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Equally yours
While youngsters today find love and attraction the foremost criteria, issues like ‘chastity’ and ‘skills in the kitchen’ that ranked high in 1930s were no issues in 2008. Women, however, retained their appeal for ‘emotional stability’ and ‘dependable character’ that they valued back in 1930. ‘Mutual attraction’ and ‘love’ ranked the first in both men’s and women’s list. A few decades back, when marriage was more of a practical arrangement, marrying for love was thought to be foolish. However, the changing times have changed the criteria for choosing a life partner too. “These results are consistent with the rise in educational and career opportunities for women, and men’s increasing desire to share the financial burdens with a future spouse,” said Christine Whelan, one of the researchers behind the study. We asked some tricity folks what tops their priority list. The responses showed that today youngsters prefer partners who are caring and sharing, preferring emotional compatibility to intelligence, money or status. “When it comes to choosing a life partner, I’d rather go in for person with high EQ (emotional quotient) rather than IQ (Intelligence quotient). I value family life much more than career and other material possessions because true happiness lies in having loving family around not a fleet of cars or villas,” says Manu Sharma, an MBA student. “There can be understanding and better bonding only with a guy who has high EQ. For, only then can he be sensitive to your needs and aspirations,” agrees Parul Khullar, HR Asst Manager with Bharti Airtel. “There are lots of men from premier B-schools and institutes with enviable job profiles and pay packets, but sadly they’re lacking in emotional maturity. A suitor with a high IQ can be stimulating to start with, but then the equation remains cerebral and on an unreal plane, while it’s emotional compatibility that makes a relationship more realistic,” she elaborates. And it’s not only women who are attracted to sensitivity; men are increasingly following suit. “I would any day prefer a mate who is emotionally compatible, shares Deepak Sharma, a bank employee. “When it comes to a lifelong commitment like marriage, logic and reason fail. Only two understanding and caring people can make it through life’s challenges,” he adds. mona@tribunemail.com What Women Want Desirable characteristics: Unimportant characteristics: Desirable characteristics: Unimportant characteristics: (Based on survey conducted by the University of Iowa sociologists Christine Whelan and Christie Boxer) |
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Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor and cricketer Sreesanth have emerged as the winners of PETA India’s annual ‘Sexiest Vegetarians Alive’ poll. Informing this, a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) communiqué yesterday said an online contest was conducted by petaDishoom, Peta India’s youth arm, in which Kareena and Sreesanth narrowly edged out 2007 winner R Madhavan, model and doctor Aditi Gowitrikar and singer Kailash Kher among others. Kareena has bagged the title for the second year in a row, while Sreesanth outshined fellow vegetarian stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to grab the recognition, it added.Actors Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan secured the second highest number of votes. — UNI
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Autobiography on screen
Amitabh Bachchan is set to play a superstar named Ashmit Bhargava in Kushan Nandy’s The Actor, which incorporates many incidents from the Big B’s life, making it his most autobiographical film to date. “Yes, I wrote The Actor for Mr. Bachchan, along with two writer-friends Kiran Shyam Shroff and Ghalib Asad,” Kushan said.Confirming the news, Amitabh said: “Yes, I’m doing a film for Pritish Nandy (Kushan’s father.” The film is being produced by Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) and will go on floors in the next few months. Nandy and Amitabh got together for director Sanjay Gupta’s Kaante in 2002, but after that there were reports of a rift created between them by a third party that didn’t want the two to work together.“I wouldn’t like to go into the past, or comment on our relationship. Amitabh and I go back a long, long way. I’ve known him from long before the troublemakers were born. It was just a matter of the right vehicle for the amazing actor. When my son came up with The Actor, I knew this was it. I immediately approached Amitabh. We met several times and he agreed.”“I don’t think anyone else could’ve played Ashmit Bhargava the way Kushan wrote the character. The protagonist has to be an icon who’s about 55-60 years old, portraying what’s according to the script the greatest actor playing the biggest role of his life.” —
IANS |
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Politically correct
Shooting of Bollywood flick Rajniti, which depicts the political scenario of the country, got underway in Bhopal. The film is directed by Prakash Jha known for his hard-hitting films Gangaajal and Apaharan. Prakash Jha’s film stars Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpai.Speaking to the media, director Prakash Jha denied that the character of Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif resembled that of Sonia Gandhi.
