Sans bling, what style
Punjabi singers talk about the style statement they like to make on stage and in their albums
Ashima Sehajpal
Amrinder Gill
Amrinder Gill

Where is the bling? Where are the satins or silks, the trademark fabrics used in making folk costumes? Where is the heavy embroidery, gotta work on the borders, jewellery and accessories?

Fifteen years ago bling confirmed the celebrity status of Punjabi singers; not that they compromised on the music, but Gurdas Maan, Hans Raj Hans, Kuldeep Manak were fashion icons in their own way.

Back to the present times, Diljit Dosanjh's wardrobe for daily wear and live shows is the same. He steps on to the stage in his favourite blue denims, a cool tee and matches its colour with his turban. Amrinder Gill likes to keep it simple as well. So do most of the other Punjabi singers. The reasons vary.

For Diljit, "Casuals are chic. A starched white kurta teamed up well with denims works the best. Style quotient is upped by shades and a turban in bright colour." In the beginning, however, it wasn't easy to come up with a signature style. "The general perception was that sardars can't be stylish. I took it as a challenge, proved people wrong and made my style statement with turbans." While his style is of course a hit in his albums and on stage, it also helped him bag lead roles in Punjabi films. "Offers for Punjabi flicks started flowing in. I was told by my directors that my turbaned look is very popular among the youngsters, who would love to see me on the big screen."


Diljit Dosanjh
Diljit Dosanjh

As they are role models for youngsters and fans, appearances do matter a lot. Amarinder Gill adheres to what he thinks will make it easier for his fans to emulate. "You instantly get a celebrity status when you dress up flamboyantly. But if you want to communicate well with the audience, it's important to become one of them. Remember you are what you wear!" He feels casuals help audiences relate well to the celebrities.

However, subtracting bling from the wardrobe doesn't mean compromising on style. Using right accessories is extremely important. Amarinder prefers a watch, handband and Versace or Gucci sunglasses. "I even hire a stylist who picks the right clothes and accessories for me when I shoot for an album."

Picking clothes also depends on the singing style and the kind of event. So, for a particular show that was held to celebrate the culture of Punjab, Honey Singh wore the traditional outfit, kurta and chadra. On another event, the rap star of Punjabi music willingly went shirtless for a track in his next album. "It's important to be experimental in the entertainment industry. At the same time, you can't compromise with style. I went shirtless for a song's video because it went well with the theme." As for his personal pick for a stage show, "Nothing beats a white kurta and a pair of jeans."

Preet Harpal brings variations in the way he dresses according on the song. "If it's a romantic number, then I am fine with traditional clothes. If it's a song in collaboration with a rapper, then Western outfits work the best. Clothes help you get the feel of the song. And being comfortable is being stylish."

ashima@tribunemail.com

The stage is set
The Chandigarh Theatre Festival from September 17 to 21 at the Tagore Theatre is set to delight theatre lovers

Bollywood celebrities are surely making their presence felt on stage as well. After Mahesh Bhatt presented his play The Last Salute at the Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh recently, now it's the turn of actor Paresh Rawal and Yashpal Sharma to woo the audiences during the second Chandigarh Theatre Festival.

And all thanks is due to the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration and Tagore Theatre Society, which brings in the best of theatrical productions for the festival scheduled from September 17 to 21 at the Tagore Theatre. The Festival opens with Mumbai-based ANK Group's comedy play Hai Mera Dil directed by Dinesh Thakur, while on September 18 famous theatre Director Rani Balbir Kaur will stage her prestigious creation Bhikhsu aur Ganika. Another Mumbai-based Theatre group Yatri will present their comedy classic Hadh kar De Apne under the direction of Om Katare. While director Salim Arif's play Lakeerein will be staged on September 20. The festival will conclude with the play Kishan V/s Kanhiya, directed by Umesh Shukhla on September 21.

Hai Mera Dil and Hadh Kar De Apne are wonderful comedy plays. The play Lakeerein is based on the story and poems of great writer-director Gulzar. Famous film actor Yashpal Sharma will act in this play.

