Ann is out to find a date, Jenn has found one but suffers from pre-date jitters, Sussanne would like to know how her date went…dating is indeed a dangerous activity. However, it's too hard not to roll the dice and take chances one more time!

Out to woo a date, can't get through a date, what went after a date, the literature on dating 'empowers you at every step.' How helpful is the self-help section in this genre is a blank yet to be filled in, but tools and rules on dating are available in abundance.

Opines Pankaj, from Browser's-8, "Fictional work on the subject is very popular but as a non-fiction genre, I don't know how popular are they in this region. Maybe because there's so much available online already." They may not be the most issued titles, but shelves across the city are replete with titles promising the sun, moon and stars.

Shares Christina Singh, deputy manager, British Library, "We have a complete fictional series on Mates and Dates by Cathy Hopkins, but it doesn't move that fast. Eric Segal's Love Story is one of the most issued. Though everybody dates, this concept is not as developed and accepted as in the West."

There's The Dating Detox that comes intact with a tagline — If you can't date anyone nice, don't date anyone at all. Mars and Venus on a Date claims to be one-stop guide for navigating the five stages of dating. There's Dateable: Are you? Are They? - telling you your dateability quotient! How to Date a new woman everyday, surprisingly, is yet to be published somewhere by someone!

Shares Ajay Arora of Capital Book Depot, "The Game by Neil Strauss is quite a hit, then there are a few other titles on flirting but as far as the popularity of the genre goes, if they are displayed, they sell. People don't ask for them though."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

With the cricket world cup likely to garner most of the eyeballs, jittery filmmakers preferred to postpone their releases rather than face defeat at the hands of a beleaguered audience. Still we have Anand Rai's Tanu weds Manu, a celebration of the Great Indian wedding.

Tanu weds Manu is conceptually a melding of several hit films of the past few years from Dilwale Dulhaniyan le Jayenge, Jab we met, several Rajshri films to the current breed of 'Punjabified' Hindi films. So if you are looking for something new then you are going to be disappointed. In fact the only thing different here is the casting. Madhavan, a south Indian through and through plays a seedha-saada North Indian NRI doctor, Kangana Ranaut from Himachal Pradesh plays a out-of-control wilful girl from UP, Swara Bhaskar plays a Bihari while Ejaz Khan plays her beau, a sardarji. Quite an interesting assembly of faces and that is what makes this movie interesting at least in parts.

Manu (Madhavan) comes to Kanpur with his parents to view a prospective bride Tanu (Kangana). When he sees her she is in ghunghat and totally sozzled out of her senses. But hey! Desperate guy that he is, having lived in London for the past eleven years without friends- one look at her comatose self and he is smitten by her waif like charms. Manu says haan and both the families go ga-ga. They then decide to go to Vaishno devi. Enroute they make a song and dance of the train journey and when at the Shrine, Tanu makes it clear she doesn't want to marry the bore as she is already in love with someone else. She also demands that Manu be the one to break the nuptials. Frankly, it's quite difficult to believe and practically unpalatable that Tanu, given her bold nature, did not have the time or opportunity to say no to the whole exercise before the party set out for Vaishno devi.

Never mind...lets get back to the so-called story... Then Manu and family go back to their bride searching but Manu's heart is not in it. So his friend Pappi (Deepak Dobriyal) suddenly whips out a wedding invitation from Jassy an old college friend who lives in Punjab. Off they go to the wedding and pronto Tanu is also conveniently there with her friend Payal (Swara Bhaskar) who happens to be the bride. The entire screenplay is manipulative and predictable. Tanu's lover happens to be Raja (Jimmy Shergill) who also happens to be the brother of one of the girls Manu had seen and rejected. Raja was then engaged to someone else, a girl who conveniently disappears when Tanu needs him for herself. The storyline itself is weak and unremarkable. Suffice to say Anand Rai and team manage to manipulate the leads to say 'I do' at the end albeit with a lot of dramatic dialogue baazi and posturing. The narrative is a series of pre and post wedding rituals with a triangular love story and a marriage, as it's main and parallel threads. And it's all pretty convoluted and cliché ridden. Tanu's parents are surprisingly non reactive to her foul language, boozing and sexcapedes. Not once in the entire film do they reprimand her. In fact they play along with her entire range of antics without batting an eyelid. It's up to Payal, her good friend to dole out the advice. Well, acceptance of such behaviour is great coming from parents but it certainly doesn't ring true when the girl is someone from Kanpur-not as cosmopolitan as the Director/writer would like it to be. And the engineered grand standoff towards the end between the ex and the current beau, Raja and Manu, appears quite ridiculous and unwarranted.

