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Gift a surprise
You have fancy chocolate boxes occupying the centre place of your house; perfumed candles stacked over one another and dry fruit trays filling up the rest of the space. This scenario shrieks out loud for the need to pick up Diwali gifts that can not only be categorised in the 'gift-with-a-difference category, but also the ones that can be 'rotated'.
So, loosen up the grip on your wallet, keep your eyes open and choose some interesting Diwali gifts available at various places in Chandigarh.
Buddha's gift
From meditation rooms to making to the list of 'most-sought-after' gifts, The Buddha definitely seems to have covered a long journey! Have you ever gifted a Buddha to someone on Diwali? The answer would probably be a big a no! This Diwali, lying on the shelves of gifting stores is the Buddha in different forms, sizes and materials. Starting Rs 500-3,500 in ceramic, it makes for a lovely gift. Rest assured, this will not come back to you in 'rotation'.
Vintage vases
Vases, as gift items, have been making the rounds for a while. This Diwali, however, they get a new spin in umpteen patterns and also materials. The old vintage vases start from Rs 1,000 and go up to Rs 4,000. If you want a contemporary touch, the ones ranging from Rs 1650-2000 in red, purple and violet glass look classy. The wooden vases that come with small candle stands of the same material also qualify as a good Diwali gift. You can either fill it with dry scented flowers available at Rs 100 onwards or leave them as it is for people to admire.
Egyptian ethos
Egyptian figurines in ceramic and wood, starting from Rs 1,650 make for a classy Diwali gift item. You can either gift a pair of Egyptian figurines or even a single item. Something that is selling like hot cakes are the Egyptian horse bells for Rs 1,900, available in two colours - red and blue. Indeed, it is not the regular gift that you have been giving all this while!
Candle delight
Candles have been 'the' gift for Diwali, only this time the makers have gone for something different. More than 100 different candle-stands adorn the shelves. This time it is the wall-hanging candle-stand in the shape of a tree or a butterfly starting from Rs1, 600. The others are in the shape of hanging lanterns, starting from Rs 350 in glass and ceramic going up to Rs 2,000. Candle-stands sure are a pleasant gift this
Diwali!
Smoke free
This Diwali, Bhandari Arms Company Phase-5, Mohali, brings you smoke-free Diwali. Akash Bhandari introduces an air rifle fitted with a cork that has high sound and gives you the charm of a high-velocity cracker. Akash says, "It is very safe for children as well as adults."
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Lighting it up
Cracker free
Sonal Manik, a Panchkula-based fashion designer, who runs a boutique by the name of Sanskriti, believes in keeping it simple. "Since people like wearing new clothes during Diwali, I am loaded with work during this time. But on Diwali, I like decking up in traditional clothes and performing 'puja' with my family," she says. "Also, instead of bursting crackers, I like lighting diyas and making rangoli," she adds. Echoing Sonal's concerns, Svati Saggi, an intern at BRS Dental College, says, "I don't understand why people make the festival of lights the festival of fireworks. I celebrate Diwali with my friends; I call them over to my place and we play games - rummy, charades, pass the parcel, musical chairs and scavenger hunt. Diwali parties at my place are so much fun," she smiles. Charity calling
"My friends and I gather for Diwali dinner and play cards. While the youngsters take to playing cards with a small amount of money, just for the heck of playing the game, elders play with more stakes," says city-based Angad Anand. "The winner puts all the money in a charity box; the one who loses gives the Diwali treat," The winning amount is given to charitable organisations. Amol Goel, a city-based brand architect, says, "I like catching up with my friends on Diwali and we all play cards." So sweet
Gargi Singla, based in Manimajra, who runs a chocolate studio by the name of U n Me Creations, says, "I make homemade chocolates and for Diwali I have special flavours, including almond and raisin, coconut, crunch, jelly and rum chocolates, which go very well with the season. I often gift these to my friends." Art & music
City-based musician Jasleen Aulakh does not quite take to crackers. "Of late I heard this song called Pataake by Abhinav Bansal; it talks about the futility of burning money on crackers. We celebrate Diwali over live music," she smiles. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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New sheen
More than just being a metal to craft ornaments or a substitute for currency investment, gold in India enjoys a sociological significance. Two events explain it better - one of Kalyan Jewellers that opened its retail outlet in Mohali recently and the second of Godrej Safety solutions held in Chandigarh a few days back. The former's business flourished in South India partly due to their marketing strategy and partly because even middle-class families gift their daughters a minimum of half-a-kg gold on wedding.
