The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	On a familiar pitch Television actor Manav Gohil, who wanted to become a cricketer, is getting a chance to relive his dream Amarjot Kaur Manav Gohil has been in the television industry for over 15 years now and he has seen it change and evolve. In Chandigarh for a cricketing tour by Oceans Eleven, Manav was at the Cricket Stadium, Mohali to play a match with the team of YPS, Mohali and the first interesting revelation that came our way from his end was that he always wanted to be a cricketer. “Not many people know that I really wanted to become a cricketer and was also a part of my university’s (Baroda University) cricket team, but somehow acting came along,” he begins while adding, “Oceans Eleven is an endeavour by Mayo College, Ajmer, I am the only actor associated with it. The team has organised a cricket tour across several schools, including Punjab Public School Nabha and Pinegrove School, Kasauli. Also, I am a part of the Boxy Boys cricket team, which is formed by the television actors, including Raja Bherwani, Sharad Kelkar and Shabbir Ahluwalia.” Quiz him about who is his favourite cricketer and he promptly answers, “Dave Richardson, most definitely!” You are currently doing three shows on television—Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi and Buddy Project. So how is it going? Initially, it was a little difficult because I had to travel long hours to shuttle between the sets of these three shows. My role in Mahadev is a bit challenging as it involves a lot of costume changes and it’s not the kind of role that one can relate to. In my other shows, however, my roles are quite relatable. So that makes it easy for me as an actor. What prompted you to take up these shows? I think the roles in these shows were enticing enough. While I play Andhaj (Angad) in Mahadev, which is a mythological character, Anirudh Jaitley in Buddy Project is something that I truly identify with, so I like the range. What makes you identify with your character as Anirudh Jaitley of Buddy Project? I think it is his persona and the chemistry that he shares with his children, which is truly phenomenal. Also, I like the wise-crack that he is and the way he guides and mentors people around him. You have been in the industry for over 15 years now. How has the industry changed and evolved? I think that the industry has evolved and regressed in these 15 years. These days you cannot make out one show from another, because they all have more or less similar content. Also, the channels treat shows like a cash card. So, if the show fails to deliver good TRPS in a month, they pull it off. You were also a part of Nach Baliye. What is your take on the reality shows? I like the music and dance reality shows, but I totally detest those shows, which isolate a group of people and feed on their personal situations, for instance shows like Bigg Boss and Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao. Though my wife wants me to be a part of such shows, I don’t quite know how to react to that! Which is your dream role? I would like to do a role quite like that of Manoj Bajpai in Shool.
	The ‘in’ side Seat with a view Garden benches can add class to your green area Sukhmani Using a garden bench is a great way to add glamour to your garden design. It renders a mix of style and functionality. This is especially true of a large garden design. The choice of the garden bench design must be made considering factors like the space available and the level of aesthetics preferred. You can add a garden bench as a convenient seating option in the garden or just as a decorative fixture. Place it right If you want to enjoy your bench all year round, pick a dry spot. Use an existing deck or a patio, create a gravel or concrete base or use paving stones to provide a dry and stable setting to your bench. Keeping our climate in mind, pick a spot that is well shaded or at least partly shaded for you to sit comfortably in the long summer months. Place a bench under a tree or create your own shade by adding an arbor or a pergola. You can also have a vine climbing it to add to the aesthetics. Thanks to an amazing new array of all-weather fabrics, outdoor seating can be just as comfortable and stylish as the indoor variety. Add bright cushions and place a fancy outdoor light near your bench. Don't go for the standard 'green' coloured benches. Add colour to your garden by painting them in pretty colours that look good against the lush green of your garden. Design options Straight garden bench It is the simplest garden bench design. Such pieces are easily available and are also quite affordable. A straight garden bench with intricately carved legs will attract attention in your garden. Curved garden bench These are mostly backless styles of a garden bench. A curved garden bench looks best when made out of marble or stone. The style is convenient and classy as well. Antique garden bench Unique garden bench design that has ornate carvings and designs on the face of the seat and the legs give an antique look. More than for the purpose of seating, these styles fulfill the aesthetic requirements of a large garden design. Garden seats Not exactly a garden bench, the garden seat comes forth as a single sitting solution. Garden seats generally come as a cylindrical shaped drum. They can also be used as accent tables in the garden. Metal and more Although you might think of wood or metal for your bench, other materials can be used to create a look that appeals to your personal sense of style. Stone, marble, ceramic, metal, wood, plastic are some of the commonly used materials. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
