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Goodness gracious!
The traditional image of gods has taken a glam turn in the hands of well-known designers. If bling is an integral part of our couture, then it is also present in the wardrobe of gods now...
Will Goddess Lakshmi look any less the harbinger of prosperity and wealth if she is dressed in a plain saree minus the jewellery? Maybe; we have been conditioned to visualise her all-decked up to do justice to her role in the Indian mythology. For ages, she has been draped in a red saree with generous embroidery and brocade-like-pattern. Add to it her golden jewellery and stone-studded crown, which makes her personify affluence. While the basic features of the Goddess of Wealth haven't been tampered with over the years, she has certainly been given a make-over. That is also the case with idols and figures of other Hindu gods and goddesses.
Money game
The difference becomes stark when you pit a Lladro figure against a China import or the one manufactured locally. Last year, world-renowned porcelain label introduced its version of Goddess Lakshmi in India priced at Rs 6.5 lakh. "The 720 pieces of limited edition figures of the goddess were bejewelled with a diamond nose stud and a gold crown," says Nikhil Lamba, COO of Lladro India. The beautifully crafted figures were sold out in no time, inspiration enough for the Spanish label to introduce Ram Darbar this season. The limited edition 1,800 pieces are priced at Rs 8.10 lakh. It is not the economic part that solely makes these idols noteworthy. Each piece is handcrafted, followed by extensive research as to how should the gods be dressed up, their make-up, features of the face and emotions. The blue and red contrast of the blouse as well as saree of Lakhmi makes for her beautiful attire.
Different screen
How good the god looked in Bollywood movie Oh My God! Portrayed by Akshay Kumar, the god's wardrobe went designer in creations by Raghavendra Rathore. The designer, known for his revival of Jodhpuris, gave Akshay a few items to team them up with jackets; the glitter was added by golden buttons. As against how we have imagined Krishna, this modern version was presented to us sans a gravity-defying crown or robes that were a few hundred meters long. "The task was to make Lord Krishna look like us, yet different," comes from the designer. The staple elements of Lord Krishna were picked up, like the peacock feather, and used in a key chain. "A modern Krishna won't pin it in his hair. A key chain was a more feasible option," Raghavendra says. When it comes to playing the character without any modification, which means playing Krishna as it ought to be, you can spot similarities between calendar art and the characters on mythological shows across the TV spectrum even after all these years, except for the six-pack abs that almost every actor of these shows have. In that case, calendar art can be incorporated in the fashion scene like Manish Arora has been doing for a few years now. Picking images of Hindu idols and using them in clothes. And the whole world takes notice of it! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Crack(l)ing affair
Diwali and gifts are synonymous. Here are some celebrities sharing their cherished memories on this festival of lights…
Of course you don't need a special day to make a dent in your wallet! At the same time, there are occasions where you don't mind that dent, no mater how deep it is. Our celebrities tell us how much they splurge on Diwali, their best buy and yes, the gift that did not make them too happy. PS: Gifting is a beautiful way to express your love and respect for the person, which means there is nothing like a good or a bad gift!
Living life every moment is her mantra. "Diwali is the day when every moment is joyous." Shop till you drop: This Diwali, I have time to shop more than usual; clothes and everything else. I like gifting and also getting gifts irrespective of whether they are big or small. In fact, this Diwali my daughter made handmade diyas and put them on an exhibition. Isn't it a beautiful gift!
Family time: Aarti Chabria
Gift I remember: I feel that gifting is a thought and it is this thought that matters more than anything else. "One time, I was gifted a laptop on Diwali, which was really great. Otherwise I generally get diyas. The thought that someone actually makes an effort to gift something makes me not judge people."
Being choosy: Anuj Sachdeva
The best gift ever: Well, I am gifting myself a house in Mumbai this Diwali. I don't think there can be a bigger gift than this. Please excuse: I am choosy about perfumes and clothes; I wouldn't want anyone to gift me that on Diwali. Once I did get a garment, which I had to give away to someone. The size of the gift or the price tag doesn't matter; it is anyway a thoughtful gesture.
