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SCHOOL of music
It's straight from the teenager's diary. A rock band of my own; almost everyone at school level at some point or the other has dreamt of it, few continue dreaming, far few take the toddler's steps at the college level. But these started bang on while still donning the uniform because ideally school is where you start from, probably the school assembly. A couple of groups who took their music lessons a tad too seriously and for good. Here are some 'high school musicians' from the Tricity. Proof enough
For a name Hence Proved, they've quite lived up to it literally. The six-member alternative rock band by Vivek High School, as part of their founders week celebrations, gets ready for a concert with three other bands expecting an audience of as many as 3,000 people. To add to the little titbit, it all started, as 'The Renegades Of Funk', somewhere on the way became Hence Proved and are still proving their point. "The Renegades of Funk somewhere had the connotation of rebellion of music, it gave an idea while we didn't play punk. The name was actually supposed to be a metaphor. Anyways Hence Proved seemed a more mature name, a lot of mathematical formulae have it in the end," says Aseem Bhatti, Class XI student, who is gearing up for the big evening ahead. The proceeds from the sale of tickets go to the charitable organisation Sahayata Cancer Sahyog. As for the band, it's now graduating from performing covers to playing original compositions. "We've done covers of Linkin Park, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Greenday…but at the concert we'll only be doing our own compositions." He adds, "Because if you get an opportunity to showcase your talent, you only want to do your own thing. Anybody can cover an established band, but it's tough to catch the audience with your originals." Which, they have five to their credit. "We already have five compositions, one instrumental and three more songs are in the pipeline." He adds, "Our songs are on very regular subjects in a teenager's life. There's one called Vodka, a love song, one blues song, yet another on dreams, there's another two on peace." Recently, one of the tracks by the band makes it to the album Stupid Ditties 4, apart from and along with many other bands; a long way from the days of teething troubles and coping with studies. "We've performed at local schools, in school assembly and are looking forward to our Back to Life concert next year as well." Three's company
"We wanted to be famous, be known about the town, on campus, perform on several stages, be rich…blah blah and frankly that's why and how we started with the band Take 3, three years ago with just three members," Raghav Mahajan, lead guitarist, vocalist, Hansraj Public School, minces no words and makes the name of the band pretty obvious. That's how it all began, no frills about the philosophy behind starting a band. For the influences, it's bands like Junoon, Metallica, Indian Ocean, Parikrama. The current six-member group has apart from covers, an original composition to their credit. "We are an Indian rock band and are into metal and soft rock. Have done covers of Metallica, Jal, Eagles." He adds, "Our original composition is a romantic song called Tere Bina. Presently it's performing at school functions, annual meets, sporting events, et al. Balancing books and a band isn't exactly a cakewalk, but somehow you win some, you lose some. "We don't score much in studies," he chuckles. Play on! manpriya@tribunemail.com In flight
The Soaring Eagles slowly gave way to Wingspan and St. John School's very own rock band came up with the golden jubilee celebrations album this year. The one that had all generations of music buffs, the alumni and the alma mater come together for a jig. Shares Hitkarsh Chanana, Class IX student, on the vocals and rhythm guitar of the five-member band, "We have 15 songs in the album and even boys who had passed out five-six years ago helped us in that, including our music teacher." He adds, "The album has three covers and the rest are our own compositions." As for the Wingspan, there are five members, some passed out, some still left, others flitting in between. "We started in 2008, because before us was the first generation of Wingspan; the band remains while the members keep changing, coming and going." Perhaps, why the genre of the band leisurely graduated from soft rock onto more punk, alternative. "We've done covers of Greenday, for the song Crypto Nights, tried working on originals as well, performed a couple of times in school assemblies, it's extreme, there are either your friends cheering out loud or people who just aren't into music." Precisely, one of the obstacles of getting into a band, but not the only one, "Some of our parents were very supportive, others were apprehensive; they had to juggle everything but we still found a way to do it." As of now, "We're starting with the fresh auditions for Wingspan, hopefully the new members will revamp it further." |
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Rich canvas
A couple of days into the Kalagram Crafts Mela and its a slow spring of surprises. Just after the initial frenzy has settled, here's sifting the rare from the unique, taking a second look, at the crafts, pieces that deserve a second look, are worth a scrutiny, followed by a couple of curious queries. Meanwhile, the stream of visitors continues, the traditional songs and dances go on. On display are the first forms of indigenous paintings; Madhubani paintings, Kangra paintings, palm leaf engravings, talapatra paintings et al. For the uninitiated, "Talapatra paintings consist of linear engravings used to illustrate stories," shares the man from the across the table.
