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Get, set...go
There is an old school of thought that labels the journey just as beautiful as the destination. Then there is the other school of thought, where you need to get away and even get back by the end of the weekend! All you need is an instant escape followed by weekend escapades, sans the rigmarole of travelling. For those who would rather skip the packing, check-in and immigration, here's mapping a couple of places around Chandigarh and starting from the very near to a little far!
Hills calling
Destination:
Sanawar.
Rural flavour Destination:
Hoshiarpur.
Cool sojourn Apart from hordes of activities, there's night safari to look forward to. Shares Nikhil Sood, sales manager, "During night safari one can often spot a wild boar, stag and if you are lucky, even a panther or a leopard. Besides, we have 230 species of bird life." What else makes us list the place time and again is the versatility of the stay. With places like Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, Naina Devi, Ropar wetlands and famous Bhakra Dam lying nearby, it makes the retreat an ideal place in ways more than one. Destination:
Ropar, Punjab.
Forest retreat Destination:
Chail
Natural cause Destination:
Shoghi manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A message within
Yet another Punjabi movie…it's a deluge of films being announced in the industry, some going on floors and some more moving over to post-production. Except for a few saving graces recently, every process of film-making takes time except the film's fate at the ticket counters!
Kulraj Randhawa, a known name in the industry, twists the statement around and proudly declares. "Yes, one more Punjabi film. It feels good that I am doing one more Punjabi film," she shares, while in Chandigarh for the promotional announcement on Thursday. "It is a script that takes up a cause, it has a message." Needhi Singh as a title of a Punjabi film puzzles rather than explains things! Cuts in the debutant director Jaivi Dhanda, "I could have gone on and titled the film as Jatti Kuch Bhi Kar Degi but no, that's not what we are trying to achieve. We don't want the audience to come with a certain mindset." Shares Kulraj, "Whatever expectations the audience has always had for me, with this film all those will be fulfilled. After a long time, I've got a challenging role." Exciting enough for her to overlook two more commercial offers from Bollywood? "I did get offers but I am committed to this one for the moment." It is an association reared by years of cinema viewing, a film with a message must be a certain type and too serious to be fun. She clarifies, "We are trying to depict real-life-inspired story of a girl. The character itself is the story and the heroine is the hero in the film! It is difficult to get things done in this country and all the more for a girl." She adds, "It is a commercial film. It has very realistic action, as much as can be expected of a gritty girl under ordinary circumstances. Just because it is the story of a girl doesn't mean she is in sorry state of affairs." After having shot for 32 weeks, the producer Inder Bhandal shares, "We are out to make a quality film whatever it takes. There is no specific budget." Coming up are two more Punjabi films whose details she leaves for the right time. "One of the films is with Gippy Grewal and one with Rohit Jugraj." Then there's Double The Trouble, "which should be releasing by August and I am looking forward to it as well."
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne In this heat, a cool smoothie is a great idea. It takes simple ingredients from your fridge and a fruit bowl. Make a smoothie according to your fruit preference and experiment with a pinch of cinnamon one day and rock salt on another. Watermelon, Strawberry and Peach Smoothie
Method Remove stems and leaves from strawberries and chop the fruit. De-seed the watermelon. Peel peaches, remove the stones and chop up. Tip all the fruits into a blender, add honey or sugar; whiz into a smooth blend with the ice. Mango and Banana
Smoothie
Ingredients Method The drill remains identical! Everything goes into the blender-jar and out comes a healthy, heavenly smoothie! (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh based
culinary expert)
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Doc
Talk Dr Ankur Dixit Do you know certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth as you eat them? In addition to great nutrition, nuts and seeds ‘scrub’ the teeth while you chew. Oral health sure thrives on healthy diet. Here are some food items that keep your smile in top shape!
