Pan(t)ache
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

This season sees the return of trousers with narrow legs, peg-top waists and the dhoti pants

It's winter finally and it's trousers that you are looking for. So, go retro thrift or buy a new pair. And, whatever option you choose, will be a fashion statement in itself as the market is ever evolving, finding new designs and silhouettes and initiating a trend.

Though the secret to select a perfect pair of trouser lies in its comfort , we suggest tune into the best of patterns whilst keeping an eye on the price tag and quality. And, since this is the year of wearing anything you fancy, the noticeable trend is the return of trousers with narrow legs and peg-top waists and dhoti pants, but these all sit happily beside the wide-leg trousers which are still in demand.

Though the first trend to note this year was the rise of the trouser leg to above the ankle. And, the fabric gained from the leg has been added to the waist, with high bands and peg-tops. But for our city that is high on denim, trousers are more for working women. Otherwise, it's jeans that most of us live in.

"The demand for trousers is more with the girls who need it for office wear," says Anuj Jain from The Other Square-17. Ask him to spell the silhouettes and he says, "Expect to see plenty of carrot-top trousers and straight fits, but the overall demand that we see in trousers is for a simple and straight fits." What about colours, "Though there is plenty of choices, but it's more of browns, blue and grey that we see for working women."

Well, ask the working women and they say trousers are not a fashion statement, but a need. "When it comes to office wear, you cannot go for stylised pants or the ones that are in fashion. One has to opt for straight fits as they look classy and are comfortable for a day's work," says Rishu Sharma, an employee of a telecom company in Mohali. The pants are made with all kinds of fabrics, from denim to lustrous fabrics such as satin. The most important trend in trousers is strong bold colours. Says Ranjodh, assistant manager, Nautica, "Rich, bold, bright pants in blue, beige and metallic grey is the trend for this winter. Go for tapered leg pants and even pleated pants as they are comfortable and make for a great office wear." He adds, "We would also be seeing a lot of fabrics in checks this season. Stylish and chic, they will lend a retro look to your wardrobe."

Well, that was for some formal wear. One step ahead from the waist-high style is the dhoti pants, and then the harem pants (they were a rage in the summer). Some dhoti pants taper to such tight narrowness, they have many buttons to ensure an ankle hugging close fit.

These pants are available everywhere, from Benetton to Levis, Woodland and Reebok. Fresh in look and new in style, if you are looking for chic pants, they are available at Wills, Van Huesen and Kapsons.

Now much in demand, dhoti or the breeched style pants. An interesting fashion statement, these are available everywhere, right from hi-end shops to our rehri markets, but take note that whilst long leggy models do them justice, this look will drown anyone under 5'3". So, be careful before you wear it in case you have a petite frame.

Talking trend, Ritu Kochar, director corporate, INIFD, says, "For trousers, the trend is definitely of high waist pants, that are more or less fitted. Though we see less of women wearing trousers in the city, when it comes to office wear women want to look smart and stylish. So, any trend that is doing rounds at the fashion weeks becomes a fashion statement." That was for the formal wear. But what about casual wear? "Cargos are again in fashion but the style is fitted from the top and a little flared from the bottom. Breeches or the dhoti pants are also in fashion and here designers are again playing with the fabric. Though some like the stiff look others prefer silk or shimoi fabric."

The other important trend for the season is the choice of the fabric and colour. "Grey, beige, tan, browns will be in fashion this season. Other than that, checks will make for a haute couture," she says.

That's for the trouser trend this season, but if you want something more customised, then there's nothing better than picking up a fabric and stylising your own formal or informal pants.

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

The noticeable trend is the return of narrow legs and peg top waists. Pant styles with a much slimmer lower leg and often cropped above the ankle. The new narrower pants for 2009 combine several ideas, and variations lend themselves to alterative names, such as carrot top pants, dhoti or harem pants.

Peg top looks: A popular 1980s fashion trend was the easy peg top trouser which today returns in several guises. Right now the peg top is growing as the newest pant style to be seen wearing. Most new slim leg pants have fitted silhouettes tapering to a narrow leg or cuff.

Dhoti pants: One step from the carrot style are the dhoti pants or what we can call as churidaars. With volume on the top these pants tapper below knees.

Harem pants: Of course designers and retailers are wise enough to know that tapered pants with peg top waist won't suit every female on the planet. Fortunately, just as many designers are offering wide leg pants alongside harem pants. They cover a multitude of sins where other styles are less forgiving of bulges.

