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Calorie count-down
With festivals come calories, but with a little caution one can avoid those extra
pounds...
Counting challenges, lack of time is one; ubiquitous presence of sweets is another and then one is not in a mood to keep to a strict regime always! Basics first; how you start the day will define most of what happens
subsequently.
"Start your day with surya namaskar or a quick walk if you want to skip your gym routine," says Manish Jaswal, SPA Manager at JW Marriott, Chandigarh. He believes it is okay to give in to the spirit of the season and indulge in sweets. Well, another challenge is long, packed days - be it cleaning the home or shopping. Meals get neglected and then one ends up overeating. Nutritionist Shefali Khera warns you on that. "Eat healthy before you step out. If you have no time for cooking, make a leftover veggies and whole wheat bread sandwich. Carry nuts in your purse. Go for fresh fruit, cucumber or tomato; wash and have it in between rather than heading towards a fast food joint at the end of the trip." When visiting someone, it is rather tempting to dig into sweets, but Shefali tells you a way around, "Opt for roasted stuff over sweet or fried; go for nimbu pani over colas or sugar-laden juices." mona@tribunemail.com
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A shot at Chandigarh
Swiss architect Christian Mueller would like to apply his building principles to City Beautiful
Sometimes, the solutions lie in a holistic approach. A thought process where the right initiatives are an end itself. Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and The Embassy of Switzerland brings a slide lecture by Swiss architect Christian Mueller and as he passionately talks of his projects, one slide after the other takes the discussion from sustainability to evolution. Credited with inventing sustainable building components like the breathing façade for the City Hall Venlo, he stresses on the importance of economic sustainability. Somebody wanted to know the business model, other the response of people using cave in holiday homes, built by him, yet someone else whether his building principles can apply in Chandigarh? "It would be really great to build some in Chandigarh. When I say, I have no idea how we'll work and go about it but we can definitely have a closer look. Because it's a different climate, things would be different." The architectural antecedents coupled with Swiss background makes for a ready reference point. Le Corbusier, for instance. "I was in Chandigarh four years ago and that was for one week. Being a Swiss, I have been very much influenced by his designs and a lot of his works." He adds, "Even though, during studies, he was not one of my heroes. It was only after I came here and really liked the buildings. The texture of the concrete that comes through in his works is amazing." Perhaps, he could even take a clue or comment on the ancient Indian architecture. "I like the long history of Indian architecture and how they connected buildings with politics and religion. There are a lot of textures, colours and style in buildings." The Swiss origins and the famous Alps, make for some obvious queries. He laughs, "I know that a lot of Indian movies are shot at our place. I have seen images and posters of some modern films. So I only know how they look." We leave things at that. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Words for a cause
Highlighting the plight of a family that fights cancer through the female protagonist, a 21-year-old student of the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Rupi Kaur, has composed and sung a poem — The Cancer Train. Uploaded on YouTube, the composition has become a huge hit. It has also been performed live at the When Lions Roar Festival in Toronto. Rupi, a student of rhetoric and professional writing, business and design at the University of Waterloo, says the poem emanates from the tales she has heard as a child. "My parents belong to Hoshiarpur and I came to Canada at the age of three. Since then I have been trying to decode my country, India, and have come across many of its facets. It was one such painful dimension that made me write and perform The Cancer Train," she says. Rupi has always portrayed her stories through a female perspective, "Although my father isn't sick with cancer, his health has been very unstable for the last many years. For the first time I was able to use that pain and create something out of it. Also, so many people around me have lost a loved one to cancer. To write this piece, I decided to lock myself in my room for two hours and not leave until I finished. I took all the pain I had been feeling for years while imagining that of others around me and translated it all into this one story," she shares. The Cancer Train has been directed by her friend Kiran Rai. Rupi is no stranger to pain; when her grandmother died of cancer she started taking particular interest in the health scenario of Punjab. "I couldn't comprehend the fact that my motherland, where my ancestors grew up, was so poisoned," she says. She last visited India in 2006 and now wishes to come back. "I miss the Harmandir Sahib. I miss the juice vendors' shops. I missed the motorcycles and sipping morning tea. I miss waking up to the morning ardas coming from the gurdwara. These are the things you won't find here in Canada," she adds. Rupi signs off with a message for the young women, "Under no circumstances should you submit something that the society is thrusting upon them.