It all looks pretty fake and stage-managed. The sound track, background score and songs lend a distinctive regional flavour to the narrative. The dialogues keep the wit and ennui flowing throughout the copiously engineered narrative. The performances really manage to save the film from being just another trashy Rajshri clone. Madhavan despite a badly written role, does well to lend his own brand of sincerity to make Manu believable. Swara Bhaskar as Payal, Ejaz Khan's Jassy, Deepak Dobriyal's Pappi, Jimmy Shergill's Raja also lend good support and Kangna Ranaut in spite of her atrocious diction (which hasn't improved even after a half dozen films) manages to show-off her considerable unvarnished charm and talent to good effect.

This film is basically well suited for TV!

johnsont307@gmail.com

Cyrus Broacha, who will be the host of next month's Golden Kela Awards that take a dig at failures in Bollywood just like Hollywood's Razzies, is hoping that Hindi film celebrities will just have a good laugh and not feel insulted.

"These awards are not meant to insult anyone. It is just a laughter exercise, a therapy of sorts to forget about the failures and look at what went wrong with the movie and the act," Cyrus said in an interview from Mumbai.

Based on Hollywood's Golden Raspberry Awards that are a spoof on the Oscars, this is the third edition of the Golden Kela Awards and Cyrus admits it is in a nascent stage. But if celebrities attend the function, it will be a wonderful way of looking at failures in a humorous way, he said.

"By giving these awards, we are not categorising you as worst actor or director; it is just a funny way to look at things, analyse, laugh and then forget. One should accept the awards in good spirit and we hope Bollywood actors will give us their support," he added.

The Golden Raspberry Awards were founded in 1981 and its popularity was gauged when Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock won the worst actress award in 2010 for "All About Steve" and she accepted it as well. Interestingly, the following night Bullock won her first academy award for The Blind Side.

Though Bollywood also found a sport in Abhishek Bachchan, who came to the Golden Kela Awards last year and accepted the Dara Singh Award for his attempt to speak with an American accent in Delhi 6.

"This proves that he is so secure that he accepted the award. And I am sure, once the awards gain popularity in India, they will be a big hit. There are other actors in Bollywood who have a great sense of humour and who won't mind getting a Kela award," he said.

"I think Shah Rukh Khan is also amongst actors with an excellent sense of humour and won't mind collecting one," he added.

The function will take place in the capital on March 12 and some of the actors nominated in the worst male actor category are Imraan Khan (I Hate Luv Storys, Break Ke Baad), Neil Nitin Mukesh (Lafangey Parindey), John Abraham (Jhoota Hi Sahi), Hrithik Roshan (Guzaarish), Vivek Oberoi (Prince) and Shah Rukh Khan (My Name Is Khan).

And in the worst female actor category, the nominees are Sonam Kapoor (Aisha), Deepika Padukone (Housefull and Break Ke Baad), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Raavan), Kareena Kapoor and Kajol (We Are Family), Priyanka Chopra (Anjaana Anjaani) and Pakhi Tyrewala (Jhootha Hi Sahi). — IANS

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said that he would like to become a journalist in his next life.

"It is not possible in this life, but in my next life I would like to become a journalist," said Bachchan, who is currently shooting for Prakash Jha's film, Aarakshan (reservations) in Bhopal.

When asked what he thought of reservations per se, the 68-year-old actor said he simply mouths the lines provided by the director, and didn't have any personal opinion on the issue.

Praising Bhopal, which happens to be his sasural (in-laws' place), he said that people here were very nice and cooperative.

