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Success against odds As the world just celebrated the International Women’s Day, Gayatri Rajwade talks to the four courageous women who stand out in their chosen fields Women—bundles of energy, charm, courage and determination—we look at four women in the city who are living their lives on their own terms—yet bringing to society, through their efforts, their own special touch of care, warmth and spirit.
A walk down
the memory lane A passage to
India
United stand Law of
success Singing
sensation FILM & FASHION
NEW RELEASES World Women’s Day
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Success
against odds Women—bundles of energy, charm, courage and determination—we look at four women in the city who are living their lives on their own terms—yet bringing to society, through their efforts, their own special touch of care, warmth and spirit. Honesty pays As the eldest child in her family, taking on responsibility came as a package deal. What came as an inheritance from her father, she built into a successful venture, clearing all debts, turning the business around and creating her own identity in the process. Irvinder Kaur Chadha (Neeta), Business Head of Supreme Agencie, manufacturing hydraulic door closing devices and hardware, devoted mother and wife and a dutiful daughter, is a woman with an enveloping heart. "Inner strength really matters. Problems should be measured like small pebbles not big boulders," she smiles. Nothing comes easy and Neeta has her share of problems, some overwhelming. However a chance encounter, "a meeting with my alchemist", six months ago, changed all that as well. "I had reached a point where I wondered whether to fight for my rights, let go or change direction and then I met a guru, Baba Jaswant Singh in Ludhiana and I realised I had to keep serving." She looks radiant, at peace with herself, "the secret of my success is that I have never lied and nothing is too menial for me." Hard-work, patience, truth, sincerity and equality are the virtues she embodies, for her these qualities make the essence of a woman "for love, simplicity and warmth you cannot get with money". Confidence – the key word She and her husband had to come back as refugees from Iraq in 1990 and start all over. Born into a family of exporters, she decided get into garment production procuring knitted, crochet and embroidered fabric for export. A venture that began with two women has now grown into a "family" of 6000 women and over 70 contractors in 15 years. For the women in the interiors of Punjab, she has contributed to their economic regeneration as they are paid to work from home. Darsreet Aurora, at the helm of ‘Creations Unlimited’ believes that the "independence, individuality and respect" is worth the stress and hard work. Despite her successes, her priority are her children and whilst she copes with her entrepreneurial demands with "great difficulty" she stresses on the support she gets from her family, "who are at home sacrificing so much to let me work." A firm believer in God, she feels blessed for all that she has. "I always think, any situation that goes wrong could have been so much worse, but we get away with a mere pin-prick." Confidence is the key. "Women can pack a punch as long as you know what you are doing is right. Women must get out there and work." However, at the end of the day, all she wants of out of life is to see her children grow up to be good human beings. This is her defining essence. Never say die "Can I take my shoes off ?" she asks while sitting down on the grass. Easy, cheery, committed and articulate, Karamjeet Kaur’s passion is women’s empowerment. In her multifarious roles as Finance Director for ‘Kaurs’ Magazine launched a few months ago and as part of a development organisation here, she hopes to make a difference to the lives of women around her. Giving up her well-paying job along with eleven other friends, pooling in their savings and starting ‘Fateh’ here in 1998 with a focus on rural development in education, vocational training and health seemed the simplest thing to do. Their project range is immense—everything from the rural health assessment to prevention programs with villagers, from ferrying children from marginalised communities to and from school to female foeticide. "Compassion, responsibility, living very consciously and without fear" makes up this ideal woman. "What makes me a developed person? The need to be healthy, support myself, education and dignity. If we can help even two people reach this point we will be happy." Does it all seem insurmountable? "This is where our faith comes in. Never give up." The true calling.jpg)
She insists that she is doing "nothing special, simply my duty." Waving away the deep admiration her efforts generate, she believes in "some divine force" that is pushing her on. A woman in a man’s job, Amarjit Kaur Dhillon cremates or buries unclaimed bodies from hospitals around the city, for "every person deserves to go with dignity". Her inspiration, Veerji, a person who lived in her neighbourhood in Patiala where she was born and did the same work she is doing now. All this from her pension (she took voluntary retirement after 20 years at the Punjab and Sind Bank) without expecting anything in return. In fact, last year on December 2, this formidable lady performed the antim ardas for the 100 cremations / burials she performed, at the PGI Gurdwara dedicating it to the memory of Bibi Sharan Kaur who was blessed and ordained with the task of cremating the martyrs of the battle of Chamkaur Sahib by Shri Guru Gobind Singhji in December 1704. Rehabilitation of widows in Vrindavan and female foeticide are some other issues close to her heart. "Woman is a form of mother for me and I want to tell mothers all around not to murder their own self in their womb." For, "there is no difference between saying something and doing it and I cannot bear defeat on the part of any woman."
