One soul, many a role
A woman’s role is diverse and in each one, her contribution is quintessential…
Jasmine Singh

You don't need a reminder on the calendar or an ear-marked day to thank her; tell her how much of her has redefined you, how much of her patience has helped you, how much of her confidence has inspired you, how much her smile has comforted you and how much her tears have melted you! You indeed do not need a day for it. So, all you can do this Women's Day is think about the things that she has done to make you happy. Do you remember any?

Woman’s world
Mukesh GautamMukesh Gautam, director

My two daughters have made me a proud father. When they were kids, I used to guide them, help them make their decisions and now they do the same for me. Women in whichever role definitely bring about certain changes in a man's life. My daughters have added a lot to me as a person; now I know whom to call when I am making a decision.

Little angel
Govind PandeyGovind Pandey, branch banking head north, HDFC
No one can play the balancing act better than a woman; she is a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, friend…everything. And it is surprising to see her handle everything with such focus. My daughter is someone I look up to for advice and she is there to sort it out for me. It goes without saying that she has a strong influence on me; through her simple stories that she quotes from Panchtantra or the remedies she offers for all problems.

Patient support
Sahib Singh, theatre-person
I have grown with women in different roles around me; my mother and three sisters have made me what I am today. I remember that I never did anything extra to make them happy; in fact my mother would be happy with my achievements no matter how small they were! As for my sisters, I guess they always had to make an effort to deal with me. They supported me in one of the major decisions of my life, which was to turn to theatre. It is the women in my life who have taught me sensitivity and care; it is because of them that I can understand a woman's pain.

Many roles
Kartar CheemaKartar Cheema, actor
I have grown up in a house full of women, mother, sisters, nieces…their patience and dedication towards relationships is inspiring. I work in the film industry where again I have to deal with women, but I am surprised at the roles they play in their real life and how well they handle it! As a person I feel a woman can teach much more; the maturity with how my mother, sister or even friends handle a situation leaves me wondering - how can they handle all this!

Deep influence
Harpal Singh Malvai, builder
I would have been a rash driver had it not been for my daughter. With a daughter comes responsibility of being there for her as long as I can! The women in my life have influenced me in their own way; I have cherished my mother's guidance, the attributes she passed on to me - to be straightforward, have a soft corner for people in need and help relatives. My wife has been like a friend to me; she has been with me through thick and thin!

Raman JhamHappiness quotient
Raman Jham, head customer service, Quadrant Televentures Ltd
My wife and my partner, who is also my first love, has influenced me greatly. She is a friend, lover, mentor, guide and above all my soulmate. Without even me knowing it at times, she has helped me achieve my personal & professional goals all these years.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

A hand that matters
This Women’s Day, we salute the spirit of some who have looked beyond themselves as well as their families and contributed to making the world a better place to live in…
Mona

A woman's role is crucial in her house. There are a few instances though, when she moves beyond the portals of her own house, walks the extra mile and reaches out to make a difference, however small, in the lives of others.

For Ritu, a homemaker from Panchkula, who designs furniture in her free time, her house-helps have been as significant and part of society as others. Moved by the plight of the maids, their abject conditions and no support from their men folk, she always wanted to extend a helping hand and that is precisely what she did.

One of the girls who used to help Ritu with the household chores is a beautician today; earns twenty thousand plus rupees and has moved out of the hut that was once her home to a rented accommodation! In all this, Ritu played her part well — she got the maid initiated into the work of a beautician, connected her to all her friends, helped her buy initial stuff and all that the spirited girl, Ruchi, required.

If Ruchi was talented to begin with, Pushpa was hard-working. She too is independent today and now Ritu is helping yet another young girl!

Sushma Gupta, administrator of The British School, Panchkula, finds satisfaction in helping underprivileged kids with studies. While earlier she would take out time to teach them in the afternoon, now she helps arrange funds, securing admission and much more. "I am so glad that one of such students is now doing her Nursery Teachers Training Course after clearing her twelfth class from IGNOU," shares Sushma, who finds happiness in the smiles and shining eyes of these students.

A busy business woman, this financial consultant (does not want to be named) extends financial help to meritorious students and the physically challenged who need artificial limbs and more. "Sharing money is easy, it is difficult to take out time," she smiles. This woman is ever ready to share her coffers, "I always have extra money, if it can help someone better his or her life; it is an awesome feeling," she says.

