The driving force
Women influence more than one third of car purchases in India
This is the last and final time Randeep Bajwa, a homemaker from Mohali, goes through the pamphlet lying in front of her. Last night she had done a detailed ‘comparative study’ as well. She calls up few friends and her husband for opinion as well. This is her final call. Randeep successfully zeroes down on the swanky and fuel-efficient car model. “This is it,” she smiled taking one deep look into the pamphlet. “I am going to give the cash payment and getting the car,” she announces at home.

For the love of words
If you thought poetry was too complex an expression to be understood, appreciated and acknowledged, then Sacred Longings by Renee Singh might help you change your mind. A city-based life coach, writer and now a poet, Renee released her first poetry book, which is a compilation of soft romantic poems. “Poetry is something that should appeal to everyone. It doesn’t follow an exact manner or language, it’s something that comes with a thought process,” says Renee. 

Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Catch’em young
Encouraged by the success and popularity of workshops held in the past, the Pracheen Kala Kendra this year too is all set to organise the production-oriented workshops in theatrical arts and dance for the children of age group 5 to 16 years.

Teen’s den
Go creative and redo your room this summer
Summer is here. And brings with it some free time in our fast paced youngsters’ lives to indulge in some diversion from the regular rut of routine. If something creative is on mind, why not redecorate your room? This Do It Yourself activity would not only rejuvenate you but also leave with a sense of achievement for the rest of the years (or till you decide to redo it).

Become a princess with a castle and themed bedspreads

What's next?
Actor Daniel Radcliffe is worried about his future jobs once filming on the Harry Potter series finally comes to an end. The 20-year-old actor, who is currently shooting for the final installment of the magical movie franchise Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II, admitted he has projects coming up but still he is concerned about his future job opportunities.


Daniel Radcliffe

Pick n choose
Bruce Willis has declared that he will not do any role that comes his way - instead he is going to carefully choose whichever role he thinks suits him best. After doing one action movie after another during his career, it's no wonder that the Hollywood action man is becoming pickier about the roles he'll take on. "There are a few things I can't do any more," says the 55-year-old Die Hard star. "I don't want to work in the snow. I don't want to work on the water. I don't want to work in the desert. And I don't want to work in musical comedy.

Bruce Willis

Play time
Hollywood actress Liz Hurley's son seems to be following his mother by embracing acting -- beginning with a school play. Eight-year-old Damian is multi-millionaire ex-husband Steve Bing's son. Hurley has been coaching him for weeks now. Liz, 44, is now married to Indian textile heir Arun Nayar.


Liz Hurley

Two much fun
Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon share a 'magical' chemistry on the set of their upcoming film Water for Elephants, says a source. A source close to the film explained that the chemistry between the two actors so far is 'magic'. "Rob worked with Reese seven years ago on Vanity Fair. He had a tiny part and he joked with Reese that of course she didn't remember him from their time together then, They joke a lot and Rob has her blushing and laughing all the time. He's very charming," said the source.

Shoot at site
Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher has decided to capture first 10 minutes of his upcoming movie Killer at its premiere June 1. The 32-year-old star announced on microblogging site Twitter that he will use the latest web cam technology to shoot the footage at the screening in Hollywood. "I'd like to invite you to the premiere of Killers June 1.  I'm going live to the web and pirating the first 10 minutes of Killers from the premiere," the actor wrote on his Twitter page.

Ashton Kutcher

Big Ben Theory

Actor Ben Kingsley kisses his wife Daniela Lavender as they stand on his star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California on Thursday. – Reuters photo

Mixed doubles
Miley Cyrus is killing two birds with one stone these days, as she claims dating two men at the same time. The Hannah Montana star says she's spoilt for choice dating Aussie hunk Liam Hemsworth - and pint-sized singer Justin Bieber. "I have my travel-size boyfriend and I have my oversized security boyfriend. It's perfect!" she said. The teen sensation might face bust-ups with Bieber Fever brigade if she isn't careful -just as Kim Kadarshian who was threatened by death mails from Justin fans after posing with him for a pic. Miley met Liam, 20, in 2009 while filming The Last Song together.

The award goes to…
Hollywood actor Sandra Bullock will receive MTV Generation Award at the MTV Movie Awards next month. She will be the first woman to receive this honour. The Oscar-winning actor will also make her first public appearance following her split from husband Jesses James.

Drink to it
City chefs whip up fruit-based smoothies to beat the heat
It's the season when orchards blossom in shades of crimson, emerald and gold. It's the season when the fruits are just ripe for picking. It's also the time that the mercury level is rising. A potent arsenal to fight the heat, translate fruits into delightful, thirst busting, heat-beating beverages that are sure to please your taste buds and keep your senses fresh. What's in city stores? Read on…

Sweet talk
Mother Dairy has announced an expansion of its ice cream portfolio with a focus on both the health conscious consumer and indulgent pleasure seekers. Go on a guilt-free trip with the all-new Mother Dairy Dietz Sugar Free - a hard to refuse option that is low on fat content and high on dietary fibre. So, indulge your taste buds without compromising on taste and experience!

Bon Appetit
Jam session!
There is a variation in the texture and appearance of jams, jellies and preserves In the 70's, jam-sessions were gleefully awaited, usually organised for birthday parties. The Regal buiding in Connaught Place had the very first disco, also called The Cellar, exceedingly popular for its jam sessions. Those were the days, my friend, of bell-bottoms and bouffants! Today, hair extensions,not bouffants is the 'in thing', and bell bottoms will not even be sneezed at when there are micro minis and their contents to be ogled at!