The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Life cycle Jaspal Singh and Manjinder Singh Randhawa, who travelled 1400 km on their bicycles up to Leh, come back with a first hand account of life in the rugged terrain Ashima S Batish In a journey that spanned over 25 days and 1400 km which they covered on their humble bicycles, a lot was explored about nature, culture, people and most importantly self. That they can endure harsh weather conditions, survive in sub-zero temperatures, spend nights in areas without any habitation and yet feel motivated to move ahead the next day was all that Jaspal Singh, assistant professor, GCG-11, and Manjinder Singh Randhawa, a businessman, discovered about themselves during their expedition. The journey began and ended at Chandigarh via Srinagar, Leh, Khardung La pass and Manali. "Each day was a challenge. If on one day, there was a snow storm, on some other a bicycle would develop a hitch or we would run out of drinking water," says Jaspal. Wherever they went, they were welcomed with surprised reactions from locals and fellow travelers, "Indians travel only by SUVs or by air to Ladakh. You don't see them riding bicycles on rocky terrains." A foreign tourist, who was covering the landscape on a bicycle for the seventh time, motivated them to carry on with their journey. "It was good to know from him that we were the first riders he came across in the last seven years." There were times, when they felt scared of the uninhabited expanse of the region. "There was a stretch of 250 km when we didn't come across a single human being," Manjinder recounts. Yet, they don't want their expedition to be referred to as an adventure sport, "In that case, you have a back-up team. There are people who come to your rescue when you face extreme conditions. But we had no such privileges. We were on our own. It was an adventure for sure, but not the type we keep on reading about in newspapers." Their day used to begin at 5 in the morning and by 3 in the afternoon, they would wrap up. "It was difficult to ride bicycles post afternoon because of the fading light and also roads became flooded as glaciers melted due to heat." They enjoyed the Leh part of the journey the most for the colourful culture, simple living style of the locals and food, of course. Jaspal adds, "That's the way to live amidst nature. They value and love it and it's a lesson we brought back home. If you want to learn a thing or two about environment conservation, visit Leh." Are the aspiring Leh tourists listening? ashima@tribunemail.com
	Doc Talk The beautiful man! Dr Alka Dogra More and more men today want to 'beautify' themselves. Perhaps, it stems from the fact that they have to cope up with the beautiful damsels! Here are a few points to remember. If males have blemishes, usually they are stubborn. They require more treatments and longer time to set them right. So, a mere suggestion of a blemish should make them run to a dermatologist. Men should resort to laser hair removal by diode laser for upper part of the face. That is the area above the cheeks, under the lower eyelid. Usually males go for plucking or threading of that area, which further increases hair growth. As most males work outdoors, photo pigmentation or sun tanning or photocontact dermatitis is more. So, sunscreen lotion has to be worn half-an-hour before venturing out. In this hot weather, SPF of 30 to 50 is good enough. Thick application of sunscreen lotion is essential to get the required SPF. The appearance of many faces can be improved by removing the moles and freckles by a technique called radiofrequency ablation. Surprisingly, this technique is much better than carbon dioxide laser, which leads to scar formation. Radio frequency is very effective, but multiple sittings are required. A slightly ageing male face requires removal of skin tags and seborrhea keratosis, which are age-related lesions. n Under eye circles require nourishing diet, exercise, a peaceful mind and consumption of alcohol has to be curtailed. Smoking leads to excessive ageing of skin, so it should be decreased first and then stopped. No amount of ageing creams can decrease the after-effects of smoking, sun and pollution. Glutathione is the latest thing for skin whitening. It is available as oral prep and very expensive injections. More research is needed to quantify its improvement. Chemical peels, especially glycolic acid peel, sali peel or a combination of other alpha and beta hydroxy acid peels, are also required. (Dr Dogra is a Ludhiana-based dermatologist) — As told to Poonam Bindra
