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Designs without prejudice
So, Rocky S, the celebrated designer, proves his point by bringing out a red carpet collection. The motto being, "A celebrity to make the client feel special". Since, the collection is meant for red carpet events, it's practical colours that celebs usually endorse on such an occasion. "Ivory, old rose, black. There is less embroidery but lot of drapes and falls to add volume to the costume." The designer has a long association with Bollywood. The list of loyal clients begins with Shilpa Shetty, who, he claims, has been sporting his creations for last 18 years. "Then there are Bipasha, Katrina…the best of the designs are created when the inspiration comes from the stars. They have to challenge me to create something different." His latest project is Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. "It takes a lot of research to style actors for a particular film because by the time the film is released, the fashion trends might become outdated. In that case, we forecast fashion for six months in advance. Taking his association with the industry further, the designer will soon be launching his own production house. In Chandigarh to showcase his collection as part of the Blender's Pride Fashion Tour, the designer, randomly summarises the blend of Bollywood into fashion. B-town stars, celebrity show stoppers, Bollywood for inspiration or making clothes for movies. "Whenever you design for celluloid, it's like you are designing for posterity. It's there in the DVD that can be played and reproduced any time. That's not the case with a show or a photo session." His collection comprises 40 dresses in earthy tones. "I've been working on this collection for the past three months and have departed from the colour palette that people usually associate me with. This time it's beige, gold, black and navy blue. I wanted to see how people would take to me not using colour." He adds, "This time I wanted to surprise my own creativity, it's not a very hi-end couture. There's a lot of layering and voluminous skirts. And it's not necessarily Indian, it's diffusion." The 29 ensembles bring a hint of past from 16th to 18th century. "It's all architectural artwork. There are lots of ruffles, 3D corsages, structured garments, silhouettes are very shapely…lots of palazzos and jump suits." The colour palette too reflects everything Baroque. Think ivory, indigo, mustard, black and burnished gold. Being Raakesh He says fashion is dominated by Bollywood and the fashion capital of India is not Delhi but
Mumbai.
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For an Eventful event
It's about being different. Difference is the word…. Bring about a sweet change in a relationship and see the difference, rehash your wardrobe and see the difference, bring about a positive change in your attitude and see the world of difference. So, this is where it boils down to, 'bringing about a difference.'
A group of people called event managers are doing just about this, adding zing and difference to the commercial world. For a launch of a telephone, they would create a stage in the form of a mobile phone, get the celebrity ambassador slip into a dress that bears the phone insignia. For the launch of a hard drink brand, they would invite the ladies to rate the drink, and later write a few lines on why their husband should have that drink and why he shouldn't. See, it is all about being different! The event organisers in Chandigarh and Punjab share how they bring it about, not to forget the challenges involved. It's a techno world Bharat Dhiman, 24, and his partner run JB's Entertainments in Sector-32, an event management company that reinvents itself every year. The whole idea is to offer something new to the clients and the audiences. "The commercial world is driven by marketing and saleability, and what all you can do to make it stand out. Today, a washing powder launch or for that matter a musical nite will go down well only if it is presented uniquely," says Bharat, who shares a line up of events that the company has done keeping the new trends in mind. Event managers just can't ignore technology if they have to bring newness to the events. What's new? Laser shows, sliding screens, theme-based sets and dais, background score especially created, sometimes by a Bollywood playback singer (depending on the budget) are some of the new things that have been introduced in the circuit. "We are given a basic plan, and we sit with the entire team for brain storming sessions," adds Bharat talking about a launch where they created a 300-feet