With the festival season arriving early this year, we see summer styles blending into winter colours and cuts

Brocade lined, velvet embedded; dori worked, replete with zardozi, crystal, swarovski and gotta patti work, the festive collection (read Karva Chauth and Diwali) has made use of fabrics, which are translucent and light weight, but heavily worked. From simple cuts to modern silhouettes, the Indian sensibility is beautifully maintained in all that we saw for the festive ensemble.

A quick look around the city shops and what we found were plain kurta-pyjamas in silk and cotton, sherwanis and smart achkan-style kurta. 

Lined with heavy to light work, in men's section you see more of zardosi and dabka work. But the best was what we saw at Bombay Traders in Sector 17- A sea green sherwani, embedded with pure swarovski crystals (this was priced at Rs 2 lakh) and achkan-style kurtas in cotton silk. 

For more you can check out Fabindia-8, Mothers Home-8, Catwalk-17 and Mangaldeep-17.

An appreciable first-time effort, Ayan Mukherji’s Wake Up Sid is an eminently likeable, light romance. There’s very little substance to it but the amiable treatment and believable performances make it ever so endearing! The beauty of the movie or the lack of it, lies in the casting. Sid, short for Siddharth is played by Ranbir Kapoor who comes into this role with very little baggage, considering he hasn’t had much of a run at the BO with his earlier movies and so does not really have the legitimacy to curry favour as a star. Konkana on the other hand, has done most of her Hindi movie roles playing the girl next door to perfection and her emotive brilliance is simply unassailable. She plays Ayesha an older, independent woman who strikes up this very unlikely friendship with this rich, spoilt, lonesome kid, Sid. The relationship between the two takes a long time to develop. First they are just friends, then they become roommates and finally when other people start infringing on their seemingly secure world they begin to admit to their special deep-seated feelings for each other.

 There are problems aplenty with this sort of writing. It’s a dekho at a coming-of-age story without the depth and understanding that is expected as a given in such a scenario. Sid is a rich kid, a good-looking dude who could possibly have women falling all over themselves to get to him. But Ayan wants us to believe that a guy like Ranbir is gauche and insecure when he looks anything but. Maybe a little more effort to get Ranbir to look the part could have helped in increasing its believability. Ranbir in the film looks like the uber cool metrosexual male who has a deep sensitive side to him and if that is what we have to believe then the eventual friendship/romance between Sid and Ayesha would be a non-starter for the simple reason that they come from two different worlds and there is no meeting ground even in their value systems. Nevertheless, Ranbir’s screen presence, his seeming child-like vulnerability and his open-book appearance make Sid somewhat believable. Konkana has played the Ayesha-type character many times before. Her roles in Luck by Chance and Page 3 come the closest. In this film, she starts-off on a slightly shaky note. The initial few meetings between the two only illuminate the unlikelihood of such an impossible friendship. She is lonely, just come in from Kolkata and seeking to find security in this big metropolis, Mumbai, and on that very day goes for a college send-off party. Why should she be there in the first place? A person like her (at least that’s what I would think) would have spent time settling in rather than crashing into a party where she would be the odd one out! Even if she is there, why is she writing in her diary in a secluded corner instead of being a part of the fun and games. Sid is a reluctant guest and he takes the first opportunity to get out. The first meeting between the two is quite stagey and ineffective. When they decide to walk-out of the party together, it looks forced and manipulated. In fact the whole movie is caught-up in such contradictions. It feels as though the writer and director decided that the two lead characters had to fall in love and so it has to happen. In fact the entire movie would have been much more believable and exciting if the two eventually had decided to part ways. But it was not to be. After all this is a Dharma productions movie where happy together endings are a must! Even so, with this film, Ayan has shown that he has the sensitivity and the skills to make a decent Bollywood entertainer even while going against type!

Apart from movies, Rani’s niece keeps her busy

Celebrities are known for their indulgences apart from their packed schedules. 

But what keeps actor Rani Mukerji busy other than her professional commitments is her niece Mysha. 

