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Dearest of
them all Soul Dance NEW RELEASES
Green
Space Hair and How Playing with
colours and numbers Film
& FASHION Big &
Beautiful
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Now that the season of gifting is here, Santa Claus is coming along riding on a sleigh with a made in China stamp, says Saurabh Malik Softly humming jingle bells under her breath, she enters a plush shop and delicately picks up a nice little Santa Claus in a shining red cloak with a broad glittery belt around his waist. Gently stroking his snowy white beard, she pulls out crisp currency notes from her wallet before walking out with her “prized possession”. Yes folks, you have guessed it right. For little Sayali and so many others all set to celebrate Christmas, Santa has arrived in the city on a reindeer. Nay, not from the North Pole. But all the way from China in his traditional attire and a flowing white beard. Guys, why don’t you just go and meet him? A plus two student Tanushree has just taken out her jaunty jalopy and is driving down to a gift and chunk jewellery shop in Sector 11 to shake hands with him. She knows for sure that the aisles are lines with cute and cuddly Santas standing upright with broad smiles playing on their happy lips. Just wait for Tanushree to push her way through the impressive glass doors. Well, after entering the shop, she gives Santa a pat on his back. As she stands there with admiring eyes wide open, Santa responds to her touch by singing and shaking an electric candle held firmly in his little hands. She looks around for our own little Santa from Jalandhar or Ludhiana. The young enthusiast finds him there on a glass shelf dazzling under the synthetic daylight, but he is not all that “mature and attractive”. And then, he has the bad habit of standing still. In an attention position, that is. So guys, Tanushree chose her Santa without worrying too much about dough. For, the Chinese Santa is not very expensive either. You can take home one by pulling out less than Rs 800 from your wallet. And guys remember, you are not be the only one seeking Santa’s company on Christmas. For, owner of a Sector 11 gift shop Raman has already sold off more than 20 Santas to willing revelers. Explaining the reason behind their popularity, she says, “The concept of Christmas is not entirely alien to the students studying in convent schools. But this is not the only reason. Youngsters today need an opportunity to celebrate, be it Indian or an alien festival. That’s perhaps the reason why kids today organise parties not only on Diwali, but also on St Valentine’s and Friendship Day, along with Halloween. In fact, Christmas today is almost as big an occasion as Diwali; Valentine’s Day is even bigger”. There is another reason. Socio-psychologist Shivalika says: “By encouraging little ones to celebrate foreign festivals, parents today allow them to be a part of the elite crowd. Also, they manage to display an unconventional approach”. Whatever the reason, Merry Christmas and ho! ho! ho!
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Dearest of them all
His history begins with Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his charity and wisdom. He died in 340 AD and was buried in Myra. Late in the 11th century, religious soldiers from Italy took his remains with them and built a church in his honor in Bari, a port town in southern Italy. Soon Christian pilgrims from all over the world came to visit the church and took the legend of Saint Nicholas back to their native lands. In Europe during the 12th century Saint Nicholas Day became a day of gift giving and charity. Germany, France, and Holland celebrated December 6 as a religious holiday and gave gifts to their children and the poor. When the Dutch colonists traveled to America, they brought with them their Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas’ metamorphosis, an austere bishop who wore a red bishop’s costume and rode on a white horse. The American image of Sinterklaas gradually evolved into that of a jolly old elf. He was first described as a plump and jolly old Dutchman by Washington Irving in his comic History of New York. In 1823 Sinterklaas continued with the publication of Clement Moore’s poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas.
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Soul Dance
Rajeshwari and Varun are partners in life as well as dance and they love to swing in each other’s arms right under the spotlight, says
Anandita Gupta This petite young girl won a place in many a hearts, with her delightful songs ‘Hulle Huleray’ and ‘Mukhra piya ka’, enthralled the audiences with her award winning performances in Sardari Begam coupled with a couple of Sham Benegal flicks and has inspired many women to stand up for their rights, posing a fire-brand social worker in tele serial ‘Rihaii’. Meet Rajeshwari, whose been making waves in the movie and tele-world for more than a decade now. But the beautiful actress is not alone. Her handsome hubby Varun Badola of ‘Astitva’ and ‘Kosish ek Asha’ fame is also by her side. They’ve just walked out of the dance show Nach Baliye with style. Ask them how are they feeling about it and they sort of shout in a chorus, “Terrible!” Not quite, we decipher from the enthu in their voices. “I always wanted my soul mate to be my dance partner as I’ve been passionate about dancing all my life. However, my hubby dear hated going groovy. But thanks to his never-say-die spirit, he grabbed the chance to dance with me as soon as it came. And there we were — arm in arm, swinging around in Nach Baliye!” says the vivacious actress who took a month and a half break from her shooting, just to practice for shaking a leg with Varun in Nach Baliye. As for Varun, he’s going gaga over his talented wife, “I just loved swinging with her. We did everything from classical to hardcore cabaret and didn’t mind the hardwork and burning out involved. The support we got from our fans was amazing.” But what about getting almost blanked out in the show and being eliminated? They both sound defensive, “We walked out with grace. Actually, it was a sort of accident we had. But we are proud to have pulled it through like thorough professionals,” chirps the couple that claims to have everything going picture perfect between them, since wedding bells rung on November 24, 2004. And how about walking out of the show? They really don’t mind, for it’s the effort and not the result which really matters. Especially so, when it’s an effort of swinging arm in arm with one’s soul mate!
