This summer, really chill
Summer is the time to just pack your bags and go for a holiday into the hills. So, where are you going this time?
Jasmine Singh

Where do you think the word vacation or adventure came from? Let's see…someone sitting in the cosy comfort of a home suddenly decides that it's enough of slogging, a call is made to others who feel the same, and a declaration is issued to everyone, which it's a HOLLY-HOLLY-DAY. We might not be bang on with the story, but the idea is declaration for this season has been issued!

Summer holidays are the subject and we bet you would want to explore the topic to the core. While you pull out maps, read on the weather conditions, tally the holiday dates with the rest of the family, we bring some dough on where all you can hit this summer. If adventure is on the list, we would like to just say 'drop it', it's too hot to do that. If you still insist, we get you some dough on destinations. This is just information, the world doesn't end here!

A best kept secret

You don't want to burn you head off in the heat. The best option would be scoot to some place where the sun can't get the better of you. Mussoorie can be a good pit-stop and we found out a place that can give you a heady mix of luxury, comfort and adventure. Located just off the Mall in Mussoorie, the recently restored 19th century Ilbert Manor provides total solitude. The luxury boutique heritage hotel at a height of almost 7000 feet, promises to take you a step closer to your dream of climbing the snow-capped Himalayan ranges; you can see the same from the room window as well.

Did we just say luxury, so here is all the dope on it - A well-stocked library and DVD collection, Spa, indoor games and 24 hours wifi. And we mentioned adventure too.Trekking, walking routes, horse riding, cycling and river rafting, will keep the adrenaline running.

(2 nights 3 days: Rs 16,000 inclusive of taxes;

3 nights 4 days: starting from Rs 15,000 onwards)

Call of the hills

Ask Ruskin Bond or Gulzar, or for that matter even Rahul Bose and Khuswant Singh will tell you the same thing. Mountains are bliss, there is nothing like feeling pure - we mean pure oxygen that runs down your lungs. At Matiana, 45 kilometres from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh a resort, Crossroads: A Village resort, offers you a simple yet satiating stay. No concrete walls; no peeled off remains of plaster of paris from the walls, only wood all around! (Two nights, three days stay costs Rs 6,000)

Altitude of bliss

At an altitude of 4,000-ft, there is a quiet family kinda resort called Chandrawal Kunj. The address is pretty easy to remember - Village Balagh, Morni Hills. This can be a viable option for those who don't want to lose even an ounce of fatty tissues. And for those, who want to be closer to the city. The place promises that you would feel one with nature and can even watch birds. A rarity in the city! Middle of the pine forest, listening to the sound of the wind whispering hello in your ears, the place is a must check out. Homemade food is bait and so is the tariff plan, which starts from Rs 800 to 1500 with food charges extra. We drop in a PS (post script) here: Though the road is jeep-able to the resort, perched on top of a hill, at times you need to trek for 10 min to reach Chandrawal Kunj.

Storybook location

Next to the 18 hole Naldehra golf course, the Chalets Naldehra, a resort 22 kms from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh offers accommodation in a quaint pinewood log cottages built with imported technology and wood from Finland.

A winding staircase goes up to a second bedroom with a sloping roof.

(Package starts from Rs. 14,990 onwards). 

HAIR we go!
Kérastase, a haircare brand under the professional products division of the L'Oreal Group, comes to city
Jasmine Singh


Launch Pad: Smira Bakshi

Everyday is a great hair day! This is an assumption, but how nice it would be if this was to be a norm. There is one haircare brand though, which promises healthy and fashionable hair everyday. Kérastase, a luxury haircare brand developed by Recherche avancée L'Oréal (L'Oréal advanced research) under the professional products division of the L'Oreal Group, comes down to Tress Lounge, Sector-8, Chandigarh, offering hi-end services and a promise that everyday will be a great hair day!

Smira Bakshi, business head, Kérastase, shares how the brand is a head-turner. No pun intended. "Kérastase is a luxury haircare brand in every sense. It is the only professional brand that goes through extensive research in the laboratory. It is an experience in itself because our aim is to make customers pick the products; we also want them to be well-versed with hair care products they pick," she says.

At Tress Lounge, Kérastase have opened a separate section where you can walk in with all kinds of hair issues - dry hair, dandruff, weak and fragile hair, dry scalp, colour problems and a lot more. This would be just some of the problems; North Indians are known to come up with many more. She smiles, "North Indians have sensitive hair because of bad sun in summer and cold, frizzy hair in winter as well as monsoon. To counter this, we have various products Kérastase Biotic Bain Bio-recharge shampoo, Vita-Topseal, Vita Ciment Complex and a lot more, which would keep the hair healthy and stylish."

