Laugh out loud!

Comedies made a huge impact on the small screen this year.

THE FUNNY BONE: The new comic capers on TV
not only tickle you but also make you feel good

SAAS-BAHU sagas that ruled the Indian television have gone out of fashion. They have been replaced by light-hearted soaps that have made their way into Indian homes. This year saw shows that could make you laugh, and make you want to ask for more. If Tulsi and Parvati were the empresses of yesteryear, Suhana Bajpayee of Sasural Genda Phool and Daya Jethalal Gada of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are the new flavours of the season. This is not the first time that television has been swamped by such shows. Not so long ago, Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai, Khichdi and Ba Bahu Aur Baby ruled the charts. This year, television saw many shows like Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo, Papad Pol-Shahbuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya, Saas Bina Sasural and Sasural Genda Phool do really well with the audiences. Other shows, including Comedy Circus and Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah garnered praises as well.

Ask Archana Puran Singh, judge on Comedy Circus and actor, and she says, “There is enough in the world that one can cry about. The onion prices make people cry. But the fun shows make you laugh till you get tears in your eyes. With people losing their jobs and recession making you sad, you want to watch shows that would make you smile and entertain you.” Comedy has made such an impact that even when big shows air during prime time, sections of the audience prefer comic serials. “People want to get entertained. They are picking up fast, and the real-life saas and bahu wish to laugh now,” says Krushna Abhishek, stand-up comedian and actor. Remembering an incident, where he was given a tight security before a performance, he narrates, “It was weird to see so much of security for me. I was like I am not Shah Rukh Khan, mujhe security nahi chahiye. But when I got off the stage. I saw the crowd. They had gone berserk. That’s the kind of popularity comedy shows have.”

Many makers look beyond the craft of making stereotypical comedies. Says EVP and Business head of a leading t e l ev i s i o n ch a n n e l , A n o o j Kapoor, “ Yo u cannot call Papad Pol, Sajan re and others comedies as they are light-hearted family entertainment shows. They have a refreshing and positive feel. Also, there has been an overdose of saas-bahu sagas. People are welcoming light-hearted shows with a smile.” Shows with the right mix of wit and emotion make for wholesome entertainment. TV actor Dilip Joshi aka Jethalal of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah rightly says, “These shows are like Gujarati thalis, and they have a bit of everything.” We agree!

A musical welcome

Get ready to dance to the tunes of Meiyang Chang and DJ Angel at Le Royale and welcome 2011 in style

ROCKING:

DJ Angel and (left) Meiyang Chang

TO ring in the New Year with music, merry and lots of masti, Le Royale has organised a perfect New Year Eve party. The gala night can be enjoyed at four different venues with four different party themes. There is a party for everyone, the young, adult and the little ones. Multi-talented singer, actor and now a dancer, Meiyang Chang, will perform live in Pune for the first time at the outdoor venue. The super excited Chang says, “It will be my first concert in Pune, and I am looking forward to it. I wish to play all kinds of songs, so there will be a right mix of old and new and fast and slow numbers.”

DJ Angel will set the dance floor on fire with some of the most loved songs of 2010. In addition, a dance troupe will perform to popular Bollywood songs at the outdoor venue. DJ Tushar will liven up the party at Sports Lounge with DJ Sandy and DJ Shayne at the pool side, who will woo you with their tracks. Even the kids can enjoy themselves at the gaming zone. Rocking music, dance, fireworks, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun. It’s truly going to be wholesome entertainment for the entire family at Le Royale, Hinjewadi.

Track record

Many flop movies delivered hit music this year.

BOLLYWOOD has experienced several downs this year. The hype around most films was followed by a Friday which declared it a super-dud. Priyanka and Ranbir promised to sizzle onscreen with Anjaana Anjaani, but the audience came out of the movie theatres ‘anjaan’ about the storyline. Something similar happened with I Hate Luv Storys, which the viewers really hated. But,though most movies sank without a trace, their music lived on in our minds. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh agrees, “These days, songs are marketed differently. Even the masses are aware that the song, most of the time, has nothing to do with the film at all.” So, do songs have the power to make a movie a hit? He adds, “Songs definitely attract many viewers to the theatres, like in the case of Munni and Sheila. But in many cases,the audience goes with a lot of expectations and ends up being disappointed.”

This year, even if the movie turned out to be a bad product, the melody of its song made an impact on the audiences. As singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan explains, “Music is a very powerful medium to lure the audience. To top it, if the movie turns to be good, then it goes to another level. But these days, songs are made such that they come with an inbuilt power to sustain. I love Uff Teri ada from Karthik Calling Karthik, Zor ka Jhatkafrom Action Replayyand Gal Mithi Mithi Bolfrom Aisha, but I cannot say the same about the movies.” Film critic Deepa Gahlot feels that music plays a big role in getting a film noticed. She says, “There have been many who have said that they went to watch the Akshay-Katrina starrer just for the song Sheila ki Jawani. Good numbers surely help the movie stay in the minds of the people a little longer. It’s an emotional gimmick.” MBA student Manish Nerlerker agrees, “When I first heard the song of Break ke Baad and Jhootha hi Sahi, I got really addicted. And when the movies released I went to watch it with my friends. It was a bad experience though.”

The popularity of songs can be gauged by the number of requests DJs get to play them. DJ Agnel narrates one such incident, “Whenever I play Sheila ki Jawani I get an encore. They don’t mind me repeating some hot favorite songs on 2010 like Sheila, again and again. That’s the kind of impact the songs make.” Zor Ka Jhatka from Action Replayy, Dhanno from Housefull, Anjaana Anjaani and Tujhe Bhula Diya from Anjaana Anjaani and Break Ke Baad’s Ajab Leherare some other tracks which have been popular on the dance floor and on the blockbuster list. But DJ Akbar Sami disagrees. He says, “It’s not just the movies but also the songs which haven’t been very good this year. They have a really short disc life.”

But ask the audience and they don’t seem to care about the statistics and numbers.As Anjali Chandra, a marketing professional says,“For some movies,the 70mm experience was terrible,but I thoroughly loved the naach-gaana. I love grooving to Zor ka Jhatka from Action Replayy and Nain Parindey from Lafangey Parindey.” As long as good music is churned out, music lovers can’t complain. But what about the movie lovers? Will their eyesores be treated in 2011? Suppose only time can tell!

SMALL SCREEN TURNS BIG!

