Get, set… JUMP!
This summer make swimming more fun with electric goggles, all-silicon fins and colourful swimming caps that sport lovely slogans
Mona

Love for Cannes

Actress Mallika Sherawat has expressed happiness at seeing more Indian faces at international film events like the Cannes Film Festival in France. Before leaving for Cannes, Sherawat told media here: “I think it is great that more and more Bollywood actresses are going to Cannes and representing India. More power to all the actresses in Bollywood.” Besides Sherawat, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has starred in films like Bride and Prejudice, Pink Panther 2, and Mistress of Spices has also been the face of Bollywood films at Cannes since many years.

Bollywood celebrities like actresses Sonam Kapoor, Minissha Lamba, Rani Mukherjee, actor Saif Ali Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar are also attending the festival this year. It is Sherawat’s third visit to Cannes Film Festival, where the cast and crew of her film, Politics of Love, would join her.

She looked thrilled about her film’s screening at the festival. “I think after Cannes, the Oscars, President Barack Obama and now going to Cannes, it is the third step. I am keeping my fingers crossed; wish me luck,” said Sherawat.

Politics of Love also stars Loretta Devine and Brien J. White, and is a romantic comedy spun around US President Barack Obama’s election campaign.

The actress, known for her flamboyant roles in Bollywood flicks, has earlier made appearances at Cannes for her English-Hindi crossover films, Hiss and The Myth, opposite Hollywood star Jackie Chan. —ANI

Midnight party
The 64th Cannes Film Festival will unroll with Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, Midnight in Paris.

The festival, to run till May 22, will screen about 50 films from 33 countries, including India. Shekhar Kapoor’s, Bollywood, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, the sole Indian movie in the Festival’s official sections will not, however, be part of the competition line-up.

Melanie Laurent

Kapoor’s work is a documentary where he along with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and American director Jeff Zimbalist will paint a poignant and swirling montage of Bollywood, which has in recent times become synonymous with Indian cinema, though unfairly so in a nation that produces films in many languages and whose numbers are as impressive as those emerging from Mumbai.

The twelve day event will see 40 world premieres and 20 will vie for the famed Palm D’Or to be decided by a nine-member Robert De Niro-led jury that will have among others, Jude Law and Uma Thurman.

The red carpet at the French Riviera is often as riveting as the films and India will mark its presence this year with an entire bevy of desi beauties.

Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, Freida Pinto and Minissha Lamba are among the Bollywood set who will be present at Cannes this year.

Much as Mumbai and its Bollywood has been enamouring masses, both at home and outside, Cannes has been even more magical.

And as the Festival’s General Delegate, Thierry Fremaux, says, “Between Allen’s opening shot, Midnight in Paris and Christophe Honore’s closing film The Beloved, Cannes will deploy its charm, its mysteries and its traditions.” —PTI

On a political plane
Ashima Sehajpal

Questions may end but actress Kirron Kher has a lot to tell about her new role as part of the BJP national executive. Her new role embraces her passion to change what she feels is not right.

“Do I need to explain why BJP? Don’t everything around us make the fact obvious. Corruption, inflation…there are a lot of issues that need to be immediately addressed,” she says.

Actively involved with party work for past two years, she says politics happened suddenly. The choice of her party though was a well thought out decision, she says. She was in city to cheer for Kings XI Punjab at the IPL.

“I cheered for the team along with Preity Zinta, how else do you think a strong team like Mumbai Indians were defeated?” comes her reply. A cricket enthusiast, she was also cheered for Punjab in the last season of the IPL. The only difference this time is that the players in the team are different, she says. “I loved to watch Yuvraj and Irfan but the team is always more important than the players. No matter what, I would always support Punjab team.”

For those who love to watch her on the screen, acting is still her first love despite dabbling into so many roles. “Acting will always be my first love,” she says.

She has signed two movie projects but before that she will once again adorn the judge’s cap for the show ‘India’s Got Talent’. Mention of the show brings pride in her eyes. “The show has brought out the real talent of India’s small towns as well as from the villages of Punjab,” says Kirron. About emotions running high on the show she says, “It’s a show that takes me closer to my countrymen. It’s like entering their world and becoming a part of it.”

