The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Smart move The phenomenon of smartphones has enabled people to stay connected 24/7 with either their loved ones or business associates… Gurvinder Singh Aman works in the insurance sector. As compared to the rest of the times when he would reach home late, these days he is more or less on time to catch up with his family. Thanks to the smartphones loaded with numerous applications, one of which is navigation. Mobile phone applications are increasingly touching every sphere of our lives, business, office and home. “There are applications for all the things. People come and ask us to download special applications for different tasks,” says Jayant Sharma from a mobile store. “One needs to hold the camera in one direction to scan the hotels, restaurants and important landmarks on a particular route. This is magic,” says Aman. These smartphones have replaced the point-and-shoot camera. These phones offer better quality pictures and better results. In fact, they have replaced a normal digital camera. “I used to keep two cameras, but now I keep one camera and a smartphone, which performs the role of a digital camera,” says Sarabjit, a photographer. “In addition, there are a host of photo editing features, which are available on smartphones. It saves me a lot of time,” he adds. Taking panorama shots has become much easy. News and information have become easily accessible through smartphones. “I hardly read the newspapers and watch news on television. I browse through the news online on my phone while commuting,” says Abhishek, a businessman. The latest applications are also helping users maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Applications like pocket doctor, medi-scape, my fitness, diet and calorie are becoming popular among health-conscious people,” says Jayant.
	Par Excellence Bouncing back Open the face of the club to create bounce Jesse Grewal The angle of approach of the golf club influences the type and quality of the impact with the ball and the impact of the club on the ground. If the angle of approach is steep, the club head will tend to dig into the ground or get a deep divot. When the angle of approach is shallow, there will be less or no divot. The base or the sole of the golf club is slightly curved. The leading edge is slightly higher than the lowest point which is just ahead of the centre of the sole. The angle the leading edge makes from the club head’s lowest point is called the bounce. The more the club is curved at the bottom or the sole the more is the bounce. The sand wedges made four decades ago used to have a lot of bounce and were pre-dominantly used out of the bunker where the bounce is required. As the greens got faster, more loft was required in the wedges to create back spin while playing shots from around the green and therefore the sand wedge was used from the fairways. Because the leading edge was high it was difficult to play them off bad lies. The club designers reduced the bounce on the club to enable us to play from hard or thin lies. When the ball is in a bad lie, in a divot or thick grass, we need to hit down on the ball or create a steep angle of approach. When the club is approaching at a steep angle the leading edge tends to dig in to the ground. Opening the club face makes the club strike the ground at the lowest point of its sole and not the leading edge. This helps the club skid through the ground without digging in. The lower the bounce the club has especially the wedges, the more we have to open the face. Players, who do not like to open the face as they are unable to aim, should get wedges with a higher bounce. The problem with wedges with high bounce is that they tend to top the ball from hard and dry lies as the leading edge is off the ground and does not get under the ball. Hard lies are common in most of our golf courses and therefore it is advisable to get a wedge with a low or mid bounce and open the face when we need to create a steep down 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)
	TRENDSETTER Nothing formal We love fashion and we love trends and those who are trendy enough definitely get second looks. So, let’s hear what our trendsetter Himanshu Dawar, an MBA student, has to say about his signature style… Your sense of style? Suitability and the body image convey the right quotient of style. The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories.. My watch from Tag Heuer. Brand crazy or street pick-up? Only brands for me! Who would be your style Icon? Ranvijay Singh from The Roadies. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity? Kangana Ranaut. Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous? Sporty. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension? I don’t like wearing formal clothes or body exposing apparel. Your take on accessories? Accessories should complement the clothes. I personally like to wear scarves. Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by? Manish Malhotra is a sure bet! What gives you a high on the confidence level? When I am financially independent, I feel confident. —As told to Poonam Bindra