	Par Excellence The bunker shot: dos and don’ts Jesse Grewal The first way to make a bunker shot easy is to believe that there is nothing to it. Most golfers begin to fear bunkers because they have been taught or tutored that way. They are told to avoid bunkers and play away from them. I guess this would be the case for traditional bunkers in Scotland where the front face is a brick wall and goes vertically upwards making it impossible to hit a ball if it is near the lip and forcing one to play it sideways. Links courses are traditional Scottish style course which are near the sea with few trees. The main difficult factor is the bunkers and the weather (wind and rain). Modern courses have larger contoured bunkers which are much easier to play from and therefore need not be feared. Here are a few important dos and don'ts for a bunker shot: Grip the club with the club face fairly open in most bunker shots except when the sand is hard or the ball is embedded. Do not take your grip normally and then try to rotate the face open as this position will bring the club face back to square at impact. Open the club face and then grip the club which in effect would be like a weak grip at impact. Alternatively one could take a weak grip (one knuckle visible of the left hand at address) which would then open the face at impact. During the set up widen the stance and bend more from the knees as if one is sitting down. This lowers the centre of gravity and provides stability. This also brings the hands low and increases the cupping of the wrists which helps the ball to come out higher. Keep your arms softer and slightly bent at address as they have to let the club drop into the sand from its original position which is an inch or two above the sand at address. Position the ball forward of centre as the club must enter the sand approximately two inches behind the ball. Focus on a spot where you want the club to hit the sand and not on the ball. Lift the club up fairly vertically on the backswing with the arms but make sure that the shoulders turn too. Do not take the backswing low as this gets the club to go inwards and behind the body leading to a very shallow or flat swing. Keep the legs passive and swing through with the arms and shoulders. Let the club head accelerate through the sand as if one is splashing the sand onto the green. If the club head is digging deep into the sand make sure that it is open at address and the body is not going down during the swing. The hitting down action is done by the arms. If one is topping the ball make sure that the arms are not tight and over extended at address. (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. 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)
	Fabulous fabric Bunkar Avom Dastkar Vikas Samiti, Jaipur is organising an exhibition at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35. The products on display are printed fabrics in cotton and silk including saganeri, bagru, dabu, gamthi, gujari, bagh, kalamkari, batik and ajarks. Weaved fabrics comprises Bhagalpuri silk, champa, banarsi, baluchari, chanderi, maheshwari, chirala, kota doriya, mangalgiri, pochampally and ikkat. The exhibition also offers kalamkari rugs, gudari, punja durries, table cloths, printed and weaved bed covers, curtains etc. — TNS On till March 18
	Flying high Piccadily Square organised a Kite Flying festival on Saturday. According to Aditya Nath Sharma, MD, Piccadily Square, "Kite Flying has been a popular activity and tradition in North India. However, in modern times the culture seems to be dying, so we thought of organising a festival to buck the downtrend associated with Kite Flying." Adds Sharma, "Our Mall, is one of Chandigarh's oldest landmarks, which has always endeavored to provide impeccable service and entertainment to visitors. The event provided a very exciting opportunity to kite flying enthusiasts who enjoyed the outing to the hilt. Hopefully the art of Kite Flying will find its glory in years to come in Chandigarh." In the festival the participants were above 14 years old and all were amateurs. As a tribute to women on International women's Day, women also took part in the fest. A kite made out especially with the women's day theme attracted all at the festival. There was an element of competition also. The kite flyers were judged on flying technique, skill, longest and highest flying etc by experts. — TNS
	it’s rocking London dreams The brand new flavour that's spicing up Punjab's music industry is a song titled London, which is sung by Money Aujla and Nesdi Jones. Written by Pargat Singh, the music composer and story of the video has been given by Yo Yo Honey Singh. The film is by R Swami and the song has been produced by the Speed Records. If you still haven't heard the song, you may want to read what our city folks have to say about it. Feel-good song It's a very nice, feel-good kind of a song. I like the lyrics of the song and the music too. But more than that I like the concept and video of the song, which is very touching. Jaspreet Kaur, student, Law Department, PU Punjabi touch It's a wonderful song, especially the video and the lyrics. It's so cute. I think this song speaks volumes about how we, as Punjabis, respect and honour our guests. I like the song very much. Dilpreet Singh, businessperson No guns, no cars What I like most about the song is the part where Nesdi Jones sings. It's good to see that the west is moving towards our region and that we are collaborating with them. Also, it's quite a respite from all those Punjabi songs, which talk about guns and cars all the time. Aman Suraj, musician — As told to Amarjot Kaur
