The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Wisdom beyond age Subera, Arjun Singh Badal’s debut book, is an analysis of the state of Punjab as seen from the eyes of an eighteen-year-old… Manpriya Singh Arjun Singh Badal would like to maintain the difference between often confused, social initiatives and political motives. With a surname that stands synonymous with Punjab’s politics, it might not be an easy task. Meanwhile, the eighteen-year-old has had too much to assimilate at a very young age - campaigning, visiting villages, meeting people, reading papers and writing pieces. All of which, now stand compiled and put into perspective in his debut literary work, Subera. “You’d like to know about the book or the organisation,” he questions, careful enough not to merge entities and intentions. A quality that’s amiss in Indian politics! Son of People’s Party of Punjab’s President Manpreet Singh Badal, Arjun took his baby steps into knowing the state ever since he was a baby! “I would visit the villages with my father and grandfather.” But it all started in 2010, when the then finance minister, Manpreet Badal, quit the cabinet. “That’s when I actively got involved with the state and came to know of the problems that Punjab was facing. For instance, I met a lot of families that were facing drug problems. Every time I’d come back, I’d write about the experience.” He adds, “Ever since in school, I have been very fond of writing. I’d write about anything, it could be thoughts, ideas, experiences, but never fiction. Writing helps me gain clarity.” While writing has always been a passion, the book just happened! Meanwhile, the write ups and articles on different issues concerning Punjab, continued. “It was only around the summer of 2012, when my mother had a look at them and later asked me to pen a book.” He adds, “Initially, I was apprehensive but she encouraged me and since it was not a chore for me but something interesting, I took it up.” It was only a matter of putting things into further perspective. “Once I got the idea, I knew there was a certain amount of work involved. I had meetings with a wide spectrum of people before coming up with the book.” Subera, as he says, “is to open up the eyes of the youth. This is an analysis of the state of Punjab, as seen from the eyes of an eighteen year old.” A high school student at Choate Rosemary Hall, Connecticut, US, he is currently busy with the college admissions. “I have two months of boarding school left before I graduate and get into college. Right now, I’m busy with the applications. May be, I’d pursue law.” While his stream is, as yet, not final, his school of thought is! “Right now, I’m too young to say anything about me finally entering politics. I have only started out. But I’m sure that I want to bring about a nascent change in Punjab; whether that is through politics or any other means, remains unknown yet. But first, I have to complete my education and better myself to be able to shoulder responsibilities.” A round of applause! manpriya@tribunemail.com
	stress buster Stay positive Renee Singh We are well into the month of March which is officially known as the Optimism Month. This certainly is a stress relieving thought. At least we are consciously tipped into an optimistic stream. Optimists have something that pessimists do not have and that is a 'constant sense of belief in oneself'. And it is this sense of belief that helps them in maximizing life's opportunities. Many studies which have been carried on the benefits of optimism have proved that optimists enjoy greater success in all spheres of life including better level of emotional well being. It is your attributional style that determines whether you are optimistic in your thoughts or pessimistic. This has a direct impact on your overall sense of well being. Optimism and pessimism aren't as obvious as one thinks and sometimes one has to consciously spend time with oneself to figure which way we swing in our own thought process. Benefits of optimism Staying positive plays a huge role in stress management. Life is always about remaining in the right perspective. Hardships are learning experiences for optimists. Even if it's been a terrible day it holds the promise of a better tomorrow. If one conditions ones mind to see the brighter side of life one can see more positive events, greater joy in life and enjoy better health. Researchers like Martin Selignan who has been studying the two perspectives for years have found that an optimistic view carries certain advantages. Greater achievements It has been proven through many studies on sports that teams with more optimistic players created more synergy and produced better results than pessimistic ones. It has also been observed that giving pessimistic messages to players before the start of a game brought down their performance. Hiring optimists Companies are told to hire optimists in their workforce by the experts as their performance rates are much higher than the others. Persistence pays Optimists don't give up easily and their success rate is higher. Some of the optimistic businessman like Donald Trump had many failures but have turned them into success stories by just believing in themselves. Superior health In a study of Harvard University students, those who were optimists at age 25 were significantly healthier at age 45 and 60 than those who were pessimists. Studies have also linked pessimistic explanatory style with higher rate of infectious diseases and poor health. Emotional comfort It has been observed in mental health institutions that patients who had in training in optimism also had the ability to handle setbacks very well. While studying clinically depressed patients it has been observed that cognitive therapy worked better in their improvement than their improvement drugs. Less stress Optimists experience less stress than pessimists. They believe in their own selves and expect only good things to happen. They perceive negative events as minor setbacks which can be overcome easily. They believe in themselves and thus take more risks and create more positive events in their lives. Optimists are more pro active, they favour approaches that reduce or eliminate stressors and their emotional consequences. Optimists have a habit of working harder on managing their stress and thereby remain less stressed. Optimists are by and large happier people. Just be an optimist it's the secret to joy! (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist.)
