Fashion, as you touch the last word of the article, someone sitting in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, New York, Milan would have raked up a new style statement. This is how fast fashion changes, flick of a second. You wouldn't want to be out of sync, whether it is about combination of clothes, accessories and hairstyles to jam in with. Sit back as hair designers from the city come up with easy, fast and maintenance free hair styles and colours.

"Whenever we talk about fashion, Delhi and Mumbai are two cities that immediately come to our mind. Chandigarh stands third or fourth on the party circuit," says Shahid, a hair stylist with Highlite, Sector-34, who has been a part of various major fashion weeks in Delhi, Mumbai and Singapore.

'I don't have time', this is the single, often cited excuse that my clients give me when I share my new hair cuts and hair colours with them," he adds, all set to demonstrate the new jiffy hair cuts. Shahid takes his scissors….. snip, snip, snip, voila, the magic gadget took less than five minutes maneuvering through the crop giving it shape and style. "This is called the Reverse Diana cut. This is popular with girls, requires no maintenance and is really stylish." An easy-to-maintain haircut is on the roll. "This is exactly what my new advanced hair styles are all about. Reverse Diana Cut, Messi cut , spiral cut, these cuts after hair wash and blow dry look fantastic and natural. Nothing made up about them," shares he who considers rebonding out of the fashion scene. Kangana Ranaut's soft curls and Priyanka Chopra's feather cut are the new sensuous styles of the season.

Hassle free cuts and curls to chemical free hair colours options galore. Colours in fashion are the ones inspired by nature- Rich golden, sandy brown, blue, and green. Even if you find the palette too abstract and loud, these are still the hair colours for the season. As per Shahid, red is the only 'acceptable' colour in Chandigarh. These are colours for the new generation inspired by Bollywood and Hollywood. "We have moved from chemical colours to absolutely ammonia free. They are advanced colours with no side affects. I offer one wash hair colours, which are specially meant for the party poppers," adds Zahid Khan from Asmi, a salon in Sector-9. As for Tony, hair stylist with Tress Lounge, "No rebonding, it is out of style. Short hair styles and bold colours is the trend for the season." Now slip into a party outfit, get that tangerine colour on your locks and be ready to turn heads. You doubt!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Most unmasked spies tend to spend the twilight of their lives in quiet retirement, never appearing in public or disclosing their whereabouts. This weekend Anna Chapman beamed into millions of Russian homes, fronting the first episode of a new prime-time television series, in another sign that she is revelling in her newfound celebrity status.

Chapman's debut programme, called 'Secrets of the World', aired on Friday evening, and was merely the latest venture in her energetic publicity campaign. Previously, she has posed semi-naked for a magazine, attended a rocket launch, been presented with a tiger cub on a television chat show, and become a leader of the youth wing of a political party.

The hour-long weekly show features Chapman and a team of reporters looking into various bizarre occurrences and unexplained mysteries. On Friday, she was investigating the strange case of a baby born in troubled southern republic of Dagestan, on whose skin subsequently appeared verses from the Koran. Anna Chapman flicking her famous red hair suggestively and pouting at the camera promised to reveal all the secrets.

Chapman is revelling in the limelight she garnered from the disastrous spy scandal. Despite her high public profile, the former spy has refused to disclose any details about her activities in the US or her arrest. Nevertheless, Chapman gave intriguing hints at her past career during Friday night's programme. While discussing the theory that the child's parents might have faked the Koranic verses using henna, she said, "I have been to Arab countries and seen how they do it there."

Chapman's participation in the programme lacked any Bond-girl antics, and her role was restricted to providing in-studio segues between video clips.

Future episodes will be dedicated to the fate of the famous Amber Room, looted by the Nazis during the Second World War and subsequently lost, as well as the case of a four-year-old boy from near Moscow who is alleged to have spontaneously combusted last year. — Independent

Cellulite is not a disease or a disorder, but it can make a difference to the figure and cause a great deal of concern. It is a common problem of 'lumps' that generally appear on the thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms and even the upper back. Another term for cellulite is 'orange peel skin', because the skin on these areas resembles an orange peel. The problem of cellulite is more common in women.