The play Kishan V/s Kanhiya will star the versatile film actor Paresh Rawal. The first theatre piece will be of Dinesh Thakur from Mumbai followed by a play directed by Dr Rani Balbir Kaur, whose play Bhikshu Aur Ganika is soul-stirring and relevant to the current situation in our country. The tickets for all the plays will be available at the Tagore Theatre from 10.00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The plays will begin at 6:45 pm. — TNS

Child’s play!
Several hubs that aim to develop your child’s skills have come up in Chandigarh
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra


Kiddies Gym in Sector 20, Panchkula; and (right) Kid's Own in Sector 17
Kiddies Gym in Sector 20, Panchkula; and (right) Kid's Own in Sector 17

A ballet lesson to hone the little dancer in your child, abacus classes to improve algebra skills and a foreign language for that extra merit — life of a kid is not easy these days! And learning just became more fun for the younglings as several creative hubs, which aim to make global citizens out of the kindergarten kids, have come up in Chandigarh.

Kiddies Gym, which opened in Sector 20, Panchkula, aims to develop the mental and physical strength of a child. Don't be surprised when we say a Kiddie Gym, it is actually a kid's gym with cycle, treadmill, stepper and a twister for your little one! Done up in bright and effervescent colours, the gym is open for kids from 2-20 years of age and has equipment to build up the stamina in your kid.

Says Pragya from Kiddies Gym, "We always wanted to come up with a place that is especially dedicated to the kids. Though abroad these concepts are quite popular, in India the trend is still to catch up." Ask her if the equipment is safe for the kids and she says, "All this is custom-designed for kids. It is not electronic and doesn't involve the energy adults require to burn their calories." But do kids need a gym to burn calories? "Kids have a sedentary lifestyle these days and obesity is rising."

With a fee structure of Rs 1,500 a month, here your child can hone his strength and flexibility or learn yoga, boxing, judo, martial arts, rock climbing, circuit training, dance or aerobics. That's not all; the Kiddie Gym has also devised a fitness programme specifically for your child. This will include a regime for a particular goal. The best thing about the gym is that it has physiotherapy and physical activities for special kids as well. "We have trained instructors and physiotherapists to take care of special kids.”

For all you people who are looking out for places that can be fun as well as learning, Kid's Own in Sector 17 is another place that offers a whole lot of activities for kids.

Divided into various sections, the creative and the play area helps the kids unleash their energy. Says Nalini Sibal from Kids Own, "Apart from the play area that is built keeping kids' safety in mind, we have regular workshops that help build their confidence."

The city is actually in for a kiddie revolution with everyone trying to do something better for the tiny-tots. Tiny Feet, Giant Leaps in Sector 8 is another place where your kids can learn a lot. An initiative by Deepali Nangia and Aman Patwalia, both mothers of toddlers, this is indeed a place where the child can hone many skills. Says Aman, "We wanted to do something revolutionary as we both were worried on how children are being pushed to schools at a tender age. We just wanted them to enjoy their childhood. We wanted to start something creative as well as stimulating. We have classes such as toddler cooking, around the world (where we explore a different country in each class through art, music and stories), Summer crafts, art techniques (basics of drawing and painting), yoga, drama, dance etc." Open for kids from 1-10 years, here you can join specific workshops for both parents and children. A panel of doctors too joins in for parenting workshops.

There sure is a world waiting for the kids out there!

Hum, Tum Aur A Love Triangle

Hum Tum Aur Shabana is directed by Sagar Ballary (who earlier directed the famous Bheja Fry), and stars Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Minissha Lamba. "It's a rom-com," says the director. "The promos of the film might make you think that it is a love triangle. But it is a lot more than that, I assure you," he confirms about his movie.

We catch up with the star cast of Hum Tum Aur Shabana to know more about their film.

Minissha Lamba

"It is a lovely story. When Sagar approached me for the role, I accepted it immediately, because I loved the script", gushes Minissha. "I play the central character in the film. I haven't done anything like this in the past. I play a girl called Shabana, who participates in a pageant without knowledge of the basics of modelling".

