If an extra candle that finds its place on your birthday cake worries you, here is something interesting that we came to know about growing age. It does some really nice things. We just saw someone validate it, effortlessly. Calmness in conversation, maturity in handling matters of professional and personal life, and, of course, a wee bit of old charm - simply desirable attributes. What say Saif?

"I was nine years old when I first interacted with the media. An age where anything rude said about my parents or me would blow off my lid. Today at 39, I am mature enough to handle things. I don't react much now," he smiles. Hmmm. Someone seems to have matured way too fast, and guess what, it suits the Chota Nawab, known for his irritable bouts!

In the city on Wednesday, Saif Ali Khan sipped piping hot, 'his favourite tea' Taj Mahal as he munched on the questions, delectably.

First, what's with the new look, long hair and unshorn beard? "This one," he feels his beard, "is not constant. I just let my hair and beard grow. But, I will chop them in a few days," says Saif.

Something like Langda Tyagi of Omkara. That was one helluva of a look! He smiles, accepting every compliment (the way he accepted criticism for Padma Shri! We will come back to this point), "Most of the roles that we do are an extension of ourselves, this however, was one of its kind. Not always do I get to play a role, which requires a change in the body language, the look and a high degree of preparation."

There comes a phase in our lives when everything seems to fall in place. Saif seems to be enjoying one of the most blissful days of his life - his home production Agent Vinod is all set for the shoot, he is the favourite pin-up face for brand endorsements, he lost the bid for the IPL team (a blessing in disguise by all means); and he has all the time to learn kickboxing.

Need we say he has the most beautiful lady by his side? "I think the exciting phase is yet to come. I am more in control of my life, career is in good form and I am handling finances better. Ya, it is a good feeling." Adding to the 'feel good factor' is much-waited flick opposite Kareena Kapoor, Agent Vinod.

"It is an ambitious project. A larger than life action and adventure flick not seen before. We start shooting from May 24," says the actor who is open to the question of criticism on him getting the Padma Shri. "Criticism comes my way whenever the government decides to give me an award. This was for my contribution to cinema and those of you who don't agree, I will try to live up to the award."

In the middle of the free-flowing conversation, someone drops by to say a hello to Saif. Our attention naturally shifts. For you cannot miss those kohl-smeared eyes, dusky look, that unassuming sultry expression - Chitrangada Singh, the actor of Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi enacts the gig of 'my favourite tea Taj Mahal' to perfection.

So very Chitrangada from the cinema of Sudhir Mishra. "Sudhir gave me the first break when I had no intentions of becoming an actor; certain teams just work. My next film Dil Dar Badar is also with him, and it great working with him," she says with Saif looking on intently. An expression that comes with age!

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Donning his Ekam look, Babbu Mann made a sudden appearance at Punjabi University's Kala Bhawan on Tuesday, where Bhagwant Mann's comedy play Just Laugh Baaki Maaf was being staged as part of the monthly programme Managalkamna.The audience was left spellbound and the entire hall resounded with claps and shrieks. Contrary to his image, Babbu seemed very friendly. "This visit is in support of my friend Bhagwant Mann and also to get a feel of student life once again," he shares.

He informs that his recent tours to various cities for the promotion of his movie were necessary, as Punjabi cinema had not reached a level where it could sustain its own self. "We still have to put in efforts to bring in the audience to theatres," he shares.

Ekam is based on social issues such as the problems being faced by farmers. "Everyone has social responsibilities and when we are popular the onus is more," he smiles.

And the success mantra of Punjabi movies? "Good music is the first priority of the audience, art being the second. If the music is good, the movie will surely be a hit."

On the increasing number of Punjabi singers taking to acting, the answer was prompt: "What's wrong with it." He adds, "You need something to draw people to theatre and these singers already have a fan-following, which guarantees a saleable product."

Diet and fitness conscious Shilpa Shetty hogged so much at Japanese restaurant Wasabi that she ended up loosening her trademark belt that she wears to keep her waistline in check.

"Ah! Had the most amazing meal. Love Wasabi at the Taj. Definitely the best Japanese food in India. Had to loosen my belt, ate so much! 45 minutes cardio tomorrow!" Shilpa posted on her Twitter page Tuesday.

Wasabi, which is on the first floor of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, was among the many places which were gutted down during the 60-hour terror attacks Nov 26-28, 2008.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the sole survivor of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who attacked Mumbai, was pronounced guilty Monday. The 34-year-old says Kasab must get nothing less than the death penalty.

"Regarding Kasab if he escapes death penalty, then we must abolish capital punishment... For what other crime would you say is worse? Seriously! What is his reason that he was brainwashed too young? There is no excuse for terrorism.

"But got to compliment the system for speeding the process and giving Kasab more than a fair trial despite all proof and evidence," wrote Shilpa.

— IANS

Apart from promoting his upcoming movie Badmaash Company, which is releasing Friday, actor Shahid Kapoor says he is obsessed with his beard nowadays."Doing my beard is my latest obsession. And I am doing it happily," Shahid told reporters during the promotion of his film.

The actor is growing his beard for his father Pankaj Kapoor's directorial venture Mausam.

