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Mall road
American actress Kristen Stewart has a clear take on malls - “I can’t go to a mall, it bothers me that I can’t be outside very often!” Shopping in itself has been defined as a sinful indulgence and if you happen to step into a mall that makes the money in your wallet break into a samba dance, you know what you are in for! The newly opened Elante Mall in Chandigarh is set to bring about a change in the shopping structure or is it just a fancy for the city folks who had to plan over the weekend to shop in Delhi? Do we hear the loyal clienteles at other malls slowly slipping or do we want to wait and watch?
Sea of choices
Drop the word malls in the Tricity and the internet will dish out a number of options - DT Mall, Centra Mall, Fun Republic; Paras Down Town Square in Zirakpur, Shalimar Mall in Panchkula and a few more. Elante Mall in Industrial Area is the latest addition. You would have a specific reason to go to each one of them just like Ashwati Kapoor, an engineering student from Patiala, along with her friends often comes to DT Mall for movies. “I stay as a paying guest in Sector-15 and the only venue where I like to watch a movie is at DT cinemas. I also like to grab a bite or two at their food court,” she says. For shopping, the girl strictly sticks to Sector-17. “I don’t shop much at the malls because they are high priced and also I don’t find much variety there.” Shop till you drop might not be the high-point of the malls so far, but this will soon change. Sikander Singh, a businessman from Mohali, feels that malls in Chandigarh were never a shopper’s paradise. “I only go for movies to the malls and I when I have to buy grocery, I end up at Paras Down Town Square,” he says.
Change on anvil
The existing malls in and around Chandigarh did change the shopping sensibilities of people, offering to be good hangout joints. Now, with one latest addition, Elante, there is more change on the anvil. Neha Sood and her entire family from Panchkula spent nearly three hours checking out every possible outlet in the mall. “This place is so big that it has every possible brand that I can think of right from Chicco, Gant, Biba, Zara, Hush puppies, Lifestyle, Splash and many more. I wouldn’t have to worry about asking my cousins in Delhi to send me stuff,” says Neha, carrying her shopping bags. “My eyes are popping out, is this Chandigarh! Shopping will definitely change with this place,” she adds. Everything new attracts, it is time that tells rest of the success story. GS Brar, senior manager, Fun Republic, agrees that at least everybody for once will check out the mall. “The place definitely boasts of big brands, but time will tell if they are fair about the prices or not,’ says Brar, who feels Fun Republic does have its own clients. Price is a word that definitely comes to mind when we talk about shopping in a mall. Dalvir Singh Sekhon and his friends from Zirakpur would now have to come an extra mile to the Industrial Area. “We don’t drive extra to shop here. It is a shopper’s paradise. The rates are not inflated as we thought; let’s see if it will be the case after a few months.” Dalvir is a regular at Pantaloons at Paras Down Town Square. “It’s a good mall, good eating and shopping options, but who minds something more fancy,” he laughs.
Loads of options
The hullabaloo about the newly opened mall isn’t fading anytime soon. With more brands opening their outlets, city people have a reason to keep coming back for more. Aneesh Deepak and Nehar, owners of the franchise of Haagen-Dazs, officially open the place on Wednesday. “People who would generally go outside India for super luxury brands will now have the option of coming to Elante. Our super-premium ice-cream brand will keep up with the international standards and be consistent with our lounges and flavours,” shares Aneesh, who is already hearing positive things about the place. Ditto for Abhay Jagat, owner, Backpackers Café at Elante, which is only ten days old but already getting a tremendous response, “We have the classic Backpackers menu along with new additions in the burger section like chicken burger, mushroom and fetta cheese burger, and ceaser salad burger. Cheese Fondue, Grill on the table, and many more options are now available.” Located on the ground floor overlooking the courtyard seems to be the apt place for Abhay Singh Jagat. There is more in store; Darpan Kapoor, managing director and co-founder of Kapsons Ltd, Chandigarh, who has an already running Kapsons Kids at Elante, will come up with seventeen more stores! “Summer are here and it is the best place to shop,” he smiles. Monica Sood from the famous Monica’s Pudding and Pies is feeling positive about bringing her brand outlet to the mall. Otherwise conservative about opening new ventures, Monica feels, “It will be a gamble but let’s see.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Go Mauritius!
The new popular attractions on the long list that these beautiful islands offer are Sea Safari and Self Drive. While the first one offers an immaculate view of coral and water life, Self Drive gives you the option to explore the island at your own pace.