"It's not a male-dominated film", she adds. "When you watch a comedy, you think it is a male-dominated film, but in this one, I have the title role. The movie also has emotion, drama and some action. It is a complete package." I won't do a bikini scene ever again!

There has been a lot of hoopla over Minissha refusing to do a bikini scene in this flick, whereas she had previously donned one in Kidnap.

She explains, "Yes, there was a scene where I had to wear a bikini and walk the ramp. However, I had some reservations about it. When I expressed my doubts over this to Sagar, he was kind enough to accommodate them. Although it is obvious that a beauty pageant will have a swimsuit round, I was reluctant to do so. I donned a bikini in, but I don't believe in repeating things. That would be boring."

Tusshar Kapoor

The actor has been seen in several comic roles lately, and people love him for it. "People usually associate me with comedies", agrees Tusshar. "If I do something serious, then it becomes hard for them to associate me with such cinema. When they see me in Hum Tum Aur Shabana, they will know that I have something different to do here. I play a character called Rishi, who is crazy about Shabana and wants to woo her."Is it a remake of Deewana Mastana?

Tusshar denies any claims that Hum Tum Aur Shabana is a remake of the Anil-Govinda hit Deewana-Mastana. "Many people have asked me if the movie is a remake of Deewana-Mastana, but our film has nothing to do with it. The second half of our film has an amazing twist that completely turns things around," asserts Tusshar.

Hum Tum aur Ek Dirty Picture Tusshar is knee deep in work right now, as two of his films - Hum Tum Aur Shabana and The Dirty Picture - are almost ready to hit the theatres. We ask Tusshar what he thinks is the difference between both his roles, and what are the similarities. "The Dirty Picture is totally different from Hum Tum Aur Shabana," says Tusshar. " The Dirty Picture is more about lust and sexuality, and it is based on a real life person, whereas Hum Tum Aur Shabana is a fun-filled, fictional film. Both my characters are totally different. In Hum Tum Aur Shabana, I play a smart guy wooing a woman, whereas in The Dirty Picture, I play an innocent one."

Shreyas Talpade

Shreyas is also back at doing what he does best - making us laugh. "I play a character called Karthik who is madly in love with Shabana,” says Shreyas. “The movie is about how Karthik and Rishi, try to woo Shabana.” Hum Tum Aur Shabana will hit the theatres on September 23. Watch out for this romantic comedy, folks!

Kalki Koechlin & Prateik Babbar No kissing please

Prateik Babbar refused to kiss Kalki Koechlin in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's production, My Friend Pinto. Kalki was okay with the scene but he refused.












Kiss me not: Kalki Koechlin & Prateik Babbar

Dream encounter

Abhay Deol, who is considered to be a very versatile actor because of the roles he experiments with, was recently in Shanghai. Over there, he met Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson, who completely bowled him over. Abhay talks to us about Scarlett, Shanghai and more.

New friend

It was a pleasure meeting Scarlett Johansson. I have seen many of her movies, but realised that she is much better looking in real life. Even without make-up, she looks stunning. Her face has innocence.

A new person

It's nice to meet people from different countries. You come to know about their culture and the way they live their lives. Scarlett and I were tired when we met on our first day, but later discovered that we had a lot in common. We both love travelling and discovering new things.

Scarlett loves India

Scarlett has been to India twice, and she loved the country and our culture. She knows a lot of things about India. She seems to be highly fascinated with our country, the culture, people, and relationships. I have stayed in New York for a few years, so we both had a topic to discuss, apart from films.

Shanghai vs Mumbai

I was in Shanghai for my movie Shanghai. I love the city, and the way it has been planned. I've read somewhere that someone wanted to make Mumbai like Shanghai. After seeing the city, I wish they would.

Shanghai looks like a dream. It is densely populated, but there is proper management. The streets are so clean!

Indian dream

One needs to see the way Shanghai works. Making skyscrapers, metros and other state-of-the-art infrastructure isn't going to make Mumbai another Shanghai. It's not just the authorities, but the people too who have to be blamed for Mumbai's poor condition today.