“The character which Katrina Kaif plays does not resemble politician Sonia Gandhi even one per cent. Sonia Gandhi is such a big politician that she has her own story. Katrina plays one character, which suits our film. It does not resemble Sonia Gandhi in any way,” said Jha. Katrina Kaif whose films set the box-office on fire during the year 2008 said that she was very excited about doing this film. “Once I met Prakash ji he told me the story. There was instant response from me and I was blown away by the story. I think it is a fantastic script and that’s what matters. I’m very excited about doing the film,” said Kaif.Prakash Jha has selected 20 places in the city where the film will be shot. — ANI |
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Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz has revealed that she doesn’t like to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Vicky Christina Barcelona star admits, “She has never sent and never received any Valentine’s Day cards. They hold no importance for her,” “Valentine’s Day cards means nothing to me. I have never sent one - and never had one,” she said. The 34-year-old actress also revealed that she doesn’t like to talk about her love life. “I do not like talking about love. It is too revealing. But I have had so much love in my life, and I am always open to it,” she said. “I never talk about romance. I’m afraid of what might come out if I talk,” she added.Taking about her link up with All the Pretty Horses co-star Matt Damon she said, “We said there was no truth in it but we kept getting asked about it. I thought why do we have to explain? It is not right that I am being asked if I am with someone or not’,” she added.Cruz believes she is lucky in love. “I like to think I have a proper view of love. Age does not come into it. I love older people and I love children. I have been lucky: love has always been there,” she told Britain’s Sunday Times. — ANI
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Hollywood actress Halle Berry is set to go bald for new movie titled Nappily Ever After. The film is a romantic comedy for which she plans to go bald. “I’m shaving it off!” said she. “I know. Here comes the controversy, but ... it’ll grow back - I hope!” she added.The Oscar winner has recently wrapped her latest movie, Frankie and Alice, and says she’s is happy settling back into her favourite role of all: mom to her 11-month-old daughter Nahla. “When I looked at the stick and saw I was pregnant ... I was so happy. I thought I knew love before, but I’ve never felt anything like this,” she said.The 42-year-old actress said that she can handle any media criticism - but the most important thing to her now is Nahla’s approval. “I don’t want my daughter to look back at my work and think, ‘Mom sold out. I want to leave a legacy that she can be proud of,” she added. — ANI
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Big Love
Big love, waiting to catch the big one Love is getting dearer, and bigger, for youngsters expanding their friendship horizons! Living life king-size in palatial houses, even meager flats, they are opening up their hearts largely to buy full-fashioned teddy bears. Right, the cuddly-forever chums that are as big as their aspirations! "Or else, the youngsters with tubby wallets are going in for full-blown celebrations. They are picking up giant velvet hearts dyed in the hues of passion that beat even in their absence," says Raman of The Jewels, a gift shop in Sector 11. "For, the concept of `bigger the better' is back in a big way on St Valentine's Day". Well, folks! Expensive gifts were always in. And needless to say, diamond is still a girl's best friend. But it seems that the young lovers are now going in for not just pricey, but also "enormous" gifts. For, size matters! After all, in these days of ostentation all good things come in large packages. Fellows, if you are still having doubts about the enormity of celebrations in the gigantic love season of 2009, just hop on your bike for zipping down the fast track of emotions all the way to the arcades. You will find so many younglings looking for excitement glittering on glass shelves under synthetic day light in card and gift shops having arcades lined with jumbo temptations. "Chasing big game of love, they are actually pulling out anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from their handbags for furry hearts and tender statuettes of affection molded into teddy bears you can easily hug," says Raman. Under-grad Sandeep Singh has just purchased an impressive soft toy for his college-going babe. For, she had threatened the parting ways in case of his failure to prove affection for her on February 14. Reposing on a cane chair in the front lawn of her four-kanal house in Sector 9, the little miss was obviously candid, not candied, Sandeep admits. Running her chiseled ivory fingers through her silky brown highlighted tresses, she had asserted: "Get me a gift for Valentine's before taking me out for the afternoon bash. Otherwise...." No wonder, Sector 20 resident Sandeep is playing Cupid. Flying on the wings of commercialism, he has managed to save his love from being grounded by convincing the gift-shop owners to give him a 'huge discount'. Anyway, this is not the end of the big story. Even the cards with "I love you" messages printed across in bold letters are 'full-size'. "You can, in reality, outsize your rival by presenting a stupendous card," says Ankur Jindal of another gift shop The Friends in Sector 15. "Costing somewhere around Rs 500, it does all the talking for you." Just in case you are wondering why this big hullabaloo about giant celebrations, ask ex-Capt Rajneesh Talwar. Running a card and gift shop on the Panjab University campus, he will tell you all about it. "Love," he says, "is nowadays an island of emotion surrounded by a river of expenses. For, adoration is no more accepted as a gift. It is won with gifts - the bigger and expensive, the better. Otherwise also, the youngsters today believe in affectation, and not affection. So, the gifts have to be capacious if they have to appear impressive." Phew, guys, have a heart! saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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Crooning glory