Cellulite is caused by deposits of water, fat and other wastes that collect in pockets beneath the skin. The slowing down of the body's waste removal process is thought to be responsible for the condition. In other words, there is a relationship between body toxicity and cellulite. The hardening of connective tissue is also involved, as this leads to the imprisonment of wastes, in lumps under the skin. Sluggish digestion, constipation, poor liver functioning, poor blood circulation, mental tension, chronic fatigue, insomnia and a sedentary lifestyle are some causative factors. In fact, one or more of these can undermine the normal functions of waste removal carried out by the kidneys, intestines, skin and lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system helps the body to get rid of toxic, metabolic and cellular wastes. The normal contraction and relaxation of muscles helps the system by providing necessary pumping for lymphatic circulation and drainage. Massage is an important part of the treatment, along with 'skin brushing'. It is best to massage the area with cellulite when the muscles are relaxed. Long stroking movements, are used for stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The area with cellulite is squeezed and kneaded, ending with the stroking movements again. A combination of oils of margosa (neem), winter cherry (ashwagandha) and sandalwood has been used, mixed with carrier oils of almond, olive and sesame seed, for treating cellulite.

Skin ‘brushing’ helps the elimination of toxins. The entire surface, excluding the face, should be brushed, using a rough cloth, or a natural bristle brush. Begin from the feet and go upwards. Then brush from lower to upper arms. Go across the shoulders and back. Brush gently on the chest and abdomen.

Cellulite can be a stubborn condition and will not disappear overnight. A permanent change in diet and lifestyle is essential. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, relaxation and deep breathing also help to free those trapped wastes and drain them from the system.

Cracked heels are due to habitual lack of moisture. The skin on the heels is harder and thicker than other parts of the body. Loss of moisture causes keratinisation, where living cells change to dead horny cells. If the lack of moisture proceeds unchecked, cracks develop. Sometimes, they can even be painful. Chlorinated or hard water can also cause dryness. Calluses form due to thickening of skin, caused by friction, usually over a bony area. It is a protective response of the skin.

Avoid using metal instruments or scrubbers on cracked heels and calluses. For cracked heels, add coarse salt to hot water and soak the feet at night for 20 minutes. With a pumice stone or a heel scrubber, rub the heels gently. Wash feet and apply cream, massaging it into the skin. Then apply cream lavishly and tie clean cloth or surgical gauze around the feet, like a bandage. Wear cotton socks and go to sleep. Do this daily for a week. If there is any pain or bleeding from cracks, consult a doctor.

For palm callouses, soak hands in warm water, after adding some Epsom salts. This helps to soften corns. You can also soak hands in diluted chamomile tea. Chamomile tea bags are available. You can also rub the callous gently with a pumice stone and then apply a softening cream. Or, you can ask your doctor for an antiseptic ointment. Dr. Suzanne Levine, a podiatrist, suggests crushing aspirin tablets and making a paste with water and lemon juice. Apply on the callous and then place a warm moist towel over it. Keep it on for ten minutes. Needless to say, in case of pain, consult a doctor. If you have these problems, put your foot down with a firm hand and give them regular care.

Infiniti M30d GT, a rival for a BMW 5-series or a Jaguar XF, starts at (pounds sterling) 35,150, and is the newest Infiniti creation. It promises a lot of technology and equipment with an unusual aesthetic. Infinitis have their own look, own character, own type of personal customer service and their own branding, designed to delight owners and make non-owners feel inadequate. And you thought it was just a car.

Fine, up to a point. One big snag. The M, like most Infinitis, looks odd.

There are certain rules and the M has ignored them. This new M, its design apparently inspired by natural forms such as waves, looks as if it is melting in the sun. Maybe there's a retro hint to its profile, but I don't think that was the intent. The cabin is more of a success. It, too, is full of 'natural' curves, and the busy, complicated consoles are the polar opposite of a Jaguar XF's clean, stark lines. The Infiniti's wood is a modern take on traditional Japanese lacquer work, with a layer of powdered silver to create a sense of depth, and the satin-aluminium door handles and magnesium gearshift paddles are beautifully finished.

As for technology, the M offers air-conditioning of remarkable subtlety.

Called ForestAir, it aims to mimic random, gentle breezes and infuse them with a hint of fresh, leafy odours. There is also a noise-cancelling system which works through the stereo's loudspeakers by picking up noises from engine, road and elsewhere, and simultaneously playing them back 'out of phase' through the speakers.

The whole gamut of automatic braking, unintended lane-departure steering correction, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and so on, is standard, while the sporting S version, unlike the GT, has four-wheel steering in which the rear wheels subtly help point the M in the required direction. This is matched to variable-ratio steering, making this M very agile on a tight, twisty road for such a hefty car, but the downside is that the S's firmer suspension and bigger wheels prove tiresomely bumpy on poor road surfaces.

