There’s hardly a publication, channel, magazine or blog that hasn’t written about Kareena’s size zero. Still, whenever you come across somebody from the modeling fraternity, you can’t help but quiz them on the size zero buzz and their take on it?

And if you have a petite, curly haired Sandhya Shetty in front of you, the question is inevitable. Not that the star of M.F. Husain’s movie Meenaxi—A tale of three cities and another movie Bas Yun Hi is anything close to size zero, but we shoot the poser nonetheless. “I guess it is the whole buzz about size zero that’s caught on,” says Sandhya Shetty, in city to walk the ramp for INIFD’s annual fashion show at Chandigarh Club on Monday.

“I am sure all have heard about anorexia, but I don’t believe in being anorexic. Instead, I am in favour of an atheletic body, which is fit ‘n’ fine. Haven’t you seen models like Madhu Sapre and Naomi Campbell? They have fit bodies.” So, what’s the hype and hoopla about Kareena’s twiggy frame? “A publicity stunt probably,” says Sandhya, who is also a professional martial arts and karate expert.

Sandhya has other passions as well, and nurtures them religiously. “I love to travel. This breaks the monotony of work. And I am heavily into sports,” adds Sandhya, who has featured in the international French magazines ‘Paris Match’ and ‘Pouint De Vue.’ These apart, she likes to be with family whenever she gets time. “This works like the best stress buster for me,” chips in Sandhya. The south Indian beauty has just shot for a dance in a Tamil movie, 1977 History Rewrite. As a parting poser, we ask Sandhya what happens in the greenroom before a show. She throws her head back and laughs, “Utter chaos. We are stripped and then dressed up to look picture perfect!

Sakshi Gulati, the girl in the flowing green skirt, braves the sweltering sun to do her rehearsal. A Femina Miss India 2007 finalist and Miss Delhi 2006, Sakshi is the star of Ram Gopal Varma’s Contract, a project she doesn’t want to talk about. We leave her to her work. Like her colleague model Samdhya, Sakshi is also into horse riding. “I have done various ads like Ponds, Dabur Vatika Sahmpoo, Link Gel Pens and walked the ramp at various pageants,” she says.

Real ramp to reel one

Finally, we move to the girl, who is the talk of the town, Mugdha Godse, the star of the much hyped Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion. The girl co-stars with Priyanka Chopra. “I have been in fashion industry for a long time now. And I have been offered various kinds of roles, but when I was approached for Fashion I took it up because I had to play myself in the movie, says Mugdha, winner of the Gladrags Mega Model Contest.

What does the model enjoy the most? “I guess I would want the best of both the worlds—-acting and modelling.” Mugdha has been signed by Percept Pictures Company to do three movies with them. All the best girls. Stay fit, look good and forget size zero, especially when its proponent Kareena herself plans to put on some kilos. 

CONTROVERSIES dog Shilpa Shetty wherever she goes. Recently the actor, who is hosting the second season of Bigg Boss on Colors channel, was attacked by the supporters of Republican Party of India (RPI) leader, Ramdas Athavale in Lonavala near here.

On Friday after Shilpa finished recording her interview with TV tycoon Ekta and her brother Tusshar Kapoor in Lonavala, she was stopped from returning to Mumbai by Athavale’s supporters, who gathered at the Bigg Boss venue and pelted her car with stones.

Athavale claims he was approached for the reality show but was dropped “because of Shilpa’s maneuvers”.

But Shilpa replied that she has nothing to do with the selection of participants who are now in the show.

Talking about the attack on her, Shilpa said, “They didn’t me leave and they were throwing stones at my car. What have I done, will someone please tell me? How do I make them understand that I had nothing to do with the nomination of candidates for Bigg Boss?”

Athavale’s supporters ransacked the Mumbai office of Colors channel and blocked the road outside soon after the show went on air last month and even burnt her effigies.

A musical life mired in controversy —Michael Jackson, the self proclaimed King Of Pop, turned 50 and almost no one seemed to care about his birthday. Fans seem to be confused if the day should be celebrated or if they should pity the former rock star.

