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What a show
It is an important day for PCA Mohali. Don't tell me Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan are hosting the show? Are you crazy? Is PCA felicitating the cops on duty? How the poor cops on duty wish for a word of thanks or maybe something in kind, 'ek chilled beer bhaaji'! Whatever, it is still an important day for PCA, for the venue will play host to many things today.
To begin with, it is 'the' venue for one of its kind match because of the stature of the two teams involved. One team, 'oh my preity god, just about floating' Kings XI and the other 'progress chart says they are doing pretty okay', Mumbai Indians. What a match it is. We sincerely hope Preity Zinta's holy dip at Hardwar is answered. The second big thing for the evening at PCA is the fashion show. A fashion show! Gitanjali Jewellers bring in glitz and glamour to the stadium as city-based models walk the ramp in cocktail and party dresses. Cricket, now we agree, is getting better and better. Of course, we didn't mean cricketing. Lastly, the audiences, breathtakingly watching every single ball and run taken by the two teams, will also get to foot tap with the dance troupe Naviz Fiesta De Baile. All said and done, the excitement at the stadium is double or need we say triple of what we have been seeing of late. Sachin factor, what else. You thought people have come here to see Kings XI mind-blowing (literally mind-blowing) performance yet again. The blue coloured tees outnumbered the red, and Sachin fans are definitely more jubilant than Brett Lee's or Yuvraj's. A pretty damsel here is all revved up about cricket. Sayali Bhagat cheers for cricket. (Don't ask us about the rumoured affair with Shoaib Malik. It makes no sense anyways because Shoaib is ready to marry Sania, who was rumoured to be going around with Shahid. Oh! This world of rumours. Don't ask us). She is indecisive but. "I have been watching cricket since childhood. I cannot understand the finer nuances of the game; all the same I love to watch it." The first time Sayali saw a live cricket match at a stadium was very recently. "Mumbai Indians versus Deccan Chargers is the first cricket match I have seen. I didn't want to miss the opportunity of watching another exciting performance." (Did she say exciting?) Will she or won't she tell us whom is she cheering for. Laughs Sayali, "It is not ethical to hold flags of two different teams. So, I am cheering for cricket. And, this is the best way to beat summers." Ya, ask us. Ready to sizzle on silver screen with two upcoming movies — one an international project, Shout, and the other an action film by director Tinu Verma. "I will be able to showcase my acting skills through the two flicks. I have done some acting stunts like a 30 feet jump, which was very thrilling. I guess, every girl wants to do something like the Charlie's Angels," adds Sayali who has no qualms with actors becoming showstoppers. "I am having best of both worlds," she gets back to game. (Probably trying to understand). However, we have figured out one thing. Sachin is and will be the crowd puller. When we thought no one would come to see Kings XI’s another one-of-its kind performance, it was a surprise to see a packed stadium. You guessed it right, all for Sachin. Sachin aala re! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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New ‘Lee’ se of life
Is there anything left that people don't know about Brett Lee? Everything has been asked, answered. Cricket, music, friendship with Preity, apparel brand, endorsements…the open book is rather an encyclopedia.
