|
|
|
|
|
Chest…at best!
Hey Arnie, are you listening? Someone just boasted of a 56-inch chest, just an inch lesser than yours and that too without toiling with the 450-pound weights. He is even thumping it loud and claiming that it will help the country progress, while you just managed one US state. Maybe it’s a wake-up call for Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Broad chest and broad shoulders are to a man what a well-endowed figure is to a woman. It is at times a sign of virility, at times of valour and at times of vanity. Narendra Modi’s speech in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, which referred to his chest size and all that it can do - “it means 24-hour electricity, no power cut for 365 days in every village and street” - has really made us inquisitive. Slim chances Keeping 56 as the upper limit, even the best in the showbiz couldn’t reach as far as 46 inches. Sunny Deol is a humble 44 inches, ditto for Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan; John Abraham could’t manage an inch more at 45. “And all this is only possible when you spend a considerable part of the day in the gym lifting weights. You can’t be naturally endowed with a chest broader than 48 inches,” comes from Anil Juneja, a city-based yoga expert, who has made a career switch to acting with Yaaran Da Katchup. He hasn’t reached past the 42-inchs mark even after a strenuous workout everyday at the gym! Even Varinder Singh Ghuman, an actor, a professional body-builder and wrestler who stood second in the Mr Asia contest in 2009, couldn’t surpass the 53 inches mark. Only the Great Khali, WWF superstar, measures a whopping Love thyself Vanity can take dangerous proportions. It can make one believe that broad chest can work wonders; that dhai kilo ka haath can grind bones…that looks can kill…. Karan Kundra, actor and host of a youth-based crime show, confesses, “Tall-dark-handsome is still a parameter to judge the looks of a man, the only variable being the dark part of it. Also add to it a broad frame; a symbol of being a macho man, unfortunately a criteria to judge masculinity.” He finds it amusing when he comes across boys who are ready to take a heavy dose of steroids to develop muscles that create an illusion of broad shoulders and chest….but obsessed we are…pot bellies we smirk at, paunches we leer at; it’s not as much about fitness, as about abs and shape and breadth! How Tiger Shroff acts in his debut venture is another matter; as of now, his bare, chiselled body is grabbing all the attention. He has even attended press conferences minus his shirt! Proportionally speaking Sonu Sood hits the gym for a couple of hours daily, irrespective of which part of the world he is in. “But that is to stay fit. To have a proportionate body is more important than working out for broad shoulders or triceps,” he says. In the industry, where looks matter, Sonu quotes examples of actors who are known for their talent rather than their bodies. “I think that’s the best compliment for an actor,” says the fitness freak, who has made peace with a 41-inch chest. For those who aim for the perfect body, (Disclaimer: a natural broad frame is a must) “Anything measuring from 44-46 is a decent stat; with proportion to the waistline that shouldn’t go beyond 32 -33 inches,” suggests Vishal Thukral, a Chandigarh-based fitness expert. But if that seems like a distant dream, still claim it. After all, nobody’s running after you with an inch tape! ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Flip side of the coin
It is an honest attempt to scare the living daylights out of the audience, frighten the viewers enough to register a social message, touch a new high in Punjabi cinema; initiate a wave and hopefully the one that will have a ripple effect. At the end of the day, it is an endeavour to offer meaningful entertainment that qualifies for timeless cinema.
When quizzed on a great Punjabi film, Mumbai-based film-maker Jeet Matharru refers to the cult classic Chann Pardesi, "Whenever anybody asks me about good Punjabi cinema, I automatically go back to Chann Pardesi." The sudden rush of romantic comedies starring singers notwithstanding! "People are fed-up of watching similar films in the same genre. Let alone the audience, even we, the fraternity, wants a change and as for the actors, they crib about being forced to perform similar roles too,'" he says. The psychological thriller brings forth the trauma of a gang-rape victim. "The title Sikka borrows from the game they play with a coin while calling on spirits." Only this time, the spirit refuses to leave. "It is not a cheesy horror film. In fact, it is something that can be watched by the entire family sitting together," shares the producer-director. He adds, "There is a surprise element in the film too. While it might be frightening, the film has a couple of hilarious moments too. That is because of the situation and story line." While Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi plays the cop, Mumbai-based Afghani girl Khatera Hakimi plays the protagonist; the character of a Rajasthani girl in a Punjabi film. Right from his maiden venture Adi Tapaa to the yet- to-be-released Kudesan, there has always been a conscious endeavour to be different. "I choose difficult and meaningful subjects for my personal satisfaction." Well, what about comedy? "If it is logistically correct and situationally comic." As for this one, the film releases July 18. "It should get a good platform even though I've made a film without a singer in it." The 112-minute film is racy enough to do away with the song and dance concept. "There was a song initially, but it shattered the pace of the film since it is so fast. So now, it is only being used in the promotions." Sounds different to begin with! manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Verse by verse
Gaining from interaction with learned people and learning from life is Varun Garg’s motto in life. He has hardly wasted any time on unfruitful pursuits. Having completed an engineering course, pursuing business along and wanting to pursue law, Varun remains a poet at heart. Thirty-year-old Varun released his book of poetry titled Visarjan at the World Book Fair last month.
