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Colours of meditation
She paints wisdom that is drenched in meditation and it radiates a vision that runs in equal proportion to the intensity of her thoughts. It’s the rarity of her creative expression that delves deep into spirituality to define her existence and she just basks in the sheer joy that she derives from painting while meditating.
“Though I never took to painting till 2004, I was always in touch with my creative self as I pursued fashion designing during that time,” she explains while detailing a few excerpts which defined her career choice. “Also, I used to paint and my husband would gift most of my paintings to those who liked them. It was only when one of our friends, a Delhi-based art critic, asked me to exhibit my work that I understood the concept of an exhibition,” says she. While most of her works frame a colourful extension of spiritual creativity, these also exude perfection in both, technique and texture. However, Pratiksha maintains that she is not equipped with the knowledge to comprehend the techniques and that she paints all that emerges out of an innate understanding of the Upanishads and Osho’s discourses. “I will be displaying as many as 32 works from the two series that I have painted—Spiritual Odyssey and Reflections. I remember, when I put my works on optical illusion on display for the first time, a number of art teachers were baffled with the intricate patterns and the perfection, especially when I had no technical understanding of the same. Moreover, I do meditative art through which I paint Osho’s perspective and his discourses. Every painting has a story that makes it all the more meaningful.” Pratiksha has made several paintings that capture the epicurean philosophy woven around the Carpe Diem, however these trace their origin in the Upanishads, “You will see a lot of quotes from the Upanishads in my paintings. Also, I have been told by a lot of clients, in India and abroad, that my paintings have healed them. I think that is to do with the energy of meditation that I put into my paintings,” she shares. She has also worked on the layers of consciousness to paint a portrait of hypnosis, where she has endeavoured to travel across the sub-conscious, collective conscious and cosmic unconscious levels of consciousness. On till April 14 at Punjab Kala Bhawan
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Outside the formula
A comedy with zombies in Bollywood — what an idea…But Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK (Raj & DK) did not leave their engineering careers in America to do the regular Bolly fare!
“Though we wanted a zombie film but not the regular gory, horror one. But even in our comedy, we wanted our zombies to be authentic. Thus began the search for the best in the business and we pulled together a team.” It came out to be quite a global get together with the international crew joining hands with the Indian star cast including Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Veer Das, Anand Tiwari and Puja Gupta. Well, they faced many challenges throughout the filming, the hardest one being that of scheduling. Saif lost his father and got married too when the film was on track. Balancing the personal and professional life, Saif scored with this director duo. They label him interesting, funny and very young at heart. Leaving the US after spending fifteen long years, these guys from Andhra Pradesh are happy at the turn their careers have taken. “We landed in Mumbai with only script writing ability and no friends, no connections whatsoever.” The journey has been more fun than difficult for they believe in creating opportunities for self and establishing the credibility. Their previous films have registered their presence at film festivals, box office and garnered critical acclaim. Now they are looking forward to repeating the feat. With Go Goa Gone hitting the screens on May 10, this enthusiastic team has already two stories in mind — an action thriller and an edgy rom com. Well, we are voting for the latter! mona@tribunemail.com
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Help yourself
Renee Singh
Here are some easy to follow effective tools for recognising, minimising and managing stress. Recognise the stressors
We have to first realise that not all stress is bad and some kind of stress can actually be healthy and necessary. Some stress could just be a silent bystander for you but on the other hand some type of stress could create havoc in your life by affecting your body, mind and inevitably every aspect of your health. So you must decipher how to do better stress management. Be aware of stress
We all are unique in our own way as individuals so even stress affects us differently. We experience stress according to our own personality type. Certain things that stress us may not stress another individual and vice versa. So it is important for an individual to recognise his stressors and deal with them accordingly. Learn quick stress relievers
You will realise that once you have recognised your stress relievers you are responding to new stressors differently than you normally would. Learn to quickly reverse your stress response to be able to function from a place of strength. Get ongoing support
In order that one may not feel overwhelmed by stress it is important to get supported by some tailor made techniques which are personalised according to your particular situations. This keeps you motivated in a way that stress reduction becomes a simple and easy part of your life. Develop long term habits
Certain habits which we tend to practice over long periods of time can help us become more resilient towards stress. Try some of techniques that work for you and change the way you experience stress. Change your thinking
A great way to relieve stress is to stop your stress response before it gets triggered. Stress is normally triggered when you face a real or perceived threat. Sometimes it is only the perception of the stress that is stressing you, so just change your perception. Use your stress as a challenge. Cut off the stressors
This means getting rid of toxic relationships, staying away from negative people and a lot of other factors that disturb you. Create a time management plan and adhere to it. Let's celebrate the Stress Awareness Month, this is a month where flowers are blooming and there is a song in the air. Use
the simple tools we've spoken about and enjoy a stress free life. (Singh is Chandigarh based
psychotherapist)
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Let's play
Based on Chandigarh's well known grid system, Cub's Club introduced an incredible board game named 'Chandigarh's Board Walk' sector 27 on Sunday. It was launched by Nek Chand, the creator of Rock Garden. The game is the first one of its kind in the country.