“Mysha is the joy of my life... she is my world. She is someone whom I love playing with and who can actually make me dance around her little finger... I just adore her,” Rani said. 

“She's just three and has become quite grown up at that age, which really moves me. 

My heart just melts looking at her and when she says 'Pipi, Pipi' (as Mysha fondly calls Rani),” added the 31-year-old. — IANS

 Made for those who appreciate stylish design coupled with uncompromising performance, the Acer H5 Series monitor has a 1920 x 1080 16:9 aspect ratio Full HD widescreen display that is perfect for home entertainment. —TNS

In the city, we find some commonality, some contrast between TV actor Hina Khan's real and reel persona

There isn't much of a difference between the on-screen and off-screen personalities. Akshara is family oriented and so is Hina Khan. Akshara gives her best to make things works out just as Hina would, for any given situation. The actor, Hina Khan, and her character, Akshara, are just the mirror image, with same attitude and demeanour, "And this makes it easy for me to understand the character, emote and act well," says Hina Khan, aka Akshara of Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, who was in the city to be a part of a Tanishq event. And the jewellery she likes is, " Very traditional. I like jewellery that's oxidized and has the antique look."

She next tells us that the director of the soap also observed these similarities and thus offered her the lead role, "My friends induced me to go for the auditions. With no acting experience and without any portfolio, I was selected from amongst 200 other contestants, some of whom were professional theatre actors." Her passport-sized photo in the identity card of her college, in fact, got her the role. And then, acting was learnt gradually, "With no formal training, acting was initially tough for me. It was on-the-job training for me and now playing Akshara is just a way of life." So much so that she doesn't want to do any other TV soap and is not even aspiring for Bollwyood, "Ye Rishta… has given me enough success and satisfaction as an actor. For people, I will always be Akshara, even if I'll do some other project," adds Hina, who in her college days aimed to become a journalist. Content with her career graph, yet she has a desire to make success sweeter, "Wish Sundays were off and I could get to sleep for long hours."

Well, the only apparent difference between the real and reel her are the looks. Minus the make-up and heavy saris, (which gives the feel that every day is Karva Chauth), she was clad in blue formal anarkali suit. And before signing off, a difference struck her too, "Akshara is very sensitive, she easily breaks down but the real me is very tough, who would fight till success is achieved." That's Hina!

Amit Khullar from the city won the first prize of jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh. Other prizes, ranging from a gift voucher of Rs 5000 to 25000, were also given away. 

In the city, classical vocalist Sanjukta Ghosh talks about melody and more… 

Born and raised in a musical family; reverberating with drone of tanpura, soulful strains of contemplative music and soothing rhythmic beats, the Kolkata based classical vocalist Sanjukta Ghosh regards music as a dynamic progressive phenomenon that grows with the evolution of life. 

Initiated into music by her vocalist mother Anima Sengupta, she learnt music for 18 years from Ustad Munawar Ali Khan the disciple son of legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb. Her upbringing and blessed tutelage of stalwart gurus enabled Sanjukta to establish her credentials as a gifted vocalist at her very first public performance while she was doing her degree in music.

 Her marriage at the age of 18 with the international tabla icon Shankar Ghosh, co-artist with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan in California opened new vistas for her as she accomplished her skills, performed while teaching at the Ali Akbar School of Art in the US. Her aesthetic potential came to limelight as she participated in fund raising concerts and recordings at Hollywood under sitar wizard Pandit Ravi Shanker, for displaced Bangladeshis. She extensively taught in institutes in the US, especially Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan London and performed in USA, Europe and Canada.

Just back from London, she is in the city on invitation of her guru bahen, Primila Puri, President Triveni Sangeet Sabha for a vocal recital at the Punjab Kala Bhavan on Sunday. Excerpts from interview.

You were trained in the Dhrupad style, what initiated Khayal gayaki?