	Icing on the cake! Fancy cakes are a huge hit in the market nowadays and the ideas are getting better by the day Gurvinder Singh Cut a piano and then eat it! Confused? Don't be, for these are some crazy ideas that people have for making cakes these days. Cakes on different themes and based on quirky ideas are getting popular by the day. "People demand some really different cakes these days," says Harjinder Singh Kukreja from Hot Breads, Ludhiana. He adds, "A couple demanded their own self on the cake dressed in the same way as they would be on their wedding anniversary! Then a youngster demanded a cake in the shape of a Bullet with the girlfriend on the back seat." Then there was somebody who demanded a cake in the shape of his dog! The ideas keep getting quirky! "A person migrating to London wanted the Big Ben on his cake. It is challenging and time-consuming to make such cakes. But it is also fun to create them as a lot of creativity goes into making them," he says. Some ideas are really unconventional and it is simply not possible to create such cakes. "In such a situation, we offer some alternatives," he adds. "Cakes are getting really creative these days. You can virtually make anything," says Srishti, a homemaker. "Cakes have suddenly become the superstars of any evening," says Raghav, an ardent party-goer. At times, cakes are admired for their look more than the taste! "People want to surprise and impress everyone with the kind of cakes they present. People sure wait for the cake-cutting ceremony nowadays," he adds. Says Maninder Sobti from Cake Square, Ludhiana, "About twice a week, we get orders to make something that is very unique. Once we were asked to replicate a house, a Mercedes and a dog, which a man chose to showcase through a cake first." gurvinder@tribunemail.com
	star track I want a body like Gisele Bundchen: Jennifer Former Friends star Jennifer Aniston said she would like to have the supermodel Gisele Bundchen's figure instead of her own for 24 hours. The 44-year-old actress also admitted that she envies skiing legend Lindsey Vonn's toned physique. "I'd love to be able to ski like a crazy person, like Lindsey Vonn. Then I'd also like to have Gisele's body," Aniston said. The actress, who is known for her super healthy diet and dislike of fast food, confessed she has a secret weakness for nachos. "The food I love so much that if I dropped it on the floor, I'd eat it anyway is a nacho. I fry the chips myself. Just take a tortilla, cut it into triangles, and throw 'em in coconut oil." — PTI Super fit: Jennifer Aniston Kylie fears being lonely Kylie Minogue has confessed that her greatest fear is ‘loneliness’ following her split from boyfriend Andres Velencoso in October last year. The Voice star spilled the beans to a publication that “longing” made her sad and “anxiety” kept her awake at night. The pop princess asserted that the happiest period in her life was when she was in love but hinted that she always feared ending up alone, months after her split from Velencoso. The 45-year-old Australian singer told a publication that she used to hate herself when she became “morose” and she loved nothing more than “slobbing” around all day and ignoring the world. — ANI Mean Girl’s diary Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan is reportedly set to sign a USD one million deal with HarperCollins to publish a memoir which is based on a diary she wrote during her rehab stint. The 27-year-old Mean Girls star apparently kept a diary during her rehab stint in 2013 and that would be the base of the book. "It's more or less an autobiography, but she had a minimal number of sample pages. There was initial interest, but everybody backed off. There was concern she wouldn't deliver," a source said. A representative for the publishing house however declined to comment. Lohan's publicist Tej Herring, meanwhile, said that "there have been some conversations, but nothing official yet." — PTI Beauty basics Drew Barrymore has shared some words of wisdom for brides-to-be, asking them to look like themselves on the D-day. The 39-year-old actress, who is also the creator of Flower Beauty makeup line, said that the biggest mistake brides can make on their wedding day is overdoing their make-up and hairstyling. The 50 First Dates star asserted that you don’t want to look back at the pictures from your nuptials and think the person in the snaps is not you. The blonde beauty insisted that the person in the snaps should be you but the most enhanced, beautiful natural version of yourself. Barrymore, who married Will Kopelman in 2012, also advised against making major changes to your look for the wedding because that’s not the day to experiment. — ANI No commitment James Bond producers are reportedly vying for Adele to sing the theme tune for the next 007 film but the singer is quiet on whether she’ll do next film or not. A source told that the Skyfall singer hasn’t responded to studio executives yet even though they along with star Daniel Craig made it clear that they want her back for the 24th Bond film. Adele’s theme song for Skyfall was a huge success and it became the first Bond theme to win at the Golden Globes, the Brit awards and the Oscars. — ANI Liz’ new love interest Liz Hurley was recently spotted with Evgeny Lebedev, the Russian playboy tycoon, 15 years her junior, who was escorting her to a