Lisa Haydon and Sanjay Dutt Back to back

Model Lisa Haydon's second Bollywood outing is Rascals. She has done a hot item song in it called Shake it saiyaan. She has bared her back in the song and had no qualms doing so because she is very comfortable with her body and sex appeal.


At ease: Lisa Haydon and Sanjay Dutt

Rumour it is!

This is with regards to tabloid reports of actor Ajay Devgn starring in the sequel of Phool Aur Kante with Sonakshi Sinha. As his official spokesperson, we deny this news and also deny that talks of such a project have ever taken place. There is no such project in discussion and all stories with regards to this film are untrue.

Broad(way) horizon

Actor Hugh Jackman is returning to Broadway with his play Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway.

The 42-year-old Tony Award winner, will perform a personal selection of his favorite musical numbers along with an 18-piece orchestra. The songs will reflect his stage and film career.

"I can't believe it's been seven years since I was singing and dancing on Broadway. There is nothing like performing on the Great White Way and I'm so excited to be coming home," said Jackman.

The play was a success in San Francisco and Toronto. It will begin on October 25 and will go on until January 1, 2012 at The Broadhurst Theatre. The official opening night takes place on November 10.

The actor will be seen next in Real Steel. Also opening this year will be the comedy Butter. — PTI

W.Ee bit nervous
Director's cut: Madonna
Director's cut: Madonna

Pop diva Madonna says she is nervous about her second directorial W.E because she wants to prove herself as a filmmaker the same way she did as a singer.

The 53-year-old stepped behind the camera for the lavish royal drama, which documents the scandalous relationship between Britain's King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson. "Of course I do get nervous. Because it's new," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Madonna as saying at the Toronto film festival.

"I had the same pressure when I began my music career, and I was nervous and I didn't know what to expect and people didn't know what to expect, and I had to earn my way in being taken seriously in the music department, and now I have to do that in film," she added. The film is, Madonna's second time in the director's chair but her first on a major release, was slammed by critics when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. — PTI

Blame it on the fame

Actress Anna Faris blames fame for destroying her first marriage to actor Ben Indra. The 34-year-old who wed Indra in 2004, says that her scene-stealing roles in Scary Movie and The House Bunny took a toll on their three-year union.

"That kind of destroyed my marriage. The divide became too great," said Faris. The couple split in 2007, and Faris paid $ 900,000 as part of their settlement. Following her divorce the actress says she became a fixture on the Hollywood party scene and didn't care about anything.

"I've got nothing to lose, nobody to support. I wore the same Garfield shirt and jeans for three weeks. I had a running joke with my friend, I hope somebody roofies me tonight. I didn't care what people thought," she recalled.

However, Faris says she got serious about her career later and stopped partying. The actress re-married in 2009 to Chris Pratt. — PTI

Billion dollar boy

Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio has grossed more than $ 1 billion at the box office over a span of 18 years, but the actor says that money isn't what motivates him to pursue new projects.

The 36-year-old, who has given hits like Titanic, Blood Diamond, The Departed, Shutter Island and Inception said money didn't matter to him until he entered his 30's and wanted to take up production.

"Throughout my career, I never knew which movies of mine made money and which didn't. When Titanic came out, people would say, Do you realise what a success this is? And I'd say, Yeah, yeah, it's a hit. The money stuff never mattered to me until I was into my thirties and got interested in producing.

"But even now I say that unless you want to prove that you can carry a film with your name, continuously trying to achieve box-office success is a dead end," said DiCaprio.

The actor hopes to follow in director Clint Eastwood's footsteps and transition into directing.

"If I did direct, I would try to have the same straight forward approach to it as Eastwood and his crew have. Seriously, there are no frills on his set. It's a small, tight-knit crew," added DiCaprio.

Eastwood, who directed DiCaprio in J Edgar Hoover's biopic, thinks the Inception star would be fantastic behind the lens.