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Personalised boudoirs for him and her
Renu Soni
A snoring partner, tossing and turning, a TV glued partner, repeated visits to the bathroom, snatching covers, flatulence or being drenched in sweat each night is not going to secure a night of sound sleep. These are some of the more common reasons that totally validate the arrangement. The last time you probably had your own bedroom would have been as a child. Possessing your own bedroom during/after your forties, however, evokes a mature sophisticated excitement that can easily materialise. At this age, one comes into their own individual personality and likes and dislikes are recognised. So make your bedroom your own! Ladies and gentlemen, let your room be your sanctuary. It can be a place where you're comfortable curling up with a book, a place to lose yourself in work or a place to be simply you. Let your identity take over. Wallpaper Ladies put up that pretty floral wallpaper you've always wanted -and men I suggest a geometric or striped wallpaper in neutral tones Colours Bring it on! Introduce colours that make you happy and inspire you. Men like strong contrast with deep tones e.g. burgundy, black, brown, navy and forest green and women prefer colourful and cheerful or neutral and elegant tones Seating Chaise lounge to pamper yourself or a leather recliner for reading and listening to music. Multiple seating for friends and gossip. A four poster bed A bed you've only dreamt of —let your fantasy turn real. Go the whole nine yards and give it a canopy A desk Put the laptop away and give importance to ergonomics. If you really need to work till late hours then resort to a desk. Long term, tablets and laptops in bed are only going to add to physical misery. Walk-in wardrobe Ideal customised storage for your clothes and accessories. Treat yourself to angled shelves of shoes, double hanging space, felt lined drawers for your watches and jewellery and display shelves Wood panelling for the wall An expensive but classy option for the mature male. An area rug A patterned rug adds style to a bedroom. It can be placed either side of the bed, in front of the bed or part under and the rest lining three sides of the bed Framed photos Surround yourself with your loved ones. Continue your decor theme through your frames, be it, glass, steel, contemporary or classic with a wooden frame. En-suite bathroom No more sharing vanity units or toilets! Customise your storage space and why not go for a glass wall between your bathroom and bedroom and expand your space. So for those of you contemplating a divide and rule policy, personalise your space using these tips and fulfil your contentment. (Soni is a Chandigarh-based interior decorator)
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The right way
Effect of the path and angle of approach Jesse Grewal
When the ball is struck on the downswing or with a steep angle of approach with an iron the face would be slightly open as the club squares up at the bottom of its arc. This causes the ball to go to the right (for right handed golfers). To compensate for this one has to align to the left or stand 'open'. Another way is to swing with a slightly out to in swing - which good players refer to as a fade swing. This out to in path makes the ball start to the left neutralising the effect of starting to the right caused by hitting down on the ball. The opposite is required with a driver. As we hit the ball on the upswing with a driver the club face is shut as the contact is after the bottom of the arc. This causes the ball to start
left. To compensate for this one has to align to the right or stand 'closed' or swing from in to out to make the ball start to the right and is referred to as a draw swing. This difference creates confusion in a golfer's mind as they have either to have two different approaches to a swing with a driver and an iron. This difference creates confusion in a golfer's mind as they have to either have two different approaches to a swing with a driver and an iron. Either we align differently, open with an iron and slightly closed with a driver or have two different swings. An over the top or out to in swing (fade) with an iron and an in to out swing (draw) with a driver. (Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008 and 2012. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com) |
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Chatter box
Television's biggest dance reality show Nach Baliye is back in a bold new avatar. This time the theme is 'dance is the most sensual expression of love.' Let's look at the couples that will star in the show that starts on November 9...