Classically like any other board game, the major attraction of this game is the track, which is the exact replica of Chandigarh's sector plan. Needless to say, it has 56 sectors. "While playing you can actually feel that you are walking through the familiar route of the city. Pick your own route, if you wish to. Also, there are no predefined start and finish positions in this game. So, a player is free to choose the start and finish points," says Meenu Prashar, who conceptualised the game. She adds, "While playing, a player will have to face many hurdles in the form of questions through which you can learn many interesting facts about Chandigarh. It's equally fun for the outsiders who can also use it as a navigation tool!" Nek Chand, while taking a good look at the functioning of the game, was delighted with the brilliant approach. He shares, "I love the concept, the game teaches so much about Chandigarh. The quiz, adds to the element of culture." Nek Chand further adds, "Next time if your kid asks you to stop at the red light or rather give you a direction into the city's route, don't be surprised!" "The club brings a new initiative every month and this time we have brought the architectural excellence of the city alive in a board game. Apart from the fun part, the game also gives us an insight into the city's history, planning and architecture," says Meenu. She adds, "We are all working women and our kids play an equivalent role in this club." Other members in the club include interior designers, architects and business entrepreneurs. The club has been organising many charitable events within the city like visiting orphanages, arranging games for blind kids and distributing medicinal plants to people.
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Slice of health
Manju Dewan A tomato is an all-time favourite ingredient for its inherent quality of enhancing the taste of any dish, but it can stand alone as a salad or a main dish. If the lycopene of the tomato remains intact, it becomes a super healthy addition to any meal.
Tomato salad with peanut sauce
Ingredients
Method
— As told to Poonam Bindra
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Worth the effort
Actress Jessica Alba says that she will accept only those roles which are worth leaving her kids
at home.
Alba, 31, who raises two daughters, Honor, four, and 20-month-old Haven, with her husband Cash Warren, said her priority shifted from her career to her family when she became a mother, reported a website. "When you have kids, you kind of think, 'I don't need to work just to work.' I want to sink my teeth into a character that makes it worth not being with my kids, or not being at the office," she said. Although Alba is still proud to be an actress in demand, she said nothing gives her greater satisfaction than being a good mother and a wife. "Having kids, having strong relationships with my husband, my friends, that it is my priority ... That's what really defines me, not a movie opening or a poster or an endorsement." — PTI
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Gwyneth Paltrow loves to rap
Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow loves to rap at home but only when her rocker husband Chris Martin is out.