long ramp studded with emeralds and crystals. Know more Did someone mention training for the same? Talking about training, an increasing number of universities are offering graduate degrees and diplomas in event management. An event manager trains in organisational skills, technical knowledge, public relations., marketing, advertising, catering, logistics, decor, glamour identity, human relations, study of law and licenses, risk management, budgeting, study of allied industries like television, other media and several other areas. Creative blast Technology is just one of the factors that has brought newness in the events, we have creative people like set designers, graphic designers, music mixers, colour coordinators working to put up a spectacular show," provides Vimal, who would want to mention that the change in event management is also due to the change in demands. "You can't fool clients, they want the best, the unique and the latest. For any car launch they don't want a simple stage and unveiling of a car, they would rather want the whole event to work around a theme." Ditto for Manish Garg, 27, from Ludhiana who has organised nearly 1,200 events in the four years. "I try to attend various events happening in India to see what is new," he shares adding that it is a lucrative career, "You can make money in event management, but you should know how to bring about the difference." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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B-town intimidates Jacqueline
The 26-year-old actress, who hails from Sri Lanka, says that being an outsider in the Hindi film industry and the country has its own drawbacks. "At the end of the day you are an outsider and it doesn't help you much when you don't even belong to the country. You can't imagine how it feels for a young woman to come back to an empty apartment, be all lonely and face her demons. "The city starts seeming far more alien while the sheer unpredictability of Bollywood as an industry starts intimidating you," Jacqueline said. It has been just three years in the industry for the former model, who began her acting career with Aladin in 2009, followed by Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai. But both films bombed, making it tough for Jacqueline to make a mark in Bollywood. "I had a very rough last year. Jaane... and Housefull released back to back and though Dhanno was a good enough reason to smile, honestly I expected much more from my career," she said. — PTI
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Gyan Zone
"I can teach the Japanese how to make a bonsai and the Americans how to grow cactus," laughs Major General CS Bewli. It's been 10 years since he has been cultivating his passion for the miniature trees. His first solo exhibition is also the launch pad for the Bonsai Culture Club, where he will be training enthusiasts to care and groom their bonsais. "I am comfortable even if there are just four people, as long as they are keen on learning the art," says Bewali, who is the Additional Surveyor General, North Zone. On at the Punjab Kala Bhawan, it changes the entire set up into a mini jungle.
Pointing to his all-time favourite from the collection, he talks about Ginko Biloba. "It's called a fossil plant. This specific type of tree has not changed its shape since it came into existence," he shares. Not an easy plant to grow as a bonsai, Bewli has already lost 10 of them trying to train them. "I can't afford to lose this one, so I don't experiment too much with it," he smiles. Sharing the story of another prized creation, he shows his miniature jungle. "All trees are visible from all angles. It resembles a perfect jungle," he shares. Walking through his potted trees, he goes back in time and talks about how much patience is required to make a bonsai. "They are never discarded. You have to continuously look after them and ensure good health for the plant," he shares. As part of the Japanese culture, they make for an important present. "Bonsais live for over 500 years and in the true tradition, Japanese hand them down generations," he shares bidding farewell to one of his guests. (On till August 28) |
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Master Chef
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French-inspired poultry dish, although evidence suggests that Chicken Cordon Bleu was actually developed in the United States by chefs imitating other stuffed meat dishes from Europe. Cordon Bleu means ‘blue ribbon’ in French, and in French culinary tradition, the Cordon Bleu is awarded to food or chefs of particularly high quality.