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Affairs of notes As the examination season is round the corner, so many students are breaking off and forming new alliances just to get hold of notes, says Saurabh Malik HER friendship with classmate Sunit Walia may not withstand the test of time, but will surely last till the examinations end, merrily and advantageously. For her, it is all very convenient. Walia is the class topper and she is just another middle-of-the-road student zipping down the fast track of life in her jaunty jalopy away from books into a world of glamour and excitement. No wonder, at the fag end of the academic year, she is expecting scholarly favours from Walia — almost a stranger till now. So far they had not even exchanged glances. But now the two are preparing to share Economics and History notes for BA first year examinations scheduled to begin in April. "What’s wrong with it?" she questions diligently. "Walia is now undoubtedly a friend. He is helpful, and I am in need of assistance. After all, that’s what friends are for. Am sure Walia has no objections in helping me out of this mess`85. It’s strategic alliance". As for Walia, it only makes him feel important, and cared for. "I am alive to the transient nature of our friendship. But then, we are sharing happy moments, along with the notes`85. It’s going to be good till it lasts, I am sure. And then, we will part ways only to meet again at the end of the next academic session". Walia has another justification. He believes helping her out with the lessons only enables him in getting a clearer and a holistic view of the entire thing. "She learns and I revise," he asserts before flashing a broad smile. Walia and her friend are not the only ones brought together by circumstances, and the fear of not excelling in examinations. "Every year just before the exams, the toppers and other brilliant college students find themselves at a much greater advantage...," agrees Principal of Sector 15 DAV Model School Rakesh Sachdeva. "It’s nothing but additional reward before the results are out". Agreeing, socio-psychologist Ramninder K. Sodhi asserts: "Companionship for notes was not entirely unknown in days that are no more and will, perhaps, never come back. But the number of such blessed alliances could be counted on the fingertips. Nowadays, things are different. It’s a widespread occurrence". That’s the way it is.
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Drawing room decor YOUR drawing room is your formal seating area where you make a distinct personal style statement. This is where you gracefully offer comfort with panache to your guests. Here are a few tips on doing it with style: Select harmoniously diverse designs instead of being restricted by single design format in your drawing room. Create seating clusters instead of placing sofas/chairs along the walls. Combine elaborately painted-effect pieces with fully upholstered English designs. Compensate opulence of gold/silver work furniture pieces with elegantly carved but understatedly upholstered wooden pieces in walnut or ash-black finish. Offset colossal art nouveau designs with pretty Louis Phillip creations. Proudly project elegance of an English stately home by a seating for fifteen guests in small room measuring 15’ x 25’. Incorporate set of carved chairs, curvaceous single sofas, tub chairs, mirror frame and console set with chairs, chaise lounge and even love seats in your seating plan. Bar would be accommodated with stools if space elsewhere is restricted. Break monotonous walls with either console and mirror frame or fireplace, but do put two formal chairs on either side for a complete look. Curios cabinets/corners can proudly display your expensive artifacts. Grandfather Clocks spell charm too. Never put a large lamp, towering flower arrangement or huge artifact amidst a seating. It will impede personal visual contact necessary to hold unobtrusive conversation of the people sitting on either side. Formal lamps look best on both sides of seating. Use up-lighters for diffused light effect and down-lighters where you wish to highlight low lying features or artifacts of interest. Put large decorative pots and urns on floor level whilst ferns could tumble down from