Several big stars made an impact on the television with their respective shows.

SMALL IS BIG: (Clockwise)

Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra,

Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan.

TELEVISION was ‘big this year. It got its’ touch of glamour and oomph with the reigning stars of Bollywood hosting various shows on the small screen. While Priyanka Chopra as the host of Khatron ke Khiladi brought in the glam quotient, Salman Khan as the host of Bigg Boss Season 4 was hot property. Amitabh Bachchan’s charm on the other side of the hot seat of Kaun Banega Crorepati was a class apart, while Akshay Kumar as the master chef of Master Chef India wooed food lovers with his expert advice. The year ended on a glamourous note with the entry of Madhuri Dixit as the judge for the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. 

The rush of Bollywood biggies has received a tremendous welcome. Although Big B’s hot seat garnered the highest TRPs, Salman Khan was loved for his unique style. Television anchor and actor Ronit Roy confesses that he might have missed watching Bigg Boss from Monday to Thursday. But, he made it a point to watch the Friday and Saturday episodes that has Salman Khan as the host. He says, “No one can come closer to Mr Bachchan apart from him. Big B is obviously nothing short of a phenomenon. But Salman has managed to do what others couldn’t. It is because of his trademark style that he has been loved on the television screen.” Agreeing with Ronit Roy is television actor Aamir Ali, “Both of them were wonderful in their respective shows. I am happy Big B was back on KBC. I didn’t like him as the host of Bigg Boss as it didn’t go with his persona and style. A m i t ab h Bachchan and Salman Khan got the kind of shows that they could completely justify. Salman wooed all with his charm and style and Amitabh Bachchan with his class.”

Salman, in particular, seems to have floored all the girls with his signature dance style and humour. Television actress Urvashi Dholakia explains, “People can relate to his style. His frank nature, and also the fact that he is a natural, work in his favour. It didn’t seem like he was reading out of a tele-prompter. It felt real.” Television host Mini Mathur says, “Hosting is not about being smart and cute. I think Mr Bachchan truly justified his role as the host of KBC. Others seemed to be just eyeball grabbers.”

But television host Manish Paul feels that each actor brought in his own individual style to the small screen. He says, “All were good. Akshay as a host of the cookery show is great as he has his own experiences. Big B with his personal touch and connect was superb. But I think Madhuri Dixit on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa beats them all. I got a chance to dance with her as a host once and, trust me, I was smiling all day.” Ask him who was the better host amongst Priyanka and Akshay for Khatron ke Khiladi and he is quick to reply, “Akshay is the original Khiladi. No one can replace him.” The influx of Bollywood biggies on the small screen has been a super hit. While some might have just missed making a big mark, nobody is complaining!

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

What does Christmas mean for diverse individuals?

HERE COMES SANTA:
The Christmas festival brings out
wonderful feelings and memories in people

FOR some, it means celebrating love and peace. For others, it means food and wine. December 25 is not just another day in the calendar. It’s an expression of joy, an experience of happiness and a feeling of blessing. And obviously, it also means loads and loads of gifts. As model, actor and former Miss World Diana Hayden agrees, “It’s actually a time to exchange presents. And it’s the shopping part that gives you the feel that Christmas is arriving. Other than that, the best part about Christmas are the coconut sweets. That’s the traditional dish I have been having since childhood during Christmas, and that’s what I love the most. It’s time to celebrate with friends and family. It’s the time to get together.” 

Since childhood, most of us have believed that a plump and friendly man in red would climb down our chimney and load our stockings with many gifts. And actress Vidya Malavade still hopes for the same. “I look forward to any occasion that I can spend with family and friends. This time I will be going to Lonavala. This time too I hope to wake up to loads of gifts in my stockings,” she smiles. Actress Gul Panag adds, “The first thing that comes to my mind is Santa Claus! It’s not a big, big celebration for me but I love the way everything is lit up — the shops, the malls, the streets and the whole spirit of the festival.”

Christmas is the day when Santa gives away his goodies. But it also means lighting up the homes and praying to the Lord for peace and happiness. Former VJ Maria Goretti says, “For me, Christmas brings memories of making the crib and decorating the tree with my mum and sister. Apart from this, I love the Christmas mass as it gives me so much peace and happiness. I also love preparing the Christmas lunch. And this time too, I have planned an elaborate menu for the day. From Chicken roast to cheese cakes rum balls and tarts, it’s all going to be a big party with my family.”

With so much of joy and happiness around, the day also triggers off memories and nostalgia. As lead guitarist of Agnee Koko says, “I have fond memories of Christmas. I remember I was ten, and the Christmas that year was the first ever party of my life. There were the f e s t ive decorations, live music, smartly dressed guys and gals dancing. Till then, dancing and music was only on TV, but I was there watching it live. It was also the first time I had turkey. C h r i s t m a s means a lot to me.”

Christmas means different things for different people. But in the end, it’s all about lighting up your lives. So this time, conquer despair, impart happiness, forgive sins and start a new beginning. Merry Christmas.

Divine recipes

Christmas brings with it, an array of special recipes.

DELELCTABLE TREATS:
Unusual recipes and superb dishes
are being prepared in the city this Christmas

CHRISTMAS not only means lots of goodies, celebrations, gifts and fun but also loads of exquisite dishes. The restaurants have made sure that they kept up with the spirit of Christmas by crafting a Christmasspecial menu. As Nikheel Shirodkar, Executive Chef, Ibis Pune says, “Our salad bar has Christmas Sauerkraut Salad, traditional oven roasted turkey with roast gravy, creamy potato and Cranberry sauce and much more. Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, devil chocolate cake, apple frangipani tart, Yule log and Fruit Pavlova follow next. We try to keep our meal as authentic as possible. Then we mix our creativity. Thus, the final menu has our essence intact but with our touch.” Christmas is all about plum cakes, Irish puddings, brownies, and variety of colourful pastries. But the city restaurants are not stopping there.

As Chef Elangovan Shanmugam, Executive Chef at Vivanta by Taj Blue Diamond, says, “We have planned an elaborate menu for our guests with almost 25 salads, variety of sauces, dressings and dips, a huge spread of veg and non-veg items and more than 30 desserts. This Christmas will surely be delicious. To add to the festive fervour, the hotel is lit up with colourful lights. The lobby is decorated with a beautiful Gingerbread house, and we are also having carol singing for the guests. Chef Kishen, Executive Chef, Sayaji Hotel, Wakad adds, “Our special Christmas menu would include chicken nuggets with tangy tomato dip, fish finger with tartare sauce, sticky toffee pudding served with vanilla ice cream, yule log, chicken strognoff, grilled fish with lemon butter sauce and much more.” 