Baljit Amarjit Singh, a septuagenarian, also falls in the league of these special few who extend a helping hand. Baljit overcame a medical problem through sheer will. She wrote a book accounting for her experiences and is ever ready to help those passing through a difficult phase. "People do ring me up and we fix an appointment," says Baljit, who is happy sharing her time and experiences. "The positive outcome of such interactions motivates me to help more," she adds.

Pushpinder Syal, professor, Department of English and Cultural Studies, moved by the Delhi incident, has taken an initiative to spread awareness in her own way. Having been a part of the silent protest at Jantar Mantar, she organised a session with her postgraduate students in the department. "There are stages from sheer ignorance of being a victim to the position of strengthened self wherein not only you can help yourself, but others as well."

Sometimes a nudge is all you need, as they say!

mona@tribunemail.com 

new releases
Sequel magic
Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns
Producer: Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Brandsmith Motion Pictures
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

After the success of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, director Tigmanshu Dhulia continues with the story of love and betrayal. The Tigmanshu Dhulia film, which ended with gangster Randeep Hooda getting killed, gives way to Irrfan Khan in the sequel who plays a gangster and is cast opposite Soha Ali Khan in this Rs 7 crore movie. This sequel continues to witness a war for power and money. The film also casts the couple Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill, who continue to play husband and wife. The makers have shot the sequel in Devgad Bariah Haveli (Gujarat), where the previous version was shot.

Mahie Gill plays the role of a politician and Jimmy Shergill that of a crippled Saheb on a wheel-chair. Watch out for the item song Media Se Keh Du Kya…

Satirical take

Saare Jahan Se Mehangaa….

Producer: Ashok Pandey

Director: Anshul Sharma

Saare Jahan Se Mehangaa, a film by Anshul Sharma starring Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Pragati Pandey, Paritosh Sand, Disha, Pramod Pathak and Vishwa Mohan Badola is a satirical take on inflation told through a middle class family from a small North Indian city. Sanjay Mishra plays the protagonist. — Dharam Pal

Go-getter
Green crusader
Amarjot Kaur

'We'll pass on a legacy your way', said our ancestors while adding, 'it is, however, solemnly on you to protect and preserve its sheen'. While most of us shrug away our responsibilities, there are a few who take upon themselves the onus of conserving nature and all its reserves. Here's a force to reckon with, a student of Class 9 in Vivek High School-Harshita Saxena. She was awarded with the Young Learner's Award by The Global Educational Leadership Foundation (TGELF), under which she was given a scholarship to study in Malaysia. Read on to gather the candid confessions of this young achiever.

Motivational factor

Harshita's motivation came from her will to pursue her passion, while pushing it a notch higher each time. She was always an explorer and her unquenchable thirst for learning brought laurels her way.

Feathers in the cap

Harshita was sent to Malaysia as she was conferred with a scholarship on the behest of winning the Young Learner Award, which is an accolade-worthy recognition. She cleared the competition at the school level after which she competed with students from across the nation. During this six-month long journey, Harshita made a project on Dalai Lama and won a declamation contest that was pertaining to the same. TERI, energy and resource institution held a STEP programme during which Harshita sensitised her peers to save paper. She, along with her schoolmates, recycled paper in the school premises and made diaries out of those, which were later distributed among the less fortunate students at the Pustak School. Harshita is also an avid photographer and she won the consolation prise at the Rose Festival recently.

Flipside of being an achiever

In this age when the peer pressure takes a toll on you, the fact that you can possibly be doing better than you schoolmates can be a serious chord of contention. "Most of the time my peers think that teachers are siding with me, without realising that there is an equal opportunity for all. Nevertheless, I encourage my schoolmates to come forth and prove their mettle," says Harshita.

Words of wisdom

"I've always been inspired by Dalai Lama and his saying, 'If you want to be happy, nobody can make you feel otherwise'. These words of wisdom have translated my life into a meaningful endeavour and it gives me the courage to take everything in my stride," she says.

Bubbling with melody

If you still haven't searched for Badri Badariya-Amit Trivedi feat Mame Khan and Mili Nair Coke Studio@MTV, Season 2, you are definitely depriving your ears of a soulful symphony that this Rajasthani folk number creates. The song does absolute justice to the concept of Coke Studio, which is a confluence of diverse number of music genres, from traditional eastern to contemporary western and from regional to the folk. Wait till you discover how the city takes to it.