	Master Chef Crunchy kernels Kaushik Jadali Corns like peas and potatoes are versatile ingredients. Steam them, fry them or cook them, they can be had in all forms. They add such a beautiful colour to the dish besides making it crunchy. Here, we have a convenient snack to make with ingredients off the shelf. Corn salt & pepper Ingredients Corn kernels 400 gm Ajino motto 10 gm Lemon 1 Salt pepper to taste Vinegar 4 drops Chopped ginger and garlic 20 gm Spring onion chopped 30 gm Chopped red and green chilles 20 gm Cooking wine or brandy 4 drops Corn flour 200 gm Oil for frying Method Put corn kernels, salt, sugar, white pepper and lemon juice in a bowl. Leave it for 5 minutes. Dust it with corn flour. Deep fry till crisp. Take a non-stick pan and put the all chop ingredients together and sauté for 30 seconds. Mix the corn kernels and sprinkle the seasoning. Put the lemon juice and brandy. Serve hot with chili sauce. (Chef Kaushik Jadali is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra
	star track Gown & glory Ethereal, strapless silhouettes and wavy tresses gave the Oscars red carpet a patina of old Hollywood glamour on Sunday as the year's top actresses and presenters led the way in blush, grey and black sequined gowns. Silver Linings Playbook Best Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence, 22, wowed critics with her off-white Christian Dior Couture strapless gown with a full-tiered skirt and a long necklace dropping down her back. The actress, who is the face of Christian Dior's Miss Dior brand and has been wearing the designer to the awards leading up to the Oscars, said it was the only dress she tried on for the event. Fellow Dior brand ambassador Charlize Theron wore a white strapless couture gown from the French fashion house. Halter-neck column gowns were a popular trend on the red carpet as stars opted for a long and lean silhouette this year. Les Miserables star and Best Supporting Actress nominee Anne Hathaway split critics with her blush pink Prada halter-neck satin strapless gown with a daring low back. In an interview on the red carpet Hathaway quipped, "It's business in the front and party in the back." Her co-star Amanda Seyfried opted for a pale grey and lilac embroidered Alexander McQueen halterneck dress, while "Twilight" actress and Oscar presenter Kristen Stewart wore a blush halter-neck Reem Acra dress. Blush and nude hues were a hot trend on the runways for spring. The Master supporting actress nominee Amy Adams stunned crowds in a strapless pale grey full-skirted tulle Oscar de la Renta gown, while last year's supporting actress winner Octavia Spencer wore a blush Tadashi Shoji number. Contrasting the off-white gowns were the actresses picking gold, gunmetal greys and bright colors that stood out on the red carpet at Hollywood's Dolby Theater. Jessica Chastain, nominated for Best Actress for Zero Dark Thirty, channeled golden-age Hollywood glamour with a deep gold sequined Armani Prive strapless dress, accessorising with soft side waves in her auburn hair. "There were no misses this year, everyone had very good taste," said Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar. "Anne Hathaway had a shade of Audrey Hepburn in her pastel Prada and Jessica Chastain was a superstar red carpet hit in her gold sleek shimmering Armani," she added. Naomi Watts, Best Actress nominee for The Impossible, wore a gunmetal sequined one-shouldered Giorgio Armani gown while Zoe Saldana's white strapless bustier Alexis Mabille dress was offset by grey underlays peeking out. Metallic sparkle was the pick for Catherine Zeta Jones, in a gold sequined Zuhair Murad gown, Nicole Kidman in a black sequined fitted L'Wren Scott dress and Halle Berry in a strong-shouldered silver and black striped Versace fitted gown. Quvenzhane Wallis, the 9-year-old actress competing with Best Actress nominees Lawrence, Watts, Chastain and Emmanuelle Riva, accessorized her navy sparkling Armani gown with a fluffy puppy purse. The Sessions Supporting Actress nominee Helen Hunt shunned high-end designers to wear retail brand H&M in a navy blue strapless gown, stunning fashionistas with her choice. Lincoln Supporting Actress nominee Sally Field added colour to the red carpet in a full-sleeved vibrant red Valentino dress. Reese Witherspoon stood out in a strapless cobalt blue Louis Vuitton gown, Django Unchained star Kerry Washington wowed critics with her coral and blush Miu Miu dress and Jennifer Garner, holding husband Ben Affleck's hand, wore an eggplant purple strapless flowing Gucci gown. — Reuters