"A lot of guys falter when they get in that chair. John Wayne, he found it overpowering. But for somebody who's relaxed, understands other actors and likes the process, it's kind of simple," said Eastwood. —PTI

Dinner with Daggubatti

Bipasha Basu and her buddy Rana Daggubatti were spotted having dinner at a popular restaurant in Bandra, suburban Mumbai. Bipasha was casually dressed in a white tee with jeans. What's cooking here?

Sportsman's spirit

Akshay Kumar's Speedy Singhs (an Indo-Canadian venture) is about ice-hockey players. He is going to donate Rs 2 crore to the Ice Hockey Association of India.

Charisma Katrina ka

Mere Brother ki Dulhan has collected Rs 27 crore in its first three days. It was made on a budget of Rs 30 crore and trade experts say it will easily cross Rs 50 crore. Most of the success has been credited to the charisma of Katrina Kaif.

Everything here is FISHY!
The trend of treating your feet with a fish pedicure is catching up fast in Chandigarh
Sabia Talwar
Arshia Pasricha getting a pedicure at Fish-e-Cure
Arshia Pasricha getting a pedicure at Fish-e-Cure

Is there something 'fishy' with your feet? Do you feel a continuous nibbling sensation on your skin? Don't get confused - you have just landed up for a fish pedicure! Yes, it is the Garra Rufa fish, often called the Doctor Fish, imported from Turkey, which helps in giving you a perfect pedicure by consuming only the dead areas of the skin.

Fish pedicures are a pleasant experience for some, who get it done on a regular basis. Smiles Arshia Pasricha, an aspiring management student, "The experience is fabulous and lasts for a month. The price is also reasonable. It is an amazing feeling when the fish feast on your dead skin and completely remove it." She adds, "It is completely different from the existing pedicures."

The ticklish feeling is worth it when you are in the company of your friends. Shares Bani Sahni, "I love getting it done and enjoy the ticklish feeling. Along with friends, I plan to go for this pedicure. It's almost like a plan for coffee where we sit and chit chat."

You can visit a mall for this fish dip and just before you are going for a movie, get rid of the dead skin on your feet! Shares Simran Preet Singh and Sakoon Dhaliwal, owners of Fish-e-Cure, "Since one year we are running the fish pedicure at Paras Down Town Mall, Zirakpur. After the tremendous response, we opened up another centre at the DT Mall, IT Park. We start with a fifteen minutes dip in the fish tank, scraping off the dead skin and finally a foot massage with a cream." They add, "It is very safe as the fish just stick to your feet and take off your dead skin by nibbling it. The water is sterilised after every dip. It also helps to promote blood circulation and is a great stress-buster."

There are other benefits as well. Shares the owner of Neils fish pedicure, Fun Republic, Manimajra, "We have recently opened up and seeing the great demand in such a short time, planning to open up a bigger outlet at the 
same location." He adds, "The fish pedicure promotes good blood circulation, which helps your skin glow. It is equally safe and harmless."

sabiatalwar@tribunemailmail.com

 

Great package

  • While a regular fish pedicure costs about Rs 200, a spa package would cost about Rs 750.
  • There are special pedicures that include chocolate pack and costs around Rs 1,000.
  • Fish pedicures are great stress busters and improve blood circulation.

it’s rocking
Great.One
Kareena Kapoor
Kareena Kapoor

Although the film is yet to be released, the song has already become a hit with music lovers. It has to be. For, not everyday we have Akon crooning for a Bollywood flick. Chammak Challo from Ra.One is a complete package that has great music and choreography. SRK's fan got to see him after a long time but the wait has been worth it. He is looking fit and Kareena, as always, is looking gorgeous. But the hero of the song remains Akon. His fans tell us why.

Akon rocks

The song is catchy. Unlike other rap songs, you need not pay attention to understand it. Akon's voice has gelled really well. Akon has cleverly sung the Hindi lines as well. I am an SRK fan and I love the way he has effortlessly danced in the song. The choreography is fresh. The song hasn't disappointed considering the hype that was created before its release.

Richa Bansal, a PU student.