“If only I had the power to make the most deserving talent win on the show, she wishes. What she wishes the most for is to make the country corruption free.

We see the politician appear once again. “Please don’t forget change is always for good!”

ashima@tribunemail.com 

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
Couple in the making

Josh Hartnett has parted ways with Sophia Lie, his European model girlfriend. He wanted to get married but she was not ready. Now, Bipasha and Josh's closeness is evident and she also wants to get married. So, will they start dating officially and even tie the knot? It seems likely. Josh and Bipasha have been in touch despite being on different continents and shooting for different films.

On a roll

Luv Ka The End may have got mixed reviews but the praise for its lead actress Shraddha Kapoor has been unanimous. The pretty and spunky girl will go a long way.

Copy cat

It is pretty obvious that Ragini MMS is a copy of Steven Spielberg's production, Paranormal Activity. Why is Ekta Kapoor fascinated with such twisted themes?

Cop-ing up with Force

John Abraham plays a no-nonsense and intimidating cop in Vipul Shah's Force. He will shoot a promotional song for the film in the scenic locales of Ladakh.

Who's afraid of item songs?

Brazilian model-actress Giselli Monteiro, who debuted with Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal, says, she has no qualms doing item numbers, provided they are not vulgar.

"I have not set any limitations for myself. I have not made any list of dos and don'ts. I am open to doing item songs if my character is required to do so. As far as exposing is concerned, it all depends on how much exposing I am asked to do. All I want is that it should not look cheap or vulgar," Giselli said.

In her next, a Shah Rukh Khan home production, Always Kabhie Kabhie, based on the theme of high school life, Giselle plays a shy, demure teenager.

On her association with SRK, Giselli said, "I admire Shah Rukh. I really like him a lot. He is very sweet and a humble person. He just asked me how my Hindi classes are going and who is my tutor," said the 22-year-old who has been taking Hindi classes to hone her language skills.

"I must confess that my Hindi is not that good at all.

For Love Aaj Kal I had to compulsorily go to a diction tutor to improve my language. I am sure I will perfect the language some day," Giselli, who portrayed the role of a old-fashioned Punjabi girl, Harleen Kaur alongside Saif Ali Khan in her the 2009 film, said.

Directed by Roshan Abbas, and produced by Shahrukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment Always Kabhi Kabhi is a story of four unique lives trying to compete with the pressures of growing up and the firsts we all experience in school from crushes to classes to bunking to break-ups.

"I play the character of Aishwarya Dhawan in the film. I am not that outgoing...I am a sweet and nice girl," she said.

Giselle will be seen alongside producer Karim Morani's daughter Zoa, Satyajit Dubey, a theatre artiste and Ali Fazal, who played Joy Lobo in 3 Idiots, in the film set to release on June 17.

— PTI 

Bikini perfect

Hollywood actress Eva Mendes says that posing in bikinis give her the motivation to stay slim. The 37-year-old actress who often has to strip for photo shoots, knows that her body must be in tip-top shape and so she does her best to stay away from junk food. "My job requires me to do a lot of underwear and bikini shoots. That's what encourages me to put the chocolate-chip cookies down," said the stunning actress.

Although she is very conscious about eating healthy and doing lots of exercise now, the Hitch star said it hasn't always been that way.

"I never cared about exercise or what I was eating until I got into my 20s and then I started to really get into it. I just wasn't feeling good, so I started eating well, working out and going from drinking no water - ever - to up to three litres a day.

"All the stuff that I didn't do as a kid. Ever since, I've really believed in the beauty philosophy of starting from within and it kinda changed my life," she added. — PTI 

Kat calling

The gorgeous British girl may not know how to act but everyone's fida over her angelic and flawless beauty and sex appeal. Katrina sells and everyone wants a bit of her good luck and charm.

After being part of films such as New York and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan with Yash Raj Films, she will do another film with the banner, Ek Tha Tiger. Starring her and ex-beau Salman Khan, the film is directed by Kabir Khan.