higher level planters. Your centre table would resemble a jumble sale if you crowd it with multiple artifacts. Use three or five pieces per table, depending upon its size. Create separate clusters of glass, crystal, porcelain, marble inlay, steel or brass for smart look. If preferred, keep one wall in slightly different shade or subtle texture from the rest of the room. However, it must not restrict your future designing ideas. Oil, acrylic, water paintings add a touch of glamour with `E9lan. It could be one large painting above your main sofa or a medium sized painting flanked by two or four smaller ones. Experiment with modern art works and charcoal or pencil sketches. Hang portraits if your drawing room carries a regal look. Put small framed personal photos on a side table; otherwise personal photo clusters are best kept in informal areas. Attractive Arabian silk rugs and intricately embroidered Kashmiri carpets provide instant magnificence. You need to handpick chic designing styles, finest of fabrics, luxurious upholstery, elegant furniture, charming paintings and most discerning accessories. Buy Belgian fabrics if you can afford, otherwise raw silk dyed in chosen colour looks fabulous too. Marble with gold inlay work artifacts leave everyone speechless; as do less expensive Kashmiri papier-m`E2ch`E9 handicrafts. If silk rugs are out of reach, hand embroidered rugs are available in most intricate designs and colours. If readymade sheers are breaking the bank, buy chiffon fabric and get it sparsely embroidered at your local boutique. If drapes you love are steeply priced, opt for rich raw silk curtains. Style is not the forte of just the rich, gift affluence to yourself with innovative thinking. Courtesy: A.P. Singh
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A walk down the memory lane The light-eyed gorgeous model has many more titles to her credit—doctor, wife, mother, Mrs World 2001`85. And yet Aditi Gowitrikar never tires of putting up her best before the world as she juggles a plethora of responsibilities. A t`EAte-`E0-t`EAte with India’s first Mrs India-World Aditi, as contestants gear up for the auditions for this years edition of the Mrs India-World beginning has begun in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chandigarh. It has been 5 years since you won the Mrs World crown. What fond memories of the event and the contest you still remember? The memories of Mrs World contest are fresh in my mind because of the diversity that we witnessed. So many girls, and different cultures, backgrounds and views made the event very special for me. We were all knit together in an unexplainable bond, even though many of the participants didn’t speak English. How would you view the current status of married women, and some mothers too, coming out of the closet to participate in such events? It is nice to know that women are coming out to participate in events like these and I think this could be attributed to the publicity generated for the same. The awareness for this competition has been fantastic and therefore I guess we get to see more and more women wanting to participate every year. Channels like SaharaOne Television are doing an incredible job of telecasting such events. Why do you see the relevance and need for such kind of contests for married women? There is a very obvious need for events such as these. Women mostly in India take a backseat in their personal grooming once they get married and have kids. They just tend to easily neglect themselves. In that view, I feel it is good that we are having contests like these because once the women see other married women on the ramp; there is every probability for them to want to be on the similar pedestal and participate in such contests on such a grand platform. They then begin to take care and look after themselves once again. What similarity/differences did you encounter with the international participants at the Mrs World contest in 2001? Similarities I could say that 90 per cent of the women who were participating, including myself, had never been so far from our families for such a long duration of about two weeks. In terms of differences, I could say that our worldviews were diverse, although most of us were mothers and stood on the similar platform in that aspect. This made meeting and interacting with the women very interesting. What kind of preparatory advice would you like to give to the aspirants for Mrs World 2006? Confidence—that’s the key word for me. That is something that the husbands need to provide for their wives as they take the bold step to face the world, and this could be in the form of constantly encouraging them, ensuring that they stay healthy while the women are on a quest to keep themselves fit. The women need the entire possible boost and their husbands need to provide the same wholeheartedly. — DP
