The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	gyan zone B-town voices, Punjabi screen Sonu Nigam and Sonu Kakkar are set to make a debut in the Punjabi music world with the movie Jatt Airways... Amarjot Kaur Punjabi cinema is already in fifth gear and its novelty is growing each passing day. For the first time, the Punjabi film industry will have Sonu Nigam, Master Saleem and Sonu Kakkar, lending their voices to the upcoming film, Jatt Airways, which will also feature Alfaaz of the Hai Mera Dill fame in the lead role along with Tulip Joshi. As we catch up with the lead actors, directors and producers of the film at its music launch, we are acquainted with different shades of the industry. A sound footing The album of Jatt Airways comprises six tracks, including an item number and three romantic tracks. The album begins with the song Fantacy, which has been sung by Alfaaz and Honey Singh, while Master Saleem and Dolly Sidhu have sung the title track of the film. Also, Master Saleem has sung Kalliyan too. The music of the film has been given by Jassi Katyal. Wondering about the Bollywood connection? Director Harjit Ricky explains, "This film is on par with any Bollywood film as every song has been shot at international locations and we have roped in some of the best singers from the industry. Also, we opted to give it a Bollywood appeal so that the film got acceptance from a bigger audience, even if we look at it from the commercial perspective." The film is the second commercial directorial venture of Harjit, who directed the Punjabi film Sirphire last year. "This time, I am not taking any risks and I am certain that people will enjoy this comedy film with their family." Leading the way Actor Tulip Joshi, who is only a couple of films old in the Punjabi film industry, assures that it was her conviction in the film that made her choose it. "Ricky is a very enterprising director and after doing films like Marta Bhoomi and Dhoka, people had started stereotyping me as an actor. It was then that I decided to embark on something different. In the film, Jatt Airways, I essay the role of Sweety who is a spoilt brat and because she is very attached to her sister, she wants to marry in a family that has two brothers so that she can never parts ways with her sister," says Tulip Joshi. "Earlier I had some problem with the dialect but now I am comfortable with the language, though I think body language matters when you act," says Tulip, who also has a Bollywood film lined up. Says Alfaaz, "I was really busy with singing, but I was bitten by the acting bug since I was a kid. Now that I have started with this venture, I really want to go ahead with it." Kumaar, who has written various songs, including Maa da Laadla, Desi girl, Tu mera Hero, Ishq tera tadpave and for Mere dadKi Maruti, has penned down the songs of this film. "I did not write the songs according to meter, in fact I developed my own meter and the songs have turned out mighty well," he says. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	Sustainable development Exposition: Architecture Sustainable brings to Chandigarh some of the most sustainable architectural buildings by different architects Manpriya Singh A crowded city with overloaded infrastructure is a reality. At the most fields make way for gardens and open spaces make way for terrace. Unfortunately, urban density no longer stands for nature. "This exhibition brings to Chandigarh some of the most sustainable architectural buildings by different architects," shares Tiphanie Fievet an architect. The exhibition, Exposition: Architecture Sustainable, brings collective works by different architects on sustainable buildings and architecture. In Chandigarh on a three-week research, she aims to meet different personalities from the architecture field. "Chandigarh is the capital of architecture in India. Originally, this was meant for very few people but so many have loaded the infrastructure of the city. I have been here before and this time aim at interacting with architects from the city." While moving between the canvases that appear more like architectural blue-prints, it's the philosophy that comes to the fore and strikes a chord. Right next to sky-scrapers huddling together, there's a mention of any work being admirable as long as it respects our values. Moving on, there's talk of each element of the building performing several roles. As also a mention of how creating a space together is perhaps trying to think about public spaces together. The 15 projects presented in the exposition exemplify the shared values of tomorrow's sustainable urban community. While the exhibition holds little interest for an art enthusiast, there's sure a lot to learn for architectural students. Shares Tiphinie, "These are not my works. These are from different architects on various buildings. But since, I'm an architect myself, I exhibit and explain these works to anybody who is interested." On at Alliance Francaise-36, August 17. manpriya@tribunemail.com
