The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	par excellence Driver—maximise distance Jesse Grewal The distance the ball travels after being hit with a driver is a combination of carry (flight) and roll. If the fairway is hard, the ball would roll and therefore we would like to have a ball which has less backspin so that it could roll more. If the fairways are wet and soft, we would need a ball which apart from high launch, has a higher rate of backspin so that it carries the furthest. Golfers, who hit a draw, have a lower backspin rate and therefore would require a driver which gives them a little more backspin which could make their ball carry more. Golfers, who tend to slice the ball, have a higher rate of backspin caused by a steep angle of approach and therefore have less roll. They would need a driver which has less backspin, so that the ball could roll more. The ideal launch angle of the ball should be between 14-16 degrees. The spin rate should be between 1800 and 2500 rpm. To achieve this, the driver has to be fitted to the swing speed of the golfer. Slower swing speeds require more lofted drivers. In fact, some juniors and ladies hit their three wood, further than the driver. This is because the loft of the three wood is suited to their slower swing speed. Drivers are commonly available with lofts from 7 to 15 degrees. Juniors and ladies are advised to play with a loft of 10.5 degrees or more especially when the fairways are wet and soft. Golfers with a high swing speed should go with a lower lofted driver. Apart from the loft the stiffness of the shaft used also plays a role on the launch angle and the spin rate. Shaft flex is rated as L (ladies), A (senior men), R (regular), S (stiff) and X (extra stiff). Slower swing speeds require softer shafts to give a higher launch and spin. The third important factor is the weight of the shaft. The lighter the shaft the faster a golfer could swing it. Light shafts increase swing speed but sacrifice some amount of control. Heavier shafts are more stable and therefore more accurate. If you are planning to change your driver, it would be worth your while to see your club professional and ask for his recommendation. (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
	Getting gorgeous It was a supermodels day out at the spa and salon of Cleopatra. Miss India Koyal Rana and sultry stunning models like Amruta Patki, Anchal Oberoi and Aditi Mishar were the main attraction as they experimented with Cleopatra's new beauty looks and spa solutions. Joining the gang of girls were Richa Aggarwal and beauty expert Harveen. The glamourous evening also coincided with the celebration of overwhelming response Cleopatra's new salon was receiving. Exclusivity of the event was also to introduce new looks and makeovers which the models tried. — TNS
	Word count The third edition of Chandigarh Literature Festival is slated to take place on October 30 Amarjot Kaur So, it seems like Chandigarh's culture is undergoing a gradual evolution with a couple of literary endeavours attempting to loop in the city folks on their journey to explore their creative potential. With the announcement of the four-day-long Chandigarh Literature Festival slated to take place on October 30 at Chandigarh Club, the city hails its new literary trend. The third edition of the festival aims to put Chandigarh on the national literary map by adopting an untested format for the festival. The festival includes discussions, readings, writing workshops, musical and theatrical performances. In conversation with Altaf Tyrewala, festival director, who released his book on short stories, titled Engglishhh, about three months ago, we stand acquainted that this year, as many as 14 individual books will be dissected, analysed and read out at the festival. Also, a Chandigarh-based theatre group will enact passages from some of these books. "I have always looked at Chandigarh as a city that has immense potential. Though the idea of a literature festival in Chandigarh is new, but then when Jaipur Literature Festival was organised at Jaipur, it was a city that hardly had any book stores. I think, with consistent events like these, Chandigarh will genuinely find its calling for art and literature," says Altaf. The festival will have as many as 13 literary critics, who will also serve as the ambassador of the book that they nominate. "Critics will present their analysis of the books and