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Go mushy, Bollywood style
Love is all around me, So goes the mushy number and well, if you are in love, so does your every single heartbeat. Especially, with Valentine’s Day lurking just around the corner, isn’t it time already to go all gooey and love-lorn? And all those who haven’t been struck by stupid cupid’s whizzing arrows, fret not. Here’s cozying up to the Valentine season with a peak-a-boo at our filmistan’s all-time mushy movies: War ‘n’ Peace
These were the movies with the archetypal tug of war moves. Our poor hero/heroine were caught here between two warring sides tugging at them. Situation 1: Lovers caught between their warring millionaire fathers, one of them being a wealthy man, in a brocade dressing gown, planted on the sweeping staircase of his mansion, holding a heavy cut-glass tumbler of Scotch and a large cigar and banning his daughter from marrying the poor but proud young man. And if the daughter turned a rebel and threw daddy’s words back at his face, he’d summon the hero and say, “Yeh lo pachaas hazaar rupayia aur meri beti ko bhool jao…” But the love-struck soul would snap back —
Aap mujhe khareed nahi chate hain, mera pyaar bikao nahin hai. Hit thi hit hai: Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Ishq, Betaab, Bobby, Saudagar, Mugle-e-azam, Dil Situation 2: It’s the hero’s party and the heroine’s torn between two lovers. One of these lovers would vent his emotions by spreading his fingers lavishly on the keys of a handy grand piano, the other would stand in a corner, face half hidden in shadows, brooding and shying away from the party. This character would finally loose the heroine. Hit thi hit hai: Sangam, Mukaddar ka Sikander, Pathhar ke Sanam, Daag, Humraaz, Ishq Vishq Pyaar Vyaar Supreme Sacrifice These are the flicks where lovers preferred death to a life without (or with!) each other. It’s another story that a dying person seldom took less than 30 minutes to actually pop it. Lying feebly on the bed with barely enough breath to stay alive, the dying person/ persons would extract several aakhri wadas and khwaishs with the suffering relatives. Hit thi hit hai: Aanand, Mera Naam Joker, Ek Duje Ke Liye, Kyamat se Kyamat Tak, Tere Mherbanian, Betaab, Dayawan, Veer Zarra Family Bandwagon Ideal for all Ekta fans, these were the pyar-ka-bandhan movies centering around joint families, weddings, plush staircases, business losses and tears flowing uninterrupted. Many of these had an additional family member —the pet. This animal would frequently understand the masters’ emotions and was clear about one thing – saving its masters who were desperately in love. So whether it was an obedient pigeon of Maine Pyar Kiya, disobedient doggie of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun or agile Dhanno of Sholey, they saw to it that our love-struck heroes and heroines got their due! Hit thi hit hai: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Maine Pyar Kiya, Tere Meherbian, Vivah, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum, Hum Saath Saath Hain Bitter-sweet Love These were the classic cases of passionate love turning sour. Though SRK, with his portrayal of the baddie, bags a trophy in this category, Saif Ali Khan (Omkaara), Urmila Matondkar (Pyar Tune Kya Kiya), Nana Patekar (Agni Sakshi), were other towering anti-heroes who strutted their venom in intense performances. Fun all the way While the sixty’s breed of heroines always went for picnics with a gaggle of their sahelis on bicycles, singing all the way and the hero followed her, surrounded by a gang of his own friends (also perched on Atlas bicycles) leading to chheda chhedi, the modern flicks in this category were a slice of life. Hero and heroine here were constantly arguing and weighing the pros and cons of pyar. We thankfully missed the melodrama in these movies, but were filled in with tongue-in-cheek humour, sparkling wit, a zany burst of thought-provoking debates and ironical situations. A perfect treat for the metro-sexual men and Gen Y women. Yet, these were the unabashedly entertaining films, with which we could identify ourselves very well. Hit thi hit hai: Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Tum, Salaam Namaste, Cheeni Kum, Neil n’ Nikki, Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Jab We Met Saccarine Sweet Gossamer chiffon stoles fluttering against the sky, autumn leaves scattering in the wind, a dark, dingy bunglaw in the middle of