	Strings of the soul The Delhi-based sufi fusion band is ready to launch its first album, Saiyan Ji, which is a blend of different genres Amarjot Kaur Ever wondered what a sufi Punjabi rap, woven in a classical raga format, would sound like? Well, The Soul, a Delhi-based sufi fusion band, which has been performing live gigs at Peddlers sector 35, every Saturday, is all set to launch its new album, Saiyan Ji. The album that features several sufi fusions is a blend of radical Hindustani classical and other genres. While talking about their first album, Sagar Bhatia, the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band reminisces down the memory lane as he details various events that lead them to launch their first album, "I am a self-taught artiste and perhaps that reasons my taste of music and the way I perform. I am excessively given to the classical music because it is the fundamental ground for the understanding of music. However, before our band started performing gigs across Chandigarh and Delhi, we would often play at the jagrans. Later, we decided to form a band and after winning the Battle of Bands that took place in Delhi in 2010, we spilt," he says. "In December, 2011, we reunited and then there was no stopping. We have performed at almost all possible venues across Delhi and Chandigarh. This started stagnating us. It was then that we decided to take on our original compositions to the fore, for which we made an album," shares Sagar, who also plays electric guitar, tenor banjo, and chimta. Meanwhile, Bobby Pathak plays tabla, dhol, djembe, dhaf and dholak, all in one song, while Jaideep Verma (JD) plays keyboard, harmonium, melodica and arranges the music for the band too (since he has his own studio). The band also comprises Sujeet Gupta, the flutist, and Gaurav Gehlot, the drummer. But, Vaibhav (Vabs), who has given the Punjabi rap in the album, takes the band on a whole new dimension. "The album features soulful sufi music, but that is served with a twist," says Sagar while adding, "For instance, the song, Saiyan ji ghar aaye and Meda ishq vi tu medi mushq vi tu are very soulful and sufi in their composition. However, the rap is an upbeat sufi track that is based on raag Bhairawi and it is called, Munde befikere." The album will be released online with videos on August 23.
	stress buster Calm your mind & soul Renee singh A prolonged state of stress can lead to physical damage. Meditation does the opposite; it restores the body onto a calm state. It helps the body to repair itself and prevents new damage to the body due to stress. Meditation is a powerhouse stress reliever that helps you feel less stressed in the moment. It also builds resilience to stress overtime with regular practice. Most people find meditating a huge challenge as it requires a lot of self discipline. Many people find it difficult to get started and tough to keep going with the regular practice. Benefits of meditation It can reverse your stress response and thereby shields you from the effects of chronic stress. While meditating the heart rate and breathing slow down and blood pressure normalizes. You use oxygen more efficiently and sweat less. There is a huge list of benefits you can rely on and there are different kinds of meditations to use to attain those benefits. All the different meditations can be used in building lasting resilience towards stress. The more regularly you meditate the less reactive you become towards stress. It is one of the best tools for overall health and for the attainment of relaxation and stress relief. Far reaching benefits You will see results as soon as you take up meditation Slower heart rate Release of physical tension Sense of break from stress for a few minutes A calm mood Less reactive to stress 0Lower blood pressure Creating clarity 0Better decision making Creativity increases Immune system improves Types of meditations Concentrative meditation These involve concentrating deeply on one focal point. Non concentrative meditation This involves different points of focus but deep non- judgmental concentration. Some meditations fit into both the categories. Each one of us responds differently to different types of meditation. Meditation you can try Basic meditation Sit in a comfortable posture and try to silent your mind by thinking of nothing. A good way is to see yourself as the observer of your thoughts. As thoughts materialise in your head just let them go. Activity oriented meditation Breathing meditation This is a simple way to quick relaxation. Learn to breathe correctly and practice it for a few minutes. Mantra meditation This is a wonderful way of using a particular word or mantra. It is easy to concentrate on a mantra. Aromatherapy meditation This calms your mind. Aromatherapy oils refresh your senses. Five minute meditation Just take five minutes from your hectic life to concentrate on yourself. Bath meditation A long and leisurely bath is a natural de stressor. It relaxes the mind and body completely. Music meditation It can be very soothing, it calms the nerves and deepens the experience of meditating. Walking meditation This is a great way to meditate, You can combine mild exercise with meditation and keep yourself in a balanced state. How meditation works Sit in a relaxed posture and clear your mind. Focus on a sound like 'Om' or on your own breathing. It is important to have silence and privacy around when you are meditating. Pros of meditation It is free of cost It is always available It has effective long term health benefits Meditation perhaps compared to other stress reducing techniques is by far the best stress reliever as it has no potential side effects. However, beginners require discipline and commitment. For some people this is difficult. They find physical exercise a simpler way to deal with stress or prefer a way that distracts them like humour or writing a daily journal. (Singh is Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
