Brand new wish
Bottega Venetta, Gucci, Hugo Boss….Youngsters want a lot more in their wardrobe.
Manpriya Khurana

Not long ago, our solitary Sector 17 stood more for an evening out or even for Indian Coffee house, than for some serious label shopping. People frequented it as much to "buy some clothes" as to purchase a mixer blender. It wasn't long before baby brands slowly set up shop. We had the likes of Spykar, Reebok, Lee, Madame, Weekender…gradually the bigger daddies Sisley, Gantt, Ed Hardy, DKNY, Fcuk tip toed albeit not through their exclusive boutiques.

The neighbouring commercial capital perhaps has a similar story although a different psychology. Ludhiana, the richer cousin, of all cities in Punjab, has always painted the stereotypical prosperous image of a jetsetting Punjabi. Which is why, the entire city would rather go out and buy. Which is why the likes of Judith Leiber, has happily held three-four trunk shows, but never opened a boutique.

The high street French Fashion houses are yet to locate in either of the cities. But then our Plaza or even the prosperous Ludhiana has never been the upscale Champs Elysees. Although some of the discerning youngsters would want it to become one. Burberry, Dior, Jimmy Choo, figure on the wish list.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Burberry

Imranjot SinghIt's a long jump to be able to locate a billboard of Chloe or a Bottega Venetta. Still, in its own right, our Central Plaza has always been one of the most expensive strip of real estate in the Capital. The search engines promise the likes of Versace, Armani, BVLGARI and Gucci to set up soon at the Sector 17. Till that happens, it's heading left, right and centre to acquire the aspirational labels. Imranjot Singh Sekhon, high school medical student, wishes he needed not go out for Burberry, "For some reason I'm addicted to this brand Burberry and whenever I go to Canada I end up hoarding the stuff. It's high time, we had such labels here." He adds, "Every time, you want to update your wardrobe, you invariably have to go out."

Even right now, it's possible to get a pair of Ferragamo glares or a Rolex watch though not through their one stop shop. 

Christian Dior

Liberty Singh, entrepreneur, Phoenix Club, wishes she didn't have to every time head to Emporio in Delhi to acquire some of the best labels. "Chandigarh isn't a very exciting place to shop. I mean there aren't too many choices and since there's no variety, there's nothing really to look forward to." She adds, "There are a few nice shops but on the whole you have to head Delhi.

I love labels like Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Versace and Dior and they just aren't here in the city yet." The girl would really want a Dior and Manish Arora to set up right here.

Ralph Lauren

Rishab Oswal, the nineteen-year-old management student, from the University of Nottingham, has a rather long wish list. "I really like Paul n Shark for their shirts, I love Ralph Lauren for its tees, and I like Hugo Boss for both their shirts and jeans." 

For him, it's either heading to the Capital or hitting online for his favourite brands. "Ludhiana as a shopping place has a huge potential but somehow there isn't the right mix of brands as yet." May be because people would rather venture out to shop. 

Polo Ralph Lauren

Arjun DhandaLooks like the American fashion designer Ralph Lauren is a hit with the boys. Eighteen-year-old Arjun Dhanda, studying in Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, would love to see the brand open its exclusive store back in Ludhiana. "Even though I'm not very sure of any high end fashion label's survival in Ludhiana, I would love to see this particular brand open up at this place. Wouldn't miss any opportunity of visiting the store." Currently for him, it's shopping while travelling abroad that ensures almost all the brands are tucked nicely in his wardrobe. "People would go out and buy also for the reasons that abroad almost any high end brand, apart from Hermes and Louis Vuitton, is on as high as forty per cent sale. Which is not possible back in our cities." 

Bvlgari

Shares Amandeep Sandhu, B. Tech student, "I would love a Phulkari to proudly stand next to a Bvlgari. So that we have the best of both world's. Not that the coming of brands would cannibalise the local traditional flavour of the place." Adds Liberty, "It would be really nice if we had one big mall in the city, where all these labels were available under one roof."

SUCCESS MANTRA
Work as a team
'Being in good company' is what Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry attributes her success to
Mona

Theatre is not what she intended to take up as a career, but once she chose it as her vocation she followed it with a zeal. And that shows in the niche that Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry has carved for herself in the field of theatre.