His passion for writing began in school and despite entering family business; his urge to write remained strong. So, he decided to tie-up with writers and studios like Sound Shastra. Working for free to begin with, he wrote for radio and advertisements later also penned the lyrics of the song Hair is Falling. His maiden book of poetry is a collection of his thoughts, his experiences and his social philosophy. Titled Visarjan, it is about how reverence and respect for Lord Ganesha diminishes soon after the visarjan cermony. The collection has 43 poems. The young poet is inspired by Harivansh Rai, Mirza Ghalib and Bulle Shah. Not confined to just one medium and language, he is penning more books. Apart from a translation of a Punjabi novel by Mittar Sen Meet, he is writing more books in poetry as well as prose. “Poetry is a language in its own right. The poet is not shy of learning, as he has mentors who are making him a better poet each day,” he says. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Tension no more
Dr Sarvinder Gandhok's third book, Winning Over Hypertension, motivates you to bring about a few lifestyle changes to keep hypertension at bay Amarjot Kaur
Written in a rather colloquial language with abundant illustrations to go with each topic, the contents of Gandhok's book clearly isolate it from being perceived as a novel or a heavy medical thesis. At its core, the book is a manual for those suffering from hypertension and for those who are looking to lead a healthy lifestyle. "It is true that most of the patients do not even know that they are suffering from hypertension, because the symptoms only begin to surface when 50 per cent damage is done," begins Gandhok, who was earlier presenting a television programme called Siti Health Line on Siti Cable network in the year 2000. Motivated to writing books on healthcare, Dr Gandhok was driven by the changing trends in the city, which rubbed off even on his lifestyle as he was suffering from blood pressure a few years ago. "As much as 20 per cent of the city's population suffers from hypertension and it is purely a lifestyle related disease. We all want to work, progress, get successful and rich all too soon, all at the cost of our health and this leads to stress which further grows into hypertension," he says. As we stand explained the reasons for hypertension, Gandhok explains ways with which one can evade the impending dangers of this disease, which most of us perceive as a medical illness. "Hypertension is not a medical disease. It can be cured without medicines and by bringing about just a few changes in our lifestyle." The highlights of the book are the topics on yoga, natural cures for hypertension, home remedies for high blood pressure, ways to prevent complications, hypertension in children, myths about hypertension and medical humour. "I don't want to scare the patients suffering from hypertension, thus the title Winning Over Hypertension, which aims to motivate patients suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension," shares Gandhok. amarjot@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Spice Route
Cooked in dum pukht style, in sealed handis to keep the flavours intact, the menu has a range of kebabs, biryanis and curries. Chef Vijay Kumar Rana, with 14 years of experience in Indian kitchen and having worked in Lucknow, uses the traditional method of cooking but with minimal ghee and butter. "The dishes are much lighter on the palate but will retain the quintessential flavour of Awadhi cuisine," says Ankur Bakshi, manager - Food & Beverage. While hit dishes include galauti kebabs and shammi kebabs, desserts section has a range of options - khubani ki shahi tukra, sevian ka mussafar, sakora kesari firni and shahad e jam, which is kind of gulab jamun filled with honey and nuts and served with pista rabri. There are some dishes which are kept totally traditional, there are The pre-set four course menu offers soup, two main courses, rice preparations, breads and one dessert. Priced at Rs 695, all inclusive for veg meal and Rs 795 for non-veg course. On for dinner till May 18.
|
||
|
Fresh import
Oregano at JW Marriott, known for its exotic mix of traditional style cooking infused with fresh herbs and spices, now expands its boundaries to bring to its patrons the all-new Italian dishes and signature recipes from different parts of Italy.