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A passage
to India
Sunshine refused to smile down its usual cheerful self. The faint rustle of the lush leaves whispered into the air. And clouds enveloped the heaven called City Beautiful to add to the dull, dreary atmosphere. It all couldn’t, however, dampen ‘their’ spirits. Foreigners in an alien land, these men were hardly anything but lost. Rather, they winked and whistled as they climbed the Peshawari Tonga, on which they were given a ceremonial ride from Chandigarh’s oldest hotel Aroma to PCA Stadium, Mohali on the maiden day of the match Yes! these Cheer Leading Supporters called the "Barmy Army" have flyed over to India to cheer for their team. They may be here to hail England’s conquering cricketing heroes with cheers and support, but they getting thoroughly drenched in the drizzle of hospitality that’s being offered. Beamed Thompson, a police officer from England, "We’re excited as hell. People here are amazing, so beautiful and friendly. And guess what, the food is delicious." Chipped in Ady, his friend, "Tandoori Chicken is irresistible. We’ll have it later too with drinks to celebrate our victory." Any other plans to celebrate victory? "Of course. We plan to visit Nek Chand’s garden and Mumbai," replied Ady. "Hey, we’ll also try and meet Ashwaria Rai," we heard a loud declaration from behind. Perhaps it was the joy ride on the ceremonial tonga, the scrumptious Indian delicacies , the love of cricket flowing in their veins or Indian hospitality, but these firangies{ perched high on the tonga, with their national flag and a teddy} seemed to have the time of their lives!
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After the
curtain goes down The swooning swarm could not stop grinning while these young boys basked in the glory of a single concert. The Raga Boys came, performed and conquered—many young hearts! A gaggle of giggles, conspiratorial whispers and wound up energy surrounded this motley bunch at the Golden Jubilee Hall at Panjab University where they were staying. Whisking away the attention were the three sons of Ustab Hamid Ali Khan Sahib, the youngest Inam Ali Khan (all of 15 years), Nayab Ali Khan and Qasim Wali Khan, the founder of the group. However, that certainly did not stop the others from making their presence felt. Rajvinder, in her first year at PU, looked adoringly at drummer Wasim Abbas declaring him the nicest. Wasim in the meantime had eyes only for Pooja from Microbiology who was straining hard to meet the whole bunch. "You are cute," he declared. "So are you," came the prompt reply. Ah our girls! And as the three brothers posed for a ‘family’ photograph—gentle urgings to give one last memorable ‘byte’ fructified! Deeply entrenched in classical music, courtesy their father, the three boys, whilst keen to keep the band going, would like to emulate their father and reach the pinnacle of music like him. "It is a junoon when one starts to do riyaaz," says Inam, "one can get lost in the sea of music," he explains poetically. His solo performance based on Raga Malkauns was "greatly appreciated". His dream: to be like his father, to make his father proud. "The band is a vital part of us but our classical base and training is more important." However, meeting a ‘matronly’ journalist was not strictly on their agenda so as cell numbers were being exchanged and email IDs were noted down with a few "so sweet" being bandied about, it was time to make a quit exit! A last glance backwards and the steps to the guesthouse are crowded as the pretty young things from campus keep pouring in. The boys just loved Chandigarh! Oh yes they did!