Fizzy & fresh

The best thing about this song is that it has soul to it. The fact that its authenticity is well rooted in the traditional folk, its parent genre, has contributed more to its contemporary appeal. It's a work of a genius and I love the fact that MTV is promoting music on a magnificent platform-Coke Studio.

Ankur Sharma, student

East meets west

There is absolutely no denying the fact that the song is fairly good. However, if we compare Coke Studio India with the one in Pakistan, the general musicality differs by alarming degrees. Badri Badariya has a very ethnic feel to it and the western vocals go well with the song.

Himanshu Kappal, musician

Ethnic appeal

The female vocalist has done justice to the song and the male vocalist gives it the rustic folk appeal. Also, I love the music of this song, especially the sound of sitar. The song brings the Indian music at its contemporary best.

Aman Suraj, musician

Revisiting 20s

"As many as 72 per cent of women in Tricity above 40 feel the need to undergo a cosmetic procedure to get their 20s look back," reveals a study conducted by Bodysculpt and led by Dr Vikramjeet Singh Dhingra.

"Amidst the rise in anti-ageing cosmetics, there has been a tremendous rise in women above 40 who resort to cosmetic procedures to get that young look back. The most important finding that can be inferred from this survey is, that 40s is the age when women start a new life with minimal family responsibilities and can fulfill their dreams, which they could not in their 20s," says Dr Dhingra, cosmetic surgeon.

A number of women in tricity have started embracing cosmetic improvements to reshape the body contours, overcome the sagging of the skin and stretch marks," says Dr Dhingra. —TNS

Ladies first
SRK wants actress' name to appear first on film credits

Making a pitch for women power, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan wants filmmakers to scroll name of actresses first in the credit roll on big screens and feels that they are yet to get their due. "I would like to request to all that the name of heroines should appear first while giving credits. We would start this with Chennai Express. Deepika's name comes first. She is quite excited about it," SRK said in an interview.

"I would request others also to do it. I know this will not make a huge difference but may be a change in mindset will happen... I am looking to make a point," he said.

The 47-year-old also feels it's unfair that winning actors take all the applause in the end of an award function. "Even at award functions the announcement of the best actor is lauded. Why not have actress award in the last. I know this all will not change (anything) but at least a point will be made," he said.

His comments come in the wake of a short film based on the pertinent issue of people's attitude towards women for Tata Tea's Jaago Re platform. Its first of its kind in Indian cinema and Paa director R Balki has helmed it. "When Balki asked me about it I readily agreed as I liked the concept. I jumped at the idea and shot for it soon," SRK said. This is for the very first time that the director and actor have come together for a short film on a social cause. The duo recently shot it at Panchgani. It will release on International Women's Day.

Shah Rukh also felt that actresses don't get due credit. "I have worked with Hemaji, Madhuri, Sridevi, Juhi, Deepika, Anushka and several others. They all work hard and are better. Also be it women directors, producers, choreographers and other women in my field I am inspired by all," he said. "Women are the backbone in my field of work. But they don't get due credit," he said. — PTI 

Priyanka's energy secrets
Food & travel keep PC on the top of the world...

Priyanka Chopra is known to be energetic and enthusiastic. She is always bubbly and one wonders where her energy comes from. She shares her energy secrets and more…

Coffee shops

I go to coffee shops but I am not a caffeine junkie. I like ordering cheesecakes, croissants, plum cakes and I love a simple cappuccino too. People get shocked by the amount I eat. When I am on vacation, I just lounge and do not exercise at all. So that way I have unhealthy habits. I am grateful that I have a fast metabolism and do a lot of work which keeps me slim.

Will power

Will power is my secret energy weapon. I am a focussed person and something inside me just drives me towards my goals and desires. When I am low, I listen to very loud music and go for a long drive, which changes my mood completely. I love music and I have a song for every moment of my life. I love singing too now!

Travel time

I travel a lot so I stay fresh after flights by having lots of water, splashing my face with water and putting moisturiser and a lip-tint. I have also tried hypnosis and it really works. It did not make me forget anything; it just changed my perspective on life and things.

Madhuri to do an item song 

The Dhak Dhak actress Madhuri Dixit has recently announced her online dancing academy. She will do an item song for Ranbir Kapoor's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani soon too. Ayan Mukherjee has approached Madhuri and she readily agreed. Before her comeback movie Gulab Gang hits the theatre, she will be seen in this special number. She has also signed Vishal Bharadwaj's Dedh Ishqiya which is a sequel to Vidya Balan starrer Ishqiya.