Broccoli: It forms an acid-resistant film on the teeth that can help prevent enamel erosion. Carrots: They are replete with Vitamin A, which is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. This and all crunchy vegetables also cleanse and stimulate your gums, making them healthy. Cheese: Offers the benefit of lactic acid that helps prevent tooth decay. Celery: Activates saliva production, which assists in cleansing food particles from the teeth and dilutes sugars or acids in the mouth. Chewing celery also massages the gums. Ginger: It is an anti-inflammatory item that supports healthy mouth tissue. Green tea: Contains an antioxidant called Catechin, which reduces bacteria growth that causes gingivitis. Kiwi: Packs more Vitamin C than any other fruit. Lack of Vitamin C can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease. Lemon: It is a natural ‘whitener’ and assists with PH balance in the body. Onions: Contain sulphur compounds and reduces certain bacteria that cause tooth decay. Pineapple: Helps you produce extra saliva. Combine that with citric acid and you have an all-natural bacteria fighting mouthwash. Also contains Vitamin C and the enzyme Bromelain, which promotes a healing alkaline response in the mouth. Salmon: It is a great source of Vitamin D, which makes it easier for teeth to get the full power of calcium from food items that you eat. Sea salt: Offers a blend of minerals needed to mineralise and strengthen teeth. Sesame seeds: These ‘little scrubbers’ reduce plaque and due to their calcium content, provide a necessary mineral for the teeth. Shiitaki mushrooms: Contain a sugar called Lentinan, which prevents mouth bacteria from growing. Strawberries: Are great 'scrubbers', high in fibre and lots of Vitamin C, which is great for gum health. Xylitol: It is a sugar substitute that studies show prevents tooth decay. It is very beneficial in gum and mint form. Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda): Helps neutralise the tooth-eroding acid that cavity-causing bacteria produce. Fluoride: Aids in remineralising tooth structure. (Dr Dixit is a Panchkula-based dental surgeon)
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Swarnanjali, a Jaipur-based jewellery brand, on Thursday inaugurated its first showroom in the Tri-city. It marks the beginning of the company's legacy in Northern India. Swarnanjali is a collection of very special designs inspired by Indian classical abstraction offering a unique blend of Indian and contemporary styling. The designs are fine creations by the best craftsmen of Jaipur, Surat, Calcutta and Southern India.
The new Swarnanjali store has collections in varieties of gold, diamond, antique kundan, polki, stones and many more laced with their best collections for wedding as well as special occasions. It also offers customised designs of antique Rajwada jewellery incorporating collections depicting the aristocracy of royals. The showroom is grand in appearance and is accentuated by convenient amenities compiled with amicable hospitality. — TNS
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Fast track
With the football season kicking off, Microsoft Devices on Thursday announced an engaging on-ground experience for the football enthusiasts in the country - Fastest Finger Football - that gives you a chance to win a trip to Spain and watch a FC Barcelona match live. As many as five winners will get to go to the Camp Noufootball stadium in Barcelona to watch
FCB play.
Aimed at creating an engagement platform, Faster Finger Football will let football enthusiasts come closer to their favourite sport on the all-new Lumia 630. The Fastest Finger Football will bring the best interactive soccer gaming experience for consumers wherein two participants armed with a Lumia 630 will compete to score the maximum number of goals, through an augmented reality and NFC enabled soccer game. — TNS
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STAR TRACK Bollywood stars love football and are gearing up to watch the World Cup, even if they can't go to Brazil. Here are their plans…
A diehard football fan, John Abraham travelled to South Africa in 2010 to be part of the quadrennial tournament. This time around, he'll be dissecting the matches along with football stars like Peter Crouch, Robbie Fowler, Peter Shilton, Sunil Chetri and Mikaël Silvestre on the small screen. Since John is also shooting for his home production Rocky Handsome in Hyderabad, he is restricting himself to the role of a football pundit.
Where are you watching it? I never miss World Cup matches. This year too, I am planning to watch as many as possible at my home as well as at a friend's place. Team you're supporting: Spain and Argentina. Top World Cup memory: Every World Cup (that I've watched so far) has been memorable. To me, it's more about friends getting together and enjoying themselves.
Where are you watching it? I'll be catching most of the matches at home. Team you're supporting: Argentina. Current favourite player: Lionel Messi. Top World Cup memory: Zinedine Zidane's shocking headbutt to Marco Materazzi. That was out of the blue! (laughs) Zidane certainly deserved a better farewell match.
Where are you watching it? I will be shooting for Guddu Rangila, so I guess I am going to watch the matches whenever I can - maybe at some makeshift arrangement. But along with me, there are a lot of football fanatics on the film's sets, so maybe I will watch the matches after pack up in my hotel room where we'll have a party of our own. Team you're supporting: It would have to be the Netherlands as I'm a huge fan of coach Louis van Gaal. I also love Robin van Persie. Current favourite player: Wayne Rooney for his leadership qualities. Top World Cup memory: Maradona's Hand of God goal in 1986. That match was one for the books. Post the Hand of God, he dribbled past five English players to score another goal. That match is one of the best I've seen till date.
