NEW PATTERNS OF TRADITION

New designs with mehendi are doing the rounds this wedding season. 

IF your marriage is on the cards, it will soon be on your hands. Confused? Don’t be. Mehendi artists can depict the entire wedding ritual and tradition on your hands. It's auspicious and, these days, it is art at its best. Far from being merely traditional (read, clichéd), the designs, intricacies and figures are awe -inspiring. Innovative designs are playing a major role these days. As henna artist Anmol Kala says that the need of the hour is to keep up with the latest trends and fashion. “You have to experiment with new designs and styles and give a fresh look to old ideas. We recently came up with the idea of a new style of Arabic mehendi and called modern Arabic designs. The design is not in a linear pattern, but spread out. You will find basic Arabic art form in such mehendi, but with more style and innovation.” There is a huge possibility of experimentation with Arabic designs. “Hyderabadi style, with flowers and leaves and a bit of shading, is in demand as well,” says Ruchita Tejas Surti, another mehendi artist. Indo-Arabic style, implying Arabic patterns with Indian fillings, as also Gulf style which involves a lot of petals and leaves, look very trendy and fashionable. Mehendi patterns change with every season. But, for the wedding though, it is mostly traditional. “While the baraat pattern and Jodhaa Akbar style has been going on since long but, bride on the swing, Gopis playing garba, dhol shehnai, dandiya raas, patrika, various poses of Radha Krishna, forms of Lord Ganesha and pheras, are the latest designs. They are quite a craze among mehendi lovers. However, brides do not wish to take a chance. They hesitate to experiment,” tells mehendi designer Asha Savla.

The new designs seem to have wooed the youngsters who are demanding ‘something different.’ Hence, mehendi designer Jigna Mehta came up with the idea of matching mehendi designs with outfits. “Brides are very choosy in general. And when it comes to the mehendi, they want the best. We are now working on patterns that will match the wedding outfit. The design will be made according to the border of your lehenga of the bride,” she says. While the dulha-dulhan pattern is classic, it now comes with a twist. Mehendi designers are now looking at the bride-and-groom pattern but with nature as the background. “For brides, the patterns are always special. They could even have their love story depicted on their palms. Bride behind a veil with flowers being showered on her, hasta-milaap, bride on a palanquin are some of the sought after designs, she adds. For those who want to jazz up their mehendi, artist Chandrakant Tankaria has something new to offer. “Apart from the regular black mehendi, we have zardosi styles and colour mehendi too,” he says. The cost of designs depends on the work and the neatness. A simple design can cost as little as `50 and go on till 1,000, while those with motifs and bridal mehendi could cost anywhere between 3,000 and 50,000. Those who spend that much don’t mind though. For they believe that experience of wearing mehendi is simply priceless.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

How are city youths planning to celebrate the Diwali this year?



LIGHTING UP:
Youngsters are opting for a green Diwali



 IT’S the festival of lights and crackers, of loads of mithai and lots of shopping. But, for many city youngsters, Diwali is going to be a ‘different’ affair this time. Even as the pre-festival frenzy surrounds us, there are those who have made their plans already. For them, Diwali isn’t going to be just about bursting crackers and lighting up their homes. It’s about doing good for the society.As Priya Bhagat, a college student, puts it, “Diwali is not just about spending time with family and friends. Instead, it’s about lighting up someone’s life. This year, my sister and I plan to visit an orphanage. We plan to do it a few days before Diwali since the place will be full of people wanting to spend time with the children on the day itself. I want to spend quality time, and also wish to sponsor the education of a few children.” Talking along similar lines, MBA student Deepti Sangani and her friends have given the old idea a new twist. They aren’t donating old clothes but new ones. They say that they want to see everyone in their brightest best. “My friends and I are shopaholics. Each one of us has, sometime or the other, complained of having clothes that haven’t been worn even once. So we thought, why just let them lie in our wardrobe when someone can look beautiful wearing them? We decided to bring all those nice and pretty dresses, and give them to people who really need them,” she tells. While, for many, festive fervour and firecrackers go hand in hand, there are those who wish to have eco-friendly Diwali and want zero pollution.“It’s been more than five years since I last burst crackers. I think there are better things to do than just shooting rockets”, says Mahi Bhutada, an advertising professional.

For those who just cannot bid goodbye to crackers, there is a ‘green’ way they can explore. “I cannot give up bursting crackers. There are firecrackers that produce less sound and are available in the market. I have bought these eco-friendly crackers as I want to do my bit as well,” says Siddhant Jain, a photographer. Youngsters who have been away from home plan to visit their grandparents and lighten up their festival. Manish Sinha who is working in an IT company in Hyderabad intends to celebrate Diwali with his grandparents in Pune. “My grandparents live in Pune, and I plan to spend the festival with them. I want to see an everlasting smile on their face and wish to do all that they have been longing to.Two of my cousins are also accompanying me,and we are going to have a grand Diwali. My grandmother is very bubbly. Even at 72, she loves to have fun and party. So this Diwali is dedicated to her,” says he.