Coming to Godrej Safety solutions, the maximum share of its turnover comes from Down South, again for the same reason-people need safes at home to keep their gold. Even in this part of the country, the scene isn't very different. The big fat Punjabi weddings account for the maximum sale of gold. So when you can't compromise on the quantity part, it is only quality that is left! Quality corner
Making the most of this 'option', jewellers are bringing down the purity of the gold to 14-carat, a feasible alternative in times when gold prices are soaring. It is especially true for youngsters, who don't mind cheaper and lighter jewellery in gold. Roopa Vohra, a popular jewellery designer from Chandigarh, says the demand for 14-carat gold has increased multifold. "It's a barter made for diamond or precious stones, where the budget remains more or less the same," says Roopa. Since gold is only used as a mould to fix in diamonds and not visible as such, isn't it a practical deal? "Only in case of kundan or gold jewellery, 22-carat gold is irreplaceable," she adds. Go West
It's not that making jewellery in 14-carat is a new thing. In the West, it has always been the preferred measure for diamond jewellery. As Harpreet Anand, jewellery manufacturer, Vibhuti jewels, says, "Even an expert can't spot a difference between 14-carat and 18-carat gold. It makes sense to opt for 14-carat in that case, as you save money without compromising on the sheen of the metal." In Europe and America, the cut of the diamond is more important than the purity of gold and Harpreet sees the same trend finding followers in India. "In the future, we might also see people opting for 9-carat or 10-carat gold." As suggested, another reason behind 14-carat gold outdoing the use of 22-carat is the increasing popularity of diamond jewellery, "Only 18 or 14 carat can hold the diamond, 22 doesn't prove strong enough," adds Harpreet. Cost factor
In India, the popularity of 14-carat gold is directly proportional to the price rise of the yellow metal. Vinod Talwar, President Jewellers Association, Chandigarh, predicts that it will take two years for 14-carat gold to generate as much demand as the 22-carat. "If gold prices remain stable, or come down, why would people compromise with the quality?" With pink and white gold becoming a favourite, there is a shift in the preference of colour as well. Selling point
In simple terms, 14-carat translates into more jewellery, No wonder, Mehernosh B Pithawalla, Head-Marketing Godrej Security Solutions, claims they are selling more, "One reason is increase in the risk of theft and the other one definitely is that people are buying more jewellery, thanks to the 14-carat gold." A lot that glitters is gold!
Renuka Gulati, a bank employee, has always been guided by her mother to buy pure gold but that was until she moved over from her family jeweller to a popular retail brand. "It means better designs and diamond jewellery at the same price. Purity of gold doesn't matter much then." Even Anita Gupta, a homemaker, gifted her daughter three diamond sets on her wedding. She didn't take into account the purity of gold, "Sparkle of diamonds make up for the loss of glitter in gold."
ashima@tribunemail.com
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Write approach
Young India is writing and reading — is what one would like to believe if one goes by the sheer number of novels coming into the market by Indian authors. Increasingly, people from different professions are taking to writing. Anurag Anand, who works for an FMCG based in Gurgaon, is out with another novel Where the Rainbow Ends. The entertainer aimed at young audeince falls under the category of romantic thriller. The story of Rahul Singh and his daughter Myra has garnered initial positive response for the way the father-daughter relationship has been portrayed. Anurag, who started with non-fiction has made home in fiction now; this one is his sixth one in the genre. "It's the golden period for English writers in India. You write on any topic and there are publishers ready to take it," says Anurag. A corporate guy, he's happy with his current job. He loves to travel and observe stories that corporate world is rife with. While weekdays are hectic, Anurag locks himself up in a room and writes on his laptop. "I think of stories while travelling, writing happens once I am home." His wife cooperates and in her he finds the best critic. "Once you have worked hard over a chapter only to be trashed by your first reader, one is but disgruntled. But then I listen to her, for she's right." Anurag has explored historical fiction and his The Legend of Amrapali remains his most treasured work. He is working on its screenplay and also plans for the sequel. "Writing about today is straightforward. Historical fiction poses loads of challenges." Back to Where the Rainbow Ends, weaved in the story is a message and a very practical one. "Cervical cancer is second largest cause of cancer-related deaths among women across the globe. And a simple vaccine available everywhere, if given on time, can prevent it," he says. Published by Srishti, it is priced at Rs 150. And, here's a peep in the plot — Rahul falls in love and marries Shalini. Shalini was all that Rahul isn't — a carefree girl living each day. Marriage refuses to change her. What follows is separation and bitter battle for daughter Myra's custody. When down in the dumps, emotionally and financially, Rahul meets Avantika, who appears and dis-appears. Will life be good again? mona@tribunemail.com
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Short and sweet
Kandla Nijhowne Diwali knocks at the door! We shop till we drop during the day, then out come the cards for "Teen-Patti" through the night, bringing us home, happy and satiated, irrespective of whether we were victorious or defeated! Festivals and food go hand in hand, so snacks and sweets get passed around as there were no tomorrow! Making sweets at home is not as formidable as it sounds. You are assured of a clean product, and it can be custom tailored to your personal requirement. You can play around with ideas and cook up something different from the run of the mill? You will also surely get applauded for making the effort! For quick sweets, khoya and condensed milk are your best friends, saving lots of time. I love a fresh, moist barfi so here is a quick recipe which is a take on it ! It's chocolatey, double layered and a sure hit with the kids! The best bit? It's homemade! The better bit? It's short and sweet, taking only 20 minutes!