help the audience gain an insight on the literary merits (or demerits) of the books. The critics will also engage with the books' authors, giving readers a glimpse at the mechanics of planning and writing a book," says Mitul Dikshit, chairman, Adab Foundation. The critics include Jai Arjun Singh who will be analysing Or The Day Seizes You by Rajorshee Chakraborty, Nirupama Dutt for the book Roll Of Honour by Amandeep Sandhu and Unbordered Memories by Rita Kothari, Chandrahas Chaudhary for Beautiful Thing by Sonia Faleiro, and Anjum Hasan for the book White Mughal by William Dalrymple. Also, Suresh Menon will be analysing Serious Men by Manu Joseph, while Salil Triparthi will be analysing Lost Loves: Exploring Rama's Anguish by Arshia Attar and Urvashi Butalia will talk about the book, The Gypsy Goddess by Meena Kandasamy. Other critics at the festival include Ravi Singh, Trisha Gupta, Harish Trivedi, Zac O' Yeah, Deepanjana Pal, and Vijay Nambisan. The festival will include panel discussions touching upon literature, politics, and society. There will be a variety of events aimed at increasing audience participation. These will include Guess-the-Book reading sessions, art and writing competitions, and other interactive exercises. Also, films such as Dedh Ishqiya, Luck By Chance, Shahid and Passive Euthanasia will be screened to depict the intersection between cinema and the literary form. These film screenings will be followed by discussions between critics and film-makers, which will include Raja Sen —Dedh Isqiya by Abhishek Chaubey, Mayank Shekhar—Luck by Chance by Zoya Akhtar, Ajay Brahmatmaj—Shahid by Hansal Mehta and Chetan Shah—Passive Euthanasia. On the inaugural day will be a panel discussion to mark 30 years of Operation Bluestar. The discussion would deliberate on how three decades after the Indian Army stormed into the Golden Temple, the wounds and the hurt caused by that attack and its bloody aftermath are yet to heal even though the dream of Khalistan has faded. The panelist will include Nirupama Dutt, Rahul Singh, Ramesh Vinayak, Kiran Nagarkar, Amandeep Sandhu and Ravi Singh. One of the many engaging sessions lined up for next three days would be Publishing in the time of diktat, with participants Karthika V.K (Harper Collins), Urvashi Butalia (Zubaan), Ravi Singh (Tiger), Kiran Nagarkar (author), Altaf Tyrewala (author) and Nirupama Dutt (author). amarjot@tribunemail.com
	Colours of festivity Satrang, an apparel and jewellery exhibition, offers a wide range of ethnic wear Amarjot Kaur Flaunting the experimental face of Chandigarh's textile art, there is more to Rashmi Bindra's collection that she displays at an exhibition titled Saptrang at her residence. Oscillating through the labyrinth of exquisite suits, saris, stoles and jewellery, one's eyes behold the sight of the traditional festive spirit that Indians have cherished for long. While the exhibition gives a peak into the much-valued tradition of textiles and drapes, the unique feature of the collection remains the handwork, including zardosi and traditional kadhais. Also, some of the hand painted suits, sarees and dupattas are quite a delight. "I make my own colours with vegetables, which makes them organic and well-suited for fabrics like crepe, georgette, cotton, and even chanderi," shares Rashmi Bindra. Accentuating her collection with a subtle proportion of bling, Rashmi designs suits and sarees in crepe, cotton, chanderi, georgette, and even velvet. The collection features long and short jackets in velvet and silk, with tie-a-knot threads while replacing the westernised buttons. The collection starts from Rs 2,000 and goes up to Rs 50,000. Also, the saris in chiffon and crepe with subtle bling and Parsi border work are rare and interesting. Meanwhile, the exhibition also offers a jewellery stall sponsored by the Nav Jewellers, and features a wide range of jewellery designs, including rings, earrings, bracelets and cuff-up bracelets with replaceable gems. "We have bracelets and earrings in princess- cut diamonds and the price range starts from Rs 20,000. Also, we will give a guarantee certificate along with the jewellery that people purchase," says Rashmi Gupta, at the jewellery stall. Having organised several textile exhibitions in Chandigarh, Rashmi Bindra remains one of the experienced and well-known designers in the city. The exhibition will be on till October 8 at H. No. 439, Sector 15-A, Chandigarh.