Moving on, there's kantha work; basically defined as needle work; then there're miniature havans. "These are from Vrindavan and made of 21 herbs; it's pure and natural; so much so that it doesn't stain white paper kept atop it, while it's burning." Cut across a couple of stalls, an artist pulls out a highly ornate piece of ostrich egg, once a lampshade. "It took me two months to make it and I was even given a national award for it in 2006. I used steel tools, diamond cutters to complete the works," shares Prithvi Raj Kumawat, master craftsman. The white egg turns electric brown when lighted; meanwhile there's a story behind the origin too. He adds, "I went for an exhibition to South Africa, there I saw the egg, and they would not just carve, but use it for painting and printing too. I imported the egg and did the work on it." A few stalls adjacent, there's rare camel bone jewellery. "It's made of camel bone chips, the raw material that we get from Rajasthan, that we source at very high prices ranging from Rs 250 per kg to Rs 800 per kg. These chips are joined together, grinded and turned into jewellery, show pieces, toys etc," shares Zubeda Quadri. How's the Chandigarh audience taking to the craft and the pieces? She smiles, "We put up an exhibition in Surajkund and there everything was sold. But here people are different, aren't very receptive to new things." At each stop, there's some thing for everyone; for the connoisseurs of craft; there's wire inlay on zinc metal, punjja darri, inlay on marble, betel nuts engraving, bone craft, pique cloth, tribal beads jewellery, bidri craft…the list is not exhaustive…hunt, bargain, take your pick; the craft and the carnival continues. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Icing on the cake!
With the festival season in full swing, city bakeries are working overtime to churn out delicacies to delight your palate. And cakes have always been a hot favourite on all festive occasions.
Cakes are no longer the standard chocolate and pineapple flavours - there are egg-less cakes, sugar-free cakes, steamed cakes, fruit cakes, sponge cakes and dry cakes - in all imaginable shapes, sizes and colours. Says Naresh Garwal, manager of Polka, Sector 34, "The sale of cakes increases around Diwali season. The Walnut cake, priced at Rs 400 per kg, is quite a rage." They also specialise in fresh fruit and plum cakes, which are equally tasty and a little easier on the pocket as well. The rich plum cake, which is especially prepared on order, has a generous dash of rum to match the flavour of the festival season! Vinod Singh, senior baking chef at Gopal Sweets, recommends the pineapple cake as a good option to the deep fried, heavily sugared sweets. He has been dishing out several cakes on order this Diwali season. The 'ginger cake' baked by him is a rarity and tastes good. "But many people still prefer the Chocolate Truffle and 'Black Forest cake," he says. The Walnut cake here is quite reasonably priced at Rs 240 per kg. When it comes to baking, can puddings be far behind? The Peach Crunch pudding and the Fruit Cocktail pudding at Rs 30 per cup are quite a hit. Nik Bakers too offer a really special treat this season. Says Rajender Jaiswal, the manager, "The Mighty Jackson cake, which has a caramel and coffee flavour, and the Tiramisu cake, which is a blend of rum and chocolate, are exclusively baked here. Starting at Rs 780 per kg, these delicacies are well worth their price." They also have the eternal Cheese cake and the Mud cake. The English Plum cake, priced at Rs 530 per kg, is a popular gifting option. For those who are a little indulgent, Almond Chocolates'and Tiramisu chocolates are highly recommended. The 'calorie-conscious' fraternity also has several reasons to cheer. Sugar-free cakes may cost a bit, but it is worth the price. The non-creamy cakes or the dry cakes as they are called, are easily available over the counter. They are a splendid option to keep extra calories at bay and yet grab a m,outhful. Oven Fresh-35 has the Date Walnut cake, Plum cake and Cashewnut cake on offer. These are all dry cakes and very rich; little heavy on the pocket but lighter on our gastric juices! A special variation here is the Cinnamon Crumble cake priced at Rs 190 per kg. It tastes very different and is well worth a try. Here too, the buttery cakes are quite liked by one and all. The Strawberry Chocolate Mousse, priced at Rs 650 per kg, and the Chocolate Dynamic at Rs 560 per kg are well worth the cost. If you are in a mood for real Cheese cake, priced at Rs 1,200 per kg, then this is the place to be. But despite all this, the popularity of homemade cakes remains. Rashmi Mahajan, Sector 37, is a baking expert. Her homemade cakes are voraciously lapped up her friends and clients. And she is gearing up for the festival season by bringing in interesting variations in her cakes. Her Carrot cake, Cottage Cheese cake and Bottle Gourd cake are a quite a hit. The miniature versions of Tutti-Frutti cup cakes are also in great demand. It sure is time to grab a bite!
