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Rear view Ashima Sehajpal The year 2010 had its own share of controversies involving celebrities from Bollywood, television and rest of the glam world. Here are some spicy ones
For a nation that feeds on saas-bahu sagas (under the garb of social issues), controversies would be just as fine as the spicy and peppery appetisers. Although the year served a heavy dose, we thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Here’s recalling a few controversies involving celebrities from Bollywood, television and rest of the glam world. The craving for more never ends! Kontroversy with Karan You mind replacing Koffee with
Kontroversy for the next episode of Koffee with Karan? Well, that’s
exactly what the season three of the show has done - spawned a lot of
controversies. Here’s a look. Episode three: Imran Khan and Ranbir
Kapoor rate the sex appeal of Sonam Kapoor way below her competitors.
Episode four: Ranbir’s ex-flames Sonam and Dipika Padukone take
potshots at him. While Dipika would like to gift him ‘condoms’,
Sonam doesn’t find him a Greek God at all. The reaction to their
actions came from Ranbir’s father Rishi Kapoor, who said ‘the grapes
are sour for both’. Episode six and seven: Friends-turned-enemies
Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra used the platform to settle scores.
Kareena wondered where ‘Piggy Chops’ got her accent from, to which
she wittily replied, ‘The place from where Kareena’s beau acquired
his’. But as the saying goes, ‘all’s well that ends well,’ we
got our share of entertainment. Check check! Shah Rukh Khan’s
frisking at an airport in the US was a big issue, but Salman Khan termed
it as a usual incident. The actor went on to say that he too has been
frisked many times on the US airport, but never made a fuss of it. Did
Salman mean that it was a publicity stunt that SRK used to promote his
flick My Name Is Khan? Hold on! We aren’t drawing conclusions,
just trying to read between the lines. Tweet war
— Shobhaa De — Punit Malhotra First you make a bad
film and then you tell the critics to shut up! Not done. Shobha De felt
so disgusted after watching Punit Malhotra’s directorial debut I
Hate Luv Storys that she tweeted, "Punit should be spanked in
public for making a poor film." Punit didn’t take the criticism
sportingly and we don’t entirely blame him for that since the words
used were a little harsh. Punit, who couldn’t show his wit in the
film, did it in the reply he tweeted— ‘Guys please don’t take
Shobhaa De seriously. She’s a fossil who’s getting no action and
going through menopause." Wardrobe worries The last time Yana
Gupta hogged limelight was for Bijli Giri item song. This time,
lightening actually struck her after her wardrobe malfunction was
captured by paparazzi. Attending an international children’s charity
event, the actor exposed as much as she could—a skimpy dress, plunging
neckline but worse of all, her basic cloth was also missing! The
controversy was thus titled ‘pantygate’. Mallika Shehrawat stood
second in the ‘wardrobe malfunction competition’. Caught unawares at
a promotional event of ‘Hisss’, she exposed a little too much under
her skimpy dress. Third is Kangana Ranaut. Everything was perfect
about her looks except for the torn dress she wore at a public event.
Katrina Kaif is at the fourth spot. At the sangeet ceremony of
the son of a Delhi industrialist, she made a faux pas when her blouse
revealed what it shouldn’t. If not for a wardrobe malfunction,
Aiswarya Rai again made news for her poor fashion sense. Not to forget
her mountain of a puff at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Online rivals Raavan doomed Abhishek Bachchan’s career,
which he tried to revive with Khele Hum Je Jaan Se, but to no
avail. His career witnessed a new low this year, which was aptly put by
ad man Prahlad Kakkar, "Abhishek Bachchan has 17 flops in a row and
is still going strong. He is unique and should be in the Guinness Book
of World Records." Abhishek gave a befitting reply (that’s all he
can give, please don’t ask for hit films), "I love Prahlad Kakkar.
He should be a stand-up comedian and not an ad-filmmaker. Maybe someone
will take him seriously then. This comes from a man who makes
commercials with his own son." Hmmm. Prahlad tried to settle the
debate by telling the media that he was "just joking" Any
which way, we got enough masala! Vows and woes Finally, heaven gets
the rare opportunity to shed some workload of making marriages. In the
dire situation, help flowed in from our very own television industry
that’s making, arranging, assembling, organising, manufacturing and
producing marriages. Immense contribution came in the form of Rakhi
ka Swayamvar last year, which was followed by Rahul’s this year.