Straight-Leg trousers: Straight-leg trousers are a staple wardrobe essentials, especially when it comes to wearing classic trouser styles.

Tailored facts

• In some Eastern cultures, such as those in China or Malaysia, both women and men have long dressed in trousers, most European cultures have only very recently permitted women to wear them. The trend began during the early 1900s, became more widespread during the 1920s and 1930s and continued to grow, until by the late 1990s.

• It was Eastern culture that inspired French designer Paul Poiret (1879-1944) to become one of the first to design pants for women. In 1913 Poiret created loose-fitting, wide-leg trousers for women called harem pants, which were based on the costumes of the popular opera Sheherazade.

• Another French designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971), loved wearing pants herself, often dressing in her boyfriend's suits, she began designing pants for women to wear while doing sports and other activities.

• Actors such as Marlene Dietrich (c. 1901-1992) and Katharine Hepburn (1909-2003), wore trousers regularly.

AB's the best
Hit or flop, Amitabh is still Bollywood's goldmine

A ghost, an eccentric theatre actor or a flamboyant genie, Amitabh Bachchan has done quite a few over-the-top roles and not delivered big hits in four years. But for filmmakers, the megastar is still a phenomenon they can't wait to sign on. "I would love to cast him for all my films. I just hope that I keep getting ideas where I can fit him," said R. Balakrishnan, director of his forthcoming film Paa.

Relasing December 4, Paa features Amitabh as a progeria patient.

"Amitabh Bachchan has crossed that mark of a hit or a flop affecting him. He is a phenomenon. He is the first veteran where stories are written keeping him in mind. Whether or not a film works is besides the point. He is not competing with anyone here," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.

"Every director wants to work with him at least once in his career. They've grown up watching him on the big screen. He is an encyclopaedia on acting. He has a different range altogether. He is a superb actor...and we can't deny that fact, no matter what the fate of a film," he said.

Some of the 67-year-old thespian's films have turned out to be over-hyped in terms of both content and characters, with the recent one being Aladin that was declared a dud on the first day itself. Amitabh plays a flamboyant genie in the movie.

Even his special appearance in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6 early this year, as Abhishek Bachchan's grandfather, could not save the film from sinking. But he still rules the desire list of filmmakers.

"He is in demand because he is Amitabh Bachchan. He is a cult (figure). He has worked very hard and given success after success earlier. After his comeback from a break a few years ago, he is now having fun with cinema," said film critic Omar Qureshi.

"And he can afford to do that even if it means doing a crazy character in Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. He is doing roles that he finds interesting. If the film doesn't work, that is not his fault."

And cinema too has undergone a sea change with time.

"Take his characters in Nishabd and Aladin. No one could dare do that earlier. He is just going with the flow. His performance cannot be doubted. He is too good as an actor," explained Qureshi.

While Amitabh featured in duds like Family, Darna Zaroori Hai, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Baabul in 2006, a string of flops followed in 2007 too with Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Nishabd, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Two of his outings the same year - Cheeni Kum and Shootout at Lokhandwala - were critically acclaimed but were not money grossers.

Last year was again disappointing with commercial failures like Bhoothnath, Sarkar Raj, God Tussi Great Ho and The Last Lear.

But writer-turned-director Rumy Jafry has no regrets for the failure of his film God Tussi Great Ho because it starred the Big B.

"It's a dream for every director to work with him. Despite his age, he still works as a student and is completely a director's actor. Neither does he interfere in anything. Look at Paa for instance. He sat for close to five hours just for the make up and that shows his patience," said Jafry, who cast the Big B as God Almighty in the movie.

Jafry can't stop praising the veteran's professionalism.

"The whole world knows that there is no bigger actor and star than Amitabh Bachchan. There is no star in the industry more disciplined than him. Even if he was 10 minutes late, he would make sure to inform, while there are actors who are over two hours late without any notice," Jafry said.

But Bachchan prefers to be modest and says he is just a character artist nowadays.

"May be in the early years, they (audiences) came to watch my films because I was in it. But now I am just one of the credit titles. I am not that important," Amitabh had said in a recent interview.

"I am a part of the crew and the cast. Even in my early years, I used to think that. I think the product itself is more important. It's the film that is going to make you or your name or give you visibility. If that goes wrong then everything goes wrong. So one must work as a team so that the product works," he added.

The star is still on a signing spree and has four projects lined up - Paa, Teen Patti, Rann and Johnny Mastana. — IANS

Negatively positive
Bedika

Ranbir Kapoor may have gained heartthrob status with his "lover boy" roles but the actor is excited about his upcoming film Rajneeti, where in his own words, he plays "a mature man" for the first time.

