Day 1: Amitabh Bachchan tweets that he is soon going to be a grandfather.

Day 2: Best wishes start pouring in.

Day 3: Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine is shelved and Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ladies and Gentlemen is delayed.

Day 4: Debate on whether or not there should be a pregnancy clause sets in.

And the debate further raises several questions that can be applied to pregnant women at the workplace — Are women considered less efficient after they get pregnant or is pregnancy an illness? Are women asked to go on long leave because the employers doubt their capability or is it out of genuine concern for the mother and the baby?

Ace model, Sonalika Sahay defends Aishwarya Rai’s decision to sign Heroine. “A would-be mother knows how much work pressure her body can handle. I understand that looks are primary in glamourous professions but even in regular desk jobs, pregnancy is an issue.” She says that she has seen her friends in white collar jobs facing a tough time during pregnancy. “Leave and rest is required after the baby is delivered. But the general perception is that women need to go off work once they develop a baby bump.”

There is no denying the fact that every organisation has fixed maternity leave tenure for women, but it’s also important to understand the significance of the leave. Chandigarh-based sociologist Rajesh Gill specifies the same, “Not that a woman can’t work before or post pregnancy, but the leave is required to take care of the child. There are women who work till the mid of ninth month of pregnancy.” Women also go to gyms to exercise to keep themselves active, so if they can work out, they can even work in the offices. Rajesh raises another significant point - had the society treated pregnancy casually there wouldn’t ever have been an issue of a pregnancy clause. “I know of cases when women have been asked to sign the clause before getting a job confirmation letter. Motherhood is the basic right of every woman. An employer can’t bind her with a clause or conditions.” So, does the claim hold true even in case of glamourous professions? Poonam Dhillon, who took a long break from the silver screen after she became a mother, supports the producer. “It all depends on the profession. It would have been unjust to Aishwarya Rai if she had to work for long hours or was instructed not to gain weight, which is a natural process.” But there are examples of actors who were pregnant while they shot. Kajol was carrying her second child during My Name is Khan, Hema Malini was also pregnant while shooting for Satte Pe Satta. “It’s wrong to say that society is insensitive towards pregnant women. In fact, I feel society is oversensitive, which is why a pregnant woman is asked to rest much before pregnancy.”

Sonalika feels the other way round. She worked for four months while she was pregnant and after her daughter was born, took a break for six months. “It’s important for our society to realise that pregnancy is not illness. It’s not a work impediment. If I could work being a model, women in white collar jobs sure can.”

There must be ample cases when women had to quit jobs during pregnancy because they were asked to or they were bound by the pregnancy clause. Nisha Sharma, who was working in a private firm, had to call it quits because the employers didn’t co-operate. “There were days when I found it difficult to go to office. Then, there were times, when it became a little difficult to handle work pressure. It was not like I didn’t slog but slight laxity in work means loss to the organisation.” She is against any pregnancy clause though. “That’s inhuman. An organisation can’t dictate terms as to when should a women plan her family.” So, as of now, the clause has got a thumbs down!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Clearing the air over her alleged troubled marriage and pregnancy, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has rubbished such reports saying that she is “happily married” and is not in the family way.

“1st I hear am preggers (NOT true). Now I hear my husband’s having an affair from the press. Common for papers to stoop low to sensationalise false...(sic),” Shilpa said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

“False news! grrrrrr:( for the record, my husband and I are holidaying in USA and are very happily married. Sorry to burst the newspaper’s bubble:),” she said. There was a buzz in B-town that Shilpa’s husband, NRI business honcho Raj Kundra met at lady at a hair transplant clinic in London and gifted the clinic assistant an European holiday, giving rise to rumours of a troubled marriage. Also, If gossip mills are to be believed then Shilpa and her hubby were seen regularly visiting a gynaecologist in a plush hospital in Mumbai’s Bandra Reclamation Area, triggering reports of Shilpa’s pregnancy. — PTI

Suyash Kumar, aka Neel who is busy making life hell for Panchi in Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani, has bagged a role in Balaji's latest show Bade Achhe Laggte Hai on Sony. Viewers have loved the recently launched show and Suyash who has already stated shooting for it, is on cloud nine.

An Indya source reveals, "Suyash will play Akash, Natasha's ex-boyfriend from London, who dumped her in the past. Akash will return to India after finding out that Natasha plans to marry Karthik. Once back, he will spare no chance to make life difficult for Natasha and Karthik as he is determined to win her back. Suyash who plays an NRI will have a sleek and stylish look in the show.