The 40-year-old actress said her husband, Coldplay frontman Martin, can't bear to listen to music when he is at home, but as soon as he goes out, she puts on her favourite hip-hop records and heads into the kitchen, reported a website. "He can't have background music on; it has to be 100 per cent of his attention. But if he isn't at home, I turn on the hip-hop - I'm like a bad mutha rapping along to every word as I cook," Paltrow said. The Iron Man star, who has children Apple, eight, and Moses, six, with Martin, also said that she is a perfectionist. "I am a perfectionist. It's a very neurotic impulse. I could stress about anything from a typo on my website to juggling all my upcoming tasks at once. I find I'm pretty mellow during the day, but when I get
to bed, my heart starts beating and I stress out," she added.— PTI
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The ball's in her court!
Raising Helen star Kate Hudson is obsessed with ballroom dancing. The 33-year-old actress, who has sons Ryder, nine, with ex-husband Chris Robinson, and Bingham, 21 months, with fiance Matt Bellamy, loves the pastime and enjoys splashing out on new outfits to appear on the dance floor, reported a magazine. "Oh my God, I love it. I've learnt the cha-cha and the tango. I'm having dresses made. Those colours and flounces are totally my guilty pleasure. The whole thing's an excuse to go out and on to the dance floor," she said. Hudson began taking dance classes when she was just four and believes that the hobby will always keep her in good shape. —PTI
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This too shall pass
Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan has reportedly broken up with her new rocker boyfriend Avi Snow.
The couple never officially confirmed that they were dating but they were spotted locking lips, when she went to watch his band's performance, at an LA club last month, reported a website. Snow also saw the actress off to Brazil to fulfill her work commitments before she was set to enter rehab. "LiLo is really awesome and a lot of fun," he had said in an interview. Lohan, 26, will next make an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman but she reportedly will skip the NYC premiere of her new film Scary Movie 5. — PTI
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Tabu is considered one of the hottest female singletons in Bollywood. The acclaimed actress, most recently seen in Life of Pi, talks about movies, marriage and more. Small role in a big film I accepted it because of Ang Lee's body of work (the famed American director has made classics like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain). I wished to be consumed by something larger than me. I could be just a drop yet be a part of the ocean. Your significance has to be relinquished to create something of significance. Like mother, like daughter When I saw my face appear in front of Pi, during his hour of crisis in the film, I couldn't help thinking of my mother's influence on me. My mother is the constant factor in my life. I'm closer to her (in comparison to sister Farah) not because I'm younger but because I've lived longer with her. When I return home and don't find her, I feel disoriented. I'm spoilt and pampered. Not that she always agrees with me. Sometimes I wake her up at 3.30 am and cuddle next to her, just to share something. On marriage and men I give a lot of significance to marriage. Men and women were made to coexist. Marriage would be the best thing to experience if you found someone you can connect to. Men and my man After you've experienced the world and life in a massive way, you can't bear triviality. My man should signify comfort, a home, a sense of belonging, togetherness and a relationship to come back to. I am looking for a loving man to be married to and a child to follow after marriage. That's me I come from a different, rather conservative non-filmy background. In Hyderabad, my family is full of educationists. My sister and I are the only actresses. We were not even allowed to talk to boys and we wore churidaars to school. I do not try to be a recluse, I just live privately. That is a way of life for me.
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Great expectations
Shruti Haasan has two very talented parents. She does not want to work, professionally, with her father Kamal Haasan and neither does he. She recently rejected a film offer for Bitter Chocolate. She says that she already has six films in hand. She wants to work with her father after making a name for herself.
After being linked with Anurag Kashyap, Huma Qureshi is now linked with Abhishek Chaubey, the director of Dedh Ishqiya. This is probably a publicity stunt for her next movie. Sources close to her claim that all these rumours have started because she is becoming an acclaimed actress with many plum projects in her kitty.
Screen space
After being paired together in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone might also be paired in Imtiaz Ali's next film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor for sure. It seems that no one wants to cast him with his current flame Katrina Kaif. The priority list
Sanjay Dutt has decided to surrender on April 18 and he has a lot of movies to finish. He is currently working double shifts. That is being an absolute professional. His current priority is Rahul Aggarwal's cop drama followed by PeeKay by Rajkumar Hirani. We wish him well.