Those who cannot go home plan to enjoy the festival with friends. “Why crib and cry over things that are not in our hands? So, my roomies and I have decided to make this Diwali special by decorating our little home, like our mothers do each year. We are also making sweets and goodies for everyone. We will also have a small-get together for all our friends. We wish to feel at home and enjoy the festival like we always do,” tells Shraddha Bhatia, an IT professional.

This Diwali is not just about lighting up your home. It is also about enlightening our lives, which the youngsters seem to be know quite well!

Before the vows

What is the significance of the courtship period before two individuals finally marry?

ROMANCE begins with courtship, and ends with marriage,” says Ritu Bhatt, a businesswoman. Is she being serious? Oh, not at all, she is obviously kidding. But there is one thing that Ritu believes in. Happily married for four years, she is convinced that the courtship period has been a very important part of her life. She says, “The days of courtship brings smiles and pleasant memories. From flowers and cards to dating and long drives, these days are a boon to the relationship. As we were from two different cities, I remember being with him on the phone 24/7. We never ran short of topics to talk about. And the best gift to each other was a surprise visit.” The courtship period becomes even important when the marriage is an arranged one and two unknown people need to know each other. Hari Krishna, a marketing professional recalls, “Shweta and I went through an arranged marriage. We were complete strangers. From the initial days of hesitation before even starting a conversation to the days of pulling each other’s leg, it was a beautiful journey.” He adds, “It’s not all about romantic dates and flowers. Courtship period gave us the time to know each others likes, dislikes, habits, and behaviour. We also made it a point to tell each other about every family members. It’s important, especially for her, to know my parents and understand them. Discussing these things beforehand helped her adjust to the new environment and people very easily.”



FIX A DATE: Get to know your partner 

before you finally tie the knot

When you know each other and have been dating for a long time, how does it feel? Ashmita Marwa, a housewife, who recently got married to her long time boyfriend, says, “During the courtship period I made it a point to talk to him about his family, the rituals and daily routine. His mother has a really bad temper at times. Warning me in advance helped me understand her and adjust to her mood swings.” IT professional Janaki Sharma, who got married two years back, talks along similar lines, “Ours was a love marriage. While romance was in the air, and happiness surrounded us, it was important for us to familiarise with each others’ lifestyle. With the entire family living in the same city, she had to adjust to the social meetings and function which happen quite often. After getting to know the family and my cousins in advance, she is now happy to meet them and spend time with them.”

Love and romance make life beautiful. But understanding each other is what makes the journey a pleasant one.

Life after Break-up

What do men go through after a break-up?

 

MOVING ON: It’s tough for men to overcome a break-up

 but that’s the only way out

ASK a man what he goes through after a break-up, and you can expect a casual ‘nothing, we just moved on. There are so many out there!’ A little probing and a few questions later you come to know that the story is some what different. The world just talks about how a woman feels: Her sorrows, emotions, anger, jealousy etc. But does that mean that it's all about ‘Venus’ and the ones who have hailed from ‘Mars’ don’t have any feelings at all? Prateik Soni, who’s brother recently had to deal with a tough break-up says, “I’ve started hating girls because of Pradeep’s ex. He has become very quiet after the break-up and has just buried himself in his work. For him, today it’s all about being busy. He is also spending more time than usual at the gym constantly thinking about something. That’s bad and even the trainers have said so. But he doesn’t talk to us about his problems. He has suddenly become an introvert. I don't think he will ever get into another relationship again.” Break-ups are not as easy as they sound for men. Men don’t cry and may be that’s why it's difficult for them to handle break-ups.
Expressing it or sharing it with friends is something that they cannot do easily. Hence, depression, mood swings, irritability, isolating oneself are the signs that follow post a break-up. Mrunal Chaturvedi, who broke-up after a twoyear relationship shares, “Being a guy, it gets tough for us to express our emotions. We might not even react to a break- up or when we are cheated by our partner. As a result, people tend to believe we don't have feelings. But it's tough for us to deal with break-ups because we can't cry or, like girls, share the pain with friends.” To cope with a failed relationship is tough. Especially when you have given it your time, nurtured it, and built dreams around it. Ankit Pandey explains, “After a heart break you are hurt and confused. There were times when I questioned my identity and self worth. I tried to figure out if there was some fault at my end too. I took some time but I have now moved on.”Because it’s tough for men to express and share their feelings, they keep them bottled up inside. “After a long period of love and cherished moments, it’s a little tough to cope up with the fact that she has gone away, never to come back. And it's more so when the girl ditches you,” tells IT professional Amit Mishra. But in times like these it’s important that you do not divert from your routine life. You should meet your friends and go out with your family, as there is no point brooding over things. What is important is to accept the fact that she is no longer a part of your life and what has happened has happened. As Psychologist Ragini Varma says, “Though there are some men who genuinely can't get over a break-up and fall into another one soon, for others it's just a matter of time. Being humans, if they can get their self- confidence back with the help of their friends, they get into another relationship too.”
Though we cannot change what’s happened already but friends and family can help the person figure out the reason behind the failure of their relationship. A break-up should be a learning experience so that, if possible, it can be worked on. If possible try to be friends with her or just try to move on. As they say, tough times don’t last but tough people do!

Bright’ kids in town

Nail art, hair wraps, manicures: kids today know the secrets of looking good.