"Suyash confirms, "Yes, I have already started shooting for Bade Achhe Laggte Hai and my character will make an entry on Monday. Akash is a little eccentric, basically the male version of Natasha. I had auditioned for the role of Ram Kapoor's brother Siddhant but that character had to look 28-29 years old and I look too young for it. When I was offered the role of Akash, I immediately accepted it as the character is of my age." However Neel's fans need not worry as Suyash reveals that he is not leaving Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani. The actor says, "It is difficult managing both the shows as I am shooting back to back but I don't mind as this (acting) is what I always wanted to do in life. Bade Achhe Laggte Hai has recently been launched but is already doing so well and I really wanted to be a part of it. I am glad my wish got fulfilled finally."

— HRM

Sanaya Irani is having a great ball playing the small town girl Khushi in her new show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? Explaining herself she says, "Khushi never gets intimidated or scared by people around her.

She is very religious and believes in devi maiya. I love her desk which is decorated beautifully with a chunni over her computer monitor, mouth freshners, chwaynprash, stickers of jai mata di on her phone too!! Meanwhile, Arnab might be grumpy and angry onscreen, he is a happy go lucky man off screen. We laugh a lot and have fun on the sets. The challenges and the way Khushi meets them are both super cool."

Amitabh Bachchan is a brand-name and he has been able to sustain himself over a very long period of time instead of fading away like many of his contemporaries. Big B has been in the industry for the past three generations. Over the years, the industry, films, filmmaking, and audiences have changed. The legendary actor talks about being witness to the way everything has changed in Bollywood and what he is looking forward to.

Are you happy with the current status of Bollywood?

I am more than happy. Films have changed, the way of making cinema has changed, and our audience has also changed so we too have to change with the times. We have to cater to our audience. I only regret that poetry is no longer used in songs these days but once again youths like the new kind of songs. It’s their generation so let them enjoy it.

So how will you define the changing phase in the music industry?

The whole business of recording music has changed. Sometimes I feel I come from some ancient time because everything has changed so much. In my days music was recorded in just one take. The musicians, the orchestra, and the singers came together and recorded. If even one violinist, harmonium guy, or the singer made a mistake, the entire song was scrapped and had to be redone. Today, singers and composers just record songs and they don’t even know for which film it will be used. You can also retake songs now. They do so much of correction after the song is recorded and make a bad singer like me also sing better. Technology has completely changed our music.

Can you tell us some of your favourite songs?

That’s really difficult because there are so many! Still, I will name some of my favourites like Rimjhim rire saawan, Kab ke bichhde hue, Aati rahengi bahaaren, Kajra re and so many others. Music is something which has always remained close to me. Music is very important in our films because good music helps a film perform better at the box office. I am a die-hard fan of Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Ashaji, and Lataji.

What do you think about the new film makers?

Ohh, they are brilliant! The way they have taken over the industry and are changing the face of cinema is marvelous. I like the temperament and enthusiasm with which they work and they are hardly 25. They think in a new way and because of that, our Hindi cinema is internationally known today. The new breed is very quick and they know how to get what they want.

What’s next?

There is a lot more. I am looking forward to the release of Aarakshan now as it’s going to be different from what Bbuddah….was. Working with Prakash Jha was my pleasure as he is one of the best directors I have worked with till date. He knows a lot about literature and language. He has a vision and Aarakshan was a challenging movie. —HRM

edgy take: Emraan Hashmi

Emraan Hashmi does not like being called a serial kisser. He wouldn’t mind being called a serial killer. Incidentally, Murder 2 is about serial killings. The talented actor talks about his upcoming film, the lovely Jacqueline Fernandez, and doing films outside the Bhatt camp.

Grey shades

All of us have a dark side but we just try and shy away from talking about it. I am not ashamed of my own dark side and am very comfortable with it. Life is not all goody-goody because realistic situations have shades of darkness and it is important for them to be portrayed. In my next film, I am playing a cop who gets involved in serious problems due to a girl who comes into his life.

Plot of Murder 2

Murder 2 is a darker film than Murder which fell more in the area of sensuality and lust. This one is a dark thriller about the shady or twisted lives of people. I know everyone has presumptions about the film but you will be shocked when you watch the film. Murder 2 has sensual scenes but you will be scared because it is more in the edgy-thriller space. It’s the first out-and-out commercial Hindi film to deal with the subject of serial killers.

Jacqueline Fernandez…

She is one of the cutest co-stars I have worked with and is a very good actor. Her performance in the film is excellent and you will not connect or compare her with Mallika in Murder. She is looking hot and very sensuous. I took time to open up but she was like a kid who would talk tirelessly all the time.  Within a few days, we became good friends and did the film without hesitation.

Anurag Basu or Mohit Suri?