Remember your first crush? Ever wondered what happened to that 'hot chick' in front row of your class? Or, what became of that popular 'sports-vice-captain' you were madly in love with? Or, even the pretty girl in the playground when you were still a teeny-weeny little boy. Welcome to the world of love! Romance, bubbles, nostalgia, pinks, magic, passion, memories, sentiments and everything mushy rules. We go 'Valentine music shopping' and come back emotional. Sniff sniff! Classic vs contemporary
Wine vs bottle
There's undeniably old wine in newer bottle with even more innovative packaging. There's an album that goes by the name Love Attack, another declares You complete me, on the cover, while yet another bluntly says 101 Love songs. That's not all. There's one that even promises to turn you into a teenager, Re-introduces college Love. Colllege and high-school love; on that note, Suvankar Sahoo, assistant manager operations, Music World-17, has some revelation, "Teenagers as young as in Class VIII or so, come and buy them." English vs Indian
For all the hard core rigid National language lovers, sorry guys! English crooners win the battle hands down, quantitatively and qualitatively speaking. Eighty to 20 is the ratio that Santosh Rana, customer executive, Planet M-9, assigns to English and Hindi, respectively. "English clearly sells much more and it's the slow and romantic numbers that sell the most." Those dripping with fierce flushes of patriotism can take heart. Certain evergreen tracks, Yeh kahan aa gaue hum, Pyaar manga hai tumhisSe, Dil kya kare, to even the recent Maula mere maula or songs from Jab We Met find their way into few of the Valentine albums. It's mushy, it's melodic, even melodramatic, but remember it's music and don't forget it's Valentine. manrpiya@tribunemail.com
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Romance is brewing
With Valentine's Day around the corner, British Coffee chain Costa Coffee is all geared up to celebrate the spirit of love.
To mark the occasion, Costa Coffee has also launched a delectable range of heart-shaped chocolates. Among the new additions to the beverage range are Hazelnut Cappuccino and Toffee Cookie Latte, in their iconic double handle Massimo cup. For those who want to go cold, there is Coffee Frescato. It has recently launched all new Costa menu that include Turkey sandwich and all new croissants.— TNS |
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Spice up
A 'pick-me-up' facemask can leave your skin clean and glowing. Cleanse the skin. Mix honey with egg white and apply it on the face. Wash off with water after 20 minutes. After washing off, give the skin a cold compress with cotton wool pads soaked in chilled rose water, to add a glow.
Used tea bags can also do the trick. Soak them in a little warm water, squeeze out the water and apply on the eyes like eye pads. What do you do if a pimple suddenly makes its appearance? Just apply foundation over it. Wait for it to dry and then apply foundation on the entire face. Touch up the pimple again with foundation. Then apply powder to 'set' the foundation. To conceal pits left by acne scars, take a foundation which is a shade or two lighter than the one you use on your entire face. Apply the light foundation into the pits, using a fine brush or cotton bud. A concealer can also be used. Then, apply your normal foundation on the rest of the face. Mix together 3 tablespoons of rose water with one teaspoon each honey and lemon juice. Apply on hands and feet and leave for half an hour. Wash off with plain water. If your hair is looking dull give it a quick conditioning treatment before your shampoo. Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar and honey with one egg. Beat them together well. Massage the mixture into the scalp. Wear a plastic shower cap and wash the hair after 20 minutes. Your hair will have more body and look shiny and manageable. |
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Cosy up with cushions
With Valentine's Day round the corner, Maspar has come up with its range of gift items. Its unique line of products for Valentine's Day includes items like heart shaped cushions with rose prints and embroidery on them, door hangings, cushions with fringes, heart shaped door mats, cocktail napkin set, treat bags and much more to choose. The items are available in soft colours like pink, mauve, red, purple and peach so as to create a feminine look for the special evening. The price range of the product line is from Rs 95 to Rs 1,495. —TNS |
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Bells of change
Manpreet Dhir Handa, is the newly married bride of the Handa family. A month back she was shopping with her younger sister Meher and mummy. She was cracking jokes with her maiden family, reassuring her sister that marriage will change nothing between them. They will always be the two inseparable musketeers. While ideally flipping channels one evening, she sits up abruptly. My god, I haven't called Meher for the last two weeks. How could I do that? How did it happen? They were 'inseparable'. What followed was a string of painful self-analysis. Has marriage changed her relationship with her family? Is she the nosiest person alive? Why didn't Meher call and doesn't she miss me?