And now for the news, women should not be under any misconception of marking this as the only women brand, as Kérastase has a lot in the offing for the men too - in their special haircare section dedicated to men only. As Smira puts in, "Men are always concerned about intensifying their hair. We have launched three shampoos, two hair tonics, and hair oil massage for men only."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Bland and boring ...

A good teaser and extended promo do wonders for a film. People can gauge whether a film is good or bad from the promo. Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, Love Aaj Kal, Kaminey, Ra.One, Dabangg, Kurbaan, and My Name is Khan had spectacular promos that pulled audiences to the cinema. But here, we take a look at promos that have done nothing to market their films.

Pyaar Ka Punchnama: There are six newcomers in the film and not one of them is appealing. The movie looked chauvinistic and cheap from the word go! It seemed to have a Rang De Basanti hangover and looked very wannabe.

Mujhse Fraandship Karoge: This is a Y film that is set in a college. It has a social-networking theme. None of the actors are memorable and the promo hints at mistaken or dual identities and is rather confusing. The movie releases later this year.

Love Express: This movie is very Punjabi and has quite a Jab We Met hangover because it is set in a train. We have no clue how the actors were selected because neither of them has any presence or youthful looks. The music is noisy and the films looks dated.

Always Kabhi Kabhi: The school romance has an all-new cast and is directed by Roshan Abbas. Producer Shah Rukh Khan figured that it would not have been noticed sans his presence which is why he narrates the premise of the film in the promo. From the new cast, Ali Fazal and Giselli Monteiro stand out.

Bin Bulaaye Baaraati: We loved Band Baaja Baaraat so anything else with a similar sounding title sounds wannabe. This movie has Riteish, Aftab, and other actors from the same bracket and looks like a messy and mindless affair for the masses. After all, Mallika Sherawat plays desi bombshell Shalu in an item song. It seems as if the movie is riding on it.

Kuchh Luv Jaisa: The casting of Shifaali Shah and Rahul Bose was interesting but the promo was marred by its length. We almost saw the entire movie in it. The promo reeked of a resemblance to Knight and Day even though the film is nothing like it.

Thank You: The film was terrible and the forgettable promo did nothing to salvage it. It looked dated and like any other mindless, so-called "entertainer." — HRM 

Oscar was bought: Ismail

Bollywood music director Ismail Darbar has alleged that the coveted Oscar award conferred upon movie Slumdog Millionaire in 2009 was compromised and had been "bought" by the recipients. Slumdog Millionaire, a small budget British film made by Danny Boyle, was named best picture at the Academy Awards in 2009. Bollywood music director AR Rahman also clinched the Oscars for original score and original song in the film to become the first Indian composer to strike gold at the annual Hollywood awards.

Darbar told the media in Nagpur that he "did not understand how the movie won the prestigious award". "I have heard that the Oscar awards are often bought by artistes and individuals. I never understood how that movie received the Oscar, it is not an ordinary award after all. I know that it was compromised and bought by the recipients," Darbar said.

Darbar also said that he would not have worked for the venture had he been approached by its producers. Slumdog Millionaire, on one hand they are calling our country a dog, while on the other they are giving the movie the Oscar. I do not understand this logic. In any case, I would not have taken up the movie in the first place had I been approached," Darbar said. Rahman had won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song for his number Jai Ho. Shot on a modest budget of 15 million dollars, the movie told the story of a young man looking for love and competing for money on the Indian version of the television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

The movie was a winner in all ways, bagging Oscars for best director, best cinematography, best sound mixing, best original score and best song. It won rave reviews from critics and crossed over from art house success to delight mainstream audience, grossing nearly 100 million dollars domestically to date. —ANI

Warsi gets whackier

He is one of Bollywood's best actors who can easily play any role, get into the character and make it famous. You will remember his comic roles from Munnabhai series, Dhamaal and Golmaal series but he has also given mind blowing performances in serious films like Sehar and Ishqiya. We catch him for a candid chat…

On Ishqiya 2…

Yes, I am very happy that Ishqiya sequel is happening and I am really excited because I have a totally different character. One character speaks in different dialects while the other character speaks in thousand words. The attitude is raw, you need to get that attitude and that's what excites me. Though I haven't read the script yet but I have full confidence in Abhishek Chaubey. We will start shooting by end of this year.

