The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Holi affair!
Manpriya Singh

Do we really need a venue for Holi? Get smeared with colours on the roads, get splashed with water on the streets and then hit the theme parks, water bodies, amusement centres…after all, it’s a Holi day.

Out and about

On the outskirts is where it all begins. At theme water park, Funcity, celebrate with Jazzy B. Hear him perform some of his biggest hits, while getting drenched in colours. Like each year, thrown in are attractions like Western and Punjabi dance troupes, item girls, dhol and much more. Sounds fun? Thunder Zone, a water and theme park, plays host to yet another Holi bash. Shares DN Sharma, general manager, “We already have a DJ on board, plus there will be a guest DJ to entertain the crowds. As for the singer who’ll be performing, we are keeping it a surprise. There will also be water games and boating.”

Within the city

Those who’ve ‘been there and done’ all this the previous year, they can head to Kalagram, Chandigarh. The place plays host to their very own Holi bash, but with a strict couple entry. That sounds pretty safe for women! There might be many that believe in starting early and reserving a day each for friends and then family. There’s Crystal bar—26, playing host to pre-Holi day party starting in the afternoon. There will be DJ VBZ and DJ Kewl spinning some remixed Holi tracks for the crowds.

Platter full

To many, the day starts with food palette rather than the colour palette! If Vodka Golgappa shots and Baileys Gujiya sounds fun to you, head to Blue Blazer. As for the colour, shares Ganeev Bains, managing director, “The colour will be in our cocktails, which the team has specially come up with.” The mocktails include concoctions like Jaljeera with orange and Absolut pepper; there’s Saffronica with saffron, Abslolut Kurrant and the like. Adds Annu Bains, the director, “We have designed a special menu with a fusion of innovation and fun.”

Fort Ramgarh, Panchkula, promises to combine it all — a rain dance party, complimentary packet of colours, food stalls (think vegetarian thali and non-vegetarian biryani) and attractions for kids.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Doc Talk
Colour-proof
Dr Sukhdeep Kaur

Tips before playing Holi

Ensure a safe and skin-friendly Holi by using herbal or natural colours like henna or spinach (green), turmeric or marigold flowers (yellow), tomatoes or beetroot or kumkum (red) and tea leaves (brown).

You literally need to soak your body in oil. Apply coconut or any other easily available oil from head to toe. Alternatively, you can also use a cold cream. Coat your nails in transparent nail paint, this way the colour won't stain your nails. Make sure your hair isn't dry, or the colour will penetrate faster and stain them.

Oil your hair. Apply a thick layer of SPF 30 sunscreen on your face. The oil in it will not let the colour seep deeper and the SPF will prevent you from the harsh rays of the sun.

Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly over the lips to protect them. For teeth, warm some Vaseline against your fingers and gently rub it against your teeth. It will prevent them from staining.

We often ignore our ears, back of the neck and end up having the most staining there! This time, coat the area with Vaseline or some heavy duty oil!

After care tips

Wash the colour off your body immediately. Use a body wash or a gentle soap. Hair should be deep conditioned after the wash. Make sure your hair is clean. Use a good almond oil to moisturise and nourish them.

Do not wash your face with soap immediately, because soap is alkaline and it causes further dryness. Instead, use a cleansing cream or lotion, which soothes the skin while cleansing. Massage it on the skin and then wipe it off with moist cotton wool. Follow up with lots of moisturiser.

Do not bleach, shave, wax or go for a facial the following week. Give your skin and body some time to recover from the damage.

(Dr Kaur is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Make sure you are doing your best. You are in line for a promotion or recognition in the form of an award. Your interest in overseas affairs is likely to develop.

Tarot message: Competition will push you to do your best.

Lucky colour: Beige.

Magic number: 52

TAURUS: Friction at the workplace can slow down production. Try to stay balanced and remember that silence is golden. You will have more time to see to the needs of others.

Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 25

GEMINI: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting, but frivolous mix. Take it easy. Deal with routine job. Do not neglect a family matter. Social gathering will be rather dull.

Tarot message: Play your cards wisely.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 40

CANCER: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into action. Take care of your health. Putting energy into your domestic life will give you the lift you need now.

Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurances of people.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 61

LEO: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place in the future. Rearrange your environment. Go shopping for some interesting artwork. Important changes at your work must be postponed.

Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 24

VIRGO: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss, you will feel an immediate sense of achievement. Cash may not come smooth.

Tarot message: A positive attitude heals old wounds.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Magic number: 33

LIBRA: You will be caught up in your natural ambition to get ahead. Problems of others may have to be attended to. There is little you will do to advance your own affairs.

Tarot message: Keep a check on your finances.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 62

SCORPIO: A day of heavy spending. The advice of elders and professionals will make all the difference. Your love life will be active. Using your imagination will be effective to create the outcome you want.

Tarot message: Plan your life better to avoid delays.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 59

SAGITTARIUS: Excitement and happiness is on the cards. An increasing income means more luxuries of life to enjoy. This is an easy-going day. You will have much energy. You need some time out today.

Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 63

CAPRICORN: Grinding through committee crowds will be annoying and frustrating. Do not stress yourself too much. Someone you meet today may give you a useful business tip. The evening will lack force.

Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in new projects.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 57

AQUARIUS: Morning will be most exciting. New possibilities will pop up today. The routine that you have been following with hardwork will bear fruits. Do not allow friends or family to distract you.

Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance.

Lucky colour: Cream.

Magic number: 50

PISCES: Finance and income are in the spotlight. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining in depth. Be sure to grasp any opportunity that comes your way today.

Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 41

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 27...

It is not the time to go solo. You'll be feeling open and willing to talk about anything, so why not use this opportunity to have a heart-to-heart? You already have missed a few opportunities to shine. Someone will resent you for taking a strong position in a competitive situation, but you will act wisely. The year marks your courage and willingness to find success.

Things will be tough at work. Finances need improvement. Overall, it is an above average year. You'll be loved and this will stimulate you, making you active and good at your tasks. You'll be very prudent and wise with your beloved; try to be more patient than usual. Look after yourself. Arians excel in whatever they undertake and attain good position in their careers. They can handle all types of jobs and carry out any responsibility entrusted to them. However, if any affliction is caused, the person will be distracted and choose the wrong path. Arians do well in the Armed forces. They make good doctors, chemists, gunners, carpenters, cooks, mechanics, boxers, wrestlers and dealers in sports goods. As they have a scientific bent of mind, they do well in research work too.

Although you are very honest and ethical, this birthday enables you to be shrewd and successful in the world of business as well as commercial enterprise. Sensitivity in your nature makes it hard to give or receive affection. You're feeling ambitious right now and looking forward to getting involved in a new project. Make it a shared effort and you'll also strengthen your bond with your loved one.

It is a favourable period for property investments. Romance will be on the top of your list. Your financial condition will improve as you pick up a job involving higher responsibility and position. Some exhilarating news from distant relations will boost up the spirits of the entire family.

Mood: Dedicated.

Compatible signs: Gemini, Taurus.

Lucky colours: Green, Violet.

Lucky days: Thursday and Saturday.

Lucky numbers: 1, 9, 11, 14, 32.

You share your birthday with Renuka Shahane (March 27, 1965), who is a very familiar face on television. Married to Ashutosh Rana, also a Bollywood actor, she was seen first in popular TV serial, Surabhi, in 1993. She became a formidable host on the show. She became popular after her role in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, a 1994 blockbuster film with Madhuri Dixit. In 2013, she will make more charming appearances on the small as well as the big screen.

Chatter box
Holi fever in Vyas family

Holi fever has gripped television shows, but it isn't just all celebration. There's some drama brewing in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha Season 2. While the Vyas family is all excited to celebrate Holi, Beera (Siddharth Arora) has different plans for them.

In fact, Beera mixes bhang tablets in their thandai (a non-alcoholic drink), which puts the entire Vyas family on a high. Behind this act, Beera has a hidden motive that is unknown so far. Sources say that he does it for Navika (Jayshree Venketaramanan). He knows how much Navika wants to talk to her Spiderman aka Mohan (Kunal Karan Kapoor). Therefore, he would want her to do so while she is intoxicated.

This Holi sequence will be aired on March 27.

Time for a twist

There is a big twist coming up in Balaji’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. Ayesha (Akanksha Juneja) will be shocked to know that she’s pregnant with Siddhant’s (Mahesh Shetty) second child, but as he won’t be thrilled about it she will abort it. No one in the Kapoor family will know about it, but later when they learn they will be stunned.

