FESTIVALS of style?
Ashima Sehajpal

The hibernating fashion police swings into action the moment Aishwarya Rai Bachchan steps on to the red carpet for an international event. It began with the flip-flops nine years back; then she drew flak for her parrot green saree, out of the fairytale dress, her hillock of a puff…each time, she has somehow managed to come up with something! Even at the ongoing Cannes Fashion Festival…oops…Cannes Film Festival, she was observed, debated upon and only then the positive reviews flew in. Back home, the same treatment is meted out to female actors at the Filmfare or Screen Awards. Platforms to celebrate cinematic genius are being used to judge an actor’s dressing sense. How much sense does this make?

Ashley Rebello, a Bollywood fashion stylist, strongly feels that cinema is being overshadowed by fashion. He has more to share: “More than the announcement of the movie ‘Heroine’ at Cannes, it is Aishwarya Rai’s blue and white Armani outfit that will make it to the headlines.” As for how great the combination was, he says, “This wasn’t the only great dress she has worn till date, but no fashion critic would say a word against it. Armani can never go wrong!”

For the first time this year, Kulraj Randhawa walked the red carpet for her film ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’. About her experience, she says, “I was as nervous for the film as I was about my outfit. In addition to the performances in the movie, what one wore makes the headlines.” She adds that getting fashion right is a part and parcel of her profession. “I really had to be careful about the colours I chose, the cuts I went in for and even my hairdo as well as make-up.” Going by that measure, Vidya Balan and Mughda Godse are always taken to task by the fashion police for their awful fashion statements, irrespective of their career graph in Bollywood.

This time, Sonam Kapoor is also expected to walk the red carpet at the Cannes even though she hasn’t delivered a single hit till date! Says Krishna Somani, a leading model, “It’s important to be first known for your work and rest of the things follow. Being a style icon alone won’t serve an actor’s purpose.” However, she feels Sonam will be able to grab eyeballs at Cannes. “Sonam is capable of taking risks. I am sure she would go for a colourful ensemble than nudes or earthern colours.” That sounds true as Aishwarya Rai also went for safer bets at the Oscars and now at Cannes, with golden brown and grey, respectively. It’s being speculated that Sonam might wear an ethnic outfit by designer Anamika Khanna.

Designer Abdul Haldar feels that actors should be encouraged to experiment on the red carpet, as that can also shift the media’s attention to a particular film. “Why can’t it be the other way round? If films can make a star, so can fashion. Sonam Kapoor’s films get more hype because she is so stylish. Great outfits of actors too can fetch some brownie points for promotion of films.” And as Ashley says, “We must not forget, these are film and not fashion festivals. Let’s focus on the prime objective.” Well said!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Rachel premiers with Indian jewels

The host of Bollywood stars walking the red carpet is not the only Indian presence at the Cannes film fest as Hollywood actress Rachel McAdams added to it by sporting some ‘desi’ jewellery during her stint on the French Riviera.

The ‘Sherlock Holmes’ star wore a rose cut diamond bracelet designed by Indian jewellery makers Amrapali for the premiere of the film ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

The Canadian actress teamed the bracelet worth USD 40,000 with a sequined golden corset and high-waisted golden trousers.

In the past, actresses like Megan Fox, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz too have worn pieces created by the designers based in Jaipur.

Indian outfits and accessories have entered mainstream fashion in the West, with many Hollywood celebrities embracing ethnic styles.

R&B star Alicia Keys is a fan of the traditional Indian ‘maang teeka’ and socialite-designer Nicole Richie uses Indian designs in her jewellery line ‘House of Harlow’.

Earlier the American group ‘Pussycat Dolls’ had walked the red carpet wearing saris to announce their single ‘Jai Ho’. Liz Hurley, Victoria Beckham and Ashley Judd are some other Hollywood beauties who have donned the Indian ensemble.

Desi touch: Rachel McAdams

— PTI

Spice it up with Salsa
Step in your dancing shoes to learn a few Salsa moves and celebrate it with Mexican food!
Jasmine Singh

I cheated on my wife, so do millions: Jesse James

Reality TV star Jesse James admits his marriage with actress Sandra Bullock failed because of his cheating, but he feels there is nothing unusual in the reason behind his relationship going wrong as “millions of other men” have affairs .

“I never shied away from anything I did. I took full responsibility. I cheated on my wife. Guess what? So do millions of other men,” said James.

James added that he had an anger management issue that needed attention, following his split from the 46-year-old actress.

“I went in thinking that ‘All these people in this place? They are really messed up’. I figured out pretty fast I was also the messed-up one. I realised I was addicted to anger, and it was going to be up to me to straighten my brains out,” he said.

James now plans to tie the knot with fiancee Kat Von D, who is a tattoo artist. — IANS 

Angry old man!