On experimenting. ..

Being an actor, I love to experiment and I love doing something new. Comedy is monotonous but every film has a different perspective; like Munnabhai is different from Golmaal, Sehar is different from Munnabhai and Golmaal is different from Ishqiya. Every director comes with their vision and we have to portray that. It is important to know what a director wants. And whenever I read a script, I try to do something different so that my audience don't get bored. It is very hard to make people laugh, it's also very hard to make people cry or to make the audience think that they are not watching Arshad Warsi, but they are watching Circuit or Babban. So whether it's comedy or serious roles I am open to do everything.

On sequels...

Yes, it seems like whatever film I do comes up with a sequel--Golmaal, Munnabhai, Dhamaal and now Ishqiya. But I feel I am stuck with sequels, you have the same role and I don't get to experiment. But at the same time expectations are very high because your last film was loved by audience so they expect more from the sequel. It's difficult to repeat yourself but you have to manage to play the same character.

Lindsay's colourful approach


time pass: Lindsay Lohan

Troubled star Lindsay Lohan is planning to paint and read scripts while she is under house arrest. The 24-year-old has began her time under house arrest at her beach side home in California and is looking at her confinement as a time to relax, focus on her recovery and figure out her new game plan for her life and career.

Before the Mean Girls actress started to serve her time, she is said to have stocked up on art canvases so she can paint to relieve her stress. She also apparently has a number of scripts to read, so she can decide what projects to work on next.

Lohan was fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet during a 5am visit to Lynwood Jail recently. She was then sent back to her house, where she is expected to spend around 35 days in confinement. — PTI 

Knot, a problem

Once Upon a Time in Mexico actress Eva Mendes doesn't like marriage because she thinks the institution is archaic and unromantic. The Hitch actress - who has been dating Peruvian filmmaker George Augusto for nearly a decade - believes marriage is ''over the top'' and ''not personal''. "It's not personal. There are all these wedding shows and it's so over-the-top, it's so not about what it should be about," she said.

"I'm not like anti-marriage or the institution for other people. I love the idea of a union, that's very beautiful. I just don't think it should be a piece of paper because society tells me to. "It's a very old fashioned archaic kind of thing. We did it for land originally, how unromantic is that?" she said.

The 37-year-old beauty said older unmarried people in love look "really sexy". "I actually think it's really sexy to be with someone in their 50s or 60s and be like 'that's my boyfriend'. But I think husband and wife are very unsexy words," she added. — ANI 

Not so wanted


IDENTITY CRISIS: James McAvoy  

Wanted star James McAvoy hardly gets noticed while walking on streets. The 32-year-old actor, who has been in the film industry for quite sometime now and has also done major role in his films but still he is not bothered by fans on the streets.

"People have been asking me about fame since I did The Chronicles of Narnia. It never seemed to happen.I've been recognised on the streets maybe about ten times since then. It never really worries me, that stuff. I'm standing outside school gates going, 'Recognise me, recognise me, please!" he said.

The X-Men: First Class actor who has 11-month-old son Brendan with actress wife Anne-Marie Duff, spends most of his time in London. McAvoy's co-star Michael Fassbender, who plays Magneto in the movie, feels the same about fame but doesn't think much can be done to avoid it if it does happen.

"I mean, what can you do? I can't really answer until I'm confronted with it but so far no problem. I worked with Viggo Mortensen last year in Vienna and he's in one of the biggest franchises in the world (Lord of the Rings) and no one bothered us," Fassbender said. — PTI 

Rob loves 'Brat Pack'


fun time: Rob Lowe

Hollywood actor Rob Lowe was proud of being a member of the notorious Brat Pack during the 1980s and says he loves the moniker. The 47-year-old actor, who was a part of the group of young, hard-partying actors, along with stars like Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson and Andrew McCarthy, admitted to having a soft corner for the nickname, while his friends disliked it.

"It's a brilliant moniker that's stood the test of time. But, y'know, the public - I think don't look upon it as a pejorative.

The West Wing star, nearly started a fight with actor Tom Cruise, while rehearsing for a stunt. The actor accidentally hit Cruise leading to his co-star to retaliate with full force. "We all beat each other very hard. Tom is such a competitive lunatic - which is what I love about him - but the next thing you know he's ready to kill me!" said Lowe. — PTI

Hangover opened doors for me: Bradley Cooper

Hangover' opened "more doors" for Bradley Cooper as an actor but the Hollywood star feels it is still difficult to get good roles in the business. Cooper, who reprises his role in the sequel of the comedy, says he still has to audition to get parts in the movies.