Jackson had been in the spotlight ever since he was 11. But starting from his late 30s, he has been dogged by scandals and now as he hits 50 on coming Friday, he is a limp example of a fallen star. There is no denying that Jackson is one of the strangest and unusual celebrities ever.

Though he is one of the most successful artistes of all time, but when allegations of molesting boys surfaced, all the notions of his eccentricities combined with the possible validity of the allegations presented everyone with a very complicated picture.
Jackson holds quite a few Guinness records and has won a staggering 13 Grammy awards. The video for Thriller is regarded as one of the best ever. Throughout his career, Jackson blurred and transcended the lines between artiste, icon, and sadly even celebrity ridicule. It all reached a climax in 2005 when he was rumoured to have injected himself with female hormones to maintain his falsetto voice.

A few of the extreme speculations of his fans were dispelled when he agreed to be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey 1993. Winfrey didn’t probe too much and Jackson revealed bits of personal information like suffering from Vitiligo, a disease he claimed discoloured his skin and that he was a victim of abuse at the hands of his father, Joseph.In the end, the only redeeming quality of the man might be his work. And for that, Jackson has a lot to be proud of. Jackson has managed to please most to his fans. So let’s at least celebrate that. 

Saga of an English woman (played by Nicole Kidman) who comes to remote Australia and falls for a rugged cattle driver (by Hugh Jackman) is set against the backdrop of WWII. Hmm...seems like a double treat for all those Kidman fans!.— ANI, IANS 

Dressed in a grey tee and carbon jeans, this dusky beauty from Assam can pass off as any other model till she opens her mouth. Having bagged the Sudoku title at Femina miss India 2008, Sangita Bora is much more than a ramp walker for she knows how to play with words too. While for us, Sudoku and modeling are an unlikely combination, she clears the air: “No I play the game often and enjoy doing so. In fact I even play Kakuro, the lesser known version.” Back to the core subject- modeling, we ask the lady who has done ramp shows, print ads and television commercials, what is it that she enjoys the most. She says: “I enjoy the ramp most, it gives me a high and this is where I belong to.” 

While the girl is a perfect example of the fact that being a model does not mean, not finishing studies or not being professionally qualified. For she is a journalism and Mass communication graduate from her home state Guwahati. She says, “After finishing studies, I even worked as a sub-editor for sometime till modelling happened to me.” And on her take on the latest fitness fad in this business called the size zero syndrome, she says (almost unimpressed), “That trend is already over. And in any case, it’s not healthy, as there should be some flesh on your body. I would say it’s a very negative trend.” She adds: “One should look like a women at least, and then models.”

Future plans? Terse comes the reply, “I am hope to be doing the fashion week in India, and that’s of it now. I believe in following small targets.” And before signing off, she has the following pearls of wisdom for the future hopefuls trying to make it to modelling. She says, “Have lots of patience, be hard working and remember one thing an opportunity doesn’t knock twice.” Keep in mind.

On its mission to become the largest sculpture park in the country, Kalagram is playing host to a sculpture workshop, featuring artists from Assam, Karnataka, New Delhi and Rajasthan. “This workshop is a part of the North Zone Cultural Center’s campaign to save dying art forms in India,” says Yashvinder Sharma Jassi, programme officer of the workshop. He adds: “Sculpture art is only confined to exhibition walls and art galleries. And since Kalagram is the first open sculpture park which has more than 200 display works, efforts like these will promote this art among common public.”

Showcasing their works in stone, wood and terracotta the artist participating in this workshop have been a regular feature in exhibitions at National Lalit Kala Akademi and various parts of the country.

The workshop apart from others displays signature-carving concept of Narender, a stone sculpture artist from New Delhi. A perfect amalgamation of creativity and nationalism, its the religious concepts that rule when it comes to wooden sculptures. Shashi Dhar, a wooden sculpture artist from Karnataka has made a temple sculpture of the Hoysla temple along with his fellow artist. While it took them one year to make the magnificent replica of the 800 year-old temple, it is first of its kind. Other artists who are participating in the workshop include Biju Das and shiva Prasad, artists from Assam. Their work portrays Assamese culture.