Director Jha said the film was an effort to show how reservations benefit the weaker sections of the society. — PTI 

Her dark comedy 7 Khoon Maaf has under-performed at the box office, but Priyanka Chopra is confident it won't lose money as it was not a big budget film.

"We haven't really spent that much on it. No, it isn't an expensive film," said the 28-year-old who enjoys being one of the top actresses in Bollywood.

It wasn't easy for Priyanka to go through seven different looks and emotions in 7 Khoon Maaf, which is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. On top of it there were all those stories about the intimate scenes with her leading men.

"After seeing the film, I've had people ask, 'Where is the kissing scene with John (Abraham), the love scene with Neil (Nitin Mukesh)?' Did I say there were love-making scenes? The one really lengthy bedroom sequence I have was with Irrfan (Khan) and that was done in a salwar-kameez. It was hardly pleasant. For the love-making sequence with Anu Kapoor, I wasn't even present on the sets," she said.

The near-seduction sequence with Vivaan Shah was also done with a body-double. And Priyanka selected the body!

"The bare back had to be that of a 50-year old woman. My back just wouldn't have worked. I was shown dozens of backs. I finally chose one that I thought would pass off one, which I thought could be my back when I am 50. The hardest part of 7 Khoon Maaf was ageing in front of the camera without props."

There was a lot of improvisation on location of 7 Khoon Maaf.

"That moment when I slap myself in front of the mirror? It wasn't even there in the script! I was supposed to break down in front of the mirror. I suggested I slap myself," said Priyanka, who is sure she cannot get into a role without preparation.

"I am doing Agneepath and Barfee back-to-back. I've set aside time for preparation. I expect a certain surprise element from myself in every role that I play," said the actress who wowed her fans with her performance in Kaminey and Fashion. In fact, the latter fetched her first prestigious National Award. — IANS

They are known for their fit bodies and hefty physiques. Now, model-turned-actors Milind Soman and Rahul Dev are set to share their fitness secrets through their first ever spa and fitness centre - "Breathe" - in the capital.

The instructors at "Breathe Fitness" would help sculpt and tone the body into the desired shape through correct technique, exercise and nutrition with advanced cardio and strength equipments.

"Breathe Spa", which will be a combination of ancient and modern techniques of massage and therapies interwoven with healing products, will help de-stress, detox, pamper and heal the body and senses.

They would also have their own interactive website for all fitness and sport enthusiasts with special pages for new developments, myths and facts coupled with guest columnists.

Regular guest instructors will visit the place to keep members abreast of all developments in the field of fitness from all over the world. — IANS

Bollywood star Salman Khan rescued brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri on the sets of Bodygaurd when actress Kareena Kapoor fell ill. The star wasn't required on the set that particular day because his co-star Kareena's solo portions were being filmed, but shooting came to a halt after the actress fell ill.

"The shooting had to be cut short since Kareena fell ill and Salman wasn't expected till much later. A lot of time would have been wasted and nearly 200 people would have been left hanging if it weren't for Salman's quick thinking," said a source.

In order to make it on time Salman took the same helicopter that had flown him to Jaipur that morning back to Pune.

Said Agnihotri: "Salman bhai saved a day's shooting for us after Kareena fell ill and was advised two days' bed rest. We were canning a song that day and so I didn't have a supporting cast to fall back on. I requested Salman to return early and he was back by the time we'd finished lunch. And we shot some solo portions with him." — IANS

Bollywood actor R. Madhavan pulled a fast one on actress Swara Bhaskar on the sets of Tanu Weds Manu that released this Friday.

The actor, along with the chief assistant director and Deepak Dobriyal, fooled the 25-year-old into believing that a woman who looked like choreographer Saroj Khan was actually Saroj.

A source narrated, "One day on the sets while getting ready to shoot a dance sequence, the cast was informed that legendary Indian dance choreographer Saroj Khan would be choreographing their dance steps. Swara got innocently excited and thrilled on hearing this, being a huge Saroj Khan fan."

India-born British film editor Tariq Anwar is in the Oscar race with a nomination for his work in the hugely popular historical drama The King's Speech.