chauffeur-driven Bentley. A publication revealed that actress enjoyed a cozy date with the billionaire this week as it seems Hurley’s new love interest is Britain’s youngest newspaper proprietor. Sources close to the pair said that Hurley and Lebedev have been friends for a number of years but their relationship developed after her split from former Australian cricket star Shane Warne. — ANI Anger management Ajay Sinh Rathod is making his debut in Bollywood with his forthcoming film Angry Young Man where is he playing the lead role. Ajay Sinh Rathod was always a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan and he is really happy that his first film title is inspired by his childhood film hero's nickname. Although the name of the film is Angry Young Man, it has nothing to do with Mr Bachchan's image or the character he plays in the films. "The character I play in the film is very similar to who I am in real life. My character in the film has lot of anger which is suppressed and does not have an outlet." says Ajay Sinh Rathod. The film releases on April 11. Another love triangle Monica Dogra, who is rightfully called the queen of Indie music will soon be seen in a short film with Kalki Koechlin. The film that also stars Gulshan Devaiah is called Severing Ties and is directed by Ahmed Roy, a UK based filmmaker. Monica plays the role of the woman who is responsible for creating the love triangle between a husband and wife played by Kalki and Gulshan. Set in a modern day scenario, the film focuses on issues of moral judgement between what is right and wrong and what happens when everything in one's life appears to be neither black nor white. Speaking about her excitement on being a part of this project, Monica said, "I am so happy I did this project. I feel like I made genuine and real friends in an industry where friends are hard to come by".
	chatter box On sick leave Ashish Sharma aka Rudra of Colors' Rangrasiya has fallen ill. He's suffering from Malaria and will not be able to shoot the show for a few days. The creative's team has changed the track to accommodate his absence. Now, it will focus on Parvati and his missing mom. Oops! Cat’s out of the bag While Colors might want to keep things under wraps, information about Khatron Ke Khiladi has been leaking. The latest is about the three finalists of the show. Apparently Gurmeet Choudhary, Rajnesh Duggall, and Nikitin Dheer are the three contestants to last till the finale. Contestants of Khatron Ke Khiladi Plan of action Actress Asha Negi, who became a household name after playing Purvi in Pavitra Rishta, has now quit the show. The actress, who won Nach Baliye recently, is looking forward to some work and pleasure trips in the near future. How was your experience of acting in Pavitra Rishta? It was a fantastic journey. Whatever I am today is because of the show and Ekta Kapoor. All credit goes to her and her team. The show is very close to my heart and I will cherish the memories always. So why did you leave the show? They took a time leap and I was not interested in playing an older character. But due to Ekta ma’am I stayed back for a few months and extended my stay on the show. What kind of reactions did you get for Nach Baliye? Everyone from my home town, Nach team and Pavitra Rishta team were very supportive. They were ecstatic about our winning the reality show. Even people we met while travelling praised us. It is very heartening and overwhelming to receive so much love. What's next? I am still deciding. Rithvik and I are currently on a break as we needed one anyway. We went to Dubai recently which was fun. Right now, I am in my hometown Dehradun. Soon we will go to Australia, a holiday trip we won on Nach Baliye Work-wise, what have you planned? We have few commitments lined up like a show in the US and later a Holi event for Star Plus. Post that I will look at shows and choose from the best that comes my way. Break free: Asha Negi And the fun begins! With Holi around the corner, kids channel, Pogo is showering kids with prizes, new movies and excitement. The Rang De Holi contest and several new movie launches throughout the month will keep kids entertained and engaged. The Rang De Holi contest on the channel, will give kids an opportunity to win prizes like inflatable pools and digital cameras. All they need to do is answer questions based on the Holi games played by Chhota Bheem. The channel also intends to begin the season by premiering two new movies on its tent-pole characters Chhota Bheem and Mighty Raju. Kids can catch a brand new Chhota Bheem special called Kung Fu Bheem on March 16. Are they dating? Tina Dutta has been in the news for her link-ups and these days she seems to have found a new friend in Gaurav Chopra. They work together in Uttaran and have been spotted together at parties of late. They are spending too much time together, which is causing speculations. Ankita takes charge After Kangana Ranaut, this week in Halla Bol, the show that talks about women's issues and fights against injustice, Ankita Lokhande will be the female icon. She will be seen on the show with host Karan Tacker and will talk about child abuse. Change of strategy "I'm loving this look," says Roopal Tyagi, who'll soon get into the garb of a gauti Bihari woman called Champa and claim to be from Champaner, Bihar. In a dramatic turn of events in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke (Zee TV), Gunjan will be compelled to act like a Bihari village belle in order to save her husband, Mayank (Ankit Gera) from the clutches of blackmailers.