Offers Swati Sharma, 28, a newly married freelance copywriter who is already feeling the pangs of change. "I know that marriage changes so many thing, but I never thought it would affect my relationship with my real brother and with my folks." What is it that has changed? "The familiarity is missing. Earlier, I would share just about everything with my younger brother, but now I think twice before telling him anything, especially when it is about my new family. I cannot call him at any time of the day, shout at him, and tell him to pick me up if I am stuck in the market. I dial his number first, and then cut it for some unknown reason." And for Swati, the new role-playing and giving priority to 'the new' people could be one of the reason. "I am getting used to the fact that I no longer stay with my family and they are no longer at my beck and call, though they are there for me always," she says. Sakshi Mehndiratta feels the same strange feeling creeping in with her bindaas relationship with her younger siblings. "Nothing has changed. Nevertheless something has. I am married for five months and I have called them only 6-7 times. They too don't call me that often, neither do they consult me anymore." She adds, "I understand that they respect my new role in my new family. Also, they treat me with so much more respect now. The youngest one has started calling me didi," she smiles. Sakshi finds the similar change in her attitude with her folks. "I would get all the shopping stuff approved from my mother. And now, I don't remember doing the same. I talk to her with a degree of formal respect." If you thought only girls feel the change after marriage, you are wrong. Boys too have reasons to wonder. As Abhishekh Sharma, 30, admits that marriage has done something to his relationship with her younger brother and sister. "My wife has nothing to do with it. God knows why my brother and sister behave formally with me. They don't fight with me; my sister does not throw tantrums. They somehow avoid coming to meet me." And he explains, "They have probably assumed that I don't have any time for them or that I am busy. I don't know, why can't we be the same chuddy buddies? The strange uncalled; unexplained formality after marriage does bother people. But then not every change has an explanation to it."
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What do women want? has been a question haunting men forever. The University of Iowa sociologists have come up with the answer not only for men but also women. A recent study on what men and women look for in life partners, gave some surprising results.
The all-proposal day is still a few days away! Yet, teenyboppers across the city with colossal-hearts thumping for love pangs are already picking up larger than life trophies of affection! For their pals! To make the big-occasion a massive success! By the way, it's not love letters penned with the 'blood of thy arteries' that's catching their fancy, the way it did in Chand-Fiza's limited episode love story. 
If love is eternal, so is music. The melodies of memories never seem to go 'out'. Toeing the line, this year too classics inescapably find their way up the shelves. So there are I'd want you to love me, Nothings gonna change my love for you, Have I told you lately? Careless Whispers, Love is True…Everything I do, Because I love you, I just called to say I love you…you get the picture. As Balpreet Jawanda, customer care executive, Planet M, Mohali, says, "Old numbers that have been there ever since and every year find most favour."
On offer is a feast straight from the heart that includes Peppri Foccacia sandwich, a fusion specially developed for the Indian palate, heart-shaped strawberry marble cake, a strawberry flavored mousse cake with a topping of imported strawberry filling. This special combo offer will be available throughout the month of February. 
After applying the facemask, take two cotton wool pads soaked in rose water and use them as eye pads. Squeeze out the rose water and then apply on closed lids. Lie down and relax, while you have the mask and eye pads on. Rose water actually has a calming effect, helps to remove fatigue and brighten the eyes. 
Want to express your love to your beloved? Then this is the time and season and what else could be a better way of expressing love than showering your partner with a gift that is beautiful, chic and exclusive. Well forget the usual flowers and chocolates this time!! But at the same time, if you are puzzled what to buy for someone special in your life, then stop worrying. Maspar, the well known Indian brand for home décor and lifestyle accessories, has the perfect answer to all your gift worries...
It is not easy to stare reality in the face. And change doesn't always come like a hurricane. And in relationships, it just slips in without any hue and cry. After marriage the change looms. A daughter no longer shares the same casualness with her family and ditto for a son, irrespective of the entry of husband and wife in their new lives.