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Past forward
There is something about those blinding colours, polka dots and broad glares that refuse to go out of fashion. Retro look has always been a part of Bollywood flicks though in an odd-song sequence such as in Dil Chahta Hai, Om Shanti On, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, or a little more in recent films like Love Aaj Kal. And two more films set in the 1970s - Vipul Shah's Action Replayy and Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai - are in the pipeline. We do a quick check on what makes for the bold flower power? "It's always good to go in the past and bring back memories every now and then," says Divya Dutta whose recent project Chehre is all in black and white. "The 70s trend was glamorous yet Indian in essence," says the actor back from Colombo after winning IIFA award for Delhi 6. "I am a huge fan of those buffet hair, oversized glares (always carry along), knotted tops, broad bands and bell bottoms," says Divya. The actor also worked in a paint advertisement that showcases her in a complete retro look. "In fact the hair stylist for that campaign was the one who did the hair for Parveen Babi and Zeenat Aman," she shares. "The 70's was the golden era of the movie industry. Since then so many trends have come and gone, but that look has always stayed," says Mitul Dikshit, director, Dikshant International School, who is a movie buff. Bollywood today has moved away from regular formula flicks and grown experimental. "The audience is ever evolving and now it's more than the regular combination of emotions, comedy and action that they ask for. That makes the filmmakers experimental as well," says Dikshit. Bollywood has always inspired fashion. "The 70's look has always remained in style, off and on I get customers who want those tights, bell sleeves in polkas and stripes," says Shweta Khanna, city-based fashion designer. And what makes this look evergreen? "Bright colours make one feel younger, probably that's the secret of retro's undying appeal." Big prints, stripes, huge flowers stand out for sure. "Not only bold colours or accessories, even different cuts became fashionable in 70s," she adds. Usually, fashion offers just a little for men, but the 70's was different. "Big collars, printed shirts, broad checks and moustaches, men also got a fair share of fashion during the 70s," says Shweta. No wonder lots of parties are based around this theme! "Well, oversized sunglasses (they protect you too), broad hair bands, beaded chains, big loops and loud eye make up complete the look," she adds. "The 70s is one trend that no one wants to let go," says Ritu Kochhar, founder-director, INIFD-8. "And it's largely because the best of movies, songs and actors happened then. There was this flamboyance that everyone, be it fair, dark, wheatish, short or tall, wants to try," she adds. Since then, fashion has been constantly reinvented. "The jumpsuits are in again so are the maxi dresses that are known by the name of 'town gowns'. Chappals in bright colours are a hit even with men," adds Ritu, who is also in love with jumpsuits and maxi dresses. But be careful before you go retro. "Make sure you choose colours that go with your complexion. Town gowns are not for short people for they will make you look even shorter," she warns. And if it's your home that you want to add the retro look to, here is what Renu Khanna, architect and interior designer from the city, has to say, "When it comes to designing homes, its minimalism that is in. However, if it's retro on your mind, may be one element in bold colours, polka or print can stand out." mona@tribunemail.com
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Stage managed
"Now even in colleges they've introduced this as a subject, which means there's much more professionalism," Bittu Sandhu, managing director, Strides Event Management, couldn't have been more apt on the 'earlier-now' scenario.
Be it people or promoters, product launch to wedding, an in charge who'll take care of everything is as indispensable as, probably, the flowers for reception. Shares Sahil Shandilya, of All Rise Events, "Now nobody wants to take any kind of tensions for the event. They dump it all on us. We're responsible for everything, right from that tiny bulb going down on the stage."