Happiness matters: Dharmendra
Simple stuff: Kiran Kumar
The best & the worst gift: My family and I don't believe in gifting only on special occasions. I think I splurge more on other days than Diwali. I like this festival, at the same time there isn't anything called special gifts on
the occasion. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Sajid dating Esha?
It seems director Sajid Khan has a fascination for long legged actresses. First he dated Gauhar Khan then Rakshanda Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez and now the latest in the row is Esha Gupta. According to the latest buzz, Sajid after breaking up with Jacqueline has found love in Esha, his Humshakals actress.
It is said that the duo share more than a director-actor relationship on the set and after the shoot both spend quality time together. There has been a hush-hush in the industry for quite sometime that Sajid and Esha are romantically linked up. "They bonded well and it looked more than just a director-actress thing. The two have suddenly found things in common. Their close friendship raised eyebrows on the sets," said a source from the film unit. However, Saijid's brewing romance with Esha did not go well with the second lead actress of the film, Bipasha Basu. Bips felt that Sajid was biased about his love interest but the Bong bombshell declined any such rivalry. "Though Bipasha had later made it a point to deny it, the truth is far from it," a source said. When asked about Esha, the filmmaker commented: "Why only Esha? I am buddies with Tammanah (who also features in his film) and Bipasha as well. It's always great to work with friends." Sajid Khan was in a relationship with Jacqueline for three years. His over possessive nature is said to be the reason of his past break-ups. He too met with Jacqueline on his film set, Housefull 2 and love blossomed. In various occasions, they were spotted together. The duo called it quits only few months ago. Confirming their break-up, a source close to the two said: "Sajid and Jacqueline were having serious issues since February this year. But they have many common friends who always helped them patch up. Their efforts worked for a while, but the cracks kept resurfacing." According to reports, Sajid's intensity as a lover has killed their strong romance. "He was always protective, but at times too possessive of his girlfriend," said a source, adding, "Jackie brought out his prudish side... he had issues with the way she dressed, her roles... everything." Industry insiders say Jacqueline lost the golden opportunity to act in Jism -2 and Krrish-3 due to her boyfriend. Sajid forbade her from kissing Hrithik Roshan on screen or shooting sensual scenes with Arunoday Singh and Randeep Hooda. "Sajid's bear hug was stifling Jackie, and though it was a painful decision, they decided it is best to remain friends and not end up as bickering lovers," said the source. Friends say Sajid Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez's 'parting was amicable'.
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Creative instinct
The beginning
I wrote my first poem when I was in class two. A child writing poetry was not that normal a thing and I was teased by cousins. Although ideas kept brewing, I did not sit down and write till recently. The process
For my daughter's board exams, I took a month's leave and she did not want me to do anything for her. So there I was on my laptop and typing like crazy. In thirty days, I had sixty pieces ready and wanted to continue. Mariam Kobras, a German writer, read my works on Facebook and motivated me to publish them. Right circumstances
My work as an airline manger gave me little time and then I got another opportunity. Since my company wasn't paying salary, to cut costs I started travelling in the metro. There I could make use of one hour, which I earlier spent on driving, to write. The tough times made me pour my feelings into poems. The First Few Minutes published by Gnosis is a collection of stories, poems and essays. My favourites
I am very fond of Indian authors—Ruskin Bond, Khushwant Singh and Kamla Das. Current scenario
There are so many writers today, but many of them writing only to sell. I believe one should write only about what he or she is convinced about. It instinctively finds connect with the readers. Future projects
By god's grace there are no worries at the moment. I am enjoying writing and painting. My blogs are receiving a very good response. My son looks forward to creating a studio of my own where I hope to give expression to my creative instincts.
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Fruit full
Ranjan Dibya This recipe of dry fruit ladoo is one of the easiest sweets you can make for this Diwali. You don't have to splurge at the mithai shop and where you are not sure of the purity of the ingredients. So serve these ladoos this Diwali and get the compliments.