The 36-year-old actor who began his career with a small part on Sex and the City opposite Sarah Jessica Parker is thankful for the 2009 comedy movie. "More doors have been opened, for sure, but it's not like I sit back with a cigar on Monday morning and go through the scripts that have been offered. That's not the case. I still put myself on tape to audition for movies and try to get roles," Cooper said.

The actor believes director Todd Phillips was more confident when he shot the follow-up, which was filmed in Thai capital Bangkok. "It's a more confidently directed film by Todd. The first one moves like a bottle rocket, this one takes its time. I'm curious how people will react to how dark it is and how much time is taken with it," he said.

PTI

Salman hints at Aamir collaboration on Andaz Apna Apna 2 

Salman Khan
Salman Khan 

Salman Khan has hinted at a reunion with fellow Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan in the sequel to their cult hit comedy Andaz Apna Apna.The two starred as conmen vying for the attentions of a heiress in the 1994 hit directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and talks are on to rope the duo in for the animated part two.

During a chat with his fans on Airtel's 'Talk To Me' platform, the 45-year-old was quizzed about the sequel and he replied, "Yeah there's Andaz Apna Apna. He (Aamir) is trying for that." Unlike the original that was live action, the sequel will be an animation film and the original stars are set to voice the characters.

The actor spoke about matters both personal and professional with his fans.

When asked about the inspiration that has driven his two-decade-long career, Salman said, "When I feel like letting it go sometimes I think of how you guys appreciate what I've done. Then I feel that it is my moral responsibility to get out of all those feelings and get my will power back and start working once again." The million-dollar question also popped up in the conversations, 'When is Salman Khan getting married?' The star answered by saying that he will tie the knot two days after the fan gets married. —PTI

New meanings
Mona


INSPIRED: Devaki Anand

This lawyer when not digging in tomes, picks up a book to unwind. Not a voracious reader like her mother or siblings (they read 'all the time'), Devaki Anand, when not consulting legal tomes, prefers fiction. Her favourite genre - inspiration fiction.

A Paulo Coehlo fanatic, Devaki has read and savoured them all, The Alchemist, Eleven Minutes and Veronika Decides to Die. "I like books that show direction and yet are not preachy," shares Devaki.

Latest on her bookshelf, Brida. "I actually bought it sometime back, but started reading now," says Devaki. Story of Brida, just like others by Paulo Coehlo, talks of hidden meanings, deep connections and super natural.

"What I like in the book is the word about soul mates. Unlike the movies that essentially portray soul mates to be lovers to be united in wedding, Brida explores why in life we connect to some people instantly," says Devaki. "According to the book, it's not essential for two people to be opposite sex and marry to be soul mates. We can come across many such people with whom we connect at different levels," she shares.

Another thing that works according to Devaki in Brida is the ‘connections’. "Everything in life has hidden significance. Something as simple as not being able to swallow a pill might have some deep reasons. Who knows what transpired in previous birth if you believe in reincarnations," she says.

All and all, Devaki recommends Brida. "Well, this one provides a fresh perspective to look at things. You have a choice to believe it or not. Not a light stuff, but, yes, for those who are exploring new meanings in life," says Devaki who is preparing the list of her next reads for upcoming holidays!

mona@tribunemail.com

Puppy love

Dogs can help reduce stress in parents of children with autism, a new study has suggested. Researchers at thee University of Lincoln compared 20 families with dogs with 20 without. They found the canines had helped the families in many ways, from developing language and establishing a routine to using the pet to request action in a non-confrontational way.

Lead researcher Daniel Mills told a Royal Society of Medicine conference that early results suggested any breed of dogs could improve communication and relationships.

"While there is no shortage of opinion on how dogs can help, there has been little money given to scientifically look into this," the 'BBC' quoted as saying Prof Mills who hopes to use video footage to show how the man's best friend can help improve child eating, sleeping and tantrum behaviour.

The Dogs for the Disabled charity in the UK has had 1,300 inquiries during the past six months from parents of children with autism asking how dogs could help them. Chief executive Peter Gorbing said: “People were previously sceptical of what role they could play, but things are changing rapidly." — PTI

75 and happy

It seems happiness comes with the 75th birthday, at least for Britons, as a new study has found that people feel less lonely and more satisfied with their local neighbourhood after reaching the milestone.