TINY little feet soaked in rose water. Nicely manicured hands. nails sparkling with art, making them look pretty. Many kids of today not only want their skirt to be rightly matched with their top but also, their nails, hair, feet to be stylish, trendy and well maintained. They no longer mind accompanying their mammas to beauty salons and spas because they want to look fashionable and get noticed. They love being pampered. Don’t be surprised if you find a tenyear-old getting a mani c u re done. She would even demand a particular shade of nail paint that matches her birthday party dress.

Unlike earlier, when kids went to salons only to get a hair cut done, these days they love indulging in nail art, hair extensions, manicures and pedicures. “Kids as young as 11 years old visit the salon. They are really fascinated by nail art, which is quite a fad these days. They love to play around with designs and colours,” says Sonia Thapa, owner of a beauty salon. Yellow, pink and blue, all shades pretty and vibrant, adorn the teeny-weeny nails. “Nineyear-olds come for the hand and feet spa. They love doing nail art, glitter tattoos, temporary tattoos, hair extensions and hair wraps,” says Priya Kriplani, owner of beauty salon in the city. While manicures and pedicures can cost anywhere between 100 and 800, nail art and hair extensions range from 100 to 250. Hair wraps can cost up to 300. But, don’t they face problems at school? Thapa responds, “Kids can’t be flashy at school. Hence, they opt for French manicure and paint subtle colour flowers on the nails. But, during the holidays and festive seasons, they love to jazz it up with glitter and shimmer.” Holidays and festivities give kids a opportunity to deck up and look their brightest best. Says Neha Anand, mother of an eight-year-old, “My daughter loves funky nail colours and the chocolate manicures. She gets it done during the holidays as it is not allowed in school.” Riya Gandhi, an eight-year-old, quips, “I love doing nail art. It’s cute and colourful. Plus, manicures and pedicures are very soothing. They give me a fresh and clean feeling which is awesome. My friends and I enjoy the experience. I like to be prim and proper and stay stylish.” Going for a nail art is fun, and funky. Agrees eleven-year-old Meeta Keskar, “I just love admiring my nails with colourful butterflies and funky paints adorning it. I enjoy experimenting with colours.”

The trend of visiting parlours is fast picking up among city kids as they want to look great. From a parent’s point of view, getting manicure and pedicure gives a clean look. Spa owner Riona Biyani tells us, “Mothers insist on getting manicures and pedicures for the kids as they are worried about germs and dirt that stays in their nails after a sports activity. The feet getreally bad. Complete manicures and pedicures are not recommended. We avoid doing the cuticles for them. You can rather say we just do the ‘clean up’ of the little hands and feet.” Another school of thought is that manicure and pedicures should be done after you go past teenaged years. States Vienna Albuqueque, owner of a beauty salon, “It is totally wrong for a kid to get these things done at such a young age. We should let kids be their age.”

Some might agree. Others may not. But it’s nice to see little kids strutting around with butterflies, flowers and fruits adorning their hands and being stylish.

THEIR WORD COUNTS

 In today’s times, more and more youngsters are taking part in the family’s decisionmaking process.

DECISION MAKERS: Youngsters are taking part

in important family discussions

SOME parents believe that youngsters are the window to the world. Fully acquainted with most facets of life, these teenagers have an immense amount of information about everything around them. Independent and confident about their choices, likes and dislikes, they are playing an increasingly important role in the decision-making processes of a family. Vivek Bhagat, a working professional, says, “Since our generation is more tech-savvy and keeps themselves updated with the latest news, parents rely on us when it comes to purchasing a laptop, or a television at home.” But, are the youngsters involved in decision-making only when the focus is on buying a gadget or something similar? No, insists Khushboo Bhatia, adding, “Since I was ten-years-old, I have always been a part of purchase-related discussions at home.

From buying a mobile phone to buying the perfect house, I put my point forward. They are accepted, too.” From choosing the best LCD television to giving their views on where to invest for property, youngsters today have a say in every decision taken at home. Gone are the days when the teens would be shooed away when parents started talking money. Today is the age of equal involvement, and many parents feel that age shouldn’t be an obstacle. Manju Suresh, a working professional and mother of a 12-year-old, says, “Giving them a chance to put forth their views gives them a feeling of independence. Also, they learn to take good decisions. My daughter is too young for serious decisions. But, I make sure she gets involved and her suggestions are always appreciated.”

Forget products and gadgets, today’s Gen Y also talk about money and risk factors. Abhishek Parikh, a student, recalls, “It was I who forced my dad to invest in a housing project. The risk was high. But, I had been following the market since long, and was sure that it was not a bad investment. Today, my dad is proud that I took that decision.” Yasmin Mazda, a mother, recollects, “We wanted to purchase a laptop. But we were quite unsure if we could rely on our son’s decision. He was firm, and did not want to compromise on the product. We bought the laptop he wanted and, today, we are happy that we went with his opinion.”

Youngsters take risks and dream big readily, which gives their decisions a bolder edge. Gone are the days when the final word would be of that of the eldest. Today, the roles have reversed. That, feel many, is for the better.