	Master Chef Vitamins for vitality Kandla Nijhowne My little ones were trained to chant after me, "Carrots give you vitamin A, and that's good for your eyesight". It helped! They grew up believing in the goodness of this gorgeous coloured root vegetable, consequently eating it with a fair amount of enthusiasm! I daresay I could take credit for cooking it well too. We are happy eating a "gaajar ka halwa" but carrot in the form of a vegetable needs the sweetness to be toned down a bit or it doesn't pass for a subzi! The South Indian kosambari is a salad of carrots and moong daal, often served as a "prasaadam" in temples after a pooja. The heeng, curry leaves, lemon juice and green chillies work their magic to neutralise the sweetness of the juicy carrots. You can also warm the contents in a kadhaai and make your own version of a stir fried kosambari ! Carrot kosambari Ingredients 2 cups of fresh carrots, peeled and grated ¼ cup yellow moong daal A small bunch of dhaniya leaves 2 tbsp desiccated or grated fresh coconut (optional) 1 tsp lime juice Salt to taste For seasoning tsp mustard seeds green chilli, chopped pinch of heeng sprig of curry leaves 2 tsp oil Method Soak the moong daal in some salted water for 1 hour. Toss together the daal, carrots, coconut if using with salt and lemon juice. Heat the oil in a kadhaai and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, reduce the heat and add heeng, then the chilly and curry leaves. Stir briefly then tip the carrot mixture into the kadhaai along with the dhaniya leaves. Toss for just a few minutes, then check seasoning. Do not overcook. A healthy, colourful and quick sabzi is ready! (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
	TREND SETTER Comfort zone She is very humble yet very stylish. She is dynamic too. She designs clothes and owns a boutique. A perfect blend of beauty and brains, extremely gorgeous with a killer smile, is the aspiring fashion designer Anshuman Deep. Your sense of style? Anything that makes me feel comfortable and brings a smile on my face is a perfect attire. Brand crazy or street pick-up? Street pick-up. Shopping at 2 am at China Town, Bangkok is worth giving up on your sleep. Who would be your style icon? Diya Mirza. I just love her graceful looks. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories? A white gown for my birthday. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity? Dolly Bindra. She can't carry herself well. Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous? Glamorous. Given a choice, which designer would you like to be dressed by? Neeta Lulla. Your take on accessories? They add to your beauty. What gives you a high on the confidence level? A well-fitted outfit. Designer or brand does not really matter. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and walk as if you are a princess and the world shall follow. — As told to Tanya Malhotra Photo: Pradeep Tewari
	Zeenat Aman to make a comeback? Zeenat Aman, the style icon of 70's and who always moved ahead of her time, is making a comeback. The actress, who recently made headlines for her alleged marriage to a 36-year-old businessman, is making a dynamic comeback with a 3D film. The untitled movie will be directed by Ashish Bhavsar and the story will revolve around the dark side of beauty pageants. Confirming the news, Bhavsar said, "I felt Zeenat was the most suitable actor for the role. Her character runs this beauty pageant with an iron fist. Her natural grace and beauty gives her an edge. Besides, she is the original beauty queen of Bollywood." Former beauty queen, Zeenat Aman will portray the role of a chairperson of a beauty pageant in the untitled film.