nowhere…minus chawkidar, but stocked with vast amounts of firewood to lay fire (where the heroine ducked behind the screen to wrap herself in a handy sheet as the flames of love soared higher), a woman draped in silvery white or a bed of red, yellow and blue tulips or an endless field of mustard… welcome to the world of Yash Chopra’s mushy cinema. All about hilly terrains, flowers and sprawling fields dancing to Lata Mangeshker’s songs, these movies were all about falling in love. Some of these movies set new rules of the game of love. Like if you happen to spot a handsome guy at your friend’s sangeet, slip loads of colourful bangles into your wrists and start singing, Mere haathon mein naun naun choodian hain…, shower flower petals on your girl from atop a helicopter, wear skin clinging halters and wispy, barely-there chiffon saris while dancing on the Alps and play a flute in the fields when your fiancée’s getting married to somebody else. And yup, if you’ve got stuck with the wrong hubby/wifey, push on those knees of yours to catch your beloved on a train/plane in motion. But if nothing comes to your rescue and you get hitched with the wrong person, wobble a bucketful of bhang on Holi and start dancing with your ex-flame. A modern take on the famous director’s style has been of Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Plush, at times unreal, but completely mushy and candy-floss, Johar’s introduced a new aesthetic in cinema. Right from bubblegum eating teenyboppers, girls in micro-minis, boys flirting endlessly in Archie ishtyle, it’s all there. Generated enough employment for Manish Malhotra and Sabhyasachi! Hit thi hit hai: Silsila, Chandni, DDLJ, Dhoom-2, Mohabbatein, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai…(released on Valentine’s Day), Maine Pyar Kiya, Mohhabatein, Kal Ho Na Ho |
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Truly Thai
IN love with the stuff flowing from the Forbidden City? Well, then here’s your chance to do more than just go ga-ga over their range of cosmetics, toys or accessories. All you got to do is head to Purple Rice-35 and join the eatery as they celebrate the Chinese New Year (February 7)! Well, not exactly Chinese style though, but Thai style with a Thai Week. The food festival that kick started on Thursday invites you for a tasteful experience.
In true Thai style, the menu for the festival too comes in Thai with English translations. Like, kai meaning chicken, kaong meaning prawns and thak meaning vegetables. In soups, you can enjoy the very fiery Tom Yum with kai/koong/pla/phak i.e. chicken/shrimp/fish/vegetarian. Or how about Laksa Lemon, a preparation of Malay hot noodles with coconut milk. In salads, a must bite is the Laav Kai, a chicken and vermicelli salad. For vegetarians, there is a raw papaya salad. Talk starters and says owner Vipul
Dua, “This time we’re taking special care of our vegetarians clientele.” So, for Thai vegetarians, there is Tahu Na Chen, a delectable dish of boiled tofu and fried mushrooms in yellow bean sauce. Luring the non-vegetarians is Kai Yad Sai — slice chicken with curry paste wrapped in an egg pancake. In curries there’s a lot more than the usual green or red curry, on the menu is Massaman curry, Yellow curry and Rendang curry. In main course vegetarians can bite into dishes prepared using soya chilly, Thai herbs, curry paste and more. For
non-veg lovers, there are prawns, pomfret, squid, crab in a variety of sauces. Relish these with an exotic variety of rice and noodles and complete the experience by biting into steamed coconut balls for desserts. Also, if you happen to visit the eatery on Valentine’s Day, then you get a glass of wine and a slice of cake complementary. Interestingly, the joint completes one year on this day. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and dine in style. On till February 14
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Steel the show