Promotions for Viacom18 and AB Corp's Bbuddah - Hoga Terra Baap begin today with the first teaser of the film being released across India!

Written and directed by Puri Jagannadh, Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap will see the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in a super stylised avatar as the 'Angry Old Man'!

The producers are going all out to create maximum buzz around the film and the entire campaign is designed in a way to resurrect Big B's 'angry young man' days. They have put together an interesting print and television teaser campaign that features popular dialogues from Bachchan's cult films like Deewar, Agneepath, Shahensha and Hum. Apart from that, Bachchan will also be singing the title line Bbuddah-Hoga Terra Baap in his unique baritone that is sure to leave you asking for more!

The film's first look will then be revealed in a 60-second promo on eight TV channels during the Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians IPL match (for the first time) on May 20. One of his dialogues will be “Aaj bhi mein pheke hue paise nahi uthaata!”

Deepika wishes best for Sonam

Sonam Kapoor is busy preparing for her much awaited stint on the French Riviera and fellow Bollywood beauty and gal pal Deepika Padukone has wished her luck for the walk down the Cannes red carpet.

Deepika had herself grabbed headlines for her sari-clad appearance at Cannes last year and hopes that Sonam too has a good time while at the festival, which is attended by film stars from across the world.

"I wish her all the best. I walked down the Cannes last year and it is a beautiful feeling," said Padukone.

The 26-year-old, along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Freida Pinto, is attending the film festival as a spokeswoman of cosmetics giant L'Oreal. The last time Aishwarya and Sonam were to walk the Cannes red carpet together it had resulted in a much publicised "catfight". Sonam will walk the prestigious red carpet on May 15.

"It has always been my dream to walk the red carpet at Cannes. I look forward to meeting actors and filmmakers from the world over and attending screenings of some interesting films," she said.

Her friend Deepika had won applaud for her appearance on the Cannes red carpet in a Rohit Bal sari and many comparisons were made with the 37-year-old Aishwarya who always wears gowns by international designers for her French outing.

Sonam and Deepika became friends after they appeared on Koffee with Karan where they ganged up on Padukone's ex-boyfriend and Kapoor's childhood friend, Ranbir Kapoor. —PTI

Nikhil is scared of Shaitan

Nikhil Chinapa is set to make his Bollywood debut in Anurag Kashyap's much hyped production Shaitan but he says that the thriller will be his first and last silver screen outing.

The MTV VJ says that acting is a “nightmare” and never wants to say another dialogue in his life again. “I hate acting. Takes, re-takes, make up, rehearsing the lines I just don't understand all of this. Its a nightmare,” Chinapa said.

The 37-year-old, who is also a DJ and says music is his passion, finds acting boring and only said 'yes' to Shaitan because he liked director Bejoy Nambiar.

“DJing comes naturally to me. I don't get anything about acting. I never wanted to act, I am happy playing music but when Bejoy approached me, I liked him as a person and did the movie for him," said Chinapa. The film releases on June 1. — PTI

Aamir waiting for Salman’s haseena

The two popular Khans of Bollywood-Salman and Aamir-otherwise known for their camaraderie, leave no chance to take pot-shots at each other over the issue of marriage.

Recently, when asked about finding a suitable girl for his bachelor buddy Salman, Aamir said, "I will search a girl for Salman, but he has to assure me that he would marry her... and that there will be no further discussion on it." When further quizzed if he would choose someone from the Hindi film industry, the perfectionist actor said, "First let him give me assurance that he will not say 'No' to that girl. I will tell Salman about the girl once he agrees to this deal." Earlier, Aamir had said the only way to get Salman married is to tie his hands and take him to the mandap.

Salman was quick to retort, "Even I am going to tie his hands and ensure he does not get married again." Aamir has married twice.

Even on his birthday in March, Aamir had said he was waiting for his 45-year-old good friend and fellow superstar to tie the knot.

"I am waiting for Salman's wedding. I believe everyone is desperately waiting for his wedding. The day he gets married would be khaas (special) for all of us. There are a lot of haseenas around him. So he has a choice. Whenever I talk to Salman about wedding, he just smiles," Aamir had said. — PTI 

Pirate walks the red carpet

The latest instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise laid anchor at the Cannes film festival bringing with it a crew of big stars, including Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the fourth film in a series which has made a fortune for Disney with a combined global box office tally so far of $2.7 billion.

Reviews of the new chapter, which hits theatres in the United States on May 20, have been mixed, though, and some analysts predict it may struggle to match the impressive tallies of previous outings even in the 3D format.

Depp said there would be more ahead if the films remained popular: "If the people get tired of it or something, that's when it stops, I think," he said. "If people want it, I am there."