This is his second nomination for the prestigious award. In 1999, he was nomianted for American Beauty. Raised in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Tariq has been working as a film editor in Britain for more than two decades and has worked on films like The Good Shepherd and Sylvia. Tariq won two BAFTA awards for Oppenheimer and American Beauty.

The other Indian name in the Oscar nomination list is, of course, composer A.R. Rahman. The Chennai-based maestro, who won two Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire in 2009, has been nominated for two awards for 127 Hours this year. Colin Firth starrer The King's Speech, which has been appreciated across the globe, has received 12 Oscar nominations.Tariq will be competing with Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter (The Social Network), Jon Harris (127 Hours), Pamela Martin (The Fighter) and Andrew Weisblum (Black Swan) for the prestigious award, which will be given Sunday at a gala ceremony.

Tariq's children are also in showbiz - his daughter Gabrielle Anwar plays Fiona 
Glenanne in Burn Notice, while his son Rafiq is also an actor and he directs 
as well. — IANS

Stories of the Soil, a book by Nirupama Dutt, talks of the culture and tradition of Punjab, of turbulent times of Partition and terrorism; of social evils like female foeticide, of women living in the villages of Punjab and much more.

In a way, the book encompasses the history of Punjab. The project was conceptualised in 2001 to celebrate the 100 years of Punjabi short stories. "Initially, only 20 stories were to be translated from Punjabi to English but in the process of doing that, the project became more ambitious and the number of stories increased to 40," says Dutt.

Nirupama, quite expectedly, picked up a few classics and literary works by noted Punjabi authors Amrita Pritam, Balwant Gargi, Nanak Singh, Gurdial Singh and at the same time, she also included works of contemporary writers, who she thought had produced some exceptional works. Short stories by Punjabis settled in Canada and Europe have also been translated.

The book, as Nirupama puts it, has an aim that goes much beyond taking Punjabi literature to the world. "The book is a proof of the fact that Punjab has more in terms of culture than the ever popular Gidda and Bhangra." Picking up the right kind of stories was a challenge as well. "When I started translating, I knew that the book was pitched against more popular languages like Bengali and Malayalam, which already have a lot of regional literature to their credit. So, only the best works of Punjabi literature had to be incorporated."

Every writer has contributed one story to the book except for Amrita Pritam and Gurudev Singh Rupana, whose works have been repeated twice. The back pages of the book have been dedicated to all the writers, whose short stories are in the book. "The fictional work will enable people to know the truth about the rich heritage and culture of Punjab," she signs off.

ashima@tribunemail.com

PepsiCo's Mountain Dew kick-starts this summer with its biggest brand campaign featuring Bollywood's action star, Salman Khan. Shot in the mountainous terrains of New Zealand, the new Mountain Dew commercial is high on the adventure quotient in keeping with the brand's philosophy of Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai. The star cast of the film extends to internationally celebrated action-adventure ad film maker, Bob Gordon. It will see Salman taking up the Mountain Dew challenge that required him to jump from one of the highest peaks of New Zealand.

The big game of cricket is back again with a bang, ICC cricket world cup 2011 and this time on Indian soil. The sojourn of the Men in Blue, which starts tomorrow with the kick-off of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Bangladesh, is about to set many hearts racing and have as many employees not turning up at office. Preparations for the ICC Worldcup 2011 are heating up. People all across the world are eager to watch ICC World Cup 2011 streaming live.

For all you cricket buffs , The Lobby promises to stir frenzy into the menu by serving favourite dishes of the Indian squad.

Cricket World Cup 2011 menu at The Lobby.

VEG: Sewhag's Natraaj Shot- (Malai Aur Mewe Ki Broccoli), Gambhir's Pull Shot- (Bharwa Charra Aloo), Raina's Crispy Cut- (Hunan Style Baby Corn), Sreesanth Express- (Diced Cottage Cheese Scallions), Nehra's Slow Wonder- (Tandoori Cottage Cheese Pizzaiollo).