"I have usually acted in coming-of-age dramas or done lover boy roles in my films so far but 'Rajneeti' is my first mature role. It is a dark political thriller and also my first character with grey shades," Ranbir said in an interview.

The film, which is inspired by Mahabharata, is a satire on the Indian political system and has a formidable ensemble cast in Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Vivek Oberoi and Manoj Bajpai.

The actor, who recently wrapped up the shoot in Bhopal, is "thrilled" to be a part of Jha's ambitious project.

"It was really great to work with Prakash Jha. He is one of the great directors in the industry and has contributed a lot to Indian cinema. The film has a great ensemble cast. We just finished the shooting," the actor says about the film, which is based on the Madhya Pradesh politics.

After Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Ranbir teams up with Katrina Kaif again in Ranjneeti' and the actor describes the Bollywood beauty as "phenomenal".

"Katrina is phenomenal. She has this undying energy on the set. She is so successful but never takes it for granted. From not knowing the language to becoming one of the biggest star, she has achieved a lot. I have tremendous respect for her as an artiste," Ranbir gushes about his co-star.

Ranbir is also looking forward to Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, where he plays a middle class Sardar. He grew a beard to shoot for the film.

"Rocket Singh is about a real sardar. He has no similarity with our filmi sardar. It is an underdog story. My character is a middle-class guy, who wants to be a salesman, it is his story," says Ranbir, adding that growing a beard helped him get into the skin of the character.

The Yash Raj's project is being directed by Shimit Amin, who helmed the award winning film Chak De! India, and stars newcomer Shazahn Padamsee opposite Ranbir. — PTI

Award allure
Dibyojyoti Baksi

The best actor award at New York fest inspires Suniel Shetty

Bollywood producer-actor Suniel Shetty is elated at winning the best actor award at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) in New York for his performance in Red Alert - The War Within - a movie that deals with the Maoists - and says he is inspired to do better work.

"Winning an award at such a big film festival is a big high for me as an actor. Now I really want to do good films and work harder and better. The film is on Naxalites (Maoists)...," Suniel said.

"I am very happy because it had also won the critics award at the Stuttgart Film Festival in Germany," he said.

Directed by Anant Mahadevan, Red Alert - The War Within also stars Vinod Khanna, Ashish Vidyarthi and Sameera Reddy. The film is yet to release commercially in India.

Suniel, who excels in action flicks and comedies as well, says he has always been keen to do serious cinema.

"I am always inclined to do this kind of films. My film Hu Tu Tu was one of this type."

The actor started his career with the 1992 movie Balwaan. In the last 17 years, he has featured in over 100 films and experimented with different genres, but a few could do good business at the box office and none of them could get him any awards except Dharmesh Darshan's Dhadkan in 2000.

He won the Filmfare Award for the best villain for the triangular love story that also starred Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty.

Asked if the Indian film industry has failed to recognise his talent, he said: "I have no complaints about the Indian film industry because if it had not recognised my talent, it would have been impossible for me to sustain for so long."

Suniel's next is De Dana Dan, which is set to release on November 27. Directed by Priyadarshan, the comedy also stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Neha Dhupia and Sameera Reddy.

Talking about the film, he said: "It's an out-and-out comedy. In the film, we had to shoot under water which was again an experience of its kind." — IANS

Sweet November
Neha Walia

The warm winters, a walk on the sidelanes, holding hands and the sparks flowing through the cool breeze. The month of November brings in the winter chill and with it comes the possible thrill of romance. No scientific research or data is required to put any substance of proof on this theory of sweet November. For reasons unexplained and unexplored, we might not be wrong in saying that November can be considered the most romantic month of the year. Now, some would argue about the position being given to February, the month of Saint Valentine, but the weather (neither too hot nor too cold), the number of weddings happening and a bunch of Hollywood movies are reason enough to ask people get cozy in November.

"The certain chill in the air sets you in the mood for some conversation over a cup of coffee. And as we know a lot can happen over a cup of coffee," shares Manisha Nagi, a software professional from Dell. And a lot means, "Love stories. Better still developing new bonds. Also, since you get a winter makeover in November, this means looking better and feeling better. People who were unnoticed may find better prospects with a new wardrobe and new look," she adds to the list. For some romantic souls, the month is a reason to get snuggly, comfy and a bit naughty. "Winters are perfect for romance. But then who wants minus zero temperature to get cozy. So, November can be the perfect time to get maximum warm cuddly hugs and hold hands. One can go for long walks without thinking of sun tan and sweat and even eat more. So, more lunch or dinner dates," says Harpreet Bawa, a second year law student from PU.