PLAY JAZZ

How can you use that simple dress of yours to make a unique statement?

STYLE QUOTIENT:
Use small elements to make a funky outfit

WHY not turn those boring blue jeans and that drab white shirt into a fashionable ensemble? The simple dress you are wearing to the cinema can become chic and stylish within a few minutes. A little bit of creativity is all you need to jazz up your overall look. “The accessories you choose can make an old outfit look dramatically different.

Whether you want to change your ho-hum outfit for a killer night at the hottest club in town or make your best first impression for your first day at work, it doesn’t take much to revamp your existing outfit with a couple of accessories and a bit of panache,” feels designer Atithi Gupta.  To give a fresh look with an old outfit, you can use strings of pearls or go funky with coloured stones.

With so many options of beads and stone chains, which are funky and trendy as well, you are spoilt for choices. And they don’t pinch your pockets too. You can also add an element of fun to the boring casual attire. It’s not necessary to wear a m at ch i n g accessory; you could also go for contrasting jewellery. You could choose from the vibrant long layered necklaces, pearls to coloured stones, semiprecious ones too. “A simple outfit can look totally different with the way you accessorise it. The little black dress of yours can look different in five ways. You could wear the same dress using turquoise necklace and handbag or make it look like another outfit by using goldbeaded necklace another day,” says Malini Agarwalla, an accessory designer. Using accessories cleverly, you could create the illusion of many outfits out of one. “You don’t have to opt for the expensive always. Embroi- dered bib necklaces are very popular- either the ones made from crystals or you can opt for the ethnic style. Any kind of statement pieces — nice, big or funky — can add that twist,” Malini adds.

If you do not wish to concentrate on the neckline, you can wear a simple pair of earrings or accessorise your hand with the very chic diamond-studded watch or a sporty one. Wearing a simple demure ring could also do the trick. If you aren’t very fond of accessories, designer Swapnil Shinde has a solution for you. He suggests, “To have that extra element of zing, one can add jackets and shrugs to layer a basic dress. You can wear interesting chunky belts which are ‘in’, unlike the slim belts that are out. Boots are in fashion too.” Do not mix and match too much, or you just might end up overdoing it. States designer Kunal Anil Tanna, “You need to pick up just one accessory. Jazz it up with a striking belt or a bling bag or go for the footwear. Also, you could create that impression with striking makeup- smoky eyes or red lips- or an interesting hairdo.”  

A few simple changes, a bit of panache and oodles of confidence is all it takes to jazz up a simple outfit. Are you game for it?

SMALL SCREEN, BIG FESTIVITIES

Serial makers have planned a series of grand shows for the Diwali and Karva Chauth.

 

Akshay Kumar

THE script is ready. The stage is set. The action is about to begin. Tellyland has scripted some entertaining episodes to add that zing and zest to your celebrations. While the big screen biggies expect to light up the box-office this season, the small screen has decided to set the stage on fire with their action-packed Diwali dhamaal. 

When the festival is Diwali, we expect lots of dhoom. While Navratri and Durga Puja saw quite a few Bollywood biggies being a part of the small screen, tellyland is now gearing up for some fun-filled and glamourous Karva Chauth and Diwali celebrations. Says Ashish G o lw a n k a r, the non-fiction head at a television channel, “This Diwali, we wanted to look beyond the clutter of routine Diwali shows. Hence, the idea of Dhinchak Diwali came to life. Actors Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Neha Dhupia will pay tribute to the songs and movies of the bygone era. The concert will have a retro twist.” The show will not only have never-before-seen performances from the trio, but will also include acts by famous stars from various shows aired on the channel. While this channel has roped in Aish and Akki, another popular channel has got Munni badnam to light up the Diwali festivities. Confirms TV Actress Ragini Khanna, “Karan Patel and I are going to host the show titled Diwali Dilon Ki, which will have a special performance by Malaika Arora Khan.” 

Malaika Arora Khan and a scene from Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki.

To celebrate a crackling Diwali, another soap has planned to incorporate the festival in the script. Says actor Apara Mehta from the comedy Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo, “In the unique Sajan re… style, we are going to have a great Diwali. Though nothing much can be revealed at this stage, but one thing is for sure. Viewers will be in splits when they watch the Diwali special episode.”

Diwali being a national festival, tellyland wants to grab the opportunity in the best way possible. The festival is being woven into the plot in such a way that the storyline can move a step further. The show Papad Pol — Shahabuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya, wants to create memorable moments for its audience. Tells TV actor Swapnil Joshi, “Vinaychand and Kokila, the characters played by Ami Trivedi and me, got married in the serial recently. This being their first Diwali, it will be a grand one. Loads of entertainment and drama are in store for the upcoming festive episodes.” Another festival in which the creative writer plays around with drama, twists and turns is Karva Chauth. But, the prime time show Bidaai will have an uncomplicated episode. Samir Pandey, supervising producer of the TV soap, says, “We are having a very simple celebration for Karva Chauth. The various rituals associated with the festival shall be depicted.” But, the show Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki has scripted a fullfledged drama revolving around the festival. Karva Chauth in this serial is filled with the dramatic ‘vrat-saving-the-hero’ kind of act.