	Celebrating cinema… The upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) will celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema and showcase some of the most celebrated movies of the last century. The festival, to be held from May 3 to 15, will celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema and showcase film like Raja Harishchandra (1913). It will close with the Australian premiere of The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012). Actress Vidya Balan, for the second time, has been chosen as the brand ambassador of the mega event in the Australian city. "It gives me great pleasure to be the brand ambassador for the second time in a row. It has become like a sense of ownership now, not just with the festival but also with the place. Whenever anyone mentions Melbourne, I feel like they are mentioning home," Vidya said. The 13-day event will also see Pamela Chopra, wife of Yash Chopra, visiting Melbourne to accept Lifetime Achievement Award for her late husband.
	Kristen gets flirty! Twilight star Kristen Stewart was seen flirting, with actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Patrick, at a recent Hollywood party. The 22-year-old actress' on-off boyfriend Robert Pattinson is currently shooting a film in Australia, leading the actress to attend Twilight co-star Taylor Lautner's recent birthday celebration alone, reported a publication. An insider said that Stewart got very close to model-actor Patrick at the party. "She was creeping on Patrick big time. People were saying that they should get a room because the energy between them was so hot," a source said. Patrick was previously linked to Taylor Swift, although those rumours were strongly denied by Swift. — PTI
	Lady Gaga set to marry? Pop star Lady Gaga is ready to tie the knot, this summer, with her longtime boyfriend Taylor Kinney, according to a close friend. Gaga, 26, is quite desperate to be close to 31-year-old Kinney. "She has told me that he is the one and you know that instantly when you see them together," said DJ Lady Starlight. "They were made for each other. At first, I thought he was too hot to be cool but now I think he is totally awesome. From all I have heard, I don't think I am dropping a secret by saying they are ready to get hitched this year," she added. The couple has been dating since September 2011. "There is a summer period when his shooting schedule will be clear and her concert and studio commitments will be minimal, so expect an announcement some time soon," she added. — PTI
	It's a girl Lady Antebellum star Hillary Scott is pregnant with a baby girl, her representative said. The 26-year-old singer, who married drummer Chris Tyrell in January 2012, had revealed her pregnancy on a social networking site in December, reported a magazine. "Chris and I are excited to announce that our Christmas gift has arrived a little early this year! We are having a baby! We feel so blessed," she had said. Since announcing her pregnancy, Scott has been sharing updates with her fans. — PTI
	Well begun is half done Nathalia Kaur Pinheira will be seen shaking a leg, with Southern superstar Nagarjuna, in a beautiful item song for his upcoming film Bhai, which is directed by Veera Bhadram. Confirming the news, the Brazilian model, Nathalia says, "Yes, I am doing an item number with Nagarjuna. I can't tell you how excited I am to be working with such a great actor. He is an amazing actor and an amazing person. I hope to do a lot of more films with him in the near future. This song is not like any other item song because it has a romantic flavour to it. The song is divided into 2 parts. The first part was shot at scenic locations in Bangkok.” — HRM
	It's Valentino for Aniston! Italian fashion designer, Valentino, is reportedly designing the dress for Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston's upcoming wedding to Justin Theroux. The 44-year-old actress has worn Valentino many times in the past, most recently to the 2013 Oscars, where she stepped out of her comfort zone in a crimson, princess-style gown, reported a publication. The Friends star would not be the first celebrity to don Valentino for her big day. Earlier, Oscar-winning-actress Anne Hathaway famously wore a custom-made outfit at her wedding to Adam Shulman. — PTI
	Double trouble for Ali! Asgar is a master when it comes to comedy and this time around, viewers will get to see double the laughter riot, as Ali Asgar prepares himself for a double role in SAB TV's Jeannie Aur Juju. Sources reveal that in the upcoming episodes, the entire story of Jeannie (Giaa Maanek) will be presented in a flashback, when she was captured in a bottle by Jin Jorehan, 2000 years ago. One fine day, he lost Jeannie as the flight in which he was travelling, crashed. It was then when Juju found Jeannie and they started liking each other. Now cut to the present scenario, Jin is back and has captured Juju because he wants Jeannie back. In order to capture Jeannie, he impersonates Juju to trap Jeannie in the bottle. However, Juju will be smart enough to escape and save Jeannie. We also hear that the costumes for Jin Jorehan are yet to be made and the makers plan to give him a look that is similar to that of Alladin's in Alladin and the magic lamp. This particular episode will be action-packed. Also, the makers of the show are thinking of using multiple cameras for the shoot.
