Expectations from the movie Yamla Pagla Deewana are growing with every hit that it receives on the Internet. For the record, it has received more hits than last year's phenomenal hit, Dabanng. For the Deol brothers, there are all the reasons to be happy, "And also to be nervous. The response is overwhelming but it also makes us apprehensive if the film will be able to deliver at the box office," says Sunny Deol.

As you expect them to go on about the film and give us enough material to write about, surprisingly Sunny pops up a question, "Did papa leave anything about the movie that we can share with you?" And honestly, Dharmendra didn't - from sharing the storyline to even describing scenes, he had said it all. So, they were just left with the experience of shooting a comedy with their father. "My father's comic timings are perfect and to match them, is quite a deal. If not in the real life, in reel life it was fun chasing women and enjoying drinks together," quips Bobby. Since Apne was more of a serious film, it was the trio's first attempt at comedy together. "There are no double meaning jokes. We ensured that comedy is not just gags, but justified comic sequences." The movie, they say, is really special since it celebrates 50 years of their father in the industry.

Breaking the tradition, the actors will be seen making more public appearances now. An admission comes from Sunny, "I am shy by nature but have realised that one has to make his presence felt in the industry." And for the same reason, they are promoting the film this time around. "Coming to Punjab is always special, but we don't have to make any special efforts to reach out to people here. We know that we belong here and people will unconditionally welcome us," says Sunny.

The movie will also see Chandigarh's Kulraj Randhawa in the female lead role. The trio will be seen in other projects in the future. "There is a trend of sequels these days. If the film does well, we will think of Yamla Pagla Dewana-2," says Sunny, who will next be seen in a romantic comedy starring Kangana Ranaut and Naveen Andrews. "I am working on two projects. The one with Kangana is a story of just two days while the other spans a period of 10 years. In the latter, I'll be playing the role of a Sikh Sanskrit teacher." 

Sharry Mann

If you go by numbers Gurdas Maan’s Challa has nearly 20,000 stills and nearly 10,000 and more videos created by fans on the Youtube. These videos and stills can be seen as a fans perception of the song. Singer Raj Brar on the other hand has a different take on this trend. He doesn’t approve of music lovers attaching various stills or videos to their numbers. “Sometimes they post videos which do not justify the song. These videos should be posted after the approval from the singer. On the other hand, if someone posts a good video then it works in the singer’s favour.”

Five-year-old kidnapped, ransom paid but the body of the boy recovered some days later; 75-year-old-woman’s body found in her house after a week; 22-year-old college girl raped, murdered; an auto driver’s body found in his auto…snatching, stabbing — this is no saga of a metro, but ‘City Beautiful’ sans its ‘safe’ tag.

The recent happenings have resulted in an atmosphere of insecurity, uncertainty and unrest. While an infuriated crowd held Burail to ransom a few days back, kids’ safety seems to be the talk of the town.

“I am scared of my eight-year-old’s well-being,” says Usha Sharma, a Punjab government employee, who is still thinking about the safest way to send her son to school. “But after Khushpreet’s case, I am no more sure that my kid is safe even at home,” she shares her anxiety.

There are two ways to approach this issue - list problems or be part of the solution. Falling in the latter, we talk to residents in a bid to find out ways to get back the ‘safe city’ tag.

“It’s the responsibility of the police to keep citizens safe and secure,” says PC Dogra, former Director General of Police, Punjab. “The public can prove to be a great asset in the drive against crime,” he adds. The initiative for involvement of the public, however, has to come from the police. “People can prove vital clues in preventing crime, provided they feel secure that their voice would be heard and they wouldn’t be necessarily harassed,” says Dogra.

Resident welfare associations that function in each sector can also play a significant role. Constant surveillance can prove to be a huge deterrent for miscreants and also make sure the well-being of the old, lonely citizens in the city.

Although a lot cannot be changed overnight, Dogra suggests that one’s house should be set in order first, “Television feeds the young, impressionable minds with crime stories that get repeated over and over again. Other serials do rest of the damage. The need of the hour is to wean our children away from the lure of money and glamour, and instill values in them.”

The recent happenings are also a reflection of the indifferent society that we have become. Guess it’s time we step out of our ‘self-centred’ cocoons and wake up to the reality. “Our society is fast disintegrating and security measures are the first casualty,” says psychologist Punita Singh. “It’s time we strengthen community bonding and take active part in making our neighbourhood safe,” she suggests. Whenever faced with something untoward, each one of us prefers to walk away. This sure is talking its toll. “We need to be responsible towards society or we only have to bear the burnt of the situation,” says Punita.

Keeping in mind the recent turn of events, police surely has to be blamed. “I wouldn’t hold them 100 per cent guilty. Maybe they are overburdened,” opines city-based sociologist Sherry Sabbarwal.