	CELEB POINT It's lonely out there Divya Dutta It was sad, a few days back, waking up to the news that Robbin Williams, the renowned Hollywood actor had committed suicide. The cause was depression. I wondered, people who the world dotes on, the die hard fans who would do anything to get a glimpse of their favourite star, die lonely lives...Those whose hands people would die to hold, die wanting to hold a hand... Guess they are right when they say it's lonely at the top. You probably doubt whether people are with you for you or for who you are. And it's lonely when you grow old. I think of all the yesteryear stars who at their peak time had it all-work, adulation, partners, wealth and friends! But as they faded, the need-oriented friends faded too, the few genuine who remained, partners, spouse friends, either got limited because of health issues or passed away... I wonder how big an extreme opposite it is, from the peak of being surrounded by a beehive of people and to be sitting there alone... It holds true for everyone who grows old, but for a star, it's a greater travesty. When we hear some news about someone passing away, we genuinely feel bad and say "How sad, wish I could have met him or her, just that I got engrossed with my routine." That regret remains for a while till our busy life gets us, well, busy again. But do we make efforts, however small, to give them company when they need it? Do we even try? I wouldn't name him, but a yesteryear star called me up out of the blue one fine day. I was obviously surprised as I had barely met him twice in my life. He spoke in his frail voice for a bit, praised my work, asked about my family and then said, "Beta do call up sometimes, it's good to hear a warm voice." That sent shivers down my spine. Behind that smile, I could feel the loneliness. "Yes sir, I surely will," I promised! I made a list of people I love and know and those I want to meet. My first trip was to yesteryear star Kamini Kaushal's house. We had done Shanno ki Shaadi together. One full of life lady, zestful and spunky. I told her son that I'm visiting and she was delighted. I found her gardening in her house. And the happiness on her face to see me was amazing. And that hug, magical! She and I had a heart-to-heart chat like long lost friends and she fed me scoops of ice-cream. I felt I met a lovely friend after so long. As she came to the door to see me off, "Come again soon," she said! "I will," I told, not her, but to myself. Because that peace, that happiness was incomparable! As I entered my apartment building I meet this 90-year-old wheelchair-bound friend of mine who always shakes hands with me and asks me where I am coming from. So, before he asked me, I chirped, "Uncle, dost se mil kar aa rahi hun." You all out there go make friends ...who need you the most right now! It's the happiness you buy for life. (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
	coming soon Comic timing Laughterpreneur, in association with Satva, a Chandigarh-based lounge and bar, presents Comedy ki Geri on October 9 at Satva-26, where famed comedians like Jeeveshu Ahluwalia and Amit Tandon will be performing. The event will be host by Sumit Anand. Jeeveshu Ahluwalia has risen notably from a novice to an audience favourite across all ages. His comedy career began as an extension to his antics at a mundane desk job. His humour style is derived from observational everyday conversations, quirky monologues, peculiar situations and some eccentric friends. Endowed with a rare snappy sense of humour and a vivacious flair for comedy, his comic bent can be easily spotted in his spontaneous one-liners and witty jokes. Jeeveshu is the winner of Radio Mirchi " Comedy Ka King 2014" and repeatedly appears on NDTV Prime Time, The Rising Stars of Comedy. He was also one of the top ten candidates for Circus ke Ajoobee on Sony. Delhi-boy Amit Tandon had done over 400 performances across India, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries. He had been nominated most profiled comedian on NDTV Prime. He can perform in languages like English, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. He is the host and organiser of Grandmasters of Comedy, the longest running comedy show in Delhi NCR. Switching effortlessly between Hindi and English, his humor is universal, connecting with all. —TNS
	star track A letter from jail Rajkumar Hirani has been working in his basement, day and night, rushing to finish the edit of his upcoming film PK. So much so that he has totally cut off from the outside world, minimised his interaction and barely steps out. The only person he has been in constant touch with is Sanjay Dutt. Both the actor and director have worked with each other on two films and share a great bond. Rajkumar Hirani recently got emotionally charged with a letter he received from Sanjay Dutt. Both have been in constant communication through hand written letters. On a regular basis Sanjay Dutt has been writing letters to Rajkumar, besides his wife Maanayata. The actor has asked Rajkumar about the first poster of the film as the new inmates of Sanjay had been raving about it. Sanjay has been away from any news and communication from outside. He gets to read only old news papers in the jail.
	Marriage can wait: Ranveer Singh Ranveer Singh has become one of the busiest Bollywood stars with many directors hoping to rope in the actor for their films. In a quick chat, he talks about working with Govinda and Shaad Ali in Kill Dil, possibility of marriage with Deepika Padukone and much more... Working with Govinda Chi Chi (Govinda) is playing a villain for the first time in Kill Dill. For me, Govinda is still one of the most unexplored talents in the mainstream space and I feel that he would beat even Michael Jackson in a dance competition. He is so effortless and enjoys what he is doing. No one can emote like him, though he initially built his career on his ability to do comedy. When I was in school, I was proud to be called Junior Govinda. I was born in 1985 and have idolised Govinda, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. On Shaad Ali It was a dream come true when Shaad Ali asked me to work in Kill Dill, which is being produced by Yashraj Films. It has always been my ardent dream to work with YRF from the time I was just 12. Shaad is like my brother. I met him first when I was just 16 and did not even think that I would become an actor. I was lucky I could assist him in ad films before I bagged Band Baaja Baraat as an actor. Marriage with Deepika Padukone Why do you want me to get married now when my career is doing well? What I like about Deepika is her individuality, which is quite strong. Her lineup is great since she has films like Bajirao Mastani, Tamasha etc in her kitty. What's next I am eagerly waiting for the launch of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani. I am on a good wicket now and in the most crucial phase of my career. I am glad that the fire in me has increased. After the My Name is Ching noodle ad, very soon you will see me in an ad which you would have never seen before. The keeda of being a copywriter is still there within me.