Where some are trying to keep the spirit as authentic as possible, there are some who like it the desi way. As Santosh Jori, Executive Chef at Westin says, “We have planned a very different menu for our guests. Apart from the plum cakes, turkey dishes and Yule log, we have given a nice twist to the regular recipes. To add fun to the festive mood, we are planning a family competition on cake decoration during brunch on December 25 and 26. The special attraction would be the Ice bar, where dishes would be served in ice carved bowls. We also plan to mix drinks and seafood and give it a twist.”

Everyone’s trying their best to keep up with the spirit of festivities. As Shailendra Kekade, executive chef Stone Water Grill says, “Every element blends together in a synergy of unparalleled ambience, great setting and contemporary fare. We have Roasted Beetroot Purée, Kokum and Sour Cream, Tiger Prawn Carpaccio, Smoked Oyster, and Vegetable Shortcrust Pastry. We have used festive ingredients like Smoked Turkey and Cranberry Salsa and cherries. The response is fantastic, and everything gets sold out in minutes. Our USP is that we try to keep things simple. We never try to make our dishes sound exotic.”
The themes could be different. But definitely the intentions are the same — loads of festive fun, a feast and a merry Christmas. 

FOR MEN ONLY?

Versatile dressing and a need for variety has driven many city girls to the men’s section of stores. 

Many women are choosing to shop from the men’s section

 IT’S all about comfortable clothing these days. And one of the most favourite outfits for any woman to throw on is a nice, trendy, oversized t-shirt and leggings or jeans. But where to find these versatile roomy tees? City girls have found the perfect answer to this question — the men’s section. Be it formal or casual, it’s the latest fashion funda of many girls in the city to shop garments that are ‘made for men’ for more reasons than one. Admits Shweta Tiwari, a college student, “The reason I love wearing men’s tees is that they have amazing prints and quotes on them, something that’s not available in such vari ety in the girl’s section.”
    For the perfect casual look, teaming up an over-sized tee with hot pants is what Mass Communication student Manisha Bagle suggests, “One day, while searching for a Tshirt to go with my new hot pants, I laid my hands on a cool, slouchy teeshirt in my wardrobe. It was my brother’s! I tried it on and loved the combo. So, now I go and shop at my brother’s favourite shopping hotspot for my casual wear.” And why just keep it casual? Add a vest, a waist coat, a cardigan or even a belt and throw it on with denim, leggings, shorts or skirts. You’ll be comfortable, yet chic.

But, it’s not always for casual tees that you will find women loitering around in the men’s section. A need for a variety in jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters is also making women shop the XS or S size of the same from the men's section. “I feel there are only a few jackets available for girls which give you a smart look. Most of them make you look girly. So I bought these really cool winter wear from the men’s section. It was thick, warm, and very smart and exactly the kind I was looking out for. It does not really matter from which section you pick it up. What is important is your confidence and the way you carry it off,” feels design student Jyotsana Reddy.

But Kavita Sharma went a step ahead to shop from men’s section. When she entered the women’s section to buy formal wear, she found it difficult to choose from the pink, light blue and reds that were available. So she bought the smallest size available in the men’s section. She recalls, “Just out of college, I wanted to buy some good formal wear for my first job. I tired the shirts available for girls, but they were either too tight, too girly (with floral prints) or bright coloured. I then tried the smallest size available in men’s section and it fit me good. I picked up many shirts with a variety of stripes and in different colours. For the funky look, I love tuck them in.” Next time you see a girl checking out your tee, you’ll know the reason could be much more than your good looks. Obviously, when she can look cool, stylish and manage to wear her attitude in her sleeves, literally with some funky quotes, why should she care where she picked it up from. Right?

CANVAS SUITS

Have you noticed that teaming up canvas shoes with formals has become the ‘in’ thing?



PICTURE this. At a high society party, you spot this dashing guy dressed to perfection, wearing international labels from top to bottom... well nearly. ‘Coz before a ‘wow’ comes out of you automatically, you suddenly notice his red canvas shoes. Are you shocked? You should not be, since canvas shoes and a formal attire is not exactly a fashion faux pas any longer. Footwear designer Rohan Arora explains, “These days, it’s more about individualistic styling rather than what you see on the ramp. If someone is wearing canvas shoes with a formal suit then I wouldn’t say it looks bad, provided the person can actually carry it off with confidence and style.” Canvas shoes, though, has always been associated with being casual, funky and young. So how does it fit in with formal wear? He adds, “Party shoes can be replaced with canvas shoes. They look good with all kinds of clothes, be it a pair of denims, casual pants or formal trousers. Plus, canvas shoes are always easy to dance in, which is a high point of every party these days.” A smartly dressed man in black has always been a treat to the eyes. So, is this cool and casual look accepted by the girls? Smriti Gupta, a fashion student, says, “Men look great in formal wear. But, I don’t think they look bad when they team up sneakers with suits. I think it makes them look more comfortable, very individualistic and grounded.” 

For many, fashion has become synonymous with comfort. Agrees fashion designer Vivek Karunakaran, “I have been a die-hard fan of canvas shoes for a few years now. I have an entire collection of such shoes in all available colours . I literally live in them. It’s about how comfortable and stylish you feel in them.” Canvas shoes add that refreshing touch to an otherwise predictable look. Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have been seen teaming up sneakers with their formal attires for red carpet events. “Stars have always been the leaders in setting trends. But, this does not mean that the world is going casual. This is just one-of-a-kind style statement,” tells designer Debarun Mukherjee. Being stylishly comfortable seems to be the newest funda for youngsters. As long as girls are able to dance for hours at a stretch without getting a sprain or boys get a chance to add vibrancy to their outfit, will anyone complain about this trend? Don’t think so.

Training that counts

Many management students have benefited from corporate training and soft skill workshops

(From Left) Minocher Patel, Apurv Choubey

handing over the certificate to a student and Chetan Wakalkar

TO make their management students stand apart and get the best soft skills, communication and corporate training in the industry, Indira Group of Institutes joined hands with Ecole Solitaire, India’s first residential finishing school, ten years back. This long association has seen thousands of management graduates of Indira discover their true potential under the guidance of internationally acclaimed corporate trainer and India’s leading motivational speaker, Minocher Patel.