Complete deal

The song is fun to listen and watch. Vishal Shekhar, the music duo, has done a fabulous job with the music. It is for their music that Akon is not sounding odd in a Bollywood track. Kareena has danced wonderfully in the song. Not any other song from the movie could have introduced the movie better to SRK fans. The video is as appealing as the audio of the track.

Vinay Sharma, a SD College student

Thumbs up!

The lyrics of the song are fun. Who could have thought that Chammak Challo would be the title of the track? Complementing the fun lyrics is the voice of Akon. There couldn't have been a better track for him to make a debut in Bollywood. SRK is looking fit like never before. Kareena has too done a great job. Vishal-Shekhar's music is, as always, up to the mark, may be a tad better than their last chartbuster, Dostana. Thumbs up to Chammak Challo!

Ajay Khanna, a private firm employee

Clock wise

A new study has found that people who wake up early are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day. Researchers at the Roehampton University concluded that those who fight the urge to ignore the alarm clock complete morning chores faster, pack their children off to school earlier and thrive in the workplace.

However, night owls have a higher chance of feeling depressed or stressed and becoming overweight.

The researchers quizzed 1,068 adults about their health and sleeping habits and found that 'morning people' were out of bed by 6.58am on average, while 'evening people' waited until 8.54am to start their day. At the weekend both groups enjoyed about an extra hour. —ANI 

High Spirits
Absolut Tango
Sunny Chopra

This drink is a fruity burst of flavours, a medley of Absolut Blue and mandarin mixed with mint, tangerine and freshly squeezed orange juice neatly laced with an orange knot and infused pomegranate.

INGREDIENTS

Absolut citron 30ml

Absolut mandarin 30ml

Fresh mint 5gm

Orange chunks 10gm

Fresh orange juice 90ml

Muddle the oranges with mint and Absolut citron and mandarin. Add lots of crush ice till brim and add fresh orange juice. Garnish with orange knot and pomegranate on top.

(Chopra is the beverage manager and mixologist at JW Marriott-Chandigarh)

New releases

Rivaaz

Producer: Ashok Nanda, Vidya Kamat

Director: Ashok Nanda

Cast: Deepti Naval, Reema Lagoo, Meghna Naidu, Alok Nath, Rajendra Gupta

Rivaaz is a hard-hitting social film which showcases the tears of the millions of girls who are caught in the web of tradition, helpless and unable to escape. It is a well made film against exploitation, a film about dignity, about hope of women who are traded in the name of system Rivaaz.

Deepti Naval, Meghna Naidu play important characters in this film which is produced and directed by NRI Ashok Nanda.

Trade pundits say, Rivaaz has powerful performances from the lead stars". Those who have gone through the rushes predicts it a different social movie.

— Dharam Pal

Chatter box

Geet Sagar on cloud nine
Geet Sagar
Success story: Geet Sagar

Geet Sagar, the winner of X-Factor India on Sony, is joyous after his victory. He reveals that he had not expected to win but feels that this is something that God has planned for him. We catch up with Geet as he speaks his heart out.

What was your reaction after you were announced as the winner of X Factor India?

I was blank. At times, you cannot express a few moments in words. I had not expected to win so I was completely overwhelmed and blank.

What was your mentor Shreya's reaction?

Shreya was happy for me. She had supported me during odd times, during thick and thin. I feel that a mentor feels prouder than the contestant when he wins.

Besides your win, are there any other moments from the show that you cherish?

There are lots of moments that I will never forget be it negative comments or bad performances or the time my idol Sonuji came on stage, he hugged me and was in tears as he said that I have made him proud. I had never expected something as big as of X Factor India to happen to me so each moment is precious.

Who are the contestants that you intend to keep in touch with?

I spoke to Piyush yesterday. Ashok from Deewana group called me. Sajda sisters are like me elder sisters. I treat Seema like my younger sister so all of us plan to be in touch. We are all friends and there is no rivalry among us.

What are your future plans?