Dramatic turn

In this week's Diya Aur Baati Hum, post Sandya's request, Emily finally decides to join the Rathi family. Bhabho warns Emily on Maasa.

Maasa comes to receive the family and is surprised to meet the extra addition.

An emotional moment

The last day of the shoot of Sony TV’s Kuch Toh Log Kahenge was an emotional one for the cast. They had a wrap up party with producer Rajan Shahi. The shoot was about Holi and the whole cast as well as crew had a blast at the farewell party. Sharad Kelkar felt bad that the show was ending and said he hopes the buzz of season 2 is correct. WRAPPING UP: Kritika Kamra

Fun with colours

Adding to the spirit of Holi, Colors' artists will make it special this time with their dazzling performances high on the entertainment quotient. With a theme —'tussle between boys and girls' — the show promises to give the viewers an insight into how the cast celebrates Holi!

Promising a fun-filled and entertaining afternoon, Rang De Colors will see the adorable Bani (Shefali Sharma) and bubbly Rajji (Neha Bagga) performing for the first time ever with some Punjabi tadka on Katiya Karoon. The Tom and Jerry like couple Beera (Siddarth Arora) and Navika (Jayashree Venketaramanan) will groove to some melodious Holi songs such as Holi ke din dil mil jaate hain.

Watch unlimited dhamaal on Wednesday, March 27, at 3PM and 5 PM only on Colors!

On a winning note

Jay Bhanushali is on cloud nine because along with his wife Mahii Vij, he has won the dance reality show Nach Baliye 5. He talks about his journey.

How did you feel when you won?

It was an overwhelming feeling. I was on my knees when they announced us as victorious. When we used to perform well in every episode, many well wishers told me to take it slow as we were giving back-to-back good performances. They felt nazar lag jayegi so asked us to give a few bad performances as well.

Who gave you tough competition?

I have never thought about competition. I feel if you worry about competition then you focus on it rather than giving your best shot.

What's next?

I will take up some acting projects; will wait for good offers and if I don't get them, will be on a vacation till then.

They say actors who do serials always have a good fan base. Do you agree?

Well, it is true for some and not so true for others. If your fans really love you, then they stay with you even after the show is over.

What will you do with the prize money?

We will pay off the home loan and perhaps take a trip abroad, but first will celebrate Mahii's birthday, which is in April first week.

Ritesh turns judge

Ritesh Deshmukh will be the third judge on the upcoming reality show, Star Plus’ India’s Dancing Superstar. He will join Bollywood chorographer Geeta Kapoor and Ashley Lobo. Thrilled about his TV debut, Ritesh says he loves to dance and the interesting concept is what hooked him.

The casting ouch!

Directors and producers have always dated actresses and the trend continues even today, no matter how 'professional' and 'organised' Bollywood has become. Let's take a look

Question mark

Parineeti Chopra and Maneesh Sharma: Parineeti has admitted and declared that she owes her Bollywood career to Maneesh Sharma, who encouraged her to act by auditioning her for Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl. He has also cast her in his new film, opposite Sushant Singh Rajput. She was the reason he did not want Shahid starring in the film. Sushant is already engaged. Parineeti has already said that she shares a special bond with Maneesh and he is her mentor. Maneesh is much-married.

The love triangle

Huma Qureshi and Anurag Kashyap: Kalki was also an actress who became Anurag's second wife. There is too much going on about Anurag taking a special interest in Huma's career. His marriage with Kalki is going through a rough patch. Kalki has said that Anurag and she hang out at Huma's place and enjoy biryani together and their equation is hard to understand for others. Anyway, Kalki is busy with her own professional life and Anurag is happy promoting Huma all over the place.

Professional and personal

Mahie Gill and Tigmanshu Dhulia: She has worked with him on three films back-to-back. Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, its sequel and Paan Singh Tomar. He has also given her an item number in Bullet Raja. The two share more than a professional relationship. Tigmanshu even has an influence over what she wears for promotions of their movies. Recently, he also told her off when she wore jeans and tee to a television set and then she changed into a saree and he was pleased.

Beauty and the beast

Chitrangda Singh and Sudhir Mishra: She is the beauty and he is the beast. Ever since he launched her in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, nearly a decade ago, he has barely made any film without her. Inkaar, Yeh Saali Zindagi and Kal, starred the gorgeous actress. The married beauty is his muse and they always have to explain the nature of their relationship to other people and the media. There have been many stories of Chitrangda's marriage going through a rough phase because of this.