The latest fad is Mauritius weddings. Last year saw ten big and small ones, and more are on the cards. “Not only a five-star standard wedding would be more competitive in Mauritius than in India, you also needn’t haggle at different levels. We customise the weddings for you,” says Vijaye. So much so that Air Mauritius goes out of the way to make the experience memorable. “We can not only ply special flights but also get special boarding passes, meals on flight and more,” offers Vinith G, Manager-India and South Asian Sub-continent. So much so that if you have a Jain wedding and want that food, it will be arranged for you! A quick run through what this holiday paradise offers — pleasant weather all year around, clean beaches, water sports, thrill of a walk with lions (they claim Himmatwala one is a Mauritian)! Pricing is juicy too - while stay for six days at a standard hotel starts from Rs 20,000, including meals and transfers, return tickets start at Rs 30,000. Sun, sand, sea, spas, dolphin watch, helicopter ride, kayaking — what would you like? mona@tribunemail.com
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Verses of life
He continued to chase his passion until he sought refuge in complacency and now, he has finally embarked on a journey to explore the horizons of his creative turf. As Bhupinder Singh Brar releases his book
titled—Sookhi Hawa Ki Awaaz, he discloses his love for creative writing and his attempt to juggle professional responsibilities.
Brar, who has served Panjab University as the Dean University Instruction (DUI), says, “This book comprises over 50 poems. While I wrote most of these early in my life, there are a few that have been penned down rather recently.” He adds, “Some of my poems have been published in literary magazines too and my friends suggested that I compile them in the form of a book. I thought that this would be a good way to go, so the book is here.” Meanwhile, this is not his first attempt at writing a book. “I have authored plenty of books before this one but most of them have been either academic or political. The Oxford University Press has published the most recent one, called Facing
Globality,” he says. As he engages in an interesting conversation, he explains the contents of his book, “I have divided this book into six sections. The first section Beej deals with my childhood memories, which is followed by Wapasi that describes my idea of life in a big city. The next section in my book talks about how an individual discovers his existence in the big city and it is called Ajnabi Shehron
Mein, Hamare Beech Main; it talks about human relationships. The last two sections are Kavita Ka Jeewan and
Antika.” Brar maintains that this is not an autobiographical book, but an archive of memory. “I intend to write a novel soon,” he
says. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Catching up with John Abraham
John Abraham was an action hero and a lover boy and now he is doing something completely different with Shootout At Wadala, in which he plays a real-life gangster Manya Surve. He talks about the movie and beyond. Playing Manya Surve
I was apprehensive of playing this character. As we went deeper into the character, it got tougher with every scene. I had two options: back out and keep my image intact or do something drastically different by completing this challenging role. The acid test
Shootout at Wadala is my acid test and I do not need any more acid tests in life because I have had enough. Shootout at Wadala will re-introduce me and filmmakers will see a side of me they have not seen before. My fans will have their faith validated and other people might become my fans too, hopefully. Rough and tough
Those scenes are really rough because I am playing Manya Surve and she plays Manya's woman. She is a commendable and a sporting actress. Manya did not know how to treat women or handle them with etiquettes. He was a rough guy. There was so much physicality in the scenes that Kangna's bangles broke off and she bled. Doing the scenes was tough. I hope our efforts pay off. And we are not aggressive people in real life. What's the noise about?
I was a part of Houseful 2 and Race 2 and they were hundred crore films. I did not make a noise about them. Anyway, grossing Rs 100 crore does not necessarily make a film good. Shootout At Wadala is a Sanjay Gupta gangster film and has an ensemble cast. On Priya Runchal
Our relationship is genuine and she has brought a lot of stability in my life. She is a finance person and I am a marketing person. I am hoping she will lend a lot more to my business and we both become a force to reckon with. I am in a very happy space with her.
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Victoria Beckham to give fashion lessons
Singer-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham will be teaching hundreds of designer students at the Vogue Festival later this month. Victoria, 38, who gradually built her reputation to become one of the world's top designers, will be passing on her fashion knowledge to the students, reported a publication.
"Victoria can't wait to share what she knows about the fashion industry. She has always loved fashion. When she decided to make a career out of it, she had a lot to learn so she feels lucky that she had people to teach her. Now she thinks it's time to give something back. She will be revealing all about the business and hand out advice to those youngsters who hope to have a career in the fashion industry," a source said. —PTI
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Electrifying stuff!