Students enjoying the session

To celebrate their long association, and to give out certificates to the students who have benefited from the workshops, the Indira Group organised a ceremony recently. To felicitate the students, group director Chetan Wakalkar, director, IIDEA professor Manju Phadke, director- ISCD professor V Nulkar, and executive director PGP programmes professor P K Divakaran were present on the occasion. The chief guest for the event was director, human resources of a global MNC, Apurv Choubey, and founder and director of Ecole Solitaire, Minocher Patel. Addressing the students, group director Chetan Wakalkar said, “Indira is a pioneer in this field. There are many students with good academic scores but who loose out on big opportunities as they are not totally confident and get nervous when addressing a group of people. This is where soft skill and corporate training matters.” 

(From Left) Prof Manju Phadke,

Prof P K Divakaran, Prof V Nulkar

Minocher Patel adds, “The ten years of association with Indira has been really fruitful. I have seen many students grow into successful corporate professionals. And, when they call you, years after they had attended the workshop just to say how the classes has changed their life for the better, you feel satisfied.” The workshops had definitely benefited the students tremendously as many came forward to speak about the positive change the classes had brought into their lives, and how the program had lead to their holistic development.

ARGUING FOR THE BETTER

SWEET NOTHINGS: Fights add sweetness to a relationship

as they help you understand the importance of each other better

The odd tiff with your partner can actually strengthen your relationship.

IMAGINE a relationship with your partner without fights. Imagine it filled with sweetness, 24x7 happiness and no complaints. Sounds quite boring right? Most of us might not even realise the importance of those little fights and arguments, but many believe that they can actually make a relationship stronger in many ways. Florist Meha Pathak says, “I like it when my husband and I fight. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not the fight that I enjoy, but the after-fight rituals where he comes to resolve and make up for the fight. That’s the time when I love to throw some attitude. He knows it too. So he does everything that would make me feel special and loved. It brings us closer.” Nisha Mehra, an advertising professional, remembers the first time she and her boyfriend had a fight in their eight-monthlong relationship. “He is not very expressive when it comes to sharing his feelings. But, the first time he gave words to his feelings was when he tried to reconcile. Then we got talking, chalked down our areas of problems and things are so much better now.”

Life would definitely be colourless sans the usual cribbing about shoes not kept in place or food being served too cold, or the (clichéd) wet towel left on the bed. These little nothings add sweetness to a relationship because only when you have actually weathered a storm together do you understand the importance of each other more. When Falguni Sharma, a working professional fought with her fiancée for the first time and didn’t talk to him for a few days, she understood his worth. “The fight was for a trivial reason. But the innate romantic in him surfaced after that and I got loads of gifts and flowers. From my end, I realised how to handle his mood swings and him. I understood that I couldn’t afford to lose him.”

Yes, fights help you to understand your partner better. But counsellor Anita Bhatt feels that a line needs to be drawn. She adds, “When you are angry, you tend to give way to your inner thoughts and feelings. You come to know what your partner is expecting from you and where you need to develop. If you know where to draw the line and make up for those bitter moments, fights help create a better understanding.” Engineer Rahul Gupta confesses, “When my girlfriend and I have a fight, things become very awkward. I totally ignore her during that time. But she, being the more patient one, sends sweet SMSes, and makes my favourite dish to bring my smile back. These things just make me realise how lucky I am.”

It is said that ‘a little fight as a spice in a dish is required to make things palatable. But it should not be too spicy.’ We agree.

Battle of the fests

Local colleges are having bigger festivals than ever before.

FEST ZEST: Creativity and enthusiasm are at an all- time high

in these huge college fests

IT’S that time of the year again when city youths gear up for college festivals. Right from the basic groundwork to the last minute preparations for the D-day, students put in their 100 per cent to make their college fest a huge success. A look at the city fests proves that, with each passing year, the fests are getting bigger and better.

Fests are not just growing in terms of the number of participants, it is big money too. Anirban Sengupta, core member of the event committee at Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, says, “The entire budget of the annual fest Neev is 60 lakhs. It’s the biggest college event in Pune, and the second biggest B-school festival in India with over 7,000 students witnessing the mega event.” The fest, which concluded recently, had rock band Parikrama perform live at their campus. The various competitions held as a part of the fest included business case study competitions, battle of bands and a three-day competition in search for the best student manager of the country. The prize money for the competition is 2 lakhs.

Add caption

Another fest that has caught the attention of Puneites is Crescendo, a pan-India event solely managed by students of ISB&M. Last year, the college fest saw the likes of Pritam, Javed Ali, Atif Aslam and Mohit Chauhan perform live. So, which celebrity guest is going to set the stage on fire this year? Aditya Singh, main coordinator of the fest, tells us, “We have invited Mika, K ay Kay and Fardikot. You will see one of them perform for us.” Highlighting the other aspects of the event, Aditya says, “This year, our theme is Go Green. We plan to include water dancing, de-virtualisation of a social networking site and a Rajasthani theme decor.” The total budget for the event is approximately to 50 lakhs. 

While most of the fests deal with one particular aspect, students at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology want to stand out by creating the right mix of all activities. They aptly called their fest Melange, which includes sports, technical, and co-curricular activities. Melange has become quite a rage with the students. “Last year, we had Agnee for our grand finale. We are inviting Indian Ocean to conclude the seven-day festival this year,” says Parth Kulkarni, third year B-tech student. The fest attracts more than 30,000 students and they spend over 40 lakh for the event. The other activities being held at the fest include a robotics competition, a dance competition and a variety of sports tournaments. 

While colleges try to keep the glamour and fun quotient high with celeb talks and music concerts, they also develop interesting ideas that make their event stand apart from the rest. Ajinkya Kulthe, chairpersonstudents council at SAE India-MIT Collegiate Branch enthusiastically shares, “Our fest, which is titled Axlerate 2011 is going to be bigger and better for sure. We are working on the theme of nurturing growth. The thought behind the theme is to facilitate the symbiotic growth of technology and nature. We have also invited a few corporate honchos and environmentalists to enlighten us further.” Sports enjoy a lot of attention among students. So, 800 teams from 70 colleges coming together for one such grand event, comes as no surprise. “Zest 2011 is a national level sports event with over 16,000 students participating,” tells Harish Bawaskar, BTech mechanical engineering student of College of Engineering, Pune. Highlighting the sports activities that are a part of the fest, Tejas Inamdar, head of Zest 2011, COEP, says, “We are including sports activities spanning from baseball, bridge, badminton, athletics, football, water polo, chess, rowing, cricket, kabaddi, to kho-kho among others.”