It's a classic example of the profession developing and branching out to various specialisations. Adds Bittu Sandhu, "Earlier people thought they could do it themselves. Now they know they can't. Or may be if they can, they at least know they probably can't take care of an event as much as a professional in the field would be able to." Echoes Harsh Deep, "I've been in this industry for almost five years now and yes people's awareness levels have risen. Corporates have been coming in like anything, they are willing to spend big bucks and that is the prime factor for any change." Something that started with product launches has trickled down to weddings, private parties. Did someone even say birthday? It's a study in comparison, earlier-now scenario. Innovation is the key to survival and concepts hitherto crazy are now considered out of the box. Where earlier it was about managing the venue, it's now about conceptualising, planning, presenting, rather, creating an event, where none exists. Shares Sahil, "An event was a two-day thing earlier. Now at times, planning starts two months in advance. The budget could range from twenty grands to half a million. Recently we did a product promotion for a lifestyle showroom in Jalandhar that had promoters wearing a bag on the back with LED screens, which have lights tied to them." He adds, "Imagine people walking on the road at night to promote your brand? The concept was originally from Delhi, but they sub-let it to me." Laughs Shandilya, "A lot of people still harbour this misconception that it's a fun field, we get to attend all the parties, have a great time. Little does anyone know, any speaker going down, it falls literally on our heads first." That's what they call completely stage-managed! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Right moves
Mumbai born computer science graduate Snighda Srivastav has been delivering consistently on the small screen and maintained her status quo. Snighda, who turned to acting with famous soap Kyunki Sas Bhi Khabhi Bahu Thi has managed her career well and is one of the well-known faces in Tollywood . She is pretty and unassuming and just right for the role of the lead character Kanku. She lives on the sets of Jai Mehta Productions for Sahara One Television Shor. Lifestyle caught up with the actress on her brief visit to Chandigarh.
Television, as all would agree, is a prominent medium today. I gave audition for the lead role and was selected. It is the first show in the history of television whose lead star is dumb. Tell us your background in the field of acting? I have done serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Praya Dhan, Kum Kum, Rahe Tera Aashirwad. I found identity as an actor after these serials. My mantra has been simple from day one — focus on the good roles. Tell us about your character? I play Kanku, a clean-hearted, righteous and a strong-willed girl. She is dumb but very mischievous, and likes to keep playing the whole day with kids in the village. She wants to live with her father all her life and play with his puppets. Being an actor, is it easier for you to detect a good script from the lot that you get
everyday? Yes, whenever, I look at a scene or when I am performing, I try to gauge whether it is working or not. When a scene touches me, I know it can work with the viewers as well. Your upcoming
projects? Right now I am just concentrating on Shor and gauging the viewers’ response to it. I am in a contract with the Jai Mehta Productions and will completely focus on my character. —
Dharam Pal |
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We just love Bollywood films", says Danish pop group Michael Learns to Rock, who are visiting India for the third time. The band, which consists of Jascha Richter, Mikkel Lentz and Kare Wanscher and also known as 'MLTR', had toured the country in 1995 and 2005.
They are back to promote their latest album Eternity. "We love Bollywood films and Indian music. We can't remember all the names but would love to be part of them," said the rock group. "Basically India is our favourite country. We like the people, the food and the beauty of the country. Every time in India is something special," they added. The band, named after the late 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson, was formed in 1988 and originally existed as a four member group. In 2000, bassist Sore Madsen decided to leave the group to embark on a solo career. Although it has sold over 10 million records worldwide, MLTR has a much bigger fan base in Asia than compared to US and Europe. "Our melodies and the fact that people can sing along to our songs and also a number of concerts in the Asian countries have made us popular here," they said. The pop stars, who have produced hits like, The Actor, Sleeping Child, Breaking My Heart, Nothing to Lose and You Took My Heart Away will be performing a singback show in the capital on 17th June at F Bar. "One will have to wait to see what we have in store as it's gonna be a short promo show with only 30-40 minutes. And I am sure that people will know a few of the songs on the playlist," MLTR said. Released in 2008, 'Eternity' is the soft rock group's seventh studio album. "It was produced by Mikkel for the first time. He wanted to include a few very old songs, which have not been released before and it turned out great. We also used other songwriters for the first time to get new experience and to try new ways. We are very happy and proud of the Eternity album," MLTR said. Apart from Delhi, MLTR will also be performing in Bangalore and Mumbai as part of their tour. — PTI
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Beera Bandwagon
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan weathered dusty winds and rains to lead an entourage of Royal Enfield-borne look-alikes of Beera — his character in the upcoming film Raavan — in the capital Sunday, leaving fans craving for more.