	Buyers’ delight Fashion Stories, a lifestyle exhibition, also offers rakhis assembled in Kolkata... It is a 'much in advance' prelude to the festive season. While we might be awaiting monsoon, they have their eyes firmly set on the upcoming occasions, starting from Rakhi. Fashion Stories, a lifestyle exhibition, offers rakhis assembled in Kolkata. Apart from the usual paraphernalia that comes with any lifestyle exhibition. To begin with, there are city-based labels putting their best wares forward. Share organisers Anjali and Rakesh Makin, "We have as many as 40 fashion and accessories designers showcasing their collections at the exhibition. Also on display would be beautiful Torans (a sacred or decorative gateway) to decorate your house." She adds, "Then they promise the perfect combination colours, cuts and fabrics for your wardrobe. From among the city fashion studios marking their presence is Panache by Pooja Thakur Narain, Odhini by the designer duo Nigah and Archana Bhullar, Kimz by Karishma, Nidhi by Nidhi's Studio and Manshaa by Manju and Shikhaa. Shares designer Keerty, "We are getting organisers who will showcase exclusive saree covers and jewellery bags; as also simple organisers to help housewives manage their clothing and knick-knacks properly." (The two day exhibition is on from July 5 at Hotel Aquamarine, adjoining Hotel Aroma, Chandigarh) — Manpriya Singh
	Bright & shining Tanishq introduces Mia 5, the fifth in its series to continue its journey of celebrating minimalism! An absolute indulgence, Mia adds different colours - yellow, mint green, sky blue and purple - to give new direction to work-wear jewellery. The collection has pieces that are trendy, lightweight, stylish, lighter on the pocket and also available online. An expression of modern luxury, each product forms an independent piece and tells its own little story. These are especially designed for the working women. Following the international trend, all the pieces in Mia are crafted in 14K gold, making the collection durable and lighter on the pocket. Every piece in Mia 5 range reflects superior finish, diversity and best in class design. Sandeep Kulhalli, Senior Vice President, Retail and Marketing, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Limited, says, "Tanishq has been in the forefront of introducing jewellery for diverse audiences, including working women. The requirement of a working woman has witnessed a sea change." — TNS
	TRENDSETTER Cool confidence Designers are aplenty today, but the younger generation is quite aware of whom and what to choose' thanks to the wide exposure through the media. Abhijot Singh, a student of animation, likes to be his own designer. Your sense of style… Style is a combo of personality and confidence. I especially admire those who can carry off street-wear with the same smartness as the brands. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories… Shoes from Jack and Jones in purple colour. Brand crazy or street pick-up Both; suitability is the key factor. Who is your style icon? Ranbir Kapoor. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity Can't think of anybody! Which look do you prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous Sporty. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension I am a great one for experimentation and like to try out every fashion. Your take on accessories I am not much of an accessory person. If given a choice, you would like to be dressed by which designer? I would like to be my own designer What gives you a high? My confidence is at its peak when I step out of the gym and of course, glances of admiration from girls are always a booster. (As told to Poonam Bindra)
	Watch out for the biggies It’s July and the second half of 2014 has a line-up of big films with superstars and there is a lot of hype around them. We take a look Kick: Salman Khan's Eid offering is his second release this year after Jai Ho! Even Bollywood celebrities are going gaga over the trailer. The movie is poised to become a blockbuster and showcases Salman like never before. Jacqueline Fernandez is the female lead. PeeKay: Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma team up for Rajkumar Hirani's next which has been shrouded in secrecy. There isn't much known about the film nor the first look is out. The film will release on Christmas though. Bombay Velvet: Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma star as a boxer and singer, respectively, in Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus which tells the story of the evolution of Bombay. The shooting of the film took place at Ranminithenna Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele Cinema Park, which was made in 2010 under the regime of President Rajapaksa to promote the local film industry. The film, which also stars Karan Johar in a negative role, will release on November 28. Bang Bang: On October 2, Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan will team up again after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The first look poster is super hot and has created a lot of buzz. The film is an official remake of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz starrer Knight and Day and has been shot in exotic locales worldwide with high octane action sequences. Happy New Year: Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan collaborate after Om Shanti Om for a Diwali blockbuster. Deepika Padukone is the female lead in the dance heist film a la Ocean's 11. Let's see if this film does fireworks at the box-office.