The European dish most similar to Chicken Cordon Bleu is Chicken Kiev; chicken stuffed with seasoned butter, dredged in bread crumbs, and fried. The dish is also heavily influenced by Veal Cordon Bleu, a Swiss dish in which veal is wrapped in ham and cheese and fried. Chicken Cordon Bleu Crispy stuffed breast of chicken served along with creamy parmesan sauce Ingredients Boneless chicken breasts (medium size) 2 number Ham slices, thin 2 number 2 Swiss cheese slices, thin slices Salt to taste 1/2 tea spoon Black pepper powder 3 gms dried thyme 2 table spoon refined flour 1 egg, slightly beaten 20 gms cracker crumbs, crushed butter 2 tea spoon creamy parmesan sauce 2 tea spoon butter 2 cloves garlic, chopped white wine 4 table spoon Refined flour 1 table spoon 20 ml heavy cream 20 gms grated parmesan cheese salt & pepper to taste 3 gms chives/parsley Method Place chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap. With flat side of mallet, pound out to 8 or 9 inch diameter. Meat will be very thin, but should not have holes in it. Place one slice each of ham and cheese on the bottom half of each piece of chicken. Fold over other half, enveloping filling completely. Press edges together to seal. Cover with plastic wrap. Pound lightly to remove air bubbles. Mix salt, pepper, flour and dried thyme. Coat chicken with the mixture. Dip breasts into the beaten egg, and then into the cracker crumbs. Melt butter in a large skillet (cast iron best) and brown the breasts and sprinkle little water. Now, cook it in a preheated oven (250 degree Celsius) for eight minutes. Remove from the oven. Method for sauce Melt the butter in a small sauce pan, and then sauté the garlic till it is translucent. Add in a splash of wine and continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Whisk together refined flour and cook for one minute on medium flame. Separately whisk fresh cream with grated cheese, salt and pepper and add it into the sauce pan and cook until melted on slow flame. Cut the cooked breast into haves and serve with sauce. Garnish with chives or parsley sprig. (Kohli is sous chef at Taj-17) Sleepless at Seattle
A new survey has revealed that 30 per cent of women spend most of their time lying awake at night due to financial worries, while 35 per cent of men are kept awake by "nothing". The Manilla.com study looked at the habits of 1000 average wage-earning women and men in the US. The second most common reason for women lying awake at night, at 18 per cent, was put down to "to-do lists" and work stress. The study showed, for the first time, that household chores remained mainly the responsibility of working women. — ANI
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Hot couture!
The battle really does not end there. Just as you enter, you feel as if there is actually "a wedding" happening there. The rush, the dazzle, the banter, the narrow spaces and the 'excuse mes' tend to overwhelm the entrants. Everything bridal tends to dissolve in the mish- mash of too much display in too little space. Just like among the heads gathered to wish the bride and the groom a happy wedded life, there are a few who stand out, here is the same case. A handful exhibitors stand out with what they have put together to add a bit of dazzle in the trousseau. For starters, there is Shrea, one of the very 'neat' designers, whose specific creation of a brown dress with peacock-feathered detailing on the top made quite a few heads turn. All set to enter the Dubai fashion scene, she brings very elegant designs and flowing silhouettes. A mix of traditional and fusion, her creations define the trousseau of a modern bride. overflow with dazzling diamonds, jadaus and minakari work. To complete the declaration of being a one-stop shop for trousseau, the embroidered juttis found several fans. As delicate and intricate as the fabric counterparts, Avantika Sethi's colourful juttis are sure to complement any outfit and add grace. If you are also watching Bridezilla and taking cues on relaxation therapies, be sure to carry a lot of patience and some water because this is one hot affair. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Bond with melodies
Born in a family devoted to music, brothers Ahmed Hussain and Mohmmed Hussain are the finest exponents of ghazal at present. With a fan following across the world (their dedicated students come from Japan, London and Toronto for a month every year to train under them), Hussains are a humble lot trying to serve music as well as humanity in their own ways.
In Chandigarh for a concert at Punjab Kala Bhawan on Saturday organised by NGO NAAD, Hussains shared their musical journey… Born as seventh generation in Jaipur Ghrana, Ahmed as a child of 12 years was half-heartedly into music when a mehfil in Delhi changed his life forever. "My father Ustad Afzal Hussain was there when I was asked about a particular raga that I did not know. Someone from the very gathering commented that son of such a great musician does not know even this much. That was the most testing moment for me," recalls Ahmed. The following years were given by the brothers to classical music. Their journey has not been easy but rewarding. "Any classical form asks for hard work and also a teacher. Many might be God gifted when it comes to voice but it's only a teacher who can channel the potential," says Ahmed. The brothers learnt from their father under strict discipline. They were treated at par with other students. "Though our valid (father) doted on us outside the realms of teaching," recalls Mohammed. They have carried on the tradition with their sons Imran, Javed and Moazzam who have taken classical to be their forte. With almost a 100 albums to their name, the latest one is Khwab Basera, Ahmed Hussain and Mohmmed Hussain register presence in memory of masses with a qawwali Aaya tere dar par they gave for film Veer-Zara. Going back to the ghazal, as derived from Arabic origin, it is addressed to a beloved praising her, still retains its essence says the duo. "Ghazal is something everyone can relate to, though it's very formal when it comes to words," shares Ahmed. And, as they sing a little, the present crowd can't help but be lost in the beautiful lyrics. Their widely divergent dulcet, trained voices leave an indelible mark on the heart and souls which is true for their listeners' world over. mona@tribunemail.com
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The Flower-ing prices
Confused about the gift you want to give at a wedding or a birthday or an anniversary party? Don't be. Flower bouquets are always there to bail you it. There is almost no-one who would hold back a smile on receiving a fresh, aromatic bouquet of flowers.