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NEW RELEASES Neal ‘n’ Nikki
Uday Chopra will be seen in his home production “Neal ‘n’ Nikki” along with Kajol’s younger sister Tanisha Mukherjee. This fun-loving teenage love story has the tagline, “Nice is out.. naughty is in”. Yash Raj Films has produced this trendy and upbeat love saga after ‘Salaam Namaste’. The promos shows much exposure by Tanisha but insiders are quick to point out that “she has exposed only as much as was the demand of the film”. Techno-musical whiz kids Salim-Sulaiman have come up with delightful music that will surely catch people’s attention. Debutant lyricist Anvita Dutt and ‘Chameli’ fame lyricist Irshad Kamil have penned the lyrics. Arjun Sablok, has directed the film. Neal ‘n’ Nikki opens today at Kiran, Fun Republic and KC, Panchkula. Ek Ajnabee G S Entertainment’s “Ek Ajnabee” starring Amitabh Bachchan has been produced by Bunty Walia and Jaspreet Singh Walia. The film has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia who made his directorial debut with Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost. Along with Big B, the film has Arjun Rampal, Perizaad Zorabian, Raj Zutshi and Baby Rucha. The film is about a man who is a misfit in society who finally finds redemption in the smile of an eight-year-old girl. His life and luck changes when he has to protect the child. Though the film is an emotional drama, it boasts of some innovative editing and action. Sameer has penned the lyrics for composer Amar Mohile. The film opens today at Batra and Fun Republic. Kalyug Inspired by an incident published in the newspapers, ‘Kalyug’, earlier titled ‘Blue Film’ comes from the house of Bhatts. It is a movie about a war against pornography. This one also revolves around drama, thrills and sex—a genre that Bhatts have so very well adopted over the years. The child star of ‘Zakhm’, Kunal Khemu makes his debut as hero alongwith another debutant Smiley Suri. Along side is Deepal Shaw, the sexy remix girl. Kalyug also stars Bhatt favourite Emran Hashmi in a special appearance. Kalyug has been directed by Mohit Suri. The music is by Rohail Hyat, Faisal Rafi, Band Jal and Anu Malik. Indian Idol finalist Amit Sana too gets a break in the song “Thi Meri Dastan” with Anuradha Paudwal. The film opens today at Nirman and Fun Republic. —
D.P.
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Green Space The Rose and Japanese gardens invite picnickers and honeymooners. The Bougainvillea Park and Leisure Valley boast of joggers and walkers who are purposeful, recognizable but unapproachable. The scent of flowers is all pervading. Private gardens reach peaks of perfection and are the envy of neighbours. Winter is the best time to get these colourful flowers home in the apartment. When it is freezing and cold in the Northern plains, your flowering pots are going to love the warmth of the apartment. However, never forget the humidity factor. Feed your plants from the ornamental compost pot; remember the index finger rule while watering; use the mist sprayer and loosen the soil with that fork. The following chart may help you decide the ideal spots to place your pots. You will notice that flowering plants require the maximum light. Very sunny window: Agapanthus, Bougainvillea, Celosia, Citrus, Hibiscus, Iris, Jasmine, Lantana, Oxalis, Passiflora, Rose, Hydrangea, Zebra plants, Palms, Cacti and Succulents. The last two need minimal watering - once in two or three weeks. Palms too should not be over watered. Some sunlight in an east or west facing window: Ornamental chillies, Chlorophytum, Chrysanthemums, Cordyline, Ficus, Plumbago, Poinsettia, Tradescantia , Norfolk Pine and zebra plants. Keep watching Chrysanthemums for aphids and Poinsettias for mealy bugs. Turn the pots once a day to get even light. Bright but sunless window: Anthurium, Asparagus, Azelea, Begonia, Bromeliad, Chlorophytum, Coleus, Columnea, Cyclamen, Fuchsia, garden bulbs, Hedera, Impatiens, Monstera, Peperomia, Philodendron, Pilea, Violets and Spathiphyllum. Semi-shaded window: Aspidistra, Dracaena, Fatshedera, Ferns, Creeping Fig, Ivy, Philodendron and Tolmiea. Remember that all vines like Ivy, Philodendron, Monstera and Creeping Fig require moss sticks to climb on. These can be bought and have to be kept moist. Full shade but with enough light to read a printed page: Aglaonema, Aspidistra, Asplenium, Fittonia and Philodendron. All these plants have common names too which will be more familiar to you. If you go to a good nursery, ask for their lay identification. Choose the most robust plants which are absolutely disease free. Don’t forget to maintain the watering, weeding and feeding chart.