Rithvik Dhanjani and Asha Negi
A stark contrast to their reel chemistry, this couple is full of life and notorious to the hilt. There isn't a moment when they take a break. They are constantly pulling each other's leg and when tired, people around them serve as targets. Yash Sinha and Amrapali Gupta
Television defines their lives, literally. It's not just their career but also their relationship that they owe to television. They started dating while they were co-stars in a daily show and now they are on one of the biggest dance shows in the country. Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee
Gurmeet, who is a versatile dancer, has been working day in and day out on himself to come back with a bang. While Debina juggles between her fiction shows and home, she yet wants to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance with her husband! A religious Aamir Khan follower, Gurmeet has tirelessly worked on his body and has challenged himself to have a six-pack before the opening episode, while Debina has fully supported him through this journey and is excited to return to television as a couple after years. Kanika Maheshwari Ghai and Ankur Ghai
For Ankur, a Delhi-based businessman, the show is nothing less than a second honeymoon as Kanika used to travel to Delhi every fortnight to meet him. The show gives them an opportunity to spend quality time with each other.
Kiku and Priyanka Sharda
Funnyman Kiku Sharda and Savita have been married for ten years, and are looking forward to rekindling their romance.
Vinod Thakur and Raksha Thakur
This is a love story that will inspire many. For Vinod dance is his passion and Raksha is his support in
everything. Raqesh Vashisht and Ridhi Dogra
This couple is the one with opposite tastes. Ridhi is a die-hard dance fanatic whereas Raqesh is not much of a dance lover. She always aspired to participate in Nach Baliye. Raqesh had planned a huge surprise of taking on Nach Baliye to Ridhi on her birthday and rest is history.
Bruna Abdalah and Omar Farooque
She may be a sizzling hot Bollywood actor but when it comes to matter of heart, Bruna is extremely reserved. She successfully kept her relationship a secret from media's prying eyes and now is all set to burn the dance floor with her boyfriend Omar Farooque.
Ripu Daman Handa and Shivangi Verma
From a Delhi boy to the winner of MasterChef India, things have taken an upturn for this cute boy. Ripu along with his long-time girlfriend Shivangi are all set to participate in the upcoming season of Nach Baliye.
Sanjeev and Lataa Seth
They have been the ideal parents of television with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. It's a complete image makeover for Sanjeev and Lata. Now, viewers are looking forward to seeing their favourite couple romancing in real life on Nach Baliye 6.
Raju and Shikha Shrivastava
If laughter is the best medicine, dance is best form of
exercise! When these two meet, will viewers have their amazing dose of entertainment? Raju's better half Shikha will be coming on television for the first time, and for a change will be seen dancing instead of mimicking.
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Mujra is back
Modern mujra has become a huge sensation in Bollywood starting from Madhuri Dixit’s scintillating performance in Devdas. She played a courtesan as Chandramukhi in the 2002, her dance in the song Maar Dala became hugely popular that year. Kangana Ranaut is all set to create a new benchmark in the industry with her mujra performance in her upcoming film, Rajjo. For her role as a nautch girl, Kangana has worked very hard to bring authentic performances to the screen. In preparation for this film, Kangana underwent a rigorous kathak training. Under the guidance of Rajendra Chaturvedi who is a dynamic and a versatile dancer and who has carved a special niche for himself in the field of kathak, Kangana has put in her heart and soul in practicing to be perfect for the role of Rajjo. Let’s go down the memory lane and revisit some historically epic mujra performances portrayed on the big screen. The original Chandramukhi in the 1955 Devdas, Vyjayanthimala was an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer to begin with. Hence, her performance in Ab Aage Teri Marzi did not come as a tough task and she looked marvellous in the entire dance sequence. One of the most beautiful actresses of yesteryears, Madhubala dazzled as Anarkali in the period epic movie Mughal-e-Azam – and Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya has become the stuff of pop culture. She was not a trained dancer like most of her contemporaries, but she pulled off the hit mujra number with élan. Rekha is another popular name that comes into mind when thinking about all the great mujra performances. She was absolutely stunning in Umrao Jaan (1981)–her most memorable mujra performances being In Aakhon Ki Masti and Dil Cheez Kya Hai. Another jewel of hers is Salaam-e-Ishq from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. When talking about mujra one cannot miss out the original mujra queen, Meena Kumari swayed the audiences with her dances in Chalte Chalte, Inhi Logon Ne and Thare Rahiyo – all from the classic hit Pakeezah. One of Meena Kumari’s last films, she received a posthumous Filmfare nomination for her beautiful portrayal of a tragic courtesan. The cinema will now see the rising star Kangana Ranaut create magic on the screen with her moves.