	Go-getter A solid block Amarjot Kaur "I am an inquisitive person and I love to experiment," says Sowmya Singh, who is presently pursuing a bachelor's degree at the Chandigarh College of Architecture. As she shoulders the concerns of the Chandigarh Association of Students of Architecture (CASA) as the president of the association, she feels that she has as much responsibility as power, but what keeps her going is the ability to consider the practical aspects of projects before undertaking them. "I am interested in travel, photography, digital art and reading. I am the kind of person who wants to earn a comfortable income while spreading comfort around," she shares. Sowmya is the first female president in her college. Motivational factor "Since childhood, I have been taught not to settle for mediocrity. I try to do every task in the best possible way and then I ask myself- can anyone in the world do this better? Also, I'm hungry for novelty. The desire to visit new places and meeting new people drives me," says Sowmya. "I want to see all that the world has to offer so that I have a great collection of stories to recount when I am an old woman," she quips. Feathers in the cap All through her college years, Sowmya has picked up small and big projects that helped her to understand the importance of teamwork and work on deadlines. "We have spent days and nights in our studios assisting our seniors and learning not only to lead but also to follow. We have learned that excellence cannot be achieved in the first trial," she states. Sowmya's team stood second in the Back to Basics competition in the annual meet of the National Association of Students of Architecture, in the year 2012 held at Ahmedabad. "We stood second in the country and gained a lot of experience. Soon after, we left for our 6-month internship. After applying in as many as 3000 firms across the world, I was short-listed by 12 of them. I chose to intern with an architecture firm in Belgium," says Sowmya while adding, "The reason why I chose to go to Belgium was because they offered me a good stipend, excellent training opportunity and an opportunity to live in Europe. I rented an apartment in the fairytale town of Bruges, which in Europe, is also known as the Venice of the North. I was mighty impressed with its unique buildings interspersed with canals. Also, I travelled across 14 countries and 40 cities in Europe using my own stipend." "My most recent endeavour was working on the Chandigarh Walkbox or the Glue Maps with Scott Slessor, who was the then consulate general of the Embassy of Canada," she shares. Flipside of being an achiever Luckily, Sowmya has not experienced the flipside of being an achiever. "I have a great group of friends, who support me and so do my parents and sister. They have always motivated and encouraged me in all my projects. However, the biggest problem I face is that the more hats I put on, the heavier my head gets, as I keep getting busier by the day. But that is not really a flipside, I think it's a part of the job that has to be done," she says. Words of wisdom "As of now, I am a work in progress. What defines me are my parents, mentors, friends and relatives. It is my good fortune that I have got the right opportunities and have been able to put my best foot forward. I am still gaining experience and 'wisdom' is far away as of now," she says in all humility.
	star track In the lap of luxury David and Victoria Beckham are planning to buy 40 million pounds luxury beach mansion of fashion guru Gianni Versace. They are said to be among the big name bidders at an auction next month for the Ocean Drive home where the Italian, 50, was gunned down by serial killer Andrew Cunanan in 1997, reported a publication. "It would be great to have David involved with us," a source said. The mansion houses 10 bedrooms. — PTI Lover boy to father figure We all know that Shah Rukh Khan plays an ideal father. He reportedly gives his son Aryan Khan, who is currently residing abroad for his higher studies, the best advice. He tells his son to never break a girl's heart and wants him to be gentle to girls. As for his daughter, SRK says that he wants his daughter to find a boyfriend like him. How charming!
	Zooming in on Chandan Roy Sanyal Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who is best remembered for his explosive act in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey, is one of the fine actors in Bollywood. But that is a thing of the past. The actor, who was recently seen in Nikhil Advani's D-Day, is now looking forward to two new releases - Ashish Shukla's Prague and Abbas Tyrewala's Mango. We caught up with him to talk about random things. Interests: I like to compose music, write poetry and I am a connoisseur of alcohol. Stella Artois, a Belgian beer is my favourite poison. Favourite Actor: Sanjeev Kumar, Leonardo DiCaprio and Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think Leo is an underrated actor who has done some brilliant work in big films. Favourite Actress: Kate Winslet, Monica Bellucci, Urmila Matondkar and Drew Barrymore. I loved the highway scene in Revolutionary Road where Kate starts fighting with Leo. Favourite Movies: Rangeela, Omkara, The Science of Sleep and other Michel Gondry movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Movie role you would like to reprise: Aamir Khan in Rangeela. If not an actor, you would be: I would be a musician or a rock star. I love the music by bands like Radiohead, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Did you attend acting classes: I think acting classes are a waste of time because no one can teach anyone. You cannot learn acting. It is a craft that takes years to perfect. Preconceived notion of the film industry: I didn't have any notions as Kaminey was my first film. I am a complete outsider and couldn't see through anything. I don't have any notions even now because after working with UTV and Vishal Bhardwaj, everything looks very nice and safe. When did the acting bug bite: I was 19 when I didn't get admission in IIT. That upset me so I joined a theatre workshop by Habib Tanveer and haven't looked back since.