In the end, though, it's hard to covet an Infiniti M. It's full of neat details and clever technology, but they reside in an under whelming, curiously dated-feeling car which, unlike its Jaguar rival, fails to blend comfort and driving excitement in one package. To launch a new high-end car brand is a bold and brave project, but in this case, I can't quite see the point. — Independent

Exercise can do a lot more for your health than you know. It goes a long way in preventing several life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Here's a summary of the proven health benefits of exercise.

It's good for your heart: Exercise reduces cholesterol, which clogs arteries. It also reduces blood pressure, relieving stress on heart. It improves insulin sensitivity and improves the heart muscle function and blood flow. Chances of developing blood clots are also diminished.

Helps weight loss: Various researches have proved that to have an effect on weight loss it's important to exercise for 30 minutes a day. You can also do an hour of intensive exercise every second day. Be consistent and be regular. One hour exercise sessions should be attended four to five times a week. There's no alternative to being regular at exercises.

Prevents osteoporosis: Exercise combined with a healthy calcium intake, builds strong bones. Exercises like running, walking and weight lifting, help lower the odds of getting osteoporosis, as you grow older. You should start when you're young, but it's never too late to pick up the habit.

Lowers high blood pressure: Exercise is good for your blood pressure. It doesn't matter whether you stay fit by going for a brisk walk, a fast run or few laps in the pool; the results are equally as good. But experts caution that those with extremely high blood pressure should not to rely on exercise alone in controlling hypertension.

Excellent de-stressor: Exercise counters stress and depression. Increased core temperature during exercise may lead to a reduced muscle tension or alterations to brain neurotransmitters. Mood improvement may also occur due to the increased secretion of endorphins.

Prevents cold: Health experts believe that exercise spikes the immune system for a few hours each day, which in turn helps to ward off colds. People who exercise regularly are 23 per cent less likely to get colds than those who exercise less.

Reduces diabetic complications: Lifestyle factors have a huge impact on certain conditions and diabetes is one of them. Exercise can help to reduce your insulin requirements, lower your cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and in the long term can reduce the development of heart disease or stroke. This is important because diabetics have a higher risk of developing heart and circulatory problems.

Promotes healthy pregnancy: Although exercise might be risky in some cases, the benefits of exercising during pregnancy generally far outweigh the risks and some women can even exercise up until the third trimester. Relaxation exercises, Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles and back exercises are all important for pregnant women.

Improves muscle strength and joint structure : Strength training increases not only muscle strength and mass, but also bone strength, and the body's metabolism. Strengthening exercises increase muscle strength by putting more strain on a muscle. It also promotes joint health by improving joint mobility.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com

Researchers have suggested that the obesity epidemic is substantially due to growing stress, and a sense of powerlessness in societies where high-sugar and high-fat foods are increasingly omnipresent. The new research was carried by Jon D. Wisman and Kevin W. Capehart at American University in Washington, D.C.

"When I began to look into the issue of obesity, I realised that the most overweight are the least privileged members of society. And amongst those, it tended to be minorities. And amongst minorities it tended to be women. It was people who possessed the least control over their lives, and thus suffer the greatest and stress," said Wisman.

Stress increases the body's production of cortisol, which augments the body's appetite for high fat and high sugar foods. Consequently, in an environment of inexpensive and readily available high-sugar, high-fat, prepared foods, an increase in insecurity and stress can be predicted to increase weight gain and obesity in the population.

In support of this explanation, the authors point to the fact that obesity did not increase in between 1960-1980. What is striking about this period is that unemployment was relatively low and a great number of social programs were put in place that significantly reduced insecurity and stress. According to Wisman, "The epidemic began around 1980 when the safety nets began to fall apart. " — ANI

Hollywood actor George Clooney finds humour in his recent struggle with malaria as he describes the disease as "good fun".

"Well, you know, even with malaria it's just good fun," people.com quoted Clooney as saying. Clooney, 49, contracted malaria during a recent trip to Africa as part of a diplomatic mission to prevent another genocide in Sudan. — IANS

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has made it to the international jury of the 61st Berlin film festival to be held next month. Although his film Peepli Live is out of the Oscar race, the 45-year-old actor himself is going places. He is now one of the seven jury members who will pick the winner of the prestigious Golden and Silver Bear prizes at the festival to be held here from February 10 to 20.

Lead by Italian-American actress Isabella Rossellini, the jury also includes Australian film producer Jan Chapman, German actress Nina Hoss, Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin, Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell and Iranian director Jafar Panahi.

Since Panahi has been sentenced six years imprisonment in December and banned from filmmaking for the next 20 years, his place on the jury will be left symbolically empty.

"There has been worldwide protest against this verdict that violates the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

The Berlinale is holding a place open in the Jury for Jafar Panahi and in doing so wants to signalize its support for his struggle for freedom," said the Berlinale website.