	Astro turf P Khurrana ARIES: You will enjoy interacting with people who share your views and thoughts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help enhance your reputation. Trust your institution. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Chocolaty brown Magic Number: 55 TAURUS: You find ways to express your creativity and emotions. Your personal interests are likely to be stagnant. Activities with your partner and friends are likely to be cheerful. Tarot message: At work, a setback would be followed by success. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic Number: 49 GEMINI: Today a long cherished dream may come true. Do not try any short cuts as they may misfire. Be understanding and keep in mind likes and dislikes of your mate. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Sap green Magic Number: 29 CANCER: Youngsters should be able to entertain themselves. Complicated family issues, past romantic promises or repeated social patterns require consideration. Your efforts will be appreciated. Tarot message: A dissatisfactory phase will need careful handling. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic Number: 44 LEO: Inception of new business venture is on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. Tonight, plan creative activities or group events. Tensions will be easily forgotten. You tend to be lazy and laid back. Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Pink Magic Number: 37 VIRGO: A close friend needs advice concerning strained relationships or unexpected emotional triangles. Past disappointments may guide you. Tarot message: If you insist on leading a fast life, you may aggravate your problems. Lucky colour: Maroon Magic Number: 54 LIBRA: This is a strong time to enjoy with your family. Tonight review financial records. Avoid acting as a mediator and wait for obvious cues from loved ones. Beware of over-indulgence in food. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confuse yourself. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic Number: 61 SCORPIO: Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines, foster friendships or develop unique hobbies. A friend may add drama to your life. Tarot message: Do not pay attention to false promises. Lucky colour: Orange Magic Number: 46 SAGITTARIUS: You will be focused and alert. Working with colleagues and gaining their support will lead to faster progress on assignments. Don't make impulsive decisions regarding your finances. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Aqua Magic Number: 63 CAPRICORN: You're not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Tonight rest and pamper the body. Minor muscle aches may be bothersome. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic Number: 48 AQUARIUS: Do not overlook a chance meeting that may lead to future romance. Today you will be quite amazed to find yourself taking on a more ambitious role. Tarot message: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic Number: 43 PISCES: You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. Professional success blends with anxiety and changes are imminent. Delays can be expected today. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Peach Magic Number: 38
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is March 11... If you are in business, will find the money market smooth and majority of the business will bring profit. Some people with letter S can make more money in the share transactions. Businessmen may face problems from the government side and labour unions. Keeping the account up to date and paying the government dues in time will help avoid any unpleasant situation later. Your number 2 and the moon makes you an honest, responsible, trustworthy, intelligent and broadminded person. Real-estate transaction towards the year-end should bring monetary gains. If keen to make fresh investments, consult a professional and invest your hard-earned money wisely. Positive colours: White, sky blue, pink, light grey, orange Select days: Sunday & Monday Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7 Gems recommended: Pearl, moon stone. Charity on birthday: Donate saffron coloured sweets or fruits to needy. Thora Birch was born on March 11, 1982. She is an American actress and was a leading child actor in the 1990s. Later, she moved on to more mature roles in films like American Beauty. She was born in Los Angeles, California and is the eldest child of Jack Birch and Carol Connors.