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Cultural Extravaganza

The annual cultural show by Aryans Group of Colleges took the audience on a journey to various Indian states via song and dance

Annual cultural programmes by colleges and schools often pick up interesting themes and it does take a lot of effort and brainstorming by the organisers to present something different yet appealing. On these points, ‘Roshaan’, the annual cultural extravaganza organised by Aryans Group of Colleges scored very well. The show, held at Tagore Theatre on Saturday, saw students from different streams – B. Tech, MBA, BBA, BCA, BA  to list a few – participate in various colourful cultural performances representing states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast etc. KP Rana, speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha was the chief guest on the occasion while Dr Anshu Kataria, chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges presided over the function.

Here are glimpses from the show:


Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

 

Festive Spread

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Taj Chandigarh is hosting its annual Baisakhi food festival, this time by the poolside

The weather is fast turning warmer and just before the sun turns up the heat, Taj Chandigarh has decided to make the most of its poolside area. Instead of hosting their annual Baisakhi food festival at Dera, their Punjabi restaurant, the team has gone outdoors. “It’s the perfect weather for outdoor dining in the evening. Also since we are celebrating Baisakhi, we wanted to make it more experiential by bringing in special Punjabi music and stalls, all next to the poolside,” informed Surinder Singh, the hotel’s general manager.

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

Styled like a Punjabi mela, the decor boasts of Phulkaris and there will be special stalls too selling Punjabi juttis, dupattas, bangles and you can get Mehendi put too. “We have partnered with an NGO who will showcase handmade Phulkaris and products. These would be available for sale as well,” informed Singh.

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

Matching the mood is the buffet menu which boasts of popular dishes pulled from the Dera menu. These include specials like Rahra Gosht, Bhunna Batair, Kathal ki Sabzi and Paneer Hari Mirch. The curries are flavoursome and made in home style. Adding to the festive spread are stalls serving chaat and piping hot jalebis. You can also try the Ganne ki Kheer made from sugarcane juice.

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

“We have speciality chef Chaman Lal who is known for authentic Punjabi dishes. We will roll out some surprise elements as well that will change on a daily basis in order to retain the novelty factor of the menu each evening,” added Singh.

What: Baisakhi food festival
Where: Poolside, Taj Chandigarh, Sector 17
When: On till April 16
Time: 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Meal for one: Rs 1,550 (excluding taxes)

Slice of Pakistan

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The Pakistan pavilion at the ongoing South Asia Consumer Fair & Trade Show is wooing visitors

Last year, lifestyle exhibitions from Pakistan were conspicuous by their absence in Chandigarh. 2017 seems to have got off to a better start with a trade fair organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in association with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce.

On at Himachal Bhawan, the South Asia Consumer Fair & Trade Show is showcasing select products not just from Pakistan but some from Afghanistan and Egypt as well. As many as 70 delegates and exhibitors are part of the show. Here’s what’s on offer:

Look out for handwoven traditional Pakistani ‘prandaas’, flowing summer fabrics (Rs 200 per metre onwards) and colourful beads. While they have showcased them umpteen times before, the onyx products are quite popular and there’s a variety at hand this time too. These are priced between Rs 200 to 2 lakhs. There’s also a range of imitation jewellery on offer. 

If you are looking for special ingredients, then there is a selection of saffron, rosewater, black zeera from Iran while hing, Basmati rice and dry fruits from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Among the food stalls, Liza Foods, a well-known outlet from Lahore is offering delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The chefs are not only from Lahore but have also lugged along authentic spices and ingredients from back home.

What: South Asian Consumer Fair & Trade Show 2017

Where: Himachal Bhawan, Sector 28, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh

When: April 7 to 10

Time: 10 am to 9 pm

Special Appearance

Twinkle Khanna felicitates INIFD designers in Chandigarh and rates pyjama suits as a faux pas

For students of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) it was a special moment indeed as the institute’s chief mentor Twinkle Khanna along with Martyn Roberts, Director, Fashion Scout London formally felicitated them. The ceremony held at JW Marriott Chandigarh on Thursday saw the celebrity interior designer and writer do the honours.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As many as 36 student designers from INIFD had showcased their collections on the ramp at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week for two consecutive seasons. Also present at the felicitation ceremony were INIFD mentors, Priyanka Khosla and Joseph Toronka (from INIFD London).

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and a pair of denims, Khanna addressed the students and also checked out their ongoing interior design exhibition. “I am extremely happy to see the young fashion designers going places and while I know my furniture better than fashion, I am happy to do the honours today,” Khanna said in her trademark witty style.