The disintegration of joint family system has led to many problems and security is one of them. “Elders want to be on their own. It was very much possible when everyone knew everyone in the society. But not today, when the hectic pace of our lives makes us lose touch with those around,” she says.

Any way out? “Ensure your safety first. Simple things like not opening doors to strangers or not flaunting jewellery when walking on the road can be helpful,” she suggests.

R&B star Rihanna, who is set to launch her first perfume, Reb'l Fleur says it won't be a shrinking violet kind of fragrance but will showcase her strong personality.

The Umbrella hit maker's debut fragrance will be befitting of her independent character and designers behind the fragrance say she has been more hands on than most coming up with the perfect scent, a website reported.

"This is not a shrinking violet kind of fragrance. She has described what she wanted to create as like high heels with a short, flirty dress," said Kathleen Galvin, vice president of marketing and advertising at Parlux. The title of the scent is in reference to the nickname Rihanna's grandmother gave her when she was in Barbados and has got it tattooed on her.

The 22-year-old Bajan beauty has long been known to mix different existing perfumes to create her own signature scent to reflect her roots in Barbados as well as her life in New York and Los Angeles.

Chief executive officer Fred Purches of Parlux reportedly targeted Rihanna after deciding that the company should expand their offering of celebrity fragrances, which so far includes Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson. The fragrance will debut in US stores on January 25 and will be launched in international markets within three months. — PTI

Rapper Kanye West has been taken to court by a shutterbug who has claimed that the hit maker and his bodyguards assaulted him. Michael Vazquez is suing West, saying he was "assaulted, battered, beaten and threatened" by the Monster musician and up to ten of his bodyguards at a 2008 event, reported a magazine online.The paparazzo says he was bruised and suffered a dislocated shoulder. The incident allegedly took place at a New York show honouring the 25th anniversary of a wristwatch brand.

An amateur video of the event shows the star decked out in white pants, a white glove and light-up sunglasses as he performed Through the Wire. Vazquez is seeking unspecified damages for his injuries. West has stayed mum on the allegations. This is not the first time that the rapper is facing assault charges. In 2008, West was accused of assaulting a paparazzo in an altercation that took place at the Los Angeles airport. A judge later dropped assault charges in return for the rapper completing 50 hours of community service. — PTI

Actor Amanda Seyfried is in no mood to keep her romance with Ryan Phillipe a secret as the couple displayed their affection on the sets of the new movie Now. Seyfried, who previously dated her Mamma Mia co-star Dominic Cooper was first linked to Phillippe in October last year after they met at actress Kate Hudson's Halloween party, a website reported.

The couple were spotted doing Christmas shopping together before the holidays and were later snapped embracing each other during a break on the sets of the upcoming sci-fi film.

Meanwhile, the photo taken earlier this week shows the pair smiling and cuddling each other with the 25-year-old actress donning a cropped red wig for her role opposite co-star Justin Timberlake. The pictures emerged a week after Phillippe congratulated his ex-wife Reese Witherspoon on her engagement to Hollywood agent Jim Toth. The Cruel Intentions co-stars divorced in 2007. — PTI

Fans of Twilight hunk Taylor Lautner will soon get to know more about his growing romance with Abduction co-star Lily Collins during the film's promotion later this year.

The 18-year-old hunk was quietly dating Lily, 21, while shooting for their film, and Lautner's friends have predicted that their romance will grow when the promotion activities of the movie starts, reported a website.

"They appear to be seeing each other, but it's too early to see what will happen because they are both young. They make a cute couple. Once Abduction is released this fall, they will be spending even more time together promoting it," said a friend. They have not confirmed the relationship, but Lautner reportedly met Lily's hard-to please father Phil Collins last year and managed to get an approval from the In The Air Tonight singer. "Phil is pretty tough on the guys Lily introduces him to. But they got along well," said the source. The romantic link-up started last July when Lautner was reported to have flashed his shirtless six-pack constantly to impress her on the sets of the film despite knowing that she had a boyfriend. "Lily told pals that she wasn't looking to fall in love, but soon realised she had strong romantic feelings," the source added. — PTI

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut is going to start the New Year with a fresh new avatar in the forthcoming release Tanu Weds Manu. Shedding her neurotic image, Ranaut will be seen in a bubbly and lively character in the movie. The 23-year-old actress plays the role of Tanu, a small town girl having a zest for life. Always seen playing neurotic and depressed roles, the Gangster actress will offer a new look for the audience in the movie opposite actor R. Madhavan.