Abhishek, who embarked on a marathon promotion for Raavan, was undeterred as weather tried to play spoilsport and went about interacting with fans. "I love coming to Delhi. I have spent my childhood here, and it is like home to me," said Abhishek, 34, dressed casually in blue jeans and a white shirt. He enthralled his fans with Raavan merchandise — throwing keychains and T-shirts at the crowds, almost sparking a stampede for the goodies. The actor, who toured the city with a group of six dancers dressed as different characters seen in the song Thok di killi from the film, was accompanied by co-stars Ravi Kishan and Ajay Gehi, who play Beera's brothers in the Mani Ratnam-directed movie. Abhishek's entourage in the capital started from PVR Priya in Vasant Vihar and then travelled to DLF Promenade in Vasant Kunj, PVR Anupam, DLF Place in Saket, M-Block Market Greater Kailash-II, Ansal Plaza, Defence Colony and Khan Market. During his tour of the Capital, the tech-savvy star was at the same time keeping netizens updated with posts on the microblogging site Twitter. "Looks like Raavan brought the rain to Delhi. Ha ha, Mani will be proud of me! Let's hope it stays like this," he tweeted. In another post he wrote: "Have a bunch of guys dressed up like Beera following me on their Enfield bullets. No matter how fast they make other bikes or how sleek, a bullet is a bullet!!" On Saturday, he did something similar in Mumbai and after Delhi, he is all set to visit Hyderabad to promote the film, releasing June 18. A bilingual, Raavan has been co-produced by Reliance Big Pictures and Madras Talkies.
— IANS |
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Khiladi turns chef
After his breath taking stunts in Khatron Ki Khiladi, Akshay Kumar is all set to display his culinary skills in a cookery show called Master Chef India on the small screen. The show will go on air later this year on Star Plus, Star India CEO Uday Shankar told reporters while unveiling a red star, which is the new look of the channel.
He denied that the show has been planned to counter Khatron Ke Khiladi season three on Colors, which will be hosted by actress Priyanka Chopra. "Our objective is to put together an entertaining show and the effort is to be one stop shop for all creative urges. We don't believe in countering individuals no matter how big they are," he said. Members of the audience can participate in the cookery show to showcase their kitchen skills and share screen space with the Khiladi Kumar who worked as a chef in Bangkok before making it big in Bollywood.
— PTI |
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Sun struck
Hollywood beauty Nicole Kidman goes to great lengths to avoid a tan and she was shocked to see good friend Jennifer Aniston peeling off to catch some rays. The Oscar winning actress is known for her porcelain skin and during the shoots for her new movie Just Go With, she advised co-star Aniston to cover up against the sun.
The actresses have become firm friends while making the new movie on the Hawaiian island of Maui and the Friends star had been spending her time between takes topping up her tan, much to Kidman's dismay. Kidman, 42 who has even been known to swim in a body suit to avoid sunburn told Aniston, 41, she should stay out of the sun to age well. "Nicole hates the sun and covers up but Jen has been spending hours working on her tan and Nicole can't bear it," a source on the sets said. "Nicole hates to see people baking in the sun, she avoids it like the plague and wears huge floppy hats and a specially formulated extra-strength sunscreen," added the source. She offered some sun-block to Aniston who laughed and said she thinks a tan makes her look healthy and Kidman gave her a lecture about the dangers of the intense sun. — PTI |
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Marilyn Monroe's pink gown, considered to be the most important dress of Hollywood, has earned a whopping 213,000 pounds (about $312,000) at one of the biggest auctions in tinseltown.
The auction turned out to be bear-size as bids for the carpetbag used by actress Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins reached 65,274 pounds. It had only been expected to fetch 8,000 pounds. The wicked witch of the west hat worn by actor Margaret Hamilton in " The Wizard Of Oz earned a spellbinding 137,420 pounds. Johnny Depp's vicious-looking hands from Edward Scissorhands went for 18,885 pounds and his jacket from Pirates Of The Caribbean for 12,367 pounds. The HolyGrail from Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade sold for 10,993 pounds. There were an unprecedented 1,500 landmark items in the Profiles In History auction, in Los Angeles at the weekend. — IANS
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The film, which deals with the drug business in Goa, has Abhishek play a tough cop but it is Rana who gets to romance Bipasha. Sources say though several Bollywood actors were auditioned for his role, Rana was chosen because he matched Bipasha's sex appeal on screen. —PTI
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Fair trial
Actors are a hungry lot with an appetite that takes a lifetime too feed and flavours that need to change with each serving. Sarvar Ahuja is no better. In fact, he belongs to the most eager ones of the lot, grabbing at the right opportunity and trying out a different recipe of success every time.