Badtameez Dil, the new song from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is online and on air these days. The music is by Pritam and is likely to do very well. The music should be out within a week as the movie releases on May 31. This is the first time a Dharma movie will have a Holi song which is called Balam
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First and foremost
Be it in Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani or Honge Judaa Na Hum, Kishwer Merchant is known to essay the negative roles with aplomb. She shares the first things which transformed her into being who she is. First salary
I got my first press ad for Amul Ice cream when I was a teenager and I earned Rs 1,000, which was a huge deal for me. Out of this amount, I gave Rs 350 to my model co-ordinator and I don’t remember what I did with the remaining Rs 750. I guess I might have gone shopping. Currently, my mother handles my finances. First car
My first car was a second-hand white Santro. But it was stolen from Cinevistaas studios. Later, I bought a brand new Black Santro for more than Rs 3 Lakhs. I remember having gone for picnics near Lonavala and other places in that car. Currently, I drive a Honda City and Hundayi I10. First house It was a nice apartment at Yari road and even today, whenever I visit that area, I meet my friends there. Later, I bought a one bedroom kitchen (BHK) flat for Rs 22 lakhs. I have another 2 BHK flat in Pune. First holiday I was 4 or 5 years old when we went to Kashmir. It was my first holiday and even today mummy tells me stories about that vacation. Also, with friends, I have been to Lonavala a number of times. First success My first claim to fame was Zee TV’s show Hip Hip Hurray. I essayed the role of an NRI named Noyonika for up to 60 episodes. Even Ekta Kapoor said that she loved my role in Hip Hip Hurray.
Honeymoon in Australia!
Vivian Dsena and Vahbbiz Dorabajee could not go on their honeymoon post marriage and their wish was fulfilled in the form of a trip to Australia recently, courtesy news channel Aajtak.
The couple travelled across five cities, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Goldcoast, Tangalooma Island and The Great Ocean Road during the week-long trip. It was their first ever visit to Australia. Vivian Dsena says, “After working for after one and a half years, the weeklong break was very rejuvenating. I could be myself and I got an opportunity to explore my adventurous side. Also, for a change, RK was out of my mind and life. I had some really romantic moments with Vahbbiz. I as an actor hardly get so much time to spend with her in Mumbai so it was a welcome change”. Vahbbiz adds, “We went for biking and skiing on sand dunes and fed dolphins too. Also, we went to a fine dining moving tram restaurant and cycling too. The best part was when Vivian gave me a wedding ring in the helicopter and took 12 vows at the beautiful 12 apostles. I will cherish my honeymoon forever. I guess we are made for each other”. Amit Tyagi, head of Aaj Tak says, “Vivian Dsena and Vahbbiz were the perfect choice for the trip to Australia. I am thankful to the Australian Tourism whose support made the trip a perfect one. Vivian is a huge star and his fans are surely happy with our effort. We showed their honeymoon first time ever as a reality show on Television”. Saas Bahu Aur Betiyan is a popular show which showcases the best of television on-screen as well as off-screen.
A big twist will soon change the pace of Madhubala that is telecast on Colors. RK, who is angry over Madhu’s close proximity with Sultan will force her to return to his home and stay with him and despite his dilemma about his feelings for her.
Sanaya Irani’s new show, Chhanchhan that is telecast on Sony garnered only 1.4 TRPs. Though the show scored average TRPs, the channel is considering it to be a good start because the earlier shows did not work well.
The TRPs of Balika Vadhu have been dipping steadily after Pratyusha Banerjee left the show. Sources inform that she is trying to give her hundred percent to the show so that the TRPs increase. But we guess that it will take time for the audience gets used to her.
Buzz is that Mohd Nazim aka Aham of Saath Nibhana Saathiya has been approached for Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa 6. It seems like Nazim is following his co-star, Giaa Manek’s footsteps. Only time will tell if he does choose to take-up the project.