	Priyanka most favourite actor-singer As more and more actresses are getting behind the microphone to sing for their films, a popular web portal conducted a poll to crown the winner of Bollywood's most loved actor-singer has voted Priyanka Chopra as the number one. Having created a splash on the global music market, actress and international recording artist Priyanka Chopra topped the poll by a whopping 62 per cent votes elbowing out the rest. This was followed by Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra both coming in at 14 per cent votes. Others in the list included Alia Bhatt, and Shruti Hassan.
	Brand new look for Arjun Arjun Kapoor has a brand new look in Homi Adajania's next, titled Finding Fanny. The actor, who has been paired with Deepika Padukone, plays a character named Savio D'Gama in this quirky comedy. It narrates an absurdly entertaining story that throws together a bunch of oddballs on an unlikely mission. Finding Fanny, which also stars Deepika Padukone, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, and Pankaj Kapur, releases on September 12.
	Big loss A massive fire broke down at the iconic Bombay Talkies destroying irreplaceable prints of classic films. Master prints of around 60 films were reduced to ashes. These included Jeevan Naiya (Ashok Kumar's debut film), Achhut Kanya (Ashok Kumar's first hit), Neel Kamal (Raj Kapoor's first big break), Jwar Bhata (Dilip Kumar's debut film), Ziddi (which launched Dev Anand's career as a leading man), Andolan (Kishore Kumar's first film as a hero), Bandhan and Jhoola (two of Ashok Kumar's biggest hits).
	All’s well with Asin! Asin, who is quite the family girl, will be flying off to the United States with her cousins for a short trip before heading back to start shooting for her next schedule of All Is Well. A source close to the actress said, "Though Asin is quite busy with her film schedule, she always makes it a point to spend some quality time with her family members, irrespective of the volume of work on her plate." Asin plans to take her cousins to the Disney Land in Florida as they had expressed a desire to see the place.
	Alia makes her father proud Mahesh Bhatt was present at the launch of Alia Bhatt's song Samjhawan (the unplugged version). He said that he was moved to tears by her rendition and called her a 'wild diamond' as a singer who must not be trained as a singer. The father and daughter clicked some lovely pictures together. She wowed one and all with her voice while singing Samjhawan. She dedicated it to Varun Dhawan and her father. She also sang Galli Mein Aaj Chand Nikla from Zakhm for her father.
	NEW RELEASES Bobby Jasoos Producers: Dia Mirza, Sahil Sangha Director: Samar Shaikh Born Free Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment together present Bobby Jasoos, where Vidya Balan plays a detective. She has experimented with several disguises, including six major ones, in this movie. Ali Fazal, Arjan Bajwa, Anupriya, Supriya Pathak, Tanvi Azmi, Aakash Dahiya and Zarina Wahab also star in this film, which is about the triumph of the human spirit. The Fault in Our Stars Producers: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey Director: Josh Boone The most talked about book of the year The Fault In Our Stars will see its much-acclaimed film adaptation release this Friday. Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley play the lead in the film, which also stars Nat Wolff, Laura Denn, Sam Trammell and William Dafoe. The Fault In Our Stars explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive as well as in love. It is a love story about two deep thinking teens with cancer. Lekar Hum Deewana Dil Producer: Saif Ali Khan, Dinesh Vijan, Sunil Lulla Director: Arif Ali Directed by Imtiaz Ali's brother Arif Ali, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil stars legendary actor Raj Kapoor's grandson Armaan Jain and newbie Deeksha. The movie is all about making mistakes and growing up. The film has been shot in Goa, Mumbai, Nasik and Chhattisgarh. AR Rahman has composed young and vibrant music. — Dharam Pal
	CHATTER BOX Mother-daughter dilemma A mother is a daughter's first friend. So why did this daughter cry out saying Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti? Sometimes life weaves circumstances in a way that unwillingly a mother has to take a decision that she knows she'll regret for the rest of her life. Zulekha and her daughter Khushi have reached a similar junction in life. On one hand is the innocence of her young daughter and on the other is the future of all her other children. Who will Zulekha choose? What will be her decision? To know more, watch Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti every Monday to Sunday at 10:15 pm only on Zindagi. Cool stunt Deepika Singh is on a high these days as she got to ride a bike for a stunt at an award show. "I was extremely excited about it, but had taken all the precaution needed," says Deepika, who rode a bike for a