"Cricket is going fine, I am looking forward to doing a couple of more music albums; Preity has been a great support, I want to further promote my brand and brand endorsements are few and selective." All tentative questions answered in one go except one's that's not much expected and we cashed on it. Brett in India has involved himself in charity work just as his fellow cricketers Steve Waugh and Mathew Hayden. "I am inspired by the work Steve has done in Kolkata. I too have been doing charity work for a lot of NGOs." There something more to this aspect of altruistic Brett, "I plan to have my own organisation here, dedicated to the cause of the underprivileged," adds Brett, in the city on Friday for the Kings XI match against Mumbai Indians, and to announce his association with Pearls Institute of Hospitality and Management. And how hospitable does he find India? Brett answers with unassuming honesty, "I have played cricket around the globe and been to those countries also where cricket isn't popular. I know the difference between hospitality in India and other countries." And he is all praise for Indians and their warmth, "They treat guests as demigods. From landing at the airport, travelling to various cities across India, visiting markets to staying at hotels, people make you feel special here, which isn't the scene anywhere else." After cricket, there are three things on his priority list — music, fashion and movies. A couple of Bollywood projects have come his way post his first stint in Victory, "In the phase two of my life (first being cricket), I guess would be more colourful. Bollywood is an interesting option." He is quick learner; speaks Hindi well, with his in between the conversation "Hanji Hanji" and "Theek Hai". And he even knows what Punjabiyat is, "It's been a bad IPL season for us but now as Punjabis have, we too are playing for pride and honour. We are looking forward to win the rest of the league matches." Two seasons under the captaincy of Yuvraj Singh and the present one under Sangakkara, Brett evaluates both of them with diplomacy, "I have become a better player under Sangakkara, but Yuvraj was equally good". Read between the lines. |
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Standing tall
Dressed in a white shirt tucked neatly inside blue jeans, she stands tall amid the sea of people. Nikita Anand, Miss India 2003, was in the city on a personal visit on Friday. A quick tête-à-tête, and she shares her journey in the glam world.
"I did lots of local pageants. Fuelled by success, Miss India was next," shares Nikita. "I had never stepped out into the city alone before I won Miss India title. And within a week of the win, I was in Dubai. It opened up a whole new world," she says. Since then Nikita has done quite a bit - made appearances around the world, walked the ramp, done print shoots, anchored sports based TV show and acted in films. "I love acting; there is so much to do, song sequences, emotional and funny scenes. I love to be on the beautiful sets," she shares. Nikita has acted in Prakash Jha's Dil Dosti. And two of the other flicks Ek Second, a drama in which she shares screen space with Manisha Koirala and an Eros film with Jimmy Shergill and Rajpal Yadav, are almost complete. As for being in the glamour world, its highs and lows, she shares, "The winning moment at Miss India was a sure high. And I learnt a lot after that. Suddenly, the world knows you and everyone is related to you this or that way," she laughs. Nikita does not believe in cribbing over the lows though, "Life is a mix, there are things that one has no control over. Rather than sulking, just move on." On achieving what every girl dreams of, she says, "I have inherited my mother's looks and dad's wit. And my dad, an Army personnel, also gives me the regular reality check that keeps me rooted." Nikita is now looking forward to working with Ranbir Kapoor. "He has been playing such enduring characters. I would love to be a part of a project with him." Rani Mukherjee also inspires her. Nikita is also lending support to a lot of foundations. She has been active with HelpAge and is working for cancer and AIDS patients. And what makes daughters of defence personnel such a hit at beauty pageants? "Families of defence personnel are constantly on the move. By the time we settle at one place, it's time to pack bags and make another place your home. The exposure and adaptability that we get makes us confident," she signs
off. mona@tribunemail.com |
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The stage is set
With as many as 13 theatre festivals held last year, the cultural scene in City Beautiful has attained a new high. The current year promises to be even better.