	Of disappointed fans Pop star Mariah Carey has been hit with criticisms following an online video of her struggling to sing Vision of Love in Tokyo, Japan. The 44-year-old singer played the first date of her Elusive Chanteuse World Tour at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo. But during her rendition of Vision of Love - her debut single from 1990 - Carey's voice cracked and she couldn't hit her trademark high notes, reported a publication online. A video of her struggling on stage was posted on Instagram and resulted in a backlash on social media for the R&B legend - who has hit the road in support of her new album Me. I Am Mariah ... The Elusive Chanteuse. One Twitter user wrote, "Mariah Carey started her tour in Japan and it was awful. She couldn't hit the high notes and appeared to forget her lyrics a few times." — PTI Hoping for some magic Ayushmann's upcoming film, which was earlier titled Hamara Bajaj, is now called Agra Ka Daabra after the Bajaj Company objected to the title. A marital drama Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao will be paired opposite each other (as husband and wife) in Hamari Adhuri Kahaani, a film in which Emraan Hashmi will play the other guy. Anushka sports a wig Anushka Sharma couldn't cut her hair so she sported a wig in PK. She couldn't cut her hair due to the issue of continuity as she had to shoot for Ranbir Kapoor-starrer, Bombay Velvet and her home production titled NH10. We think short hair suit her! Take a look and decide for yourself.
	A deadly reunion Award winning actor Dhanush, who made his debut in Bollywood with Raanjhana, has just wrapped up shooting of his second Hindi film Shamitabh. The buzz is that the film, with Dhanush, Akshara Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles, will also star yesteryear sensation and evergreen beauty Rekha. This was revealed by Dhanush at the micro-blogging site Twitter, "LOOK whom I'm sharing screen space with, in Shamitabh. The one and only REKHA JI !!!" he tweeted. Although it is not clear whether they will have any scenes together, but Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha will be in a movie together after three decades. Shamitabh is an upcoming Hindi film scripted and directed by R Balki. Shamitabh is slated to release on 6 February 2015.
	In the reckoning Kajol has pulled out of the Indian adaptation of the Dutch television series Penoza. The series is about a mother who steps into the world of crime to protect her family, after the death of her Mafiosi husband. Now, Kareena Kapoor Khan is being approached for the same. The good run continues Shahid Kapoor is doing Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab, which is about the rampant use of drugs in the state. Emraan Hashmi will play a parallel lead in the black comedy. There will be a meaty role for the female lead as well. It sounds like a promising venture. Repeat telecast After the success of Khoobsurat, Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan will star together in Battle for Bittora, a political premise and a passionate love story, which is an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's novel by the same name.
	AbRam’s first appearance Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan finally unveiled the first picture of his son AbRam as he wished his fans on Eid. In the picture, the 48-year-old actor is seen cuddling his son, who is dressed in white and clinging on to his toys. "Eid Al Adha Mubarak to everyone. May all have the happiness that life has to offer. The littlest one wishes you too," SRK posted on Twitter and Facebook. Shah Rukh and his wife Gauri's youngest child AbRam was born through surrogacy in May last year. — PTI
	chatter box All work no play Actor Aniruddh Dave, who plays Dev Pratap Patil in Bandhan is seen in a fiction show after a long time. About his character, Aniruddh says, "In Bandhan I am again portraying a character that has grey shades. Dev Pratap Patil is a Maharashtrian character who talks in a very different style. He stammers but you have to watch me in the show for further details! I have done a lot research on people who stammer and have tried to take pointers from them." Aniruddh believes in his talent and craft. "I don't believe in partying and I don't belong to any lobby. I still go for the auditions and follow the norms of the industry. I have immense faith in my craft and I know that patience pays off."
	(Fan)tastic! Lauren Gottlieb might be an American by nationality but she is quite desi at heart. Recently, she visited a Navratri celebration with minimal security as she didn't expect people to react that crazily. But when she entered the venue she was mobbed by fans. Despite the extra security that was given to her immediately, the fans did not stop. It was crazy and the event organisers apologised to her but she took it like a sport and was really overwhelmed by the fans. Saying it with a gift The cast of television show Ek Boond Ishq recently shot for their last episode and Viraf Patel who plays the male lead on the show had a special surprise for the team members. Starting from the spot boys, the light men, director and technicians, Viraf carefully picked a special gift for everyone. He displayed his love and affection by gifting something special to each and every member of the team.