Dry fruit ladoo
Ingredients
Method
(Dibya is an executive chef)
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Astro turf
ARIES: Get into artistic projects at home. A trip to local market for locally grown fresh produce might inspire you to eat nutrition-rich food. Luck will favour you today. Cash crisis resolves after 3 pm.
Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 33 TAURUS: You will find it very hard to pin down people. Do not bury disturbing emotions. Conflicting energies in the cosmos make this a good day for recharging your batteries. Tarot message: Get a clear perspective before making decisions. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 51 GEMINI: “The Sword” signifies that enduring relationships can be formed with new people. Stick to your regular job, as it is the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: Do not be dominated by a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 34 CANCER: Concentrate on your career path. Be flexible in your thinking. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple solution. Your popularity is an asset to you. Tarot message: Accomplish those tasks, which take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels Magic number: 39 LEO: Your attention is focused on home, property, and family. Money flows in after lunch. Your determination and thoroughness will ensure success. A heavy workload could put you off early. Tarot message: You will be happy to retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 27 VIRGO: Pursuing your hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Think with future in mind. Real estate matters may suffer. Confidence and self-esteem are on a rise. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 45
LIBRA: Today is a good day for romance. Avoid gossiping, because it can spoil your chances of success. Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep yourself fit. Do not take hasty decisions. Tarot message: Be active in encashing financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 47 SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air. Tarot message: Do not leave
things to chance. Lucky colour: Deep Red Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would take a toll on you physically. Appointments and meetings could fill up your day, so switch your phone off. Tarot message: Be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 29 CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. Partners may not agree with your plans. No need to put your hard earned money at stake. A positive outlook towards life is recommended. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 42 AQUARIUS: Hopes fill your heart. If you are planning to buy a house, a good offer is on the cards. A relaxed day for senior citizens. Patience and hard work pay richly. Focus on leadership and inspiration. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the week. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 61 PISCES: Surprising events can lead to a major re-thinking on what you are doing with your life. Avoid alcohol and drugs and you will avoid doing anything stupid. Speak to your partner about using joint finances to cover an extra loan. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 58
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 3...
Scorpio is ruled by Mars and the number 3 by Jupiter. Mars was the God of War in ancient Roman mythology and is the first ruler of Scorpio. In India, Mars is associated with Lord Hanuman. You are admirable, distinguished, and intelligent. You have extraordinary memory. Your financial status will improve and you will invest in real estate business this year. Don't get upset when you confront a tricky situation. Things will go smoothly for those born after 1980. You'll meet important people who'll propose interesting business deals. A 'mistake' is possible and may have to do with personal family finance or banking; double check everything. Although no major health problem is indicated take care of water-borne ailments. Think before you speak. Positive colours: Tan, Yellow. Select days: Sunday and Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Ruby
You share your birthday with Sonali Kulkarni (November 3, 1974, Pune), who appeared in a total of 32 movies, including one in Italian titled Fuoco Si Di Me, for which she won an award at the Milan International Film Festival. Sonali’s career will move ahead at a slow pace in 2014. |
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I can’t pull off rona-dhona: Vahbbiz
Actress Vahbbiz Dorabjee, who is currently seen essaying the role of Kumud’s sister-in-law, Alak, in the show Saraswatichandra, talks about her role and more… You are playing the role of a politician for the first time. How is this role different from your previous roles? Alak’s character is completely different and its completely opposite of what I've done before. I'm playing the role of a very mature and practical woman, who is a young politician and I'm enjoying it. Can you imagine yourself in the role of a typical bahu? No. I don't think so. I cannot pull off the rona-dhona. You were also offered to be a part of the show, Naach Baliye. Why didn’t you opt for it? It was impossible for us to do the show because Vivian, my husband, is in an exclusive contract with Colors. What kind of reality shows you would like to do? I'd like do to some dance related reality shows for sure, either Nach Baliye or Jhalak. Will you ever do a Bigg Boss? Never, because I don't want to wash my dirty linen in public. What changes you find in your life post marriage? Marriage makes one more responsible and stable. And the beauty of marriage is that it is all about "we" not "I". How do you de-stress yourself? I like meeting family and friends when I am stressed out. Recently, I went to Pune, my hometown, and spent time with my mother. I have my own set of friends there, it's lovely, I have the best of both worlds. Kya baat hai!