"How electromagnetic field interacts with and influences the biological process is something to ponder upon. The effects, however, are wondrous," says Emiel Spiessens, managing director, Quantum Resonance System (QRS), during an interaction in Chandigarh on Tuesday. He is here to launch QRS, which uses electro-magnetic therapy to cure chronic diseases. Why electromagnetic
therapy?
He explains, "Our body needs the magnetism to grow and sustain pain. Due to toxins in our bodies our cells are damaged. It happens over a long period of time. And while the pharmaceutical medicines only provide a momentary relief; this is where the electro-magnetic therapy succeeds in curing the disease permanently." The energy in an eight-minute session is equivalent to a three-hour walk or ninety minutes of exercise or yoga! How does it work?
"First thing you should know about this is that it isn't magic. It won't work overnight! It's a natural healing force and so does take time," says Sanjay Sharma, consultant physician at QRS. How much time one would ask? "Well, that completely depends on the kind and history of the disease along with the immune system of the patient. Also, depending on the machine one requires, it can take between 15 to 30 sittings per month with the cost starting from five thousand rupees onwards." He adds, "We don't ask anybody to leave their medical treatment, if any. In fact, this compliments your medicines. I have witnessed patients gradually leaving their medicine as they feel the difference while undergoing this therapy." "While you undergo the therapy, every part of your body is affected, even the smallest blood vessels. Better supply of oxygen and nutrients strengthens the bones; the reorganisation of proteins in our body is also accelerated. Overall, the regeneration of the cells in our body is stimulated thereby leading to a stronger immune system," adds Debo Chakravartty, centre coordinator for QSR. Why India?
"We have practiced this in Europe and America. We have been researching for almost two years in India and now we are finally launching it. It would help in curing a wide range of ailments, wounds, injuries and chronic diseases. For starters, we are opening two centres within the Tricity - one in Sector 17 Chandigarh and the other in Sector 16, Panchkula," says Emiel. Any side-effects
of this therapy?
"Absolutely none and there is no pain either. It's very natural and safe. Even for the pregnant woman or the older people or the wounded. And I can say that with the assurance from the ten million patients we have treated worldwide in these twenty-five years," Emiel adds.
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Fruity flavour
Manju Dewan Fruit and chocolates are the ideal mix for taste and nutrition both; one providing energy and the other vitamins. Easy to make and pleasing to the eyes, this chocolate fondue is sure going to be a winner.
Fruity chocolate delight
Ingredients:
Method:
— As told to Poonam Bindra
(Dewan is a Ludhiana- based culinary expert)
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Getting personal
Divya Dutta
At our film parties, you'll get a few flamboyant ones saying - 'Remember! I told you first about this heroine!' So I think everyone just loves to discuss the other's personal life, everyone from top to bottom! Try talking about your work or your achievements; they will admire you, be proud of you and hear you for five minutes before shifting the topic to —what else is happening! That, ‘what else’ means a lot. It means your personal life, your romantic status; sometimes I really try to decipher the reason behind this curiosity — one reason could be that it's interesting to know what's happening in a celeb's life because that way you have a personal connect; second, I sometimes feel it is interesting to know about a celeb's life and then compare notes with your own! I've heard a friend of mine brag in front of his wife — "I told my wife, I will also have an affair like so and so hero." Why are you comparing your life with someone else? To feel on par or to feel you are not short on any count or for general spice in life? Even in film marketing, romantic linkups are cooked to keep people engaged. I used to be a prude earlier; if asked a question about my personal life, I would say why don't you ask me about my work? Now I get amused as it doesn't depend on one person! It is a vicious circle; its demand and supply. So when I am asked, hey what's up, my tongue- in-cheek reply is, "You mean professionally or personally!" (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Eye contact
Summer is here again and what better way to set the tone for the season than with a pair of stylish sunglasses. Titan Eye Plus offers a perfect chance to buy the best brands of sunglasses and get assured gifts on every purchase at the Sunglass Carnival. Choose from a wide range of international sunglass brands such as Ray Ban, Vogue, Oakley and Polaroid to name a few.