I want to thank Sony TV and X Factor India because of which I have got the opportunity to sing for Karan Johar's next movie. Sony will also be bringing out my own album. After that I will decide my next plan. — HRM

New kid in the kitchen


The food experts of Master Chef
spice boys: The food experts of Master Chef

Chef Vikas Khanna will replace actor Akshay Kumar as a judge in the second season of reality show MasterChef India on Star Plus. Vikas said, "The show will focus on real people and real food. I am appearing on the show as I want the new generation to see the greatness of Indian food. We will showcase Indian food like never before and we have set goals for higher quality, and no limits in our challenges. Food connects everyone and we are looking for that Masterchef who can handle any pressure yet cook a fabulous dish. This season will be bigger, better, tougher and outstanding." Vikas started his own catering business at 17, and is the executive chef at Junoon Restaurant in New York. He will judge with chef Ajay Chopra and chef Kunal Kapoor.

Mohan rebuffs Kastur
Harshad Chopda
Exit door: Harshad Chopda

In the episodes Imagine's Dharampatni this week, Mohan (Harshad Chopda) will be shocked to know that he was engaged to Kastur (Aasiya Kazi) in his childhood and that Kastur's father supported his higher studies in the UK. Mohan's mother too will be shocked to know the same and both will reject Kastur. Later Mohan need financially help to set up his business and he might agree to marry Kastur for the same.

Shravani back in Pavitra Rishta

Since Savita (Usha Nadkarni) has been misunderstanding her daughter-in-law Archana (Ankita Lokhande) in Zee's Pavitra Rishta, she has been thinking of ways to hurt her. Now, Savita has got an ace which is Sachin's mom Shravani (Pooja Pihal) who will return to the show to make Archana's life hell. Shravani will appear on the show in a modern avatar. Post her entry, an accident will shock the family. Pooja Pihal is also seen in Beend Banuga on Imagine in a negative role.

Pooja Pihal Guest appearance

Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs is gaining popularity by the day as now after Anna Hazare, yoga guru Baba Ramdev will appear on the show this Friday. Wonder if he will learn about music or will he teach the kids Yoga?


                                                                                                                                        Bad girl:
Pooja Pihal

Neha Marda From bahu to host

Neha Marda aka Gehna of Colors Balika Vadhu is not only getting married in the near future but cool work projects as well. She will wed on February 10th 
2012 and other than Balika Vadhu will now host a music reality show on Mahua Marwari channel too. Neha being a marwadi fits the profile and she is passionate about singing as well.



                                                                                                                               Musical reality:
Neha Marda

It's party time!

Actor Vishwajeet Pradhanm aka Brahmanand of Maryada, may prefer to let his work do the talking but wife Sonalika sees to it that his birthday celebrated with enthusiasm and energy. And hence, Vishwajeet's birthday bash saw cakes, cookies, and a sumptuous array of food, festivity and song and dance and of course, moments to cherish. The location was their residence as the bash was for friends and family. Besides Vishwajeet and Sonalika Pradhan, Rakesh Bapat, Riddhi Dogra, Madhushree, Kamya Punjabi, Indrani Haldar, Manu Rishi, Arun Bali, Waqar Shaikh, Lopa Bhatt, Damini Shetty, Shashwata, Vindhya Tiwari, Nivin Ramani, Yogi Choudhary partied hard.

Barkha changes colours

In the mahaepisode of Zee TV's show Choti Bahu on September 17, Barkha (Benaf Dadachandji) who is Dev's (Avinash Sachdev) wife for the world has begun hating Dev and Radhika's (Rubina Dilaik) love marriage. After the Purohit family accepts Radhika as Choti Bahu, but Barkha will turn negative.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Do not let ego clashes spoil your family life. Watch your emotions. Keep your future in mind. Cupid may strike you. There is an abundance of energy to give enthusiasm and interest. This is not a day to listen to advice. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28.

TAURUS: You could feel a little irritable early in the day, so leave other people alone until you begin to relax and warm up. Be discreet. Deception is on the cards. Long distance travels are favourable. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 63.

GEMINI: Mental and physical energy can be successfully combined today. Your sensitivity and empathy for those around you will increase. Avoid the impulse to exaggerate, you may get caught at some future time. Tarot message: Do not divest assets. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 48.