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United stand ‘We’—the all-women group of artists organises an exhibition-cum-workshop to celebrate the International Women’s Day. The exhibition also marks its three years of existence in the city, reports Parbina Rashid United they are and standing tall too. If the paintings that adorn the walls of the Fine Arts Museum at Panjab University are anything to go by, ‘We’—the group of women artists of Chandigarh have certainly come of age. That too, within a span of just three years! As the third annual exhibition of the group coincided with the International Women’s Day, naturally the expectation was to see a lot of women related themes. However, the exhibition comes as a fresh breath; it bears none of the cynicism one would expect from an all-woman group. Even those like Guneeta Chadha, who explore the ups and downs of a man-woman relationship, has portrayed it with a lot of sensitivity. Her black-and-white abstract figures are not all bleak for they come with a touch of red, which successfully sends the message of joy of womanhood. "We certainly is an all woman group but that is not considered the binding factor here. Before the gender thing comes, we are artists, individual and complete in ourselves and that is where ‘We’ helps, to provide us a platform to express our creative talent," says Neenu Vij, General Secretary of the group. Neenu has portrayed women as soft and subdued, but showing an inner strength that radiates through her canvas. So how much has ‘We’ helped the artistes to grow? "A lot," they chorus. "Being together, seeing each other work gives us the confidence which we lacked earlier," they add. And this is not an exaggerated statement. From what we recall from their debut show three years back, most of these 13 women have now come out of their self-imposed boundaries to experiment with the unknown. Sadhna Sangar, for instance, has made a daring attempt to capture the wind in her seascapes and quite successfully too. Her works on female foeticide, which she calls a cry for life, is quite touching. Among the new generation artists, Rosy Varinder Kaur’s monoprints, which she has achieved with applying pressure with her palm on paper, has tried to capture the fragrance of flowers. For another young artist, Rajni Rana, nothing could be more challenging than trying out those delicate lines of miniature paintings to portray mythical figures. For it gives her the ‘back-to-the roots’ feeling, besides creative satisfaction. Alka Kalra has experimented with glass paintings in which she has splashed colour without a brush. She does not mind if you call her creation ‘Sunrise’ or ‘Sunset’ for colour is all that matters to her. Among the veteran artists we have Asha Sharma’s beautiful landscapes, Navpreet Kaur’s figurative works, Bharti Vandana’s landscapes, Robinder Bain’s bamboos, Anju Pasricha’s abtracts and Aradhana Tandon’s women figures. The exhibition also showcases works of other women artists under the Invitee Section. The artists are Archana Shastri, Usha Vishwas, Matrey Kar from Delhi, Rajinder Pasricha, Dr Neeta Mohindra and Dr Ambalika Jacob from Patiala, Dr Amarjit Kaur from Hoshiarpur and Kaumudi Prajapati, Anita Gupta and Jaskamal from Chandigarh. As a part of knowledge sharing exercise, ‘We’ has also organised a workshop at the same venue. The exhibition and workshop concludes today.
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Law of
success
No law of success works unless you do, should inspire the young to climb the greasy ladder of career and life. This is the mantra of city-based writer I.M. Soni, who has penned two inspirational books — "You Are Better Than You Know" and "Climbing the Greas Ladder". Based on extensive research and personal experience, the books cover a staggering variety of subjects which will be of immense use to the young aspiring to strike gold in career and life and the old for the wealth of useful ideas which can fill their spare time. "The books strive to drive home the truth that success is not a matter of sifarish or throw of the dice. It comes from slow and steady effort. Hard work is the secret mantra," believes Mr Soni, a former Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication, Panjab University. Mr Soni has explored William James’ psychological thesis — most people go through life using only 10 per cent of their potential. The books suggest numerous ways and methods to identify, explore and usefully employ these for full flowering of personality. These include recycling of personality, additional values and ingredients of happiness and creativity. Of special interest to the young are chapters like ‘A new work ethos’, ‘Being left-handed is no handicap’, ‘Constructive expression’, ‘Discipline leads to success’, ‘Emotions run your health’ ‘Fashion fads’ and ‘How to make the most of your time’ in "Climbing... Ladder". The book has similar and varied themes. It has an additional value, which is unique in concept. It carries quotes, pithy and pungent, at the end of the each chapter. ‘Leisure is gold dust of time’, ‘Behind every beautiful woman is a beautiful past’ ‘A woman likes the man who respected her but falls in love with the man who praises her’, and ‘Endless drinking eliminates hangovers’ are some of the examples. ‘Make imagination your friend’, ‘Pessimism can be thrown away’, ‘Facing crisis with courage’ ‘Failure is opportunity’ and ‘Ming your morals’ are some of the chapters of "You Are.. Know". The book spurs the young to achieve success in many spheres of life. It has an additional chapter on self-development methods. There is a lot which will interest the fair sex, too. Notably are the chapters of "Climbing...Ladder" — ‘Anatomy of sex appeal’, ‘Rancour in gossip’, ‘Foods and moods’, ‘Platonic friendship’, ‘Sentiment’, ‘Spend your sorrow’ and ‘You can cultivate this halo’. "Climbing...Ladder" has been published by Unistar Book. The 207-page book is priced Rs 295. Bookhive (India) has brought out "You Are...Know". The book has 312 pages and is priced Rs 180. Mr Soni, who has racy and terse style, has been freelancing for more than three decades for magazines and newspapers, including The Tribune.