Little wonder then, the prices keep increasing by the day. Florists in Chandigarh are minting good money even as the demand for exotic flowers soars. The Green House Garden Centre, an upscale outlet owned by Birinder Khullar in Sector-9, Chandigarh, is a case in point. Says Anita, the manager and cashier, "The most expensive of our readymade bouquets cost up to Rs 2,000. Our target customers are mostly high class people who buy flowers on a regular basis." She adds, "Like every business, florists too have their margins. There are many costs to handle; lilies being the most expensive. The design and presentation of the bouquets add to the cost." While there is a price hike in every commodity that we use in our daily life, how can we expect flowers to be priced the same. Says Gyan Inder Gupta, owner, Green Valley Florists, Sector-34, Chandigarh, "The transportation, rentals, labour and fertilising costs are increasing by the day, which ultimately adds up to the price of the bouquets." He adds, "Exotic flowers like lilies and orchids are costlier, and preparing a designer bouquet takes at least two hours." Branding is another factor. Shares Satbir, manager of Ferns and Petals, Aroma outlet, "Our bouquets are expensive because Ferns and Petals is a brand name. The costliest one prepared by us reaches Rs 5,000 and we do have regular customers for them." He adds, "Flowers like lilies, orchids and carnations add to the cost. The dry decorations and other material that is used to make the bouquets look presentable are also the reason behind the rising prices." Although flowers continue to be a favourite gift, people are certainly feeling the pinch. Shares Priyanka Kapila, Chandigarh-based MBA student, "Flowers are the most convenient gift for any occasion; big or small, but the increase in cost is certainly hard on our pockets. Considering the fact that flowers last only for a very few days, the amount we pay is too much." Smiles Ripul Grover, sales executive, Pepsico India Pvt Holdings Ltd, Chandigarh, "I can just think of flowers when it comes to giving a gift to my female friends, but lately I've been spending a lot on them." So, will you think twice before buying those costly blossoms next time?
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Window to a mystery
An historian has finally solved the puzzle about two stained glass windows that inspired Vincent van Gogh and had baffled the historians for almost 150 years. Experts have been searching for the location of the windows ever since the post-impressionist painter wrote about seeing their designs in London in 1876.