Clash of the titans
Ajay Devgn is quite unanimously known as one of India's biggest action stars; and the one actor who changed the genre in India since his very first film. On the other hand upcoming movie The Expendables 3 boasts of some of the biggest action stars from across the oceans, starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarznegger, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Jason Statham just to name a few. Ajay's next film Singham 2 is all set for an Indian Release on August 15 and considering it's a Rohit Shetty film starring Ajay and Kareena, it might be considered a suicidal day to release another film. But not for The Expendables, much like their name suggests the distributors of the movie have decided to pull the release from the August 21 to August 15 to coincide with Singham 2. Confirming the news, "We do understand that it is on the same day as Singham 2, but we are certain that two films of equal sizes can survive at the box office,” Deepak Sharma of PVR Pictures and Sunil Udhani of MVP Entertainment said in a joint statement.
Parenthood can wait
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza are on their way to parenthood, Imran Khan and Avantika Malik are already blessed with a baby girl but it seems Bollywood’s most stylish couple has no such plans. Saif and Kareena had been married for the last two years but Bebo is not ready for motherhood right now. She said, "Every woman has that gene but I can't think of that now. Saif and I are not ready yet. I am an extremely committed and passionate person. So if I am having a baby, I will get into it totally. But it's plan C or
D."
Dual celebration for the Shroffs
It couldn't have been a better birthday for Ayesha Shroff who turned a year older a
Tiger Shroff is elated after his mom's birthday and he planned a special celebration for her. There is no bigger happiness for a mom than watching her son accomplish his dreams. Tiger planned a special screening of Heropanti for his mom and her friends in the afternoon.
— HRM
Step out in style
Esha Gupta is the new ambassador for Yepme.com, an online fashion portal and she says that style which is easily available to all is defined as fashion. The commercials featuring her are now on air.
Living on a budget
Keira Knightley restricts herself to a yearly allowance of USD 50,000 because she believes living extravagant lifestyle will "alienate" her from people. In an interview, Knightley said that she splurges if she wants anything but tries to stick to her budget. "I think living an (expensive) lifestyle means you can't hang out with people who don't live that lifestyle," the 29-year-old star said. "It alienates you. Some of my most hilarious times have been in the least luxurious places," she said. — PTI
Name game
Many local residents of Priyanka Chopra's area and social media commentators do not understand why a road has been named after Priyanka Chopra's deceased father and are quite irked about it. They were also annoyed by the fact that the road was revamped and a podium was erected there overnight.
Justin Bieber calls love with Selena unconditional
Pop star Justin Bieber mysteriously posted and then deleted an intimate picture with on-and-off girlfriend Selena Gomez on his Instagram account.
In the black and white photo, Gomez, 21, is cradling the 20-year-old singer's head in her arms and gazing into the camera. Bieber momentarily captioned the pic, "Our love is unconditional." This is not the first time the Bieber, 20, has randomly shown love for Gomez on Instagram. Back in March, the Boyfriend hitmaker posted a picture of Gomez at the Vanity Fair after-party in West Hollywood, with the caption: "Most elegant princess in the world." Bieber and the Come & Get It songstress were last spotted together at Coachella in April. — PTI
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chatter box
It's endearing to see reel life love between a mother and daughter translating into real life. Such was the case on the sets of Zee TV's popular show Kumkum Bhagya, where actress Mrunal Thakur (who plays Bulbul) fell ill right in the middle of a gruelling shoot and her on-screen mother Supriya Shukla (Sarla Arora in the show) took care of her just like her real mother would have. Recently, Mrunal was running high fever and was advised bed-rest. But owing to the hectic schedule of the upcoming marriage track of Abhi (Shabbir Ahluwalia) and her screen sister Pragya (Sriti Jha), Mrunal's presence was extremely important on the sets. So, she could not manage to take even a single day off from the shoot. Supriya gave strict instructions to everyone on the sets that Mrunal should not be made to overwork or bothered unnecessarily when not required. She ensured that Mrunal was given adequate rest between takes and that she took her medicines, food and juice on time. Knowing that she can't have outside food, she made it a point to carry homemade food for her every single day through the shaadi shoot. Along with Supriya, even Krishna (playing the role of her Dadi) looked after her and ensured her well-being on the sets. The entire unit on the sets was raving about Supriya's gesture and it once again proved why she is loved by all her co-stars.