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Singing
sensation Normally the systematically trained vocalists love to carve a niche in the realm of classical music, ghazal or the glamourous filmdom but there are a few committed to relish and revive the rich heritage of the folklore. The upcoming handsome Punjabi singing sensation, 24-year-old Kanwar Pal is one such exception. A postgraduate in classical vocal stream, Kanwar Pal feels that folk music is the product of a musical tradition that has evolved through a process of oral transmission and the factors that shape the tradition are continuity and variation. While continuity links present with the past the variation springs from the creative impulse of an individual, which, however, is influenced with the contemporary musical scene around. This clarifies his viewpoint on the Punjabi folk musical genre melting into the Punjabi pop way. Hailing from a sleepy village, Chahar, near Bhogpur, the child prodigy while in tryst with the natural environment, sensed the harmony and rhythm in nature. He could find the echo of such charismatic feels in the soulful renditions of Shabads and folk songs by her mother Simranjit at home. However, the affectionate but disciplined treatment by his father Chanan Singh who had retired as a session judge never permitted him take up his impassioned obsession of singing till Kanwar convinced his father, now an advocate, of his potential and inborn talent. ‘Unlike many artistes in the profession I have come across, Kanwar Pal has been blessed with`A0unique`A0basic musical traits, a positive approach and an aptitude to achieve through sheer hard work and dedication, says his guru and mentor, the acclaimed music director Kanwar Iqbal Singh. A veteran music director of over 300 projects including films, the latest being a Hindi movie, Choodiyan, Kanwar Iqbal had scored the music for Kanwar Pal‘s`A0maiden album ‘Tere Nakhrey’. Kanwar Iqbal while professing a bright career for his disciple disclosed that he is interested into innovations and experimentation of fusion but certainly not sacrificing the pristine content of original Punjabi folklore.`A0 Inspired and impressed with the scintillating performance the leading Ponty Chadha Industry house has honored him as Ambassador for promotion of their products.
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FILM
& FASHION Dana Reeve, the widow of actor Christopher Reeve, has died at the age of 44. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in August last year. Dana was widely admired for her dedication to her paralysed husband following his horse-riding accident in 1995. She leaves a 13-year-old son, William, the only child she had with the actor who played Superman in the movies. She took over as chair of the Christopher Reeve Foundation after her husband’s death in 2004. Never a smoker, she was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer less than a year after her husband and mother died, reported Eonline! —ANI Shakira’s pathological craze Latino singing sensation Shakira fired her five-person "glam-squad", after deciding she had become too obsessed with her appearance. The Colombian singer once never went travelling without her beauty entourage, but felt that she was helping to promote unrealistic body images. She says the female beauty craze has become "pathological" "(It’s) some kind of obsessive compulsion with becoming the perfect woman - not a 10, but an 11," Shakira was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying. "It’s about matching these images that pop culture puts in front of you. "I feel like sometimes I’ve been both a victim of that and a victimizer, and it’s not a good feeling, let me tell you," she added. (ANI)
The German snapper, who has known Moss since she was just 15, simply can’t see what all the fuss is about. "I don’t think she looks any good in any photos of the past five years. It’s as if it’s enough for her to look something like Kate Moss," he was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying. —ANI Oscar show was boring:
Elton Veteran singer Sir Elton John, who is well known for his bluntness, has branded the Oscars on 05MAR06, "the most boring show ever", insisting it was more like a dated game show than a glamorous extravaganza. The "Sacrifice" singer is seldom impressed with the Academy Awards’ ceremonies, but this year’s won his vote for the worst yet. "(It was) the most boring show I have ever seen. "The Kodak Theater is absolutely the pits. It’s like the set for The Price is right (game show). It lacks glamour," he was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying. John’s criticism of the Oscars is nothing new - in 2005 he labelled the ceremony "predictable" and in 2004 criticised the Academy for awarding the Best Original Song trophy to Annie Lennox saying, "I don’t think it deserved