He is the realistic filmmaker; is host to many controversies with each of his releases and always has room for more. Madhur Bhandarkar doesn't like thing sugar coated. "I want my audience to relate to the reality my films, which inspired by the flight of life," says the filmmaker as his introductory statement. In the city to walk the ramp for designer Manali Jagtap at the concluding day of the Blender's Pride Chandigarh Fashion Week, Madhur wasn't the filmmaker, but a showstopper.

The man who introduced us to the 'real' world of fashion seems to have got hooked. "I don't have a style statement, more of a jeans-tee kind of a person. But post-Fashion, I have consciously made an effort to know more about the fashion business. It feels good to encourage a new designer and since Manali is a friend, I had to do this. I like her work and so when she asked, I immediately agreed." And he had actor Mugdha Godse and Nauheed Cyrusi by his side. The man who has worked with the most glamorous actors in the film industry, who is the ultimate showstopper? " I think Bipasha is good. She has a perfect body and looks. Priyanka is great too.'

Well, the other reason is because he likes coming back to Chandigarh. "I feel I have a connection with the city. I came here for Fashion, then again for Jail and now for the CFW. The city has a charm that works every time I come here," he says.

And we thought he didn't like things sweet. Anyway, back to business, Madhur has taken a time-off from the controversies and reality checks with his upcoming film, Dil Toh Bacha Hai Ji, with Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Omi Vaidya. Ajay will be romancing a lady half his age in the film. "I wanted to make a comedy, a sensible comedy," says madhur. What else can we expect? "It's still closer to reality, but not as controversial as my other films,' he clears. The movie is ready to rock the screens on January 28.

Next, is Heroine, with Bebo in the lead. Another signature Madhur Bhandarkar cinema. "Nothing has been finalised yet. Kareena is on board but I still have to get the script ready. Its based on the film industry and journey of a heroine." And being an insider helped. " Lets say, I already have done the research."

Did we hear someone mention a film on Lalit Modi? (will he spare anybody?) "I am not doing a film on him, please," he insists. "I was asked to make a movie on his life but I refused." Some respite to the ex-IPL commissioner.

(More stories and pictures on Page 3)

Pan-caked kissed faces, eyelashes double than the normal length, hair extensions beaming under the original layers, a nose job here, a facelift there, some extra pout, a kiss of botox-name one glam doll who does not wear the entire vanity on her face. Let us help you with one name-Riya Sen. The bong beauty floors all and sundry in the city with her natural beauty on Sunday where she turns up for the launch of Gold Sukh's new outlet in Sector 34. Glistening, shinning like a thousand-watt bulb and our every effort to find out any trace of light brush strokes on her peach and gossamer skin fails. After all it's not everyday you come across a celeb sans makeup.

So, it is gold jewellery for the lady? "Actually for me it is no jewellery at all. I am scared of losing it. All the same, my mother has taught me to treat it as an investment, which I do. In fact, Gold Sukh has some interesting 22 K pieces that are interesting." With the star kids you can't help referring to their parents. This case the inevitable mention of mother Moon Moon Sen and sister Raima Sen. "My mother doesn't sit on mine or my sister's head dictating, which movie to pick and which not to. I make my own choices, and then let her know what I am doing which is always supportive of," says Riya, ready to sparkle the box office with her upcoming movies Tere Mere Phere and a Bengali film Nauka Dubi.

Not a very commercial happening pot-pourri on her palate. Riya agrees. "I started my career very young with ad films and music albums, then graduated to movies. And I did them only for pocket money. I became more involved, as I grew with each film." Riya, however, maintains that a de-glamourised look doesn't harm an actor's career. "It's a matter of choice, whether one wants to 'just' act or do some real good acting like the one I will be doing in my upcoming ventures," she shares.

Well, if this is the case, then there is surely no place for regrets in the Riya's life. "No chance," she passes her hand through her long tresses. jasmine@tribunemail.com

Monikangana Dutta, who will debut in Bollywood with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish, is all set to join the league of supermodels Heidi Klum and Gisele Bundchen, as she has been selected to become a Victoria's Secret Angel.