While the makers of the shows are busy incorporating the festival to their current storylines, we can just wait for the drama to unfold. If the drama is grand, stylish and entertaining, we will enjoy them for sure.

GROOM IN STYLE

Men are opting for brighter and bolder sherwanis this wedding season.

And, they certainly don’t mind spending a fortune

 

SHAADI FEVER: Men today do not hesitate to spend over a lakh on a sherwani

THE wedding season is here. And, guess what? Bridegrooms are on the lookout for the best wedding sherwanis. “Wedding affairs are getting more pompous than ever before. In India, groom’s fashion has been dominated by loudly embroidered sherwanis. But for the more fashion-oriented youth of today, the rack has a lot more to offer in terms of silhouettes, details and, of course, colours,” insists designer Kunal Anil Tanna. While the colour gold is a good choice always, designers believe that dark colours are ‘in’. Designer Nivedita Saboo says, “Deep purple, royal blue, deep emerald, and green are the colours of this season.” Those who do not prefer such bold colours can opt for monotones of ivory and golden sand.

Experimenting with colours is all very fine. But the styling should be classy as well. “As far as embroideries go, you can choose shadow work with zari thread combined with cutwork. If this doesn’t work, go for the all-time favourite zardosi using newer materials like pita zari in the settings along with vibrant colour combinations,” suggests designer Riyaz Gangji.

Wedding are all about the glitter and jazz. However, Nivedita insists on the virtues of understated embroidery. Colours and embroidery definitely require a lot of thinking. But, the structuring of the sherwani is just as important. “The emphasis is on a more macho image. Hence, structuring is an extremely strong element for silhouetting an ensemble. You will see regal A ch k a n s teamed with Aligarhis, and well-fitted Bandhgalas coming back to take centre stage for groom’s fashion,” tells Kunal.

To complete the regal look, a striking accessory like a turban or a neck piece can work sheer magic. “Teaming up your sherwani with a matching jooti and pagdi is a great idea. Custom-made jootis are also available in the market,” says Deepak Shah, owner of a designer store. Cut to the economics of it all. How much would a sherwani cost? “While a basic sherwani could cost anywhere around seven to 15 thousand, the one with newer cuts and embroidery is priced between 25 and 50k. Fully embroidered ensembles and designer pieces cost even more,” states Madhulika, communication head of a fashion store. If you want to jazz up the sherwani with semi-precious stones, it could cost you way above a lakh.

Going on a s h o p p i n g spree for the we d d i n g trousseau is not only on a bride’s priority list but, these days, the groom too is keen on finding the right dress for the special occasion. Pavan Katariya who recently launched a wedding studio exclusively for men in the city, says, “Men now have taken to selecting their own outfits. They do not mind spending even a lakh to get the right look.” What was a bride’s dream moment has now been captured by the groom too! Amit Bhosale who got engaged recently concludes, “Everyone wants to look their best on the big day. And it’s not that men are opting for it more consciously. It is just that their awareness is high.” Understandable, since who doesn’t want to put his best foot forward on the wedding day?

THE UNORIGINAL SCENE

Buying fake products might be seriously unethical. But, some youngsters seem to think it is cool



It is ok to wear fake brands these days

SHE walks into the college campus with panache. All eyes follow her. Cool and smart, the girl is showing off her Gucci watch, Chanel bag and Mango dress. What a babe, isn’t it? But wait. Is she sporting fakes? If you don’t wear imported stuff day in, day out, you just cannot know. “Unless you get into the minute details, differentiating the fake from the original is quite difficult,” says Nivedita Divgi. She recalls one such incident where her friends could not distinguish between her original Man U bag and the fake one her classmate was carrying. “I felt really stupid to have spent a bomb on the original. At the end of the day, no one cares,” she adds.



Because of a rigid monthly budget, many youngsters prefer to go for fakes which look like originals but cost ten times less. “I loved the D&G bag, but buying that meant spending all my pocket money. After a few days, I found a similar bag available at a local store. From the outside, it looked like a D&G and I bought it. It does not pinch the pocket much. Sometimes, I do not mind flaunting rip off’s,” tells Akansha Joshi. Doesn’t she feel shy and awkward carrying a fake? “Firstly, unless you are really b r a n d - c o n - scious, you can’t know if the bag is original or not. The fake ones available today are really close to the original one, lookwise that is,” adds Akansha.



Why spend a fortune when you can get the same look for less? That theory seems to motivate the purchasing decisions of many youngsters. But Devika differs, saying, “When I can’t afford the original, I save up and then buy. But I would never go for a fake.” Tell her about youngsters who flaunt duplicates, and she retorts, “One look at it and I can tell if it’s a fake. It just does not have the finish of the original.” You can recreate the look of the product, but the longevity and comfort of the originals cannot be matched. “I liked these fake Puma chappals being sold at a store and bought them. After a week, they looked worn out. When you buy an original, you not only pay for the brand name but the quality. It is simply unmatchable,” says Susheel Mishra. Talking about longevity, Simran Singh says, “I do not like to wear the same t-shirt or carry a bag for too long. Hence, spending on the original is not my cup of tea. I get bored really fast. So, I 'd rather buy five fake ones than one original.” Even when you fake, fake it right, says Tarun Makhija. “I do buy knock offs, but not from the roadside. Even if they are fakes, I make sure they are at least good enough to be a lookalike of the original,” he confesses.