For more than a century, no one had a clue which windows he was referring to but now Max Donnelly has finally traced them to a remote village in Hampshire. Donnelly found the two, foot-feet high windows to St. Andrew's church in Owslebury near Winchester. William Carnegie, the 8th Earl of Northesk, commissioned the windows to show his wife and daughter who both pre-deceased him. His daughter, Lady Margaret Carnegie, is depicted as a young Virgin Mary and his wife Georgina as an older Virgin Mary. Dutchman van Gogh, who was deeply religious, saw the designs at Cottier and Company when he was working for a clergyman and wrote to his brother Theo about them. He wrote: "I saw sketches for two church windows. In the middle of one of the windows the portrait of an elderly lady, such a noble face, with the words 'Thy will be done' inscribed above. "In the other window, the portrait of her daughter, with the words 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen," he added. Final confirmation of the link came when Donnelly discovered an old family album in which were pasted photos of the family members and copies of the designs that van Gogh had seen. —ANI
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Chill Out
What better way to spend the summer holidays than enjoying the cool climes of Switzerland and away from the heat and dust of Ludhiana? My daughter Anayat and I flew to join my husband Navdeep in Zurich. He was there for his work. We landed on an extremely pleasant day and were fortunate in getting a cab driver who could speak fluent English.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and among the world's largest financial centres. The city is home to a large number of banking giants. It is also reputed to have the best quality of life in the world. Our first evening in Switzerland was spent in the house of Navdeep's business associates who were hosting an informal barbeque. Their picturesque home is perched on a hill top overlooking the Zurich lake. The setting was right out of a picture post card. The next day Anayat and I set out to explore Zurich on our own. It is nestled around Lake Zurich between hills. The river Limmat flows from the lake and the old town stretches on both sides of the river. The waters of the lake and the river are pristine. Each building has its own sewage treatment and none is discharged into the water bodies. Navedeep was free and we proceeded to Geneva the next day. The second most populous city set in French- speaking Switzerland. The four languages spoken in Switzerland are Swiss, German, Italian and Romansh. Geneva was a good lesson in civics for Inayat as it houses a number of international organizations, including headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross. How can a visit to Europe be complete without visiting Paris? Our next stop was Paris where we climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a great view of the city. This was followed by a night cruise over the Seine. The glass encased boats are one of the nicest ways of exploring the city. As the boat started the Eiffel Tower burst into its night illumination. What a spectacular sight! The next day was devoted to Notre Dame de Paris and the Louvre which houses the famous Mona Lisa painting. We returned to Switzerland through Laussanne, the wine region. Vineyards dot the landscape. Our final trip was to Lucerne on the shores of Lake Lucerne within the sight of Mt Pilatus. It is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. The chapel bridge, a wooden bridge erected in the 14th century, is a famous land mark. The city is known for Bertel Thoraldswen's famous carving of a dying lion. It was time to return to good old Ludhiana. But it was a dream holiday and will remain etched in our minds forever. (As told to Poonam Bindra
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Be realistic in any business negotiations or plans, don't overlook the petty details. A childhood dream might be close to becoming a reality. Joint finances and interest rates could cause worry. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange. TAURUS: Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple solution. Your popularity is an asset to you. But ensure that you do not neglect your home and family. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks which take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 39. GEMINI: Your determination and thoroughness will ensure success. A heavy workload could put you off early, as the day progresses your confidence will return. Lend only as much as you can afford. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27. CANCER: Be prepared for unusual invitations and expectations. Loved ones are likely to be agreeable. Socialising can be fun, especially if you and your partner haven't been spending a lot of time together. Tarot message: Relax in the middle of the week and put your cares to one side. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61. LEO: Home renovations may need more money than you had planned. Speak to your partner about using joint finances to cover an extra loan. If looking at an old home to renovate, pay attention to the foundations. Tarot Message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic Number: 58. VIRGO: A trip to the local market for locally grown fresh produce might inspire you to eat nutrient-rich foods. Let your imagination run free and go to it. Good day for planning. Luck will be with you. LIBRA: Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Joint finances belong to you and your partner, so agreement over your budget has to be reached for it to work successfully. Tarot message: Balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51. SCORPIO: Stick to your regular job as the best way of boosting your reserves. Benefits are assured by not taking the comments of others personally. Be happy for the things you have.
Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 34. SAGITTARIUS: Discuss investment. Real estate matters may suffer. Confidence and self-esteem are on the rise. You must avoid over relaxing. Romance is high on your agenda and a loving encounter is likely. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45. CAPRICORN: A very friendly vibe makes it easy to broach subjects that might usually be avoided. It could be easy for you to overextend on a loan. Be realistic before applying for more credit. Tarot message: Grab financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47. AQUARIUS: Do not be too demanding on loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air. An evening invitation might fix you up with an attractive stranger, someone with whom you find it easy to relax all night long.
Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32. PISCES: Do not take on chores that would drain you physically. Check occasionally so you don't miss any important calls. Romance can call via poetic text messages. Tarot message: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29.