"The show must go on," says leading director Sudesh Sharma, who is organising the first-ever five-day Baisakhi Theatre Festival is all set to commence at Randhawa Auditorium of the Punjab Kala Bhavan with six plays to be staged under the aegis of Theatre for Theatre and Punj Pani Rang Manch. A special feature of the festival is the participation of students, mostly from the Punjab Engineering College, besides a special production of 7 Idiots-Journey to Freedom by artistes of the National School of Drama and sponsored by Sangeet Natak Akademi. Talking to the Tribune, the coordinating director Sudesh Sharma shares that five plays have been evolved during the two-week long theatre workshop conducted by him. "I agree that practicing theatre can never be a calling for all these prospective engineers, but I am sure with their passion, they will be strong proponent of the theatre movement whenever any thespian approaches them." What’s on April 10: Charan Das Chor by Zulfiqar Khan April 11: 7 Idiots- Journey to Freedom by Parveen and Santosh April 12: Court Martial by Sushant April 13: Kaho by Ripu Daman and Tarikh pe Tarikh by Manoj Bajaj, Harsit and Meena April 14: Gadhey ki Barat by Sania and Karanpreet (At Punjab Kala Bhavan-16 at 6.30 pm) |
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Change on platter
"Food festivals provide a change from regular Punjabi platter — dal makhani, butter chicken and chicken tikka," says Sanjay Ahuja, proprietor, Moti Mahal Delux that is holding a Hyderabadi Food Festival as of now. "It helps us retain our old customers and gain new ones," he says. "Food festivals get us a very good response," says Mohan P Negi, manager Noodle Bar-26. "We witness an increase of about 25 to 30 per cent in the number of customers." Noodle Bar recently organised a Sichuan Food Festival and a Chinese one before that. "We are planning another one in May," says Negi. "Not only do these festivals increase the footfall at the restaurant, they also give a good exposure to our chefs," he adds. "We organise regular food fests - Thai, Chinese Avadhi and also Continental with two objectives," says AK Malhotra, general manager, CITCO. "While the first is to provide an opportunity to customers to savour different cuisines, the second is to make a customer get the feel of our hotel," he says. Sankalp-26, a South Indian restaurant, offered 70-80 new varieties of food recently. "We brought snacks and curries of Telangana, Kerala and Malabar to people here," says Bhushan Goyal, proprietor, Sankalp-26. "Food festivals are a great way to introduce something new to the customers," he says. "Our sales almost double during the food festivals and gets us new clientele," says Amit Sharma, manager administration, Western Court. "Not only is it a welcome change for customers, it's a change for us as well. Our servers get theme based dressing and learn new layouts for the table," he adds. "Such festivals get different kinds of food from various parts of the world to you doorstep," say Nidhi Dhiman, manager with Max New York Life. "They get you authentic flavours, which is a great thing. During Pongal, my family really enjoyed the South Indian food." Having a liking for fresh flavours, Blossom and Dr GS Kochar are always on the hunt for new cuisines. "Chandigarh is now really happening, as there are always food festivals being organised. The recent Mughlai food at Mountview was awesome," she adds. Aarti Nehra, a homemaker from Sector 15, however, likes to stick to her favourite food, "Though one gets to know about food festivals that keep happening, I prefer to go for my favourite places."
mona@tribunemail.com |
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It's all about eating
As summer descends and you hit the gym to lose the flab piled on in winter, experts say it's not enough. What also counts is your eating habits, which should certainly go low on the carbohydrates and diet pills.
"It is very important to balance your workout and food. People tend to overeat after a workout, which is normal considering that exercise stimulates hunger. But one should eat the right food and not each and everything. It's all about eating," nutrition consultant Geetu Amarnani said. In summer, people tend to hit the gyms, swimming pools or even opt for diet pills - but often they fail to achieve the desired results. Fitness trainer Aamit of FX Zone, Noida, said: "It's true that exercise burns calories and that you must burn calories to lose weight. But exercise has another effect - it causes us to eat more, which in turn can negate the weight-loss benefits. So, whenever I deal with a new client, I make sure that after a week, I check his diet to see where he is going wrong." Experts suggest that one should avoid carbohydrates and fats like sugar, colas, pastas, ice creams and junk food and replace them with green salads, fresh fruit, egg whites and milk. Also avoid biscuits and chocolates. In case you are craving to eat something, grab a handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts and peanuts - they are very filling and not fattening at all. There are some people who try to accelerate weight loss by popping diet pills without understanding its ill effects. "See there are many disadvantages associated diet pills. They don't just alter your digestive system but also create hormonal imbalances which in turn can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting," Amarnani explained. "So I never advise my clients to pop these pills. One should balance the diet and workout regime for a healthy lifestyle," she added.
— IANS |
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Eggcellent!