Yash Raj magic

I am super excited to work with Yash Raj once again. I have worked with so many people but working with Yash Raj has always been a pleasure. When I made by debut in films since then I wanted to work with them as it's like a dream for every actor to work with Yash Raj. And our chemistry was very good during New York.

Topic Salman

Salman Khan is a very close friend of mine and working with him will be a pleasure. I am very close to him and his family because when I was new in the industry he was the one who guided me to select the films and he and his family is always there whenever I need them. So he will be always be a special friend to me.

Knowing Kabir

I had an amazing experience, a little bit of a life-changing experience during the making of New York. Kabir is one of the most wonderful people I have met. We wanted to work together; I'm really looking forward to it. Also, this is my third film with YRF and that is great too.

Career graph

I am very happy the way my career is shaping up and I am enjoying my stardom. I do my work and enjoy my work. I have no time to respond to rumours as they are rumours. I mostly spend my time watching movies, hanging out with friends, or shooting. I have finished shooting for Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara which will release soon, then Mere Brother Ki Dulhan will release later this year as we are still shooting, and Ek Tha Tiger will release next year. —HRM

Bell(y) the cat

When Aamir Khan makes a movie announcement, you know that it's going to do well. Aamir has become a brand by himself. This has added additional pressure to Delhi Belly, which is directed by Abhinay Deo. Delhi Belly stars Imran Khan and Shenaz Treasurywala. It was supposed to be the debut film of director Abhinay Deo, but got postponed.

Abhinay made his debut as director with Game. Aamir Khan's production has made films like Taare Zameen Par, Peepli Live and Dhobi Ghat - all of them were family-oriented films. Delhi Belly, however, is totally a youth-oriented. Aamir says, "Aamir Khan Productions is known for its inspiring, clean, family entertainment. All that is about to change! Delhi Belly has the potential of destroying, in a single stroke, all the goodwill we have built in the past 10 years," says Aamir.

Aamir Khan is very particular about the films he produced. He said, "I have always made family films or film with some messages and Delhi Belly was something different with new and fresh idea."

When asked the memorable moment related to the film he said, "Akshat Verma, the writer of Delhi Belly had left the script at my house. One day I was busy with some email and (my wife) Kiran, while waiting for me to finish, picked up the script lying on top of the pile of unread scripts. Couple of minutes later I heard her giggling, then laughing, then falling off the sofa choking with laughter and rolling on the ground and that's when I decided to read the script and that's how I decided that I will produce the film."

But the film is long shelved and we also heard that Aamir was not happy with the way film came out. "There was some post production work left that's it. I never interfere in my director's work. If they ask yes I suggest them. And yes the work got shelved because they wanted to re-shoot some scenes. And also we want to release the film when youth can watch it.”— HRM

Cruz control

Actress Penelope Cruz, who gave birth to her son Leo early this year, says she tries to stays in shape by doing dance workouts. "I love ballet and I love dancing and it's a little boring for me to go to the gym because I'm used to the dancing discipline — it's really hard but much more fun," she said.

Cruz also admits that she credits Mediterranean cooking for keeping her weight under control.

"Spain is my country and Madrid is my city and I love living there. My family and friends are all there so that's my place. I love Spanish food. My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well but I try to eat healthy," she said. — IANS

Fashionista
A suit to jump for
Prabhdip Brar

Jumpsuits, the one-piece full length bifurcated piece of clothing, may be tough to carry. Even with a size zero figure, this garment may find one or the other fault to highlight.

If you have the confidence to carry it nothing can flatter your body more!

Continuing from last season, the trend is here to stay this time as well. A versatile garment in terms of the style lines which can be experimented with due regards to the choice of the fabric. A jumpsuit can be made a daytime wear in linen or cotton fabric in this scorching heat; wear it off-shoulder keeping your legs bare and what the heck-jump around!

Come evening, amend the fabric to a slippery feel with the likes of crepe` and chiffon, team it with some high strap heals, let down your hair and put on some gloss and you are ready to party.

