey starts with a single step and for us, that step was taken last year. I'm overwhelmed to see that Life OK has successfully managed to become an integral part of millions of Indian homes. We are thankful to our audiences for welcoming us into their lives.”
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New releases
Producers: Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan Chulbul Pandey is back with Dabangg 2 and the audience is going to go crazy seeing Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha in this action movie which also stars Vinod Khanna, Prakash Raj, Arbaaz Khan, Deepak Dobriyal and Manoj Pahwa. Dabangg marked the return of action films and Dabangg 2 takes it to a higher level with some of best action scene ever conceived. The promos are already on air and have created a frenzy. Sajid-Wajid compositions are ready to beat all the dance numbers Salman Khan had done before. The song Pandeyji Seeti Bajaye… has Sonakshi Sinha matching Khan's macho moves. Malaika Arora Khan is also part of the racy track. Well, Dabangg 2 has also an item number Fevicol se…picturised on sizzling Kareena
Kapoor. So, viewers catch Dabangg2 at a theatre near you. All in all it promises to be full on entertainer with Salman Khan with his trademark sunglasses. Rise of the Guardians
Producer: Nancy Bernstein, Christina Steinberg Rise Of The Guardians is an epic adventure animated film which also releases today at multiplexes. This one is based on William Joyce's The Guardians Of Childhood book series and short film, The Man In The Moon by Joyce and Reel Fx. So get ready to watch another animated film which is touted as a different epic adventure in the trade circles. It stars Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman and Alec Baldwin. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: You can achieve quite a lot once you get going. Never trust a stranger. In close relationships, do not let friends and family get in the way. Use your own logic and reason to deal with difficulties.
Tarot message: Be creative in your business. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Lucky number: 60
TAURUS: Work will progress smoothly. You will be in the mood to socialise and meet new people. Your hectic schedule will leave you feeling tired; make it a priority to rest and relax. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded.
Lucky colour: Violet. Lucky number: 27 GEMINI: Be extra-careful if you are signing any papers, as there could be more to the situation than meets the eye. There will be new career opportunities due to your past efforts. Tarot message: Do not try to end all deadlocks in one go.
Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 39 CANCER: Health and physical energy is good, but you need to take frequent breaks as well as watch your diet. Travel plans for business are possible. Monetary gains are indicated. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your path of success. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Lucky number: 40 LEO: If there are important meetings today, you need to be focused as seniors will take note of your ability to handle last-minute changes. Don't take financial decisions in haste. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duty on time. Lucky colour: Navy-blue.
Lucky number: 61 VIRGO: You will be unable to make up your mind about an important decision; spend some time mulling over your options and don't hesitate to discuss things. You will be in a cheerful frame of mind. Tarot message: Avoid confrontation. Lucky colour: White.
Lucky number: 37
LIBRA: You feel exhausted; take time-off from your hectic schedule. Spending time with loved ones will be a priority. Money matters will be on your mind. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes.
Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 31 SCORPIO: You could be tense and in a restless mood due to matters concerning your career or personal life. Don't give in to uncertainties. Tarot message: Do not delegate your tasks to anyone. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Lucky number: 29 SAGITTARIUS: Try to tune into today's influences, which will restore you to amiable humour. Focus on health. Business can be carried out successfully. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink.
Lucky number: 65 CAPRICORN: You will learn from practical experience. There is a blossoming of consciousness. Music and dip in the arts are uplifting. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting afresh. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 27 PISCES: Just proceed slowly and cautiously, double-check everything. Do not let feelings of inadequacy bog you down. Yoga and swimming are great fitness exercises for you. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 63
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The brutality of the Delhi incident has shocked our very sedate Indian mentality to the core. Rightfully so, the nation is seething in anger. Has not every single woman in this country, at some point in time or the other, faced such a situation in varying degrees?
If on the ground, pick up the soil and throw it into the attacker's eyes.
Be aware
Changing with time
super hot item number in upcoming Punjabi movie Jatts Golmaal, which is directed by Kshitij Chaudhary. Arya Babbar will be seen in a lead role in the flick.
Future plans
AQUARIUS: Just knuckle down to doing what is good for you. Let today's influences bounce up your optimism. There is a good deal of success coming your way very soon. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Lucky number: 42