Ramp over reel
She is probably the only model who was asked to put on a few kilos for the pageant. And probably, one of the few models who would rather be a Naomi Campbell than Angelina Jolie. Simran Kaur Mundi, Miss India, in town to walk the ramp for The Designer World by Trendzun'ltd at Taj-17 on Friday, goes through the Q sheet and trial session earnestly. This is her profession, and world after all. Nonetheless, she hugs a dream close to her heart. "To be in a corporate world. Something like Bipasha Basu in 'Corporate'," smiles the gossamer skinned girl. One more, smitten by the larger-than-life cinema. "Not really," she says.

Simran Kaur Mundi, Photo by Himanshu Mahajan

Beauty and books
Why do we bank on clichés? Probably, because they can be related to. So, whenever we see pretty looking model with vital statistics in place, you can't help but muttering, beauty without brains. And then you get talking to model, Nandini Vaid, who defies with cliché with élan and, most importantly, good, functional grey cells. "A talent hunt show on the campus in Delhi set the ball rolling for me," says Nandini. A travel show for Zoom, and then association with Page 3 and Popcorn." Soaked with pancake 24X7, just the right smile, that wee bit of skin show, showing up at the right parties…life is sure happening for models. She brushes aside her hair, "It is a matter of personal choice. It is not mandatory to attend parties or look dolled up all the time. At the same time, models are required to follow professional necessities as well. 

Nandini Vaid, Photo by Himanshu Mahajan

Formula One:
Vote for netas who act 
Ask questions, don't compromise and vote for the right leader—the film fraternity, which is still in a state of shock and anger after the terror attacks in Mumabi feels all this will help in putting the derailed system back in place. 

Subhash Ghai

Irrfan Khan and Shilpa Shetty

Gay pride
Being a gay icon is a matter of pride:Abhishek Bachchan 
Director Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana has hit the jackpot at the box office and Abhishek Bachchan, who pretends to be a homosexual in the fun flick, is happy to be a gay icon. "I'm very happy with that. Why should I be surprised or shocked? I think homosexuals are as human as anyone else. It's a matter of great pride if I'm their icon," Abhishek said.

Abhishek Bachchan

Artists on a rock song
Artists from God’s own country, Kerala and across the globe from USA and France, threw an advance 84th birthday party for creative genius Nek Chand

Photo by Himanshu Mahajan

THE first thing that comes to mind when we say Chandigarh is the rock solid, Rock garden. The spectacular souvenir of artistic masterpiece and inspirational genius of Nek Chand, its fan following crosses all barriers of land and culture.

An artistic salute to Nek Chand (right) Photo by Manoj Mahajabn

Brothers in arms
Like brother Mohan Maharishi, Bhanu Bharti also believes in addressing grassroots problems through theatre
To invoke history, tradition or folk culture through theatre is one thing but addressing problems of the grassroots level to the top is quite a different endeavor. This is a passion that drives renowned theatre activist Bhanu Bharti.

Bon Appetit
Walnuts for wellness
Few foods are as nutritiously complete and good for the human body as walnuts. They have not only been called 'brain foods' because of their brain-like appearance, but also because they contain high amounts of omega-3 fats which are essential for your brain cells to function properly. Walnuts also help lower your 'bad' cholesterol while preserving levels of 'good' cholesterol, and that, in turn, leads to a healthier heart. Medical research has proven that intake of walnuts could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Some of us dislike its rancid irritant that coats the throat and tongue, so chop them small and use them nevertheless! They are a delicious way to add extra nutrition, flavor and crunch to a meal, so always keep a packet handy in you kitchen cupboard!

Swaras for the slain 
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan dedicates a live concert to the Mumbai victims 
Before kicking off a thrilling live performance, Pakistani Sufi singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan dedicated the evening to the victims of the Mumbai terror strikes.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Musician sans music
Katrina Kaif learnt to play the cello for her role in recently released Yuvvraaj, but couldn't master the instrument. She says she would love to take more lessons but her busy schedule doesn't allow her to do so. "I have learnt how to play a bit of the cello. In terms of making the correct sound, it needs more time, but it is not possible for me to dedicate three years to master it," Katrina said.

Rista in restro bar
Zafrani Kahwa in a ceramic cup. Though the chic, minimalist ambience of a lounge bar may not quite evoke the ethnic feel of a traditional pakwaan, the Kashmiri food 'festival' that got underway at Blue Ice-17 in the city on Friday managed to dish out some flavours from the valley. From mutton yakhni to gushtaba, and methi maas to kabargah tabak maas, the menu had staples of a traditional Kashmiri menu. The kesar phirni in earthen bowls was what came the nearest to bringing the ethnic appeal to the table. —TNS