"I have not given up modelling. I have been selected as one of the six Victoria's Secret Angels," she said.

Monikangana, who earlier appeared in fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue, is the first Indian model to become an Angel (main model) of the high-profile lingerie brand. The others include the likes of Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr. Coming back to Guzaarish, the model-turned-actor refused to divulge details about her character Estella Francis in the movie starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

However, she said she has a dance with Hrithik in the movie for which the director had put her in a dancing school. "The character is very much like what I have gone through in my personal life. When Sanjay sir narrated the character to me, I said I have to do this role," she said.

Moni, who hails from Guwahati and started her modelling career in Paris, does not feel "overshadowed" though she is not included in the movie promos. "I was in the initial promos that went on air. I do not know if anybody noticed me in it or not. I do not feel insecure or overshadowed by the movie's lead stars. In fact, I would always like to be overshadowed by people like, Hrithik, Ash and SLB, who are my favourites," she said.

"After seeing world famous models and working with them, I have no insecurities," she added. She also recalled the bonhomie on the sets and said all the three B-town A-listers took initiative to break the ice with her and made her comfortable while working. Monikangana said she had no regrets about rejecting a lot of single-heroine movies offered to her earlier and which later went to do well. On the road ahead from here, she has a two-film contract with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and prays to choose right movies. — PTI

After shaking a leg with singer Kylie Minogue and rapping with Snoop Dogg, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is set to collaborate with rapper Christopher Brian Bridges, better known by his stage name Ludacris, for his Indo-Canadian venture Breakaway.

"It's very exciting to collaborate with Ludacris for the music video of Breakaway. It's great to have the opportunity to work with such great artists from across the globe. Ludacris is going to make the music video one to watch out for," Akshay said in a statement.

The film to be directed by Robert Lieberman is a cross-cultural hockey drama set in the Indo-Canadian community of suburban Toronto, Canada. Other than Akshay, Anupam Kher, Vinay Virmani, Russell Peters, Rob Lowe and Camilla Belle are said to feature in the film. — IANS

Oscar-winning actor Sandra Bullock is ready to fall in love once again following her recent divorce from husband Jesse James.

The 46-year-old actor, who split from James earlier this year, amid claims that he had affairs with a string of women, is looking to move on to another relationship, a website reported. "She's ready to move on. Her son Louis is eight months old now. She's adjusted to motherhood and to being single again. She wants to fall in love. But after Jesse, no bad boys need apply," a friend of the star claimed.

The Blind Side star, who adopted baby Louis as a single parent, is keen to adopt another child and has been in talks with an agency regarding it. "She's also talking to the adoption agency that hooked her up with baby Louis about another child," the friend added. — PTI

Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin will give his first interview since coming out as gay, to talk show queen Oprah Winfrey. He has been guarded about his sexuality for years and reserved about his decision to become a father, but Martin will tell all to Winfrey, reported a publication online.

Martin welcomed cameras to his home for a candid portrait of his home life for the interview with Oprah, in which he talks about his sons and his sexuality for the first time.

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican megastar quietly became father of twin boys, called Matteo and Valentino, in August 2008. Previously, the star has only released occasional pictures of himself with the two gorgeous children via his official Twitter account.

The Livin Da Vida Loca hitmaker had come out earlier this year with a announcement on his website. "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am," the singer had said at the time. Before he came out as gay, the star had a 14-year on-off relationship with Mexican TV host Rebecca de Alba.

However, they split for good in 2005. — PTI

Hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas are facing their second plagiarism lawsuit this year as a Texas songwriter has claimed the band based their hit I Gotta Feeling on one of his songs. Bryan Pringle filed papers in federal court in Santa Ana, California alleging the group based their chart-topping tune on his track Take a Dive, reported a website.