Leap of faith
A leap is a way to infuse new life into a show that has been dragging and has exhausted all possible tracks in the show. At times it works and at other times it doesn't. We take a look at some of the shows that are using this formula of success.
Forced decision Though the story of Pyaar Ke Dard Hai...was progressing quite well, Disha Parmar who was playing the lead wanted to quit. The makers were left with no choice but to take a two year leap and showed that Pankhuri was dead. Then entered her lookalike Ayesha and the story took off. It has been doing well since then.
Losing the plot The storyline of the show, Qubool Hai had begun to sag even after a leap. The plot or the love-hate relationship between the protagonists Sanam and Aahil isn't working as it did with the earlier couple of Asad and Zoya.
Despite all odds... The story of Kamla Bai and her love for Pookhi was the focus of the soap, Ek Muthi Aasman. But post the leap, the girls grew up and fell in love with the same guy. Though the show's storyline is a clichéd, ratings are fairly good. And Ashish Choudhary is a good addition to the show.
All in the family The show, Sasuraal Simar Ka is all set to take a two year leap. Post that Simar will go missing and Roli will be taking care of the family. It will be revealed later that Simar is alive and living with another family.
At the crossroads Madhubala was doing well with the RK-Madhu love story and their chemistry was also good but then the ratings began to dip and the makers tried many combinations. Post the leap, the new hero Gunjan Utreja didn't work at all and soon Vivian Dsena was brought back but nothing seems to be working still.
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New Releases
Producer: Akshay Kumar, Ashwini Yardi
Grazing Goat Productions highly-anticipated movie Fugly releases this Friday. Produced by Akshay Kumar and Ashvini Yardi and directed by Kabir Sadanand, the film stars Jimmy Shergill, Vijender Singh, Kiara Advani and Anil Kapoor's nephew Mohit Marwah. Jimmy Shergill will be seen playing SHO Chautala, a mean and evil police officer. Anshuman Jha will be playing the drug mafia leader of Delhi. Shot extensively in Delhi and Ladakh, Fugly is about three friends - Vijendra Singh, Mohit Marwah and a debutant actress Kiara Advani. The promos have created a great curiosity among the audience. Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai
Producer: Shri Wardhman Movies Ventures Pvt Ltd Debaloy Dey, who has earlier directed the Salman Khan-Sridevi starrer Chadramukhi is ready with Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai. It is a paranormal thriller and the cast includes Swara Bhaskar, television actor Bhanu Uday (Special Squad fame), Reema Debnath, Murli Sharma and Deepraj Rana. The story revolves around Swara Bhaskar and Bhanu Uday, a happily married couple living in Mumbai whose life changes when they get involved in a major accident. How To Train Your Dragon 2
Producer: Bonnie Arnold The thrilling second film of the epic trilogy is about a man named Hiccup and a dragon named toothless. The sequel to How To Train You Dragon, is a 3D computer-animated-action-adventure-comedy fantasy film based on the book series of the same name by Cressida
Cowell. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiations with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can be productive. Tarot message: Imagination is important for artists and script writers.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47
TAURUS: Pay grocery bills on time. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than travelling. If worried about health, you should consider alternative therapies.
Tarot message: At work, don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky
colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: Spend this perfect day with your sweetheart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love the most. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 35 CANCER: If you have recently taken up a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organize all the specific terms and conditions. You may begin to feel rather tired later in the day. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 40 LEO: Today is a test of know-how and competence in your profession. Your performance is being tested. Do not pay too much attention to gossip about loved ones. Judge all situations yourself. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 32 VIRGO: Sudden encounters with people around leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today.
Tarot message: Reach agreements with loved ones. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25
LIBRA: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory owners: Labour force will not co-operate. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable when the time comes to relax and unwind.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue.
Magic number: 28 SCORPIO: The cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is due to your hard-work. Long-term projects and contracts can be paying off handsomely. Fanciful schemes suggested by friends should be rejected. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red.
Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. It is a case of making hay while the sum shines. Relationships move to closer intimacy, deepening love. Once you have decided on a certain course of action, stick to your guns. Tarot message: You have to push yourself to succeed.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40 CAPRICORN: Customers are important for you today. Be sure to take full advantage of the opportunity that comes your way. It is a perfect day for a clean-up around the house.