to (win)." —ANI Mariah is not fat Multi Grammy Award winning singer Mariah Carey is apparently so sick of people telling her that she’s fat, that she offered to let people touch her butt and thighs to see that her ‘fat’ was in fact toned ‘muscle’. Carey was at Soho House in L.A., where Mike DeLuca, Rick Yorn and Patrick Whitesell were hosting their annual ‘after-after party’ for Hollywood superstars to relax after the Vanity Fair bash, when she decided to set the record straight by offering to give people a feel of her toned body. "Everyone said I was fat, so I did something about it. Here! Feel my thighs! Feel my butt!" the New York Post quoted her, as saying. "See? I’ll never be a stick woman, but now I’m fierce!" she added. — ANI
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NEW
RELEASES
Sahara One Motion Pictures’ Creation ‘Malamaal Weekly’ is produced by Percept Picture Company and directed by Priyadarshan. A Priyadarshan film always creates excitement and this should be no exception. The film stars Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Ritesh Deshmukh, Reema Sen, Rajpal Yadav, Shakti Kapoor, Asrani and Sudha Chandran. Those who have seen the rush predicts it as another superb comedy from director Priyadarshan. Every viewer who has watched his ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hulchal’, ‘Hungama’ and ‘Garam Masala’ expects another entertainer. Priyadarshan is at his best in this film. This one is yet another comedy in which Paresh Rawal plays a character of a guy who sells lottery tickets. ‘Maalamal Weekly’ is about the struggles and survival of people in a small town. It is a roller coaster ride of unusual events with surprising twists and turns at every stage. Extremely funny situations lead to a culmination of laugh riot climax which reveals the Malamaal Weekly lottery winners`85. or losers! A comedy is always welcomed by the viewers and especially so, when it stars Paresh Rawal. Uttank Vohra has composed the music of this laugh riot which will be released today at Nirman, Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra. So get ready to watch a fun film with lots of characters in it and lots of madness. — DP
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World Women’s Day March 8. It’s that time of the year, when the fairer sex takes a breather from the monotony of everyday life, and decides to ‘chill out’! The girls let their hair down, the wives put aside their household chores and the female employees take the day off. But when you step out of the house and contemplate on going to a cosy caf`E9 or an ice-cream parlour, do you not wonder at the schizophrenic nature of this celebration. While the dainty damsel of the city gets up at 11 that day, and realizes she is half an hour late for her pedicure appointment, her counterpart in the village is already tired as she was up at the crack of dawn to procure water from the well. While the urban housewives will spend the better part of the day preening themselves, the women in rural India will be juggling between feeding the toddler, cooking the meal and somehow managing to keep a purdah from her in-law’s. The workingwoman will go for an expensive lunch with her girl pals, but the lady in the slums will still be abused by her husband, will still be treated badly by her in-laws and will still dread the fate of the child in her womb if it happens to be a girl. Its easy for the urban chic talk of women’s liberation as she zips around in her new Mercedes while her counterpart in rural India is yet to step out of the four walls of her house. The multiplex culture makes us believe that it’s progressive if a woman can get into a live in relationship before considering marriage. Do they realize that at that very moment a 15 year old’s fate is getting sealed with someone she has never seen or met and who probably is a decade older that her. And anyways, what are we really celebrating? Women’s day isn’t merely about taking a break from the 9 to 5 schedule. For one day of celebrations would not change the rest 364 days of torture that they go through. They would still remain the illiterate, ignorant and abused creatures that they are. Women of substance shouldn’t need a particular day to realize this. Womanhood has to be celebrated every day, every moment. What are you waiting for, touch a life, and make a difference. Go Girl!!! Radhika Singh
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ARIES : “The Princes of Cups” infuses you a romantic and dreamy moments. The successful phase continues to keep you high and you will attend to certain pending issues so as not to leave any lose ends. You will manage to have all the time to catch up with your mate or beloved who is longing to spend exclusive time with you. TIP OF THE WEEK: You need to act for yourself and for no one else. Lucky colour: Orange. 