Twinkle has recently stepped into the shoes of a producer with her first film, ‘Padman’ being made under her production banner, Mrs Funnybones Movies. The film is based on the life of Muruganatham Arunachalam and looks to dispel taboos around menstruation. She is also enjoying the success of her second book ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’ that revolves around strong feminist stories which have received rave reviews.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Given the fact that she was addressing fashion design students, we asked Khanna what she considers a fashion faux pas today. “I see relaxed fits like pyjama suits trending a lot. Stepping out in your night suit is a fashion faux pas for me,” said Khanna who is also the brand ambassador for L’Oréal Professional in India.

INIFD student designers will now showcase in September this year at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week for the third season. “We will also host a special ‘India themed day’ at Fashion Scout in this edition,” announced Martyn Roberts.

Down to Earth

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As a run-up to Baisakhi, JW Marriott Chandigarh rolls out 'Mitti Di Khushboo' food festival

When someone mentions a food festival themed around ‘traditional’ Punjabi fare, most of us would assume saag-makki-ki-roti with dal makhani and butter chicken on the menu. That’s exactly what the team at JW Marriott Chandigarh led by executive chef Naveen Handa didn’t want to do. “The idea was to put forth meals that will remind you of home, using fresh and local ingredients and also dishes that were popular in different parts of Punjab,” explains the chef as we arrive at the ongoing food festival at the Cafe@JW.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As a run-up to Baisakhi, the harvest festival, the hotel has rustled up ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’ food festival that promises to offer some familiar flavours and lesser known fare. The menu for the 10-day long festival has dishes handpicked from the three major regions of Punjab – Malwa, Majha and Doaba.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As is the norm, you are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. Since it’s a cyclic menu, the drinks for the day will either be chhaas, mango lassi, sugarcane juice or sattu. We relished the lassi. Keeping with the theme of the festival, the cafe has been decked up in vibrant colours with Phulkari and a typical village setup. Even the servers have swapped uniforms for traditional clothing and to add to the theme, the meals are being served in clay pots.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

To add an element of uniqueness, the menu brings in dishes like Chana Dal Aur Methi, Gud Ka Parantha, Mutter Ke Paranthe, Patiala Chicken, Barni Ka Gosht, Masaledar Petha Haneri, Achari Zimikand, Ajwaini Arbi, to list a few.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

These dishes often missing from most restaurant menus have been cooked in a home style way. The Barni Ka Gosht has an unmistakable earthy flavour and the Achari Zimikand reminded us of our grandmother’s recipe. “These are recipes that are unique to Punjabi homes,” remarked chef Ashish as he plated up Ajwaini arbi.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Since Baisakhi celebrates the season’s harvest, the array of desserts is special too. There’s Mutter Ka Halwa, Khus Khus ka Halwa and one made from whole grain wheat. The latter is actually made from soaked wheat that has been ground and then sieved. “The milk that the grains leave is actually used to make this halwa. It is not only nutritious but also unusual in taste,” explains chef Handa.

So if you are looking to try lesser tried Punjabi fare, don’t miss this festival.

What: Mitti Di Khusboo food festival

Where: Cafe@JW at Hotel JW Marriott Chandigarh, Sector 35

When: The food festival is open only for dinner; on till April 16

Meal for one: Rs 1,699 per person (exclusive of taxes)

Stage is Set

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The annual exhibition by INIFD's Academy of Interiors showcases different set designs with interesting themes created by students

When it comes to interesting interior themes and designs, INIFD’s annual exhibition is a much looked forward to show. Presented by students of the Academy of Interiors, the exhibition titled ‘INIFD STUDIO’ sees students work on different themes and recreate it all in different rooms on campus. In this edition, the focus is on set design for theatre and movies.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Drawing inspiration from different architecture and decor styles like Greek, Roman, Baroque, Egyptian, Gothic and Oriental, students have used number of techniques and material to recreate the same.
There’s ‘Greek Odyssey’ set which makes a dramatic start to the show and is characterised with its tall columns and arches. It is interesting to see the students dressed in Roman clothing.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

There’s also a ‘Venetian Piazza’ set which has been designed keeping in mind the feeling of walking through a Venetian street with its semi-circular arches, ornamented capitals, columns, heavy cornice, rose window etc. A relaxing sitting place has been is created with highly ornamented wall with architectural elements in the background.