Another fact that adds to the November charm is the number of weddings. Looking at the statistics, November can be endorsed as the wedding month of the year. Again the reason being, pleasant air. "The month has got a lovely, warm feel to it. It's neither too hot nor too cold. A refreshing change after five months of sweltering sun. I know at least 10 odd couples in my circle who got married in November. So, lot of anniversaries and romance to celebrate in the month," says Sonia Walia, who will be celebrating her first wedding anniversary this month. Thinking over it, "Now, lot of weddings would mean lot of opportunities of match making. Prospective brides and grooms meeting and new stories beginning," she adds a perspective. Not to mention, "Since people go for their honeymoon, it automatically makes November high on romance." This lady seems totally in love with the eleventh month on the calendar.

So the month is not high on romance but business too. Everybody has a reason to smile in November. "Most of the travelling happens in the month of November and December, since the holiday season is near. So, there is a scope of holiday romance," shares Akash Juneja, an MBA student from Delhi. Any November stories for him? "My first date was in November," he says. Well, now firsts are always special.

So many reasons, so many changes. All we can say is that for some of us, it will always be November. Sweet November.

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Dillogical !
Rumour of a rumour
Neha Walia

Hey, psst psst... you know Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor are an item now. Oh, she's got a husband too, at least that's what an MLA from Indore claims. Poor Sallu, the guy's got a real hard luck. Deepika Padukone is no less on bad luck either. After playing musical chairs with her alleged suitors (Nihar Pandya, Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh), she finally had got used to the possibilities of becoming Mrs. Kapoor, but thanks to a Kat crossing her path, she is now busy trying to sort out this ajab-gajab mess.

Rumours, huh? Don't be fooled by them, as they are the smartest weapon for mass destruction. But here's an argument. What is the most important source of revenue in Bollywood? What makes the biggest, boldest and brashiest of the stars to remain in public memory? Guess we all know the answer.

There is nothing destructive about a rumour in filmy duniya, only constructive image building exercise. It's as healthy as a pranayam - breathing in fresh lease of life every morning. Some of the biggest names in the industry have reaped most of the benefits, thanks to rumour investment. The darling of gossip galleries has always made it to the top. Glamorous liaisons, hook-ups, break ups, pregnancies, infidelity report cards, accidents, frenemies and catfights bear the responsibility of providing bread and butter for an entire sect of glossy reporters and our entertainment hungry soul.

If rumours are to be believed than there is no reason to check on the facts. Some rumours are for publicity, but some actually turn out to be genuine. Kareena-Shahid break up and Abhi-Ash hook up were two amongst them. Another one that came close to reality was Hrithik Roshan's alleged Mexican affair. We have to admit, after all the criticism of the malicious gossiping culture, we still relate our screen idols to their alleged rumours. Not their hits and flops, best performances or on-screen antics, but who are they dating, who's the latest victim of movie promotions et al. Ask Shahid Kapoor and he will tell you what it feels like to be talked about 24/7. Though our stars may feel trespaased or critisize the papparzi for ruining their life, rumours about them work actually in their favour. And since they are the ones making rumour mills work overtime, they should be made to pay (in cash) the next time there is a rumour of a rumour about them.

Renee writes
at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd

Stop, pause and think

I would suggest you spend some time with yourself and decide what is it you really want from your life. When your clarity and focus are complete, the answer will come to you naturally. When you know truly what you want, your endeavor towards reaching your goal will be very clear and affirmative. Your girlfriend, if she loves you truly, will be with you in your decision. Love is all about giving each other space to grow and evolve and if someone tries to put conditions on your behavior I really wonder if it is worth it. Explain to her your point of view. Give her such a level of security in your relationship that she naturally wants to fall in with all your plans. Love is about feeling safe and secure with each other and once you are sure of yourself, all will fall into place.

Life on the serious side

I am a 19, and studying for a degree in an art college. I am very fond of music and dancing and having found happiness in one particular relationship. This is with another boy who is also studying art in my class. The problem here is that I have my own set of values and standards and I totally believe that life is only about having one great relationship, and marriage is not on my agenda. Please tell me how to deal with this, as my parents are orthodox and my boyfriend is from a Brahmin family while I am a Punjabi Sikh. I did speak to my family about him but my parents, who disapprove of my artistic nature, seem to think I should give him up and take up a sensible vocation. Just when life seems so good they do this to me. I do not want to hurt them but I cannot give up on the best relationship in my life. Please tell me what would be the best thing to do.