LIBRA : “ Six of Swords” bring mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situation. Sweep some things under the carpet; it’s not as if anyone will know. Activities away from home will bring extra pleasure and broaden your viewpoint. Friday is good for love and romance. TIP OF THE WEEK: You are on the right track don’t allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Silver grey. 
TAURUS : You are swift and strong like “The knight of wands”. Emotional impulses, moods and childlike behaviour or desires dominate you. Areas affected may involve special treatment for new employees or long-standing differences of opinion. Study the actions of authority figures for important clues. Change is healthy stay alert to fast developments. TIP OF THE WEEK: Avoid frictions. Lucky Colour: Maroon 
SCORPIO:
“The Hermit” inspire you to climb new heights and creative ideas. Your opinions are sought after by those around you. Your physical and mental vitality is at a high point. Those who praise you on your face and talk ill behind your back should be shown the door. Finance will rise though expenditure too will increase. TIP OF THE WEEK: Remember the old saying, “ Penny saved is penny earned”. Lucky colour: Blue. 
GEMINI : For the majority of this week it seems that your need for love, affection and enjoyment of life will be strong than it has been for some time. As part of this focus an intensely emotional development is indicated around the March 2 that will highlight these themes further. TIP OF THE WEEK: You should not be content with mere financial gains. Lucky colour: Orange. 
SAGITTARIUS : Investing in property, farming, or domestic goods could pay off in a big way. If you receive a handsome dividend, set it aside for your family. Future generations will profit tremendously from your sage decisions. This is definitely not the best period to speculate or invest in risky business. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t be enthusiastic in finalising a particular deal. Lucky colour: Pink. 
CANCER : A bright and cheerful start to the week. You’re a highly functioning member of your social group and will have new responsibilities in that realm. A return to the old way seems unthinkable. The journey you are embarking on now is one you will never regret making. TIP OF THE WEEK: You may have to extract your pound of flesh in a financial situation that is almost exclusive. Lucky colour: White. 
CAPRICORN : “ The Prince of Wands” comes riding with a promise of power and energy. If you have been considering a job overseas, then this seems to be a favourable period to send your resumes and appear for interviews. New business opportunities for some are on the cards. A pleasure jaunt or outing with friends will do good to you. TIP OF THE WEEK: Listen to your well wishers even if you don’t relish their advice. Lucky Colour : Cherry 
LEO : Your errands, appointments etc. start easing off and you can finally relax. Don’t be too pushy, smothering or argumentative. Mistakes must be made for lessons to be learned. You need to avoid “ penny wise and pound foolish” attitudes. Personal relationships are full of deep feelings. TIP OF THE WEEK: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling rather than temperamental extremes. Lucky colour: Red. 
AQUARIUS : Group activities shall reward you during this period. You’ll be at you best when among a lot of people or among your peers. Just be cautious in expressing your opinions too loudly. It’s not that they’re wrong, it’s just that the wrong person could misinterpret your words. TIP OF THE WEEK: If you insist on leading a fast life, you may aggravate your problems. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. 
VIRGO : “The Queen of Wands” allows you to achieve professional success with calm authority. You are feeling adventurous and bold. Projecting your best qualities and listening to well meaning colleagues and loved one will make the task easier. Focus on meditation, which will relieve you from mental stress. TIP OF THE WEEK: Restore ties with business people you have been out of touch for so long. Lucky colour: Crimson 
PISCES:
New beginnings and new opportunities play an important role. Decide if you want to be a member of the pack or a leader and then give your full energy into manifesting that reality. Doctors may be giving you the appointment you need to take care of some neglected problems. Pursue your creative hobby. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t involve yourself in more than one activity. Lucky colour: Bottle green.