A Padma Shri and recipient of awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ford Foundation and Shiromani Award by Bhasha Vibhag, Punjab, Neelam Mansingh says, "Theatre people work in a very private space. There is a strange synergy between the actors and the playwright. Awards are recognition for the hardwork."

About the beginning of this momentous journey she shares, "I grew up in Amritsar where theatre was seen more as a hobby than a profession." Three people impacted her career significantly. "It was BN Goswami who opened up the window to art for me. I loved reading about art and artistes, so wanted to be a part of their world," says Neelam Mansingh, who studied fine arts under Goswami. Ebrahim Alkazi's lecture pulled her to the magical world of theatre. "I was taken in by Alkazi's charisma. I wanted to be his student when I heard him speak," she says. The third one is BV Karanth, her colleague at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal. "I see him more as a teacher from whom I have learnt a lot," she says.

Also, Neelam Mansingh is all praises for her team. "I have been working with the same set of people for about 27 years now, which I guess is unparalleled in the country. Numerous times, they rose to the occasion despite difficult circumstances," she says Next month, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, one of her group member who is four months pregnant is going to Delhi for a play A Wife's Letter. "Once, anactor headed straight from the father's funeral to Japan where we were to stage a play. Yet another one made it to a performance in Bangalore even before her newly wed daughter-in-law had entered her new home," she says. "If one has such bunch of dedicated and passionate people around, one is forced to excel," she smiles

She shares some other traits that make her successful? Neelam Mansingh shares:

Risk-taker

If you don't do something extraordinary, an ordinary life awaits you. Be a risk-taker.

Belief in yourself

The world will take note of you only if you have faith in yourself. Trust your abilities, they will pave the way for success.

Focus

One requires undivided attention to reach the goal. Once you are clear about your aim, go for it.

Teamwork

Cultivate people around you. A loyal, devoted team inspires you to excel.

Dedication

It's must if you want to succeed in any field. Let not distractions waver you from achieving the excellence.

mona@tribunemail.com

Short cut
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

This summer, make a style statement with an uber-cool pair of shorts
This summer, make a style statement with an uber-cool pair of shorts

Making inroads into a girl's daily wardrobe are shorts. Calling the shots this summer is this dressing item, which spells comfort. Shorts are not meant for the faint-hearted, one need's to be comfortable to show off her sexy legs. Highly popular this season, they incorporate style and comfort.

Style check

Though the market is flooded with shorts, you can choose from casual as well as more formal options. Casual shorts look stunning and can be worn with flip-flops as well as heels. Formal ones should be strictly worn with stilettos only. This kind of shorts can be tight fitting or loose around the body.

Length of the shorts as well as the fabric is yet another choice that one should smartly make. "Though there is a variety to choose from, women can adapt the shorts to the body type and style of the outfit," says an employee at Just Casuals in Sector 9.

A new high

This season high waist shorts have made a comeback, and we suggest wear it with tops tucked in so that the style can be highlighted. These shorts are available at Benetton,

Kapsons-17 and Pantaloons. Adds designer Amit Kashyap, "Leather is not meant for all. However, the classic leather shorts still manage to create a sexy yet rebellious look. Wear these leather shorts with short T-shirts. Team it up with heels or flats depending on personal preference."

Trendsetters

The trendiest ways to wear shorts in 2011 have been presented

by the designers on the ramp. You can choose your own style casual, chic or punk.

"The casual-chic style shorts can be created out of a variety of fabrics such as linen, canvas and denim. Match it with a chic pair of shoes and a tee. For the punk look choose a tighter fit. Dip-dyed and ripped are another option in shorts. You can wear them with tank tops," says designer

Deepika Gehani.

Lastly, about the most talked about shorts, the formal shorts. Made out of tweed these look simple and elegant. These shorts can be teamed with matching blazers, which renders it a formal look. 

'Royal Wedding' sixth biggest online event in history

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding has become the sixth biggest online event in history, as millions watched the grand event on television and internet. Statistics have revealed that global internet traffic was at its peak at around 1.30pm with 5.3 million page views per minute.