Challenging the stereotype of old age as a time of isolation and unhappiness, the study by the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK also found that feelings of social isolation were more common among the young.

Based on a survey of 1,867 adults, the report looked at expectations and experiences of later life in Britain.

About 72 per cent of respondents aged over 75 years said they never felt lonely, compared with 51 per cent of the 16 to 34 year-olds, the Daily Telegraph reported.

While 10 per cent of people aged between 65 and 74 said they were sometimes or often lonely, 21 per cent of those aged 50 to 59 felt the same.

Researchers suggested that "the peak age for feeling isolated is between 50 and 59, which may relate to children leaving home and, for some people, early retirement”.

PTI

Entice your husband & how

Are you still the one who spend hours in front of the mirror to get that perfect look and pamper yourself with those luxurious beauty parlor sessions to be at your beautiful best always? Post marriage many women tend to lose that beautiful side in them and complain of ruffled hair, skin which has lost the entire glow and their eyes missing the sparkle.

According to a recent survey done by AC Neilsen among Indian men and women, 80 per cent women feel they don't entice their husbands anymore because of the extra weight that they have put on after the baby or him being too occupied with the other priorities. Post marriage Indian woman get into this phase where they get comfortable put on extra weight and do not take care of their appearance. 76 per cent Indian women feel that their family and partner do not notice their appearance and 78 per cent Indian women believe that men notice changes in appearance of their female colleagues and friends wives than the changes in appearance of their own wives!

Such situations can get extremely frustrating and hurtful.

What you need to do is increase you 'attraction' quotient. 88 per cent Indian men feel that women's strongest asset is gorgeous hair and 92 per cent Indian men notice the difference when their wives colour their hair. Take advantage of your husband preference by making yourself as appealing to him as you can.

So ladies go and get a new hair colour done and get noticed now - Colour your hair and do something stylish with your hair, a professional hair expert can easily tell you what type of hairdo and hair color will make you look sexier. Go ahead and explore that sexy side in you.

Almost 80 per cent men feel that women's strongest asset is her hair and coloured hair makes them look more sensuous. Hair color can be that amazing magic wand that instantly transforms dull mousy locks into glorious golden lights that shimmer and shine. It can also instantly erase years of age by covering gray, adding depth to fading colours and cranking up overall shine.

Agency

Stress buster
Panic no more
Renee singh

The breath quickens, palms sweat, the pulse rate is fast, eyes blur...you are actually heading for a panic attack. Why did you allow yourself to reach this stage where stress has overtaken your life so much that suddenly a panic attack catches you unawares?

Hans Selye one of the founding fathers of stress research in 1956 had said, "Stress is not necessarily some thing bad, it depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental." Selye believed that the biochemical effects of stress would be experienced irrespective of whether the situation was positive of negative.

Most commonly used definition of stress is by Richard Lazarus, he says, "Stress is a condition experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources." The individual is able to mobilise. This happens when you loose control of events.

Fight or flight

This is a well-known response. Anytime we come across something unexpected or something that frustrates our goals, certain hormones are released naturally in our systems which help us to run faster and fight harder. They increase the heart rate and blood pressure delivering more oxygen and blood sugar to empower our muscles.

Many proven skills can be used to manage stress, help us remain calm and effective in high power situations.

Keep a stress diary

This is an important tool and technique to understand the most important source of stress in your life.

Tell a friend

In our country this is the easiest strategy. If you have someone you can share it with just do so. "A problem shared is a problem solved."

Build self-confidence

Prepare yourself for success. Self confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of your life. Learn these tricks from an expert.

Set goals

Make goals bigger and challenges a little tougher.

Destroy negative thoughts

Think positive, negativity drains energy.

Focus on simple things

Take small steps to reach your goals don't get into complicated situations.

When your inner and outer realities are in a state of balance, you arrive at a natural stress free stage.

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)

astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: There is a strong emphasis on emotional ties with family to-day. You might get to have a deep and meaningful talk with someone you have been concerned about. Finances are in a frowning mood. Hidden assets may be uncovered. Be sure when you speak or sign any document. Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 41.