NON-VEG. Kirsten's Indian Favorite- (Tandoori Pomfret), Sachin's Spoon Cut- (Tandoori Masalewale Jheenge), Mahi's Helicopter Shot- (Murg Angara), Virat's Veer Secret- (Chicken 47 Tangra Style), Crazy Chawla- (Three Pepper & Cheese Stuffed Meat Balls), Yuvi's Mental Shot- (Satay Kai with Peanut Sauce), Pathan Ka Ulta Palta -(Lasuni Murg Tikka), Bhajji Ka Dhusra- (Chicken Olivetti), Zaheer's Swing -(Raan Sikandri).

You can raise your glass and make a toast from the exotic spread of drinks. The décor has been done up to complement flags, world cup schedule, mascot, autobiographies, hall of fame & life size cut-outs of players. Big screens have been installed coupled with plush seating. — TNS

What are Saturday afternoons for if not for creativity? And what if these are fun-filled and involve both parents and children. Budding designers, aged three to 13, teamed up with their parents to showcase various interactive forms of art and craft at a one of its kind ‘Art & Craft Extravaganza’ organised by Ashiana Public School, Sector 46, Chandigarh, with a rich variety of art forms.

There was something to please everyone, be it hand-printing, wax painting, rag printing, paper folding etc.

A unique creative learning initiative introduced by Ashiana Public School, the ‘Art & Craft Extravaganza’ provided parents and children with valuable insight into the various interactive forms of art and craft, activities using available material and utilising it creatively, which proves suitable for the entire family. The workshop provided the much-needed platform for parents to learn new ways to keep their child productively engaged. — TNS

Healthyway Immigration Consultant Pvt. Ltd. announces the start of Healthyway Immigration Women Empowerment Month. This programme is on till March 20.

There are a number of activities and events to engage and empower women at all levels. During this period, Healthyway Immigration is gifting every woman entering the premises, irrespective of the purpose of the visit. A Scratch Card with several prizes including the grand prizes of washing machines, LCD TVs and refrigerators will be offered to every woman applicant registering with Healthyway to go abroad for higher studies during the Women Empowerment Month.

They are also giving Child Kits to all girls born on March 8 at a leading city hospital.

As per Shivani Kapoor, head marketing, Healthyway Immigration Consultant Pvt. Ltd, "It has always been our constant endeavour to give back to the society. Serving the people is a way of life for us and women are a very important part of our organisation." — TNS

Growing up, we were told that Vidya or knowledge is the key to all great things in life. If you desired as a kid, to eat endless number of chocolate cakes, you had to study hard. If you wanted to see the London bridge firsthand, you had to study hard. Also, Saraswati puja constituted an integral part of our lives, for she was the one who enabled knowledge, blessed all art forms and prevailed supreme in a state like Bengal, that believed that she was the destination as well as the reason for the journey.

Saraswati puja usually came around before the final exams and we unfailingly sought her blessing specially keeping in mind the malicious nature of the examiners when it came to co-ordinate geometry or analysis of a particularly profound piece of Tagore. Therefore, it was a great trip down the memory lane for me when I found myself at the Saraswati puja hosted by the Chandigarh Kalibari this year. Nothing has really changed. Students look just as plaintive as they did then, education is still in and avenues are still unfurled by the great forces that seem to be ruling this century - knowledge and information.

I had a job aspirant tell me that he gets all his information from the Internet. He predicted that books will be obsolete in a decade. I shuddered! Can we really live in a world without books? If books are no longer going to be the vehicle of Vidya, then how will you teach your children to revere them? Will we allow our kids to use a book as a foot rest or for lifting up a short stool or a dishwasher? I remember my first semester as a graduate student in America. I shuddered to see my roommate stuffing her backpack with her books topped by her gym shoes. I was naïve enough to utter an exclamation. Upon hearing my apparent bizarre theory about non-co-existence of books and shoes, she laughed and then went on to announce in the class that Indians not only worship cows but books are holy as well.