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Bigger, better…brighter
As sprucing up the home is the priority for many, here is a range of items that will help you brighten up the décor this Diwali. Rang rangoli
Come Diwali and its time to adorn the main door with a colourful rangoli. A way to welcome Goddess Laxmi, rangoli can be made in varied hues - with flour, dyed sawdust and glitter. If you want the rangoli to last long, use paint instead of flowers, sawdust etc. For a more traditional feel, hang Torans on the archways. One can also get floral torans in the market these days. Flower power
If you are wondering how to arrange flowers, place fresh flowers at strategic points in your home to add freshness and vibrancy. Artificial flowers can do the needful as they retain their freshness for a long time and are durable. Paint my home
A splash of colours sets the tone for festive times. Rich hues like orange, yellow and gold create a warm and luxurious decor. Changing the fabric of sofas, curtains, bed linens, bed sheets, bed covers and quilts can also give a new look to your interiors. Jaswinder Kaur, an interior decorator from Mohali says, "For a festive look, choose a bright colour that makes a plain wall come alive. If you want to be creative, make a stencil or go for a textured effect on the walls. Go for deeper colours rather than lighter ones. You can also opt to paint one wall in the room in a deeper colour just to add a festive touch to it." Touch wood
Be creative. This Diwali you could go for the unique, exotic and offbeat look. Look out for coffee and end tables, trays, floor lamps, bar stools and candle stands with tops crafted; furniture can become the talking point when your friends and relatives meet for Diwali. Check out Fabindia, Gujjari-20, Glass Palace-7 and Home Store-26. Twist & turn
If you are not game to re-painting your walls, you can still brighten it with new artworks. Give your interiors a new dimension by re-positioning the furniture. Put a bright painting on the walls, throw in some coloured cushions and decorative curtains, and you have a room that looks different. Accessorise
This is the time of the year when you have loads of visitors and the best time to display silverware, shop for traditional serving bowls and plates. Art Dinox is one brand that you can check out. With a range to die for, here you can pick tea sets, candle stands, photo frames, bar accessories, dinner sets, bowls, etc all made from sterling silver. Swarovski too makes for wonderful decorative items whose style ranges from the classic to the contemporary. Light up
Nothing quite says light than candles and diyas. With changing times, candles have become more sophisticated and ornamental. While you can have your fill with aromatic, designer or plain candles; crafted in various shapes, sizes and designs diyas too make for the festive décor. From traditional mitthi ka diya to the latest embedded with zari and mirror work, you can also pick diyas that have sharply cut edges filled with bright coloured wax. Floor it
It's winter and carpets too add up to the look of a room. From Persian to synthetic, silk or wool pick one that suits the décor of your home. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Healthyway immigration consultants celebrated Diwali on Tuesday with blind children and organised festivities in the blind school. More than devoting money and time or sharing their sorrows, the best gift they could get was some moments they could cherish lifelong. In its endeavour to celebrate Diwali in the true sense, Healthyway has tried to do exactly the same with the residents of sector 26 situated Blind school. According to Amit Kakkar MD, Healthyway Immigration Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., "At Healthyway, it has always been our constant effort to give back to the society. Serving the people is a way of life for us. Through these celebrations we are trying to give a message that blind children are an integral part of our social system and they always be treated at par and should never be left out". The blind children participated in the proceedings with full enthusiasm. Group and solo singing contests were organized for the students. Special Diwali Gifts from Healthyway were also distributed to all the students of the Blind School. As per K R Sood, manager of the Blind School, "We are overwhelmed by the magnanimity shown by the team of Healthyway and we wish that more such initiatives are organized for the blind children in the times to come". Healthyway is a Government of India Approved Company and an Authorized Education Consultant for 114 colleges and universities worldwide. Healthyway aims to assist people in exploring educational, recreational and permanent residency opportunities throughout the world. It is the consultancy which initiated the One Way Free Air Ticket or Complete Embassy Fee Refund offer after the individual gets Visa. Healthyway is one of North India's largest Immigration Consultation firms, serving a nation wide client base.