No longer a mere metal, the solid, shining metal (read stainless steel) is steadily hogging the limelight in homes these days. Not just in utensils, mind you, but everything including bar ware, tableware, décor items, office accessories, bathing accessories, furniture and architecture to home accents. And the good news is that with famous brands like Art d’inox and Magpie are here in town helping your steel-décor dreams turn real. We fill you in on the smart steel options that would surely find a distinct niche in your urban den. Other hard-to-resist picks are the brand’s range of crystal-embedded steel frames (Rs 1,250) and designer bathing accessories, including soap dispensers (Rs 750), soap dishes (Rs 350) and toothbrush holders (Rs 695). Fused with materials like wood and porcelain, these even make great gifting options.” Chips in marketing head Ebony-9 Param Toor, “Steel is definitely a very visible element in home accessories now. We’ve stocked stylish steel tableware, bar accessories and other utility items by Magpie, Matrix and Heritage that are in high demand. Unconventionally designed and appealing, they don’t rust, tarnish or wear out.” Tea lovers can choose from a beautiful flamingo inspired tea set (Rs 5,500), with everything from teacups and saucers to tea bag squeezers, sugar tongs and strainers in a combination of steel and porcelain. Designer one and two-tier cookie trays (Rs 995 to 1,565), napkin ring sets (Rs 895) and coasters (Rs 695-750) come in interesting shapes. Another extraordinary bet for throwing some jazz in your décor would be steel furniture. Designer Pinakin Patel has fashioned very chic, steel sofa chairs (Rs 39,375) for Art d’inox. Well, steel is in and only those completely out of touch with the times would turn their noses down at it.
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Telly Tales
RESEARCHERS have said time and again that TV is a lot more than an idiot box and if put to right use it can actually help one grow, learn and develop. And, that’s exactly what we want to lay emphasis on here. Lest, you think we are talking of real learning, let’s make ourselves clear. Here, the stress is on reel learning. So let’s tune in and see what all is there to learn on the small screen.
To begin with what is it that we Indian viewers love the most? Bollywood, of course. Right? So, in order to check your Bollywood quotient or learn more about the tinsel town, watch Bollywood ka Boss on Bindass. Here, the quizmaster Boman Irani puts you through a series of Q & A based on flicks, actors, filmmakers, film locales and more. And if you think you are good enough, then do not just watch but participate and take home the title of a Bollywood ka boss! The next show is for Bollywood music buffs. If you have on your tips the lyrics of the popular and the unpopular Bollywood numbers, then grab your share of excitement, knowledge and prizes on Star One’s Bol Baby Bol. So the next time you watch Adnan Sami testing the participants, make sure you’ve got a paper and pen nearby to note down and learn simultaneously. Okie, if it’s dance that’s your calling and not music, then NDTV Imagine’s Aja Nachle with Saroj Khan is the show for you. Transform your living room into a dance studio and learn and match the dance steps with one of the country’s best choreographer. And if the jhatkas and matkas fail to satisfy the actor in you, then enroll yourself in Sab’s Acting ki Funshaala. This comic reality show is quite a patshala, helping to nurture the dreams of those who want to make it as comic actors in Bollywood. The participants here perform on a given theme and are judged and corrected by principal Annu Kapoor, warden Aparna Kumar and teacher Sanjeev Kumar. Sounds quite like a school, right? Well, here’s hoping that the learning doesn’t end here, and as for all you TV buffs stay tuned. (This column appears fortnightly) |
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Little Inteview
I did try getting into movies. But I don’t have a godfather. Also, the movies that came my way did not appeal to me. But I was ambitious and hence made a few mistakes that in hindsight could have been avoided. I did a film which did no good for my career. I’m more careful and choosy now. n
But why an album? I am more than just a good body and looks. I want people to know that I have other talents too. In fact, the lyrics of the album are a culmination of thoughts I’ve been penning down since teenage. n
What is the concept behind the album? Prahlad Kakkar, the producer, has made a highly stylised video that is as per the international standards. It is provocative but I’m not doing anything offensive. I do have my own sex appeal and I don’t see why I shouldn’t take advantage of that. I play nine outrageous characters in the video. n
Have you got any film offers after the album? I don’t want to comment on anything. But yes, I reiterate that I don’t have any hang ups about the roles I play even if it means wearing bikinis as I know I can carry it off tastefully. I want to be an actress first.