The third studio is ‘Moroccan Raid’ which depicts a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden/courtyard as its key element. This comprises a room with low seating, courtyard extending to the garden, small rooms with a relaxed seating, stencil work on the walls and ceilings, and geometric patterns on the floor.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Next up is the ‘Strand of Nile’ studio which depicts the Egyptian architecture of ancient Egypt. This setting has been used to depict the life of one of the youngest and the most famous Pharaohs (King) of Egypt, Tutankhamun. Columns and piers covered with hieroglyphic and pictorial frescoes are things that will intrigue you here.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Showcasing the English royalty is ‘Regal Renaissance’ set which brings in windows, staircase, gold objects, furniture, metal works, and candlesticks along with mouldings, flat and patterned wooden ceilings. A theatrical living room set has been created here.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Also a part of the line-up is ‘Elegance in Flow’ set which recreates a ballroom, depicting the Baroque architecture. This is a style of architecture that is known for being exaggerated. To add an element of fun, students dressed in vintage clothing also take to the dance floor here. The various aspects of Baroque style that are done up in this area are motifs, frescos, cornices, mouldings, arches in vibrant colours.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The ‘Oriental Palette’ set showcases the architectural styles and cultures of the eastern part of Asia i.e. Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and other prominent Eastern societies. In this area, students have tried to recreate a serene ambience with a Japanese Pergola and a cherry blossom garden. A sitting area has been given in the Pergola to create a garden effect. The stone effect with three niches, paintings and bamboos have been used to create different walls effects.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Finally, Studio 8 is ‘Game Of Shadows’. This set design takes its inspiration from the romanticism of the Gothic Revival/ Neo-Gothic/ Gothic architecture. This set is designed around the concept of a fictional character Sherlock Holmes, the mastermind private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The scene is of his study cum parlour at his residence and a door leading up to his bedroom.

The exhibition is on from April 7 to 10; timings are from 12 noon to 7 pm.

Crowning Glory

Along with a fit body, it is equally important to have a sharp mind says Miss Commonwealth Asia Pacific 2016 winner Shweta Raj

The crown sits snug on her head but it’s her smile that shines brighter. “It’s been life changing experience for me,” admits Shweta Raj. Winner of the Miss Commonwealth Asia Pacific 2016 title, the leggy model and beauty pageant winner was in Chandigarh to formally inaugurate the annual exhibition by INIFD Academy of Interiors on Wednesday.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The Pune-based model was crowned the winner in London in November last year. “Contestants from 55 countries competed for the title,” informs Shweta. Incidentally, the model admits she’s always dreamt of winning a beauty pageant. “I think some of us as little girls dream to become a Miss India or be crowned as a beauty queen. I was among those girls,” says Shweta who worked hard to achieve her goal.

“If you had met a few years back, I don’t think you would have enjoyed a conversation with me. I was an introvert and very shy,” admits the Miss Commonwealth winner. Hailing from an army background, Shweta tells us she pursued BBA and enrolled for modelling and personality development with her mentor Lovell Prabhu. “I also worked on bettering my fitness levels and my personality. I feel that apart from being fit, it is equally important to have a sharp mind,” she tells us.

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Photo By: Vikram Joy

“It’s easy to dress well and get a few ramp shows. But your personality, presence of mind, eloquence will take you forward,” adds the 22-year-old. Interestingly, she is now keen to help others like her in overcoming their inhibitions. “As a title winner, I can share my experiences. I want to learn about training the mind alongside my modelling career,” says Shweta who is also a trained actor. “I am open to both acting and modelling,” she adds.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Life has changed a lot since she won the title and Shweta admits she still can’t get over the feeling when she saw her face splashed across hoardings on her return in Pune. “I was the face for the Kingfisher Ultra Fashion Week in Pune and it was a dream come true,” says Shweta who is looking to shift to Mumbai soon to take her career forward.

In her spare time, she likes to do tarot card reading. And she has a word of advice for those like her trying to make a foray into modelling and beauty pageants. “It’s important to realise your strengths and weaknesses. But please don’t fake it,” she wraps up with a smile.

Shopping Special

Elante's nine-day long anniversary shopping extravaganza offers shoppers a chance to win a Hyundai Grand i10 car as bumper prize among other exciting prizes

Elante Mall is going all out for its fourth anniversary celebrations with a nine-day ‘Grand Anniversary Shopping Extravaganza’. Turning the shopping experience of visitors into a special affair, the shopping festival offers them a chance to win exciting prizes as they shop to their heart’s content.

During the nine-day extravaganza, customers who spend Rs 3,000 or more on shopping or dining at any of the outlets at Elante can register themselves for the raffle draw by producing the bills. The luckiest of them will take away the bumper prize, a Hyundai Grand i10 car, on the concluding day of the Elante anniversary celebrations on April 13.

With Elante’s fourth anniversary coinciding with Baisakhi, the mall is all set to celebrate the occasion in the true festive spirit from April 11 to 13 with an array of exciting activities, like display of Sikh martial art gatka, bhangra and giddha performances, flash mobs and a musical evening.