	Jennifer’s work ethics Actress Jennifer Aniston thought she did something illegal when she had to kiss 20-year-old co-star Will Poulter in We're the Millers. The 44-year-old actress said she was concerned about the scene, reported a magazine. "It's so disturbing. He's very young. He was underage. I thought this is kind of illegal. It was just a kiss," she said. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film also stars Jason Sudeikis and Emma Roberts. — PTI
	Of marriage and movies Kareena Kapoor's career may have survived after her marriage but it's completely opposite with actress Genelia D'Souza Deshmukh. She has been married to Ritiesh Deshmukh for a year and is desperate to return to films. However, there are no takers for her in Bollywood as well as Tollywood. Sad but true. Genelia D'Souza
	An opinion piece Riding high on the success of Chennai Express, Deepika Padukone is acting chirpy again. She recently told the media that Katrina Kaif should have taken the bikini pictures in right spirit. She also added that she would have loved to do the film on Mary Kom. We agree with the former statement. Right place, right time Veteran actor Om Puri, who has acted in many Hollywood films, has landed a meaty role in an international project, which will be co-produced by Steven Speilberg and Oprah Winfrey. He has been cast in Lasse Hallstrom's next The Hundred Foot Journey, a drama that revolves around the cooking battle between an Indian restaurant and a Michelin starred French eatery. The film will also star Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren.
	Adding some steam & spice Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra starrer Krrish 3 is getting bigger and better with each passing day. Now it is heard that they will have a steamy lip-lock in the film. Unlike the previous sequel, this time the makers have decided to make the film more exciting with ample amount of romance, action and emotions. Over the top: Hrithik Roshan & Priyanka Chopra
	chatter box The story unfolds A huge drama follows in Sasural Simar Ka as Prem learns that he is an adopted child. Thereafter Simar and Prem move in one part of the house while the rest of the family members move to the other part. Later, Simar will try to bring the family together. Drama unlimited: A still from Sasural Simar Ka Rubina gets lucky Everything is decided by your destiny. Rubina Dilaik, who is playing Sita in Nikhil Sinha's popular show Mahadev, at least feels so. Talking about this Rubina says, “Sita's character came to me all of a sudden. I believe whatever happens, happens for the best. I have been approached twice before for Mahadev. But they were for some other characters. This was for the third time.” Spot on: Rubina Dilaik
	Party time Producer and creative director Raaj Shetty along with writer/producer Damini Kanwal Shetty threw a party to celebrate the completion of 100 episodes of their serial Bani - Ishq Da Kalma. The party was attended by many celebrities. Cast of Bani- Ishq Da Kalma Mehnaaz gets a break Life is about to get exciting for Mehnaaz Mann who was last seen on Zee TV's India's Best Dramebaaz. Known for her poignant delivery of dialogues and her act on the historic Jallianwala Baug tragedy, Mehnaaz has now got her big break on television in Zee TV's upcoming show - Ek Muthi Aasman. On the show, she has been cast as domestic worker Kamala's (Shilpa Shirodkar) daughter Kalpana, who grows up with her grandparents in a village near Panchgani. "I am recognised instantly by people after being a part of India's Best Dramebaaz. I never dreamed that my life would change so much after participating in IBD!" says Mehnaaz. "I am excited at the thought of acting with an accomplished actor like Shilpa Shirdokar, but I'm a bit nervous too to make my debut on national television"
	After the break After she played Raavi in Parvarrish, Aanchal Munjal will now be seen in a new role in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain as a grown up Pihu. With the cute little Amrita out of the show, let's see whether Aanchal manages to look like Pihu. No problem Hiten Tejwani is okay with his character in Pavitra Rishtha. Neither does he have any problem with the leap, as all this gives him time to work on other projects. time Bound: Hiten Tejwani
	A magical act! Bharti Singh aka Lalli turns a magician on the popular magical comedy show Baalveer. Bharti will be seen essaying the character of Lalli Maasi a renowned magician and travels across cities for her shows. In Mumbai she stays with her niece and nephew Meher and Manav. She had to practice for hours to learn magic trcks. Bharti added, "It's going to be fun, as Lalli maasi who is a magician I will be teaching lot of new magic tricks and I am sure kids will enjoy learning a few tricks too." Bharti makes an entry on Baalveer from August 12 at 8 pm on SAB TV.