People thronged 'Facebook' which reported 74 updates a second. During the ceremony, there were 268,777 mentions of the wedding on Facebook in UK alone. The event at its peak was mentioned 67 times a second on Twitter. Almost 10,600 allusions to Middleton's dress were recorded among UK users during the ceremony, with 4,583 comments on Sir Elton John singing along. "By the time the newlyweds emerged for the procession to Buckingham Palace, the number of mentions by users around the country had hit 1,199,196", accoording to sources. — ANI

Star Track
Style Mantra: Lara Dutta

Lara Dutta is lovely. She is tall, curvaceous, and stylish. She has a pretty face with sharp features. Her wit and intelligence is what is most appealing about her. She talks fast but she is very clear and she makes sense. She is glamourous, chic, and oozes class. She carries off Indian wear and western wear equally well. The leggy lass uses colour well. She changes her hair often, from a chic bob to shoulder-length layers. Her sense of style has remained the same after (her recent) marriage. The former beauty queen is perfectly groomed. Take a look.

Desi Girl
We aren’t fans of the colour but Lara carries it off gracefully and looks classy. We like the pearl jewellery too. The saree makes her look like the married lady that she now is. Golden clutch goes well with the colour scheme.

Sweet & simple
Lara keeps it simple by pairing a vibrant dress with nude espadrille wedges. However, something about her make-up is off and makes her look funny and the earrings don’t gel with the look, either! And please can somebody decode the colour of her nailpaint. 

Foxy chick
Lara pulls off the fitted and feminine leopard print dress. Daringly, she pairs it with golden pumps and the red heel adds a dash of colour. Her hair is sleek and her make-up looks minimal. What’s not to like about this very stylish appearance?

Grey matters

There is too much grey to digest and the newlywed and optimistic Lara could easily do with more colour. She looks good without make-up and we like her diamond earrings. Her bag could be bit colourful to add zing to her style. 

Sensuous

Lara looks absolutely stunning in this purple gown. We loved all the gold accessories, the pink lips, and the eye make-up. She looks like a complete diva and a head-turner for the right reasons.

Star Track
Saif’s sequel plans with Akki

Saif Ali Khan Saif Ali Khan wants to make a sequel to his 1994 hit with Akshay Kumar, Main Khiladi Tu Anari. He also talks about producing a film with Kunal Khemu and plans for his next films and co-stars.



Act two :
Saif Ali Khan

Dream tEam

I wanted to make a sequel to this film when it released but everybody else laughed it off saying that sequels do not work in India. I was a little surprised because they work in Hollywood all the time, if the right films are spun into franchises. Now is a pretty good time to make a sequel and I will talk to Akshay about it.

Projects

I have a film with Homi Adajania, tentatively titled Cocktail, a film with Raj and DK which will star Kunal Khemu and I have a cameo in it, and a film with Fox Studios based on a comic book. Raj and DK were looking for a producer and Kunal sent them to me. Kunal fits the role and Soha is not part of the film.

Co-stars

I have three films with Deepika Padukone. Kareena and I have separate personal and professional equations. She does not have a problem with the people I work with. There is no issue here.

Grand Plans

Saif Ali Khan is very busy with projects under Illuminati, his production banner house. Agent Vinod will release this year and he has three more films on the cards.

Jones to play Liz Taylor in biopic?

Catherine Zeta-Jones
DREAM ROLE: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones is rumoured to be in the running to play Dame Elizabeth Taylor in a Hollywood film about the late actor's tumultuous love life. According to show business sources in Los Angeles, the Welsh beauty, who recently underwent treatment for bipolar disorder, is on the shortlist along with Angelina Jolie.

Swansea-born Catherine, an Oscar winner herself, is said to have expressed a strong interest in the part because of Taylor's long association with Wales through Richard Burton, Dame Elizabeth's great love and husband in two of her eight marriages.

"To play Liz Taylor would be a dream come true for Catherine. It would certainly be one of the most testing roles of her career," said a source. — ANI

 

Tickle your funny bone

Yuvika
Chill out: Yuvika

Bollywood actress Yuvika Chaudhary, who got noticed in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om, says her upcoming film Naughty @ 40 is a typical Govinda-entertainer, meant to tickle your funny bone.

"He is a totally chilled out person, always smiling and kidding me on the sets to make me comfortable. His sense of comic timing is excellent and the audiences I am sure will throng theatres to see a Govinda stress buster film coming after a long time. The film is a non-stop laughathon. I am sure people will enjoy a lot," says Yuvika.