The musician says he copyrighted his single in 1998 and submitted demo material to Interscope Records, UMG Recordings and EMI over a period of 10 years. Pringle alleges that the music executives admitted receiving the demos, but had no interest in signing him as an artist. This case comes on the same day a suit against the group dating back to January this year was refiled. Musician Phoenix Phenom launched a copyright infringement case against the band, alleging the rhythm and lyrics from her track Boom Dynamite were copied in their hit Boom Boom Pow.

The documents for both cases, which are being handled by the same law firm, allege that UMG Recordings, Interscope Records and members of the Black Eyed Peas engaged in "a pattern and practice of intentional copyright infringement with respect to songs of unknown or lesser-known artists".

The suit seek damages, including all net profits received by the defendants. — PTI

In the end, life is what we make of it. Choices we make, things we prioritise, and how we execute it. Looks like no hard and fast rule to a simple life. The pretty face from Khosla Ka Ghosla and Page 3, Tara Sharma is a perfect example of this. No hard and fast rules, life is beautiful and it is all about following the heart and not looking back on what could have happened. Inaugurating Levis Straus Signature store at Paras Down Town, Zirakpur, Tara is seeing a different facet of life through her kid Zen and husband's eye.

No regrets and no looking back. "Never. This has been the way for me always, prioritising what is important and giving the best to every phase of life. Today, I am exploring an altogether new dimension of life with my son and husband. Three of us have been traveling extensively and enjoying every bit of," she flashes a contended smile. Correct us if we are wrong, for an actor it must be difficult to stay away from the arch-lights for a long time. The smile on her face broadens. "Life is divided into phases. I played my part as an actor. Now, I have taken up a new role of a co-producer, wherein I am doing my own show The Tara Sharma Show, which would be out on air soon. It is kind of my dairy which involves children," says Tara.

So, the sabbatical is over? "It never was a sabbatical. I never wanted to leave my kid with me busy with outdoor shoots and busy movie schedules. I made a choice to be with my family. And now, I am back to combining business with entertainment."

An open window in Tinselville, still. "I am not averse to cinema. Not always you get something like a Page 3 or Khosla Ka Ghosla. Nevertheless, I am open to good cinema," she says. It wouldn't be long when we see Tara back on the silver screen with 10 Milimetre Love with Rajat Kapoor, Purab Kohli and Tisca Chopra. "It is a short and sweet film, something that I would want to do along with what that I am doing, co producing my show." She cannot hold her excitement. "It is a different kind of concept and work. And it has opened a whole new avenue for me. I am enjoying every bit of it."

Indeed everything boils down to choices we make. "I wouldn't want to sit and wait for a good movie to come my way. I would rather do something that gives me satisfaction, and excites my mind," Tara makes for a perfect family picture with the kid and husband dear. "Inner peace is more important than anything else. If there is no inner turmoil, everything else will fall in place."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

It was the day of glitz and glamour, a grand finale to the the city's calendar Fashion event. The concluding day of the Blender's Pride Chandigarh Fashion week was all about style, sense and sensuality.

Rina Dhaka

The opening show of the day saw a collection inspired by the darkness of night. Colourful cocktail dresses and fusion sarees added oomph. A reflection of the graduating party and night life that Chandigarh is showing signs of. Next, city-based designer Babi Grewal displayed the traditional bridal collection with lots of gotta patti work and vibrant colours. The inspiration of course was the big fat Punjabi wedding we are so fond of. Meera from Ludhiana, also played around the theme Rivaayat, a celebration of the Indian tradition. Vibrant colours are the pick of the season, red, blues, Yellows, Fresh Greens, fuchsias were all over. Mirrored cholis, ornate saris, colourful lehangas and the traditional salwar-kameez were inevitable. .

Shawar Ali & Zulfi Syed

The Turquoise Couture by manali jagtap -was for the glamorous and experimental bride. An avant-garde design with a hint of tradition with lot of innovative cuts and falls made an interesting underline for the show.