Savor the homemade and mother recipes exquisitely crafted by Chef Antonello Cancedda, and beat the heat with his all new and fresh summer menu. The menu features a detailed course-wise collection of authentic recipes fine-tuned over time, resulting in a contemporary presentation of traditional dishes. The delectable new menu rolls an array of Italian dishes from different regions of Italy like Sicily, Liguria, Geneva Palermo, Roma that are sure to leave you asking for more. Speaking about the new menu Chef Antonello Cancedda, Italian Chef, Oregano, JW Marriott said, "The new menu is fresh that will beckon your attention on a summer evening, I have introduced a lot of fresh vegetarian dishes.” — TNS
|
||
|
Anu Malik turns Tarzan!
Bejoy Nambiar and Ekta Kapoor, the makers of the forthcoming Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi have roped in Anu Malik to render the vocals for the film's first track, Tarzan, which releases next week. It has Anu Malik singing the iconic Tarzan jungle cry in his trademark voice. In fact, in a coup of sorts, Anu is also expected to be seen in a small but hilarious cameo in the video, which is reminiscent of the sexy Tarzan and Jane era. While we're not sure if Malik will be swinging from tree to tree in leafy clothes, the track will mark the first time coming together of father (Anu) and daughter (Anmol) on the duet. Anu's last compositions for Balaji were in Shootout At Wadala. This time he was zeroed in to render Tarzan (composed by newcomer Parichay) as the makers were looking for peculiar set of vocal skills and Anu caught the right mood and feel. Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi, a quirky new-age comedy, features an ensemble of real new faces making their screen debut. The comedy film releases on May 30.
|
||
|
Aditya is a momma’s boy!
Aditya Roy Kapur gave two big successful hits with Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani last year. Both the film not only earned big bucks at the box office making him stand out among his contemporaries but it also got him a lot of appreciations.
So much so that, the actor recently got an award for his work in Yeh Jawani Hai Dewani. He was elated with his win. (he got best supporting actor at IIFA). He planned to gift his mom a very expensive Omega watch. Aditya shares a great bond with his mother. She was one of the people who wanted him to do YJHD. He wanted his win to be more special for his mother so like in a thank you gesture he bought her a watch. Very few people know that Aditya's mother has been a very famous model and she used to teach dance. He is extremely close to his mom. The actor took time out post the award night at Florida to buy the gift for his mother. When contacted, Aditya says, "My mother has been very supportive of me throughout the ups and downs of my career. The watch is my small way of saying thank you to her." Aditya will be seen next in YRF's Daawat-E-Ishq, followed by Fitoor.
|
||
|
Kick-ing in full swing
Salman Khan has always considered Eid to be a lucky period for him at the box office. And this year, after a break in 2013, the actor will be back with a film during the festival with his film Kick. The actor is working non-stop to finish the movie, as the team has just a few months to complete the shoot and get into post-production.
Salman recently returned from Poland where he was busy shooting for the film. He will take a break this weekend as he has been shooting outdoor continuously. He will be back to the grueling schedule next week onward. The shoot will resume on May 5. They will be shooting at Mehboob Studio in Bandra, which is a five-minute drive from Salman's house on Bandstand. To save time, the makers have booked nearly four floors of the studio - which is almost the entire place - and have five active sets running simultaneously. As soon as they finish a particular portion in one studio, they will move on to shoot the next scene on the other set without any breaks. Sets are being made and broken down continuously. This is a 25-day schedule where the entire cast will be shooting. Currently, they are shooting only the regular scenes. The songs will be shot once that is done. When contacted, the spokesperson of the film confirmed the news.
|
||
|
Simply elegant
Fashion mantra I think that a person is truly stylish when they understand and yet break the trends with flair. I like to dress simple and elegant. The right fit is the most important thing. Casual take When I am not working or doing appearances, I like to dress in jeans and tees or pyjamas and vests. I love wearing cotton dresses and I love wearing comfortable clothes. Statement pieces I wear minimal jewellery but I like statement pieces. I like to wear cocktail rings and neck-pieces with dresses. Faux pas Lack of individuality scares me. I would be scared and embarrassed if somebody else at an event was wearing the same clothes as I! Shining celeb I think everyone has an individual style in Bollywood. I like Sonam Kapoor for her sartorial risks and choices and love for fashion. Deepika can look gorgeous and stylish without a stylist. Arjun Rampal is naturally stylish and handsome!