	Confessions of a style diva Her mantra is to keep things simple, but that does not extend to her career. Karishma Kotak, British-Indian model and actress, shares her beauty and style secrets with us. Karishma Kotak was also a contestant on Bigg Boss Season 6 last year. We talk to her about her personal style. How do you keep your skin glowing? I let my skin breathe and I prefer to keep it natural. Putting a lot of makeup blocks your pores. A bare face with a little pink blush is all you need. Which are the three beauty products that you can't live without? I like Stereo 6 by Mac, Mia Visage highlight and under eye concealer and lip plumper by Christian Dior. What's your favourite makeup style? I like to keep it simple. A little lip gloss, a touch of blush and some kohl is all I need I'm ready to go. What's the last beauty item you bought? I brought a bottle of hair oil. What's the biggest makeup mistake women make? The fact that they use heavy makeup on their eyes and lips and it does not go well together. If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, keep your lips subtle. What's on your bedside table? Normally, I have a skin moisturiser to hydrate my skin before I sleep and a lip balm because I have dry lips. And of course, a bottle of water! Who's your beauty icon and why? Penelope Cruz. I really like her style as it is extremely understated. I like the way she carries off the minimalistic look. It looks classy on her. Who would you love to go out on a date with and why? I would choose Dominic Cooper or Bradley Cooper. I like both of them and I enjoy their films too. What's one beauty tip you would like to give us? Don't wear lots of accessories or makeup. Strike a balance.
	CHATTER BOX Aishwarya goes green! Aishwarya Sakhuja's love for animals has made her turn into a vegetarian. Aishwarya reveals, "I saw a documentary on chickens and the way they are transported and slaughtered later. Though I had seen the documentary twice before, but it's the third time when the reality hit me hard. It's been over three and a half months since I gave up on non-veg. It is difficult, but my love for animals keeps me going." Character that matters The buzz is that Dance India Dance star Punit J Pathak's character of a druggie dancer in Any Body Can Dance has really been loved by audiences. One of his acquaintances, who could relate to the character, saw the film only till his character was alive and then chose to walk out. He felt that seeing Chandu die was like watching himself die. Now that's something! Dear departed Actress Adaa Khan's mother, who passed away on March 8, had been ill for a long time. Her friends from TV fraternity were present there at the hospital until morning, when the doctors finally declared about the loss. Our prayers and condolence are with Adaa and her family. Viral attack It has not even been a month since Ghar Aaja Pardesi was launched on Sahara One that the actors of the show are being complimented for their professionalism. Are you wondering why we are saying this? Sources reveal that recently, there was a severe viral attack that hit many actors, who are part of the show. The first to get affected was Smita Jaykar, after which Vikram Gokhale and the lead of the show, Ruchi Savarn, suffered from a bout of viral fever. Ruchi, in fact, fainted on the set once as the erratic shoot schedule and climatic change took a toll on the girl's health. Well, we wish all the actors a speedy recovery! The rest is history Arjun Kapoor is working with Priyanka Chopra in his second movie titled Gunday. Their connection began way back while filming Salaam-e-Ishq, on which Arjun Kapoor was an assistant director to Nikhil Advani and he used to call her Madam. He feels very lucky to be her co-star. This is only his second film and he has worked only with Chopra sisters so far. Gunday also stars Ranveer Singh. Couple of quotes Shah Rukh Khan has been off Twitter for sometime now. Nevertheless, his new endorsement has already got him a strong positive response on his page. The actor says that he will return to Twitter and hopes that people will not misquote him. He also does not like people who write negative things about him and wants to block them. In the heat of the moment! Sonakshi Sinha is having a tough time shooting in Bhuj for Rambo Rajkumar. It is way too hot over there and she has to wear some heavy colourful sarees and ornate jewellery. So she quickly finishes her shot and returns to her vanity van to stay cool and avoid tanning. What a vacation! Kajal Aggarwal recently holidayed in Bali, at the Bulgari Spa and Resort and it was an absolutely luxurious holiday. She lounged at the beach with her friends and sipped on coconot water and fruit mocktails and indulged herself in massages and clicked many pictures. Slow and steady Rhea Chakravarthy, who will debut in Mere Dad Ki Maruti, is an MTV VJ. She also impressed Rohan Sippy, at the premiere of Jab Tak Hai Jaan, when he saw the promotions of her movie. He is going to audition her for his next movie and is keen on signing her! Lucky girl! Leaf from the past Bipasha Basu has let her guard down and expressed that she was terrified of JP Dutta and Jaya Bachchan. She confessed that she was supposed to do a movie with Abhishek Bachchan, called Aakhri Mughal, which never took off. She could not do the movie because she was intimidated by Bachchan and Dutta. The film was supposed to be Abhishek's debut film.
