Special connection
Mona

We talk to couples who blow candles and cut the cake on the same day

Vinod Uppal and Raj
Vinod Uppal and Raj


Shilpa and Varun Kapoorr

The day one is born is special indeed, but sharing it with the one you are sharing your entire life with, is just awesome. Three 'star struck' couples who share their birthdays reveal what it means to them.

"Ours was an arranged marriage and it was only a few months later that we realised that we had the same birthday," says Dr Birinder Pannu. The couple has been celebrating their birthday (March 27) together for close to 50 years now. "Over the years the way we have celebrated our 'birthday' has changed. Now we go out for a meal together with our family," says Dr Birinder. It is now the grandkids' prerogative to choose the place they want to go to so Dada Dadi's birthday is indeed an event that's looked forward to in Pannu's household.

And being born on the same day (not the year), do they share same characteristics? "Yes, we are quite similar when it comes to nature,' says Brgd (Retd) Preetam Singh Pannu. "Both of us are creative, straightforward and have pretty much similar tastes," he shares. But while Dr Birinder has that Aries' impulsiveness, it's her hubby who makes her sit and complete work she undertakes. As for getting along, Dr Birinder spills the beans. "There are two options - either one really gets along or just can't stand each other. I have witnessed both," she laughs. Of course, it's the hubby she goes along with, the one she can't stand was her boss she doesn't want to name.

Shilpa and Varun Kapoor from Sector 12, Panchkula is another couple that came in the world the same day June 22 (albeit at the gap of four years). "It was when our families said yes, I was talking to Varun over the phone when he asked about my birthday," shares Shilpa. "When I said June 22, he laughed saying I am asking yours not mine. It was such a lovely feeling of having this ethereal connection," says Shilpa. This couple enjoys all the attention they get on their special day. "It's something not so common and our friends and family really make it special," shares Varun. Like Pannus, this couple too shares traits. "We are so similar in all the little small ways that helps to bond better," shares Shilpa. This couple celebrates their birthday by trying out something new. "We try to do something new every birthday. A trek or a visit to a completely new place is our way," says Varun. And the doting husband (he is very particular about buying a gift for wifey) makes sure that Shilpa gets to party with her friends on her own as well.

For Brgd (Retd) Vinod Uppal and wife Raj, destiny chose January 28, to come to this planet. "My mother has a very strong intuition. When I was cutting my fifth birthday cake, she said to my brother, 'It's now that somewhere Vinod's wife is taking birth," shares Brgd Uppal and she was so right. In their 'semi arranged match' it felt fantastic to share not only wedding anniversary but birthday too. "In our times there was not much culture of gifts, just wishing meant a lot," says Raj, who have now celebrated 50 birthdays together. But unlike Pannus or Kapoors this couple is not that similar in nature. "Life would have been boring had we been all same," laughs Raj. It's only that we skip one party, regrets Brgd Uppal, whom family and friends join in on their special day.

"In an institution like marriage when the couple has to stay together for a lifetime, it is generally preferred that husband and wife complement each other," says astrologer P. Khurrana. "However, if a couple shares birthday, there is a chance that they have similar dressings sense, tastes as well as philosophy," he adds. Such couple get along well but sometime in the long road of life they might experience vacuum. "You know that feeling that though all is well, there is something missing. In such a case, the couple can sometimes be critical to each other. The remedy is to dress up in contrasting colours, or paint one wall of the house red/yellow or if one partner fasts and other doesn't. If any one of these three is followed the path is going to be much smoother," he advises. mona@tribunemail.com

Eat, Pray, Love
Charandeep Singh

Youngsters bond over the dining table with their parents

Remember the time when parents would call up repeatedly to ask when all would come home so that the family could eat out together at a nice restaurant. How often parents checked availability of children so that they could eat out. Raise a toast to the aware and responsible generation who has altered the trend and given it a refreshing change. Says Akshit Damija, 24, an insurance agent handling Mohali and Zirakpur, "I make it a point to take my parents out for a meal on the weekends. I have realised that it is my turn to do something for them now. This is only a small gesture," he says.