Brink of divorce

Imtiaz Ali and Imam Ali: Imtiaz Ali's marriage to Preeti was hardly spoken about. Then last year, we heard that problems were brewing in their marriage, thanks to Pakistani model and actress Imam Ali of Khuda Kay Liye fame. Imtiaz's father, Mansoor Ali, rubbished the reports. Imtiaz and Preeti have not said anything. Later last year, pictures emerged of Imtiaz, Ranbir and Imam hanging out together in Juhu and Imtiaz no longer lives with his wife and daughter.

Multiple hues
Amarjot Kaur

Nine different artists, nine different topics! But what connects them is their passion to translate reality on canvas

When innovation complements the essence of improvisation, it manifests a fold of authenticity to the innumerable dimensions of art and its forms. The week-long Multimedia Art Workshop, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, Garhi, in association with Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10, showcased different art forms through technology while intensifying the dramatic appeal of each art form.

The multimedia presentation harnessed talent and creativity of over nine young artists, who worked under their mentor, Gagan Vij, a Faridabad-based sculptor.

Treat from the east

Nayan Kalita, who hails from Assam, showcased his paintings, which came across as a metaphor for his existence. While most of his paintings projected an image of an amorphous man, there were others from the mobile series. He deploys etching and lithography as a technique to pull his paintings through rather magnificently.

Lined up in creativity

Her obsession with lines and urban landscapes originates from the close proximity with her physical surroundings. "As I roam around the cities, the lines grab my attention. The urban landscape, including the roads, poles and wires are all but lines, so that is what I fancy drawing," says Chetna Verma. In some of her works, she introduces a map as a backdrop to intensify her representation of the urban landscape.

In love with ceramics

Soumen Basu interprets and translates nature in his works while working with ceramics. His sculptures decipher the beauty of nature and the elements that he uses in his works are the sea creatures, sea shells and flowers.

Of intensity and passion

Vijay Kumar, a Chandigarh-based artist, translates his emotions and thoughts into paintings which seem to absorb his pain while projecting it in a frozen beauty of reality. In most of his paintings, he uses the expression of self, while in others he showcases his family. "There was a time when my family was going through a turbulent period. I've painted my family because it affected me to a degree beyond expression," says Vijay.

Cause and concern

She began experimenting with the conventional and later experimented with the canvas itself. Manmeet Sandhu, a Chandigarh-based artist, reasons her art on a social dimension while projecting her concern for women and mankind. "I rip the canvas and stitch it with wires," she says. While her painting, The Ritual, is a shot of contempt and disdain at the women's circumcision ritual of Africa, the Selling Hunger series take a dig at the food politics of India. Also, her painting Machali jal ki raani hai is a dark sarcasm at child abuse.

Dancing queen

Maansi Verma, who dances and paints, presented her paintings that are inspired from her curiosity to explore the concept of communication. She also presented a beautiful dance at the event.

The common man connect

Rajesh Ram, who is essentially a sculptor, makes use of rural and urban influences while working on fibre glass and bronze sculptures. "I like dealing with the issues of a common man," he says. His work on the farmer committing suicide, a child hiding his face in the bucket that was influenced by an ostrich and sequence work with ropes are much appreciated.

Two of a kind

Manjot Kaur, who works on the conscious, subconscious and the unconscious, presents as many as 30 slides, which are based on the Freud's and Carl Jung's concept of fantasy. "I worked on the theme while arranging my presentation on Gulzar's song-Masterji ki Chitthi, which is a song about fantasy. Most of my paintings are acrylic on canvas," she says. Meanwhile, Suvajit Samanta's sculpture explored the seaside with elements like, boats, sea shells and fishes.

Hail the mentor

While applauding the works of the young artists, Gagan Vij showcased his Sun Dial, which works like the Jantar Mantar and is placed at the Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi. He documented the journey of the masterpiece and its stages while elucidating upon the quintessential elements of making a sculpture. A work of a true mentor, indeed!