The mall will also hold a cake cutting ceremony and present the ‘Retailer Excellence Awards’ to acknowledge the contributions of its business partners on April 13. “These anniversary celebrations symbolise our grand success. We owe this success to our patrons and retailers, and this is a wonderful occasion to make them feel special,” remarked Anil Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Elante Mall.

The Bed Spread

Gippy Grewal's new 'family entertainer' – 'Manje Bistre' – to hit screens on April 14

You have to give it to the Punjabi film industry for coming up with the most unusual movie titles and now themes too. Come April 14, and ‘Manje Bistre’ (which means beds and bedding) is set to for a worldwide release. Distributed by White Hill Productions, the Punjabi film has been directed by Baljit Singh Deo and stars versatile actor Gippy Grewal in the lead role. The actor has also donned the writer-producer hat again.

To talk about the forthcoming film, the cast led by Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa arrived at Cinepolis, Jagat Mall in Sector 17 on Tuesday morning. To live up to the theme of the film, a manji (cot) was laid out at the venue with Gippy Grewal dressed in a kurta-pyjama. Incidentally, Grewal’s debut production ‘Ardaas’ which released last year was a hit both with the audience and the critics too. “The story of ‘Manje Bistre’ revolves around a Punjabi wedding, with elements of romance and comedy. The film is a family entertainer and promises to make you laugh and enjoy. It will certainly make you feel good,” said Grewal.

Visibly excited about the launch was his leading lady, Sonam Bajwa, who remarked, “I am really excited about the film and eagerly awaiting its release. We cannot divulge much about the story at this juncture. All I can say at this point is that the entire team has made a great entertainer and a full ‘paisa vasool’ film.”

While Gippy’s ‘Ardaas’ sent a go-back-to-your-roots message to the audience, ‘Manje Bistre’, he tells us, is a movie which has equal elements of romance and entertainment. His co-producer agrees. “I feel Gippy is experimenting in Punjabi cinema to another level. He believes in giving the audience a “different” kind of Punjabi cinema and that is seen in his latest film as well,” said Jaggi Singh, who has acted in the film and also co-produced it.

Apart from an interesting storyline, the USP of ‘Manje Bistre’ is its music, put together by Jay K (Jassi Katyal). The title track of the movie has been sung by Nachhatar Gill. The song – Ja Vi Na – has been sung by Karamjit Anmol and penned by Kuldeep Kandiara. Another foot tapping song is ‘Dubai Wale Shaikh’ set to lyrics by Happy Raikoti and sung by Gippy Grewal and Nimrat Khaira.

“The music of the movie has got a good response. The trailer of the movie, which was recently released, has also created quite a buzz on both the digital media and the social circuit,” pointed out Grewal. The family drama also features actors Karamjit Anmol, Jaggi Singh, Gurpreet Ghuggi, BN Sharma, Rana Ranbir, Sardar Sohi, Sara Gurpal, Hobby Dhaliwal and Rana Jung. The dialogues have been penned by Rana Ranbir.

Reaching Out

Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust launches a mobile app to enable anyone to nominate a deserving person for the Neerja Bhanot Award from anywhere in the world

Every year, the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust (NBPAT) invites nominations for the Neerja Bhanot awards. The annual awards were instituted in 1990 in the memory of the brave Senior Flight Purser, Neerja, who saved hundreds of lives while sacrificing her own during a Pan Am plane hijack at Karachi Airport in September 1986.

The awards are based on the two core values of Neerja: Do your duty, come what may and never tolerate injustice or compromise on self-respect. “The two awards consist of Rs 1.50 lakh each, a citation and a trophy. The first award is conferred on an Indian woman who, when faced with social injustice, overcomes the situation with guts and grit and then helps other women in social distress, while the second award is conferred on any airline cabin crew member, worldwide, who goes beyond the call of duty in a difficult situation,” informs Aneesh Bhanot, Neerja’s brother and Honorary General Secretary, NBPAT.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

This year, NBPAT has launched a unique mobile app  – Neerja Bhanot App – that will make it convenient for everyone to nominate a deserving person from anywhere across the globe. “We wanted to reach out to as many people as possible and these days the digital format is the best medium,” said Akhil Bhanot, Managing Trustee, NBPAT.

The Neerja App will be available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded and installed free from Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets and Apple App Store for Apple products. The App has details of Neerja, the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, the earlier awardees, a picture gallery and a feedback section.“Anyone can nominate anybody and the Trust also accepts self-nominations. There is no nomination fee or any other sort of fees. Nominations are accepted throughout the year by the Trust. The Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust does not accept any donations either,” informs Aneesh.

The app was formally launched in Chandigarh by Maninder Singh, Chairman, Chandigarh Housing Board. Also present on the occasion was Air Marshal R S Bedi, Trustee, NBPAT and special invitees.