So, it's the youngsters treating, pampering and taking their parents out on weekends, and well they foot the bill too with a smile.

Whether it is a fine dining restaurant or a lounge, youngsters sharing a table with elderly people, cracking jokes and discussing matters is a common sight. Puts in Harneet Mahli, a hotelier, "We have observed that young are now more than willing to play hosts. This trend is not just restricted to special occasions, but is a daily affair. It has become a trend over the years. They treat their parents for the success they have achieved in their life.”

"It gives me immense satisfaction when I take my parents out for dinner. My father had always fulfilled all my demands. Now that I earn, I think it is my duty to make them feel special because whatever I am today is all because of them", says Amrinder Singh, stock analyst from Patiala.

Call it awakening of conscience or abiding by a duty call, most youngsters feel that this is the sole of taking out time for the parents. The idea of going out for meals together is relished by the parents too. "Both my kids work in a private enterprise. They take us out for a brunch every now and then in fine dining restaurants," says Jasmeet Brar, a banker from sector-9.

As for Sanjay Marwaha, a businessman, "I am suddenly reminded of the fact that that we have grown old and the younger generation has taken over.”

But who is complaining about it, the proud parents are definitely not. In fact, it is a trend that has made the Mother's Day and Father's Day a big event. Hotels and restaurants offer special discounts on such occasions as well. "We offered a special discount on Mother's Day, but the condition was that the bill had to be paid through the debit or credit card of either the son or the daughter", says Patiala based Taranvir Singh, owner of Zaika restaurant. The trend gets better with some young ones making special efforts to make some days extra special for their parents. Says Anurag, a student of class 12th, "I saved my pocket money for almost three months so that I could take my mom out for a dinner at Taj, Chandigarh. It made my mother feel proud of me." Apart from taking out time for the family from choc-a-bloc schedule, eating together strengthens the bond. An effort worth it!

Story of a robot


Rajnikant

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai and Tamil superstar Rajnikant's mega-budget Endhiran is expected to hit the screens September 3. Produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Shankar, Endhiran is said to be one of the most expensive films. It's made at a budget of Rs.190 crore.

Rajnikant had hinted that the film may be released some time in August. But if sources in the Tamil industry are to be believed than Endhiran will be released simultaneously in India and abroad September 3 on more than 1000 screens.

The formal announcement regarding the release date is expected to come soon.

Meanwhile, director Shankar has revealed the film's story on his blog.

"It revolves around a robot, who, all of a sudden turns into a human being and mingles with society," Shankar posted on his blog.

"The film will have many surprises. Technology has been used to the maximum possible extent. I am hopeful that Endhiran will surpass all expectations. Rajni is such a simple man who is totally unaware of his fame and power."

Oscar winner A.R. Rahman has composed the music, while Rathnavelu has worked behind the camera for the movie. — IANS

Bang on
Manpriya Khurana


Members of Boddhisattva band

To a novice scores of rock genres are complex and incomprehensible, but then so are the music notes. Think death metal, alternative, punk. Delhi based Boddhisattva's take an exception and are quite sorted with their assorted genres of music; think inspirational music, hindi, English, Bollywood, covers, original compositions. In city for a performance at Cafι Oz-9, the six band member talks what they play best; music.

"We play inspirational music, Hindi, English rock and couple of Bollywood tracks and also our own compositions," shares Maanuj Saini, the lead vocalist, Boddhisattva.

He adds, "For instance, our own composition called Wake Up talks about inspiring the youth, and asks them to crusade against corruption."

For the six-member band, the definition of the genre goes, "as the name suggests." Says Maanuj, "Inspirational music is the one that inspires everyone. Talks of good things in life, encourages one to go ahead in life." He adds, "We have friends who are like whenever they are feeling depressed they listen to our music."

To most music connoisseurs, Bollywood and rock band might sound like an oxy moron. "From Bollywood we only pick up numbers that rock." While the Chandigarh gig saw the band do a medley of covers, popular tracks and their original compositions. "We'll be playing Summer of '69, Bon Jovi's, It's My Life and Wake Up Sid."