The winner's tag in the Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj had Sarvar debut in Bollywood with Khanna & Iyer. Four movies down the line, he found his calling in the television playing lead in Imagine's Jyoti. Now, he is out again with Keshav Pandit on Zee TV. "One has to grow as an actor, taking up different roles and trying experimental scripts. What better option than television? Unlike Bollywood, it gives you a lot of scope for improvement," says the young actor. Sarvar plays the saviour of justice in the serial, who uses law as a weapon to help the poor and the downtrodden. My character, Keshav Pandit, is not of a lawyer nor has he ever gone to a law school. He is one a mission to help the poor and ignorant masses who fall prey to the privileged class," he explains adding, "I practiced voice modulation for the role just to bring in the dramatic effect," shares Sarvar. Ask him why a step back with television and he replies, "It's an experimental phase for me. I am exploring all the possibilities of the market. If Jyoti was an art film experience then Keshav Pandit is an out an out commercial one." With experimental, professional too is the word for this young actor. Taking his role quite seriously he recently visited a committee called Satark Nagrik Sangh in Dhaaravi, Mumbai. This committee is dedicated in helping the poor through RTI (Right to Information) "I was deeply inspired by the kind of help they are rendering to the people through the RTI. They are constantly striving towards making a difference to their lives," he said. As far as the TRPs go, he is not bothered. Playing soft and sweet character and now action packed role with loads of drama and emotions, Sarvar believes in giving his best and then leaving the rest on God. "You can't predict the audience reactions. So, TRPs are not in your hand. If you do a fair job, the audience will give a fair response." With not much to his life right now than work, the Hyderabadi dude doesn't rule out the possibility of acting in Tollywood. "I will have to learn Telegu for this." Till then, he is happy playing the justice keeper! nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Write talk
Any native writer of democratic ethos always defines the country's psyche and symbolises the deepest desires of the people. That is why writers of wider acclaim have been eulogised across centuries," maintains noted author and bureaucrat Shiv Raman Gaud, DPR Haryana, while indicating at the formation of a "Gyan Aayog" (Knowledge Commission) in the state during a 'ru ba ru' session with prominent women authors at the Haryana Niwas on Sunday.
The programme 'Seedha Sambaad', organised by Haryana Sahitya Academy, was attended by two women authors of national eminence - Delhi-based professor Dr Mamta Kalia and Dr Manjula Rana from Haridwar. They interacted with authors from the city and the discussions were mostly held on the theme of feminism. "The agony of women living in the hills is higher and their sorrows are deeper," says Dr Manjula Rana, author of over a dozen books. She has earlier taught literature at the Chicago University before shifting back to the hills at the Garwal University. Her writings have been an inspiration for thousands of subjugated women in the hills, who have gathered courage to fight back. "Gender bias has no relevance and my forthcoming books will prove it," she says. With as many as three-dozen books to her credit, versatile author Dr Mamta Kalia opines that European parameters of feminism cannot be applied in Indian conditions. She adds that caught up between Western influences and native reactions, we fail to appreciate ground realities at times. Poet Madhav Kaushik conducted the programme while Dr Mukta, director, Haryana Sahitya Akademy, thanked the speakers as well as participants. |
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Spade work
May be it is at the cost of repeating a few tips but forced by readers repeated queries I will give final tips on planting of grass and also types of grasses generally available for planting. I will tell about the merits and demerits of each. Choice is yours.