Tarot message: By applying your common sense, you can achieve great success.
Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 51 AQUARIUS: Income may dwindle and expenses could rise.
Do what you can to improve your mind. You will enjoy in the company of the person dearest to you. Friends and finance will not mix.
Tarot message: Club and social activities are not favoured. Lucky colour: Forest green.
Magic number: 65 PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job you really want. Do not neglect your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Bizfolk: Financially you are feeling a bit tight. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61
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The year ahead
If your birthday is June 13...
The number 4 provides your organization a stable structural foundation for any endeavor. It is represented by Rahu or Uranus, which are unpredictable. The month of April and Thursdays are lucky for the number 4 people. Uranus is associated with innovation, rebellion and change. It can make life dramatic and difficult, but it can also shake things up, helping you kick out anything old and stale as you welcome new beginnings. 13 will always remain your lucky number. Health will remain fine despite a busy schedule. Investment concerning your residence will be profitable. Good time for entering a matrimonial alliance. Adapt to new techniques to increase your work efficiency. Your style and unique ways of doing things will interest people who are watching you closely. Favourable planets will bring you plenty of reasons to feel happy. Self-employed people could get recognition for their recent efforts. Vacation plan will be finalized ultimately. You will be patiently working on your financial goals. Some of you may launch a new project in the company of known people. Those suffering from some ailment or the other can hope for a swift recovery. Positive colours: Dark blue, dark Grey, all blue shades & dark colours Select days: Saturday Favourable numbers: 2,4,8 Charity on birthday: Feed kheer to poor in langar.
You share your birthday with Ashley Olsen (full name Ashley Fuller Olsen). She was born on June 13, 1986 in Sherman Oaks, California. She is an American actress, best known for sitcoms.
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Feel at one with nature; get eco-friendly, experience village tourism, local culture and authentic food all in one go! Travel for a few hours and get into laid back times with first-hand experience of the original life in the hills. Shares Vishal Verma, organiser, "Sanawar Nature Camp is an initiative by the state government to promote eco-tourism. Instead of staying in hotels, one can prefer to stay in these camps and enjoy nature. People come in groups and we give them a taste of local culture and food, organise local dances and give them a village tour." He adds, "This was also an endeavour to provide employment to people from nearby panchayats." 
While summer might not exactly be the perfect time to experience farm stay, but if summer is all the time you have then heat is worth the opportunity to savour a bit of rural Punjab. Nestled close to the Shivalik foothills, the place has its name inspired by the citrus orchards, which are in full bloom during winter, surrounding the area. Shares Harkirat Ahluwalia, the owner of the property, "The guests get to stay at a working farm, which is a hands-on experience in itself. They also get a slice of traditional Punjabi food, cooked in an authentic way." Just in case you wanted to blend it all with your lifestyle, there is a nine-hole golf course as well. 
The place, spread in 1,800 acres, indeed sounds like a worthwhile destination! What makes the place often quoted and most suggested is the fact that it is India's first private forest retreat and nestled in the Shivalik foothills, northern periphery of the state of Punjab. 
Spread over 18 acres of land in the middle of the forest, Tarika's Jungle Retreat allures with its wilderness. What's more there are a host of outdoor and indoor activities to choose from, apart from a spa, an amphitheatre, roller skating and even fishing. Shares Shailender Singh, the manager, "The USP of this place is that it is a resort in the middle of the forest area. It is peaceful, surrounded by wildlife and provides everything you need to get away from city life. The glass cottages ensure an unrestricted view of the surroundings." 
Stay in cottages spread along a mountain slope or on mountain top. Aamod Resort, Shoghi, offers a unique experience. Shares Rishi Kumar, the general manager, commercial, "What's great about this resort is that it is a different kind of property. Not even a single tree has been touched during its construction. Therefore, it is amidst completely natural surroundings." Then, of course, there's the spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, adventure activities et al. 
Ingredients
1 cup strawberries
Basil: It is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Football pundit: 
Home bound:
After shoot party:
few days ago. Her son, Tiger Shroff has just made a grand entry in Bollywood with his film, Heropanti. The film has broken all records and become the biggest solo launch ever. Not just that, the film even crossed the 50 crore mark in the first week of June. That was another reason for them to celebrate the day.
Gems recommended: Cats eye, Tiger stone