Romancing the Bong connection Actress Pooja Gor will now be seen playing the role of a lonely housewife, who falls for a younger man in Vikas Gupta’s series of love stories Yeh Hai Aashiqui that is telecast on Bindass. The story is based on the famous Bengali movie Charulata, which is an adaptation of the novel Nastanirh, written by Rabindranath Tagore. While Pooja essays the role of a sulking wife, Charulata, who longs for happiness, Salil Acharya who has done shows like Shararat, Yeh Meri Life Hai, and Kasautii Zindagi Kay, will play the role of her husband. No Bigg Boss for Hiten
A year of success and happiness
Going strong: A still from Ek Veer Ki Ardaas…Veera
Actress Pooja Kanwal, who is back after her 17-month maternity break, will be seen in two TV shows, Sanskaar Dharohar Apnon Ki-2 and Shapath. However, Pooja will go bald for her role in Shapath with the help of prosthetics.
Bigg misunderstanding
Kushal Tandon has denied all rumours about Salman Khan being upset with him. He says that he is a big fan of Salman that Salman said many nice things about him, which were not shown on the show.
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Puneet is the new Satya
Ram Gopal Verma's 1998 film Satya is considered an all-time gangster classic film and now its sequel Satya 2 is ready for release. The film features debutant actor Puneet Singh Ratn as Satya. We catch up with the actor for a brief chat at a promotional event.
Tell us about the film. It is RGV's visualisation of the underworld in Mumbai in 2013 after much of the underworld has been destroyed by the police and all dreaded gangsters have taken shelter abroad. So how did Satya 2 happen to you? It's Ramu ji's characterisation of a single ambitious man forming his own company and becoming a don. I play the character of a don who alights from a train one day in Mumbai in 2013 and single-handedly rules the underworld. He is a mastermind with his own ideas of starting a corporate underworld. It is very unlike the original. How did you prepare for your character? I just went by RGV's visualisation and did whatever he asked me to do. The result has come out very well. I am very happy with it. Do you have any leading ladies opposite you? Yes, I have Anaika Soti and Aradhana Gupta opposite me. The film releases on November 8.
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Sonam cuts down on costume cost
With costumes worth lakhs being procured from the best of the international labels, Sonam has been pretty much a trendsetter. All of that and more would change with Khubsoorat, her next film that goes on floors in November, which has a wardrobe budget of — hold your breath— a mere Rs 5 lakh. "It has been a call taken by her sister and producer Rhea Kapoor along with Sonam herself," informs a common friend. "It is going to be a complete shift for Sonam who has otherwise dealt with costumes worth lakhs in the past, including Aisha. The sisters felt though that the USP of Khubsoorat lied in its simplicity and it didn't make sense to invest in a cost that didn't hold any meaning in the film's context." As a result, even though clothing budget of any 'A' league actress ranges from Rs 75 lakh to Rs1 crore, Sonam's budget for Khubsoorat won't cross Rs 5 lakh. We must say that's quite a shift from the fashionista!
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Winning spree
DLF City Centre Mall's Diwali bonanza -'Free Car, Shopping, Movies' reached a crescendo when a big lucky draw—for a swanky Honda Brio hatchback worth a staggering Rs 4.19 Lakh was held in the shopping & entertainment destination. Shoppers who had made purchases of Rs 3000 or more during the shopping extravaganza were eligible to participate in Mega Draw for Honda Brio.
The centre of everybody's attraction, the Honda Brio car was mounted on an attractive and specially made platform, as visitors gathered around the lucky draw stage. The lucky shopper's coupon was taken out from a box containing over 1000 vouchers by Caroline
Dangwal, mall manager, DLF City Centre. Finally who got lucky was 43-Year-old Kulwant Kaur from Mohali, who got an enviable Diwali gift. Caroline says, "We have always tried to differentiate our activities during the festive season. This time we have gone a step further and given patrons something to cheer about— a mega lucky draw for the latest car.