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Hair and How
Tresses tumbling down to the shoulders set the mood for winter festivity. Global contrasts and streaks are back in vogue, reports
Rajiv Bhatia
What is the way to wear the hair this festive season? “Go for tantalizing long tresses that tumble down to the shoulders” The trendy hairstyle cue comes from the city-based hairstylist cum make-up artist, Ishani Khan. Born in Sri Lanka, married in India, Khan has been selected for hair show to be held in Singapore next month. She will represent India with other selected hairstylists from different parts of the country. She’s already won OMC Hair Asia Pacific award in bridal, fantasy, and evening hairstyle category. The contest was held at Mumbai in October 2005. Talking about the latest in hairstyles and colours, she informs, “Medium or slop cut, you can even go in for long hair provided they tumble down to the shoulders. Spiky and gel back look are also in. For office-goers, it is side and simple cut. As far as colours are concerned, global contrasts and streaks are in vogue.” She suggests to youngsters: A new hairstyle is the easiest way to change your looks. Don’t be nervous to try out a hairdo that you feel would suit you. Having begun work at Oleega Sector-9, Chandigarh, five years ago with her husband Arshad Khan, she now has her own salon in Fun Republic from last two years. She completed her diploma from Delhi-based International Institute Pivot point. She loves listening to music, playing the piano, and going for long drives in her car. And this lady dreams big, desiring to run a big salon chain in the country. When asked, if she was not a hairstylist, what would she be doing? Ishani replies: “I would be in Air Force in Sri Lanka”. Her hard work and dedication in work is the secret of her success, she says. “I can work for 10 to 10 in a day.” She also loves to experiment with her work. Fine, but what’s different in Indian and international hairstyles? She says, In India, people want a hairstyle according to their profession and age. They believe in old Indian culture and don’t change their looks often. But abroad, people like funky, bold and creative-type of hairstyles and there is no age bar in hairstyles. Musing about the life, she says, “I’m living a second life. Last month, when I was coming from Delhi in my car, it fell down from a bridge near Ambala and the vehicle was totally crushed. But I did not sustain even a single scratch. Maybe, God wanted me to live and do some more good work,” laughs the hairstylist.
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Playing with colours
and numbers
Colour plays an important role in the fortunes of a person” says Sanjay Jumaani who co-hosts the popular numerology show on SaharaOne Television Bolein Ssitare. Sanjay is the only numerologist in the world to predict a “tie” in a one-day cricket match between India and Sri Lanka last year. Sanjay Jumaani left his job of seventeen years as a marketing executive to take the plunge into the world of numerology. He is successfully handling his father’s profession and is in the limelight for all his remarkable predictions. He has been instrumental in “changing a lot of people’s destiny” by altering spellings in their names. He has launched this web site. He had a one hour weekly programme on a radio channel, Radio City 91 FM, which was broadcast for over two years. At present, he has a show on Radio Mirchi in Mumbai, which is broadcast every Monday. Sanjay recalls the case of a childless couple. “I found that their names were not in harmony with each other. So we changed their names and advised them about the colour they should use. You wouldn’t believe that they had a child in a year’s time. Sanjay even claims to have brought a reversal to Salman Khan’s bad luck when he was in trouble due to his alleged involvement in an accident and his exploits in Rajasthan. Sanjay through his radio programme suggested change in the colours he wore and that seems to have ended the hero’s spell of misfortune. — D.P
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Film & FASHION “The decision is mutual,’’ publicists Ame Van Iden and Chuck James said in a joint written statement. No further details were released. Applegate, 34, is best known for her role as dimwitted character Kelly Bundy in the hit comedy “Married...with Children’’. She won an Emmy for a guest appearance on “Friends.” Applegate married Schaech, a 36-year-old former model who appeared in the 1996 Tom Hanks film “That thing you do!”’ in 2001. — Reuters Director Steven Spielberg is hoping that his upcoming movie “Munich” will become a prayer for peace to be shared by Palestinians and Israelis. According to Internet Movie Database, Spielberg is recreating the tragic kidnapping of Israeli athletes by Palestinians terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. Spielberg admits that the film will stir up controversy but also hopes it will give the two sides fighting something to think about. He says, “I don’t think any movie or any book or any work of art can solve the stalemate in the Middle East today. But it’s worth a try. Somewhere inside all this intransigence there has to be a prayer for peace. The biggest enemy is not the Palestinians or the Israelis. The biggest enemy in the region is intransigence.”