Murder was directed by Anurag Basu whereas Murder 2 is directed by Mohit Suri but one has to understand that both are different concepts. Both directors are different in their way of working. Anurag is spontaneous and keeps himself and everyone else on the edge; on their toes. Mohit, on the other hand, loves working with a bound script.

Outsider interest

I am glad that people outside the Bhatt camp are interested in me and I have had the opportunity to work with Ekta Kapoor, Milan Luthria, Madhur Bhandarkar, and other talented people. It’s a good thing for me and I have proved myself to my critics and recognition always feels great. The Dirty Picture is going to be one of the toughest films in my resume and I am really looking forward to it. Murder 2 is all set to release on 8th July.—HRM

Short Term Shaadi was supposed to release in the first week of October but it has been pushed to the first week of December.

Both films are produced by Dharma.

Bollywood veteran Jeetendra, who was last seen making a special appearance in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Om Shanti Om in 2007, says that he has not made up his mind on making a comeback in acting as of yet.

When asked why is he not seen in films unlike his contemporaries Dharmendra or Amitabh Bachchan, the 69-year-old said, “I haven’t made up my mind so far on doing films. My mind and heart hasn’t taken a call on it. When I feel like doing (films)... I will definitely do.”

Bachchan continues to be one of the busiest actors even at the age of 68 - his latest lead being in Bbuddah... Hoga Tera Baap – whereas Dharmendra was last seen alongside his two sons Sunny and Bobby in Yamla Pagla Deewana. Jeetendra made an appearance in Kucch To Hai in 2003, a film produced by his daughter Ekta, where he appeared alongside his son Tusshar.

When asked whether he would like to play Amitabh’s role in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap, Jeetendra said, “I haven’t seen the film... will go with friends to see it soon. I don’t know if I can play or do this role... that I will decide after seeing the film.” In terms of television, Jeetendra appeared in the serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in the role of an old man. He was one of the judges on Indian dance reality show - Jhalak Dikhla Jaa season two, alongside actress Urmila Matondkar and ace choreographer Shiamak Davar. He was also a judge, along with Hema Malini, on Dancing Queen. — PTI

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds have been granted a divorce, ending their marriage of two years.

Signed off at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, their divorce was said to be amicable. According to documents filed in court, the couple had no prenuptial agreement. Hence the assets accrued during their marriage will be split evenly, reported a publication online.

Johansson, 26, and Reynolds, 34, started dating in 2007, before announcing their engagement in 2008. They married in a small ceremony in Canada in September the same year. The couple then moved into a USD 2.8 million mansion in Hollywood Hills, California. However, they split in November 2010 and Reynolds filed for a divorce citing irreconcilable differences. “Anyone who gets divorced goes through a lot of pain, but you come out of it. I’m not out of it yet. At all. But I sense that as I do come through it, there’s optimism. How can there not be?’ I don’t think I want to get married again. But you always re-evaluate these things,” Reynolds had said.

Although Johansson had a brief affair with Hollywood actor Sean Penn and was linked to Justin Timberlake earlier this year, Reynolds has remained single post the split. — PTI

Vishal Bhardwaj is looking for three leading ladies to star alongside Emraan Hashmi in Daayan. Vidya Balan might do it.

He also needs a heroine opposite SRK in the adaptation of 2 States and he needs a leading lady for the sequel to Ishqiya.

Looking around: Vishal Bhardwaj

Socialite Paris Hilton was spotted sharing a passionate kiss with her new rumoured filmmaker boyfriend Todd Phillips. The 30-year-old heiress who was seen hanging out with the Hangover filmmaker just days after her split from boyfriend Cy Waits, was caught on camera kissing the Hangover director recently inside Beacher’s Madhouse at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, reported a website.

Hilton and Phillips have been friends for some years and were spotted leaving celeb hangout the Chateau Marmont Hotel together at the weekend. The socialite has dated a string of men which included fashion model Jason Shaw, singer Nick Carter, Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis, another Greek shipping heir, Stavros Niarchos III, Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden, The Hills star Doug Reinhardt and then Waits. — PTI

This is a clear case of each to his own; either you believe in astrology or you don't. In both cases, you cannot deny its growing reach and effect on people who are normally not happy with the movement of their life.

Whatever the case, celebrity astrologer Sudeep Koachar, in Chandigarh to conduct a seminar- Design Your Destiny on Fashion & Astrology/ Interior & Vaastu - at the Inter-National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Chandigarh, has a clear cut take on his subject. "In astrology, 2+2 could be 4, 6 or even 9 depending on the astrologer," he says on a lighter note.