Chandigarh is a town ruled by excellence in enterprise. If one was to apply simplified benchmarks of ruling forces or Gods and Goddesses sometimes, one would be lost. Chandigarh is also a shining example of shaking off the old bondages of degrees and institutions and excelling by tenacious labour, synchronization with the world market and innovative capturing of every business opportunity that is afloat. We had to beseech, the new Chandigarh envisions and executes. An older gentleman in a well- known grocery store was trying to buy a bottle of scotch. He asked one of the workers to furnish his opinion about the liquor. The man stuck out his tongue and said, "Sirji, aapko kya lagta hain? Mein aisi kimti cheez pita hoon?" the older gentleman said " Kyon? Mehnat karoge to sab kuch pi sakte ho." That's the Chandigarh spirit! 

It's a dream come true for the tricity's fashionable and the well heeled. The newest fashion hub epoca, which means, "an era" in Italian, has brought Milano to your doorstep with the best of top Italian international luxury brands at accessible price all under one roof.

A three-day exhibition organised by epoca opened on Friday at Hotel Mounteview Sector 10, showcasing top Italian luxury brands. Up for grabs are a wide range of categories, trends, seasons and styles in garments, accessories, shoes, handbags, belts, etc from Italian international luxury brands like D&G, Dolce and Gabbana, Trussardi, Tru Jeans, Ferre'. Headed by Italy based Pankaj Vashisht, each item is handpicked during the delicate process of purchasing in Italy. A perfect synergy and co-ordination by Gopal Sharma and Puneet Khanna, the Indian promoters, completes the picture to cater to the Indian clientele keeping their individual tastes in mind. — TNS

ARIES: The Hermit says focus on relationships. You may meet an interesting person on Thursday. Possibility is love stars might twinkle. Do not disturb jointly held funds without the consent of your partner. Efforts will bear fruit on Monday & Wednesday. Tip of the week: Don't be too stubborn. Lucky colour: Peach.

TAURUS: "The Wheel of Fortune" says you would be energized and ready to deal with anything. Shopkeepers may find Tuesday quite hectic. For professionals out there, feel positive and optimistic. Saturday is to improve your home appearance. Defer trip on Monday. Tip: Yoga and meditation are rejuvenating. Lucky colour: Orange.

GEMINI: You draw Six of Wands that helps you in professional work. Do not worry; discuss your plans with loved ones. All ventures connected with moneymaking prove exciting & profitable. Tip: Do not let anyone get advantage over you. Lucky Colour: Lime green.

CANCER: "The Emperor" gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Love life sparkles. If you have been thinking of buying a pet this is the favorable week for getting one. Expect excellent news concerning finance on Monday. Tip: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Green.

LEO: "The High Priestess" reveals family pressure and responsibilities. Be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find faults in people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Don't follow others; let them follow you if they so desire. Tip: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White.

VIRGO: "The Priestess" says you might have to deal with problems. Teamwork is the keynote of the week. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may drum up certain problems for you. Check your car before you set out on a long journey. Tip: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays that comes your way. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow.

LIBRA: Hard work and determination would pay off. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. On Wednesday there is an exchange of ideas with someone who means much to you. Tip: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Purple

SCORPIO: Your card "The Hierophant" says there may be some good news. Take what is useful and discard the rest. Those in love will have slightest sign of trouble. Guard against extreme agitation. A short trip will rejuvenate your mind and body. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Sky blue.

SAGITTARIUS: Politicians draw flak. Do not avoid responsibility. Keep travel plans off. Romantic life takes an upswing. Children will be a source of happiness and joy on the weekend. Tip: You concentrate on projects with reliable outcomes. Lucky Colour: Brown.

CAPRICORN: The Chariot. You would tackle tasks that have been pending for sometime and get them done. Now is the time to try your luck at speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Domestic compulsions will make your life uneasy. Tip: Now is the need to question the value judgments that are shaping your aspects. Lucky colour: Royal blue.

AQUARIUS: "The Knight of Wands" reveals this would be a period of change and newness. Expectant mothers are assured safe delivery. Those in love will have an exciting week. Hobbies and extra curricular activities will gain extra momentum. Look for the answers to your dilemmas within you. Tip: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Lucky Colour: Crimson.

PISCES: "Five of Cups" takes you through difficult speculative situations. Planning for investment? Push extra cash into safe scheme. Check your account in campus. Circumstances take a turn in your favour. Tip: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky Colour: Midnight blue.