— IANS Pitt faces tough adoption rules Actor Brad Pitt is facing a slew of legal problems in his efforts to adopt actress Angelina Jolie’s two children because he is not yet married to the actress. According to hollywood. com, Pitt has started the process of filing for legal guardianship of Jolie’s children Maddox and Zahara. The process involves a lot of paperwork, home supervision and a high fee. The actor could avoid it if he married Jolie. A lawyer says, “This is not the easiest way of doing things. Frequently, what you do if you are in a relationship with someone and you want to adopt their children, you marry them and do a step-parent adoption. There are extra requirements when you are not related by marriage to the children you are adopting.” The adoption fee in Los Angeles is $775 and the process takes approximately three to six months. But since Pitt is filing as a second parent, he has to pay $2,950 and face far more scrutiny.
— IANS Connery’s voice in animated film Sean Connery is set to star as an eccentric veterinarian in an animated short film. According to ananova.com, Connery will provide the voice in the movie “Sir Billi the Vet”. Others actors signed up for the role are Alan Cumming, Miriam Margolyes and Richard Briers. The story centres around the adventures of Sir Billi and a goat that thinks it’s a dog. They set out on an highland adventure to rescue a rabbit. Connery has joined the independent production company Glasgow Animation to make the film and it is due for completion early next summer.
— IANS Cruise, Holmes voted ‘coldest’ stars It said he has topped the list because of the publicity surrounding his relationship with Holmes and his public speeches concerning his Scientology religion. The site says, “Steven Spielberg’s latest summer blockbuster (‘War of the Worlds’) was overshadowed by Tom’s publicly flaunted love life with Katie Holmes and his Scientologist fuelled rantings and ravings. This eventually led to a public war of words with Brooke Shields when he slammed the actress on Access Hollywood for her use of Paxil and psychiatric therapy to battle post-partum depression.” Holmes followed close behind at number two, due to her “lacklustre performance as Rachel Dawes in ‘Batman Begins’.” “Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner came in at number three because he likes to refer to himself in third person. Actor Tom Sizemore was ranked fourth because of his legal troubles and a sex tape role. Jennifer Lopez rounded off the list because “she proved she has no gift for comedy with ‘Monster-In-Law’.”
— IANS
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The city is waking up to the needs of the big-sized. After the opening of ‘Just My Size’, other clothing companies too are coming out with collections that are larger than the extra-large ones, reports Parbina Rashid Your days of longing are over. For, there are more than one clothing company that have come up with dresses for the people larger than the extra-large sized. Remember the song Big Fatty Boom Boom, in which the singer tells his girlfriend that her big size does not come between them. Perhaps, taking their cue from the song, the cloth merchants, too, are no longer afraid of romancing the biggies. In fact, they are wooing them the big way with a variety of clothes! Only six months back when ‘Just My Size’ made its first appearance in the city, the big people here heaved a sigh of relief. “I wore a pair of jeans after 15 long years and it felt just great. Though my size is extra-extra large, the cut and fit were perfect to hide my extra bulk. Thanks to the shop”, says Gurmeet Kaur, a housewife. Here shirts for men starts from size 42 and goes up to 50 which is equivalent to 5XL.The lowers start from 40 inches and go up to 52 for men. For women, it starts with 14 and goes up to 22 for tops and 24 for lowers, which will be perfect fit for someone having a waistline of 30 inches to 53 inches. A brainchild of Chandan Windhani and Gurvinder Singh, ‘Just My Size’ operates through two outlets in this region, one in Sector 35, Chandigarh, and another in Ludhiana.
“The concept of making dresses for big people came from abroad but it is becoming extremely popular in India”, says Rajan Bhalla, Retail Manager of the store. The emphasis is on cuts and colour so that the outfit hides the problem areas. “At present, we are just keeping casual and semi-formal clothes for men and women”, says
Rajan. Another pioneer in this line is ‘Barcode’, a Mumbai- based production house, which has been holding exhibitions in the city. “Since Indian women are voluptuous, normal western clothes are not suitable for them. Hence a special section of big-size dresses was added to ‘Barcode’ about six years back”, says Neena Pophale, a designer with the company. It now caters to women up to 52-inch size.