It's happening
Contemporary touch
Amarjot Kaur

The irony about creativity is that it flourishes in adversity and art is perhaps the only creative medium which defines an artist's vision-a perennial source of expression and knowledge. Translating the women's expression of art and empowering their creative talent, Artscapes has organised The All-India Women Artists Contemporary Exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University. "We received over 1,000 entries from across the country, out of which we have finalised as many as 150 works of arts," says Simrat Sharma while adding, "The idea behind organising this exhibition is to bring the regional artists on a common platform."

The exhibition commenced on Monday with the prize distribution and lamp lighting ceremony by Manish Tewari, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who was also the chief guest for the occasion. He shares, "Paintings, in my understanding, are a living memory of an artist and I have often marvelled at the way they translate abstract into reality and reality into abstract."

His words indeed decipher the reality as one takes a look around the gallery. The first that grabs your attention is the one titled Man and Machine by Amruta Dharampal, for which she received the first prize, "I have been working on these series for a long time and the technique that I have used is etching," shares Amruta with a smile. With as many as 150 artworks, placed rather aesthetically on the walls of the gallery, there are a few you can not take your eyes off. Hail the Queen, a photograph by Chandini Mandla, which also received an award, expresses her feminist side assertively, yet gracefully as she says, "I clicked this picture on my way to Mani Mahesh. A herd of mountain goats, with one of the goats sitting on an elevated piece of rock seems to signify female domination, thus the title-Hail the Queen!"

Visitors admire the art works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University

Another award-winning painting, Eternal Expression by Satwinder Kaur, epitomises the expression of a feminist as she shares, "I am a feminist and I like exploring different shades of a woman's beauty, both physical and spiritual." She uses lithography as a painting technique. While Jyotsna Gyanani received the second prize for her painting Untitled III that showcased buckets, ropes and a well, Ivy Mandal received the third prize for her painting Phenomenon of Attraction. Meanwhile, Suchita Rai, who received the third prize for her sculpture-Global Warming, says, "I am delighted to have brought the global concern to the fore through an artistic medium and that reflects on how an educated woman can create awareness through different mediums." Among other works, Umbrella by Nishi Singh, Passenger by Raka Panda, Different Moods by Jaya Namdeo Daronde, My Journey 1 by Neha Sharma, Landscape by Abid Zaidi and Family by Shradha are praiseworthy.

Open till April 5

Stress buster
Have a good day
Renee Singh

We face ups and downs in life and there are 'good days' and there are 'bad days'. Stress builds up within and we don't even realise it. We start reacting to things from a less centered space, and before we know it, we feel overwhelmed by situations which are otherwise manageable. How often do we have good days where everything goes right and you are feeling really happy and joyful? Your good days may be few and far between, but then you can turn your bad days into good days. Everyone has their own idea of a ''good day''. Of course there is a universal concept of what is a good day, where certain elements that are universally enjoyed create a level of peace and happiness. There are some specific strategies which we can use to turn our bad days into good days.

Do what you enjoy

When we engage ourselves in activities that we enjoy then the challenge is stimulating and gratifying. If you enjoy your job you are very lucky, otherwise you can participate in activities that give you joy. This will lift your mood and also reduce stress.

Stay in here and now

Bad days usually happen due to a build up of stress. If something throws you off balance in the morning, it builds up stress which can cause you to react through the day. When you act from a stressed mindset, this can make all your experiences stressful. Staying in here and now can act like a ''reset'' button for you.

Joy of small things

Life's little pleasures can add a quick lift to your mood. It can be anything like a warm bath, a good cup of tea or coffee, a walk in the park or simply bird watching. As long as you know how to enjoy these little things life can become so much more joyful and bright.

Cultivate laughter

Most of us feel that experiencing happiness and laughter are part of a good day. Spending time with friends and having frivolous fun can be so relaxing. Cultivating a sense of humour is a sure shot way of increasing your chances of having a good day and also of coping effectively with stress. When you can laugh over little things instead of panicking over them, life becomes fun.

Maintain a balance

If you live on a packed schedule, one minor change can snowball you into a stressful mode. It is important to stay balanced by creating some flexibility in your schedule.

Use positive psychology

This helps in understanding how to increase your personal level of happiness. Positive psychology research also provides strategies for ensuring a good day.

Use these simple effective techniques to turn your life's stressful days into joyous ones. Enjoy the feel of a ''good day''.

(Renee is a Chandigarh-based psycho therapist)