Cheeni Kum
Is calorie count keeping you away from goodies?
Here’s a sugar free break for your sweet tooth
Rajiv Bhatia
Cheeni Kum… If you think that’s sweet, here is something for you to savour. Calorie-conscious or diabetic, if you have a sweet tooth then all you need to do is to head to the arcades and pick on a sugar free delight.
On the shelves is sugar free stuff that promises to take the bitterness away from your daily existence. The products cater to people who want to consume sugar in limited amounts due to the apprehension of putting on weight or other health reasons. Well, sugar free goods have been there in the market for quite some time, but the variety was limited. It was, rather reserved only for the diabetics and the serious dieters. But now it is a ‘satisfying substitute’ for almost all your favorite desserts and snacks.
The fad is really catching up. Special counters in the city, offering a wide selection of tasty sugar free food is a testimony to this effect. You can pick up more and more novel and exciting items like sugar free biscuits, jams, juices, cereal, imported chocolates, flour, ice creams and even chocolate syrup for desserts. To top it all, you have big brand names like Amul and Britannia providing you sugar
free delight.
Liquor lovers too have a reason to cheer. For there is Diet mate whisky and even vodka that promises to add fizz of good health to your life. The products are being billed as cholesterol and obesity control stuff.
And if you are having doubts about the sugar less sugary products, listen to some of the storeowners. “For good health you need light and healthy food,” says Venus, working as manager at Whole foods in Sector 8.
She says, “ We have sugar free soya milk and powder. For diabetic patients we are offering special flour and rusk.” Subash Gulati, owner of Empire Store in Sector 17, says, “Sugar free foods is quite popular among girls and other health conscious people”.
Elaborating, he says,” They want to look slim and beautiful. For them, we have sugar free cereals and crunchy muesli for breakfast, along with jams in strawberry, pineapple, black current and orange flavour. You can even ask for fruit mix and morello cherry.”
Kewal Store in Sector 9 also has an impressive selection of delectable sugar free cookies, candies, juices, ice creams and chocolate syrups. Rajiv Suri, owner of Kewal store says, “Nowadays city residents are living a sugar free lifestyle”. He says,” We have sugar free baking and cooking powder which is much in demand.”
Also, on offer are sugar free ice creams including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. You can get a 500ml brick for just Rs 60. You can also get sugar free juices from Real Active in different flavours like apple, orange and fruit soya.
And what about the champions of sugar free stuff. What do they have to say? “Switching over to a sugar-free lifestyle can be tough,” says Parul Sehgal, a resident of Sector 47. “My mom is a diabetic patient. So I cook sugar free food at our home. But that’s not the only reason. I am also health conscious and prefer sugar free food items”. Well folks, it’s time to live life like sugar and get dissolve in everyone’s heart.
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Picture Perfect
The city has emerged as ‘the destination’ for Bollywood film-makers
Rajiv Bhatia
Lights! Camera! Action! Chandigarh is dazzling under the arc-lights with stars from the tinsel world descending on the city’s horizon.
Few years ago, hardly anybody who is somebody in Bollywood would come come to the city. Films were shot in and around Chandigarh, but mostly Punjabi films. But now the picture is fast changing. Thanks to the metropolitan character and culture of the city.
In fact, the city is fast becoming the centre of attraction, not just for the local and foreign tourists, but also for Bollywood’s famed directors and
producers.
Almost every three months, a movie is being shot in Chandigarh and its surrounding areas. And the trend has been going on since 2004. The past few years had seen big banner movies to small budget one being shot here.
In 2004, Veer Zaara, a super-hit film, was shot in 14 different locations here. It was a delight for the movie buffs as it had brought actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bacchan, Hema Malini and Rani Mukherjee to the city.
After this, another multi-star brought a flood of Hindi and Punjabi film stars and crew that included Dharamendra, Bobby Deol, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and
Lara Dutta.
The other Hindi films shot here included Dosti, Shortcut, Apne, Jane Bhi Do Yarro, Naamste London and recently The Party. In the Punjabi film category, one saw movies like Desh Hoya Pradesh, Yarra Nal Bahara, Pind Di Kudi, Dil Apna Punjabi, Mannat and Rab Ne Baniyaan Joriyaan being shot here.
“The trend is providing great opportunities for Chandigarh-based artistes,” says Sunil Babbar, well-known director, who has launched countless local artistes in his films.
In his latest commercial film The Party, nearly 60 local artistes took part.
Agreeing with him, child artist Pragati Trikha says: “Chandigarh is well-designed and has so many places to offer for shooting.” A student of Class VI in Sacred Heart School, Sector 26, she has already acted in the company of top film stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Priety Zinta, Bobby Deol, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Lara Dutta and Rani Mukherjee. She has also played the role of a schoolgirl in Veer Zaara.
Talking over the phone actor Jatin Garewal who is based in Mumbai now, says: “The drift will further encourage the setting up of acting schools and theatre academy. In the process, it will become easy for directors and producers to hunt for talent.”