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A new research has revealed that despite thousands of friends online, the Facebook generation is the loneliest of all age-groups. Britain's 16 to 24-year-olds-the so-called Facebook generation-are lonelier than any other age group, researchers have found. One in three said they were bored with their lives and 28 per cent complained that loneliness was making them unhappy. More than a quarter revealed they turned to alcohol for comfort, and half admitted to using junk food as an emotional crutch, according to the survey into national happiness levels, conducted for BBC Radio 3. When asked what made them unhappy, 70 per cent said finances topped their list of concerns, while more than 66 per cent were worried about holding down a job. One in three said they were tormented by family or relationship problems, and they were also the age group that were most likely to struggle over their social status. And one in three of the Facebook generation-more than any other age group- said they wanted to move abroad in search of happiness. "There's nothing wrong with social networking, but if it's used instead of face-to-face meetings or phone calls than it can be very isolating," behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings said. "Real friendships are made through shared experiences and bonds. Some social networking "friends" are barely even acquaintances, without any real meaning or intimacy." — ANI
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International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT), Industrial Area, Mohali organised a designer Diwali competition in the institute. Students of fashion designing, garment manufacturing techniques (G.M.T.), apparel merchandising management (A.M.M.) and Post Graduate students participated in the festival where they designed beautiful painting, rangoli and decorations. The first prize was won by Rayees Ahktar's team, second prize was bagged by Varinder Kaur's team and third prize went to Deepika's team. — TNS
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The 24-year-old actor was seen with the I Know What You Did Last Summer star at Kate Hudson's Halloween party in Los Angeles and sources claimed that the pair are "obviously" a couple.
Ryan was really sweet with her, he had his hand on her lower back for a while when they were talking to another couple. They looked great together," a paparazzo said. While Seyfried dressed up as a dog on a lead, Phillippe, 36, donned a simple brown hooded jacket and white T-shirt for the party. Other celebrities attending the Hollywood Halloween party included Nicole Richie, Leonardo DiCaprio, who remained hidden by a baboon mask - Gwen Stefani and Kurt Russell.
— PTI
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The 48-year-old dangled almost 2,717 ft in air while shooting Death Protocol. Cruise was snapped hanging precariously from the observation deck of the building, which is 124 floors high, as fans watched in awe and terror from the street below. Dressed all in black, Cruise ran across the windows of the tower as technicians and film crew watched nervously from an open window above him. Another actor hung alongside him for the scene, which saw Cruise jumping over him during a chase round the exterior of the building. A helicopter hovered just ten feet away from the building as crew inside filmed the scene for the movie, which will be released next year. And even by his standards, this weekend's stunt was Cruise's most dangerous yet.The actor is well-known for doing his own stunts in all his movies. — PTI
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Recipe for success
One time too many is said, heard and written about the therapeutic value of cooking. Gradually, moving on to how cooking is a mixture of art, science and whatever more you want to add. How the way to a man's heart is through the stomach; how good cooking is an attribute a lady must have. Cooking styles have changed…all about cooking and more. This is not the real challenge. And yes cooking is indeed a challenge! City-based Kandla, one of the top 11 contestants on Master Chef India on Starplus fears for her life, and prays for her success, each time celebrity judge on the show Akshay Kumar does steps forward to dig into her dish. And you thought cooking is for cooking sake! Well, the lady sees it nothing less than a boot camp and how. "Making a place in top 11 contestants out of crores of contenders on the show is nothing short of a big challenge. This is just one aspect of it. The bigger challenge lies in tossing up creative dishes," shares Kandla, who is known for her desserts, pies, cakes, Italian dishes, back in the city. "I am the oldest contestant on the show (It probably adds a word in the dictionary of life called experience), where each one of us have to think out of the box. This is a cookery competition where a regular dish that you have seen or eaten at either a kitty party or restaurant works. On Master Chef India, we have to come up with dishes that are our own creation," she says. Cooking leisurely in your space in a different thing, mixing ingredients proportionately, right flavours, right heating, right balance, but cooking on a show is totally different, admits Kandla. "There is a world of