But one fine day, Dimpy made a public appearance with blue marks on her
face, which were telling a tale of domestic violence. The couple later
claimed all’s well, but there’s no smoke without fire. Another
marriage that was solemnised on the silver screen was that of Sara Khan
and Ali Merchant. They got married in the Bigg Boss house amidst
charges of violating Muslim Personal Law. Sara’s parents disowned her,
but Ali’s welcomed their onscreen real marriage! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Renee
Writes
Balancing act I am a 43-year-old woman. I am married to a German guy. We have been living in Germany and I frequently come to visit my family in India. Now that I am getting older my desire to live in India is getting much stronger. My mother who is quite old now needs my company and I feel obligated to spend more time with her. My brother lives in Mumbai and seems to have no time for her. I have two kids who are teenagers and quite happy when I am away. It is my husband who seems to put me on a guilt trip. I wonder if it is fair on him if I come and spend six months a year over here. I enjoy it. How can I convince my husband of this arrangement? Angela Schumacher, Shimla I understand your situation and empathise. Both relationships are equally important and sometimes when we are caught between two cultures it becomes difficult to keep things at a happy level constantly. Well, we have to make the most of the situation. Also, I do feel your husband is justified if he feels that a six-month stint every year would be a bit much away from home as you have a regular home running there. Try and make short frequent visits to make things more balanced or alternately why don’t you suggest to your mother to come and stay with you for a change. Since she doesn’t have much to deal with. And, also I feel your duty is towards your kids in a certain way even if they say they are independent a mothers emotional support is what keeps the family going strong and feeling a level of togetherness. Balance is the key to life. Find your direction
I am 32-year-old in a relationship for more than five years now. We have been both quite happy together. Whenever we want, we take at least two holidays a year together and catch up over weekends. Since I live alone 30 kms from where he does, it suits us fine. Recently his parents have started to put pressure on him that either we get married or he has to marry someone else. My partner has turned irritable and we are constantly fighting over some small issues. I am feeling equally frustrated with the situation, what should we do? Kamini Dhupia,
Gurgaon By all means, your situation sounds quite idyllic. But remember, no situation ever remains the same forever. Change is the only constant. Your boyfriend has to understand that his parents do have a point. We are all creatures of the social world. In their generation the social pressures are much stronger.. They perhaps feel that it is time for him to be settled. We are living in a culture where our parents’ happiness is as important to us as our own. The cause of your friends irritation and frustration is obvious. He is stressed over the fact that he must decide on a path to take. Both of you must sit together and come to a conclusion on which direction you would like to take. Believe me this is going to be good for both of you. Sometimes some stress is healthy for us in the long run. Look at this positively and trust God to give you the right guidance. Love transcends barriers
I am 26-year-old guy. My girlfriend and I are both studying in the same institute for an MBA degree. She is from Kerala while I am a Punjabi Brahmin. The difference in our cultures is huge but some how we seem to be very similar in our inner thinking process. Her views on life and mine match very well and we seem to agree on almost everything. I feel we are soul mates and we must spend our lives together. She is not very convinced about this as her family has many apprehensions about her being accepted in our culture. How can I convince her that it is not the cultures or behaviour patterns that are important but our inner qualities that actually make relationships work in life. Praveen Sharma,
Ambala I am really impressed with your level of understanding of human life and your depth of maturity. You are extremely lucky and blessed that you have found a soul mate. There are very few people in the world who can find this and recognise it. Cultures are never barriers when we can look beyond as the soul and spirit exists beyond all these limitations. Do not worry about the acceptance of her family. Get someone in your family or a friend to talk to them and convince them. Remember if you are convinced about something you can always convince the other person. Love always transcends cultural barriers. |
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Rear view Here’s a sneak peek at the top five break-ups in 2010 Mona