The city’s importance as the shooting destination can also be gauged from the fact that Bollywood actor Anupam Kher is setting up an acting institute in the city. In fact, Yash Chopra, Chairman of the Chandigarh Advisory Tourism Forum, had suggested the setting up of such an institute.
Besides this, film city project has been envisaged to attract film crews and will have a multi-media park of the international standard. The Chandigarh Administration officials agree that there is indeed a need for such a project as film units are increasingly picking as their destinations.
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Little Interview
Play for the party
Rajiv Bhatia
DJ Sanj, renowned disc jockey from UK, is performing in the city at Disc X-over. Just in case you are not so familiar with his name, he has hit numbers like Kehre pind di tu ni and Block party to his credit. Known for his remixes in Bollywood and Bhangra music, he has more than 10 CDs to his name. His upcoming albums are Apna Punjab and American Desi.
How did you enter music production?
It began as a hobby and is now a profession. I love to make music. Even while I am travelling, if I hear something new, I work on it.
What’s new in music in clubs and discothèques?
Music, which makes people dance is in. I always play new music in every party. Bhangra rocks everywhere, it is the same whether I am playing in UK, Thailand or India.
What do you think about the party culture in the city?
So far, I have been here five or six times. I love to play here because the people are awesome.
While playing music what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
I enjoy playing music that makes people dance that’s why my music is lively. Also, I feel great to be a DJ. You don’t need to be the best turn tablist. You just need to be the best entertainer. Play for the party people, not for yourself.
What about family support?
It’s great to have a family that supports my addiction and passion for work. I try to make a balance between work and family.
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The Number Game
Rajiv Bhatia
A Ludhiana man may have purchased a mobile number for Rs 15 lakh, but city residents are not far behind
Not long ago, mobile sets were a reflection of your opulent lifestyle. If you had an expensive one, you were known to be smart among your pals. But with luxurious and high-tech sets practically coming a dime a dozen, premium mobile numbers are the new status symbols and have made it to the most sought-after list.
That service providers are auctioning mobile numbers is testimony to this. Well, it may not exactly sound music to your ears, but the fact is that the youngsters are spending huge amounts for getting these numbers. The hammer went down this Thursday, after a Ludhiana resident offered as much as Rs 15.50 lakh for unique number — 9780000000.
The mobile operators assert that they resort to the process of auction when multiple subscribers demand one number. Otherwise, the premium numbers come with fixed price tags. Depending upon the popularity of the number, you may have to pay anywhere between Rs 2,500 and Rs 10,000.
Elaborating upon the classification of numbers, an employee of a telecom company chips in, “The numbers are divided into five categories namely Penta, Hexa, Gold, Super Gold and Silver. In the Penta category, last five digits are the same. Similarly, in Hexa category, the last six digits are the same.”
The employee says mobile numbers with digits that repeat themselves are the latest scream. Quoting an example, the employee says people prefer numbers like 94820-94820. They are also going in for numbers like 007, 143 and 786 to match their date of birth, car or bike numbers.
The fact that more and more people are nowadays willing to change their mobile numbers has also encouraged the concept. In fact, some of the subscribers change their mobile numbers as often as they replace their sets in an attempt to get hold of something better.
Good, but who are the buyers and how do they explain spending huge amounts on the numbers. Well, they are mostly businessmen and youngsters. And just like good clothes and cars, they do not hesitate in calling up style by buying good numbers.
“If you wear branded clothes, drive a luxury car and using a high-tech mobile, then why can’t you go in for a unique mobile number that suits your personality” says Gaurav Johri, a local young businessman.
Johri says he spent as much as Rs 10,000 to buy golden numbers. “My mobile number now contains four ones in a row. It also matches my factory address and my car’s registration number. It’s easier to remember and makes me feel real proud.” Guys, there is drawback also. You keep on getting crank calls from guys who believe in dialing ‘convenient numbers at random.’
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Tresses tumbling down to the shoulders set the mood for winter festivity. Global contrasts and streaks are back in vogue, reports Rajiv Bhatia
 BEAUTY BUSINESS: Ishani Khan with beauty expert Blossom Kochchar |
What is the way to wear the hair this festive season? “Go for tantalizing long tresses that tumble down to the shoulders” The trendy hairstyle cue comes from the city-based hairstylist cum make-up artist, Ishani Khan. Born in Sri Lanka, married in India, Khan has been selected for hair show to be held in Singapore next month. She will represent India with other selected hairstylists from different parts of the country. She’s already won OMC Hair Asia Pacific award in bridal, fantasy, and evening hairstyle category. The contest was held at Mumbai in October 2005.
Talking about the latest in hairstyles and colours, she informs, “Medium or slop cut, you can even go in for long hair provided they tumble down to the shoulders. Spiky and gel back look are also in. For office-goers, it is side and simple cut. As far as colours are concerned, global contrasts and streaks are in vogue.” She suggests to youngsters: A new hairstyle is the easiest way to change your looks. Don’t be nervous to try out a hairdo that you feel would suit you.