With my exposure here and at international level, I personally feel that the performer should induce some flexibility in the otherwise traditional forms and structures of music with a rigidity of code and conduct. My Kasur- Patiala ghrana Khyal gayaki and semi genres like thumri, dadra, kajri have a special fervour, which are more open to expressions and variety of themes unlike the religious alone in old styled Dhrupad. Besides I have an adroit mastery over Nazrul Geeti, Rabindra Sangeet, Bengali Tappa and more.

What made you discontinue teaching of vocal music in California?

Whatever tall claims we may make, but the fact remains that all foreigners like and imbibe the nuances of instrumental music better than the vocal genre. The emotional thematic content of our bandishes, mainly based on the leelas of Lord Krishna and dive consort Radha is beyond their conceptual grasp. Back home I take pleasure in imparting the best I learnt to my sixty disciples in Kolkata.

With husband Shanker Ghosh (tabla maestro), son Bickram (renowned composer and musician) and his actor wife Jaya Seal is there any clash of personalities?

Not at all, we all are family members at home and artists outside. Bickram runs a music studio and Jaya too has joined us to teach classical dance. After a few films and serials, her portrayal of Parvati (second) in Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani was the latest. We however give a healthy competition to each other.

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

(Watch her live at a vocal classical concert at the

Punjab Kala Bhavan auditorium, 6.30 pm onwards.) 

Pronounced as po-pur-ree, Maspar, brings in the gentle fragrance of distant flowers in its new collection, the Potporri- a sheer medley of warmth, aroma and passion combined with festive colours and touched with vivid botanical motives especially for your homes this Diwali.

In a plethora of hues the collection comes in cocoa brown, pulp orange, pea green, paprika, and calm sun colours.

The new ensemble of bed covers, cushion covers, duvet covers, pillow cases, blankets, throws, rugs, bolsters, panels, sheets, shams and chenille and woven fabrics offers an artistically fragrant look and feel to your interior space.

Potpourri's flat yet textured fabrics come across in classic orange, red and green married with neutrals such as brown. With high quality cottons and chenille in weaves, that range from stripes to checks and textured to blurred, you are sure to take home the richness of nature.

The Potpourri Collection comprises of table linen and bed linen. — TNS

The Taj, Chandigarh brings you from the kitchens of the nawabs of Awadh vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. Handed over with traditional 'nazakat' by the Shahi Khansamas at Dera, the Indian specialty restaurant the

Awadh Food Festival, lays out a-la-carte choice, which extends to shorbas, kakoris, galawatis, nahari, kormas, biryani, kaliya, zarda and more.

Done up in a special décor, in form of Mehrabs the food festival has been given a distinctive look with special traditional dresses to the service and the food preparation staff at the hotel.

The food festival starts on October 3, only for dinner, 7.30 to 11.30pm.

Aarti, Naini and Aarshi Gupta (three sisters from the city), have launched Soh-Koh Clothing Inc, a new multi-designer fashion retail store in Sector 26. With an array of designer collection from across the country here you can pick Neeta Bhargava, Falguni and Shane Peacock's designs or Deepti Toor, Paromita Banerjee or Nachikaet Barve's latest collection.

Apart from the established names in the fashion industry like Rohit Bal, Raman Vij, Abhishek Dutta, Nachiket Barve, Preeti Jhawar, Rajvi Mohan, Ayan Sarkar, Anshu Arora Sen, Samant Chauhan, you can also pick apparels of emerging and Gen-next designers's like Nida Mehmood, Paromita Banerjee, Atithi Gupta, Gaurav and Ritika, Preeti Mohan, Rajdeep Ranawat and others.

Done up in a modern décor, the furnishings and interiors of the store complement the class that the apparels reflect. With something for everyone, the store flaunts club wear, bridal wear, western casual and formal wear for both men and women. It also houses designer jewellery, which is available exclusively at Soh-Koh Clothing Inc. Speaking on the launch Aarti Gupta, said, “Our store boasts of new and innovative fashion designers along with the seasoned names in the industry under one roof. Our designer store has high-end fashion, but at very reasonable prices." 