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The Year Ahead
If your birthday is August 28... A negative person is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. The great need is the development of friendliness and a sincere interest in people. Business: You can work like a maniac to perfect your environment right now. You might feel a little obsessed about creating a space that is both beautiful and far from run of the mill, my friend. If a situation is growing increasingly tense, it's time to ask how you can defuse it. Take a step back and take your ego entirely out of it. Education: You may have to put your best efforts. There might be a tough competition. If you are preparing for any interview or entrance exams, success would not be yours. Family: With greater physical energy today, you are likely to take on more domestic and work projects than you are perhaps ready to handle. Try to set aside time for rest and relaxation. Keep a positive attitude. Fun gatherings lift your spirits and good news tops it off nicely. Friendship: Friends can be most helpful in two things this week; Career networking and philosophical discussions that help you process emotions. Team up with Aquarius, Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio and other Capricorn pals who are upbeat. Health: Your health situation may not be consistently good this week. You may have to pay particular attention to any nervous disorders that may flare up during this week, or those of a person close to you. Love: A loving, compassionate and soulful companion is the best kind of person to share .You can get so much joy from the time you spend with them right now. Take care of MMS bug. Compatible Signs: Gemini, Leo. Lucky colours: German blue, Sea green. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 1, 5, 7, 9, 15. Lucky Flower: Daffodil. Lucky Gemstone - Aquamarine.
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Chatter Box
An uphill task
In Sab TV's Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Dr Haathi is hell bent on breaking the dahi handi set up at Gokuldham society. Since he can't climb on a human pyramid, he will come up with a novel idea and walk in with an elephant. Everybody is shocked and amused but Dr Haathi is extremely happy because now he has something to climb on. The debate will be if it is permissible? Will he be disqualified if he broke dahi haandi by climbing on back of an elephant? And will the mahawat of elephant allow him to climb up? Watch Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to find out. Lovely meets lovely
It's goodbye time
Master Chef Mohit?
Mohit Sehgal, who was last seen in Miley Jab Hum Tum, couldn't cook at all as he had a family in Delhi. But in Mumbai, he lives alone and so has learnt enough cooking to call his friends for dinner. He can chop vegetables, make dal, rajma, pulao, egg curry and even roti with the roti maker. He learnt cooking over phone from his mother as well as using Internet for recipes. He can make yummy aloo ka parathas too. He is very happy now that he is not dependent on anyone now. Ask Rakhi Sawant about competition on television and TRP issues and she has a quick answer ready. In a recent interview she said that her show gives people pure entertainment which is why she has a loyal fan following. She has no competition because her show airs at 10 pm when there is no other great show fighting for TRP. Well well.
The big chance
Karan Kundra, aka Arjun of Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2 on Imagine TV, is all set to make his film debut with a Punjabi film named Pure Punjabi. An Indya source reveals, "The film is a musical and is being directed by Munish Sharma. The story revolves around four friends who are passionate about music and is currently being shot in Punjab. The cast of the film also includes Manjot Singh, who starred as the young Lucky in the Abhay Deol starrer Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, as well as Sangram Singh, who was a participant in the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi Torchaar as VJ Mia Udeya's partner. This film is expected to hit the theaters by October." When contacted, Karan confirmed the news.
For mom's sake
Looking like a million bucks in a simple yet elegant blue churidar kurta, tinsel town's most bebo-licious beauty Kareena Kapoor made a splash on the sets of Zee TV's top-rated primetime show Pavitra Rishta recently as she joined the Deshmukhs in their Ganesh maha-aarti this year- leaving a wide grin on the faces of actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande! Kareena Kapoor claims, "My mum is a huge fan of Pavitra Rishta. She simply adores Manav and Archana. While I was initially reluctant to come down to promote Bodyguard on a TV show, simply because I have never attempted anything like this before, it was she who egged me on saying, 'Go Bebo! You have no idea how big this show is -absolutely every Indian housewife watches Pavitra Rishta every single day.' Mum doesn't miss a single episode of the show, so this appearance is for you, ma!" Kareena Kapoor fans will be delighted to know that she not only participated in the family's Ganesh aarti but shook a leg with television's most happening couple Manav-Archana to the title track of her new film. Speaking of her interaction with Bebo, Ankita Lokhande says, "It was a sheer delight to share screen space with someone as gorgeous and glamorous as Kareena Kapoor. The wide range of looks and styles she can pull off with elan is an inspiration for me. She is very international in her sense of fashion and can give any Hollywood celebrity a run for their money. It was nice to hear from her that her mom likes our show very much." A visibly excited Sushant Singh Rajput says, "It's a great privilege to meet and shoot a sequence with Kareena. I'm a big admirer of all her work, right from Refugee to 3 Idiots. She carries herself very well and is easily one of the most attractive women of our times!" Catch Kareena Kapoor in her first ever appearance on a TV soap on August 28 at 7:30 PM on Pavitra Rishta mahaepisode on Zee TV.