"Yes Kangana plays a small town, wild girl. She is shown as a very bindaas character, and it is a role that Kangana has never portrayed before. Kangana was amazing at the way she pulled off the character of Tanu," said Director Anand Rai. Kangana has managed to grab eyeballs during the promos of the movie with her free spirited look. — PTI

The first week of the New Year has much-awaited No one killed Jessica directed by Raj Kumar Gupta of Aamir fame and Impatient Vivek on offer. Of the two, the latter has little scope to make a mark at the BO even though they have all the screen space available at the theatres — mainly because they are shoddy unappealing efforts with no recognisable star cast or big ticket director to boast of.

Film: No One Killed Jessica

Cast: Rani Mukherjee, Vidya Balan,

Director: Raj Kumar Gupta

It’s well known (and the whole of India knows it) that if anyone wanted to commit a crime and get away with it then Delhi is the place you do it. With corrupt politicians occupying every nook and cranny of the city space and wielding their clout for ill-gotten gains, the police appeared to have been rendered mere spectators. But the Jessica Lal murder case turned that perception upside down, albeit belatedly.

It captured the public imagination and brought about unexpected but supremely effective citizen activism to the fore forcing the judiciary to take cognisance of the peoples’ sentiment and the result was there
for all to see and reckon with. Justice was not only done, but was also seen to have been done. There are lessons for all to be learnt from that case and one hoped that Rajkumar Gupta would be able to pinpoint the lacunae and rouse enough passions among the audience (a la Rang de Basanti), so that such incidents will not be allowed to occur again. Alas, that was not to be. Gupta’s film shies away from controversy and prefers to dramatise certain events in a fictitious composite.

That true-life incident of 1999 which involved a 30-year-old has been model, Jessica Lal and a politician’s son, Manu Sharma and took place
at a well known restaurant run by a celebrity socialite forms the basis for this largely fictitious drama written and directed by Rajkumar Gupta. Most of the Jessica lal murder case milestones have been incorporated but it’s done with the aim of accommodating the stars, Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherjee inhabiting the roles of Sabrina Lal and an every journalist composite dead-ringer-for Barkha Dutt, named Meera Gaity.

The script overturns the whole process of law itself. The murder itself is shot in such ineffective fashion that you hardly can empathise with the victim of the crime. After the murder occurs Gupta puts Sabrina in the forefront of the investigations whether it’s to persuade witnesses to testify or to ferret out the hostile ones. By doing that Gupta effectively neutered he dramatic tension that could have perked-up the first half. It would have been far more effective if Gupta had the courage to show Sabrina (Vidya) and her family as the victims of the criminal malaise affecting the system.  

By making Sabrina pro-active in the first half and getting the journalist Meera Gaity (Rani) in the thick of things in the second, reducing Sabrina to a mere observer, Gupta appeared to be far more interested in appeasing the stars rather than telling his story to maximum effect.  

The police have little to do here other than play turncoat at the behest of the politician. When the court proceedings begin it’s the defence which presents it’s case first and the prosecution after that- whatever Gupta’s reasoning may be for that turnaround, it appears to be a uninformed set-up which really makes the whole process of law look ridiculous on screen.

The headlines about the case evoked myriad emotions   but the film is unable to tap into even a few. The dramatisation is nowhere near as hard-hitting as it should have been. The director mishandles the drama and as a writer, does a hatchet job of the characterisations.  The investigating cop (Rajesh Sharma) admits to taking a bribe but Gupta’s Sabrina prefers not to take note of the admission. Even the crusaders - Sabrina in the first half and Meera in the second, come-off half-baked.  

Sabrina is resilient and stoic while Meera is a venom-spewing feisty go-getter. While Meera’s choices appear contradictory, Sabrina’s character turnaround appears stupid. It’s a very one-dimensional narrative track that leaves no room for subtlety or depth.  The route to the re-trial also appears unsubstantiated on film. By reducing the retrial to a mere footnote in the dramatisation, Gupta makes the film insipid and unexciting.  But there are things that work too. Rani and Vidya’s cleverly delineated contrasting performances and Amit Trivedi’s few rousing tunes (dilli dilli et al) coupled with Amitabh Bhattacharya’s passion rousing lyrics, give the film a modicum of energy which appears enough to keep you somewhat interested right up to the end. As a film, this one is unlikely to rouse many passions!

Bausch + Lomb has launched Biotrue, a multi-purpose lens care solution that is inspired by the biology of the human eye and has the same protective and moisturising functioning as that of healthy human tears. Biotrue can be used in daily conditioning, cleansing and storage all kinds of soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Clinical testing has demonstrated that Biotrue multi-purpose solution provides a clean and comfortable lens wearing experience. Biotrue uses a lubricant, which is naturally found in eyes. It forms a hydrating network that envelops the lens in a moisture-rich cushion. Additionally, it is pH-balanced to match healthy tears and provides exceptional efficacy with a dual disinfection system that fights germs. It helps remove denatured proteins that can build up on the lenses while maintaining beneficial tear proteins in their natural state, for a hygienic lens wearing experience.