The band formed in 2005 has been doing what most music groups do, release tracks underground, upload music on the Internet, make a page on My space. "We have close to 15 compositions to our credit." Bhrashtachari, Allah Tere Kitne Naam, Wake Up just being some of the titled tracks. "There's always an attempt to take up social issues and merge it with the platform of music, but we are active in romantic numbers too. Our track Will You Be My Valentine has audio and video as well," adds the hotel management graduate full time into music. Currently the group's working on single video tracks and audio tracks.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

All is green
Cate Blanchett launches eco-friendly theatre

Hollywood star Cate Blanchett has launched an eco-friendly construction project at her Sydney Theatre Company headquarters in Australia to save energy. The Academy award winning actress, who is the artistic director of the company, has thrown her support behind the 'Greening the Wharf' initiative, which will see 1,900 solar panels installed at the Wharf Theatre in Sydney, reported a publication online.

The panels will provide 70 per cent of the theatre's electricity requirements and the Elizabeth star wants more companies to follow their example by investing in green energy alternatives.

"Perhaps this whole area stretching from Barangaroo along Hickson Road and all the way to the Opera House (could be done up). We could be well on our way to becoming the first green arts precinct in the world," said Blanchett.

The actress has spent the last three years helping raise funds for the USD 4.5 million project. — PTI

Piece of music
SD Sharma


Dr Pradeep Bhardwaj gets an award from Capt Ajay Singh Yadav

Old melodies always transcend joy beyond comprehension. The same feeling of joy could be felt as amateur singing sensations of the region, especially from medical fraternity sang to a large audience in the thirteenth edition of Sur Sangam-10 held at Inderdhanush Panchkula on Saturday.

Dr Vishwas Bhardwaj' musical treat of Likhe jo khat tujhe mesmerised everyone, followed by Dr Pardeep Bhardwaj, before the programme director who spelt magic with Apni toh jaise taise, Dr. Suman Joshi from Ludhiana maintained the pace with a hit number Mahua.

Audience applauded Haryana IG Rajbir Deswal soulful melody Jaane waalo jara....Later Rajbir maintained his tradition of excellence in a duet song Tujhe jeevan ki with Dr Rozy Aneja from Ambala who also presented a patriotic number Aei mere vatan ke... In a jovial mood Dr Sanjeev Soni came with Badan pe sitaare lapete huye. Noted music director Dr. Arun Kant too doled out Kya hua tera wada.

Versatile Dr Pardeep Bhardwaj and Dr Suman Joshi had a lion's share as Dr Rozy Aneja, Dr Sanjeev Soni Dr Vishwas alos teamed up with others for duets.

Having won laurels at Inter University level Priyanka Singh and Amanpreet along with Preetika Bhasin enthralled the audience in solo and duet songs. Kids Niharika , Divya , Puneet Kaur, Mukul Gill and especially master Sachin also sang to everyone's delight. Jainendera Singh of AIR anchored the programme with commendable competence.

The chief guest Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav, Finance minister Haryana inaugurated the programme along with guest Dr Gopal Munjal and other dignitaries.

De-addict

The menace of addiction among youth in our region, especially in the rural areas, has reached alarming levels. Much of this can be attributed to lack of understanding of this as a disease and thus denial of proper treatment to the addicted," stated Dr. Hardeep Singh, sr. consultant psychiatry, Fortis Hospital, Mohali in an advisory issued on International Day for Drug Abuse.

Talking about Drug Addiction, Dr. Hardeep Singh said, "It is still believed that people addicted to drugs are morally weak and lack willpower. However, in reality, drug addiction is a disease just like any other disease like diabetes etc and needs an effective treatment plan under a trained professional. Drug Addiction affects both brain and behavior. Brain imaging studies from drug-addicted individuals show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory and behavior control. These changes alter the way the brain works, and helps explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors of addiction."