difference between the two things. Here, it is like a boot camp where we have to fetch our own stuff from the pantry, decide the modus operandi on how to come up with a dish. On top of it, we have judges all over the place, telling us to be quick and complete our dish on time." But it doesn't stop here. "Thinking and raking the grey cells amidst all this is again a challenge. On the show, we go by a principle - first 10 thoughts that come to our mind and you throw them out. Then when the mind is fresh and empty comes calling a recipe," she shares. Akshay Kumar, how can we not talk about him! "Oh, he is not a dummy judge. He is a real cook who knows the food well. He is a real gourmet who knows both national and international flavours. He is warm and sweet, but when he comes to judge our dishes he transforms into a chef Akshay Kumar." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Acer has launched a new range of commercial TravelMate notebooks specially crafted for business customers on move. The new TravelMate 8000 series is an ultra-thin mobile workhorse notebooks designed for on-the-go professionals who need prolonged productivity. All-day computing has become a reality through the Acer TravelMate series with its long lasting six-cell battery, which provides more than eight hours of battery life when Acer PowerSmart Manager is enabled. The SMB fraternity is fast adapting to the ever increasing demand for cost effective and competitive technological solutions to leverage the overall business growth scenario. Acer is looking to renew its focus with concentrated effort in the SMB space and its latest offering has developed solution to accommodate to its need. Keeping in mind every professional who is constantly on the move, the TravelMate series starts from the price range of Rs 23,999. — TNS
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Steel-y resolve
It's steel and it's back in business. And mind you, it's not the same old shining grey metal that's stealing the show, but in a new avatar, mixed and matched with glass, copper and even plastic. It's the matte-finished steel that is calling shots.
Different and how? "Steel no more comes with shiny finish. The latest trend in steel is the matte finish," says Rajiv Vasishta, regional head, Vishal video (franchise for Art dinox in the region). When it comes variety, you can pick photo frames to vases to bathroom accessories and even candlestands in steel apart from the regular variety of utensils. If you are looking for accessories, steel has a nice collection of ice bucket, wine bottle holder and a bar set complete with tongs, corkscrew and opener for the festive season. And for the ones who never thought steel could fit into their bathrooms, checkout the range of soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and soap dishes in steel. Back to basic-crockery. Steel is definitely vying with its competitors(read bone china, plastic and melamine). Believe it or not, there are utensils that beg you to say goodbye to your old steel ki thalis, glass and katoris. In matte finish, classy to look they can surely make you want for more. Says Rajesh from DCA Mall-26. "Steel utensil is doing good but it has to be designer stuff. People don't like the regular steel ka bartan but something that has class to it. Art dinox is one brand that spells elegance, other than that white metal crockery is also doing very well." Does Dhanteras mean more business and Rajender Jain, owner, New Jain Crockery-35, says, "Yes, festivals usually boost sale." Talk about steel and he says, "We have both the old shining variety and ones with the matte finish. Classy, with round curves and different shapes are in demand," he adds. Though a little more expensive than the usual, these kitchen pieces are sure the showstopper these days. "It's not only cutlery that people are liking, they are going in for steel accessories like handles, shelves, containers and even photo frames and dinner sets," says Rajiv Aggarwal from Dharam Chand Aggarwal-18. Ask him what has caused the change and he says, "It's hygienic, doesn't lose shine, is easy to clean and above all, doesn't break." Reason enough to go for steel. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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In HARMONY
Female solo performer or accompanist on harmonium in prestigious classical music concerts is a rarity, but Seema Shirodkar holds the distinction of being the only harmonium player after legendary Vasanti Mansekar in this field. In the city for a performance at the INT Sangeet Sammelan, Seema shares how her passion for harmonium playing turned into her calling. "My musician father Vasudev Mistry and mother advised me to take up instrumental music as they found my voice less promising. However, I kept on learning classical vocal music till the age of 10 after which I took to the harmonium." Later, she passed her bachelors in music and established her credentials as harmonium player of repute. "My marriage to tabla player Vishwanath Shirodkar was a boon and we practiced hard to carve a niche for ourselves." At there 'Seema Vishwas Gurukul', they have 20 disciples each for tabla and harmonium. "I owe my success, whatever little, to my guru Umesh Insulikar and the great maestro Pandit Tulsi Das Borker," she adds.