— TNS |
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STEP OUT
Now is a nice time for adventure activities in the sea. Not only will you get a respite from the cold in North India, but the tourist hordes that descend on beaches for Christmas-New Year and mid-winter holidays have thinned and adventure tour operators can give you more slots. Room rates are also lower, and shops and restaurants less crowded!
Diving is a hardcore adventure sport that is very rewarding because it takes you into a world as different from ours as outer space! The underwater world is rich and strange, populated with weird and lovely creatures. The growth of coral and its many varieties is so fascinating that in some places recreational divers actually sink old cars in the sea so that coral grows on them after a while! In India, thanks to the old maritime trade, we have plenty of ships lying off our coasts. One of the most popular shipwrecks, at a diving site in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Goa, is Suzy’s Wreck. Like rafters and kayakers, who are highly creative in naming rapids, divers too come up with intriguing names for their favourite spots. Another Goa site is called Lobster Avenue and no prizes for guessing why! You can learn diving in Goa, Lakshadweep and the Andamans. Before you go, you will have to decide whether you want to do a PADI or CMAS course. Of the world’s many diver training organisations, only these two run courses in India. Most people like to do PADI courses, because you can find a PADI dive centre nearly everywhere around the world and dive with them after showing your certificate. However, many other people prefer the methods and guidelines of CMAS. The minimum age for diving with CMAS is 12 years; for PADI it is 10 years. My column on snorkeling (http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071215/ttlife1.htm#3) mentioned the Goa dive operators (both PADI), so the details of only the Lakshadweep and Andamans dive operators are included here. You don’t need to be athletic or supremely fit to learn recreational diving. Only if you progress to advanced levels will you need above-average strength and fitness. Even if you are fat and paunchy, you can enjoy diving at the basic level. However, you must not have heart problems, asthma or claustrophobia. You must be a decent swimmer. This means that you must be at ease in the water. If you have learnt to swim but your comfort level is low, then work on it before you set out to learn diving. Dive operators also run programmes to help people over this stage. They are held in swimming pools or shallow lagoons. Many people do an introductory dive before signing up for the course. You will be taught to use the scuba gear in a swimming pool or lagoon. Once you are comfortable breathing with it, you will be taken for a dive in the sea (called an open water dive). Each first-timer has his/her own partner who is an experienced diver. Your partner will be beside you throughout the dive and many first-timers hold their partner’s hand until they begin watching fish and forget to be scared! Diving is safer than most adventure sports, due to state-of-the-art equipment. However, the cost of this equipment yanks up prices! Introductory dives cost Rs 1200-2400 while the first-level course costs Rs 17,000-20,000. Water pressure causes temporary physiological changes so certain safety rules are observed. Before a dive, do not eat gas-producing food and after it do not travel by air for half a day. If you have a sinus problem or cold, wait for it to clear before going diving. The writer has authored India’s first handbook of adventure sports and is available at y.bey@excite.com Dive Operators Lacadives (CMAS) Samudra (PADI) |
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beauty studio
ARE you lost in a maze of confusion, promises and expectations from skin care houses that forever keep on telling you how their face wash is tailor-made to suit specific skin types? With new products rolling in everyday, there are an overwhelming number of facial cleansing products on shelves to choose from. From this barrage of products, how do you choose the face wash that actually address day-to-day skin care needs? Your skin, whatever type, warrants a more personalised approach to care. Your cleanser has two jobs to do — clean and keep the acid mantle of your skin balanced.