Striking a positive note, Dr. Singh said, "Thankfully, addiction is a treatable disease and the treatment is divided into two stages: Detoxification and long-term abstinence maintenance. Detoxification means purification of the body from the drug and should ideally be done in a hospital since this involves major physiological changes which can at times be dangerous and painful depending upon the drug abused." — TNS

Pet pal

People for Animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and just forever and ever:

For Adoption

  • A male German Shepherd dog, one year old, Black & Brown colour, vaccinated and adorable, want a caring and loving home urgently.

  • Five Beautiful mixed Gaddi breed female Pups, one month old, Black and, white Grey and Black colors, for adoption.

  • A Female cocker spaniel dog, two year old, Black colour, vaccinated and adorable, want a caring and loving home urgently.

  • A male Labrador dog, fiveyears old, Black colour, vaccinated and well trained, want a caring and loving home urgently.

PFA Lost & Found Column

  • Lost one male black labrador dog, two years old from Sec 47 Chandigarh on April 23. If any body has any information kindly contact the PFA Office (Identification Mark -- Black spot in the middle of tounge)

  • Foundone male white and brown pomeranian dog, two years old from Sec 4 Panchkula June 14 z Lost one male white labrador dog, 1year old from Sec-21 Chandigarh on June 4.

Warm effect

Metro Ortem Limited has come up with its latest innovation, Ortem Sogo Digital Induction Cooking system in collaboration with Sogo of Europe. It uses induction heating (IH) technology for quick and uniform heating which is notably more energy and cost efficient form of cooking. And by using less energy your monthly cooking costs will markedly decrease.

According to Rummy Chabbra, managing director, Metro Ortem Limited, "After making strong foot prints in tyres and fans industry, we were planning to enter the Home Appliances segment, And to begin with we are launching digital induction cooking systems to cater to the mid segment and mass market with the distinct objective to redefine and the induction cooking system Market in India. Ortem Sogo has been specially designed to suit Indian cooking requirements."

Ortem Sogo is based on Induction heating technology, which is the most sustainable form of cooking. Besides energy efficiency, there is the added bonus of safety. Flameless and cool stovetop means less cooking hazards for you and your family. And since no extra heat is being introduced into the environment, your kitchen will not get miserably hot as you cook. On a hot summer day, you will certainly appreciate this kind of efficiency. — TNS

Kids' day out


Photo: S Chandan

The NZCC sponsored twenty days art and theatre workshop concluded with the presentation of a multi coloured cultural programme titled " Bachpan ke Rang" by all the 60 participants at Kalagram on Saturday. They were given tips by well known Gagan Mishra and Kapil Sharma, NSD alumnus.

As many as 60 children, in the age group of 5-15 from schools and nearby slums learnt about the theatrical skills. The presentations laid more stress on cultural refinement and respect for elders in a short play Sanskar.com, besides covering day-to-day problems in Pani re pani, Shastar dekho shaster, Mussadi di shadi and humour by Nat-Nati. However, kids enjoyed watching Insaniyat, Mime, Puppet and Tappu Aaya evolved and prepared by themselves. Parents were happy to see their kids enact plays. Members of Senior Citizens Welfare Association, Mani Manimajra gave gifts to all the participants on this occasion. — TNS

Pro-health factor

Most of us think of bacteria as something that causes disease. However, researchers have found that certain kinds of bacteria can actually help us stay healthy. Commonly known as 'friendly bacteria', probiotics and their benefits have been explored in India only in the last few years.

Probiotics is said to assist in keeping a balance between the 'good' and the 'bad' bacteria necessary for a healthy digestive system. It is known to help ease bowel diseases, curb diarrhoea, decrease allergies as well as lower the risk of yeast infections in women. Probiotics can be found in a number of foods, including curd, buttermilk, fermented milk, soy drinks, some soft cheeses, pickles, and miso soup.

Dr Sonia Gandhi, dietician at Fortis hospital says the word Probiotic is derived from the Greek word meaning 'Pro- for' and 'Biotic - life'. "These are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods and dietary supplements. Researchers believe that probiotics enhance the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of immune cells located within the tissues lining, the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and urinary tract. They have been used to prevent diarrhoea caused by antibiotics and in other disorders as well," says Dr Sonia. She adds that the dose needed varies depending on the strain of bacteria and product though there is still much ambiguity about the long-term effects of the products.