The energy that you feel in the colleges during these fests is contagious and one cannot help but get carried away with it. That’s the ‘larger than life’ story of these college fests. What’s your story?

ACE OF FACE

Making a mark 

The students of Symbiosis Institute of Art and Commerce put up some impressive acts on day eleven of Clean and Clear^TM Pune Times Fresh Face 2010. 



THE fresh faces at the Symbiosis Institute of Art and Commerce raised the temperature a few degrees higher on the 11th day of Clean and ClearTM Pune Times Fresh Face 2010. Model Saghar Irani and RJ Rahul from Radio Mirchi 98.3FM, the judges for the day looked clearly excited. “I am expecting some really cool performances from the participants here. And I am sure the contestants will have some really happening acts to stage,” said a thrilled Saghar Irani. The participants didn’t disappoint them either and put up some really sizzling performances. As they danced, sang and staged various acts, the crowd cheered and hooted them. 

SINGING SENSATION:

Students impressed the judges

with their singing talent

While the dancers set the stage on fire with their versions of Sheila Ki Jawani, Munni Badnam Hui, and Babuji, the singers got the audience swaying to their romantic renditions. While dancing to Munni Badnam were the Malaikas of Symbiosis, there was a guy Abdul Ahad, who showed his wished to be the badnam ‘Munna’. He danced to the hit number and added zing to the character that he was portraying. But the one who gave a stellar performance was Meghna Alex who sang Hero by Mariah Carey. The latkas and jhatkas of the girls too charmed the audience. While Madhavender Singh Chauhan's ramp walk clicked well with the judges, Dhanish Hamid’s rapping of Eminem’s Rabbit Run Left the audience in awe. 

THE FINAL WORD:

Judges RJ Rahul of Radio Mirchi

and Model Saghar Irani

After the audience voted for their final ten contestants, the judges asked some interesting and witty questions to the participants. When Anushva Mitra was asked to chose between confidence and looks she chose confidence, adding that confidence would stay forever, unlike beauty. The semi-finalists of Clean and ClearTM Pune Times Fresh Face 2010, were Bhanu Pant, Sailee Brahme, Madhura DalviandMad-hvender Singh Chauhan.

AWESOME FOURSOME: (From left)

Sailee Brahme, Madhura Dalvi,

Madhvender Singh Chauhan, Bhanu Pant

Speaking about the contest, RJ Rahul said, “It was an exciting contest, and the beauty of such competitions is that it highlights the newest talents.” Agreeing to him was the Principal of Symbiosis Institute of Arts and Commerce, Dr Hrishikesh Soman, who said, “The exposure that shows like Fresh Face 2010 give students is incredible. The students forget their inhibitions and come forward to showcase their latent talents.” Just like Radio Mirchi 98.3FM, the hot radio partners of the event, the show turned out to be super rocking and super hot too. 

A sur‘real’ experience

A lot of young Puneites are participating in reality TV shows.

ALL of us long for those 15 seconds of fame, that short period of time when we, and only we, are the centre of attraction. But only a few manage to live this dream, among whom are those who find a way to participate in a reality show. Reality TV can turn an ordinary person into a distinct headline. And, young Puneites understand that fully, as the charm of spotlight leads them to participate in such shows. The consequence: more and more Puneites are featuring in reality shows. From dance-based shows to talent shows, you will find at least one contestant from the city. Any why not! City girl Abhilasha V Chellum of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar fame, is super excited to be among the top five contestants of the show. She says, “Shows like these give you a lot of exposure. Today, I can sing all kinds of songs, thanks to the reality show that I am a part of. The best part is that you are guided by the best in the industry. Who gets a chance to meet Vishal Shekhar so easily?” Recalling the day she met AR Rehman on the show, she says, “I was ecstatic. It was the best day of my life.” Being on the show has got Abhilasha a chance to sing in the upcoming film Satrangi Parachute, and also a chance to bring out her music album.

Reality shows are not just your claim to fame, but they can boost your career graph as well. Or sometimes, as in the case of Asif Sataar, begin a colourful journey. “It was my friends who encouraged me to take up the opportunity. I never thought I would be a part of Get Gorgeous 6. Pursuing modelling as my career had never crossed my mind. But, now I am glad it happened. People recognise me wherever I go, and it feels great when they appreciate me. Also, I have got many good offers post GG,” he says. The exposure and the recognition these shows give is unbeatable. “You really get famous. People recognise you, want to talk to you, click a picture with you etc. It really makes you feel special. You feel like a star. It’s really good to know that they like you,” quips Sufzal Saleem of Splitsvilla fame.

The glam quotient is at an all time high in reality shows. And, the best part of it all is that you get to meet the who’s who from the industry. Sabarna Chaterjee was overjoyed when she got a call to be a part of Kaun Banega Crorepati 4. Her happiness knew no bounds when she sat in front of Amitabh Bachchan on the hot seat. She recalls, “When I got the first call from KBC, I was surprised. Then, the expectations kept increasing. I really was looking forward to being on the show. The final call didn’t come for days. Then one day, it happened. Being on the show, sitting in front of Big B, it was perfect.” As cherry on the top was a prize money of 3,20, 000 that she took home. Reality bites, but in the case of these individuals, reality seems to be taking them to new heights!

Stay Haute!

With chic jackets and stylish scarves, one can beat the winter blues in style.

THE winter is round the corner. Fashion-loving Puneites are getting ready to replenish their wardrobes with all that is new and stylish. It’s time to make a splash with those long boots and sport colourful mufflers. Indulging in winter shopping and making a fashion statement with the cosiest, smoothest and the warmest winter wear is in everyone’s minds. The sun might still be playing hide and seek, but Puneites are all geared up to welcome the cool and refreshing season with style. Smart jackets, long coats, brightly coloured scarves, and sober shawls, they have bought them all.