 ITC’s Wills Lifestyle announces the launch of their Autumn-Winter 2009 Collection. The nationwide chain of specialty stores offers a complete fashion wardrobe comprising Wills Signature Designer wear, Wills Classic formal wear, Wills Sport relaxed wear, Wills Clublife evening wear and fashion accessories for both men and women.

Wills Lifestyle is proud to celebrate the noble game of Polo and high life associated with it. The Autumn Winter collection in luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors and meticulous craftsmanship is presented against a backdrop of this regal game. Wills Classic collection for men has been inspired by English legacy and reflects fine woven structures.

 Taking from the international runway, mix and match styling detail is a predominant theme in the collection. The range has clean corporate stitch and finish, with intricate detailing to add a twist of fashion. The focus is on fabric sheen brought about by the usage of various subtle textured fabrics and superfine structures

Wills Lifestyle has also introduced the Nanotex Neutraliser Shirts for the first time in India. These shirts manage moisture and odour effectively, thus keeping you feeling comfortable and fresh like never before. The concept has been exclusively launched for the Indian men for the Wills Lifestyle Classic line.

This season Wills Lifestyle also introduces Luxuria, an exclusive range of shirts crafted from fine count European fabric. Soak in the luxury of meticulous craftsmanship with full tape detailing, mock fell seam with gussets and shell buttons, truly exceptional. 

Likewise the Gadoni garments viz shirts, trousers, jackets, jeans, socks etc has been created by using only the finest materials for exquisite appearance and fit.

Shamita Shetty, Poonam Dhillon in Big Boss 3

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty found international fame with the UK based show Big Brother and now younger sister Shamita Shetty is stepping into the world of reality TV with Big Boss.

The third season of the popular show will be high on glamour with Shetty's housemates being yesteryear's beauty Poonam Dhillon and item girl Sherlyn Chopra. The show, which airs from October 4 on Colors, has already grabbed headlines by roping in none other than superstar Amitabh Bachchan to play 'pop philosopher'.

While the channel has gone to great lengths to keep the names of the housemates a secret, sources said that Shamita Shetty, Poonam Dhillon, director-actor Kamal Khan of 'Desh Drohi' fame and Bindu, the son of actor Dara Singh will be a part of the show.

The other names doing the rounds are of actor Aditya Pancholi who is more famous for an alleged relationship with starlet Kangana Ranaut and yesteryear's villain Punit Issar who is best remembered as the man who punched and almost killed Amitabh Bachcchan on the sets of Coolie. Reports suggest that German model Claudia Ciesla will also be a part of the show. The programme revolves around 14 celebrities, who are locked up in a house without any communication with the world outside, surrounded by cameras watching their every move.

The show has earlier featured item girls Rakhi Sawant, Payal Rohtagi, Sambhavna Seth along with Rahul Roy, Rahul Mahajan, Ravi Kishan and Monica Bedi. — PTI

We did not meet Julia Roberts, says Sharmila Tagore 

Actor Sharmila Tagore is furious over media reports that her family, including Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, met Hollywood star Julia Roberts, who is staying at their ancestral palace in Haryana.

Roberts is in India to shoot for her upcoming movie Eat, Pray, Love at an Ashram in Pataudi. The Oscar-winning actor is staying with her three children at the Pataudi Palace, which has been converted to a heritage hotel.

The reports had suggested that the Pataudi family-- former cricketer Tiger Pataudi, wife Sharmila Tagore and their three children, including actors Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan, visited Pataudi over the weekend and had dinner with Roberts. But Sharmila says that reports that they met and had dinner with the Hollywood actress are "false".

"Nobody from our family went to the Pautadi Palace and we haven't met her at all. We have leased out that palace to a private company and they rent it out to others. Yes, Julia Roberts is shooting there for her film and that is just another film being shot there like many others," Sharmila Tagore said.

"All these reports are completely false. I am in Delhi and Saif is now in London, while Soha is busy promoting her new film Tum Mile in Mumbai," Sharmila said.