	Cheryl’s got a rose now Singer Cheryl Cole has a new tattoo—a giant rose design on her lower back. She reveals she endured 15 hours of agony for her latest inking. Cheryl, 29, unveiled the massive design Thursday night during the first gig of the Girls Aloud reunion tour. She already has 19 other tattoos on her body, and talking about the pain she endured for what could possibly be her last inking, she said: "It was really painful, but I think I'm done with tattoos now. It wasn't for any particular reason, I just liked the design. It took 15 hours in total." Cheryl displayed the tattoo with pride as she teamed it with huge, red angel wings, a pink tutu and jewelled Jimmy Choo heels. She also said she got the tattoo done in September 2012. "I actually got it five months ago, but it's somewhere on my body you wouldn't expect people to see it very often. It was done by this amazing artist called Nikko Hurtado who basically travels round the world going to conventions." Her other inkings include a Polynesian tribal symbol on her hand, barbed wire around her thigh and a reptile creeping across her bottom. — IANS
	Brand to get personal Actor Russell Brand says he is game to write his next autobiography, and hints it might even have some secrets about his marriage to singer Katy Perry. The 37-year-old has so far written two books about his life — My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2: This Time It's Personal. He has vowed to pen more in the future. "I will write more Booky Wooks, I love writing those Booky Wooks and there's a lot to cover. Maybe I'll wait until I get married again or have more children before I write any more," said Brand, who split from Perry in December 2011 after 14 months of marriage.—IANS
	I want to do an item number: Aditi Rao After trying her hand at singing for her film London, Paris, New York, actress Aditi Rao Hydari says she is keen to do an item song in her next project. The Murder 3 star, who is a trained classical dancer and began her career with dance-based Tamil film Sringaram, feels she is fit for raunchy dance numbers. "I would love to do an item number. The song should be raunchy and it should have some desi and fun beats. Since I am a trained classical dancer, I will be able to do justice to it. I have never been vocal about my singing abilities but I am always ready to present my dancing skills," Aditi said. In her last outing, Vishesh Bhatt's Murder 3, she opted for the role of vivacious Rashmi because she wanted to be a part of thriller. "I feel lucky to have been a part of the film. I love my character because it celebrates life. It is a very strong character and being a part of Bhatt's production is a dream come true. When Vishesh offered me the role, I could not believe it," she said. Having begun her career in Bollywood with a small role in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6, Aditi proved herself with films like Yeh Saali Zindagi, Rockstar and London, Paris, New York. She feels that she is a dark horse in the industry. "I didn't have any godfather and had to prove myself with each film. I didn't get that great a launch as an actress but slowly and steadily I made my presence felt in the industry. —PTI
	Happy & curvy Actress Kelly Brook, known for her voluptuous figure, thinks she has a "comedic" figure. "I've always been a curvy girl and have a body of comedic proportions. I've got huge b*bs and I've got a huge bm. I've always had that body," the 33-year-old as saying. "Even when I was a teenager, I was curvier than everyone else. That's just the way I've been built. There's nothing I can do about it and there's nothing I want to do about it - it's just me. I've learnt to embrace it, accept it and make it work for me," she added. But she is okay with it, and believes she is a good role model for young women because she is so comfortable with her natural shape. "I just try to stay healthy and be true to myself. That's the best way," she said. —IANS
	chatter box The fantasy series The story of Savitri is about the tryst of love going beyond the ordinary. Life OK's latest offering Savitri, at 8.30pm, narrates a fantasy tale that's never been heard before. Starring Ridhi Dogra, Yash Pandit and Krip Suri, Savitri showcases intense emotions combined with high-end technology and computer graphics. Savitri has been produced by Flying Turtles and with an impressive line-up of actors like Indrani Haldar, Arun Bali, Yash Pandit, Ridhi Dogra, Krip Suri and many more. Shabir Ahluwalia, Producer of the show said, "Savitri as a show goes beyond the ordinary and promises a spectacular visual experience. The show has never seen before visual effects and high end technology, a fabulous star cast and some high voltage entertainment." Savitri is a fantasy mega series, a unique love story between Satya (Yash Pandit) and Savitri (Ridhi Dogra) as they fall in love and soon embark on a mysterious journey interspersed with paranormal elements. Savitri deals with subjects of reincarnation, the quest for immortality and the ultimate test of love in the face of death.