“I love the winters,” admits modelactor Rohit Chopra. The best things about the winter, he says, are the clothes. “I love wearing sweatshirts and woollens. Recently, I spent over a lakh on two jackets that I bought from London,” he reveals. Truly, winter shopping is simply irresistible. With fashion hotspots displaying the best of the season’s collection, you just can’t ignore them. Entrepreneur Shalini Agarwala recently went for winter shopping and spent over three lakhs in the USA. She says, “Wherever you go, you can’t miss the winter wear. They are so tempting. I bought jackets, sweatshirts and corduroys for my husband and son, and splurged on scarves, boots, sweater coats, caps and much more for myself.” Winter brings with it, freshness and some beautiful things to wear. Realtor Tabassum Varma says, “I love shawls, long- sleeved tops, jackets, and polo necks. I enjoy shopping for winter wear. My favourite winter shopping destination would be the USA. They have a wide range of choices. Also, I love their fit and styling.”

Many insist that wearing long boots and long coats isn’t necessary in this part of the world. Designer Apoorva Dave has a suggestion, “You could team up long boots with short skirts and wear a multicoloured scarf with a monotoned stringy top. You do not have to really wait for the winter to begin. A slight chill in the air is enough to bring out those long coats of yours.”  While the colour forecast for the season are dark shades, including burgundy, navy blue, military green, aubergines and charcoals, designer Purvi Doshi feels, “Winters welcome a burst of colours, both bright and dark. While you can sport a purple jacket, you could also wear a fuschia coloured sweater. Then there are these bright coloured scarves that can jazz up a plain outfit.” 

Winter is that one pleasant season in which we can bring out the best of styles from our w a r d r o b e s, and add new ones to our collection too. It stands for eve r y t h i n g cool, right from the temperatures to the outfits. It’s time to make your choices, dear friends. So, what are you waiting for?

Play it on!

Pune is witnessing a steep rise in the number of gaming pros.

THE energy and the mood when you enter a gameplex are contagious. The high-spirited cubicles of the gaming cafes are filled with youngsters who are hooked to their game stations for almost the whole day. Therefore, it does not come as surprise that the city houses 300 cafes which offer gaming alongside other facilities and there are more than 50 exclusive gaming zones. When one starts playing these games, it’s too tough to keep yourself away from a gaming station. “I have been gaming for the past 10 years. I still can’t get enough of it. I’m addicted to the virtual world. In Pune, there are a lot of youngsters, both guys and girls, involved with gaming. Virtually speaking, they love to wear the headgear and gun down terrorists,” says Esu Eshal, who has won an individual game in half-life tournament while his group secured the second position in a Counter Strike tournament held locally. But, is it just passion that draws so many people towards gaming? Lalit Nangia, from the clan Acid which has ruled country’s cyber waves, answers, “It’s a passion for many. But after some time, when you gain c o n f i d e n c e and are playing real good, then obviously you wish to take it a step further and participate in the various tournaments held. We had qualified for the World Cyber Games championship and if we would have won it, we could have brought home 40,000 US dollars. But, even qualifying for a championship of this stature is an achievement in itself.” Today, if you are to win the championship, you could win up to a whopping 250,000 US dollars, the official site states.

Winning a national cyber gaming tournament could get you anywhere between 5000 to one lakh. Some of present clans who have make their mark in national tournaments are Flawless Gaming, XcD, Team ALH, Team 300, Hawk, RG and 2easy. “Gaming thrives on tournaments, and there are regular tournaments which we conduct, both locally and nationally. Some of the teams which have gained the status of champions in the city are XCD, OT^B, Infamous, L0S, and DOD. It is a growing industry, and while it kick-starts as a passion, there are many who make a career in gaming,” says Himanshu Yagnik, business head of one of leading gameplexes in the city. The gameplex gets at least 60 walk-ins per day. Another reason why youngsters are getting passionately involved with the plethora of exciting worlds the virtual gaming offers is the challenge and the thrill it offers. Brainstorming, time management, alertness, terms that are often associated with a boardroom meeting, have a lot to do with gaming. Gaming requires huge amounts of skill, strategy, speed and adaptability. Explains Kamlesh Kelkar, owner of a gaming cafe in city, he says, “What keeps them so involved in the games are the challenges. Each day brings with it a new challenge. Every game is different- the map, the trap and you can never predict the next move. Each day you need a different strategy and a different plan.”

Gaming field is fast evolving in the city and with so many youngsters getting hooked to the virtual world of gaming, Pune is soon to witness a gaming revolution!

THE NEW DIMENSION

Theatre artistes in the city are exploring the visual medium for their plays.



VISUAL DRAMA: Artistes feel visuals help enhance the effect of plays

THINK theatre and you think dramatic artists and an elaborate stage. But can you relate theatre to technology? Today, it’s all about being innovative and creative. Theatre artistes are saluting this change, and embracing it by going techno. Theatre enthusiasts can get a slice of that with plays being staged with the help of visuals. When artiste and director Hina Siddiqui, saw the play Sex, Morality and Censorship, she was inspired to use visuals to tell her story too. “Last year, I saw them use footage of advertisements and movies to talk about morality and censorship. That's what inspired me. I think we were the first in Pune to use visuals for English plays.” She went on to use visuals for Sapphire Butterfly Blue and A Thousand Paper Cranes. She adds, “We used real-life footage to create a visual context for the audience. This made the problems more real and relatable to the audience. They could feel the emotions better and that took the play a niche higher; from being just a fiction to a true story." But it’s not just theatre artists who are loving this experiment with the new medium; it’s also the audience. As the images move, the visuals add an extra dimension on stage. As theatre enthusiast Arunima Sharma agrees,

“Visuals help in a better understanding of the concept. Recently I saw a play that had a slide show of images of real happenings in the background. It helped us feel the story better. Visuals definitely give authenticity and a real-life feel to plays.” Obviously, visuals have the capacity to include facts, figures and statistics something that adds credibility. Moreover images and facts on a screen, have a bigger appeal than people enacting them out. Also, visuals give you an opportunity to play around with ideas, something that made creative director Shiladitya Roy use them for his play, Darjiparar Marjinara. He says, “Visuals provide concrete settings and at other times just the perspective. For this particular play, I used static visuals which were more of an enhancement. The entire script was in the form of poetry. So most of the images were like metaphors leaving the spectators amazed.”