— TNS
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Sweet temptation
Dunkin' Donuts brings to you eight delicious reasons to break away from the mundane and predictable dabbas of mithai and'
laddoos' and add a delicious new twist to this festive season.
Dunkin' Donuts has unveiled a completely new range of donuts exclusively for
Diwali- premium donuts collection. The collection boasts of exquisite new gourmet donuts that include dark chocolate truffle, very very blueberry, alive by chocolate, classic coffee, chocolate hazelnuts, fresh cherry tart, mandarin chocolate orange and coconut ganache fills. With the new range, add an all new flavor to the festivities as you share the season's joy and revelries with family and friends. Dunkin's premium donuts collection makes for a perfect gifting idea for friends and family this season. Priced at Rs. 250 for a pack of four donuts and Rs. 500.
— TNS
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The judicious use of colours to depict stones in jewellery that the goddess is adorning also underlines how far we have come from the usual calendar art, which restricted gods' jewellery to only golden colour. It's not that calendars have stopped using idols as their subjects but there is a considerable improvement here as well, certainly if you compare it with how Raja Ravi Verma envisioned gods as unfashionable or Spartan. If bling is an integral part of our couture pieces, it is also present in abundance in gods' wardrobe now!
Special moment: Deepshikha
Bollywood and now Punjabi films, this pretty actress also believes in the goodness of this festival. Family get-togethers and treat with friends is her idea of Diwali.
This good-looking actor, who shot to fame with Punjabi film Haani, loves to get together with family and friends and also play cards on Diwali.
The large-hearted superstar celebrates Diwali in spirit with the entire country. "It is a Diwali if I read something nice; I like to be a participant in the happiness of people when they enjoy every moment of this festival. I am working on Diwali; I might go to Sahnewal on that day. As far as gifts are concerned, working is a beautiful gift. And when I gift, I don't tell anyone."
Kiran Kumar, the veteran actor, has always kept Diwali as a low-key affair. "It's mostly about sitting together with friends, wife and children; chatting till late in the night and eating mithai. I used to burn crackers when I was a kid, now with the pollution levels going so high I don't appreciate it much."
There was a writer inside Sangeeta Suneja always trying to break free. It took its own way, time and circumstances to reach where it wanted to. In Chandigarh, on Saturday to release her book The First Few Minutes, Sangeeta, an airline manager, is happy about her creative journey.
Charity on birthday: Worship Goddess Lakshmi for progress, prosperity and donate dry fruits to the poor.
Every avid follower of Zee Tv’s dance reality show, Dance India Dance, knows of Mithun Da’s trademark style of expressing his appreciation for a good performance as he says “Kya Baat! Kya Baat! Kya Baat!”. With Season 4 of Dance India Dance, Zee TV has gone a step further. If you visit the YAHOO! homepage, you can make your own original remix of Mithun Da’s Kya Baat from among a number of catchy beats to select from. You can create your remix and share it with your friends on mail. Stay tuned to Maruti Suzuki Dance India Dance Season 4 every Saturday to Sunday at 9 pm on Zee TV.
Apparently, actor Hiten Tejwani is not a big fan of the show Bigg Boss. Hiten, who has participated in dance reality shows like Nach Baliye and Kabhi Kabhii Pyaar Kabhi Kabhii Yaar, says that he is not comfortable with the idea of entering into Bigg Boss house and he can never be a part of the show.
Ek Veer Ki Ardaas…Veera, a show that features a special bonding between a brother and sister, completed a year of being on air. The show managed to gain much popularity and critical claim. The show garnered appreciation by the virtue of its compelling story line that touched the hearts of audience.
Pooja’s bald look
Sonam Kapoor comes with the tag of being a fashionista and has been reveling in this image ever since the days of Aisha.