Some fabulous hook-ups straight from the dream world to scandalising break-ups, 2010 was rich in relationship reports. Throughout the year we were hooked on to the dream weddings, be it the ‘foreign connection’ in regal Rajasthan, a quiet affair in the sleepy hills of Uttarakhand or the royal wedding of America’s former first daughter on the eastern coast of the US. The break-ups were engrossing too. Though nothing could beat the scandalous break-up of ace golfer Tiger Woods with his Swedish model-wife Elin Nordegren in 2009, we still had our ‘drama queen’ Rakhi Sawant leave her suitable groom that she selected out of a pool of 15; Deepika Padukone talked about ‘being cheated’ and Hurley chose ‘king of spin’ Shane Warne over our Indian groom Arun Nayar. Here’s our list of top five break-ups: What’s cooking? Salman-Kat has to be number one here. Though their status is still unclear, the electronic media went into a wild frenzy over their ‘alleged’ break-up. But the good news is Salman is still officially single! Amicable split Despite no pre-nuptials, Britsh actor Liz Hurley and Indian textile heir Arun Nayar parted ways without having to compromise their vast fortune. The cause of the break-up was allegedly a smooch that Liz shared with cricketer Shane Warne. Cheat club Deepika Padukone is no more with much sought after Ranbir Kapoor, though his name’s tattoo stays on the nape of her neck. Ugly battle Another tale of romance gone stale - actor Mel Gibson and Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva’s tale that hinted on domestic violence was a hot favourite story with the tabloids. Drama duo Probably ‘reality TV’ is not so great a medium to get hitched. Rakhi Sawant did not take long before she bid farewell to Elesh Parujanwala. Reports are rife that the chosen groom isn’t as rich as he
claimed. mona@tribunemail.com |
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A different beat
Let the musicians from the old school of thought lodge a protest against electronica music, the truth remains that this genre is getting popular among the masses. It entertains, compels the crowd to hit the dance floor, is fresh and most important of all, made learning music possible for all. "To be precise, it has transported music out of the studios of musicians to people's desktops. Music is no more the property of the elite, who only can afford to buy expensive instruments," says Steve Duda, a Canadian DJ who is in the city along with Breed, better known as DJ Nasha, as part of the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project to perform at Kava-26. So, instead of taking classes from music stalwarts, what music lovers can do is download softwares. "You can also download all the notes and tunes of various instruments." But downloading gives an impression that music learning has also become simple and easier, which isn't the case, "Since a lot of people have access to the Internet, the competition has also increased manifold. Don't forget that only the cream floats on the top." Unlike our own desi DJs, Steve doesn't play on public demand. He rather plays music that he thinks will appeal to the people. "If I'll play an individual's demand, it's not necessary that everyone on the dance floor will like it. Also, wherever I go, I try to play music that people haven't heard before." Same goes for DJ Nasha, he too doesn't take people's demand but for different reasons. "I hate people telling me what to play. My job is to ensure that they don't leave the dance floor and I know my job. People come with the mindset of certain songs that will be played in the disc. If you don't play these, then they come up with demands." He adds that the trend, unfortunately, is seen only in India. Breed, however, doesn't blame people in India for being rigid. "Our clubbing culture lags 30 years behind that of the West. More music exchange projects like Smirnoff can bridge this gap," adds Breed. Coming to the change of name from popular DJ Nasha to Breed. Breed says he wanted to establish a new identity as an electronica musician. "DJ Nasha became popular by remixing Bollywood music. I now want to produce original compositions, which people might not associate with me as a DJ." He adds that people are obsessed with Bollywood music. "Even worse is that they are obsessed with Bollywood stars. They will never make an effort to know that SRK, Salman, Aamir… are miming at whose voice, although gradually things might change." Till then Breed and Steve have their fingers crossed! ashima@tribunemail.com
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I went into depression, but am back: Shah Rukh Khan "I feel so
much healthy and refreshed from within — due to the injury and the
suffering I had got into a depression mode but now I am out of it. I
feel happy and boosted with energy," Shah Rukh said in an
interview. The actor tore a ligament in his shoulder during shooting in
2008 and underwent surgery early last year. When asked how he copes
with the controversies and comparisons, Shah Rukh said he lacked in the
art of expression, which is often misinterpreted by the masses. "I
am a different person in my films; I am very vocal and expressive in
them, but in my personal life I am a very weird person. I face
difficulty when I have to express my innermost feelings. I am very shy,
quiet and reclusive as an individual. "It is not something I am
proud of but I lack in the art of expressing my love, my friendship, my
anger, my apologies, which people misinterpret at times. "I am
always compared; that is a part of my life. A newcomer comes I am
compared; anybody does a film which is a bigger hit, I am compared;
anybody does a lesser film, still I am compared. So comparisons don't
bother me now." He is all set to make his small screen comeback
with Zor Ka Jhatka on Imagine TV, for which he will begin
shooting in the New Year. "I started my career from TV when I was
nothing; it is a medium which is very close to my heart and now I feel
excited to be back on it again." Shah Rukh made his acting debut
in 1988 with the television series Fauji. After that he went on
to appear in several other television serials, most notably in Aziz
Mirza's 1989 series Circus. King Khan, who has hosted shows like Kaun
Banega Crorepati (2007) and Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?