	ASTRO TURF P Khurrana ARIES: Nine of Wards brings both enjoyment and opportunity. Your child's performance makes you happy. Trust the saying that variety is the spice of life and go with the flow. Tarot message: Don't be bullied into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Royal blue.Magic number: 41. TAURUS: You may indulge in sensual and physical pleasures. You will have no problem while getting along with family members. Romance seems unlikely. Do not resist changes as it all works out for the best. Tarot message: Don't jeopardize your long term capital. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 62. GEMINI: Business matters may not turn out the way they appear to be. Contemplate the important moves which you wish to make with influential people. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57. CANCER: 'The King of Swords' suggests that you should make a real effort on the job because laziness, incompetence and inadequate performances will not be tolerated by the bosses, clients or customers. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that comes your way. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26. LEO: 'Ace of Cups' will get the nagging chores out of your way. Check your 'to-do list' thoroughly and clear as many items as possible. Handle the cash carefully. Rather than focusing on romance, attend to your family. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63. VIRGO: Love affair will blossom. Dress in alluring fashion for maximum appeal. Postpone decisions on major deals. Be cautions and discriminating while dealing with people. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27. LIBRA: The support and tips of an expert will help you master the subject you want to learn. Cut down on salt and increase liquid intake. Loved ones are congenial. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 28. SCORPIO: Learn to be optimistic. This evening is ideal for serious discussion with your partner. Venus influences your sexual energy today. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 30. SAGITTARIUS: Travel arrangements can be difficult to arrange. Time spent alone while reading and studying will be helpful. Housewives should cut down on unnecessary expenditure. Tarot message: Don’t get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 43. CAPRICORN: This is a perfect day for those of you who are soon to be taking examination to do some reviewing. Watch out for potential arguments or ill-temper, especially due to alcohol consumption. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55. AQUARIUS: After a busy period of seasonal celebration, you will now relax. Fulfil the wishes of your spouse. People suffering from chronic illness are advised to take complete rest. Tarot message: Do not let opposition stray you from walking on the path you wanted to. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 57. PISCES: Superiors are co-operative and will offer you, both moral and financial backing. Romantic impulse can invite sweet kindness and loving from lovers, family and friends. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 37.
	THE YEAR AHEAD Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is March 11... Trust is the key to excel at workplace, but be careful. Allegiances may be shifting and a certain party may be downright shifty-conduct business with a healthy dose of scepticism. If you work in an artistic field, you'll know how to develop your artistic capacities and your natural talents will come to the fore. Great news is on the cards. If you are in business, will find the money market smooth and majority of the business will bring more profit. Businessmen whose names begin with letters M or J may face problems from the government side and labour unions. The number 2 and moon, makes you an honest, responsible, trustworthy, intelligent and broadminded person. Those with an ascendant in Gemini face the risk of being swamped by paperwork. You will benefit immensely if you listen to your family members. Career changes will prove to be beneficial. You need to be more forgiving. Your outgoing nature will work to your advantage. Spouse and other female members will do their best to keep you happy. Short distance travels undertaken will fetch you expected results. You may meet some new people who are worth befriending. Some of you may have to tie the marriage knots suddenly. Real-estate transaction towards the yearend should bring monetary gains. Financially, this will be a favourable period. Mood: Confused and distracted Compatible Signs: Cancer, Capricorn, Taurus Lucky Colours: Dark Blue, Black Lucky Days: Tuesday Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 11, 35, 51 Thora Birch was born on March 11, 1982. She is an American actress and was also a leading child actor in the 1990s. She has acted in several films, including Hocus Pocus. In the late 1990s she moved on to more mature roles, in films like American Beauty. She was born in Los Angeles, California and is the eldest child of Jack Birch and Carol Connors.