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Star Track
Rock star
It is very easy to look like a rock star. You wear boots, black clothes, metallic accessories, put extra black liner in your eyes, back-comb your hair and let it loose, and wear a guitar across your torso. You can easily pretend to know how to play a guitar! Striking the chord
Playing the guitar is a different game altogether. Farhan Akhtar gifted me a guitar for my birthday and now I'm learning how to play it. He is helping me and so is Ali Zafar. I need to practice regularly and I need to be patient. I have learnt how to play Knocking on Heaven's Door. The entire song is just three chords, so that makes it simple to play and the listeners are impressed! I think playing the guitar is a fun way to relax and even chill with friends. On Ali Zafar
Ali Zafar is a talented musician and he knows how to play a variety of instruments. He is a great guy to have around and a good teacher too. He would sing songs for all of us and make us sing along when we were shooting for this film. We met for the first time when we were shooting a scene where I am saying a dialogue from Sholay standing on top of a car. He told me that I was a little crazy! Going on stage
I hope I become good enough at playing the guitar soon. We have promotional concerts for the film and I want to jam with Ali Zafar on stage. That will be fun. — HRM The final call
Unveiling the dirt
Mystery guy
Looking for perfection
The 37-year-old worked in a shift at a restaurant called Route 7 Diner in Albany in New York, and restaurant manager Colleen Noble was impressed. "Only a few customers recognised her. She was a very nice person and very polite. I was very pleased they picked my diner. It worked out great," said Noble in an interview . — IANS
High on music
Kareena Kapoor loves music completely. She recently shot for a make-up brand campaign and asked for some peppy numbers to be played throughout the shoot. That's nice as music keeps your spirits up!
The right business
Parvin Dabbas's directorial debut Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande has received positive reviews from critics, the film industry, and audiences. The film was made on a budget of INR 4 crore including print and publicity so it will definitely recover its cost. The film has received word-of-mouth publicity and the numbers are going up.
Kalki Koechlin is not pregnant. The Kashyaps are flying high on the success of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Shaitan. They have taken off on their long-overdue honeymoon to Turkey. On their return, That Girl in Yellow Boots will release.
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The S factor
Big on B-town
Century charm
The judgment is without bias. It comes from the experience of being in the industry for more than 10 years. It comes from working with all the ace models and actors and competing with other designers. Raakesh Agarvwal is candid when he says, "Fashion is the most liberal industry, where you can be what you are." Compare it with other industries around and Raakesh explains the difference, "Here if you are a gay, you can live life like one. If you are a transsexual, nobody will have an objection to it; if you love alcohol, you can be open about it." Little wonder, Blenders' Pride holds a large number of fashion shows across India every year.
Vimal Roy Dhola, 26, is handling Rudra Events that organises celebrity singer nites, destination weddings and a lot more. "Event management is a million-dollar industry, growing rapidly with companies hosting mega shows and events. "It is about lavish display and how can you get audience to notice it. 
She is new to the country as well as the film industry and three-film-old Jacqueline Fernandez, who tasted success recently with Murder 2, feels Bollywood is "intimidating".
Elaborating on how his passion grew, he talks about the bonsai care system, which looks into the needs of all his plants. "The compost tends to form the most integral part of caring for bonsai, particularly because they derive their nutrients from there," he shares. Also considered integral are the aspects of root and leaf pruning. 