"Dad is being very kind to me for Mausam. For now, he has just said - 'Grow your beard and promote Badmaash Company. So I am just following his advice," he said. After Badmaash Company, in which he plays a young conman, Shahid will be heading to Scotland to shoot Mausam, in which he will be seen with Sonam Kapoor.

— IANS

They've played lovers on the silver screen and it looks like Hollywood superstars Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves have embarked on a real-life relationship.The pair was pictured leaving a restaurant in Beverly Hills on Monday night where they shared an intimate series of kisses and hugs.The couple quickly broke away from the intimate embrace after noticing the photographers waiting nearby.

The Academy award-winning actor who split from her boyfriend of six years Stuart Townsend earlier this year, had her hands wrapped around Reeves.But when they realised they had been caught in the act, they came over all camera shy and broke off contact.The pair played lovers in the 2001 romantic hit Sweet November and had attended the Golden Globes together the same year. — PTI 

After a successful music career and small screen appearances, Kylie Minogue has set her sights on the theatre and is penning her own musical.The 41-year-old Australian singer has team up with William Baker, her close friend and associate, to create a musical, which will be an interpretation of her songs.

Baker, who has worked as Minogue's stylist and creative director on a number of her tours, had directed a West End revival of musical Rent. He also produced and directed a TV documentary from 2007 about Minogue, called White Diamond.

The latest musical is currently untitled and who will play Minogue has not been decided but the Chiggy Wiggy singer will not headline the show.

Minogue also denied that the musical will chart her rise to fame.

"Yes, William Baker and I are working on getting the story written. I'm comfortable because it's not my life story; it's about the interpretation of my music," she said.

Minogue never looked back since her first release I Should Be So Lucky went on to become No1 in January 1988.

The singer, who battled breast cancer in 2005, is currently busy with her new album Aphrodite, which will release in July. — PTI

Hollywood star Cameron Diaz has fuelled rumours that she is dating Kate Hudson's ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez as she was spotted leaving the baseball player's apartment after a night out.The New York Yankees star - nicknamed A-Rod - split from Hudson in December last year . 

But the 34-year-old sportsman was rumoured to have moved on from the actor with Diaz after he was spotted with her during the Super Bowl festivities in February this year.

Now the Charlie's Angels' star has caused further speculation after dining with him at a hotel along with actor Kate Winslet. — PTI 

Adding to its portfolio, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. On Wednesday unveiled its new motorcycle, YBR 110 (pronounced as YBR One ten) in the Indian market. YBR 110 comes with a decent yet stylish design and is targeted at the middle-income class people who want to have a stylish and comfortable commuter bike.

Speaking on the launch, Pankaj Dubey, national business head, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, said, "After successfully launching our bikes in the 150cc segment, we have now launched a commuter motorcycle YBR 110 which is stylish and has good ergonomics for comfortable day to day commuting. We have been studying the entry-level market and wanted to launch a new bike at an affordable price and that would give satisfactory mileage. Like other Yamaha bikes, YBR 110 carries Yamaha DNA of performance, innovation and design. We are confident that we will replicate the success of our premium segment bikes with the launch of all new YBR 110 in entry level space."

YBR 110 has electric start, air cooled 4-stroke SOHC engine which provides excellent low end torque for everyday riding. The bike has 4 speed slick gearbox with perfectly spaced gear ratios that provides optimum torque throughout the rpm range and ensures stress-free riding in congested conditions without requiring frequent gear changes.

The bike has a stylish and brighter multi-reflector headlight for better visibility in night and its wind tunnel aerodynamic silhouette designed cowl has character lines that convey a sense of sharpness. YBR 110 has modern fit and finish with easy reading instrument console including a fuel meter. Sharp graphics and grab rail add to the overall sporty style and character of the bike.

While the chiseled look, broad well-contoured fuel-tank gives a trendy modern look, the side panel and the tail cowl design showcase strong expression of down-force movement, and provide a visual display of sporty character. The bike's broad and comfortable seat design is such that it makes the ride fatigue-free for the rider and the pillion.

YBR 110 is priced at Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom) and will be available in three colors - black, red and black and red. 

Diet on Shaggy, 50 cents, Kanye West, Eminem and closer home Bohemia? Well, then this might be good news. Presenting the youngest R&B group of the tricity, M-Brigade, from Mohali (read M in the name), whose music is certainly doing the rounds.

Vansh Mankoo, Sikander Kahlon, Navneet Virk and Nitin Sharma came together to form the brigade; they share a common love for music apart from sharing the average age of 16.

"Unlike other rap crews, we met through a common friend and decided to form our own group. One binding force between us was that we all rap in Punjabi. That makes it easy to understand each other's music and combine individual styles to bring out completely different music," says Vansh.

Still in school, all four have been pursuing music since eight months and formed the M-brigade some three months ago. Having recorded 16 songs, worked with various artistes from Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, this young group has already got the taste of professional music industry. "We have been performing at various clubs in the city and cultural fests in colleges. Our songs are on themes like gangsta, teenage love, club, and sometimes social causes," says Vansh.