The study found that men who consumed an egg-based breakfast ate significantly fewer calories when offered an unlimited lunch buffet compared to when they ate a carbohydrate-rich bagel breakfast of equal calories. The study supports previous research, which revealed that eating eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet helped overweight dieters lose 65 percent more weight and feel more energetic than dieters who ate a bagel breakfast of equal calories and volume. "There is a growing body of evidence that supports the importance of high-quality protein in the diet for overall health and in particular the importance of protein at the breakfast meal. We examined two typical American breakfasts, and the participants' self-reported appetite ratings reveal that a protein-rich breakfast helps keep hunger at bay," said Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez, study author and professor in the department of nutritional sciences at the University
of Connecticut. "Starting the day with a high-quality protein breakfast like eggs is a great tool to promote long-lasting fullness and reduced calorie
consumption. For only 70 calories, eggs are a compact, nutrient-rich source of high-quality protein, and nearly half of an egg's protein, along with many other nutrients, is found in the yolk, so I always encourage eating the whole egg," said Helenbeth Reynolds, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant. The study has been published in the latest issue of Nutrition Research.
— ANI |
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Fat chance
Trans fats, found in many packaged foods, are deadly for women with heart disease, says a new study. According to a study reported by Rodale Health, females with heart disease who eat the most trans fats (at least 2.5 per cent of their daily caloric intake) are three times as likely to suffer a sudden cardiac death as compared to females who consume less than 1 per cent of their calories as trans fat.
Published in the American Heart Journal, the study focused on data on more than 86,000 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. In the study, the Harvard researchers found a strong connection between trans-fat and women with coronary heart disease. Trans fats raise bad (LDL) cholesterol and lower good (HDL) cholesterol, which means a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
— ANI |
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Bon Appetit
The brow is furrowed, the eyes miss nothing, and the antennae are extended, analysing various options. Hand me a walking stick, plonk a top hat on my nut and I could be Sherlock Holmes himself, engrossed in solving some crafty intrigue! Sometimes, much to my own chagrin, I even forget what I came in there for! Yesterday when I confronted countless tubs of strawberries, ruby-red, beautiful, luscious, gleaming and beckoning from their clear plastic packaging, I knew this had to be it! Who knows, they may be over and out in a few days? That would be a 'berry' sad farewell to this bewitching berry!
Strawberry Bavarian Cream
300 gm strawberries 1 packet strawberry flavoured jelly 1 cup cream Powdered sugar to taste Method Wash, hull and slice half the strawberries. Pour one cup of water over the jelly crystals in a saucepan, heat gently and stir until dissolved. Puree most of the whole strawberries, reserving a few for garnishing. Add water to the puree so that it measures 1 cup. Stir into the jelly mixture, sweeten further if needed and chill until almost set. Beat cream with some sugar and vanilla until stiff. Keep crushed ice under the bowl as you do so to prevent clotting. I am not specifying the sugar amounts, since the sugar you may need will vary, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. Beat the semi-chilled jelly until foamy and mix into the whipped cream. Lightly fold in the sliced strawberries. Tip the mixture either into individual bowls or into a large one. If you wish to make the Bavarian look even more spectacular, pour it into a lightly greased mould and chill for 3-4 hours before attempting to un-mould it. Garnish with the reserved berries and some mint leaves. You can make an orange Bavarian too, using orange flavoured jelly and substituting both the strawberries inputs with orange juice and segments.
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No knotty news
Bollywood star Sushmita Sen has sought to put rest to speculation about her relationship with Wasim Akram saying that she is not marrying former Pakistani cricketer.
Media reports had said that former Miss Universe and Akram, who is in India as Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach, had grown close ever since they hosted a reality show together on television around two years ago. However, after the death of Akram's wife Huma in October last year, it was reported that their romance got stronger with a wedding on the cards. And recently the couple were reportedly spotted together at a suburban nightspot where they spent the evening in each other's company. However, the 34-year-old actor has quashed rumours of a link up and wedding plans. "It is not true. I am not getting married. Wasim is a wonderful man. God bless him," Sushmita said during a promotional event here. Sushmita's personal life has often grabbed more attention than her work, but the model-turned actor had recently said that she was "completely single". The actor had denied reports that she has got back with ex-lover Manav Menon after splitting from Dulha Mil Gaya director Mudassar Aziz. "I am completely single at the moment and enjoying it. I am not the kind of person to hide a relationship, so when I am in love, I let everybody know," Sushmita had said.