Having begun work at Oleega Sector-9, Chandigarh, five years ago with her husband Arshad Khan, she now has her own salon in Fun Republic from last two years. She completed her diploma from Delhi-based International Institute Pivot point. She loves listening to music, playing the piano, and going for long drives in her car. And this lady dreams big, desiring to run a big salon chain in the country.
When asked, if she was not a hairstylist, what would she be doing? Ishani replies: “I would be in Air Force in Sri Lanka”. Her hard work and dedication in work is the secret of her success, she says. “I can work for 10 to 10 in a day.” She also loves to experiment with her work.
Fine, but what’s different in Indian and international hairstyles? She says, In India, people want a hairstyle according to their profession and age. They believe in old Indian culture and don’t change their looks often. But abroad, people like funky, bold and creative-type of hairstyles and there is no age bar in hairstyles.
Musing about the life, she says, “I’m living a second life. Last month, when I was coming from Delhi in my car, it fell down from a bridge near Ambala and the vehicle was totally crushed. But I did not sustain even a single scratch. Maybe, God wanted me to live and do some more good work,” laughs the hairstylist.
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God made some perfect heads & on the rest he put hair to hide his mistakes. Whether you are bald by destiny or choice, celebrate!
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Bald is beautiful. And it’s not just Yul Brynner of King and I fame that we are talking about. Look around and you will find that the guy-next-door too has shaved off his hair to look glamorous (if you can use the term for men!).
Oh yes, going bald is the latest fad. And, it has hit men in the age group of 20 and 35. No need to scratch your head to figure out the reasons. Ask city-based hair stylist Ishani Nanayakkara, and she will tell you all about it. Nowadays, a man’s personality is judged not just by the way he carries himself, but also by the hairstyle — or no hairstyle — he sports. So, just to look suave and swanky among their pals, they go for unique styles. And what’s better than a shining bald head to reflect their bindaas attitude.
Hospitality professional Ajay Tandon
“Well, getting tonsured makes their personality totally different,” she says. “Another thing guys! You can easily forget about all your worries of losing hair and flaunt your bad luck as your style statement. And then, the style hardly needs any care, it’s totally freewheeling.”
Archit Watts, a student leader and law student, turned bald to make his identity unique among his pals. He observed, “Going bald helps me grab attention of the crowd. It’s an innovative style to present oneself.”
Ajay Tandon, banquet operations, at Hotel Mountview, couldn’t agree more. He shaved off his head almost two years ago when his hair started thinning and has been happy ever since. “It lends a new identity and makes you distinct,” he tells. A weekly head massage and voila, the pate’s all shiny and healthy, he says.
Ravi Kumar, a hairdresser with Matrix-15, has an interesting tale to tell. “A few years ago, men would shave off their hair if they had a persistent dandruff problem or any other ailment. But now, it’s a matter of preference. Boys and men of all ages, with or without hear, want their heads shaved off.”
And what about guys sporting the new look? “A bald head makes you look sleek and younger,” says Raghav, a Panjab University student. “Shave your head and knock off 10 years!”
Okay, any tips? Well, city-based hairstylist Rajinder has something to say: “A new hairstyle is the best way to change your looks. So do not be nervous and try out that unique hairdo. Just remember hair grows back and the change is permanent. And in the end, do not forget a baldhead symbolises wealth and wisdom! Are you game?
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Playing Sita
Rajiv Bhatia
DIVINE CALL: Devinder Kumar has been playing the role of goddes Sita, a woman both eternal and divine, for the past 16 years.
He was inspired by Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana. The role of Sita, played by Dipika, in particular fascinated him. So impressed was he that he started to imagine himself to be a part of the Ramayana unit. Today, he leaves behind his entire work to play her part on the stage.
Meet Devinder Kumar. He has been playing the role of Sita in Ramlila for the past 16 years. He started his career by playing the role in the great Indian epic staged by the OCF Sanskrit Manch at the tender age of 15. The stage has shifted. These days it is the Ramlila organised by Sector 7 Nav Yug Ramlila Committee.
Working as salesman with Bansal Auto Zone in Sector 28 here, Devinder plays the role of husband and good father off-stage, but he just cannot wait for the Ramlilas to begin so that he can display his real flair once again.
“People react differently to the reality that I play Sita’s part,” he says. “Some look up to me with awe, others think it’s weird, but I am happy my family cooperates with me in playing this role. In fact, my children enjoy to a watch me on stage when I am playing the role of Sita.”
Well things are not very easy for him. Before the beginning of Ramlila he has to borrow his wife’s sari and buy cosmetics and other stuff for makeup. “I don’t feel shy at all in buying cosmetic and other things like lipstick, bindi, bangles and hair wig. For, it’s all for pious purposes,” he says.
Talking about the role, Devinder says, “Playing the role of opposite sex was challenging. Initially, I found it difficult, but now I get out of the male mentality and start feelings like a woman to give my best and do justice to the role. When I am playing this role, I never feel awkward”.