Directed by Jagmohan Mundhra Naughty @ 40, a romantic-comedy, stars Govinda, Yuvika, Sayali Bhagat and American actor Lucia Gilbert.

Yuvika said the senior actor helped her a lot with the dancing part as "I just couldn't match steps with him… as he being such a fantastic dancer." On the movie theme,” she said. " — PTI

 

Stewart wanted grotesque Twilight birth scene

Kristen StewartHollywood actor Kristen Stewart is disappointed that her birth scene in the new movie Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn isnt as "grotesque" as in the book.

The 21-year-old star, who plays Bella Swan in the film franchise, concieves with her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen in the movie, leading to an agonising labour when their daughter Renesmee is born.

"The birth is really effective, and I've heard it really hits you in the face. But it could have been shocking and grotesque, because that's how it was written in the book. I would have loved to have been puking up blood," she said. However, Stewart accepts that the film's portrayal of the plot development is toned down to make it suitable for younger audiences.

Also toned down are Stewart's love scenes with her on-and-off-screen boyfriend Robert Pattinson (Edward) — PTI

Trend Setter
Sense & simplicity

Every person has a sense of style. Yet, there are only a few who'd attract a second glance or make heads turn. The magic could lie in tousled hair or it could lie in torn jeans! This week's face in the crowd, Manavjot Kaur, student, Department of Laws, Panjab University, believes in trying every possible piece of clothing.

Your sense of style is…

I'd believe in two words: simplicity and elegance. My wardrobe mostly comprises, dresses, tops, jeans, skirts…basically a bit of everything.

Latest addition in the wardrobe…

Oh! They are sundresses in lots of summery colours like pink, white and yellow. the idea is to feel comfortable and light.

Brand freak or street smart?

I'm not really a slave of brands. Wherever I find good stuff I just pick it up.

Choose one: Sporty, Glamorous or Chic

Among the three looks: it would have to be glamorous.

Favourite style icon?

Aishwarya Rai. She's very sophisticated and graceful.

Who's the worst dressed celebrity around?

Rakhi Sawant. Because she's gaudy and over the top.

One fashion trend you don't understand…

There are actually a lot of them. For instance short tops, then broad belts and even high waist jeans.

One thing that boosts your confidence

It's the sense of belief in my dressing style, which is casual.

(As told to Manpriya Khurana)

If you think you too fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com

Power corrupts…

Powerful women are just as likely as their male counterparts to commit adultery because sheer self-confidence drives them to do it, a study says.

According to the study, both power drunk men and women were more likely to have affairs than their junior colleagues because they had high self-esteem.

Researchers at Tilburg University in Holland, led by psychologist Joris Lammers, found that women with powerful jobs were just as likely to stray sexually as men.

"There's been a lot of research indicating gender is the key factor but none of these studies have been done on powerful women," says Lammers.

"As more and more women are in greater positions of power and are considered equal to men, then familiar assumptions about their behaviour may also change. This may lead to increased negative behaviours among women," he said.

His team studied 1,561 professionals. Of these, 58 per cent had non-management positions, 22 per cent were supervisors, 14 per cent were in middle management and six per cent were in senior management.

All were asked about past affairs and their desire to cheat. Their levels of power and self-confidence were measured, and they were asked how often they travelled for business.

Whether a person was male or female made no difference to their behaviour, Lammers said. Rather, the biggest factors influencing whether or not they were unfaithful were their levels of power and self-esteem. —IANS

GET PHYSICAL
Ward off stress by exercising
Sachin Kalra

Defined simply, stress is the body's reaction to a threat or challenge resulting from a situation (called a stressor) that can be either positive or negative. The body does not differentiate between physiological and psychological stress, and simply prepares you for action by going into a state of alarm. Any real or imagined threat will cause the release of a series of neurochemicals, the most familiar of which is adrenalin. Adrenalin triggers a chain of physiological changes throughout the entire body. This leads to increased heart rate, shallow and more rapid breathing, increased muscle tension, and perspiration.

Essentially, the body is preparing itself to either confront the challenge or retreat from it (i.e. fight or flight). The amount of stress a person feels depends on both internal factors (the person's personality and mental state) as well as external factors (the amount of stress in their daily home or work environment). While some people can clearly identify the stressing agent, many are not consciously aware of the fact that they are under stress. Symptoms of stress include the following:

Physical symptoms- Physical changes when under stress may include tense muscles, pounding heart rate, cold or clammy hands, headache, sweating, dry mouth, stomach ache, heartburn, colds, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, teeth grinding, skin rash and back pain.