The trend of using visuals is not new to theatre though. “It is just a workaround for elaborate Cyclorama settings which used to be the forte of Elizabethan plays. It is technology that has now lent its might to the stage. And we of course learnt it from the Bolshoi theatre in Russia,” Roy informs. While including visuals could help you enhance the act, it could also backfire. Director Sarang Sathaye warns, “Although visuals help interpret narratives, it should not be overused. It could kill your play. We need to do justice to the play by using it where ever necessary and creating a balance.” For a play titled Tichee 17 Prakarne, he has used the contrasting visuals and live cameras to add depth to the act.

Exploring new avenues and being different surely adds zing to a performance. While long narratives and influence of sutradhar has time and again added drama, the use of digital medium is indeed an interesting addition!

Haute winter

Designers suggest warm shades for a cool season

WINTER brings along with it a fresh breeze of fashion trends. It’s time to dig into the cosy jackets, sport those vibrant sweaters, and show off the long boots. It might not be very cold, but, we still love to team up a bright coloured sweater with a simple formal shirt, and put on those jackets for the evening party. It’s fun and it’s stylish apart from giving you a break from the routine. Also, the colours, textures and designs of winter wear are simply tempting. Just like designer Debarun Mukherjee who loves his long coats and turtle neck sweaters. He says “Even though it’s not too cold in India to actually opt for these winter wear, I simply adore my coats and sweaters. For me, it’s a smart option for a formal gathering. When teamed up with corduroys or Italian fit trousers they look great on men. For a casual look though, men could wear the evergreen ice-coloured denims and a bright coloured shirt. For girls, it could be a mid length skirt with tight fit jacket or a dried coloured shirt with multi-coloured scarf or muffler. Half sleeve jackets too look great on women.”

Winter is the season to experiment with colours and designs. You can try different stuff, mix and match fabrics and colours to give it an edgy touch. Designer Smriti Gupta suggests, “Make it funky and add the quirky element to your wear. People want to wear something that is comfortable and stylish.” Talking about her latest collection she says, “I have used embellishments and lots of geometric shapes including circles, checks and stripes. A constructed look is definitely not ‘in’. Opt for drapes.

Winter calls for more layers, and it’s also a great time to look good while getting all covered up. Designer Purvi Doshi says, “Winters are all about layering of the garments. Coats with falling lapels, capes and hoods are nice options for you protect yourself from the chill.” Those into Indian wear, she says, can opt for blouses with a hood and fabrics like gajji, raw silks and brocades that are not only classy but comfortable as well. For designer Vikramjit Choudhury, winter wear means a structured look, interesting buttons for jackets and zipper details.

On similar lines designer Sanjay Hingu suggests, “The silhouette this winter is going to be close fits for men. Europe has seen this trend for the longest time now, and we seem to be slowly embracing that change too. Bomber jackets, cardigans, close-fit jackets and even hoods for that matter will be seen in a new avatar.” Don those warm tones for a cool look is what the designers are suggesting. The ‘haute’ colours this season are dark shades. Vikramjit feels, “Shades like burgundy, navy blue, military green are good for evening wear. Daytime colours are beige and powder blue, which give you a fresh look.”

The designers are bang on with colours like charcoal black, greys, turquoise blue, chocolate brown, and aubergines. Designer Arpan Vohra feels, “Considering it’s winter, there is a burst of colours. Purple, fuchsia and even bright orange are the colours for the season.”

Gloves, mufflers, jackets, sweaters and shawls, stock up on all things stylish and trendy for this winter. As designer Arjun Saluja states, “Keep it chic and sleek. Winters are all about power dressing!” So wrap up and keep warm this winter season.

Hungry Kya? Eat healthy!

During winter, we tend to eat more. So, when the hunger pangs hit you, grab a ‘healthy’ bite.



HEALTHY WAY TO GO!

Reach out for the bowl of salad or fresh fruits when hungry.

AS winter approaches, we stock up on our winter wear, but what is more important is to stock up on healthy food items. As it gets chillier by the day, and the air becomes cooler and drier, health and well being should be first on your priority list. Dieticians feel that the season increases your appetite so you need to take care, eat healthy and stay fit. Rather than binge on fast food items and fatty foods, go the healthy way. “It is not unusual that during winter we feel hungrier and are tempted to over eat, but, it’s important to eat healthy and keep your waistline under control,” feels dietician Pooja Goel.

During the winters you wish to eat things that would help you keep your body warm. It’s only natural that one opts for sweets eats like Gud ke ladoo, Gajar ka halwa, Urad pak and Gur-chikki. But, it is suggested to eat one fat product so that you do not feel hungry often and your weight gain is under control. “Eating one Gud-chikki can give you a feeling of fullness and it is healthy as well,” feels Meeta Lulla, a city based Nutritionist. People start feasting on chocolates and sweets in the cold weather, but there are many interesting and healthy options that would help you stay fit. “Eat more fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits. Opt for eggs, bajre ki roti, nuts, almonds and jaggery,” advices Nutritionist Anuradha Imandar. It’s the best time to relish the Bajre ki roti and Sarson ka saag and hot badam milk. Sesame seeds are warmth inducing food. The cold and the dryness in the weather make you prone to illness. Lubrication of joints and skin tissues and keeping the immunity high is important. For this, fitness expert Rashmi Uttam suggests, “Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Amla and lemon should be a part of your diet on regular basis. One or two spoons of pure cow ghee should be had daily. It helps you keep your body warm.”

Increase portions of protein, by consuming more of eggs, chicken and fish. Milk and milk products are a good bet this season. While the cool weather will not let you enjoy cold beverages, you can take sips of hot kesar milk, coffee and masala milk. For those who love ice creams, do not hesitate to pick up your favourite flavour and enjoy a spoonful of it. They are not restricted to summers alone; icecreams can be enjoyed in winters as well. “As long as they don't aggravate your cold (if you have any) there is no problem. Plus, ice creams are not a ‘no-no’ even when you are suffering from cold,” tells dietician Neha Mehta. It is also good time to gorge on the bowl of salad and enjoy the hot soups. They are the best options for dinner. “Mix vegetablesoups, chicken soup and tomato soup are not to be forgotten,” tells Rashmi.

While you are watching your food intake and overall winter health regimen, don’t forget to hold that hot cup of coffee in hand, wear a stylish jacket and stand by window and enjoy the cool breeze.

Divine designs

The next big fashion event is taking place in Pune.