With On Stranger Tides the actor returns to his role as the indomitable Captain Jack Sparrow after a gap of four years, Australian Geoffrey Rush is back as Barbossa and Rolling Stone Keith Richards puts in another cameo as Sparrow's father.

There are new faces, with Britain's Ian McShane portraying the fearsome Blackbeard and Spaniard Cruz his daughter Angelica. Once the hero escapes the clutches of the English king, he embarks on a race to reach the Fountain of Youth.

The English and Spanish navies take on Blackbeard's magical ship, run by giant zombie pirates and spewing flames that burn mutineers to a cinder.

They take on vicious mermaids, who lure their victims before bearing fangs and dragging them to the bottom of the sea.

Penelope Cruz, 37, who was pregnant while shooting the movie, said staying young was not a personal aim, despite pressure within the movie industry to hold back the years. "I think birthdays are always something to celebrate," she said. "I am looking forward to every step of the way. Maybe because I am from Spain that's looked at in a different way there than for example in a place like Los Angeles."

For Depp, the Pirates franchise has turned him into one of Hollywood's highest earners, but he has not forgotten his roots in commercially unsuccessful features. "It just so happens that for 20 years or so I made these films that were considered for the most part failures, flops," said the 47-year-old. "I built a career on flops so I was quite comfortable in that arena.”

Reviewers of On Stranger Tides were divided.

Trade publication Variety's Andrew Barker said it served "as a welcome corrective, reviving the fun, feather-light frivolity that any film based on a Disneyland ride ought to exhibit." But Steve Rose of Britain's Guardian did not agree. "It's a succession of ever-escalating action sequences and grand settings. At first they're stunning, then they're routine, then they're wearying," he said. — Agencies

First Look: WEST is WEST

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
Tabu is back!

Ranbir angry with Ranveer

Apparently the party thrown by Ranbir Kapoor where he invited friends from the industry like Anushka Sharma, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh didn't do well with ranveer and Ranbir as Ranveer passed some comments about Deepika which didn't go well with Ranbir Kapoor and he asked him to shut his mouth.

Rani cancels Cannes tour

One of the finest actresses of Bollywood, all eyes were on Rani Mukherjee's first Cannes appearance which was scheduled for May 18 with friend Sabyasachi Mukherjee but the actress said she won't be attending the festival. She has cancelled her visit owing to her dad's health issues.

Sahab is well

Saira Banu sent out an email to confirm that her husband, thespian Dilip Kumar was well after he was spotted at a city hospital. "Sahab was at Breach Candy Hospital for a routine check-up. It is understandable that some of you got really worried due to unpleasant rumours that suddenly erupted the same morning. My husband, Dilip Kumar is well and cheerful with nothing serious at all in his condition.”

The ‘in’ side
Sukhmani

Combining fabric styles, patterns and colour schemes is the key to a good decor. Following these tips will help you create the right look and will add a ‘WOW’ factor to your space.

Rule of thumb: Don’t use more than three patterns

* Start by finding one fabric you love and use it as your foundation.

* Don’t use more than three types of patterns or else you will create chaos.

* Select the fabric based on the usage of the room. Delicate silk and lace are not the right option for a room with heavy activity.

* Vary the styles and patterns of your fabric. Use a floral mixed with a stripe and add another in check or geometrical design.

* The scale of all the three patterns should be different. If the floral print is large, use a medium size check with an even smaller third pattern.

* You can also use the same pattern in varying scales if you so desire.

Spice it: Vary the style and patterns of the fabric

* Do not cluster all three in one area of the room. Spread them in at least three different areas to create a balance.

* Make sure that the base colour of all three fabrics is the same or all three patterns have some prominent colour common in them.

* Co-ordinate the sheen of the fabric as well. If using shiny silk, make sure you balance it out with another matt finish fabric and accessories.

* Depending on décor style you can mix your textures as well.

* Use small prints in small rooms and large ones in bigger spaces.

* Big patterns must be used on big size furniture and vise versa.

* Medium size patterns are the safest to use incase you can’t make up your mind.

* Choose horizontal or vertical stripes to add height or width to your furniture.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh based interior and landscape designer)

Keep it casual, keep it comfortable

Trouble in Mona-Anukalp relationship 

A new entry, in Ram Milayi Jodi on Zee TV, is all set to create havoc in Mona (Sara Khan) and Anukalp's (Nishant Malkani) married life. The girl in question will be Anukalp's friend Aanchal, played by actress Damini Joshi who also plays Usha in Maykee Se Bandhi Dor on STAR Plus.

A source reveals, "Aanchal who is Anukalp's best friend suddenly re-enters his life. Both of them share a great bond and his proximity with Aanchal will make Mona insecure and jealous. This will lead to misunderstandings and fights. Fans of Mona and Anukalp need not worry as Aanchal will act as a catalyst to bring the couple closer in the future track."