Mental and behavioral- Irritability, anxiety, apathy, nervousness, depression, hostility, forgetfulness, confusion, short temper, overeating, under eating, overly emotional, excessive smoking/drinking and withdrawal from relationships.

Correlated Factors

Research has shown that physical exercise is the best tension reliever. It is a very important remedy for stress.

n Exercise is a diversion that enables you to relax due to a change in environment or routine. It also serves as an outlet to dissipate emotions.

n It improves blood flow to your brain, bringing additional sugars and oxygen that may be needed when you are thinking intensely.

n When you think hard, the neurons of your brain function more intensely. As they do this, they can build up toxic waste products that can cause foggy thinking. By exercising, you speed the flow of blood through your brain, removing these waste products faster.

n Exercise can cause release of chemicals called endorphins into your blood stream. These give you a feeling of happiness and positively affect your overall sense of well-being.

n There is also good evidence that physically fit people have less extreme physiological responses when under pressure than those who are not. This means that fit people are more able to handle the long- term effects of stress.

In addition to a regular exercise program, you can incorporate these stress-reducing exercises:

n Do some gentle neck rolls to help get rid of the tension. Let your chin drop slowly forward. Slowly roll your head to your right shoulder, back, left shoulder and front. Now do the same in the opposite direction. Do it slowly and repeat 10 times.

n Inhale 10 deep breaths. Fill your lungs full, hold and exhale slowly, ridding all the air. Repeat. The fresh dose of oxygen will also recharge your energy.

n Lie on the floor or sit in a comfortable chair. With your hands at your side or on the chair arm, visualize each part of your body, beginning with your toes and moving up. Take your time and feel your body relax, bit by bit.

Sachin Kalra is a city based fitness expert

Future Shot
Living smart
Deepak Verma

Television has definitely come a long way from being a good for nothing idiot box. At the latest Samsung Forum 2011, which showcased new range of smart TVs, Tablets and cameras, would make the common man wonder how technology is changing our lives at the speed of light.

A chance to be up, close and personal with new Smart TV lineup across the LED and Plasma platforms across this range, changed the way television is probably looked at. This new range is smarter and offers connected viewing experience to consumers. Available across LED D5500, D6000, D7000 and D8000 series as well as the D8000 Plasma series, Samsung Smart TVs allows the consumer to easily search for movies, TV shows, browse the web, explore Samsung apps, chat with friends and find many other types of new interactive TV content.

Who will say that television is all about melodrama and rigged reality shows. It can be turned into something smarter, which these people have successfully done. This is just the beginning, these Smart TV also offer easy accessible gateway to your kind of favourite music, games, movies, TV shows, pictures, and virtually any content online. In addition this, these TVs are packed with key features like Search All, which makes it easier to search for desired content on your TV, networked PC and mobile devices, and Internet and video-on-demand services.

Web browser is another feature where you can browse right from your TV, last but not the least, Social TV that makes it easier to chat with friends and family in real-time while watching the same TV content. Moving from one section to another a range of LED and Plasma TVs features providing consumers with the ability to bring the smarter life into their homes.

To provide a minimalistic, more immersive viewing experience, Samsung's LED-D8000, D7000 and D6600 series are virtually edgeless. The TVs offer a larger screen size without increasing the overall size of the TV (Verma is a documentary filmmaker)

The ‘in’ side
Decorating the coffee table
ukhmani

Decorating the coffee table is a must since it occupies a major place in your living rooms. Accessorise them in a way that compliments the style and décor of the room. Keep these few points in mind and you will never go wrong-

n A coffee table is usually 15-18 inches high. Ideally it should reach the top of the cushions on your sofa. In contemporary décor, low square wooden tables are in vogue.

n Less is more. Do not clutter up the table.

n If you have a rectangular table, you can try using a silk or lace runner.

n What you put on the table isn't as important as how well they work together as a unit is. The items should blend together in terms of colour, texture and proportion.

n Avoid putting tall objects as they will obstruct the view

n If you want to display a collection of tiny objects, place them in a tray to make them look like one unit.