TAURUS:A fun mood dominates in the morning. Surprise visitors could change your mind about the whole day. Don’t be caught in false hopes. A critical problem is solved. Financial arrangement will be favourable. Love life settles after 4 pm but don’t make any promises. Tarot message: Lack of caution can lead to losses. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59 number: 4

GEMINI: You feel fastness in nature today. This is a great time to get outside and start walking or jogging. Pick your favourite science spot. Get a few like minded friends along to get some fresh air and exercise. A tricky situation works out in your favour. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 49

CANCER: Good vibes abound at home and at work. Teamwork is highlighted and your boss appreciates your ability to delegate. Honour and respect from your office staff. Women: Control your diet. Love life is thrilling. Moon sextile Jupiter favours career. Celebrate any good luck that comes your way. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Violet. Magic number: 61

LEO: A profitable business deal could solve a few financial problems at home and make your relationship secure. Opposition elements harass you in the afternoon. Sportspersons: be careful. Visit your naturopath to get back into shape. Tarot message: Don’t be bullied into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Magic number: 50

VIRGO: A power-packed day full of activities, fun and friends seem likely. You go over and over about something that happened in the past or something you want to happen in the future. Women: work with caution. Money gains likely from speculation. Tarot message: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 43 

LIBRA: Your work environment could be full of practical jokes and but be careful if working around machinery. Love, harmony, fun and frivolity are on the cards. Let your hair down and party. Businessmen feel unrest because of over burden of work. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 54

SCORPIO: Singles! You may receive an exciting proposal. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back in a project. Talk to someone in the know and get the ball rolling. Tarot message: Rather than worrying; infuse your efforts into decisive action and professional achievements. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 27

SAGITTARIUS: Take your time and don’t be rushed. You must honour yourself as much as others. Your mind, body and soul are working in unison. A domestic hassle is settled. Education and research projects are rewarding. There can be a small get together at home. Tarot message: Don’t expect too much from others. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 25

CAPRICORN: With the “Four of Wands”, the card of illusion, expect a certain amount of chaos and misunderstanding to interfere with your plans. Early hours could see you encountering some difficulties. Don’t take your bad temper to work with you. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 45.

AQUARIUS: This could be quite a good day for work. Domestic happiness plays hide and seek. A close friend brings pleasure in the evening. Working women: avoid gossip session. Love letters/ e-mails and whispered sweet nothings bring romance. Don’t believe everything you hear, though. Tarot message: Have faith in yourself. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 26.

PISCES: Beware of unwise expenditure. Avoid risky investments. Encroachers: expect a notice from the government. Day favours legal matters. Students: check your canteen dues. Beware of stray animals. If you are not well, spend the day in bed with a good book instead. Tarot message: don’t create unpleasantness. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 62. 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 30...

Due to influence of the number 30, you possess magnetism and draw a large number of people towards yourself. In the social field, you will have a busy life in 2011-12. Go for the fields of education, banking or administration to make your career. Your number 3 is governed by the Planet Jupiter and you have an affinity with those born on 3, 6, 7 and 9. You will be lucky in financial matters and will get plenty of opportunities for career advancement.

Your ambition, leadership and drive will always motivate you to strive for constant improvements in your professional life. In July, you may come across a former lover, who will stir old memories. If aspiring for a change of house or vehicle, time is not far. If tired in searching the life partner, the search will end in December as soon as your planet Jupiter is well placed in 2012. Health can suffer due to stress or overwork .Take care of the abdominal organs, putting you in a general state of discomfort and indisposition in early 2012. A very happy over tone can last as long as you have elective as well as selective spending. 

Paresh Rawal You share your birthday with Paresh Rawal (May 30, 1950- Ahmedabad), Himmat Bhai of Doordarshan days. Making his film debut in 1984, he has appeared in over 100 films. Paresh Rawal’s biggest hit was Hera Pheri. Other memorable films are Aankhen, Awara Paagal Deewana, Garam Masala, Deewane Huye Pagal Malamaal, Golmaal, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag etc. He has also produced the Hindi serials Teen Bahuraaniyaan and Main Aisi Kyunn Hoon.

Paresh is ruled by Jupiter and his life path number being 5 which denotes Mercury, ensures big success for him in 2012. He will do well at the box office.

Chatter box
BMW@20


on the move: Sara Khan

Sara Khan’s wish of owning her dream car a BMW has finally come true. The actress recently bought a blue coloured BMW 3 series car for herself and is over the moon as she has managed to fulfill her dream at the age of just 20.