‘Barcode’ specialises in trousers and suits for the formal and semi-formal look which, according to Neena, are the most sought after by both career women and homemakers.
So, now at least you do not have to buy something, which does not fit you and wait for years holding on to this resolution that someday you will reduce enough to get into it. Now, you have a place where your size does not matter. In fact, the motto here is bigger the better!
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Prescriptions: Whenever you visit a physician for an ailment, a prescription is handed over to you. This contains the names of drugs and their required dosages. It is advisable not to tamper or alter the dosages. This delays recovery and enhances drug resistance. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.
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You have heard about Santa Claus. You are familiar with the image of the jolly old elf flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeers and leaving toys and gifts for children. But know little more about him. Well folks, here is something for your stockings: Santa today is considered the “most beloved” of Christmas symbols and traditions. 
Lights, camera, action! As the spotlight floods on them, they sort of get feverish by its overwhelming power. And this sets them breathlessly rocking. They dance, curled up in each other’s arms, as if there was nothing before or beyond. No yesterdays or tomorrows. But tomorrow comes and unfortunately, makes them quit this celebrity dance competition. How does the returning to real world feel, especially when they haven’t been declared the best dancing couple? Lets find out.
The happy season is here. Unusual flowers are in riotous and colorful display.
Emmy-winning actress Christina Applegate and her husband, actor Johnathon Schaech, have filed for divorce after four years of marriage, their publicists said on Tuesday. 
Spielberg’s movie a prayer for peace
Tom Cruise and his pregnant fiancée Katie Holmes have topped a magazine’s list of the coldest and least powerful stars in Hollywood. According to hollywood. com, the list was created by the website filmthreat.com and it has placed Cruise on the top spot on the Frigid 50: The Coldest People in Hollywood 2005.
So you are a tad too big to get into a pair of Levis slim-fit jeans and your body contours are a bit too well defined for that slinky Madame top! Though you are not willing to join the bandwagon of the anorexic model brigade, the thought of wearing some smart western outfit had never been far from your mind. 
Gaurav, who is on the heavier side, thanks the cloth merchants who are waking up to the needs of the big people. “Whenever I go to a shop and order something in double XL size, the salesman always looks at me from top to bottom. Worse, they want to measure my waist size in front of all the people”. What does he do in such situations? He simply excuses himself before the guy at the counter comes back with the inch tape.
ARIES : “Ace of Swords” pulls you in the opposite direction when you take a decision. Don’t put your emotional needs into work at the moment. Lucky number: 7 Lucky colour: Wine red.
LIBRA : You may be in an irritable mood and may want your own space. Love, beauty and happiness in personal relationships make this day a memorable one. Lucky number: 5. Lucky colour: Creamy white.
TAURUS : You may be restless and agitated. Don't make any impulsive purchases that you don't really need. A Gemini person lends emotional support. Lucky number: 15 Lucky colour: Purple.
SCORPIO:
Keep your emotions under control. The karmic wheel comes full circle again; once more, the universe wants you to choose and make decisions. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Deep Red
GEMINI : If there are disagreements at home, you will be more effective in bringing family members around. “The Hierophant” takes you through a variety of experiences to learn from. Lucky number: 18. Lucky colour: Blue.
SAGITTARIUS : A celebration in the family keeps spirits flying high and the telephone ringing wildly. Your enthusiasm is sometimes impetuous and unpredictable. Lucky number: 8. Lucky Colour: Baby pink.
CANCER : Avoid cruel and violent people as they tend to take up cudgels with you on new issues. Hard work and extra responsibility should be welcomed with open arms. Lucky number: 10. Lucky colour: Purple.
CAPRICORN : “The Magus” blesses you sensitivity and creativity in whatever you do. A good time to approach someone who is in a position to benefit you spiritually. Lucky number: 3. Lucky Colour: Maroon 
LEO : Beware of an explosive outburst of anger as you may be hiding a deep feeling of frustration. Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky number: 8. Lucky colour:Pink.
AQUARIUS : “The Fool” gives you a taste of freedom and releases you from emotional restrictions. Your beloved will be your guiding star. A Taurean is moody but caring. Lucky number: 14 Lucky colour: Wine red.
VIRGO : The Hanged Man' brings several changes and the past is left behind. Spending quality time with your partner will help ease any strains. Lucky number: 4. Lucky colour: Peacock blue.
PISCES:
“The Ace of wands” advices you not to have any truck with a Gemini. If you feel imposed upon and a little upset, just give the situation the benefit of the doubt. Lucky number:18. Lucky colour: Burgundy.