(2008), says TV is his personal favourite. "I have worked on all
the different platforms, be it theatre, films, TV—but genuinely, TV is
my favourite." He, however, feels he lacks knowledge of the
television industry. "On many occasions I find myself lacking as
far as TV knowledge is concerned. I am not very well-versed with the
working of the industry, the terms and terminology of it; so I try to
stay away from it," Shah Rukh said. "When I stand among
people from the TV industry, I feel awkward. I feel as if I don't know
what they are saying," he said. He has spent two successful
decades in the film industry. And he says he is an original. "I am
the origin and original of what I do. I am the truth and lie of what I
do. I am the goodness and the badness of what I do. Twenty years on,
when you work the way I have with a lot of integrity and honesty, these
kind of thoughts don't come to me. "It would be very odious and
wrong for me to say that I could be ever compared in a pompous sense —
it would be wrong for me to say I'm incomparable, but I think it is
right to say that I don't like to be compared at all. "I am not
the number one star for myself because I try harder every day; I have
always believed that I haven't done the best and could have done better.
The day I stop doing that I will stop working." Asked about his
current movie projects, he said, "I am working on quite a few
projects as of now. I am currently shooting for Ra.One, Don-2,
and Vishal Bharadwaj's film which is an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's Two
States." — IANS
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Best buddies
Relationship:
Father-daughter
Time together: 22 years Same-to-same: Ambitious,
fun loving, creative. They never take tension whatever the
circumstances. Yet different: My dad has lots of patience and I
have some, not much. — Jaspinder There’s only the age
difference. We share almost everything else. — Narinder Unforgettable
moments: When I became Miss PTC Punjabi in 2008. My parents had
really supported me throughput the event. The dinner after winning the
crown was so special. My dad was really happy that day. — Jaspinder When
my darling baby was born. Her first Lohri celebration was bigger than
any boys. — Narinder Funny takes: When I started
learning how to drive a tractor. I went to the field with my dad. I
could not control the tractor and it went way off the road. Dad helped
me stop it and really pulled my leg after that. — Jaspinder Her antics have regaled all of us ever since her birth. — Jaspinder. Special
something: I am really close to my dad. Whenever anything major
happens to me, my dad is the first one to know whether I tell him or
not, whether we are together at that time or not. — Jaspinder Jaspinder
is my son. She has been a great support all throughout. — Narinder Wishful
thinking: I wish all the happiness in the world for my dad. And wish
to be his daughter in every birth. I wish all the success to my daughter. — Narinder
(Jaspinder is an actor and Narinder Singh Cheema is a pharmacist, farmer
and runs a hockey academy) — Compiled by Mona If you want to
feature here, please email at lifestyletribune@gmail.com
or mail at Bond Wagon, Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh,
along with a photograph and contact number.
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Treasure hunt
They’ve been foraging in the attic late at night and rummaging under the bed: Beware the Christmas present peekers. About one in three British adults already know what they will receive for Christmas - because they have snuck a peek at their presents, a new study showed this week. The survey of 1,000 people by British insurance company insurastore.com showed that 37 per cent of British adults admitted to searching for their presents, and out of those, eight in 10 were successful in the hunt. “Kids aside, it seems even adults have a fascination for what Father Christmas might have bought them and keeping surprises under wraps is a considerable challenge in any household,” insurastore managing d irector Paul Maddicott said. The average snooper spends an hour and 15 minutes seeking out Christmas gifts. Respondents ranked the top of the wardrobe and under the bed as the most common hiding places. However, more than half of those who discovered what they were getting for Christmas (56 per cent) later regretted their curiosity. Four in 10 even complained that they had spoiled Christmas. “We’d definitely urge anyone who’s curious to resist temptation as the spoilt surprise and feelings of guilt are likely to take the fun out,” Maddicott said. — Reuters Lifestyle invites responses on the following issue: How to spice up your married life? Please e-mail the responses in around 200 words to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or post along with your photo and contact number to ‘Relatively Speaking’, Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh. The best responses will be published
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The 29-year-old who is currently dating 21-year-old country singer Taylor Swift was happy to go full monty for his role in the outing because he believes the audience needed to see him without clothes to believe his relationship with co-star Hathaway's character was real. "If we were going to be as open and intimate in a love story as we could be we have to do the same thing with sex. When you see two people in a movie like that, particularly as an actor, and they are portraying two people in love, it's like, how do you even unconsciously believe people are in love if they don't want to be naked around each other," he said. "I don't know about you guys but I've never had sex with underwear on and it's an odd thing to watch an actor do. You can try but I wouldn't recommend it! So that was really important. We knew that if we did we would get somewhere in the audiences' unconscious that these were people who were actually in love and not just actors telling a love story," he added. — IANS