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Family affair
Her birthday was brought in with a family dinner last night at the Taj Hotel after an awards function attended by Amitabh Bachchan, husband Abhishek, mother-in-law Jaya and sister-in-law Shweta. "Family dinner at Chinese in Taj where function was held... and brought in Aishwarya Birthday... good feel about the day...(sic)," Big B posted on Twitter. Birthday wishes started flowing in at midnight while Aishwarya was on her way back home from the hotel. "It nears past midnight as we stroll out of the Hotel Taj and the wishes for Aishwarya start. Happy birthday daughter-in-law and may you achieve and get all that you so desire," Bachchan senior wrote on his blog. Her husband posted a loving picture of the pair on Twitter, showing Aishwariya dressed in blue with mehendi on her hands, as Abhishek looked dapper in a bow-tie and tuxedo. "There she is, as promised, the birthday girl..." the actor wrote. As the month began with her birthday excitements, Aishwarya is also looking forward to two much-awaited films, Action Replayy and Guzaarish, hitting theatres this month. —PTI
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Actor Vivek Oberoi and his new bride Priyanka Alva looked very much the happy couple at their grand wedding reception here that saw more heavyweights from politics than from Bollywood. While the bride glowed in a green-blue lehnga choli, the groom sported a dark velvet sherwani at the reception here Sunday that came two days after their marriage in Bangalore. Both Vivek and Priyanka were dressed in Rohit Bal creations.Priyanka being the daughter of late Karnataka leader Jeevaraj Alva, the event saw a slew of political faces, including Bharatiya Janata Party leaders LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj who flew in from Delhi to bless the newly married couple.Congress leaders like Digvijay Singh, Kripa Shankar Singh and Maharashtra ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane also graced the occasion. Ujjwal Nikam, special public prosecutor for the 26/11 attacks, was also present. Kripa Shankar said: "I have come to congratulate Vivek and Priyankaji. I will pray they lead a very happy life. Suresh Oberoi and his wife wished for a long time to see their son get married, which finally came true."Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam said: "Vivek is my good friend and I wish the couple a very happy married life." Vivek's father Suresh Oberoi was on cloud nine and said: "I have got a daughter. I am very happy about Vivek. I also happy about his performance in Rakt Charitra."From the film industry, Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Tabu, Siddharth, Genelia D'Souza, actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, director Ram Gopal Varma, Farah Khan attended the ceremony.Bollywod star Akshay Kumar made a big entry at the end of the wedding and left the venue after wishing the couple. "I wish them a happy life, that's all," he said. Shatrughan Sinha said: "Vivek is a very nice boy, so is his family. They seem to be made for each other. I think it would be a fantastic bonding, and should be like that." — IANS
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And Patachitra is what they call the art on fan-like palm leaf. There's nature replete on the handmade paper, peacock, gardens, flowers; then there are scenes and stories from the iconic mythological sagas; read Mahabharata, Ramayana. Shares Jitendra Kumar, on Madhuban paintings, "It's traditional art from Bihar. It's completely handmade by village women, who use only natural dyes."
Even as Diwali is approaching, these cakes are getting amazingly richer and creamier. Although traditional sweets are still a hot favourite, the young brigade is taking a liking for cakes as gifts for their family and friends. 
Flickering lights, wafting odour of incense, glowing candles, soft shadows cast by
diyas, bright-lined rangoli, fresh paint on the walls, delectable dishes, occasional bang of firecrackers and a colourful splash of varied hues make for the perfect ingredients that go into creating the Diwali magic?
Flowers always make for that perfect festive décor. And when we are talking about Diwali, nothing greets visitors better than a string of flowers hanging on the door and a home bedecked with flowers. 
Hollywood beauty Amanda Seyfried, who is reportedly taking a break from her relationship with Mamma Mia! co-star Dominic Cooper, has been spotted getting cosy with actor Ryan
Phillippe.
"Ryan and Amanda were definitely together but they didn't really want us photographers to see it.
Before they realised we were around, they were laughing and chatting with other people at the party and were obviously a couple.
He is nearing the big 50, but Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise is still very much a adrenaline junkie. The actor jumped from the top of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, while shooting the fourth film in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
On Dhanteras when steel sells like hot cakes, we find out more about it from the people who are in business of selling it and the answer is, 'It's the same steel that is selling well, but the look is different'. 
Bollywood queen bee Aishwarya Rai turned 37 today and the Bachchan bahu spent her big day celebrating with her family.