Poster on twitter
The first look of Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi is out. Bejoy Naimbar shared the first official poster on Twitter. Directed by Aman Sachdeva, the film stars debutant Siddharth Gupta, former Miss India Simran Kaur Mundi and Ashish Juneja. It releases on May 30.
|
||
|
On sick leave
health issue: Bipasha Basu
A leading team
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, who last shared screen space in Yash Chopra's film Silsila, will now be seen together in an upcoming film titled Leader. It is going to be directed by debutante director and their make-up artist Deepak Sawant.
Emerald for Sunny
Actress Sunny Leone, who will turn 33 on May 13, has already received a present from her husband Daniel Weber. He gifted an expensive emerald ring. Leone is currently vacationing in the US with him.
Around the world
Veteran singer Asha Bhosle is currently on a tour to Europe. The 80-year-old singer performed in Amsterdam and Holland over the weekend. She became the first Indian artiste to perform at the Carre Theatre, in Amsterdam. She will now perform in Paris on May 14.
Gift of love
Ranveer Singh has reportedly gifted a gold pendant with the word 'love' emblazoned on it to his rumoured girlfriend Deepika Padukone. Well, love is definitely blossoming between these two!
|
||
|
Timely action
Without wasting time, Rishina started looking for new opportunities and bagged a role with grey shades in producer Sudhir Sharma's next titled Baware on life OK. She would be seen as Rati, who will be hero Abhishek Rawat's girlfriend and later there will be major drama. Journalist-turned-writer Neelesh Mishra, who wrote the story of Ek Tha Tiger, is writing and co-producing the show. The story is of a budding singer played by Vinita Joshi, who is helped by writer-cum-director played by Abhishek Rawat and traces her journey from Lucknow to Mumbai. The show has recently gone on floor in Lucknow. Rishina's shoot has yet to start. Popularity graph Mohit Malik has proved his mettle once again in his show, as his character of Samrat in Zee TV's Doli Armaanon Ki has become very popular. Now he has many offers coming his way, including reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Colors. He is in talks but nothing is finalised yet.
Anita’s new role
After her role in Anil Kapoor's 24, actress Anita Raaj will now be seen in Life Ok's Tumhari Pakhi. She will play the role of Anshuman's mother who was thrown out of her house. Pakhi will meet her accidentally and both will bond, unaware of their connection.
What’s cooking?
In their reel lives, they play husband and wife in Star Plus' Ek Ghar Banaunga and they are also in love in real life. Actors Rahul Sharma and Ishita Dutta have tried to keep their relationship under wraps, but they have been spotted many times enjoying each other's company at malls, restaurants and events.
Couple chemistry
They are well-known for their comedy skills and now couple Tanaaz and Bhakhtyar Irani will soon be seen in a new show on Sab TV. The show that also stars Sumeet Raghavan will see the couple as well. It is apparently going to replace Jeannie Aur Juju next month.
Couple chemistry
|
||
|
B-day bash
A treasure trove
Get set for unbelievable experiences as History TV 18 has embarked upon a part road trip, part treasure hunt with its new series Extreme Collectors. This series, which began on May 5 at 10:30 pm, follows host Andrew Zegers, a professional appraiser with a sharp eye and 30 years of experience, as he travels in search of truly incredible and unique collections. Another great show in the new Prime Time band, the show features Andrew touring through meticulously cared-for collections in homes all across North America. Extreme Collectors is an wild ride as each episode showcases four collectors and their stunning collections. Andrew's knowledge comes into play as he appraises each collection and their true value, satisfying the curiosity of audiences and answering the secretthought in every viewer's mind — 'what's this all really worth?'
|
||
|
Child’s play!
She became Masterchef and now Shipra Khanna will teach kids how to cook. She will be seen on a new show on 'Food Food', which will focus on creating awareness about food, health and nutrition among kids between 7-10 years.
|
||
|
Astro Turf
ARIES: Networking will help you build contacts, which will further your career plans. Spend time on fitness routines. Don't compromise on your views. Some of you may attempt at doing something big.
Tarot message: Don't give up freedom without considering a second chance. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 36
TAURUS: Don't waste your time arguing with colleagues or loved ones. Pay attention to health matters and do not neglect any persistent symptoms. Listen to your inner wisdom and be prudent.
Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Forest green
Magic number: 28 GEMINI: You may be in an irritable frame of mind and need to guard against making impulsive decisions. Differences could lead to tense moments. Be careful about losing your friend.