Nitya feels that it’s okay to wear a copy, but only if the product doesn’t carry a brand name. After all, why fake it when you can wear good-looking ‘namel e s s ’ products in style?



HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

What are the scenes and situations that get repeated in daily soaps time and again?



(L-R) Ali Asgar, Apara Mehta, Sumeet Raghavan and Karishma Tanna



WHILE watching a daily soap on the idiot box, have you ever thanked God for providing the remote control as a lifesaver? Possible, since many telly sagas recycle stuff that you have already seen before. Many, like Balika Vadhu, Na aana is des meri laado, Jyoti, Uttaran, Agle Janam mohe bitiya hi kijo, began on a promising note. But after sometime, the storylines started delivering the sort of clichés we are used to. The audience is no longer shocked when the protagonist or the lead of the particular daily soap dies. They are sure s/he will be back after some time. Hear Apara Mehta, television’s favourite saas, “Killing the lead actor and bringing them back is one scene which has been going on for long. Kyonki… started it, but now everyone is following the route. Leave alone the scenes, even the story tracks are repeated. All the shows have taken it a bit too far.” The entry and exit of the lead actors have a lot to do with the TRPs at times. On other occasions, it happens because the actor quits the show. The new entrant is mostly brought back with a plastic surgery scene, or the mujhe kuch yaad nahi aa raha one. “The coma sequence is very typical, and has been used many a time. Another sequence which has become clichéd is the plastic surgery, where the character not only gets a face makeover but everything changes- from the voice and the eye colour to the height and skin tone. It’s ridiculous how these scenes are stretched beyond belief. It’s the lack of imagination and creativity that has led to such scenes being scripted time and again,” feels Archana Puran Singh. 

But why is it that these scenes get repeated? “I remember this particular diya bujhne wala scene in which the beta of the serial is going to die. The diya in the mandir goes off, and Parvati would go running to prevent it. We laughed at it too, but these are the scenes that draw the audience. The impact of these scenes is high,” says Ali Asgar, from the Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki fame. The final goal of a serial is to get high TRP’s even if it means showing unrealistic stuff. TV Actress Karishma Tanna says, “Dying and coming back: does that ever happen in real life? It is a horrible plot. But, since it’s TV, the makers can take the liberty.” A break from the stereotypical world of saas-bahu saga leads to the world of comedy. Sarabhai VS S a rab h a i , FIR, Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasma are some of the c re ative and offbeat offerings from the tellyland. “Saas-bahu drama has become very predictable. At least comedy has an element of surprise to it. There is a need for some novel and fresh ideas,” feels actor Sumeet Ragavan from Sajan re jhooth mat bolo.

From Tulsi to present-day Anandi, nothing seems to have changed in tellyland. The small screen’s stereotypical situations will continue to be used in prime time shows to raise the sagging TRPs and grab more eyeballs.

Food and Mood

Did you know that food has the power to change the way you feel? Check this out…

HAVE you ever realised that eating a piece of cake can make you tired and lazy? Have you ever sensed that eating that carrot or banana can make you feel energetic and vivacious? Everything you consume on a day-to-day basis has an effect on you, since food is known to affect your mood because it gets broken down into elements that can raise your blood sugar or drop it rapidly. “The food you eat affects your physical as well as your mental well-being. A bad diet can be one of the causes of depression, while a healthy diet may be enough to lift your spirits,” says dietician Megha Kadakia. ‘I need a coffee break’ is a common phrase heard at the workplace. A dose of caffeine might make you feel better for the time being, but that’s not a healthy way to energise one’s self. Feels Rashmi Uttam, a fitness expert, “Tea and coffee are treated as stimulants, and may help keep the mind alert. But consumption of too much of coffee or tea can be hazardous to health.” However, nutritionist Naini Setalvad adds, “Chamomile herbal tea is amazing stress buster.”

Another stress buster that’s yummy and tempting is a bar of chocolate. “Chocolate is often termed as comfort food. However, dark chocolate is a great energy booster,” says Naini. Pure chocolate contains many chemicals that liven up your mood, including anandamine, which targets receptors in your brain that produce a cozy, euphoric feeling. Eat half a grilled-chicken wrap, and stay alert. Carbs make you feel relaxed. “High fibre carbohydrates like whole fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals and whole grains consumed as part of a regular diet plan will help keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day and help maintain a calm mind,” adds Rashmi.

FOOD FOR LOVE: A Banana a day keeps the depression away

“If you want to be fresh and lively all day long, eating fresh fruits like green apples, water melon, orange, sweet lime, pomegranate and kiwi will help you. Eating that spicy dish may make you feel depressed,” states nutritionist Anuradha Inamdar. If you are a short-tempered person, reaching out for a sweet potato is not a bad idea. “Natural sugar helps you calm the brain,” suggests Naini. Food which actually cause depression, mood swings and hampers performance are white sugar and white flour. Also, it’s absolutely important to eat chemical free food or organic food. Chemicals interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain especially at a high level, she adds.