Chocolate barfi
Method
Note: Any nuts can
be used as a garnish. I personally like the startling green of pistachio over the brown. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based
culinary expert)
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A leaf out of history
The tragedy of the common people is what the play 1857 Ki Kahani Haryana Ki Zubani portrays. Directed by GS Channi, this play brings the old 'swang' tradition and contemporary techniques in theatre together.
Collaboration between CEVA Drama Repertory Company and Department of Cultural Affairs, the play brings to the fore the supreme sacrifice made by the common people in their fight for freedom. "Eight hours before Mangal Pandey fired the first shot, sepoys in Haryana had revolted against the British rulers the same day in 1857. Common people of Haryana stood by the sepoys and made local rulers support them. For six months Haryana was an independent state. But when Britishers landed, they crushed the revolution really bad; people were hanged from trees. For the next 90 years, Haryana was neglected," says Channi. The play, written by P Chandrashekhar, evolved during the rehearsals and is a musical. "The story of 1857 is still alive in people's hearts; strangely it isn't known well outside the state," says Channi. What he really appreciates about the play is coming together of traditional and modern theatre artistes. The younger lot, pass-outs from colleges and universities were humbled by the artistic brilliance of 'swang' performers, who despite being disadvantaged are passionate about their craft. "Swang artistes too looked up to their co-artistes who they see as educated and yet taking up as challenging a vocation as theatre," says Channi. Music for this 75-minute play has been given by Mazid Khan. The first show opens at Haryana Raj Bhawan on Friday at 6 pm. The group intends to do a hundred shows in places like Rewari, Rohtak and Hansi, which have been the seat of revolution. Common people trying to break free from the establishment—is the theme, which is as relevant today as way back in 1857.
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Silk route
Kanwal Preet Brar, IAS special secretary Cooperation Chandigarh (Punjab), inaugurated the Silk Fab exhibition. The participants are from various state government bodies/apex societies, primarily handloom weavers societies. On display are muga silk from Assam, kantha from Bihar, kosa silk from Chhattishgarh, patola from Gujarat to name a few.
On at Kisan Bhawan-35 till November 12 —TNS
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Lending a helping hand
The couple has been practicing for their debut on TV and has plans to use this opportunity to spend quality time with each other. But with Nach Baliye's schedules clashing with Kanika's shooting slots, she is hardly finding any time for rehearsals. Here's where Bhabho came to Kanika's rescue! Neelu is helping Kanika manage both along with giving her some tips. Kanika had helped Neelu manage her time last season and now it's Neelu's turn to return the favour! Talking about Bhabho aka Neelu Waghela, Kanika said, "Bhabho is truly my friend, philosopher and guide. I completely look upto her, she always helps me out and is a wonderful person."
With a fresh concept
Actress Shilpa Shetty, who is currently busy producing her debut movie, is all set to return as one of the three judges on the new season of dancing reality show Nach Baliye. She says, "I am happy to be back on the show. I will try to be fair." The current season of the dance show is about passion and romance between the couples. She adds, "When we talk about passion, it does not mean vulgar. Passion is a part of every marriage, every relationship and romance. If you remove romance, there is no fun." This is the sixth season of Nach Baliye on Star Plus. The first season was aired in 2005. It is a dance reality show in which celebrity couples whether married or dating, participate and dance with their partners to win the show. Shilpa Shetty, who was one of the three judges of Nach Baliye for the last season, will again judge the current season of the dance reality show. The other two judges of the show are film-maker Sajid Khan and choreographer Terence Lewis.
Who is Shruti’s favourite?
