IIPM

Rampyari?
Kareena… Monica…. Esha…. These are at least plausible names of women who could be walking the ramp, but Rampyari walking the ramp, that too in a New York fashion show? The same Rampyari head yaar!
But that is true. And not just Rampyari, but 35 other ladies with similar kinds of names that are strange to the fash-frat did walk the ramp; and all of them not so long ago did carry human excreta on their heads, stopping from puking with much difficulty; and they did all curse their own lives, but had no option. Or that is what had seemed to them to be their inescapable lot. But now no longer so. In fact, it is to showcase how empowerment can revolutionise a woman’s lifestyle is that the New York fashion show had been organised.

Take Shakuntala. There was a time, when after her marriage to Nanak Chand Chawria, she realised what she would have to do for a living. It was nauseating to say the least, utterly dehumanising. And even after so many years into this trade, she shudders at the memory of those days when she had to carry head loads of shit, often slipping in the sludge and hurting herself.
But now, thanks to Sulabh International, she is a beautician, working out of a parlour in Alwar. The NGO has truly revolutionised the lives of 70 such women by imparting them with bankable skills, training them in beauty care, making papad and pickles, stitching, tailoring, and so forth.
Shakuntala told TSI: “I am good at pedicure and manicure. I also do facials, and am now learning threading. One day while working on the eyebrows of a lady, I made a mistake. It was scary, but she did not say anything, rather, smiled when she was told my background.”....Continue

How was the experience of the international premieres of "CC2C" and which one did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the Canada premiere. I also enjoyed the LA premiere, which I would say, was possible only because of Warner Brothers. Hollywood’s biggest stars were present there – stars who I had seen only in movies, and never imagined meeting personally! Those stars came to see my movie. It was a great honour for me.

How was it working with Gordon Liu?
Oh great! I call him Sir Gordon Liu. I have learnt martial arts by watching his movies. Youngsters like you may have missed his movies but people of my age – above 40 – have certainly caught them. I really adore those movies. It was great working with a star like him.

How true are rumours that there is a sequel being planned for "CC2C"?
Yeah… maybe.

Where do you see yourself in the race for the No. 1 spot?
I am far, far away from this No. 1 No. 2 game because, if you look at the Indian film industry, it churns around 180 movies in a year. We are around seven-eight guys and we can very well do two or three films a year… so there is no question of competition. ....Continue

Now, a team that has worked with elephants says that those pachyderms born in zoos have shorter lives than their counterparts that live in the wild. It says that the average age of female African elephants born in zoos was 16.9 years whereas the ones in the wild, who died of natural causes, lived an average life of 56 years, which is three times as long. The same goes for female Asian elephants who lived for only 18.9 years in zoos while those in logging camps lived only 41.7 years. This, researchers concluded, was because of the harsh conditions and exposure to diseases.....Continue

California’s second largest city is also its prettiest…at least in my biased opinion! Surrounded by 70 miles of beaches, bordered by Mexico on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west, this scenic city offers the feeling of heaven right here on earth (if you’re not driving on one of the umpteen highways or are stuck in downtown midday!). However, the year round spring like temperatures, the diversity of life, and free spirited lifestyle are the key aspects which have drawn me to San Diego every time.

To get started, I’ll reminisce about my first ‘tourist’ visit to San Diego. I drove through the treacherous Grapevine, the choking LA traffic and continued on I-5 until I began to see the ocean view with the pleasant breeze caressing my face, as cars with their rooftops down drove past me at a subtle speed also enjoying this heavenly moment. My trip was pre-planned with plenty of tourist activities to partake during each one of my four-day stay. Upon reaching, I went to stay with my sister at her apartment at UC (University of California) San Diego, where she gave me a semi-tour of the gorgeous campus, hidden amidst a mini forest, with a humungous library, theatre, football field, and stadium; to cater to the various colleges (aka programmes) offered on campus. After a six hour drive from home to a local restaurant for some nice authentic Mexican dinner, it was time to call it a day.....Continu