Nishant Malkani confirms, "Yes, Mona will be jealous of Aanchal as she is my close friend."

Natasha Coutinho/ Hill Road Media

chatter box
Is male casting couch a reality?

The casting couch, commonly known in the West as hard audition, is becoming more and more common in our entertainment industry. We spoke to few actors from the television industry, for their take on the male casting couch.

Nikkhil Chaddha

It depends from person to person, but I don't really have any particular perception to a thing like this. Since the time I have come in the industry I have heard a lot about it, but I don't know when exactly it started. The main reason is that people are not confident enough about themselves and they give up, and then they find the easy way out to get things done. I have always believed in myself. I will never do something like this. I feel that if a person deserves something, they will definitely get it. And plus I am not interested in thinking something about this also.

Karan Tacker

I have never been through something like this before in my life. Nor am I accustomed to something like this. I don't think it is right. The exploitation today is really bad. The people who are giving in to something like this, are indirectly encouraging other people to doing the same thing, which is really wrong. It surely started when the demand was more than the supply, and when more actors were needed for shows and there was nobody to do them. TV, according to me, is no more women oriented. Women and men are given equal importance, but the existence for this is easy money and so a thing like casting couch has got lime light. I am very happy right now and not at all needy for work. And even in the long run, I would not fall for something like this at all. Because if I did, I won't feel proud of myself and my conscience will not accept it. I won't ever be able to face myself again after falling for something like this.

Naveen Saini

I haven't experienced it in my 10-year old career, but it exists for sure. I cannot name people, but there are many gays in the industry who take advantage of others and there are many who are desperate to fall for it. Most feel this shouldn't happen, but as an individual, I feel they can do what they feel. Who are we to say or comment on anyone? I feel hard work pays off and not such tactics. If someone tries to act smart with me, I will slap that person and ask him how dare do so. I am not someone who is desperate for work.

Arif Zakaria

Though one keeps reading about the male casting couch, I haven't yet met any actor who has been a victim. But exploitation in any form is a fact, in a huge and diverse industry like ours. So, I don't discount the fact that male casting couch exists. There is always a choice. I can't say when it started but such form of exploitation has existed since a long time. It's only due to the great media revolution that we hear about it more often. I am sure the big punjabi producers of the 50's and 60's casted heroes who massaged more their ego!! It could be that people with a different bent of mind of a different cultures exist and they could be the navigators of such movements. Honestly, I wouldn't accept any indecent proposal.

Angad Hasija

I have heard a lot about the existence of casting couch, but in the end, nobody can force anyone to do anything. Forcing and getting work like this is not acceptable. But I am sure the reason people fall for this must be something genuine. They must have their own problems, which makes them do something like that. I would run out of Mumbai if someone puts across an indecent proposal. But, touch wood, nothing like that has never happened to me and I really hope that something like this never happens as well.

Karan’s favourite places
Karan Mehra, aka Karan of Behenein, lists his favourite places in India and abroad. Read on to know which places the actor loves the most.

London

First, on my list is London. I spent four months there looking for a school as I had planned to study there but it got cancelled. I have some good friends in London. It is great for shopping too.

US

I have never visited the US but plan to go there soon as it is my dream holiday destination. I hope my dream is fulfilled soon.

Goa

I love to partying in Goa. A friend of mine has recently bought a bungalow there, so visiting the place with my group is even more fun now.

Mumbai

I love Mumbai because it's the place where I live and work. So I am completely in love with Mumbai and can’t stay away from the city for too long.

Delhi

I spent my childhood in Delhi, so I have many pleasant memories from there. My parents still live there so I keep visiting them.

Mussorie

I studied in Mussorie and have memories of having a blast with my friends at that place. It is beautiful and a good option to visit for a holiday.

--HRM

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 16...

Its not that you are stubborn - you just know what you like, which is why you've planned a sojourn as per your tastes. However, an incident in June, shows you the value of staying flexible. An open mind leads you to something that fits in your life even better than what is already there. A purchase of luxurious appliance or vehicle is planned by destiny in 2011-12. A squabble within the family is likely and appears to have to do with the behavior or actions of a member, especially in-laws . State of mind will continuously desire for a change. This year compatible persons will be from Scorpio or Virgo Signs. Try colors like Turquoise & Aqua in routine. Your lucky days will be Tuesday and Thursday. Lucky Numbers will be : 1, 2, 12, 20, 54. Use them while doing important work. Take care, a big change in life is written in 2011-12. You have to prepare yourself to be able to grab your chances at otherwise, you really risk to let pass a lot of happiness! 

Astro Turf 
P Khurrana