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Meet RGV's new heroine
Debutant Anaika Soti is all set to foray into Bollywood with Ram Gopal Varma’s upcoming Satya 2. She has also signed a sign down South. She talks about her role and more.
Character call I play the female lead. My character is a village girl of my own age, 19. When she comes to the city, she is innocent and childlike. She is the only one who can bring a smile to Satya’s face. Satya leads a dual life—a gangster and a common man—and I do the same. Initially, it was difficult for me to play a villager because I am not used to talking like that. But later I got used to it. Never wanted to act My dad Ashutosh Soti owns call centres and heads a hospital. My mom Beena Soti and her family are in the construction business. I never wanted to act; it happened suddenly. I wanted to be a builder so I was learning construction and working along with my mom. I went to a boarding school in Panchgani and then to Malaysia for a diploma in Mass Communications. After a couple of months, I was back in Mumbai learning fashion designing and simultaneously going with my mom to her office. Luck by chance One day, a friend had to meet music composer Sandeep Chowta and I went along with him. We got into the lift with Ram Gopal Varma and he asked me if I was an actress. When I said ‘no’ he asked me if I was interested in acting. I said ‘Not at all’, and then we parted. He knew my friend, so he asked my friend to get me to attend at least one meeting. I went with my mom for the meeting. My mom really liked the story of Satya 2. She is also a big fan of
Satya. She was very happy with my character. My dad also felt that I am young and I should try it out now. If it doesn’t work, I can get into the family business. So I started shooting a month after my meeting with
RGV. Facing the camera I was very nervous when I faced the camera for the first time even though I was part of many school dramas. There were around 70 people around us as we were shooting. I was not worried about people looking at me as much as I was scared of facing the camera. RGV sir explained everything. Then I faced the camera and in five minutes all that nervousness was gone. What’s next I have signed another film Kaaviyan
Thalaivan. It’s a bilingual film in Tamil and Malayalam. It is directed by
Vasanthabalan. It has Siddharth (of Rang De Basanti fame) as the lead star. I signed the movie because it has 10 songs by AR
Rahman.
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Esha Gupta has garnered immense appreciation for her performance in her song Dhat Teri Ki in Karan Johar’s Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. The actress has done a super hot song in Dharma Productions’ next film along with Imran Khan. The actress is looking absolutely stunning and hot in her song and everyone has been singing praises of the actress who showcases her dance moves and hot body in the song. Manish Malhotra has styled her happening look in the song which is climbing the charts. Esha has been really appreciated earlier for her acting and performance in her films such as Jannat 2 and Raaz 3. She has also graced many fashion magazine covers since her film debut. She says, "I had a great time shooting the song with Imran Khan. I love my look in the song and it is a big deal to be part of a Dharma Production film so early on in my career." Now, the audience as well as the crew of her film has liked her in the song which is set to scorch dance floors. The actress is currently in the shooting schedule of her next film, Humshakals, where she is opposite Saif Ali Khan.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Check the newspaper and internet guides for what is on in your area. You win over one enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Financially, the first half of the day is rather expensive. Tarot message: Do not swing away from your course.
Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49 TAURUS: Love life is passing through a rough phase. Businessmen have a tricky day. The married will buy a piece of jewellery for their spouse. A 'feel-good' humour and cosmic wisdom will weave into your affairs. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: "The Universe" favours good progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. Distant affairs will become more favourable. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25 CANCER: "The Moon" reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to an intimate dinner. Fortune can smile on you from the least expected sources. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38 LEO: An unexpected bonus is likely. Buy the right outfit for
your sports or exercise programme. Dress for success to make a great impression on employers. Enjoy being noticed
and acknowledged. Tarot message: Follow your path. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29 VIRGO: Fresh strategies are likely, but initially they may be somewhat hit-and-miss as you iron the bugs. Household task can be done in record time. Speculation will be most unwise. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60
LIBRA: You will be popular today. Boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building, especially if you face unpaid bills or financial issues. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks on the 'to-do' list. Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Secrecy of plans will help you at place of work. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54 SAGITTARIUS: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Keep the confidence that is entrusted in you. Health problem can be successfully handled. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39 CAPRICORN: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can sweep into cleaning and decorating your home. Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files and documents. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS: Difference of opinion within the family can reach a boiling point. A stubborn response on your part won't help. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas, don't waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27 PISCES: If you are not okay about a relationships or career issues take positive action. Those employed will have to work overtime. An important meeting or travel will have to be shelved. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Camel. Magic number: 40
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 29...
This is an excellent year for catching up on paperwork and other official documents. Everything goes really well. Workmates will be helpful and superiors encouraging. New friends and relationships are indicated. You will have the feeling that the entire world is at your feet. You will be congratulated for your efforts. Business should be good very soon. Be ready for some criticism as well. Number 2 and planet Moon make you energetic, dependable, disciplined, inventive, honest and warm-hearted. You will get due regards, rewards and awards in your professional career this year. Promotion, if due, is also likely this year. Positive colours: White, Sky Blue, Pink. Select days: Monday & Sunday. Favourable numbers: 1, 2, 4, 7. Charity on birthday: Donate orange clothes at
a temple.
You share your birthday with Reema Sen (October 29, 1981, Kolkata), who began her career as a model. She entered Bollywood but her first film Hum Ho Gaye Aap Ke flopped and she decided to continue working in Tamil cinema. She has bright prospects in 2014.
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Shopping, visiting family as well as friends; entertaining guests - this is the busiest time of the year. One has to look after so many things that there is no time to take care of one's own self. But no; you can't let go off the sweat you have put in the year around to get fitter! We catch up with experts on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle this festive season.
In order not to overdo it, he says, "Have food high in fibre to suppress the sweet pangs." But those who are gearing up for an event like a marathon should stay away from 'indulging' too much. "For others, once festivities are over, hit the gym with vengeance," he concludes.
That's ample food for thought. Keeping the body fit is a challenge especially when one is travelling and there are so many people to meet. Menakshi, an obesity consultant in Chandigarh, says, "The festive season is especially challenging for my clients. I ask them to wake up fifteen minutes early to make up for the lost routine. Soon after you wake up, stretch and bend. Do some crunches before you head to the kitchen and replace your morning cup of tea with a fruit. Resume the routine soon after the festival."
More and more middle-aged couples are choosing to sleep in separate rooms. Unfortunately, this is generally not talked about but it is very much out there and society needs to accept this for practical reasons.
As mentioned in the last week's article, data from the Trackman is giving lots of more information regarding impact and the effect of the angle of approach, path and position of the club face. One can achieve a perfectly straight shot in different ways - the first would be to have a square club face and a path which is straight down the target line or to build some compensation.
Mujra originally is a form of dance developed by tawaif (courtesans) during the Mughal era which incorporated elements of the native classical kathak dance onto music such as thumris and ghazals or poems of those from other Mughal cultures.
Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Pearl