— TNS

Pears the delightfully juicy and elusively flavored sweet fruit, are one of the most common fruits found with a fruit vendor near you. But did you know that some of the vital nutrients found in pears may play preventive roles in heart and cancer diseases?

Pears provide a variety of the nutrients necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The skin of pears contains valuable phytonutrients, which reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, providing about 24 per cent of your daily needs. Fiber is an important preventive agent against many chronic diseases, and it plays a beneficial role in glucose metabolism and diabetes management. Pears are sodium-free, cholesterol-free, fat-free, and contain 190mg of potassium, all important players in cardiovascular disease prevention. Pears are a good source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant necessary for bone and tissue health and prevention of cardiovascular disease and various cancers.

Pears are also a natural source of other antioxidants, which, according to the American Dietetic Association, are important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, may improve immune function, and lower risk for infection. Pears are a fat-free, nutrient-dense food that can help fill you up and keep you satisfied. These benefits may aid in weight loss and weight management. Pears have large amounts of natural fructose and glucose, making them a quick source of healthy energy. Pears also contain levulose. Non-insulin dependant diabetics can also enjoy pears to satisfy their sweet tooth.

There is nothing more refreshing than a deliciously juicy USA Pear. USA Pears are grown in Oregon and Washington where the right mix of volcanic soil, clean mountain water and warm spring and summer days, with cool nights, combine to produce some of the world's finest pears. Among the 8 major varieties of pears, Green Anjou, the green or yellow-green, egg shaped pear from USA is the most preferred all around the world. Available with fruit vendors in India from October to March, indulge yourself with a mouth watering USA pear for a tasty and healthy treat! — TNS

ARIES: The Queen of Wands allows you to achieve professional success with calm authority. You are feeling adventurous and bold. Do not force issues with anyone or you will ruin your chances for a lucky break that someone has been planning to give you. Focus on yoga & meditatio. Tip of the week: Allow a sick situation to blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Saffron

TAURUS: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities, so sure you are ready to make new beginnings. Try talking to people who are usually unreasonable. Take things one at a time. Tip: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Royal blue

GEMINI: You draw The Fool, you feel free, unburdened and happy. No matter how you try, you can't fully control the object of your love without changing it into something different. Buying or selling property is favourable on Wednesday. Medical report or suspected health problems give you a sense of relief.Tip: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Golden yellow.

CANCER: The karmic Wheel of Fortune turns in your favour. You've got a strong sense of self, and aren't afraid to speak your mind. You may have to deliver some sobering news to a neighbour or a relative. Visitors and news from overseas is heartening. If you've been thinking about enrolling in a course, do it. Stay grounded and practical to escape the clutches of people who make empty promises. Tip: Leave things open ended for best results. Luck colour: Pink

LEO: The Knight of Wands brings gracious and aesthetic influences in your life. For many of you, a deep awareness of their role in the expansion or destruction of intimate relationships will now arrive. Tip: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Peacock blue

VIRGO: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities inside and outside. You have worked hard, grown spiritually in the past and built a sound foundation, which leads to success and good fortune in the world outside. Tip: Don't read too much into ordinary situations. Lucky colour: White

LIBRA: Your card The World reveals love and close relationships are important. But now, you wonder whether a commitment was quite what you wanted. Don't be too stubborn. See situations from everyone else's point of view. Tip: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Turquoise.

SCORPIO: You cope better when detached and lighthearted. Admit you are hurt, and move on. You have plenty of long term plans to sort out. Enjoy yourself. Money making efforts will pay off. Tip: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Bottle green

SAGITTARIUS: Your card The Moon reveals you gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. Avoid confrontations with your beloved. Meditation, physical exercise or dancing can be therapeutic. Alternatively, your current state of bliss could even come from being single! Tip: Avoid loose talks at work as someone shall carry tales just when you are building fences. Lucky colour: Silver grey

CAPRICORN: The Queen of Cups infuses trust and friendship. A romantic and dreamy time gives you the break. You are right not to rush into things, but others will not wait forever. Things have been all work and no play and you have let things get out of balance recently. Tip: You are on the right track and don't allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Red

AQUARIUS: Ten Golden Cups arranged in the tree of life pattern suggests deep family roots, feelings and strong relationships. Peace and compromise after crossing swords with a loved one are on the cards. Financially you may expect a windfall on Tuesday. Tip: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Crimson

PISCES: Six of Swords bring mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situation. Sweep some things under the carpet; it's not as if anyone will know. Friday is good for love & romance. Tip: You are on the right track and don't allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Midnight blue