Other popular type that however is not much in demand was Korean Grass. It lost favour with the gardeners due to the fact that the blade of the grass is very pointed and hurts. You cannot walk on it bare foot. Even when you sit on it, it hurts. However, the grass has a good shine. It needs repeated mowing and has to be kept low headed near to the ground. Even when a single mowing is missed, there is tuft formation. When it is cleared, there appears a brown patch. This is due to the drying of the grass at the base of the tuft. Which gets exposed when mowing is done? This is also the reason for white ant attack on this grass in summer as there is plenty of dead material available as forage for the ants. In case you want to go in for this type, make sure that you are very regular at mowing. The third and the most popular kind now a day is the Selection No. 1. This is a very fast growing grass and gives a turf within a month's time. The grass is very fine and smooth and forms excellent turf. This you can say is the thinner version of Calcutta grass. The time is ripe for the planting of grass. Those who have prepared the soil by exposing it to sun should now begin levelling. In case you had not added any fertilizer earlier, do it now. Add superphosphate at one kilogram to a marla (25 square meters) of area. Mix it well with the soil and make the level 'table top'. This is very important. Make the level with a piece of flat wood (Phatti). Carry out the planting of grass taking a few roots and planting at four inches distance. After planting it is better to compress the soil with roller. You can also give treatment for white ants by applying chlorpyriphos with the help of a bucket fountain. The person applying this should keep walking slowly, the whole areas covering it fully. This should be followed by cupious watering. The soil thereafter should be kept moist. Any weed emerging should be physically eradicated by pulling with root, holding it near the ground. Myth of the week The newly planted fruit plants should be given a good dose of fertilizers to get better results. This is totally wrong. Now when the time of planting is approaching fast you should be very careful about it. If you had dug and refilled the pit following proper procedure of adding manure etc. then it is sufficient for the current year. Do not add any more fertilizer. In an over enthusiasm, you may even kill the plant. |
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Get fresh naturally
Come summers and you have people using deodorants to suppress body odour caused due to perspiration. But what most people are not aware is that constant and indiscreet use of deodorants can harm one's skin.
Says Dr Tarun of 'Jahansagar Medical College', Belur (Rajpura), "Excessive use of deodorants results in skin allergy called Contact Dermatigis. Spraying of deodorants on the neck or behind the ears causes pigmentation on the skin." During the scorching summers, deodorants vaporise in no time and turn into toxic gases. Due to it one lands up inhaling deadly chemicals, which can harm the health. Simer Singh, 22, a resident of Sector-11, Chandigarh, says, "By the end of every summer season, I start facing skin problems due to deodorants. Using deodorants becomes mandatory in summers, especially in the armpits, but after a few weeks pigmentation started occurring on my skin" In such a scenario, it is advisable to use deodorants and antiperspirants that have natural ingredients in them. So we have homemade recipe for deodorants. Natural Deodorant Recipe
Some people are tired of hunting for natural stuff and have decided to make their own deodorants. For this, baking soda and comstarch should be taken in equal quantity and mixed with a few drops of essential oils. This mixture can be applied by dabbing it on a damp cloth. This washes away easily and is much safer than commercially available deodorants. |
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Back then, when it was a fledgling field, managing an event meant ensuring the speakers and the stage in place; revolved around the venue and the visitors, at maximum long list of invitees passed for publicity. That was then. Half a decade later, post a couple of social catalysts, the offbeat passion's become a profession, the trend a phenomenon, the field, an industry. And the industry stands redefined.
She laughs, "I've been in this industry for almost 10 years now and there have been a lot of changes. Earlier people were not very critical, now they are much more aware and want everything co-ordinated, right from the flowers at funerals to weddings," and adds, "Now people want to spend money, which means bigger budgets." 
Roping in celebrities, pre-event hype, publicising while the occasion lasts are just the peripheral part of the story. Adds Harsh Deep, of Cine Valley Entertainment, "From show stoppers to foreign models to celebrities, they all have to be roped in, at times, to hype up the event." Highlights that go into making catchy newspaper supplement promos! Shares Sahil, "It doesn't end there. Of course celebrities are usually needed to gather more press, which generally is the client's demand. At times, the corporates want their product to be the celebrity. Then, it's even more difficult." 
How did you decide to take up the role of a dumb girl?
The size-14 pink satin gown, which Monroe wore in the song Diamonds are a girl's best friend in the 1953 movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, beat its expected price of 170,000 pounds (about $248,000). 
Bollywood's dusky siren Bipasha Basu will be seen romancing Hyderabad sensation Rana Daggubati in Rohan Sippy's next Dum Maro Dum in which Abhishek Bachchan is the male protagonist.
First about varieties. Normally the gardeners had been planting Calcutta grass supposed to be very hardy, it forms beautiful turf. It is very vigorous in growth especially during summers and monsoon and needs repeated mowing. In case there is any nutrient deficiency felt, it responds to the application giving immediate results. It is the cheapest variety available at present. 
Deodorants are often combined with antiperspirants, but the effect of both the products on health has been a matter of debate for a long time. Sweating is nature's way of lowering body temperature and prohibiting this by blocking pores is not a correct thing to do. The closing of pores blocks the outlet for natural oils, which are so very essential for imparting a healthy glow to the skin. This also results in unwanted pimples and blackheads.