"Astrology cannot change anyone's life, but it can surely work as a guiding light. I see it as a divine science that works in combination with instincts and the placement of stars when a person is born," puts in Sudeep, known to be the youngest celebrity astrologer who gives consultation to Bollywood celebs Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Shekhar Suman, Adnan Sami, and former cricketer Greg Chappel, Gautam Gambhir and Anil Kumble, to name a few.

Time to bust certain myths with Sudeep! Add an extra a, delete an s, add three c's…rehash your name and become a star! He laughs, "This is insane, and this isn't possible. Have you seen any of the famous people like Mahatma Gandhi, Shah Rukh Khan, or Amitabh Bachchan add or delete alphabets in their name? Much depends on the placement of stars when you are born," he puts in quoting an example. "There are many who were born at the same time and date as Rahul Gandhi, but he would go on to become the prime minister, and rest are doing something else in life."

Some celeb talk? Big names consulting him, what have they got to lose? "Nothing," comes the reply, "they live in a constant fear of losing their name, fame and money. As an astrologer I guide them and boost their morale," he adds.

The stone power? "There is nothing wrong with stones if they strengthen your planet," provides Sudeep who has a tip or two for the students of INIFD. "Fashion can be about metaphysical, spiritual and environmental quotient. A designer should guide people through their choice of clothing to foster harmony and prosperity."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Every person has a sense of style in his own right. Yet there are only few who'd attract the second glance, who have the power to make the camera go zoom on them. It could be tousled hair, it could be torn jeans. This week's face in the crowd is Kriti Giribhar, a student of stem cell and tissue engineering, Panjab University, Chandigarh, believes in trying a variety of clothes.

Your sense of style is…

I only wear what suits me, what is comfortable and what looks smart on me. There's no point sporting even the best of brands if you aren't comfortable in your skin.

Latest addition in the wardrobe…

It's a floral halter that I got from Goa.

Brand freak or street smart?

I pick up what I like and whatever I like. Now that could be branded or street wear.

Choose one: sporty, glamorous or chic

It varies between sporty and glamorous.

Favourite style icon?

Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra. Their clothes are seriously good.

Who's the worst-dressed celebrity around?

Without a doubt Amisha Patel and Rani Mukherjee. Does anybody even remember any of their clothes? Their wardrobe is a chaos.

One fashion trend you don't understand…

Coloured hair. Streaks still can be passed on. But faking a blonde, is it worth it?

Your take on accessories

Minimum is the best. I don't accessories much.

One thing that boosts your confidence

The uncountable number of Punjabi singers… we've spoken at length about them, how about talking about people who add a little music to their life, the music directors! Bhinda Aujla is one such music director from Jalandhar who rates 'music' as the most divine thing of his life. Singing is one thing, making it hummable is another, an equally important task.

In Chandigarh to share notes from his newly released album Dramey Baazi, Binda is all about giving an opportunity to singers who don't have resources and means to realise their dreams. "This is my second album after Yaar Glassy, and it is about people who are hypocrites and how they walk around with a double face," shares Bhinda.

Bhinda has also given music for singers like Gippy Grewal, Kailash Kher and Sukhwinder. "A song is popular when it gets a suitable voice, but one cannot ignore the importance of music in it, and one cannot also rule out the role of recording," says Bhinda, who makes music in one of his state-of-the-art music studios in Jalandhar. "I had dreamt about this studio for a long time. I got a chance to work on it when I came back to India from Sydney. Punjab is full of singing talent, but they don't have good studios for recording. I named my studio Youngster Studio, which means it is for singers who are young and want to explore Punjabi music," shares Bhinda, who will soon be seen in a Punjabi movie.

Some people continue to drink heavily as they perceive positive effects like better conversational and joke-telling abilities, improved sex and more energy to stay up late partying — despite experiencing hangovers and fights.

"This suggests why some people can experience a lot of bad consequences of drinking but not change their behaviour," said Kevin King, co-author and University of Washington assistant professor of psychology.

"People think, 'It's not going to happen to me' or 'I'll never drink that much again'. They do not seem to associate their own heavy drinking with negative consequences," he said.

Nearly 500 college students completed an online survey measuring their drinking habits during the previous year, the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviours reports.

The survey assessed how often the participants had experienced 35 different negative consequences of drinking, such as blackouts, fights, hangovers, missed classes and work, and lost or stolen belongings, according to a University of Washington statement.

— IANS

Ranveer [Jul 06, 1985 ,Mumbai] who shares his birthday was seen in Band Baaja Baaraat and his role in the movie was much appreciated. He portrayed the role of a typical Delhi University ka launda perfectly. He became a sensation overnight. Number 6 representing Venus has lot of glamourous roles for Ranveer in coming time. He should sign new films on dates 3, 6 or 9. The year 2013 belongs to him.