Food products that contain Probiotics are mainly dairy products like fermented milk, yoghurts, and ice creams.The most frequently used bacteria in these products belong to the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species.

Health benefits of taking probiotics:

  • Synthesise vitamins, primarily vitamin B
  • Increase availability of nutrients
  • Decrease lactose
  • Intolerance
  • Boost immune response
  • Kills disease producing bacteria through the production of antibacterial and antimicrobial substances like cytokines, butryic acid etc.
  • Stimulate the growth of lactic acid producing bacteria which in turn favours digestion (especially milk and milk products)
  • Stimulate the production of immune boosting cells
  • Help strengthening the gastrointestinal membrane which is the most important self defense of the body to protect from infections
  • Prevent the growth and activity of helicobacter pylori bacteria, known to cause peptic ulcers
  • Research is yet to establish results for reduction of cancer risks, decreased urogenital infections in women, cholesterol lowering effects and decrease in blood pressure

anujaj@tribunemail.com

Weather or not
Ashima Sehajpal

Which facial and spa should you go for? Let the season decide…

It wasn't very tough for beauty experts at saloons to tell us the most common question asked by people who need a facial or spa. They didn't rake their brains or took more than a minute to figure out which out of the endless number of queries tops the list. The unanimous choice was "Will it help my skin glow? And that's it! Even when the experts offer much more than the age-old guarantee of facial glow, people still restrict the aim of hours long massage to a 'psychological shine'. The most significant add on to the facial benefits of facials and a spa is that they are now chosen as per the season. As Richa Aggarwal, beauty expert, Cleopatra informs, "There are facials and spas for every season. Around a decade back, it was claimed that only gold facial has the best effect on the face. Also like any other facial then, it was advised to people without considering if it was apt for the weather," says Richa Aggarwal, beauty expert Cleopatra.

So now for summers, available are spas that help the skin secrete less oil. In monsoons spa ingredients are changed to assure that the skin hydrates well. Deep moisturising oils are used in winters to avoid dryness of skin. "Skin reacts differently to beauty products in different seasons. Also eating habits change as per the weather, which makes it important to use the right ingredients," says Naunihal Singh, beauty expert and owner, Strands.

Richa changes the ingredients from aromatic oils and creams to gels made with natural ingredients like watermelon and cucumber in summers.

The most popular spas and facials in summers now are the anti-tan treatments. She adds, "The papaya based spas rejuvenate the skin by removing tanning. And the most asked for in winters is a hot oil massage." When it comes to hair spas, the variation is much less. "Light creams and oils fail to soak in the scalp. It's only heavy oils that are able to nourish the scalp, hence not much experimentation can be done."

The basic products when used without taking into account the weather can rather harm the skin. As Naunihal says, "Dry creams in winters can lead to breakouts. In summers, a person can suffer from fungal infection of skin, if very oily products are used. Over moisturising of the facial skin can lead to severe acne." He suggests cool mint, derma chill and fruit induction facial and spas for summers and for winters chocolate and oxy-hydrated facial are suitable. There is more to using the right products for facials. Naunihal emphasizes on the fact that skin tone should also be tested before deciding upon the ingredients. "In some cases, skin reacts rather unusually as per the season, making it imperative to test the tone."

Dr Maleeka Sachdev, city based dermatologist, advises against the use of products without considering the season. "In summers especially, use of unsuitable products can damage the skin a lot. Heavy creams can choke the hair follicles and sweat glands, leading to acne, rashes or severe allergic reaction." She also says that skin type is as important a factor as season, "Even in winters, oily skin should not be massaged with oils as it can aggravate the already existing acne problem." So much more to worry about than mere 'glow' factor!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Back-up plan
Dr Harsh Sharma

One of the most common problems facing the modern day working class executives or employees happen to be cervical spondylosis. Computers have become all pervasive and long hours on the computer almost invariably leads to this problem sooner or later.