Sara says, “I bought the car with my hard earned money and I am really proud to own a BMW at the age of 20. The feeling of driving your own car is something that cannot be explained in words and it becomes even more special when it is your dream car.”

Speaking about why she settled for a BMW the actress says, “I love sports cars and always wanted to have one of my own. I fell in love with the water blue coloured car the minute I saw it and decided to go for it.”

Sara’s close friends from the industry, Parul Chauhan and Krystle D’souza were got to enjoy a ride in Sara’s new car. The actress says, “Parul and Krystle are my close buddies and they were as excited as me about my new car. I took them for a ride in my BMW and it was a lot of fun.”

We congratulate Sara on her achievement and hope she enjoys many more joy rides. — HRM

Vishal’s not a happy man


OFF SCREEN: Vishal Karwal

Vishal Karwal, the protagonist of Rishton Se Badi Pratha on Colors, is peeved with the makers of the show which will go off air today. He reveals that he is very upset with the way the show turned out.

An angry Vishal says, “I was very excited when I signed Rishton Se Badi Pratha as I found the concept of honour killing interesting. I had expected the show to run for at least a year or two but it is to end within seven to eight months. I don't know why the makers of Rishton Se Badi Pratha cast me in the show if they had planned the generation leap, as I left my previous show Bhagyavidhata for this show. I am not interested in playing father of a 10-year-old and therefore decided to leave Pratha.”

The actor has now out the past behind and is focusing on some new projects he has bagged. Vishal reveals, "I was offered many shows but they were similar to characters that I have played in the past. I have now signed Dwarikadheesh on Imagine TV where I will play Lord Krishna. Besides, I will soon be leaving for Canada to complete the shoot of my Punjabi film Aapare Phir Milenge, wherein I am cast opposite Gracy Singh. I have also signed another Punjabi action film that will again be shot abroad but the details have not been finalised yet."

Vishal is currently on a break from work and enjoying a holiday at his hometown Himachal Pradesh. The actor quips, “I am currently in Palampur and am very happy to spend time with my family after so long. — HRM

Priyal steps into Ammaji Ki Galli
Priyal Gor
comic relief: Priyal Gor

After her ouster from Zee’s Ram Milyae Jodi, Priyal Gor was almost signed for another show but later dropped. So now it is obvious that she is grinning as she has bagged a new project.

Priyal Gor has been selected as the lead in SAB TV’s upcoming comedy show Ammaji Ki Galli. 

This Contiloe production will also star Farida Jalal, Rakshandha Khan, Abir Goswami and twins Ziya and Zaynah Vastani. The show will go on air from June 20 at 7.30 pm.

Deeya in Ekta’s next?

Deeya Chopra, who was last seen in Na Aana Is Des Laado as Raghav’s girlfriend, has got a new role on her hands. She will be seen in Zee Tv’s new show Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuen. Deeya, sister of Roshni Chopra, will play one of the daughters-in-laws in the show. Moreover, one hears she has been offered a lead part in Balaji’s upcoming show on Colors which is tentatively titled Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas. It revolve around a Maharashtrian family. — HRM

Sushant-Ankita’s pavitra jodi

Telly town is abuzz with rumours that Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande, who became popular actors with their portrayal as Manav and Archana in Zee TV’s hit soap Pavitra Rishta, have secretly tied the knot. Buzz is that as they are doing well in their careers they didn’t want to hamper their careers. As the two have been very vocal and open about their relationship, especially post Sushant’s proposal to Ankita on national television a while ago, the fact that it was a hush-hush ceremony has surprised many. The buzz started after Ankita was spotted with sindoor.

Funny man Hrithik!

COMFORT ZONE :Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan’s forte isn’t just dancing but humour too as everyone on the sets of his dance reality show Just Dance can vouch for.

The actor who judges Star Plus’ Just Dance apparently leaves everybody on the sets in splits with his witty one liners.

Hrithik is blessed with some rib tickling wit that often lightens the mood on the sets. The crew that is often stressed about the auditions and the shoots finds itself in a more positive attitude, courtesy Hrithik’s funny comments.

It almost seems like Hrithik has taken it upon himself to ensure that his team stays positive and happy throughout the day. 

Arshad’s idea to beat the heat!

Arshad Warsi seems to have turned DJ, as the actor was seen entertaining the viewers and co-actors with not just his acting and comedy but music too! Unravelling a DJ within, Arshad decided to curb the pressure of the finale of Comedy ka Mahamuqabla, by playing music on the sets of the show. — HRM





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