n Vary the sizes and try to mix shiny items with dull ones, straight with curved and hard with soft items. Make sure that they all relate to one another.

n Books, silver boxes, potpourri, flowers and small cut glass pieces are usually put on coffee tables.

n You can also use a small plant or a bonsai on the table.

n Three pillar candles in different sizes look classy.

n A box full of seashells, nuts or pinecones can also be used. You can also put fresh fruit on the table.

n If you're grouping similar objects, group them in odd numbers.

n Try using different items in one color and vary their shades and textures for a unique look.

n Make sure what you put looks good from all sides as well as from top.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh based interior and landscape designer)

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can put you into cleaning and decorating your home. Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files & documents. Those married will enjoy the evening in a different way. Do not carry heavy cash. If possible get a dose of fresh air. A better day for travelling. Tarot message: Cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63.

TAURUS: Differences of opinion within the family could reach a boiling point. A stub-born response on your part won't help. Be friends with everyone. Do not compromise on financial issues. Love life runs into trouble. Private employees: expect a wage increase. Tarot message: If tempted to travel overseas don't finance the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27.

GEMINI: If you are not okay about relationship, finance or career issues, take action. The employed will have to work overtime. An important meeting may have to be shelved. Keep a low profile. A Taurean lover figures prominently. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camelish. Magic number: 40.

CANCER: You win over one enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Financially the first half of the day is rather expensive. Writers will find their work in print. Maintain a low profile. A health crises might strike, so be careful. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49.

LEO: Love life is passing through a rough phase. Businessmen have a tricky day. The married will buy a piece of jewellery for their spouse. A feel good humour and cosmic wisdom will weave into your affairs. Kindness and compassion is spreading around you. Tarot message: Be positive and think before taking action. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42.

VIRGO: Your card The Universe favours progress in your profession. Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. Distant affairs will become more favourable as the day progresses. A useful day for tackling repairs. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get advantage over you. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25.

LIBRA: You card The Moon reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them. Fortune can smile on you from the least expected sources. Don't rely on luck alone, though. Health problem can be satisfactorily treated. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38.

SCORPIO: An unexpected bonus could appear in your paycheck. Buy the right outfit for your exercise program. Dress up to make a great impression. Enjoy being noticed. Contact your parents if you have not called or seen them lately. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29.

SAGITTARIUS: Fresh strategies are likely to fall in order but initially they may be somewhat hit-and-miss. Household tasks can be done in record time. Don't speculate. No problem should arise in romance. Models: admirers will stick to you like bees; be careful. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

CAPRICORN: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring routine jobs can be made bearable through teamwork. Stress may be building, especially if you face unpaid bills. You may be feeling vulnerable to the criticism. Keep your cool and avoid confrontation. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59.

AQUARIUS: Many of you will scurry to be on time. Make extra efforts to complete pending projects. Secrecy of plans will help. Property deals favour till 2.00 p.m. Do not aim for spectacular results. Concentrate on recovery of old dues. A VIP comes to your help. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54.

PISCES: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Keep confidence that is entrusted to you. Health problems can be successfully handled. A good day for both buying & selling property. Stick to what you know. Cool down with water sports. Over-confidence could lead to recklessness. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39.

Chatter Box
Laugh all the way

Raju Srivastav
Raju Srivastav

Celebrities appearing on television are not uncommon but when the popular faces attempt stand up comedy, it is a totally different ball game. While they might be able to pull off comedy in their television serials or films, a reality show with a judge and audience adds a different dimension to their comic abilities. We take a look at celebrities who appeared in numerous television shows and upheld their talent and garnered a thundering applause.

Popularly known as Gajodhar Bhaiya, Raju Srivastav is a celeb in his own standing. He started off as an Amitabh Bachchan impressionist, did numerous stage shows, few roles in films as well but he got popular with the masses on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge show. Though he didn't win, he got name, fame and money and a title - king of comedy. Raju currently is a big draw in Star Plus' Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla where he not only performs acts with his team but a hilarious stand up act as well.

 

Live life king size

Mahi Vij
Homebound: Mahi Vij

Mahi Vij, aka Nakusha of Laagi Tujhse Lagan, is a cheerful personality with a sweet disposition. In a chat, she spills some of her secrets and dreams.