If the original song Dum maaro dum had actor Zeenat Aman bring the jumpsuit to India, singer Elvis Presley made it popular in the West.

But the original skydivers' jumpsuits were a simple garment designed to insulate the body from the cold at high altitude and minimise the risk of covering important handles and grips. Today, however, the garment has found another use. The jumpsuit began its journey as humble work clothes for men invented by style icon YSL. Now women love them more. Many Hollywood beauties have worn and sworn by it and Bollywood belles have embraced it too.

The bottom half of what looks like dhoti pants and can be designed with cowls/ pleats/hipster etc. They're like salsa pants-a rage and the most modest and yet comfortable.

For a tomboy, jumpsuits give the freedom to prance around while looking feminine and sexy.

(Dr Brar is assistant professor, UIFT, Panjab University)

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Talk to yourself
Simmi Waraich

I have liked this girl for three years. However, she was seeing another boy and told me that she could not marry him as her parents would not agree, but she continued to talk to me. I did not talk to her for months but she would call me up and said she needed me as her friend. Now again, she is with the other boy and stopped talking to me. I am feeling very upset even though my friends are very supportive and are helping me through this, I keep crying and feel very low. I am an engineer, in a good job, so it is really depressing to be this way.

Manish (23), Kullu

At times, even though our logical reasoning tells us that this is not the correct thing for us, we may get into a relationship that has no future. It is because we get emotionally dependent on a certain person. Remind yourself of the times you have happily spent with your other friends who did not manipulate you. Think that your friend comes to you with this problem - What would you tell him or her? Then apply that to yourself. Learn to talk to yourself like that. If this is interfering with work and sleep etc, seek the advice of a doctor. which may be in the from of medication or counselling. Keep talking to your friends and do not isolate yourself. Remind yourself that it is tough but not impossible and you'll get through this too.

Look within

At times, I feel I cannot live without my friend and that life is meaningless. I am living separate from my husband, but not divorced yet and have a child. I am working and live with my parents. This friend is getting married next month. Am I just dependent and not in love?

Anita (23), Kurali

When it feels that you can't live without the other person, it is emotional dependency. The part of you that is in love is really a child or adolescent who needs love because you are not giving love to yourself. You feel this person fulfils your emptiness, which is why you can't live without that person.

When you fall in love as a loving adult instead of a needy child or adolescent, you already have a sense of self-worth and do not feel empty. Instead of needing someone to fill you and make you feel lovable and worthy, you already feel worthy and full of love. You experience this inner fullness because you have learned how to take full responsibility for your own feelings and needs. Being alone is not necessarily being lonely, learning to have faith in oneself and having a purpose in life - whether it is charity or work or a hobby or just living each day as it comes to the fullest - gives one a sense of purpose. If one finds someone to share it with, that's good. If not, one can still live a good life by looking within and believing in oneself. Just like the neighbour whose wife died young or like the woman who lost her only son. Do meet someone to work through your feelings, decide whether you want to go through the divorce and if so, complete it and put it behind you. Then plan anew. And let go of this relationship by staying calm, focus on work, home and talking with friends.

(Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh)

Twin(s) benefit

A new study from the University of Utah has suggested that women who deliver twins will live longer. It also found that these mothers would have more children than expected, bear babies at shorter intervals over a longer time, and are older at their last births compared with non-twin-bearing mothers.

The findings do not mean having twins is healthy for women, but instead that healthier women have an increased chance of delivering twins, says demographer Ken R. Smith, senior author of the study.

"Having twins will not make you stronger or healthier, but stronger, healthier women are more likely to have twins naturally," says Shannen Robson, the study's first author.

Smith adds: "The prevailing view is that the burden of childbearing on women is heavier when bearing twins. But we found the opposite: women who naturally bear twins in fact live longer and are actually more fertile." The study also found twinning is an indicator of health.

"This study has been able to identify and it's a fairly novel result. Another important factor that contributes to health and longevity in later years, namely, that women bearing twins appear to be healthier," Smith says.