Ravi Kant, CEO, Eyewear Division, Titan Industries Ltd, says, "Sunglasses are the perfect style accessory during summer and various trendy designs across international brands are driving the fashion for sunglasses in the Indian market. This summer, at Titan Eye Plus, we are pleased to announce the Sunglass Carnival that offers our customers a chance to win assured gifts on the purchase of top sunglass brands." The collections include the hottest styles and designs among the best of Aviators, Wayfarers, Rimless, Polarized Sunglasses etc across all brands. In the festival, you may get an Oakley backpack with the purchase of Oakley sunglasses or a Car Dashboard clip.
—TNS
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Missing Ranbir
Disha Parmar, who plays the role of Pankhuri in Star Plus’ Pyaar Ka Dard Hain Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara, is a huge fan of Ranbir Kapoor. Recently, when Disha was shooting for Star Parivaar Bane Kitchen Ke Superstar at the RK Studios, she learnt that Ranbir was in the same studio. Though Disha coaxed her co-star Nakul aka Aditya to accompany her while she met Ranbir Kapoor, she was called for her sequence and by the time the shot was over, Ranbir had left. Disha was visibly disappointed and unhappy that she couldn’t meet Ranbir.
Crime and punishment
Aman Varma will be back on television as he has signed a new drama series called Shapath that is telecast on Life Ok. In this show, he will essay the role of ACP Diller and he is much excited about the same.
Why did you choose to do Shapath? Last year, I worked in a couple of shows that were telecast on Life Ok, including Ram Leela and Welcome. I guess that is the reason why they considered me for this role. The concept of the show really appealed to me. Also, the role was completely different from the ones I had done before, so I took it up. What do you have to say about the increasing number of crime shows on TV? People want to know what is happening around them and the crime shows help in creating awareness among the public. They also help people to fight for their rights. Other than creating social awareness, don’t you feel the crime shows have adverse effect on people, especially kids? Towards the end of each case the bad guy is caught and punished. So, the lesson to be learnt here is that no matter what you do or how powerful you are, the criminal will be caught. Thus, it builds a strong moral ground. Recently there were rumours about you dating someone, but it seems that you got a bit too angry about them. I don’t like talking about my personal life and I clarified that the rumours were false.
Coming back soon
Shashank praises Toral
Toral Rasputra, who recently replaced Pratyusha Banerjee as Anandi in Balika Vadhu, has got under the skin of the character rather quickly! Her hardwork has been noticed by her co-actors too. Shashank Vyas, who recently shot for a lengthy scene with Toral says, “The first chunk that I shot with Toral had some kind of an undercurrent. She was completely into the character.” He adds, “The best part about Toral is that she is very calm and composed and she does not mind shooting for a scene again. I am really impressed.”
Rati Pandey, who was finalised to host the new dance reality show, India's Dancing Superstar, has been replaced by Aishwarya Sakhuja, who is currently hosting Shriman vs Shrimati. Apparently, Rati was waiting for a response from the channel and was shocked to learn about her replacement.
It’s the time to disco!
Shaan, who sang many hit songs, has been roped in as the first contestant for the latest season of Jhalak Dikhla Ja, which will be telecast on Colors. Get ready to watch this shy and reticent singer dancing on the sets of Jhalak while he is judged by Karan Johar. Shaan has sung various songs for Karan’s blockbuster hits, including Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Kal Ho Na Ho. Way to go Shaan! We just can’t wait to see you dancing.
More the merrier
Qubool Hai has gained much popularity and the makers are introducing two new characters, Juhi Aslam and Rakesh Bedi. Rakesh will essay the role of Dhurandar Watavdekar, an immigration officer, with Juhi as his assistant.
On a spiritual high
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All in the family
Sonam Kapoor has been busy shooting for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Rannjhana, a film with Ayushmann Khurrana, back-to-back. So she is now going for a holiday to New York with her entire family. She has planned shopping and cultural trips with her family. A summer in New York is something to be envied. Hope she takes a crash course in acting too.
Neil Nitin Mukesh is doing Manoj Vatsalya's political thriller and he asked his friend Arya Babbar to join him on the project, simply through a phone call. The phone call confirmed Arya's presence in the film.
The time table
Shahid Kapoor took a short break from shooting Rambo Rajkumar and went to Goa, which is his favourite holiday spot. He is back in Mumbai now and wrapping up endorsements and other such assignments.
Poor rich kids
Love thy neighbour!
Of sweet nothings
When in Rome…
Jacqueline Fernandez's father turns a year older this month. So the gorgeous actress has decided to surprise him and take him on a holiday to Rome and Vatican City because that is his wish. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Be cautious while dealing with property matters. Don’t let dogmatism close your mind. An old friend will need your support; get together for coffee or lunch and listen to their doubts and worries.
Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52
TAURUS: Your partner may feel that you have not been devoting much time to domestic interests. Incline towards spirituality will create a positive aura.
Tarot message: Do not stray away from the course you have charted so far.
Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 26 GEMINI: Consider getting involved in charitable work. Agreements that have been dragging on for sometime can now be negotiated.
Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55. CANCER: Try to improve your overall financial situation. Avoid shrewd people. Consider your course of actions seriously before jumping into anything new.
Tarot message: Make some adjustments and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow.
Magic number: 46. LEO: The general financial picture will improve. Business matters are fairly under control. You are moody today. A former friend might turn up on your doorstep with some exciting stories to tell.
Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade.
Magic number: 29. VIRGO: You should not be too critical of co-workers. Children can cause worry. A message or manicure can make you feel like a million dollars. Social affairs will
be exciting. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.
LIBRA: You are likely to get into trouble if you don’t concentrate on your work. Be careful, especially when using electricity or operating temperamental machinery.
Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Deep Red.
Magic number: 35. SCORPIO: Deal with finances carefully and seriously. Deception from opposite sex is on the cards. You may already be having trouble making your monthly payments, so don’t add to the debt. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27 SAGITTARIUS: A redecorating project can progress well, especially if you receive some help from the friends. An argumentative neighbour may annoy you.
Tarot message: You will receive. a profitable tip at the stock exchange.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 44 CAPRICORN: Learn from other people’s experience. Family will be much better company than friends this evening. Focus on meditation or yoga. If you prefer to hide indoors, travel via internet to escape. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish time-consuming tasks.
Lucky colour: Bottle Green. Magic number: 32 AQUARIUS: Social activities will not be worth attending. Self-control and determination to achieve will put you in a promising situation at work. Do not overstrain yourself.
Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could waste time and money.
Lucky colour: Deep Red. Magic number: 41. PISCES: Business will run smoothly. Your self esteem will rise, especially if you spend the day with older relatives. Avoid speculation. Do not exercise heavily. This is a good day to start a creative project.
Tarot message: Be confident and possitive. Lucky colour: Forest Green. Magic number: 43
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Pristine nature and the option to explore its different elements; be it through sky-diving or scuba-diving — that’s Mauritius for you!
Beginning of the summer and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is out on the road show to woo tourists from India. “The world is reeling under recession, but there is none for the Indian tourists,” Vijaye Houlder, deputy director, MTPA, opens up the conversation.
250gms strawberries
One day my maid came in very excited and said, "Didi, this hero you worked with is dating so and so. It came in the papers." I looked at her excited face and wondered, 'It's his life; why is she so excited?' In fact, when I go back home, I have a few friends and relatives who are very inquisitive and curious - "hey, when are we meeting? Give us some gossip." How does that enlighten and enrich their lives I often wonder!
Garima Production's hit show Lapataganj will soon return on SAB TV. After the show ended in December 2012 the makers were working on its sequel and now the show is scheduled to be launched post IPL. The star cast will mostly remain the same and it may replace the show, Hum Aapke Hai in-Laws.
Picked & dropped
Gagan Malik, who plays Ram in Moti Sagar Productions’ Ramayan on Zee TV, is on cloud nine. He did a Sri Lankan film called Sri Siddhartha Gautama wherein he played the role of Gautam Buddha. The film was appreciated by the audience and he also got the chance to meet Mahinda Rajapaksa, the president of the country.
First come, first served
Have you noticed that Jackky Bhagnani looks like an improved version of Uday Chopra. Their stories are also very similar: launched by rich fathers and they only act in the movies produced by their father and do not get any roles from outside. Moreover, the movies that they act in also flop but still the family does not give up.
Salman Khan has lived in a one-bedroom flat near his parents' home in Galaxy Apartments for more than twenty years but now he has decided to move out! His new address is likely to be in a building called Sagar Resham, which is on Bandstand and just two blocks away from SRK's mansion Mannat. Apparently, he will buy a few flats in the building for over Rs 100 crore.
Aakashvani and Pyaar Ka Punchnama co-stars, Nusrat Bharucha and Kartik Tiwari are more than co-stars. They bonded really well during the making of the film and then during promotions. They also hang out together at events now and have eyes only for each other.
How sweet is that!