CANCER: Women: if intended to do any shopping, go out before lunch time. Get busy in your housework and recognise your living space. Try not to criticise those close to you. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 39.

LEO: This is a good business day. Your personal and public life is likely to clash. Health may be a concern for the day. Watch what you say. You may be tempted act more lavish than your budget can afford. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from the youth. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25.

VIRGO: All sorts of upsets or accidents could occur. Think before you act and this time should pass without too much trouble. Relationships are on your mind. Love yourself and forget the rest. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 46.

LIBRA: All sorts of situations can present opportunities today. Your card "Ace of Pentacles" suggests tension in your relationships. Take this opportunity to identify problems and resolve your differences. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant events into motion. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35.

SCORPIO: Your spouse might be feeling a little emotional. Avoid arguments. Daydreaming might make you feel that you are wasting time. This is a good day for studying art, religion, poetry, music and spiritual or occult subjects. Tarot message: Act responsibly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44.

SAGITTARIUS: You are unlikely to get much chance to relax. A difficult day for making important business moves. Thoughts of love, good feelings and generosity dominate. Business partnerships will be profitable. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50.

CAPRICORN: Be delicate when handling other people's money today. If you have an appointment with the bank and intend to borrow money, double check all details before signing. Watch out for the unexpected. Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties. Lucky color: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 30.

AQUARIUS: Take the morning off, dozing and dreaming. This is not the day to go shopping if saving money is your object, as you will be attracted to luxury. A political gathering could attract your attention. Long journeys are likely to be delayed. Tarot message: Plan your life. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.

PISCES: Let people know if you are going to be late for important appointments. Travel, study or foreign contact is highlighted. Contacting a friend or sibling who is travelling overseas might consume a bit of time. Tarot message: Don't miss any opportunity. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 16...

A fantastic birthday bash today will distract you from business and work duties. Try to relax a little if you can. Those born in the last decade will blame their parents unnecessarily for their slow progress. But this is a good year for you to implement your new plans or schemes. Some of you are likely to purchase a piece of land to construct your own office in the near future. Others might start construction work on the land that has been acquired earlier. Romance is swirling around you, and with good reason. You've been going from success to success, developing your creative talent and establishing financial stability. Now your hard work will pay off.

If you're already in a relationship, take an overseas trip with your partner. Head for a country known for its beautiful natural vistas. Greenery has a therapeutic effect on you, and prompts you to let down your tensions. The stars will support you in finalising deals forged some time ago. This will allow recuperation of money owed. Play your cards right. You will be extremely busy but time is limited. It is vital to stay alert to find solutions to this problem.

Students will make their parents proud by their achievement in sports, games and competitions. Great turbulence is hidden beneath the peaceful exterior. The bristling energy that you feel is not just an atmospheric disturbance.

Family issues and demands take centrestage. High spending and some health issues cause minor setbacks. A great deal of effort appears to go into a discussion and a project. Improvement is swift. Focus firmly on the financial gains. Mood: Frustrated when encountering 'poor cooperation'. Compatible signs: Leo, Capricorn. Lucky colours: Sea green, maroon. Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 9, 12, 19, 25, 90. Lucky flower: Dog Rose. Lucky gem: Cat’s eye.

Today you can identify yourself with Sukhwinder Singh (September 16,1968, Amritsar) who is known for his popular numbers Chaiyya Chaiyya of Dil Se. His singing talent in films like Taal, Biwi No. 1, 1947 Earth, Daag, Jaanwar, Dillagi, Moksha, Thakshak, Tere Naam, Apna Sapna Money Money, Shadi Se Pehle , Shabd, Musafir, Chak de India, Om Shanti Om and Black & White- made him a household name. The song Jai Ho, sung by Singh, composed by AR Rahman, and written by Gulzar, was nominated a Critics' Choice Award for Best Song and won an Oscar. The sum of the year 2014 which comes to 7, will coincide with Sukhwinder’s lucky 7 and would prove a milestone for his career in singing where he can expect more awards , rewards and honours.





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