Harsha Malhotra, Chandigarh

You seem to be lively, intense and full of fun. You have the elixir of life strong in you. We, who are blessed souls, always do feel passionately about everything. It is good to know you have an artistic temperament and have found a companion who enhances your nature and your feelings. But my dear, life is all not fun and laughter. It has this flip side to it, the serious one which needs to be dealt with along with our passions. Since we are social creatures and society is important to us in many ways, certain rules and regulations or lets say certain levels of social conformity need to be dealt with. You can always decide on marriage as an option, or you can just get your parents mind to rest by telling them about some concrete future plans you are making and settling your environment. Life becomes much easier if you do not need to constantly fight with the circumstance around you. When people around you are happy, you are on the road to success as all your energies are focused in a positive direction and negativity is not getting you anyway. Explain to your parents your point of view. I am sure if you would they will understand. This way you will have your boyfriend and your parent's approval. Focus on life to make it more grounded, all will be great for you.

Love to live life

I am a married guy in my late 20's and I am really madly in love with my wife. I seem to be obsessing over her. She comes from a highly educated family in California and her father is a professor in the university there. I am from a simple Punjab family in India. We met on the flight from the USA to Delhi as I had gone for a formal degree in Business Management there. Now, I have a job in a small town in Punjab, as I am very keen to be near my parents. I am their only son and they had spent a lot of money on my education abroad. I was keen that they move to the US with me but they do not want to leave their roots, as they love their life here. I must say that now I feel completely torn between what is the right thing to do. My wife stays here at home and is starting to study again as she is very young. But I feel that this is no life for her as she has no friends and the environment is very different. Please advise on how to make her happy and get rid of thus guilt I seem to be feeling.

Mohit Baweja, Bhatinda

It's all great, no fears please, why are you sounding like a little boy scared to be happy. You have it all going for you, the girl of your dreams and you are even making your parents happy by living up to their expectations. Now that life is so terribly sorted for you, it s perhaps some of your childhood insecurities that are surfacing. You just need to deal with these childhood fears of yours and you will be on the road to success in every way. Well, faith is what you need to have faith in the Universal Consciousness that it guides you and protects you in the right way. Your wife definitely loves you as out of a level of choice she has decided to live in India with you. Learn to enjoy the feeling and please do not obsess with fear and start sending her the wrong signals. Some people are very well adjusted within, themselves and very happy wherever they live. The happiness has to come from within then the place where you are really does not matter. Your baseless fears are a lack of confidence in your own self. Learn to feel that level of confidence within you, once that happens you will calm down, ease out and also stop questioning life. Just enjoy your life for the moment. The answers will come to you as and when required if need be.

Pretty painful

Animal instinct
Gagan K. Teja

Call of the green
Tribune News Service

Satish Narula (second from the left) on the release of his book, Chandigarh Gardens and Greens

As part of the programme to make Chandigarh one of the greenest cities of the World, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM released a book Chandigarh Gardens and Greens, at the Zakir Rose Garden on Wednesday.

Authored by Satish Narula, the book gives a glimpse of greening plans and greening activism, besides a detailed account of the city's parks and gardens and the future vision to develop Chandigarh as a Green City, through public-private partnerships.

Jean Rodrigues, Home Secretary, UT, Ram Niwas, vice chancellor of Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, Manjit Singh Kang, chief engineer, Surinder Pal and various other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration and PAU, Ludhiana were present on the occasion.

Interacting with the senior officers and landscaping experts on the occasion, General Rodrigues called for a more pro-active approach to develop new varieties of Roses in the Rose garden, which is being revitalised by adding new features and infrastructure support system. He emphasized the need for launching a programme to develop hybrid roses, under the guidance and supervision of the proposed Rose Society, conceptualised to popularise roses and propagate rose culture in the city. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has granted Rs 269.80 lakh for the restructuring of Rose Garden and various structures are being erected along the periphery and walkways in the garden to support rose creepers and other fragrant bushes.

Pet Pick
Grab the Lab

Lost and found

• Lost a male golden colour Labrador, one year old, wearing a black and red collar from Punjab Engineering college campus on October 17 evening.
• Found a lost male black Labrador dog, two or three years old, found from Sector -44 B Chandigarh on November 6.
• Lost a mixed Pomeranian male dog, four-and-half-year-old, white and brown, lost on October 31 from House No. 20, Sector -18, Panchkula