	The bald and daring A popular face and name in the Indian film, television and theatre industry, Krutika Desai Khan, will be seen in a popular television series, Uttaran, which is telecast on Colours. She will be the first actresses on Indian television to go bald for a role following in the footsteps of other famous Bollywood actresses like Shabana Azmi, Lisa Ray, Nandita Das, Sarika and now recently Tanuja, who have shaved their head for the roles. Kruthika will enter the show as Ekadish, who plays Aakash aka Vishu's mother. Well recognized for her character in A mouthful of Sky, Kusum, Buniyaad, Yeh Meri Life Hai, and Anu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bhai Wah, Krutika never shies away from doing bold roles. A little nervous yet excited, Kruthika got emotional at the actual moment when her hair was shaved. Talking about this experience, Kruthika said, "I feel good as well as a little embarrassed with my new look. It took a lot of courage to agree to this role. When I was approached for the role, my daughter was more excited than me and she was the one who motivated me to take it up." Kruthika added, "Since summer is around the corner, I won't have to worry about my hair or feeling hot."
	Candid talk Popular actress Drasti Dhami is thrilled with the success of her show Madhubala. She talks about her experience with fans, and today's TV scenario. What kind of fans have you met? Usually, the fans have been sweet, caring and loving. They tell me what they think of my show and my work. What do you think of the current Indian television scenario? I think TV has grown in leaps and bounds. There was a time when only four shows were aired; today there are 400 shows on various channels. Bollywood too is all over the small screen. Who is your toughest competitor in the industry? I don't think anyone's a competition. I like to work on myself. Which show do you feel has been your greatest hit? Every show that I do is a big achievement. Be it Geet or Madhubala. Each show has its graph and life. I have lived every show to the fullest. Do you feel bad when people call you by your character's name? I have no issues if my fans call me Madhu or Geet. But most of them know me as Drasti. They also know how I am in real life. But I feel even if they call me by my character's name, it's me in a different avatar. It's my work that they love and appreciate so why should I have any problem?
	Gajendra eyes fiction now The pioneer of many super-hit music reality shows, Gajendra Singh, who has dominated the non-fiction genre of programming, is back after Sur-kshetra. The show Ghar Aaja Pardesi marks his entry into the fiction genre. It draws parallel between thought and aspirations developed between two generations. With such a novel concept, and a strong line-up of seasoned star cast, the show which airs on Sahara One Television is attracting viewers. Gajendra believes he performs his best when he is doing more work! He aims to touch new heights with his debut fiction show. He talks to the Life + Style about the show. How did this show happen? I talked to Boney Kapoor and Suresh Mishra of Sahara One. They liked the concept and okayed this project. One of the lead characters is an Indian raised in London. So, we selected Sapna Pabbi from London for the lead role; along with popular names like Vikram Gokhale, Smita Jaykar, Anita Kulkarni, Mahesh Thakur and Ruchi Savarn. Tell us about Ghar Aaja Pardesi? It is a beautiful story of an Indian family from Banaras. It accentuates a daughter's quest for long lost father, glorifying the sacrifice of her mother on one hand and yearning for fatherly love and her duties on the other, amidst an intense opposition from her grandfather. What is the USP of this show? Shot in London, Banaras, and Mumbai; the show stars Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam pair Vikram Gokhale and Smita Jaykar in the main roles. The scale of the show is very big and has a beautiful concept, which shows cases diversified cultures and traditions of India. How is this show different from other fiction shows? With this show, I am debuting with fiction on television. The show has renowned artistes. The technicians are good. The making is different. So, I think it will be different from others. What is your take on television shows of today? At present, I am busy with this fiction show. I am lucky, whatever shows I have been associated, have carved a position. I am working hard on this show. What are your expectations from Ghar Aaja Pardesi? We have great expectations. It is very close to my heart. — Dharam Pal