A very large percentage of people who have been working on the computer for long hours start feeling pain in the neck, shoulders and hands. The muscles around the shoulders and the neck become hard and stiff. In more severe cases, the motion of the neck, shoulder joints and arms is also restricted.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the neck is the first symptom. The pain may extend to the back of head, arms and hands and even towards eyes.
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands is also present.
  • Vertigo or a sensation of everything going round and round is another prominent and troublesome symptom.

Management

While working on the computer may be unavoidable, the suffering is not. Quite often, the positioning of the computer or the monitor or the chair is incorrect. Therefore, it is necessary that one should be aware of the correct positioning of the computer station and one's own posture. This knowledge and a little bit of exercise can go a long way in avoiding these.

Your sitting posture can help you only if things around are placed as they should be. Here is brief guide:

Monitor

  • The appropriate distance is about 90cm (3ft) or an arms length from you.
  • Your head should be in line with the top of your monitor.

Chair

The height of the chair should be adjustable and with good armrests. The back of the chair should give good support to your lower back.

Keyboard

The monitor, keyboard and your head should be in a straight line.

Bhujanga asana

While above mentioned precautions can help in preventing neck pain, one particular yogic asana is of immense benefit in treating this pain. This asana known as 'bhujanga asana' or the serpent asana imitates the agitated snake with a raised hood. The asana is very simple to perform and provides almost miraculous relief from pain and that too not of transient nature. Lie down on the abdomen and place your hands on both sides along the shoulders. Stretch out the toes of the feet and let your forehead touch the ground.

Then slowly raise your head from the ground till the torso is completely raised from the ground, while the legs and the pubis are touching the ground. Maintain this position as long as is possible and then slowly return to the original position on the ground. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat the entire exercise about three to four times. All movements have to be slow and smooth. This one asana is in itself capable of curing so called cervical spondylosis in its severest form.

— The writer is a city- based homeopath

BODY wise
It's raining health
Sachin Kalra

Hot jalebi's, pakoras and tea is the favourite diet of most of the people during the rainy season. And exercise? Well that's another story. Many of us put on extra kilos during this season because of the fried foods we add on in our diet and because our exercise schedule goes for a toss. But don't let the rains wash away your good health. Follow these helpful tips and enjoy this beautiful season.

Exercise

Due to the rainy season, most of us put our exercise schedule on hold. And this is true for most outdoor exercisers. However, this needn't be the case. It's very essential to explore the various options available to stay active, fit and healthy. Another reason not to skip exercise is because of the rain blues which hit a lot of people and exercise is the best way to manage them. If you exercise outdoors, now is the time to try your hand at some indoor moves. Joining a gym, a dance class, yoga studio or a home gym are some wonderful options you can explore. A new fitness option going great guns abroad is mall walking, where people go to the mall, do window shopping and walk their walk and complete their exercise quota for the day.

If it's pouring and venturing outside is not an option at all, then home gym is the way to go. It's always a good idea to have a stationary bike at home. Or you can purchase any cardio equipments that suit your fitness level, interest and budget. If that's not possible then stairs are something mostly everyone has access to. Stair climbing is a great exercise. If you don't have stairs, try a wooden box. Skipping, running on the spot, or just walking around in the house are options too. As long as you are willing to try new things and are happy to make the best of whatever you have on hand, your fitness will never suffer.

Diet

Digestive functions are directly related to climatic conditions. Due to the warm and humid climate, the body's digestive capability goes down thereby affecting our overall immunity. The warm-humid weather provides a perfect breeding ground for various germs and bacteria that compound the problem. Cough-cold, flu and water-borne diseases such as cholera, gastroenteritis are the frequently observed health problems during rainy days. However, a little care can keep the monsoon troubles at bay.

  • Opt for home cooked foods such as soups, dals, stews, steamed dim sums, idlis, etc. Make sure you eat fresh and warm or piping hot foods to avoid stomach disturbances as food stay fresh for just a few hours due to excessive humidity.
  • It is also a good idea to give all the roadside vendors a miss.
  • Be careful about the water you drink. Pollution of drinking water during monsoon is very common. It is very necessary to drink clean and pure water if you want to give a miss to all the rampant water borne diseases like diarrhea and gastro intestinal infections. Drink boiled water at home and when going out, carry your own boiled water or have mineral water only.
  • Make ample use of ginger, garlic, basil and turmeric in your food. Adding green tea to your diet is also a recommended.