The workshop is on till September 13.

A name known for crisp cotton kurtas, organic stuff and beauty products, Fabindia, has added one more item to its existing range -- jewellery. But it’s no ordinary jewellery collection. Crafted by artisan across the country these pieces blend traditional textile techniques with contemporary styling elements. 

Here you can pick anything from earrings to necklaces, ranging from Indian ethnic to contemporary western. According to Shilpa Sharma, head, Product Development, this product-line will allow customers to accessorise in a better way. This particular collection comes in three different categories — Anusuya that showcases the traditional designs from Ladakh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa. Ananya is the range of unusual and contemporary designs and is based on age-old techniques of designing using silver, copper, brass, wood and leather are the materials used in this range.

The third range is Amna, which is for the younger generation and more trendy and causal. While these designs are inspired from regional craft traditions, beads, textiles, wire, terracotta and other innovative materials have also been used.

The price range starts from about Rs 100 and goes up to Rs 8,000. —TNS

For all you people who thought make-up was just bridal, Monday saw Cleopatra-44 in association with its students from the Cleopatra makeup academy, present a beauty and body art show 2008.

Presenting a variety of techniques, the event showcased bridal, party, glass and nude effect make-up. The ramp walk showcased body paints and exotic deck up. Corrective beauty techniques were also presented in the show.

“The business of beauty has grown manifold and this show in a way exhibits the increasing interest of people in make-up and its varied techniques,” says Ritu Kolentine, director, Cleopatra.

Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra 

What we think is what we become, is the tagline of the newly- opened fashion store Emerge in sector 10. 

Informing about the store, Ankit Jain, Director of the store says, “We have spent years keeping tab on the young pulse of the north market. And now we have this store that stores everything from funky attire to classy dresses. In short, we have all that the hot footed generation wants. Working towards breaking the monotony of retail outlets we are here to introduce people to something fresh and innovative.” — TNS

Bartering among buddies? Well, friends are known to barter books, clothes, two-wheelers, helmets, cash, girlfriends and what not. The latest to jump on to this exchange bandwagon are a group of freaky people who don't only share their wisdom on the latest gizmos that hit the market. They've also formed 'gizmo groups' wherein they exchange their latest state-of -the-art gadgets, scrutinise and evaluate them too.

Pray, why? "Pure, unadulterated passion", they echo. And you know what, these geeks know about the gadgets like the back of their hand. And just about every gadget!

Chips in this Go Gadget club of four friends—Vibha Sobti, Shalika Sharma, Niharika Swaroop and Saurabh Dua---who are mad about gizmos. So much so, they are always on the lookout for a smart device. Thereafter, they go dutch, buy and then rotate the gadget in the group so that everyone can have a taste of the new 
technology.

Says Saurabh, "I have a fascination for all latest gadgets and I am always interested to know what they are like, what technology has been used." Saurabh's latest pick is a Sony Vaio laptop, which he has already scrutinsed and this is what he has to say. "Light weight, neat design, inbuilt webcam and a finger print scanner, by far this is the best laptop I have seen." And the group follows. "We've all tried and tested it, the product is good. Our club rates it 8 out of 10."

Nice to hear youngsters dissecting and reviewing gadgets and not just bikes and clothes. But what is the idea behind a gadget club. Answers Vibha, "All of us are gizmo freaks and given a choice, we would buy all the latest ones, which hit the market but we can't. They are so damn expensive." So? "We pool in money and buy one affordable gadget and each one gets to use it rather, pit pit key using it," laughs Shalika. The group has made it loud and clear to their friends and relatives---if you want to gift them anything, make it a hi-end phone, music system, pen drive…ah, the wish-list is endless.

So, here they are, the gizmo clubs, wherein the members exchange their gadgets and evaluate them also. Makes sense too. Technology is throwing up gizmos at the speed of a nano second. Smart, light, attractive and all costing a bomb. But when the cost is apportioned amongst the group, it doesn't weigh much.