— PTI |
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"Had the most adventurous day today! Went to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Hardwar and I washed off all my sins in the holy Ganga," Preity posted on her Twitter page. The actor made a sudden plan with her mother for the trip to the Maha Kumbh, which is being held in Hardwar since Jan 14 and will conclude April 28. "Tagged along with mother India to Haridwar hoping to find my twin...He he," Preity quipped. "Slept for two hours and flew for six. The chopper ride was fun though," she added. — IANS
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Pattinson in the Twilight zone British actor Robert Pattinson is to play rock legend Kurt Cobain in a Hollywood biopic. The Twilight star is said to have always thought of himself as a musician rather than an actor so playing the Nirvana lead singer, who shot himself in 1994, is ideal for him. The 23-year-old has been in touch with Cobain's widow Courtney Love, who has been handed a key role in the production by Universal Pictures' bosses. The singer wanted Pattinson as Cobain and Scarlett Johansson, 25, to portray her. "This is a big money deal for Courtney. She has agreed to the film on condition that she gets to decide the main aspects of the project including director, casting, screenplay and music," said a source. "Robert has been calling and emailing her non-stop. She has been a bit wound up by his manners, but he is her number one choice to play Kurt. She is adamant Scarlett will play her. Scarlett is friendly with Frances Bean, her daughter with Kurt," added the source. Love, 45, has been in touch with director David Fincher about the project, which has the working title All Apologies. — IANS
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Till about a few months back, the only Bollywood personality that Jacqueline knew was Big B, Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Dutt, her co-stars in Aladin. However, it took a Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai to make her aware about other major film personalities like Dharmendra, Mithun Chakravorty, Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn amongst others. "Who doesn't know Amitabh Bachchan? After all, he is an icon all over, including Sri Lanka. However, even after stepping into the world of Hindi films, I wasn't really too aware about her other screen personalities. I am sure not many would mind though, I am still learning," she said. But she had her share of Bollywood celebrities while on the sets of Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai. In the film, where she plays a woman from planet Venus, Jacqueline is required to be a part of a hilarious sequence where she puts on TV and finds various actors staring from the screen channel after channel. "Yes, this is a hilarious sequence where Jackie, who has just landed from Venus, gets her first taste of Bollywood medicine," said Milap Zaveri, the writer-director of the film. "As she starts flipping channels, she comes across Himesh Reshammiya, Sunny Deol, Dharmendra, Mithun Chakravorty, Ajay Devgn, Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan. She is quite amazed on seeing their on screen antics and starts copying their trademark dance steps, dialogue delivery and kicks & punches," he added. So what Jackie gets to see is Himesh Reshammiya coming up with a nasal rendition, Sunny Deol getting into the Yaara O Yaara (Jeet) jig all the way, Sridevi coming up with her historic Nagina act, Dharmendra with his jat yamla persona, Mithun's disco-dancer act and last but not the least, Bachchan's Tiger roar from Hum. "Milap made me shoot this sequence on the first day of my shoot. I was so nervous. Here I was working in a comedy film with a new director and had to basically mimic these actors. Worse, I had no clue who they were. I asked Milap and he told me that all of them were screen legends in their own rights," remembers Jacqueline. After the failure of Aladin, Jacqueline has pinned her hopes on Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai, which hit theatres today. She recently completed a commercial with Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor and finished shooting for an item number in Housefull. — PTI