Ranbir Kapoor is an ardent fan of Madhuri and he is thrilled that she will be part of his movie. When he was asked about Madhuri's presence, he said, "Yes, even I have heard about it but nothing is confirmed yet. But I am really looking forward to working with Madhuriji." "I have been a big fan of hers, big admirer. I remember when she got married, I also cried like many of fans. It would be great working with her. But I don't know whether they have confirmed it yet," he added.

Speaking about his co-star Deepika, the actor said, "It's always great to see someone with whom you have been so close. To reach where she has is because of her hard work, resilience, vision and intelligence. I am very proud of everything she has achieved."

Directed by Ayan Mukherjee, Yeh Jaawani hai Deewani starring ex-flame Ranbir and Deepika Padukone will release on May 31.

Step up: Madhuri Dixit with Ranbir Kapoor

Honour women everyday!

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan feels that women should be rewarded at every point for their achievements, and no one should die to get an honour.

He was reacting after the United States selected the 23-year-old Delhi gangrape victim for the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, for inspiring people to fight against gender-based violence. US First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry will present the award posthumously tomorrow on International Women's Day.

"Its good that they are honouring her. But I would not want to die to get honour... I hope no one be it men or women should lose their lives to get an honour... in fact they should get award for their achievements," Shah Rukh said.

The young braveheart recorded police statements while in hospital and stated her will to survive to see justice done.

Like a bullet!
The charm of the Royal Enfield or the Bullet, as it is popularly known, continues to mesmerise bike-lovers
Gurvinder Singh

Automobiles have come and gone but the endearing charm of the Royal Enfield bike remains. The heavy sound of the 'Bullet' is still music to the ears of those who love this mean machine. Its popularity continues to last despite the market being flooded with new-age, designer motorcycles.

And their demand still exceeds the supply! "The advantage of these bikes is their longevity," says Lucky Khosla from Barnala Automobiles, Ludhiana. "Some of the Bullets despite being 50 years old are in a good running condition. These are very stable and even though they range from 500 cc to 350 cc, the fuel efficiency of these bikes is much better as compared to other two-wheeler in the same horsepower range," he adds. Available in seven models, including Royal Enfield Classic, Electra, Thunderbird et al, the basic shape of these bikes has remained almost the same, with small variations here and there. "One can immediately recognise all models; the technology has changed with time but the design remains the same," he adds. "Nothing can beat the thrill of riding a Bullet. It is an amazing machine; just so cool," says Parveen Arora, a businessman.

The girls are not far behind as well. They too have a Bullet fan club! Says Dilpreet Kaur, a student, "I am in love with the Bullet since my childhood. I like its sound. Having ridden it for so many years now, I feel nothing is better than a Bullet for the pure pleasure of driving and domination on the road," she says.

chatter box
All is well that ends well

Actor Arjun Bijlani is upset that his show Kaali - Ek Punar Avatar is going off air soon. He talks about its success, his future plans and more…

Is it true that the show is ending?

Yes, Kaali is all set to end. I always knew that it was a show which had a meaning and would last for six to seven months.

Do you think the story failed?

The story is based on a sensitive subject so I wasn't expecting appreciation from everyone. I loved being part of the show. The story and screenplay was just perfect, the only saddening part is that it is going off air a bit too soon. Having said this, the show got decent TRP's and it did touch the emotional chords of the audiences. I have been appreciated by many for the role I played.

Why do you think the show failed to click with the audience?

I guess it has to do with the time slot. The slot had a love story in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon earlier, and probably the viewers could not digest a hard-hitting show like Kaali at the same slot. If Kaali had been placed at a different slot, I am sure it would have caught on with the viewers. All said and done, I do not regret doing Kaali as it is a strong role that all actors would want to essay.

What are your future plans?

For now I need to start preparing for my wedding. I need some personal space during this time period. But you never know, if I get a show that really impresses me, I will grab it.

Avinesh Rekhi New entry
Actor Avinesh Rekhi, who was last seen in the social thriller Chhal - Sheh Aur Maat' (CSAM), is back on the tube with Colors' Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. He will play Sultan, a gangster, whose entry will lead to a major twist in the already complicated love story. 

Role call 

Rochelle Maria Rao is all set to make her television debut. The Miss India International 2012 is one of the two new girls who will be anchoring the post-match analysis show for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL). Bigg Boss girl Karishma Kotak will be the other newcomer on the show. 

 

 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 8...