"That innate healthiness is contributing to their ability to have twins, and it is also contributing to their longevity." The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. — ANI

Liar, liar

Want to know when someone is lying? Here are the indicators. The more reliable red flags that indicate deceit are:

n When questioned, deceptive people generally want to say as little as possible. Geiselman initially thought they would tell an elaborate story, but the vast majority give only the bare-bones. Studies with college students, as well as prisoners, show this.

n Although deceptive people do not say much, they tend to spontaneously give a justification for what little they are saying, without being prompted.

n They tend to repeat questions before answering them, perhaps to give themselves time to concoct an answer.

n They often monitor the listener's reaction to what they are saying.

"They try to read you to see if you are buying their story," said Geiselman.

n They often initially slow down their speech because they have to create their story and monitor your reaction, and when they have it straight "will spew it out faster," said Geiselman. Truthful people are not bothered if they speak slowly, but deceptive people often think slowing their speech down may look suspicious.

"Truthful people will not dramatically alter their speech rate within a single sentence," he added.

n They tend to use sentence fragments more frequently than truthful people; often, they will start an answer, back up and not complete the sentence.

n They are more likely to press their lips when asked a sensitive question and are more likely to play with their hair or engage in other "grooming" behaviours. Gesturing toward one's self with the hands tends to be a sign of deception; gesturing outwardly is not.

n Truthful people, if challenged about details, will often deny that they are lying and explain even more, while deceptive people will not. — ANI 

A dose of yoga

Master Chef
Sandwich time!
Kandla Nijhowne

As kids, we didn't just love Archie, we also found intriguing the favourite food of Jughead - layers and layers of ham, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce, sandwiched between two burgers. Ever wondered how and why a sandwich was created? John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich is credited with inventing the sandwich during a 24-hour long poker game in 1718!

The Earl would get so involved in his game that he'd forget to eat! Finally, he ordered his servant to put some meat between the two slices of bread so that he could eat while playing without messing his hands! In doing so, the sandwich was created and so was history! A variety of fillings can go into a good sandwich. Fresh bread, good butter, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, paneer, chicken, scrambled eggs, chutney, ham and salami...the list can go to miles!

Mayonnaise is in charge, guaranteeing moistness. Cheese adds enormous flavour to the creation and an absolute must is mustard! Whole wheat bread makes a more robust and healthy sandwich with the nutrition and fibre advantage.

Louisiana chicken salad sandwich

¾ cup mayonnaise

½ tsp pepper or chilly sauce

1½ tsp dried thyme leaves

¼ tsp pepper

2-2 ½ cups chopped, cooked chicken (or paneer)

¼ chopped celery (optional)

½ cup capsicum

½ cup chopped tomato

Grated cheese or slices

lettuce leaves

2 tsp mustard paste

Butter, softened to room temperature

Salt and pepper

Rolls, bread slices or foot longs

Method

In a large mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, pepper sauce, pepper and thyme. Stir together. Add the chicken (or crumbled paneer), capsicum, celery and tomatoes. Toss lightly. Layout several pairs of bread slices, then spread butter on one slice and mayonnaise on the other. Smear some mustard paste and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flatten a lettuce leaf on a bread slice followed by cheese. Scoop a generous amount of the prepared salad on to one slice, spread and top with the other slice. Cut into neat triangles or squares and serve with ketchup.

trend setter
Street smart

  beat it

DJ KK
Song: At the End
Artist: Nadia Ali
Genre: House

Why—One of my all time favourites. Though all tracks by Nadia Ali are good, this one's particularly fabulous. This has an ability to never go out of your mind. A beautifully sung number that needs to be listened to.

DJ KK's song of the day

(As told to Manpriya Khurana)

  chatter box
Pooja’s adventure

Pooja Bedi has been offered an adventure based reality show on a popular channel. Other than her even Karan Singh Grover has been approached for the show, which will air by mid June. Several other TV celebs have also been approached, few have signed the contract while others are mulling over it. Shooting for the dramatic adventurous show is said to be in the scenic Panama Islands.