Well, a proof of that is their latest song 'No more jokes on sardars', which was in collaboration with Pure Hit Makers and was included in a commercial album Inquilab Zindabad. "It was a huge success in the UK. Most of our songs till now were featured on albums, released all over Internet by communities and websites or have been released underground. This song was our first international success," shares Sikander.

Some of their compositions, Mohali Souljaz, Soohie Phulkari, Putt Jattan De, Respect The Name and Husnan Di Raani were released on the Internet and have been featured on two Internet FM stations as well. Their online popularity can be gauged from the fact that their official page on Facebook had more than 400 members in just one week!

Juggling school, everyday-jamming sessions, composing and producing music is not easy for them. Add to that the problem of funding. But thanks to their pocket money, the M-Brigade has managed well. "Our parents support us and till now we have been financing ourselves. We reproduce music using softwares and sometimes our friends who work as DJs chip in," says Sikander adding that they have made it only on the basis of their work and not links.

The group is now working on their album The Sovereign and a music video Gandassi in collaboration with Mack, an international rapper who is doing a lot of work in the Punjabi music industry.

But their ultimate goal is to work with their inspiration — Bohemia. "He encourages young talent and it will be a great honour to collaborate with him." A common sentiment this Brigade shares.

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One usually faces problems in personal or professional lives, but seeing a psychiatrist was not an option in our society till very recently. It was considered ‘a sign of weakness’ or for the ones ‘with serious emotional problems’.

This is quite in contrast to western countries where even seeking counselling for pets when moving a house is accepted! Even back home, the scene is changed now and more and more people are seeking professional help to sort out their problems.

“It is like ‘demand and service’ situation,” says Dr Parmod Kumar, consultant psychiatrist and director, Silver Oaks Rehabilitation Centre. Over a period of time, stress has taken a toll on the psychological health of people. And due to growing awareness that help is available, counselling is almost an acceptable part of life now.

People are approaching counsellors for varied issues from making career choices to dealing with workplace stress to adjusting after retirement. “The earlier one approaches with a problem, the simpler the solutions,” offers Dr Parmod. “Today even courts refer couples approaching for divorce for counselling. Even the newlyweds do not hesitate to approach a psychiatrist if they find getting along challenging,” he adds.

The success rate of counselling is pretty high. “Nowadays, one approaches a professional for every little thing. So when it comes to the mind, professional advice should be sought. A counsellor helps people become aware of the problem and offers possible solutions,” avers Dr Parmod.

Punita Singh, counsellor with Carmel Convent-9, has also witnessed a change in the way counselling is perceived by the society. “I joined this profession six years back when going to a counsellor was still a taboo but now children are comfortable approaching me with their problems.”

Life is indeed becoming stressful for the kids as well who are being bombarded with information from all sources. With both parents working, they get little attention in most of the cases. “A petty problem brushed aside by a parent or acquaintance might later become a nightmare for a small kid,” says Punita. And even children today are aware that help is available. “Sometimes we have to sit with parents as well to sort out the stuff for kids,” she adds.

Harpreet Kanwal Chhabra, chairperson, Department of Psychology considers counselling as a silver lining for those in problem. “In India, with the joint family system breaking down immediate support is wavering. In such a scenario counselling has come out of its clinical nature and grown pro-active,” says Chhabra.

“Counselling could be preventive, interventional or rehabitational. Preventive promotes mental health, interventional helps when the problem is already there and rehabitational assists people who are over a problem join back mainstream society,” says Chhabra.

And counselling is a good career option as well. “Our department is offering two diploma courses — one in counselling and psychotherapy, and another in psychological testing. Our students are well-equipped and being received very well in job market,” informs Chhabra.

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The next time you attend a friend’s marriage, don’t choose your gift from a wedding list, instead give the couple some cash-at least that’s what a survey suggests. The survey found that almost half of prospective spouses would prefer taking cash as the wedding gift.

This move away from traditional wedding lists is in response to the economic crisis, according to experts.Straitened circumstances mean couples are keen to make sure they are not burdened with unwanted items in lieu of necessities.

Meanwhile, 27 per cent asked for vouchers to put towards paying for a honeymoon. Wedding lists were popular with just 29 per cent of newlyweds.

“Couples asking for money instead of a wedding list is a growing trend. In the past they have been too embarrassed to ask, but since the credit crunch their confidence has grown and many have chosen to abandon tradition for cold hard cash,” said Catherine Westwood, who commissioned the survey.

According to the annual poll, less than half (43 per cent) were planning a church or religious ceremony, down 10 per cent from last year, while 40 per cent had opted for a civil wedding at a licensed venue.Increasingly couples are paying for their weddings themselves with just 26 per cent of parents responsible for funding the day.

— ANI

A survey on nearly 150,000 romantic hopefuls has found that when looking for love, friendship is their number one priority. The survey, by online dating website eHarmony.com.au, revealed that friendship and chemistry came in as the top two most popular relationship ideals among all age groups.

Both genders placed friendship and chemistry as the two most important qualities, and while women placed more importance on kindness men did not. Partners’ ability to communicate is seen as more important by women than men, and men placed more importance on enjoying physical closeness than women. — ANI