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Bollywood babe Lara Dutta is all set to spill the beans and reveal some naughty secrets about Khiladi star Akshay Kumar all for a cause. The dashing Punjab da puttar is set to turn on the heat on Star Cintaa Superstars Ka Jalwa, a show which has brought together Bollywood's biggest stars to raise funds for the Cine and Television Artists Association (CINTAA) having some 6000 members. Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are among 52 actors who have performed for the fundraising show, aired every Sunday on Star Plus, free of cost. The money raised will be used for the welfare of cine artistes by providing them with medical, housing and insurance facilities. Adding the spice to the show this Sunday, Akshay's good friend Lara, who has shared the screen with the actor in a number of films and most recently in Sajid Khan's Housefull, is all set to spill out some naughty secrets about Singh is Kinng actor in a fun a tete-a tete session. The 42-year-old star, who is known as one of the fittest stars in Bollywood, for the first time will also share the secret of his fitness regime as well. The evening will be hosted by another hunk John Abraham with television star Rakshanda Khan. Apart from Akshay, Bollywood heartthrobs Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi and Deepika Padukone will also perform at the show. Continuing the action theme, the TV artistes like Shabbir Ahluwaliya, Ronit Roy, Aamir and Rohit Roys are slated to perform on a medley that promises to be full of breath-taking stunts. — PTI
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The 27-year-old actor will also visit his old residence. The actor grew up in Saket, South Delhi where he used to live in a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flat with his maternal grandparents. The star will be going to the flat he once lived in and meet the tenants, who now stay there. "It's a nostalgic feeling for me to go back to my school where I studied till fourth standard. I also hope to go to my old house B-16 where I stayed for 10 years with my maternal grandparents. Delhi is like home for me and it will be nice especially for a film like Paathshaala, which is all about students and education. It's a great opportunity for me and I am excited," Shahid said. — PTI
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Punjabis are said to be rather conservative when it comes to food (is this the reason one finds a Punjabi dhaba almost anywhere around the world?), but going by the number of food festivals that happen in our city, things seem different. We check out what's cooking.
The reasonable pricing garners amazing response for CITCO food festivals. "We make sure to get the best of dishes and chefs for our festivals. In addition to the tricity, people from adjoining places like Patiala and Ludhiana also show up for these festivals," he avers.
Eating eggs for breakfast everyday can reduce hunger and decreases calorie consumption at lunch and throughout the day, according to a new study.
When I am out marketing, the spools in my brain are spinning overtime, taking in all the food that I can spot. The question foremost on my mind is, "What's interesting enough to write about in my column?" I may be scanning the shelves of a food store or observing the rows of fruit or veggies at a shop, but my demeanour remains the same.
Bollywood actor Preity Zinta had the most "adventurous day" Thursday, as she went to Hardwar to take a dip as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, and "washed off" all her sins in the Ganga.
Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez, who started in the Hindi film industry with Aladin, got her true taste of Bollywood while shooting for Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai where she had to imitate screen icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.
Actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays a teacher in upcoming film Paathshaala, is all set to revive his childhood memories by visiting his old school here next week. Eros International and Paperdoll Entertainment, the producers of the movie have planned a special visit for Shahid next week to his school Gyan Bharti Public School in Delhi where the star will be spending some quality time with some of his ex-teachers and the students.
Jennifer Aniston's stars are definitely not in the right position as far as her love life is concerned. Just when everyone thought that the stunner had found love in the arms of Hollywood star Gerard Butler, a French beauty has emerged who seems to have stolen the Scottish actor's
heart. While in Paris this week, Butler and Laurie Cholewa were spotted getting all
lovey-dovey. A smitten Gerard, 40, strolled with TV presenter Laurie, 29, along the Champs Elysées and shared a meal with her at a
restaurant. Just last week, he was snapped groping the ex-Friends star's behind on a boat in the French
capital. The actor was said to have fallen for Gerard as they filmed The Bounty Hunter and raved last week: "He's so funny and handsome." Since her split with Brad Pitt, Aniston has had a string of failed romances with lovers including actor Vince Vaughn, British model Paul Sculfor and musician John Mayer.
— ANI