Tarot message: Handle others carefully don't antagonise anyone. Lucky
colour: Brown Magic number: 48 CANCER: Take a moment to think about what you need to avoid making impulsive statements. Travel plans could run into some delays. Avoid the earth sign Virgo, who could be cold and objective.
Tarot message: Leave the past in the past. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 45 LEO: You will have many opportunities to make an impression on seniors or new business associates.
Tarot message: Adapting to new technology will be important to keep pace with the changing times.
Lucky colour: White Magic number: 29 VIRGO: You may start a long-term venture that actualises your potential and brings you fame. Financial gains are on the cards. Your sense of humour will put you in the spotlight. Do not shirk responsibility. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Magic number: 32
LIBRA: Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationship. Disruption in a business venture is temporary. Your greatest friends are those you meet in transit. You play healer for someone else during a trip. Tarot message: Don't enter into an unnecessary conflict.
Lucky colour: Maroon Magic number: 47 SCORPIO: You are generous and giving in personal relationships and command respect from family and friends. Try to avoid social interaction for the day, if only to let things resolve themselves.
Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 31 SAGITTARIUS: Finances brighten considerably. Aim for the proper method of organising things and you might be set up for a stable environment. There is love and romance in a personal relationship. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 53 CAPRICORN: Tension at home will have an emotional affect on you. Look to a close friend or family member to clarify long-term solutions. There is a chance to gain from interacting with your soul mate. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Aqua blue
Magic number: 41 AQUARIUS: A romance that you might have thought was headed your way arrives on its own terms. Your boss is as stubborn as you are, so have a flexible attitude. It's advisable to meditate and exercise routine. Tarot message: Learn to rely on your mind and intellectual abilities. Lucky colour: Pista greens
Magic number: 26 PISCES: It's a good time to build up positive patterns that foster growth. A classic afternoon get-together between you and an old flame could be the antidote to your recent bout with boredom. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Cream
Magic number: 65
|
||
|
The Year Ahead
If your birthday is May 7...
The Year 2014 and your number 7 predict a great year ahead. Your heart will have a voice of its own and give you a signal every time something important happens. You will always be aware of the emotional undercurrents within the family and between you and your relatives. You have an outstanding ability to see and understand how people relate to each other. Instead of keeping your ideas to yourself, start thinking about how you can help others. On the career front, you will be going against all odds. This will not be a good year to implement ambitious plans or expand your business. Positive colours: White, Cream, Yellow. Select days: Monday, Sunday. Favourable numbers: 2, 7. Gems recommended: Pearl, White Coral, Diamond. Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to cows, copper utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.
You share your birthday with Pramod Moutho (Pramod Muthu) (May 7, 1955, Amritsar) who has appeared as a villain in a number of noted Bollywood films, including Khalnayak, Dilwale, Raja Hindustani. Pramod used to play mouth organ. That is how his friends gave him the name
Moutho.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Perhaps it is the humility of his disposition, which reflects in the tranquillity of his composed expressions. Dr Sarvinder Gandhok is a Chandigarh-based consultant physician and child specialist and practices at his clinic, Lifeline Care and Diagnostics. In conversation with him on the release of his third book, titled Winning Over Hypertension, we stand acquainted with the concerns of the modern day city life, the stresses involved and the solutions at hand. All offered to us with a heavy dose of humour, which as the ancient wisdom validates, is the best medicine.
If rich traditional food finds favour with you, Awadhi Food Festival at Regenta Central Ashok Chandigarh is a must check out.
Sushmita Sen is not seen very often in the public eye and yet she always grabs eyeballs whenever she appears, usually for the right reasons. She talks about fashion.
While other celebrities are already back from the 15th IIFA Awards, actress Bipasha Basu has stayed back in the US. She was recently down with cold and fever. Nonetheless, she is making quite a buzz there as she was seen attending quite a few events.
Rishina Kandhari, who had appeared in Uttaran as Gaurav Chopra's first wife Malvika, was to come in the present love triangle between Rashami Desai and Gaurav Chopraa. Rishina was to take centrestage to spice up the storyline, but that track has yet to see the light of the day.
Nigaar Khan's birthday was celebrated in grand style last week. Her parents, sister Gauahar, boyfriend Kushal Tandon and many other friends were in attendance at a party in a restaurant. She ended up cutting almost six cakes and got an iPhone 5s from Gauahar and other precious gifts too.