The festival features 22 films in the main programme including 16 in competition. One of the world's top film festivals, Berlinale will open with a remake of the classic True Grit by Oscar-winning brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. — PTI

Basking in the glory of Band Baaja Baarat, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, who is eyeing a fourth hit with her upcoming film Patiala House says her last outing has made her a bankable actor in the industry.

"After Band Baaja Baarat people are viewing me differently. I am seen in a new light. Now, I am seen as a bankable actor. There are lot of good things and lot of appreciation coming my way. I am feeling comfortable right now in the industry," said Anuska.

The actress has given three back-to-back hits right from her debut film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Badmash Company and Band Baaja Baarat. All the three films were made under the Yash Raj banner. She will now be seen next in Nikhil Advani's Patiala House opposite Akshay Kumar.

"It feels great to me that all my three films have been liked by the audience. I am looking forward to the release of Patiala House and I hope it becomes a hit. Post the success of BBB I have got lot of offers but I am very choosy about the film. I do only things that excite me," Anushka said.

Patiala House shows how a second-generation Sikh Guttu (Akshay Kumar) and his siblings in London held back their dreams, in love and respect for their authoritarian father (Rishi Kapoor) until Guttu meets Simran (Anushka) who gives him the strength to stand up to fulfil his dream. The film is about generation gap and chasing dreams.

When asked did she face any objection and pressure from her parents in real life, the 22-year-old actress, said, "I never felt any pressure from my family. I wanted to become a model and my parents were ok with it. Then I wanted to become an actor and my parents were ok with it as well. I never felt any parental pressure...that way I have been lucky." — PTI

His shift towards songs like Beedi and Kajrare raised many eyebrows and Oscar-winning lyricist Gulzar says it is a reflection of changing times.

But the 74-year-old song-writer is completely against one trend, that of remixing old songs, and he is not ready to listen to the excuse of changing times here. Gulzar feels that it is a crime against the cinematic history of India.

"I am against remixing. The songs are now used only to dance. Who are you to temper with someone else's creation," Gulzar told a packed audience at the ongoing Jaipur literature festival.

"I blame the present generation for destroying cinematic history. It is like repainting Ajanta and Ellora. They don't need a song to listen, they want to dance on the tunes and thus wreck havoc on the old songs." When asked by an audience member whether colouring of classics like Mughal-e-Azam would be considered bad too, Gulzar promptly said, "Yes, it should not have been done. Who are we to redo K Asif's vision?" He was accompanied by two other eminent lyricists, Javed Akhtar and Prasoon Joshi, for the session Geet Gaata Chal - and it was not often that the trio agreed on one topic, much to the delight of the audience. — PTI

Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike found working with legendary actor Dustin Hoffman annoying because of his irritating behavior.

The 31-year-old actress who co-starred with Hoffman, 73, in the Canadian drama Barney's Version directed by Richard J Lewis, found working with him troublesome but could not reprimand him because of his legendary status, reported Contactmusic.

"He's completely un-shy. He'll say things like, 'Rosamund, which part of your body do you like least?' just before you do a take. And if it was anyone else you'd say, 'Oh shut up, but it's Dustin Hoffman, and you realise that he's suddenly got you to wear a mournful face when it's supposed to be the happiest day of your life.

"You sort of marvel at how he got you into this different place," said the actress. The An Education star said that she was unable to concentrate whenever Doffman was around due to his playful attitude.

"We only had one important scene together, and he was so annoying! "Paul Giamatti and I were having our wedding day, and we were doing our big kiss, and Dustin would be like, 'C'mon, that's not a kiss. Ooh, now Paul, that's more like it! Ah-ha, now she's kissing you back big time!' All this stuff," added Pike. — PTI

Hollywood actor Matt Damon refused to visit psychics to research for his role in new film Hereafter because he thinks they are fake.

The 40-year-old actor, who plays a psychic who can see dead people in the film, refrained from going to any real life mystics for the fear of falling prey to such pretentious people, reported Contactmusic.

"Had I found a good one I would have. What I was worried about was that it was just going to take me down this rabbit hole of charlatans.

"I think a large part of that space is occupied by pretenders, which is not to say there aren't people out there who are genuinely touched in some way. I just didn't get a chance to meet any of them," the Goodwill Hunting star said.

Damon said that he is open to the idea of near death experiences after interacting with actor Martin Sheen, who himself had a almost-fatal heart attack while on the sets of Apocalypse Now.

"But I did speak to Martin Sheen, who had a near-death experience on Apocalypse Now' when he had a heart attack. — PTI