Yes, it's a Sunday morning. If you are planning on being part of the huge crowd headed towards JW Marriot where the Bridal Affair 2011 is underway, be sure to either walk or just rely on public transport. The traffic chaos there closely resembles the clogged roads of Delhi. Between the line of swanky pallazo-wearing madams driving hi-end cars and the chauffeur driven wheels, the wait on the valet is sure to make enough time to grab a coffee.
Another fine example of fusion was brought out in a black sari with a riot of colours on the border. Ritu Pande has done all that it takes to give a 3-D look to her collection. A plain sari, with a giant rose on the side of the blouse adds the understated hint of elegance. Between the giant jewellery items and the rocks in rings, was the delicate batik and chandi tunic. Brought to town by Pakistani designer Huma Nasr, her line- Braahtii, talks of Indo-Western fusion fashion. The batik motifs and the plazzao pants create an interesting kaleidoscope of colours. Then there was a play of couture a mix up of traditional and contemporary styles, Monika Y Dutt retained the elegance of tradition with the tinge of modern twist. Also into customised designing, the collection is classy. The jewellery stalls 
Deepak Tijori (August 28, 1961, Mumbai) has made over 50 film appearances as an actor and made his directorial debut in Fareb, starring sisters Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty. He started his career in Krodh as a supporting actor and also starred alongside Bollywood icon Shahrukh Khan in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Anjaam and Baadshah . Deepak will have to struggle much for survival in the industry.
Not many stars dare to flaunt their weight with the ease that actor Ram Kapoor does. He may not have a six pack but that hasn't deterred his fans from adoring him. Not only his fans but the star himself is happy with his physique and so is his close friend and show producer Ekta Kapoor. In fact Ekta doesn't want her lead star of Bade Acche Lagte Hain to lose weight. But at times his weight creates trouble for the star. Apparently, for the shaadi promo shoot, Ram had to sit on a horse. However, due to his healthy frame, the production team had to give him options of horses to choose from, so that the horse could carry him comfortably. Well, Ram though we love you, your weight does become a hurdle sometimes, doesn't it? 
Ragini Nandwani aka Lovely in Zee TV's Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, is a die hard Salman Khan fan and was thrilled to find out that Salman would come on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Pa Li'l Champs to promote his upcoming release, Bodyguard. Ragini coaxed the channel to make her a part of the episode especially because Salman's character in Bodyguard is named Lovely Singh. On the D-day, the usually chirpy actress was nervous and when Ragini met Salman she forgot what she planned to say. Instead Salman said, "I have seen you on TV." Ragini managed to ask tips to impress her mother-in-law in the show. Salman replied, "Tension mat lo, waqt ke saath sasu maa pat jayegi aur agar nai pati toh nipat jayegi." 
Zee TV's Sanskaar Laxmi produced by Spin A Tale Creations didn't garner decent TRPs and now it will be pulled off air. The show replaced Sanjog Se Bani Sangini. Sanskaar Laxmi started with a bang but later there were many changes in story with leads Rohit Purohit quitting followed by Vivan Bhathena and Aamir Dalvi too. Currently the story focuses on Angad (Shakti Arora) and Laxmi (Veebha Anand). Apparently it will end on September 8.
Winner all the way
Katrina Kaif plays a rebellious chick named Dimple in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The rock star avatar is evident in the song Dhunki. She is learning to play the guitar in real life. The superstar talks about looking like a rock chick and playing the guitar.
The title of Dharma's Imran Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer, directed by Shakun Batra has been finalised. Short Term Shaadi was the working title and the film has now been christened as Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu.
The promo of The Dirty Picture will be unveiled on August 30 at a single-screen theatre in Bandra which will be decorated to look like a theatre in the 1980s and to reflect the theme of the film.
Esha Deol is all over the place because her film Tell Me Oh Khuda is ready for release. She has been cozying around with a mystery guy at parties recently. Her colleagues and co-stars know about him. So who is he?
Actress Eva Mendes took real life lesson of serving food to customers to prepare for her role as a waitress in Derek Cianfrance's The Place Beyond The Pines.
Married to success