Rubina is a Sallu fan

Rubina Dilaik, aka Radhika of Chhoti Bahu, was giddy with joy when she heard that her favourite actor Salman Khan was shooting for his flick Ready right next to the sets of her serial in Filmcity. She could not meet him. News of Salman’s presence did create a flutter among the unit even though he wasn’t shooting for few days. Rubina could not concentrate on her shoot as she thought Salman might appear any minute.

Following Sallu: Rubina Dilaik

Neha Mehta back to work

Vivacious beauty Neha Mehta is glad to be back to work. She made a striking comeback with her new show Imagine's Beend Banuga Ghodi Chadunga. A visibly excited Neha says, “I was away from the limelight after my wedding. After one year of honeymoon, it’s time to get back to work. I have a well defined character in the show with no negative shades to it.” 

Love story: Krishna Gokani

Krishna in love?

Imagine's Looteri Dulhan, Krishna Gokani is in love not only on screen but also off it. Krishna is madly in love with Sahil Khosla, operations head, BAG Films, who is also the producer of the show winning her a lot of attention.

Conscious Neha!!

Neha Janpandit, aka Dimpy of Sony's Chhajje Chhajje Ka Pyaar, plays a soft spoken and obedient girl in the show. But when it comes to apparels and costumes, she is as conscious as any ordinary girl.

During the shoot of 'sagai' sequence, she was given a red sari, which she did not like. She shouted at the associate directors and costume designer. After lead roles in two serials, she could not afford to look bad. Well Neha, the audience loves you as you are as the beauty lies in one's character!!

  the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 12...

You are gifted with creativity, imagination, artistic talents, versatility, good nature and the ability to inspire others! Venus will fill your life with joy and imagination. You are optimistic and enthusiastic. You are an excellent communicator and your wit and light heartedness will help others in any situation. If you are in the media, film, theatre, you will be successful in your endeavour.

Don't pay heed to unsolicited advice as a certain number of misinterpretations will create anxieties and fears. Some facts will be taken out of the context. Stop daydreaming; a family problem will not disappear. You have to face it head on. A confrontation is inevitable. This is really worrisome for a peaceful character like you. Be patient and stay focused. In the beginning of 2012, all things will be set right.

 astro turf 
P Khurrana

ARIES: Take it easy. Don't trust irresponsible people. Be careful with money. You realise secret dreams. Pace yourself to achieve more than you expect with a modicum of fuss. A sibling might need your help to get into the workforce. Your love for nature is strong. Begin a sensible diet. Tarot message: Grab a learning opportunity. Lucky colour: Fiery Red. Magic number: 44.

TAURUS: 'Ace of Pentacles' says your energy will be at a low ebb in the morning. Prepare for a change of pace later in the day. On good groundwork, everything will flow. Stress likely if you shirk from work. Partner may misunderstand your intentions. Don't drink while driving. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 52.

GEMINI: Do what you please. Don't do anything to damage your reputation. A long-awaited appointment will give you happy results. Stiff opposition likely on the financial front. Happy surprises are due because Jupiter adds luck and generosity today. Windfall for some. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 60.

CANCER: A nagging doubt gets cleared. Avoid speculation. Keep your cool. Sportspersons may win. Get a medical check-up. Focus on the job and avoid the boss's displeasure. An unforeseen expense likely. A new diet and an exercise regimen will help. All eyes follow you. A lucky break in romance. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed pays. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 57.

LEO: Social life is not exciting. Pay heed to wise counsel. Avoid problem areas. Don't over strain yourself. Romantic life is looking down. Kids your dream come true. Business ventures and financial matters can go better than expected. A secret wish may be fulfilled. A pleasant and joyous evening ahead. Tarot message: Accept responsibility. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47.

VIRGO: Biz folk: work hard. Tension could build up at home and in social circle. Avoid enmity. You may find a cherished lost item. Give all your old junk to a cause. You might be tempted to cancel a social engagement. You get an interesting job offer. Romance blossoms when you least expect it. Tarot message: Prevent unpleasant events. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 63.