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Katy Perry has revealed that husband Russell Brand wooed her with diamonds and a copy of his autobiography on their first date. The singer tied the knot with him after a year-long romance and she has now detailed the beginning of their courtship which started with a dinner date. Perry said Brand handed her a pricey black diamond necklace and signed a copy of his 2007 tome My Booky Wook for her. "Russell gave this (necklace) to me on our first date. It's a Hindu hand of peace. But they're not beads, they are black diamonds. He gave me black diamonds on our very first date," she said. Perry goes on to describe how she went home with a copy of his book, adding, "I asked him if could have it. My hair was long and wavy at the time and he kept calling me a mermaid. He opened the book and wrote in it, 'You're a mermaid and I'm drowning.' Then he put this necklace on me." — ANI
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"Been reading all tweets...thank you so much for all your wonderful wishes! Sending our love to all out there," Hrithik posted on Twitter. Actor Mallika Sherawat was among many who wished the couple. "Happy anniversary to Hrithik and Sussanne...A loveliest of couples! Many more happy years to you both," she posted. Hrithik and Sussanne have two children—Hrehaan, four, and Hridhaan, two. — IANS
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She is undoubtedly Bollywood's reigning beauty but Katrina Kaif has still not won a Filmfare award and is 'dying' to get her hands on the Black Lady. "I haven't won a Filmfare award till now and I am dying to win one. But I can never be a judge for myself whether I should get a Filmfare award as it for the audience to decide," said Katrina who was in town to announce the 56th Idea Filmfare awards. The 26-year-old is also on the cover of Filmfare magazine's latest issue along with her Tees Maar Khan co-star Akshay Kumar. The actor who is tipped to be in the race for a Filmfare trophy this year for her performance in the hit political drama Rajneeti, said that she is excited about the new wave of cinema in Bollywood. "Look at the type of films being made nowadays. Its really commendable. Films like No One Killed Jessica is a classic example of this. I am amazed everyone is so excited about it including me," she said. — PTI
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Redefining style quotient in the eyewear category, Titan Eye Plus has announced the launch of the new Paolo Seminara collection-a limited edition of designer frames from Titan. This eye-catching collection has been created by renowned Italian eyewear designer Paolo Seminara, the founder of Vogue. This new collection is an eloquent interpretation of Italian eyewear design with exquisite craftsmanship and impeccable detailing. A collection of 12 designs, handmade from exclusive cellulose acetate material produced by Mazzucchelli, the world's leading manufacturer of cellulose acetate. The new collection consists of 12 different styles. The collection is a perfect harmony of design, proportions, colour and technology which result in a refined end product. This is the perfect addition to the style of the urban customer who is actively seeking new experiences. Titan's new Paolo Seminara collection is priced between Rs.5750-6995. The frames come with a minimum warranty of 12 months. — TNS
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The students decorated the venue in white and red with dashes of green. They made handmade cutouts of beautiful Santa caps, golden and silver bells, vibrant stars, mistletoes, golden lights and innovative stockings to create the true Christmas atmosphere by using their imagination and creative talent. The highlight was a huge backdrop hand painted by the INIFD Interior design students showing the arrival of Santa on his famous sledge at midnight. Christmas carols Jingle bell, jingle bell, Rudolf the red nosed reindeer, Silent night, holy night were sung by the faculty members. The party witnessed games and contests. Prizes were given to the winners of best dancer, best dressed student, best dressed faculty, winners of musical chairs game. — TNS
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"Benefits of dancing: I feel younger, alive and I can touch my toes without bending my knees! Truly, a momentous day," Chang posted on Twitter. The 28-year-old gained fame through the singing reality show Indian Idol after which he started anchoring shows, and even landed a role in Yash Raj Films' Badmaash Company. He is a dentist by profession. — IANS
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"Using my new Kindle and loving it! It's my very best friend when travelling and on shoots now! Read, read, read away I say!" Shruti posted on Twitter. The 24-year-old daughter of south Indian star Kamal Haasan made her Bollywood debut with box office dud Luck. — IANS
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Shah Rukh Khan says he had
gone into a depression mode but is now back and full of energy. The
45-year-old superstar also believes he is very poor at expressing his
innermost feelings, be it love, anger or friendship.
Hollywood actor Jake
Gyllenhaal has revealed he refused to wear underwear for his intimate
scenes with Anne Hathaway in new movie Love and Other Drugs as he
wanted to make it believable.
Superstar Hrithik Roshan, who marked the 10th anniversary of his marriage with Sussanne Khan Monday, has thanked his friends and fans for their love.
Ever since he chose to be a part of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4, singer-actor Meiyang Chang has been feeling very fit.
Actor-singer Shruti Haasan is addicted to her e-book reader Kindle and never misses a chance to read through it.