Benzyl peroxide and Tricloson are a must in face washes for acne-prone skin. Tricloson is mild enough and is the basic anti-bacterial, while Benzoyl is stronger than Tricloson (it can burn and dry sensitive skin and also has bleaching power). Great to use after acne breakouts, they cleanse and disinfect, penetrating into pores. The secret is to let them sit on the skin for 20-30 seconds when washing your face. Salicylic acid (2%) is much appreciated by acne-troubled skin. Dry and sensitive skins must look for cream cleansers that are free of sodium laureth/ lauryl sulfate. You must opt for fragrance-free cleansing creams that contain water and mineral oil. For mature skin AHA and BHA are great news. While AHA is great for sun damage and helps get rid of fine lines BHAs penetrate pores and exfoliate dead skin. For maximum benefits AHAs and BHAs must be properly balanced otherwise they won’t exfoliate and not help in diminishing those fine wrinkle lines Though oily skin can achieve a very clean and cool feeling with products like menthol, camphor, peppermint, alcohol and witch hazel but actually they irritate the skin. Oily skin may benefit from some ingredients but not all as they might give a temporary feeling of balanced skin but will over compensate to return to the natural state by producing oil thus defeating the purpose. Stay clear from products with foaming action that gets air in but are completely useless for oily skin. n
I have always wanted a rosy glow on the face. How can I get it? Donna, a natural rosy glow only comes from within. It all counts up to enjoying good health, taking care of your skin with the right products, eating the right meals, sleeping at least eight hours to complete your beauty sleep while giving your skin a chance to repair. Knowing your skin and choosing the right products is a very important factor here. If you want to fake the rosy glow then you can take help from blushers. Choose the correct one for your skin tone. Follow general guidelines — lighter rose and apricot suit fairer complexions while orange and berry pinks suit darker complexions. (This column appears fortnightly) Pammy Kaul is a UK-based beauty therapist. E-mail queries to
lifestyletribune@gmail.com
or write to |
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A new study has claimed that a diet low in carbohydrates is better than a diet low in fat at preventing diabetes. In the study, the researchers found that a diet low in carbohydrates but high in animal fat and protein doesn’t seem to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. “One study is never enough to change a recommendation, but this study is interesting in that it shows that a low-fat diet is no better than a low-carbohydrate diet in preventing type 2 diabetes,” Thomas Halton, lead author of the study, as saying. “The one diet that did seem to show a protective effect was a vegetable-based, low-carb diet which consisted of higher amounts of vegetable fat and vegetable protein, and lower amounts of carbohydrate,” he added. — ANI
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Actress Gwyneth Paltrow who is reportedly pregnant with her third child is said to have returned to her pal Madonna’s Kabbalah faith. The rumours started after Paltrow was seen leaving the Kabbalah Centre in New York recently after spending an hour inside. It seems, according to a source, Paltrow has turned to the Jewish faith for answers after a tough 2007. Unconfirmed pregnancy reports spread last month after Paltrow and her husband, rocker Chris Martin, were spotted trying to sneak out of Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.