TOP-NOTCH designers are all set to woo Pune’s fashionistas with their collections at the second edition of the Pune Fashion Week (PFW) starting from November 18. With a brand new look and a never-before-luxury experience for Pune’s fashionconscious elite, the fashion week promises the best of production values and choreography to complement top-of-theline models and designers. PFW, which is to be held at Hotel Westin, has partnered with Avinash Bhosale Group (ABIL) and Baramati Textile Park to add value to this super premium event.Mentored by designers Vikram Phadnis and Nivedita Saboo, PFW 2010 will be led by Badal Saboo, MD, PFW from NIFT, New Delhi. He says, “Pune will witness a never before seen spectacle at the premium Pune Fashion week 2010. In the presence of various ace designers all under one roof, the PFW will offer a seamless display of fashion culture to the fashionistas.”

At PFW, one will witness the top designers’ collections and latest fashion trends. PFW will have more glamour and will see top models sashaying on the ramp. The fashion week shall also give the local designers a chance to showcase their collections. Pune’s very own Nivedita Saboo, Deepak Shah, and Seema Singh will set the ramp on fire alongside Rocky S, Vikram P h a d n i s, Satya Paul, N a n d i t a M a h t a n i , R a a ke s h A g a r w a l , M a n d i r a Wirk, Payal S i n g h a l , Surily Goel, Malini Agarwal and Sandeep Golecha.

With heavyweight designers and Bollywood beauties walking the ramp, the style quotient will be high this winter.

Money matters

How does one react when a distant relative or friend tries to enquire about your salary.

BE CREATIVE: Find different and humourous ways

to dodge the salary question



HOW much do you earn?” This is one of those much hated questions which everyone tries to dodge when asked at some point or the other. When marketing executive Anjali Phadke was asked the same question by one of her distant relatives, she was shocked and confused. Many times we face this situation which we cannot ignore. Neither do you want to spoil your relationship by being blunt about your inhibitions about revealing the ‘figure’ nor do you want to give a straight reply. So what does one do? IT professional Kinjal Jain suggests that one should come up with something creative. “When my aunt asked me how much I earned I just brushed aside the question by saying that it was enough to fulfil all my shopping desires.”

It’s a well-known fact that one should never ask a man his salary. Yet there are people who just forget all manners and pop the question, directly or indirectly. Sometimes, the question is so direct and on the face that it’s very difficult to ignore. Ajit Khandekar, a media manager says, “Whenever I was asked this question, I would just wink at the person, say ‘it’s a secret’ and giggle. Though I genuinely don’t mind revealing the figure, it gets irritating when relatives or friends, who are distant to the point of being unknown, try to get too friendly or when aunts ask the question to start comparing the figure with their kids.” Sometimes, the question is thrown at you indirectly and you just don’t understand you to react. Sumita Dhar tried to ignore the question, but failed. She narrates, “Someone asked me this question by saying that when they were at my level, they earned a particular figure and wanted to know how much times had changed. Instantly I knew where the conversation was heading to so I tried to dodge the question by weaving various abstract answers around it. This went on for more than half an hour and neither of us would give up. At the end of it, we were both tired and irritated and ignored each other for many days to come.”

While it’s impolite to ask someone their salary, motivational speaker and corporate trainer Minocher Patel tells you to go the humourous way. He suggests, “There are many ways to reply but it should always be with a dash of humour. You could just say that ‘I haven’t got my salary for a long time now, so don’t remember what my pay is, or the company is planning to revise the salary and you are hoping for a raise.” Humour definitely is the best way to go, but when it’s an elderly person asking you, you have to give some sensible reply. Abhishek Choudhary, a media professional says, “My grand mother’s friend once tried to get to personal by asking me my salary. There were people around me and some of them definitely earned more than I did. I was really embarrassed to reveal my salary. So, I just said, ‘what ever I earn gets spent so please teach me how to save’. I wouldn’t say that this was a good reply because I had to spend the next few hours listening to tips and tricks to save money.”

Times will change and so will people, The ques tion of one’s salary will continue to be asked. But one can always come up with a quick reply to dogdge the question.

TOO CLOSE, TOO BAD!

Some friends whom you haven’t met for years can be really exasperating if you bump into them.

GETTING PERSONAL: Some people just don’t know

where to draw the line



OB N OX I O U S and irrit at i n g : these words fit the description of a person who makes unnecessary comments and gets too personal when you meet them after years. Such people have this weird quality of pretending to be too close and being ‘best of friends’ with everyone. It’s good to have people liking you and being friends with you, but these buddies are too loud and could land you in an embarrassing situation. Something similar happened with Reena Katariya, a website designer. She recalls, “I was at this mall in the city with my friends, where I bumped into this school friend of mine. At first, things were nice and we spoke about the good old school days. But, after this, it got a little personal. He asked me if I had a boyfriend and also forced me to having a cup of coffee with him. My friends were waiting for me, and he just wouldn’t stop talking. Why this was strange is since we were hardly the best of buddies in school.” When you find an old friend, many sweet memories return to your mind, bringing back the feel of those carefree days. Graphics Designer Sameer Joshi met one such buddy at a party, and was quite glad at first. He tells, “My happiness knew no bounds when I met this old neighbourhood friend of mine at a party. We had spent some really fun time playing cricket. Those were fun times. But, a lot had changed since then. I was now happily married. And a few things he spoke were really embarrassing. My wife knew I was notorious when young, but the situation there was awkward.” All of us have found long-lost buddies on social networking sites, and it’s fun to catch up with them. But, for homemaker Meena Singhi it was irritating. “I got this friend request from an old buddy and added him. We began chatting and it started with the usual ‘Hi, how are you’ and went on to ‘what are you doing these days’. When I told him I was a homemaker and wrote blogs, he started giving suggestions and saying that I was wasting my talent writing blogs. My question was if I was enjoying my way of life, what did he have a problem? I ended the chat there and ignored him,” she says.

Alumni meets at college is something that we look forward too. Cancelling all our appointments, we await the moment when we go to college and meet our college mates. It brings a smile on our face thinking of the days we bunked college, played pranks and had crushes. Ashish Mathew met one such crush at an alumni meet. “I had this small time crush on this girl during my college days. At that, time she was quite a babe. After so many years, I saw her at the meet. She still spoke like a kid, and she even mentioned to me that I had a crush on her. It was way too embarrassing, and my friends didn't let go of this opportunity to pull my leg,” he smiles.

Not all friends we meet are irritating. But once-in-a-while you tend to come across such buddies. Is it possible to like them? Well, that depends on you!