	What a relief Star India has created a powerful public service message, featuring Indian cinema's biggest superstar Amitabh Bachchan, for sensitising and encouraging viewers to extend all possible support for the daunting task of rebuilding flood-ravaged hill-state Uttarakhand. The narrative is a call to all countrymen from Amitabh Bachchan to stand united for Uttarakhand's cause after the flash-floods in June this year left the state in virtual paralysis, claimed scores of lives and rendered thousands homeless. Big B’s message ends with an emotional poem--"Karodon Aansoon Hain Toh Kya, Karodon Hum Bhi Toh Hain" to instil hope in the people that all's not lost and that no challenge is big enough if we stand united. The public service message, penned by noted advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, is being aired on all of Star India's channels. Star India's initiative is an extension of its philosophy to use television as a tool to create awareness for the larger good of a society. This belief is reflected in the network's refreshing and inspiring content that instils a sense of hope in its viewers and persuades them to be the change they want to see around them. Star India had, earlier this month, started focused campaigns featuring renowned artistes urging its viewers to support Uttarakhand's cause.
	Astro turf p Khurrana ARIES: The day would be quite busy, since you would be taking care of household issues. Yet, once you are through, you would be able to sit back and take things easy. Health would be strong. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive financial decisions. Lucky colour: Navy blue Lucky number: 32 TAURUS: Interactions, travelling, intellectual pursuits would all happen today. Many of you would travel for pleasure and explore interesting places. At home, a certain close relative may help you to make an important choice. Tarot message: Be true to yourself. Lucky colour: Orange Lucky number: 44 GEMINI: Many of you would experience a profound, philosophical inclination to introspect, contemplate and reflect. Tarot message: Advice from a wise person will put you on the right track. Lucky colour: Pink Lucky number: Yellow CANCER: Things may move at a relatively slower pace today. If you are planning to put your money in real estate, you would receive good returns. In case of a windfall, do not spend it all, rather save it for a rainy day. Tarot message: Do not try to hide your mistakes, rather mend them. Lucky colour: Black Lucky number: 50 LEO: This would be an active and positive day for professionals, especially women who would have the stamina to accomplish anything. The admiration that you receive from everyone would motivate you. Tarot message: Be diplomatic with your olleagues. Lucky colour: Red Lucky number: 62 VIRGO: Businessmen would need to work out the finer aspects of a partnership deal. You may need to spend time with a financial advisor to review your savings and investments. Tarot message: Don't get involved in ventures which do not promise immediate returns. Lucky colour: Purple Lucky number: 55 LIBRA: You would need to adopt an unconventional yet productive approach so as to accomplish the maximum. Professionally, you should be careful about whom you trust. Tarot message: Start a saving plan and curb expenses. Lucky colour: White Lucky number: 27 SCORPIO: You have to be strong and make decisions to save and invest. Do not get entangled in temporary, meaningless affairs. Being a part of the team would help you advance in your career. Tarot message: Trust your inner feelings when making a decision. Lucky colour: Silver grey Lucky number: 35 SAGITTARIUS: At this time, you may be quite generous, optimistic, tactful, compassionate and creative. You may be planning to change careers, however, this should be carefully thought about. Tarot message: Keep a close eye on savings and investments. Lucky colour: Golden brown Lucky number: 65 CAPRICORN: Taking care of an elder would give you happiness. The day would be filled with romance, excitement, travel and forming new friendships. Health needs attention. Tarot message: Finance and health would need some looking after. Lucky colour: Green Lucky number: 40 AQUARIUS: You would be able to identify and understand the real intentions behind others' actions. As a result, you would be able to protect yourself and keep your cool, as well. Tarot message: Keep other people's secret well guarded with you. Lucky colour: Peach Lucky number: 51 PISCES: If you plan to hold a social get-together, take a close look at the guest list. At work, although team work would yield benefits, you would also be able to accomplish a lot by working on your own. Tarot message: Do not spend beyond your capacity. Lucky colour: Crimson Lucky number: 29