Ayurveda states that the health and mood control of individuals can be regulated through dietary habits. “In ancient India, food was consumed according to the professions of individuals! Our ancient food practices were based on the function it would serve. Ayurveda has always corroborated this fact, and modern science today affirms this!” tells Rashmi.

Think before you eat, as eating right could make your day bright indeed.

Home away from home

WHEN our uncle in the US told us that his son aged 18 was going to live alone, we looked wide-eyed and our jaws dropped. But, now that’s passé. As youngsters today move out of their cocoon — for work or study — and live away from parents. The trend of moving out is ‘in’. But, here we are not talking about youngsters who are living away from parents as they work or study in another city. Rather, about Puneites who, following the West, are moving out even if they don’t have to shift base to a different city. While for some, it’s a chance to experience freedom, for others it’s about taking control of one’s own life.

A case in point is Nisha Khanna, a student who moved out to live with a group of friends to prepare for a competitive exam. “It can get really disturbing and annoying at times when you sit in the corner of your room and prepare for the exams while everyone else around you is having fun. So, I decided to move in with my friends who are also preparing for the exam. This way, not only is a healthy environment for studying created, but we also help each other with doubts.” While Nisha had opted to live with friends, Devika Chitnis, a student, proudly declares that her mother asked her to move out of the house, “I have been brought up in a very protective environment. And my mom thought I had become too dependent. So, she wanted me to go out and experience the world first-hand. This was a good step as I am now more confident and independent.”

When youngsters move out, they learn to be responsible. From managing their room to funds, they do it all. Counsellor Meenal Sohani feels, “When the child moves out on a happy note, then it definitely creates a positive change in him, and helps in the enhancement of the overall personality. They become self-reliant, and learn to manage stuff like expenses, study timings and can take right decisions.”

Living with friends is fun. Agrees Nishit Nair, another student, who moved out of his home as commuting to college was getting really hectic for him, “I have my MBA classes at nine in the morning, and then in the evening I have my PGDHRM course. To travel back and forth every day was really pressurising. So, I took a call and shifted base from Nigdi to Aundh. Living with friends is definitely fun, but I do look forward to finishing my studies and going back to live with my parents.” For Ritwike Chakravarti, who also moved to a hostel as he did not wish to travel 25 kms each day to college, it wasn’t quite difficult. He says, “Living alone was never an issue for me. I have been at a boarding school, and I enjoy living alone, except the fact that I really miss ghar ka khanna. Nothing can replace that.” What about freedom? Don’t you love that? Ritwike Laughs, “Oh! Who doesn’t? Freedom is great.” Devika feels otherwise, “You tend to enjoy the freedom for the first few months, but when you have to do everything yourself you start valuing your home and what your parents do for you even more.”

Guess, living alone is not that bad after all!

Back to the nest

Couples are moving back to their in-laws for better life.
  

(Mother-in-love: Saas-bahu relationship
has gone through a makeover in today’s times)

TYPE the word motherin-law on a search engine and the web pages that pop up are all with negative connotations — from jokes on them to counseling on how to deal with a motherin-law. Don’t be surprised if you even find a group called ‘I hate my mother-in-law’, which boasts of more than thousand members. So is staying with a mother-in-law really a nightmare?
When we asked the same question to a few daughtersin-law, the answer that echoed was, ‘They are not as bad as portrayed.’ As Meera Singh, an IT professional who has been married for more than two years, and has a little one to take care of says, “Life is way too easy with parents in the house. You are not only relieved because there’s someone to love and care for your children while you are away at work, but you’re also assured that the upbringing of your child is in the right hands. The idea of leaving my daughter at a child care centre or with a babysitter frightened me. But, when I discussed this issue with my mother-in-law she was really happy to come over and stay with us.” Today Meera is quite happy and satisfied. But is it just because you want some one to take care of your little one that you welcome your in-laws? Richa Jain, who recently got married and is staying with her in laws, denies, “The trend has changed because the understanding between the two is a lot better now. A mother-inlaw is no longer the ‘moral cop’ keeping a check on her bahu’s every move. In fact, she is cooperative and understanding. Also, as a daughter-in-law we understand the importance of having elders at home.”

There was a time when rifts between a daughter-inlaw and mother-in-law were common and families opted to go the nuclear way. But today, scores of youngsters are opting to live with their parents-in-law. Maitreyee Godbole, who has been married for over three years and is a working professional explains, “It’s always nice to have elders at home. The value system and the principles they teach us just cannot be replaced. And it’s not just about our convenience that we opt to stay with them; it’s more to do with love and care.” Definitely it is! And the equation between the two could not have got better than this where a saas asks the bahu to go out and fulfill her dreams asking them to be relieved of household chores and tensions. States daughter-in-law Snehal Modi, “It was my mom-in-law who looked up for a job for me in the newspapers. She wanted me to go out and pursue my goals. What more can one ask for?”

Guess, the days of the saasbahu drama and fights are over. With mutual love brewing between them, guess the saas-bahu saagas will now have to look elsewhere for their story ideas. Truly, it’s all about loving your in-laws!