A kind gesture
Saurabh Tewari's new show Rang Rasiya on Colors has Sanaya Irani and Ashish Sharma and now buzz is that Barkha Bisht Sengupta has been approached for a negative role in the show. She was last seen in Sony's Parvarrish and she might accept this show which has a Rajasthani backdrop. |
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Pricey act
She was allegedly paid a whooping sum of Rs 1.5 crores for her performance. Kareena is immensely popular in Arab countries. For making an appearance on the reality show in Lebanon and for doing a dance performance, Kareena was offered a huge sum by the organisers. A source says, "Bebo performed the opening act on the show and also attended the launch of a new channel the next day. She had also been promoting her upcoming film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein but managed to take some time off." While analysts say that usually celebrities are not paid such a huge sum for a single performance, the source adds, "Kareena's popularity worked in her favour. The organisers also went home happy as they received a great response from the audiences." However, Kareena's spokesperson was not available for comment.
Actress Raima Sen, who was last seen in I, Me Aur Main, is currently shooting in Delhi for Anil Chaudhary's No Rules For Fools. She plays a hooker in the film. The film also stars Vinay Pathak, Saurabh Shukla and Mugdha Godse.
Rumour has it that director Nikhil Advani was so unhappy with actress Chitrangada Singh doing the lead in upcoming Mehrunissa that he refused to direct the film. However, Chitrangda denied the rumour. The film is being produced by Sudhir Mishra but it is still not clear who will direct it. Buzz is that Mehrunissa will also star Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi
Kapoor.
Troubled zone
First look
Dixit, who plays Begum Para in the film, resembles the age-old regal Indian beauty and looks stunning and ageless in the first look. She will also be seen doing some seductive dance numbers in the film, which is a sequel to Ishqiya. Pandit Birju Maharaj has choreographed some of the dance sequences for the film. The film also stars Huma Qureshi, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.
Abhinay Deo praises Anita Raj
Yesteryear actress Anita Raj, who starred in many films in 1980s, is currently seen on Anil Kapoor's television series 24. He says, "Anita Raj is not only a good performer but is also a professional actress. Her father had expired while our shoot schedules were on. Still next day she reported on shoot as scheduled. She said my father would have not liked me skipping my shoot. He would have liked me to honour my commitment." Well Anita, it's nice to see you on TV and we hope to see you in films too.
After working on back-to-back action-comedy films, actor Akshay Kumar says he misses doing a love story. The 46-year-old, whose last romantic film was 2007 release Namastey London with Katrina Kaif, also wants to do a horror film. Sure, why not!
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This fox says a lot
Talk of making waves and Ylvis, Norwegian comedy duo, seems to have taken the international music industry by a storm with their song The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?), which is an electronic dance song and viral video. Ever since the video was posted on YouTube in September, it has received over 145 million views. Currently, The Fox is at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-ranked song by a Norwegian artiste on the chart since a-ha's number-one song Take on Me in 1985. Let's know what Chandigarh folks have to say about the song…
Can't stop laughing
The song has a very synthpop feel to it and it is extremely wacky. I love it for its sheer capacity to be different and smudging that straight in the faces of the audience. Rudra Sharma, student Erratic and eccentric
The Fox is just about as random and melodramatic. Everything about the song is crazy, including contemplating the meaning of Stonehenge (Stonehenge) and then the beats and the music is crazy too. I like crazy things! Aman Suraj, musician As you like it
What does the fox say? Do you know what does the fox say? I mean who knows what does the fox say! They just made a song for the heck of it and turns out that everybody is liking it, even I do. It is an interesting song! Siddharth Sharma, student —
As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will be in the mood to meet people from different walks of life. Overseas visitor may be relying on you in some way. A spiritual meeting can bring several interesting people together. TAURUS: Do not indulge
in idle talk and gossip with neighbours. Students should give themselves plenty of time
for study. You may feel a bit careless in the evening. GEMINI: Beware, someone might backstab you. You will be surprised at the excellent reception you get. A good time to meet government officials. Stay healthy. Do not over eat. CANCER: Do not become easily ruffled. Your personal and public life is likely to clash in the evening. Brighten up your home with some nice things. LEO: A good day to do business. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial. You could be suffering from stomach disorder caused by excessive drinking. VIRGO: Your resources can be boosted. It is a good time to look at real estate. Whatever you set your mind on, you can achieve now. So don't lie low. Turn to a member of your family if you need advice. LIBRA: Your card "Two of Pentacles" shine on love, money and sports. Stick to your schedule. Open your mind to new things and be surprised with your findings. SCORPIO: There is a promise of better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to take hold of opportunities and make them yours. Women: find ways to cut down on shopping bills. SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions can over-ride your judgement in some situations. Problems for factory workers are indicated. You could be misreading the actions of loved ones. CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. Old patients: take complete rest. You may have some worries that might cause restlessness. Lovers: a romantic evening ahead. AQUARIUS: A new love
affair might spring up. Women: focus on balanced diet. Pet animals need attention. Teenage girls will be at their charming best. PISCES: This is not the right day to finalise property deals. Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your reach. You may have to make a long journey. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 1...