Take it from Sapna, and her group of friends from DAV, who own a good number of state-of-the-art gadgets. Interestingly, most have been gifted by their relatives from phoren. Sukhjeet explains how the little gizmo club came into being. "I wanted to buy 2-3 hi-end things like an IFA 2008 with a 4-inch subwoofer in the base of each speaker, a dv 2600 laptop, a touch-screen mini PMP M35, a wi-fi mobile, but, I couldn't afford any. Initially, I thought of borrowing money from my friends, but then I bumped into another friend who shared the same passion. So, we decided to form a club that would have people who love gadgets and don't mind pooling resources and buying them."

If you are one of those for whom a car or a bike is nothing but a mode of conveyance, then all you can do is give your most tolerant smile when automobile aficionados go on and on about their passion for their beauty on wheels. This is what happened at one of the fashion shows where we came across a young designer Nitin Singh.

His enthusiasm was infectious, for this biker from the city has blended both his passions, biking and designing for his first-ever mega show Anukama-2008. Looking at his designer helmets and tee's, we could not help but marvel the way he has roped in the elements of biking in his outfits. Nitin has a lot to say when it comes to his wheeled wonders. As we give him an ear, he tells us how the theme came to his mind when he was asked to design for the show, which he thought was just another passing phase of his life.

And age has nothing to do with this obsession. No one proves this better than our own motoring expert H. Kishie Singh. In fact, it only acquires a deeper dimension with age, making the passion spill into other areas as well.

Enter Kishie Singh's domain in Kansal Enclave and instantly the garage catches all your attention. Further, as he lights up the barbeque made out of a car bumper and puts the kebabs in the dipsticks, which serve as skewers, you realise how a hobby has transformed into a passion, so much so that it has become a way of life. As we make ourselves comfortable on chairs, made of car seats fixed on rims and leaf springs and wait for the kebabs to be dished out, we notice the glass table put in front is made of a fly wheel and steering wheel put together by a gear lever.

For smokers there is an ashtray made out of a piston, by cutting it into half.

To add to the soothing ambience is the music of the wind chimes made, yes, from spanners, flange and a patrol float held together by threads. And if you want to take a walk after munching the yummy snacks, there is a walking stick with a gear top to help you around.

However, his prized possession is a caravan, which he parks in his lawns. You can make yourself comfortable in one of those two narrow beds and enjoy the view or just pick up your favourite author's book from the well-stocked library. By the time you come out of his house you know that the house has anything and everything to do with car parts.

The innovation bug that's bitten Kishie Singh has infected others too. Mandeep Singh, a professional rallyist, has made a wall-clock with a gravel tyre and a mannequin made of different motor parts. "It renders a sporty touch to my room," he adds. But his biggest innovation lies outside the house - a model tractor he assembled for a manufacturer. "In fact, I am planning to put a small power engine in it so that I can move it around my house," he adds.

Of course, such toys never go out of fashion. And this is one aspect Michelangelo Francis, an art teacher with St John's High School, is using to his advantage to teach the kids a relatively new art form - graffiti.

When we met Milind Gunaji a couple of years back, this lovable villain of Bollywood would get befuddled even at the mention of a computer or an e-mail. The past few years have been good to the man, at least technology wise, which we have kept a track on from his e-mails sent from his Blueberry Pearl off and on. And well, now it's time to catch the bull by the horn and make him spill the techno beans.

Not much of a geek
I still don't know how to operate a computer and I am still baffled by complicated operations of the gizmos, and then be it a mobile or an I-pod. I like gizmos that allow me to push the button and get the result directly.

Latest pick
My Blueberry Pearl, I have it for some time now but the latest is an I-pod with 36 GB memory and a Nokia N73 because it has a good camera. Photography is my passion and this mobile comes handy when I am not carrying my camera.

I-phone’s temptation
I have heard so much about it and I must say, I am little tempted. But on second thoughts, I am no gizmo freak and not bothered about the touch screen and all that bits.