stunt on the stage. In love? Srishty Rode Look before you leap! Balaji's hit show Pavitra Rishta will soon take a leap, but lead Ankita Lokhande isn't happy about it. Only after the makers gave her a role of a young girl in the show did she agree. Back on the show With Gauri Pradhan returning to acting after a hiatus, it is her husband Hiten Tejwani who seems to be the happiest. Hiten hopes he can watch most of her show. Moreso, people keep asking him about working with her again. What’s cooking? Buzz is that Manish Naggdev and Srishty Rode are dating. Apparently, they met through common friends a few months ago and hit it off. Later, their friendship developed into something special but they aren't willing to talk about it just yet. Bold take: Deepika Singh Farhan’s album Farhan Akhtar can add another feather to his talented cap. He has been taking pictures of gorgeous places in Istanbul where he is shooting for Dil Dhadakne Do. This is for his personal collection and he did the same in Spain as well.
	ASTRO TURF P Khurrana ARIES: Conditions at home will be pleasant enough. Do not speculate. It's critical to have a balanced lifestyle. A court witness goes in your favour. A health problem will be sorted out. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and no one else. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28 TAURUS: If there is work to be done and you feel like doing it, go right ahead. You will be in an upbeat mood today. You have more freedom of action at the workplace. Tarot message: Focus on your goals and don't let temporary setbacks affect you. Lucky colour: Violet. Magic number: 36. GEMINI: Today do something for your pleasure. Do all in your power to get agreements settled with your co-workers. A close rapport will be developing between you and a colleague. Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 62. CANCER: Team-work is the keynote of the day. Older people can drum up certain problems for you. Do not walk about in a daze. Club and social activities are favoured. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 56. LEO: The crowning fulfillment of achieving your goals and gaining recognition will arrive soon. Stay focused on personal vision as you take the last steps to reach a journey's end. Tarot message: Make efforts for professional achievements. Lucky colour: Bottle-green. Magic number: 59. VIRGO: Like a game of snakes and ladders, you should step back and retrace your steps all over again. Get on with any job that is at hands. A secret love affair will bring added pleasure. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 44. LIBRA: The 'Page of Swords' reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of precious details with absolute perfection. You are in for a mixed day. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 49. SCORPIO: Searching for a soul-mate? You will be able to make the right connections effortlessly based on your intuition. All in all, it will be an interesting and stimulating day. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 61. SAGITTARIUS: The doorway to profound knowledge and insight will open through a wise acquaintance today. Little will be achieved by a show of force at this stage. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Brown Magic number: 31. CAPRICORN: This can be a day that starts calmly and uneventfully, lulling you into a false sense of security. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is a foolish move. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 27. AQUARIUS: Minding your business is a good choice. Live and let live is a good motto today. If a task seems overwhelming, break it down into small and simple steps. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 38. PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal can cause some anxiety. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 40.
	THE YEAR AHEAD Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is July 4... The number 4 represents the Cancer zodiac sign and it is ruled by the dual elements of water as well as fire. The month of April and Thursdays are lucky for number 4 persons. The 2nd, 6th, 8th, 13th and 22nd are good dates. It will be an ordinary year. Although it favours your progress at work, challenging situations will present themselves. Finances are good. You need to be alert as occasional disputes can affect your personal life. There are chances of nervous problems. If you are looking for a new job, an opportunity you really can't miss will turn up. Don't mix business with pleasure. Positive colours: Dark-blue, Dark-grey. Select days: Saturday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat's Eye, Tiger Stone. Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy. You share your birthday with Neena Gupta (July 4, 1959), an alumnus of NSD who made an appearance in the film Gandhi (1982). She starred along with Madhuri Dixit and was featured in the popular song Choli ke peeche in the movie Khalnayak.