Today is Dhanteras so invest in some long term assets. The planetary position on your birthday indicates that you are likely to see benefits in the areas of work and health, as well as daily routine. The position of Saturn and Jupiter enhances your ability to work extra. Health is likely to prosper .There may be an inclination to put on some weight, so, watch your eating habits. Some people might get a new pet .You need to keep your eyes open for opportunities. Sometimes Jupiter brings too much of something, and this could mean taking on more work than you can handle. Positive
colours: Golden, brown, chocolate. Select days: Sunday ,Thursday Favourable numbers: 1,2,4, Gems recommended: Ruby, triangular red coral. Charity on Birthday: Donate any gold item.
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Diwali celebrations are sacrosanct in India. Since Diwali stands for triumph of good over evil, it is also called the 'festival of lights'. Either traditionally or with a contemporary twist, youngsters demonstrate the trends in Diwali celebrations. Here's a
quick look at how Chandigarh-based youngsters are celebrating the festival this season.
Buyers’ perspective
Ingredients
She might be the most tyrannical mom-in-law on Television but Diya Aur Baati's Bhabho (Neelu Waghela) is the most reliable friend one can have. Neelu had participated in Nach Baliye last season and is well-versed with the show's format and rules. Incidentally, Kanika Maheshwari who plays her daughter-in-law Meenakshi in the show is participating in Nach Baliye-6 and is super excited to groove on the stage with her businessman husband Ankur Ghai.
Delhi's 17-year-old Bhumeet got dizzy after a peck-on-the-cheek from the beautiful new DID mentor. His performance to Ishqwala love during the auditions of Dance India Dance Season 4 was packed with the cutest tricks, flairs and stunts and he added his own personal style to hip-hop, simply blowing everyone away! Bhumeet from Delhi won the hearts of all three judges of India's No 1 dance reality show with his effortless moves and original body language. But above all else, he was thrilled when the beautiful Shruti Merchant loudly proclaimed that she loves him and called him to the judges' panel to plant a loving kiss on his cheeks. The expression on the boy's face was to be seen to be believed!
Ronit Roy, who is currently playing the role of KD Pathak in Sony Entertainment Television's Adaalat, is seen as a serious defense lawyer with an impeccable track record of winning cases and helping innocent victims free. Of late, he is highly impressed by his co-star Romit Raj and showers praises on him. As we all know, recently Romit Raj has made a comeback in the show and in his new innings, the actor will be seen donning various avatars. Talking about it Romit says "I will come back with a bang and you'll see me playing different characters in every episode." Also Ronit Roy shares his thoughts about his co-star, "I was in complete shock when I saw him. I think it is the most challenging role an actor can get but I am very confident that Romit will do well."
Barkha on board
Buzz is that actress while Kareena Kapoor Khan was holidaying in Beirut where her husband Saif Ali Khan was shooting for a movie; she was offered to do a dance performance on the reality show Arab's Got Talent.
Raima plays a hooker
Unhappy director
The buzz is that actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra met MNS chief Raj Thackeray who allegedly asked them to withdraw the complaint filed against MNS workers for damaging the Filmalaya Studio. However, Kundra vehemently denied the buzz and tweeted: "I met Raj Thackeray ji who did not once ask me to withdraw my case. On the contrary he was upset that such a thing had happened and said that justice should be served and the trouble makers should be punished!!" Last weekend 10 MNS workers were arrested for creating ruckus at the studio.
After making the fans wait for long, the makers of Dedh Ishqiya have revealed the first look of Madhuri Dixit in the film.
Filmmaker Abhinay Deo who has directed the show feels that she is a thorough professional. During the shoot of 24 her father Jagdish Raj expired yet she came on shoot the very next day. 
Craving for a love story
Won’t you jump with joy to know that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also stepped in this World with you if incidentally you were also born on November 1, 1973 , [Mangalore ]. Aishwarya's number 1 and 5 will make her number 1 in the industry while Mercury would always keep her glowing and evergreen. She will have a good comeback.