	It’s a goodbye for good Sukirti Kandpal has been eliminated from Bigg Boss season 8 and it looks like her career is going nowhere. The show anchored by Salman Khan has failed to garner audience's interest due to its unimpressive lot of contestants. Sukirti and contestant Gautam Gulati were the ones under the elimination radar, but finally Sukirti bit the dust. In her brief Bigg Boss journey, she came across as a meek individual, who failed to add masala to the series. The 'creatives' did try to infuse an Upen Patel-Sukirti love angle and also threw Aarya Babbar into it, but nothing worked at the end, leading to Sukirti's early exit. As per our sources, Sukirti will not make a comeback to the show like Sonali Raut (who was evicted last week but made a re-entry) for she lacks audience connect.
	Walk in the Gutthi style Clad in a pink and gold saree and sports shoes, actor Sunil Grover recently walked the ramp at the Myntra Fashion Week for Mandira Bedi. The audience cheered as Grover, dressed as popular character Gutthi, sashayed down the ramp. He even danced a few steps on the ramp much to the amusement of the audience. Seriously, we got to give it to him for being such a sport! Mandira Bedi with Sunil Grover
	Recreating history Colors announced the advent of a new journey, by taking viewers one step closer to the Indian history with Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat. Written by author Ashok Banker, who is making his comeback to television after nearly two decades, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat narrates the story of the king for the first time on Indian television. The show is being produced by Contiloe Entertainment. Commenting on the show, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, "Nothing gives us more joy than recreating history by narrating the story of one of the greatest rulers of India. We are currently in the initial stages of production where the lion just can't wait to roar." The historical retelling of this tale on Colors will showcase the journey and lifetime of emperor Ashoka, from his rise to power to his state of penance after the gory blood-bath in the battle of Kalinga that made him give up the war to embrace Buddhism.
	Astro turf P. Khurrana ARIES: Love, celebration and romance are on the cards. You will be able to accomplish many things today. Working out a new schedule will be useful. You are generous and giving in family. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 25 TAURUS: You may find yourself involved in noisy confrontations with close companions. If you feel that a relationship is tense, then you need to be honest. Colleagues will be easier to handle. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 36 GEMINI: You do need friends around today to make you feel loved and appreciated. Beware of over indulgence in eating or drinking. Sweeping disagreements under the carpet will only make things worse. Tarot message: Don't read too much into ordinary situations. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 59 CANCER: Professional entertainment and communication flows well. You are blessed with spiritual insight and clarity of vision. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 40 LEO: The money that you have been waiting for will finally arrive. Be wary of making new joint commitments. Wait till the end of the day before making serious decisions. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes and keep emotions aside. Lucky colour: Brown Magic number: 33 VIRGO: You achieve an ambition through hard work and endurance. Do not hesitate to make settlement in business matters. Essentially a busy day; rewards are received for efforts made in the past. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic number: 45 LIBRA: Your relationships are especially affectionate and friendly today. This is a good time for parties, social gatherings, and other pleasurable activities. A journey is on the cards. Tarot message: You must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 39 SCORPIO: An excellent day to take stock of your life, to see how you are limiting and holding yourself back, and to determine your next step. Relationships at work will progress smoothly. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 62 SAGITTARIUS: You will be focused at work and this will enable you to get through your tasks without putting in much effort. There could be tensions at the domestic front but things will settle down. Tarot message: You need to learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Electric pink. Magic number: 36 CAPRICORN: Forgive a friend for an error of judgment. You may be in a sensitive frame of mind and could overreact to perceived criticism from colleagues or loved ones. Trust and go with the flow. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: You will be enthusiastic and optimistic about your assignments; you spend time in creative and sporty activity. Work has taken its toll; as you have been totally engrossed in projects. Tarot message: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 46 PISCES: You will be energetic and confident about your abilities. Students need to focus more on their studies. Beware of a rash decision that you can make in the evening. Tarot message: You are on the right track, don't allow others to interfere. Lucky colour: Fuchsia Magic number: 32
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is October 8... This birthday falls on Lunar eclipse before Moon rise. Your career continues to explode off the chart, and this awesome abundance continues in 2015 -- especially during the first half of the year. Overall, your career outlook could not look better than this. You are totally on the top of your game. You will be recognised for the beauty you bring in the lives of others. In 2015, your career focus will shift towards long-term goals. If you haven't already, make a list of everything you would like to achieve in your career over the next 5 -10 years. Positive colours: Black, Chocolate. Select days: Sunday, Tuesday Favourable numbers: 1,4,8 Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond and Emerald Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to animals.