	Astro turf p Khurrana ARIES: The temptation to help out a friend with a loan should be discussed with your partner first. Today you can become conscious of your projected fears and start letting go of negative patterns. Tarot message: Be honest. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32 TAURUS: Your boss and partner support you. This is an appropriate day to purchase something that adds value to your house. Working towards your goals may seem a little harder than usual, but don't panic. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youngsters. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 52 GEMINI: Do not try to hurry jobs that require meticulous handling. Arguments will arise with your mate or partner. Consult experts for financial advice. Finalise plans early. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 64 CANCER: You draw "The Emperor" so the day promises all comforts. Spare time for family and children. It should be much easier for you to meet challenges today. Tarot message: Put the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53 LEO: An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing and maintain your composure. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home can be overwhelming. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40 VIRGO: "The Moon" indicates an emotional setback. Stick to your instinct. Money problem will still prevail. Legal suits turn in your favour. Trouble with a female family member can cause commotion for a while. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will be fruitful. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61 LIBRA: Your colleague will steer you in a new direction. Financial rewards will get delayed. Share your buried feelings. A small celebration at home is likely. Tarot message: Work can be troublesome, but don't worry. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26 SCORPIO: What you need now is energy. You must push yourself harder. Start a little early to get everything in place. Be careful with money. An irresistible attraction can override your common sense. Tarot message: Plan your actions. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47 SAGITTARIUS: Your card The Nine of Cups reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments will arise with your spouse or partner over money. Love life is exciting. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 65 CAPRICORN: Your card promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to. Personal plans are likely to progress. Be above board when dealing with employment affairs. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50 AQUARIUS: Long-term benefits can be gained. Health will improve. You will need time to understand the changes in your perspective. Your mind can wander on the job and cause unnecessary mistakes. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62 PISCES: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. Love life will be exciting. Not a good day to borrow or lend. A lot of energy will be expended on communication today. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 45
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is February 26... Everything will go smoothly, albeit step by step, so don't worry about anything. Stars are on your side anyhow. If in the creative field, you project quite a glamorous image, which makes it easy to attract romance. If you don't have a partner, take this opportunity to look for one. Be careful about what you eat and pay great attention to your diet. You'll be very jealous of your partner's friends and have difficulty hiding this. Act sensibly and do not make a scene. No matter where you are, you create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. You know how to bring out the best in people, whether it's a group of colleagues or a team of volunteers. Don't be surprised if you're asked to contribute to a human resource manual or coach a group of leaders. Your diplomatic gifts are invaluable and can be used to increase productivity as well as improve morale. Joining a voluntary organisation gives life purpose and meaning outside of work. Your desire to make a fresh start, to take the initiative and strike out on your own, is powerful right now. Your physical energy, will and courage are intensified. Unless you channel your abundant energy into decisive action or vigorous work, accidents, anger, and irritability are likely. Business will be profitable; meet influential people - your ideas are impressive, not to mention your attitude. You'll be able to improve your financial situation and make this an easier phase by keeping the right attitude. Your spontaneity will be your forte if you work in a team. You'll be able to comfort others and be a great help to all co-workers. You will know you have become too predictable when you realise that everyone knows your next move. It's time to get back to where you belong. There is a time for work and play. Mood: Cautious at times Compatible signs: Taurus, Virgo, Leo Lucky colours: Brown, Magenta Lucky days: Saturday. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 16, 19, 45 You share your birthday with Pankaj Kapoor (February 26, 1961, Ludhiana), who appeared in several television serials and films. During the 1980s and 1990's, he became a household name through television series Karamchand. He is well-known for the recent Office Office, a comic satire on corruption. Pankaj will continue to entertain the country for a very long time to come because of strong Saturn.