And of course, do enjoy the tea, jalebi's and pakoras, but make sure not to overindulge or make it a regular feature.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com

Oh, Valentina


Salma Hayek with daughter

Hollywood beauty Salma Hayek's daughter Valentina is a budding singer and charmed her mother's co-stars by serenading them on set. Hayek took her two-year-old daughter to the sets of the Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups and she charmed all with her singing skills, reported People magazine online.

"Everybody brought their family to set. Valentina had the best time out of anybody on the set, I think," said the Academy award winning actress.

"She sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, but the kids in the movie taught her other songs. Now they've got her into the soundtrack of Mamma Mia. She of course likes Mamma Mia but she also likes Honey, Honey," said the 42-year-old actress.

With such musical abilities, Hayek says her daughter with husband, French billionaire Henry Pinault, may have a future in showbiz, though she "wasn't hoping for that." Hayek's young co-star, Madison Riley, who plays Rob Schneider's daughter, says the toddler is full of charisma.

"She's also a spitfire like her mom. She's gorgeous, sweet and she walked around in a little strut," said Riley. And even the grown ups were charmed by Valentina.

"Salma always says, 'Oh, Valentina's got a crush on you. She doesn't, but it makes me go 'ohhh,' and I'm nicer to her!," said actor David Spade. — PTI

Wedding bells

Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom

Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom will marry his fiancee, Australian model Miranda Kerr in Los Angeles, says a friend of the actor.

"It is where they spend most of their time and where their mutual friends live," a website quoted a friend of the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

The move might come as a disappointment for Adam Marshall, mayor of Gunnedah, Australia, who pledged to hold a street parade and employ a brass band if Kerr's marriage to Bloom was held in her hometown. Last week, Bloom's mother, Sonia Copeland had said that she was "thrilled" that Bloom had proposed to Kerr. "Miranda is a beautiful girl, in all aspects of that word," she said.

Bloom has been courting the model for almost three years after they met at a lingerie catwalk show in New York. — IANS

Hair again

She had ditched her hair extensions and opted for a pixie cut while embarking on her career as a fashion designer, but Victoria Beckham is back to her WAG hair style again.

The former Spice Girl stepped out today for the first time following rumours she and husband, footballer David Beckham, were planning to split earlier this week.

Wearing a summery yellow dress, Victoria looked happy and relaxed as she arrived in the south of France with her three sons for a holiday break in their chateau.

The 36-year-old showed no sign of added stress following her publicist being forced to deny reports the couple were planning to announce the end of their marriage.

As well as pair of sky-high nude heels and a snake-print handbag, Victoria also showed off her new longer hair as she arrived in Cannes.

The new style, which appears to have been achieved through hair extensions, is the latest in a string of hair styles. As well as a peroxide blonde crop, Victoria has also experimented with blonde highlights and a pixie-style cut. — PTI

Faking it

Actor Adrien Brody went to great lengths to prepare for his role in the upcoming film High School, including smoking specially created marijuana substitute. The Academy award winning actor plays a pot-smoking dealer in the film and Brody smoked a special fake weed, as his character gets high, reported a publication online.

The film directed by John Stalberg revolves around the result of Brody unwittingly providing a high school with a high-strength drug. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Stalberg said, "He was smoking this fake weed you can buy from High Times magazine called Fake Budz. — PTI

(Bad)man

Robin Williams wants to play villain in next Batman movie

Robin Williams
Robin Williams

Hollywood actor Robin Williams is eager to play the role of the villain Riddler in the next Batman movie. "I would say yes to Batman in a second, playing anyone. I'd play the Riddler in the next one," he said. Williams added that he was offered parts in the previous two Batman films, but the roles were eventually given to other stars, reports a website. "The Batman films have screwed me twice before: years ago they offered me the role of the Joker and then gave it to Jack Nicholson, then they offered me the Riddler and gave it to Jim Carrey," he added. — IANS




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