The actor said that her husband and son Saif had gone to Pataudi last week to attend the Mewati Akikah ceremony (Muslim head shaving ceremony) for a family friend but they did not visit the hotel. Roberts, who landed in India on September 17, is shooting spiritual scenes with Hollywood actors Richard Jenkins and Billy Crudup, at the Ashram Hari Mandir and at the nearby village Mirzapur, about 60kms from the national capital.

Produced by Brad Pitt, the film is based on the memoirs of Elizabeth Gilbert of the same name. The movie is expected to release in 2011. — PTI

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: “The Magus” bring monument; change and travel in your life. Love and romance are on the cards on Saturday. Spend time with children or act like a kid yourself. Take break during a busy day and unwind. Tip of the week: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: saffron. 

TAURUS: “The Nine of Pentacles” showers blessing on lovers. Your destiny may well be handed to you and it may help you to make your dreams come true. Your ambitious nature may sometimes attract criticism; so try to be careful on Friday. People are attracted to you for your intelligent mind and gift of communication. Be in touch with your sense of humour. Focus on yoga and exercise. Tip: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. 

GEMINI: “The Moon” brings light into darkness. If you have been considering a job overseas, then this seems to be a favorable period to send your resumes. A pleasure jaunt or outing with friends will do well to you on Tuesday. Tip: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Ebony.   

CANCER: The “Ace of Wands” strengthens and you may feel elated to see roses all the way. Diplomatic skills will help you ease the tensions and sort out the problems. Key areas of concern may involve sibling relations, romantic promises or a difference of emotional style between loved ones. Tip: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Pink   

LEO: “The Chariot” drawn by four sphinxes brings light into darkness. A need for support, a sense of security and continuity is accented now. Try and explain your issues to loved ones to avoid any misunderstandings on Monday. Rather than feeling guilty, learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Tip: Take one things at a time instead of a pronged. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. 

VIRGO: “The Prince of Pentacles” infuses financial stability. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on. Try not to say wrong things at the wrong time. Despite trying your best, you may fail to cut any ice. Be cautious of strangers on Wednesday and settle differences on Thursday. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. 

LIBRA: You draw “The Ace of Cups”, which brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Students will do well and some may have romantic inclination on the higher side. There is a reunion of old friends and associates. A Scorpio person proves to be a friend. Beware of waste, over indulgence in food, drink or emotion. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people   from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Fiery red 

SCORPIO: “The Hermit” shows caution and solitude. This is the time when you re-evaluate your life, your association and your goal. Don't let a misunderstanding cause the rot to set into a close relationship. Job satisfaction can be increased if you decide to be more independent and entrepreneurial. A journey is also on the cards for professionals. Tip: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Green.            

SAGITTARIUS: “The Queen of Roads” brings love and romance back in personal relationship and friendship flower. There could be new career opportunities due to your past efforts. Spending quality time with your partner will be a priority for you on Tuesday. There could be good news regarding a family member on Wednesday. Tip: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Pink   

CAPRICORN: The karmic “Wheel of fortune” turns in your favour. You've got a strong sense of self, and aren't afraid to speak your mind. Now that you have overcome a cash hurdle, you will settle easily. Advice will put you on the right track. Three way business partnerships prove to be lucrative. Tip: Do as many courses as you can to get ahead of others.  Lucky colour: Ebony.   

 AQUARIUS: Your card “The Sword” represents light and clarity. You have the courage to express your true feelings and emotions in a romantic involvement Avoid mental stress to avert a health problem. A celebration or travel over land is just on the cards. Focus on meditation, yoga and exercise. Tip: You have well-wishers, who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour:  Pink. 

PISCES: “Ten Golden Cups” arranged in the tree of life pattern suggests deep family roots, feelings and strong relationships.  Peace and compromise after crossing swords with a loved one are on the cards. Financially you may expect a windfall on Monday. Visitors and news can be expected on Tuesday. Friends may take off sense so be prudent in your speech. Domestic liabilities could add fuel to the fire. Tip: Take limited risks and don’t jeopardize your long-term capitals. Lucky colour: Forest green.