Donning the dancing shoes
In the new season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa that is telecast on COLORS, Madhuri Dixit Nene will be seen teaching dance to her fellow judges. The three judges will be seen dancing together for the first time during the promos of the show. While Madhuri will dance to the tunes of the legendary song—1, 2 Cha Cha Cha, she will teach her co-judges some dance moves too. Now we will see this gifted Kathak dancer’s ability to pick up international dance forms with ease. Madhuri will adorn a flamenco dancer’s outfit and perform the popular Cuban ballroom dance form. Also, we all know Karan Johar loves taking challenges. Karan took one such challenge of dancing to a new dance form from the makers of JDJ. The filmmaker, for the first time, will be seen doing Cuban ballroom dance in the promos of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa that will soon be aired on COLORS.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You can turn dreams into reality with your hardwork and wisdom. You will be in the mood to meet people from different walks of life. Avoid drinks in the evening party.
Tarot message: Prevent any nuisance by taking timely action. Lucky colour:
Fushia. Magic number: 46
TAURUS: Focus on your goals. Grab any opportunity that meets your requirement. Plans for short trips are likely. You will feel a bit scruffy and careless in the evening. Be patient.
Tarot message: Do not spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 58 GEMINI: You will be surprised by the excellent reception you get. It’s a very good time to meet government officials. Health needs attention. You are likely to enjoy a few pranks with co-workers.
Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 31 CANCER: Do not become easily ruffled. Your personal and public life is likely to clash in the evening. Maintain the balance wisely. Love life will be exciting and you will be surprised today.
Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 63 LEO: You will most of your short term objectives today. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial to making good progress. Associates will be helpful. Keep a strong check on your health.
Tarot message: Do not spend lavishly. Lucky Colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27 VIRGO: It is a good time to look at real estate. Stay focused as your hard work will soon be fruitful. Get up and get going. Do not make hasty decision. Take a family member’s advice.
Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being over-anxious. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 36
LIBRA: Your card “Two of Pentacles” shines on love, money & sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Keep an open mind about new things.
Tarot message: Do no fall for sudden promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44 SCORPIO: There is a promise of better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to seize new opportunities. Watch your step while dealing with superiors. Speak out your mind.
Tarot message: Take up a new learning opportunity. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 51 SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions will over-ride your good judgment in some situations. Problems for factory workers are indicated. Family members will be supportive. Your diet needs more attention.
Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 65 CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. A few situations will cause restlessness. Escaping into a good-book or a movie will give you some relief. Lovers: a romantic evening is ahead.
Tarot message: Stay focused. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 AQUARIUS: Good Company and plenty of fun will keep you happy. A new love affair will dominate you’re schedule. Women: focus on balanced diet. You will have to take good care of your health.
Tarot message: Focus on finishing the tricky tasks. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 32 PISCES: This is not the right day to complete property deals. Get your priorities in order. An offer to move up the corporate ladder will be within your grasp. A long journey will be successful.
Tarot message: Avoid any nasty situation. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 28
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Hail the niece and disciple of Osho, Pratiksha Apurv, who takes you along on her spiritual escapades that translate into exceptionally rare works of art. “I’m a compulsive painter and everytime I meditate, I paint. This will be the first time that I will exhibit my works in Chandigarh and it is my 10th solo exhibition so far,” she says.
Flavors, 99, Shor in the City — each of their earlier films was ‘different’. Raj explains, “After investing so many years in studies, we did not leave our careers to fall in another rut.” Each new film gives them a chance to explore a new genre, a new theme. Go Goa Gone is a result of them wanting to attempt two genres — a zombie one and another a slacker comedy. Somewhere down the line, the two ideas fused together and became one in this flick. 
Stress is an inherent part of our lives. Accepting this unavoidable fact is perhaps the best favour we can do to ourselves. April is the Stress Awareness Month, so it is vital that we utilise our energies at a conscious level of awareness to learn more about stress management and find newer ways to live all year around.
One after the other
First things first
Going around the twist
Great expectations
Saving their face
Will he or won’t he!