What are you most passionate about?

Cars. I love them. My dream car is a BMW. Right now, I have a swift and Honda city. I love driving too. It gives me immense pleasure and relaxes me. Though driving in Mumbai city isn't a pleasure exactly, yet when I have any free time I love going on long drives and cruise around the countryside.

Whom are you closest to family or friends?

Preity Bakshi and Vikas Kalnatri have been my close friends since ages. Jay and I both hang out with them often. Moreover, I hardly get time to chill out with friends as I am busy shooting and whenever I do get any time to spare I like to sleep or laze around at home.

What is your idea of romance?

I love feeling important and loved. You want to spend quality time understanding each other and enjoy each other's company.

What do you love and hate about your boyfriend Jay Bhanushali?

I love the fact that he is so sweet, caring and adorable. But he never surprises me. 

 

Arshad Warsi

Arshad WarsiSince his debut film Tere Mere Sapne, Arshad Warsi hasn't looked back. And with Munnabhai MBBS and numerous other films, he has made a mark as a comedy talent in the industry.

He has been showing off his comic skills in the skits performed by his team in Star Plus' Comedy Ka Maha Muqabla. He provides ample support to his team mates. — HRM

Sunayana's summer mantras

Sunayana Fozdar
Super Cool: Sunayana Fozdar

Sunayana Fozdar aka Pamthe bride to be in Ram Milayi Jodi on Zee tv shares some tips that can help you to keep cool this summer. Read on to find out how the pretty actress is beating the heat this season.

What do you like wearing during summer?

I make sure that I wear cotton and linen fabrics during summer. I am not a skirt person so I wear dresses. Since I am not a girly girl linen pants are another good option. Jeans are totally out of my wardrobe this season.

Is there any special food or beverage that you include in your diet?

I consume a lot of water and juices. I carry homemade nimbu paani to the sets and keep sipping it throughout the day. I also carry fruits like watermelon in my dabba and avoid anything spicy.

Which is your favourite perfume or deodorant?

Chance by Chanel is my absolute favourite.

What is your favourite summer getaway?

I am planning a trip to New Zealand soon. I have promised myself that I will holiday abroad at least once a year. My all time favourite getaway is Goa. It's an absolute fun place.

Any childhood memories of summer holidays that you would like to share?

During my school days I used to desperately wait for summer holidays because I did not like to study. I would start planning my holidays during my exams. My parents used to make sure they take us to Ooty or some other hill station during the summer vacation.

Which would be the ideal place for a date this season?

I would like to go for a movie date or maybe swimming together. A lunch or brunch at a good restaurant is also a good idea.

Suggest some advice about how fans can beat the heat?

You can beat internal heat by doing yoga as summer takes a toll on your body. Have juices, fruits and ice-cream. Also make sure that you don't use excess makeup.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 2...

The most important in the coming time is a major Transit (a rare planetary motion) that will occur in your astral sky between May and June 2011. The Transit will bring significant changes to your life, some of them being radical changes.

This Transit will be a very favourable period and will have many positive repercussions as far as your love life is concerned. It will affect you from material point of view. It will also affect you in the realisation of a project that you may have had in mind for a long time now. You are going to meet a person who will play a very important role in your life. Intervention of a certain individual who has slowed you down and prevented you from moving on in your life is also indicated. You will soon reach a positive turning point in your life. Cosmic waves are a source of energy, the most powerful energy that exists in you. It is also known as astral fluids, 6th sense, premonitions, and insights. A very significant change you may experience in 2011-12 is that whatever you dream may be translated word-by-word next day. 

Kay Panabaker (Stephanie Kay Panabaker) was born on Wednesday, May 02, 1990 and she is a famous actor.

Her birth name is Stephanie Kay Panabaker.She started her career with guest appearances in several TV dramas and soap operas.

She has a Yorkshire terrier named Peanut. She loves travelling.

Superbly talented Ali made his mark as a comedian on television via a variety of soaps, with his role of Kamal in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki being the most famous. He has done innumerable films in a range of comedy roles. A competent host, Ali infuses the laughter dose into his shows. He has been part of Comedy Circus and even won the competition once. After his last reality show Shaadi 3 Crore Ki ended, he has made a brief appearance in Comedy Ke Tansen. He has a great comic sense.





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