If you are pursuing your goals with determination, it will require a great deal of energy and effort. You are generally laid back in your approach but if you are aspiring high, you need to gear up to get the desired results. Be careful of a rival and the plots laid to entrap you. Pursue your dreams and don't leave any opportunities that come your way through any scholarship. Get started instead of waiting for the right time.

Professionals will receive satisfaction on the career front. Businessmen will succeed in their endeavours. Those in service will drift along in a slow pace. Politicians will have to face opposition from all sides. Artists will hone their talents and receive recognition. Influenced by number 8 and the planet Saturn you will remain ambitious, authoritative, systematic and on the whole diligent. You are looking forward to a steady romantic relationship and do not prefer single status anymore. Financially, you need to be vigilant; long-term investments are beneficial provided they are done in a cognizant and lucid manner .If you are an employee, you'll stand up for your rights and argue with a superior who has mistaken your actions and portrayed you in a bad light. Thus, you'll put across your opinions effectively.

Mood: A bit too pushy at times
Compatible signs: Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius
Lucky colours: Maroon, White
Lucky days: Friday.
Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 11, 15, 25

Fardeen Khan You share your birthday with Fardeen Khan (March 8, 1974, Mumbai), son of Sundri and late actor-director Feroz Khan. Khan's debut film was Prem Aggan, which was directed by his father. The number 8 is not lucky for him and due to Saturn's adverse effects; scandals and court cases will follow him. On the career front, he will face struggles. 

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day will remain busy in taking care of pending work. Once you are through, you will be able to relax. Health will be good. Money matters will not pose a huge concern.

Tarot message: Don't take financial decisions impulsively.

Lucky colour: Navy blue.

Lucky number: 32

TAURUS: Interactions, travelling and intellectual pursuits will be the best part of today. At home, a close relative will help you to make an important choice. Health is good. Stay focused.

Tarot message: Be true to yourself.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Lucky number: 44

GEMINI: Your profound conscious will motivate you to introspect, contemplate and reflect. Take care of your health. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. Keep up you spirits.

Tarot message: A good advice will put you on the right track.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Lucky number: 28

CANCER: Things will move at a relatively slower pace today; use the time to relax. Catch up with financial issues; investments will yield good results. Make your decisions wisely today. Love life will be exciting. 

Tarot message: Stay optimistic and true to yourself.

Lucky colour: Black.

Lucky number: 50

LEO: This will be an active and positive day for professionals. Your hardwork will yield good results. The admiration and praise that you receive from everyone will motivate you even further.

Tarot message: Be diplomatic and tactful to avoid any clash.

Lucky colour: Red.

Lucky number: 62

VIRGO: You need to display intelligence, tact and efficiency at work in order to create an impact. Keep a watch on your expenses. Stay optimistic, your hardwork will be rewarded. Your partner will be supportive. 

Tarot message: Don't invest in long-term ventures.

Lucky colour: Purple.

Lucky number: 55

LIBRA: You need to adopt an unconventional yet productive approach to accomplish your goal today. Don't trust anyone blindly. Stay focused and cheerful. Love life will keep your spirits up.

Tarot message: Start a saving plan and curb your expenses.

Lucky colour: White.

Lucky number: 27

SCORPIO: Be strong and wise. Teamwork and enthusiasm will help you advance in your career. Socially, you will feel a little detached and lonely. Start investing. Take care of your health.

Tarot message: Let your inner conscious make the decisions today. 

Lucky colour: Grey.

Lucky number: 35

SAGITTARIUS: You will be quite generous, optimistic, expressive, compassionate and creative. Help from a spiritual guide will be valuable. Gifts from friends and family can bring a smile to your face. 

Tarot message: Keeping a close eye on your savings and investments. 

Lucky colour: Brown.

Lucky number: 65

CAPRICORN: Helping the elderly will give you great happiness. The day will be full of romance, excitement, travel and friendships. There will be warmth and affection in your relations at home.

Tarot message: Take care of finance and health.

Lucky colour: Green.

Lucky number: 40

AQUARIUS: Be careful and open-minded. Don't control your relationship. Stay relaxed and enthusiastic, but don't believe anybody blindly. Health will be good. Try not to engage in confrontations.

Tarot message: Stay focused.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Lucky number: 51

PISCES: Don't waste your time in an argument. A social get-together will cheer you up. Teamwork will yield benefits and you will be able to accomplish a lot due to your optimism.

Tarot message: Do not spend beyond your capacity.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 29





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