Liliane Fonds Foundation presented a milder side of the fashion when they presented physically handicapped who walked the ramp along with Mughda Godse and Harman Baweja.

The grand finale

Rina Dhaka pulled the curtains down to the three day fashion extravaganza with her collection Entanglement, which was as contemporary as it can get. Crochets, cobwebs, cutwork and laces, twisted sarees and easy to wear, Rina's clothes were like her, cool and comfortable. "It's a glimpse of my collection showcased at the HDIL couture week. It had everything in bits and parts," said the designer who is showing for the first time in city.

"Surprising, really." She says. "I have not come here to sell my clothes, rather to get an idea of what people like here. I just want to get them interested in my clothes." A complete R&D designer, Rina is not high on management, though. "I work on ideas for others to follow.' Well, she did introduce us to Lycra. Currently busy with her spring summer 2011 line for the WILFW, she has her hands full with Studio 18 show at Dubai and Jakarta Fashion week.

Any retail plans for Chandigarh after this, "I am not pushing expansion here, just trying to get what is the requirement. With such events, business is good and fashion awareness is high.' She signs off.

Take a break!

Can you really afford to pick and choose when there's hardly any choice? Surprisingly Nauheed Cyrusi can. The actor in the city to walk the ramp for Monali Jagtap has decided to do be selective about projects. "Unless you are a Katrina Kaif or Priyanka Chopra you can't take a risk by picking any film. I thought I better take my career easy then try hard and make wrong decisions."

She justifies for being choosy. "Almost 90 per cent of youngsters want to be in the film industry and how many are able to get a break. I do value the little success I have earned in the industry."

And some serious introspection led to accepting Nagesh Kukunoor's Yeh Haunsle. "He's known for his trademark cinema. The film is about a boy who teaches the art of film making to villagers. I am playing the female lead." She doesn't mind doing films that don't boast of big names. "The examples might be a few but there are films like Bheja Fry, which have done well minus the A-list actors." She was last seen in Kisan, a Sohail Khan production that bombed at the Box Office. "That's because I don't think youth of India is much interested in knowing the plight of farmers. The storyline has to connect with the audience." But we have a Pipli Live on the same subject that's heading to the Oscars! "Don't forget, it has the backing of Aamir Khan. Publicity plays a big role as well."

For bread and butter, there's always the option of commercials. "But you can't even take ads for granted. The brands have to be worth it." We didn't know choosing is that difficult a task when the choice is limited!

Stage managed

An actor needs to be talented, fortunate enough to get that one important break, has to have right contacts, backing of a big banner and equally important is support of an intelligent manager. The chronology is decided by Sonal Chauhan who walked the ramp for Asha and Gautam. "What magazine covers an actor should appear on, newspapers that he or she should be featured in, brands to endorse, everything depends on the manager. After all, the course of your career depends on how visible is an actor and marketing in the industry," Sonal says. She believes that she as an actor has been promoted well. "I think it's for my talent and the right approach that I was able to bag Pehla Sitara, a project by Owais, directed by Santosh Sivan," she signs off.

—Ashima Sehajpal & Neha Walia

Brit scientists have made a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer by unveiling a supercharged broccoli. It comes after a 26-year slog by the scientists to cultivate a special strain of the humble vegetable.

Their breeding programme, started in 1984 using some wild broccoli picked in Italy, has finally come up trumps with a new variety that can also combat heart disease.

The new strain boasts twice the levels of a wonder nutrient long known to make broccoli a powerful weapon in staving off cancer and other killer diseases.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia's John Innes Centre reckon the huge dose of glucoraphanin in their vegetable could be more effective than existing drugs.

The plants the super broccoli was bred from were personally picked by Dr Richard Mither, whose Norwich-based Institute of Food Research helped come up with the new strain.

"It's not Genetically Modified, it's nothing to do with GM. It's just a normal breeding programme," the Sun quoted him as saying.

"I collected wild broccoli in the 1980s and it's derived from that," he added. — ANI