— ANI
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Cool Stuff
CATCHING the pulse of Valentines, Axara has brought in a platter of dressing options for the V-Day. The use of original colours and beautiful mixes of fabrics makes the collection simple, bright and extremely feminine. Skirts, tops, long rustling dresses, jackets are available in shades of red like scarlet, vermillion, crimson, cherry, burgundy, claret, ruby, maroon, garnet and wine red. Glamorous, sensitive and contemporary the clothing line is creative and accessible to the young woman. The collection in bright colours, cool style and complete comfort is a must buy during this season of love. The range is priced between Rs 1,999 and to Rs 6,000. Technology Fashionable, ultra-portable and a huge storage capacity, Transcend has unveiled Compact T.sonic 650 MP3 Player. Combining a lightweight streamlined design and high storage capacity of up to 4GB, it is easy to use and can slip effortlessly into your pocket. Weighing a mere 30g, it is light enough to be worn around your neck. The high-gloss front face is attractive. Also the brilliant dual-color OLED display can easily be viewed at any angle, even in broad daylight. To increase ease-of-use and intuitive interface navigation, a convenient four-way button is built into the face of the T.sonic. Hair Care TO endow hair with natural beauty use Saini herbal oil. The brand has launched their super oil in a new improved form with time tested combination of selected herbs like jajoba, shikakai, amla, bhringraj, camphor and rasaut that keeps natural oil and water intact giving the hair a non-oily look. The properties of these extremely versatile ingredients maintain the oil and moisture balance of the scalp and bring back health to your damaged hair. Developed after years of extensive research on herbs, the product shows visible results within six months of steady uses. The 50 ml pack is available for Rs 200. Beauty ENRICHED with cocoa butter and oil extracts of Vitamin E and Almond Astaberry Cocoa Butter cold crème promises deep nourishment for the skin. Astaberry Biosciences London, in technical collaborations with Bhimsaini is a 50-year-old company with proven mastery of Ayurveda. It lightens the pigmentation of skin making it clear and glowing and also protects it from dryness during cold as it makes the skin soft, smooth and silky. It has no side effect and is completely safe for all types of skin having lovely fragrance in addition. It comes in a small jar of 100 gm priced at Rs 50. Fashion CELEBRATE the cheerful spirit of Valentines with stoles and shawls from Ahujasons shawls. The rendezvous of exemplary designs and unbeatable quality of fabrics is what they have in store for you. The collection has been designed exclusively for the young vivacious working woman. These are available in wool blended silk, jacquards and embroidered brocade enhanced with clear, iridescent beads and sequins. The collection is so designed that it can be mixed and matched with any kind of outfit be it Western or Indian. Highlighting various hues of red like scarlet, vermillion, crimson, cherry, burgundy, claret, ruby, maroon, garnet and wine red. These are priced at Rs 300 onwards. — TNS
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Chair twist exercise i.e. leaning forwards at the hips and rotating the spine in a controlled movement for 15-20 seconds relaxes the low back muscles.
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Hit thi hit hai: Dar, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Daraar, Anjaam, Bazigar, Darling, Agni
Saakshi
NO home space, no matter however strikingly designed, manages to make an impact unless accessorised right. And talking about home décor accessories, haven’t we all always longed for something chic and unconventional, yet low on maintenance and cost? But zeroing in on a combo that packs such a punch was not always a cakewalk. Unless, of course, we happened to be in the middle of the ‘steel revolution’. Nah, not the historic industrial revolution of 1878, but the more recent one. The humble steel has made a grand comeback and how!
Walk into Art d’inox-17 and the breathtaking variety of steel accessories are bound to enthrall you. For, the place stocks everything to cater to a design connoisseur’s fancies. Liquor-lovers can raise a peg to this. The brand has designer bar sets with everything from bottle openers, strainers, knifes, ring cutters, peg measurers (Rs 1,750-3,785), cocktail shakers (Rs 200-600), wine rack (Rs 595), Champagne bucket (Rs 1,795), ice tongs (Rs 195), ribbed coasters (Rs 895) and ashtrays (Rs 650), water pitchers (Rs 1,250 to 1,445), ice buckets (Rs 2,995) and beer glasses (Rs 1,595). Bar accessories and cutlery sets by Matrix are also available at Ebony-9 and across various crockery hubs in town.
Corporate honchos can smarten up their cubicles by pen, pad and business card holders (Rs 310-2,000), besides classy paperweights and dustbins (Rs 695-2,295). And guess what, there’s enough for the home birdies too. Informs store manager at Art d’inox NS Negi, “While our vases come in interesting shapes like cubical, cylindrical, square and rectangular, must-pick is a huge one shaped like a moon crescent on a wooden base (Rs 400- 1,995). 
n
You’ve taken a different approach to stardom. Instead of trying to make it big in films, why did you choose to come out with an album?
All ranges of face washes more or less have a similar portfolio of content. The top three ingredients make up the majority of the cleanser, while less consequential ingredients are listed further down. 