Hooked!

Today’s kids are looking beyond the standard best selling material available in various bookstores.

OPTIONS GALORE:

Children today have a variety of books

and authors to chose from

WHO said that today’s kids confine their reading to books like the Harry Potter series or the Chronicles of Narnia? A little research makes it easy to discover that the children are looking at all kinds of fiction that have invaded the books’ mart in recent times. Books like those written by Enid Blyton might have become antiquated — at least, in most cases — but the kids are happily excavating many new options that are currently available. Hear Sharan Biradar, Senior Manager at a leading bookstore, “In the past two years, the sales of children’s books have gone really up. The variety of books available for a young adult is amazing, be it an international bestseller like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or our own Indian Harry Potter version in the form of Portion of Eternity by Sonja Chandrachud." Chandrachud’s way of writing is simple, and her stories are peopled by powerful sorcerers, yogis, vampires and witches. Deepak Dalal’s books on adventure and wildlife are really enjoyed by children, and he is popular for his books – Andaman Adventure -I, The Jarawa and its sequel, Andaman Adventure-II, Barren Island, Troubled Islands.

Janaki Visvanath, owner of a bookstore, says, “Children today are voracious readers. When they enjoy reading a particular author, they do come back for more time and again.” Many children love reading fantasy and science fiction stories. As Chandrachud explains, “The child prefers reading Captain Underpants and Artemis Fowl. That is because they identify with the heroes, the narrative style is more contemporary, more hip hop, snazzy and speaks their language. They also prefer reading stories that address issues without preaching or sermonising and with a sense of humour.” Chetan Joshi, children’s book writer, feels that pictures, graphics and interactive characters work really well with children. “They should have the potential to be made into an animated series or games.” What other qualities does a kids’ book need to be a hit with the children? Siddhartha Sarma, winner of an award for his book The Grasshopper’s Run, answers, “Children mainly look out for the plot. The style of writing though is not very critical. Re-tellings of myths are also loved by the children.”

So, which are the books that children come back for again and again? Janaki says, “Among the international books, the Wimpy kid series, Percy Jackson series, the Red Pyramid from the Kane Chronicles are the favourites. From the Indian bag, it’s The Bird with Golden Eye and Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murthy and Pune’s very own Deepak Dalal’s Sahyadri Adventure are admired by the teens as well.” Many books. That many options. All those kids who wish to explore beyond the obvious have countless choices at their disposal. Is your child one of them? 

Kids' day out

It is important to make sure that your child remains in the pink of health.



Kids should go out and play for their proper development

IPSITA loves tennis, follows the game regularly and loves playing the sport too. She has the highest score and has beaten all her friends in the game,” says Ritu Agarwal, Ipsita’s mother. But, why doesn’t Ritu sound elated as she should? The reason: her daughter plays tennis as a game on the computer as opposed to a court. She, like many other parents, is worried about children being inactive. ‘How do I get her to play tennis on the playground than in front of the computer?’ asks Ritu Agarwal. “Children need to be motivated to go out there, and play their favourite sport. Parents could organise a trekking activity for family and friends, which is a fun way to a healthy lifestyle,” suggests Preeti Kotwal, a fitness expert. Organising weekend trip to places where you can go hiking, rock climbing, and water sports is a good way to involve your child in fitness training.

“Get the child involved in the activity they love. If your child does not love sports, opt for dancing,” she adds. By enrolling your child for karate, aerobics, taekwondo, horse riding, kickboxing or any group activity classes that involves physical training will not just ensure physical fitness but his interest level shall also be high. As Vijendra Sherlekar, director of a fitness studio in the city, says, “When the child sees other kids of his age group perform well and maintain a fitness regime, he/she is also motivated to do so.” While your child goes out and gets involved in an activity, it is important to make sure he/she is not pressurised to perform. “Healthy competition is welcome, but pressurising the child to be the number one is not. Everyone has different capabilities, and parents should just encourage them to go out and give their best rather than asking them to be a winner each time,” says Virendra.

Parents should cultivate these habits in each of the family members. Children learn by examples, feels Virendra, he says, “Parents should be active as they exert a lot of influence on children. If parents eat healthy and stay fit, children will follow the suit.” A healthy living is not just about being physically active but eating right too. A healthy diet not only increases the child’s immunity level but helps him perform far better at school. “Delinquency rates will be lower and their performance at school and sports excellent,” says Naini Setalvad, renowned nutritionist. “A healthy diet need not be boring and mundane. The food should be tasty and appealing. Kids love junk food. We could make junk healthy, by serving them whole wheat pastas cooked with lots of vegetables or a wrap filled with veggies and topped with hummus or kidney bean dip,” suggests Naini. Mothers need to get creative in the kitchen and dish out new recipes. Pooja Goel, Sports Nutritionist, feels, “The habit of eating healthy and staying active should be inculcated from childhood. If a packet of chips or a bottle of soft drink is at home, you will tend to get your hands on that when hunger pangs hit you. One should store healthy food. Dry fruits and nuts should be opted for when hungry.”

That a healthy mind resides within a healthy body is an age-old truth. To make sure your child has both the qualities, it is important to give the right direction to his lifestyle.