Man, machine…mountains!
Once again, the Raid De Himalaya 2011 proved a real test for adrenaline junkies from Chandigarh 
Jasmine Singh

Give them a smooth and easy way of life, and they would definitely barter it for anything that fits into adventure and challenge. Give them a tarmac road and they would move like a civilised driver, but on dirt tracks expect them to race their machine to 80kmph! We might not be able to understand their passion, but for the winners of Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya 2011 nothing tastes sweeter than dirt, gravel, speed and the winning podium. Let's hear their side of the story.

Never say never again

Harpreet Singh Bawa He can pass off as any other restless youngster wanting to do something different in life. Talking to him changes your perception, as fast as he shifts gears of his winning gypsy! Harpreet Singh Bawa holds the overall second position in his category Xtreme T1, and you bet he hasn't won it with a simple adrenaline rush. "Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya is a dicey affair. The participants can't think of making through the arduous stretches with plain passion. Machine and the drivers understanding of the machine plays an important role in this rally," shares Bawa, who kept reminding himself 'never give in' throughout the race.

"At one leg I was running 23 minutes late, a time gap which can cost any driver a position. I did not let the time or any other factor bother me. I only prayed that my gypsy did not break down and it didn't," laughs the champ from Team Thunderbolt, which came third last year. Harpreet is all set to challenge himself in the upcoming event Desert Storm 2012. "My mantra of life is simple, never say never again."
— Harpreet Singh Bawa

Keep rolling

Harkaran Singh In a test of speed and endurance, if your machine decides to have a mind of its own…"You have submit to it," Harkaran Singh, the second position holder for two legs, informs. He saw his gypsy breaking down at regular intervals. "This is where 'luck' plays an important role. My gypsy was well-prepared, but with such conditions, one can never be sure how the machine behaves. For Harkaran, one of the contestants from Team Thunderbolt that is participating in the event from 2006, the biggest challenge is to keep rolling.
— Harkaran Singh

Team effort

Karan Jung & Vikram Sharma The team of Karan Jung and Vikram Sharma, winners in their category T2, has been there done that. Perfect coordination and controlled driving skills got the team their podium position. Karan, who was first in his category last year as well, owes a lot to his machine, his understanding with the navigator and timing. As for Vikram, the navigator, "I was only bothered about two things, my driver Jung and our gypsy. Under no circumstances, could I lose any," says Vikram, who agrees to the fact that one wrong 'call' (instruction from the road book) can cost them life. "The driver is focused on the road and I have to focus on him, the track, timing and how good or bad the machine is performing. One wrong call at 18,000 feet and we are gone," he adds.
— Karan Jung & Vikram Sharma 

Time factor

Jagmeet Gill There was no stopping this second place holder in stock amateur (SUV) Adventure category of team Maruti Suzuki(overall winner). "As a driver I have to be careful about the speed, time and the distance. I can't drive like crazy.

So, the challenge is pretty much clear - to keep stock of the time, adjust the speed of gypsy and last but not the least ensure that I survive throughout the rally," shares Jagmeet.
— Jagmeet Gill jasmine@tribunemail.com

 

Another feather in the cap

Anupam Kher is set to share screen space with Hollywood star Robert De Niro in David O. Russell's new film The Silver Linings Playbook and the veteran actor terms it a "dream coming true"

"Dream finally coming true. Will be acting with Robert De Niro in David O Russell's (of The Fighter fame) The Silver Linings Playbook next week," Anupam wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

"'The Silver Linings Playbook also stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Tucker and Jackie Weaver. As I say kucch bhi ho sakta hai (anything can happen)," he posted.

Anupam, 56, has reached out to the international market through several crossover projects in the last three decades like Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, The Mistress of Spices and The Other End of the Line.

Soon after Anupam revealed the news, congratulatory messages started pouring in for him from tinsel town.

Actress Bhagyashree wrote: "@AnupamPkher A BIG CONGRATULATIONS. Life mein kuch bhì ho sakta hai."

Mahesh Bhatt: "I am proud of Anupam Kher! What a journey it has been for him. The Saaransh hero is now acting opposite Robert De Nero in The Silver Lining."

Abhishek Bachchan said: "@AnupamPkher well done AK. CONGRATULATIONS."

Pritish Nandy said: "@AnupamPkher Congratulations. You always deserve the best."

Sophie Choudry said: "That's wonderful news!Congratulations!Noon deserves it more! To of my fave actors in the same frame! Can't wait! Lots of love! @AnupamPkher." Aman Verma said: "@AnupamPkher congratulations sir, way to go...U definitely deserve all this." — IANS

Remembering dad

Kardashian, 30, who married the basketball player in a lavish Californian ceremony in August, finds it "really hard" to think her dad — who passed away in 2003 aged 59 — will never be able to spend time with her husband. "That's really hard... that he'll never get to meet my husband or my children," she said.

Kardashian admits her father, who died eight weeks after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, was very private about his illness.

"I wish we knew a little more about the disease. My dad didn't really want to tell anyone he was sick. He wouldn't even tell his parents he was sick. He didn't tell them until like a week before he passed away," she added. — PTI 

Mood swings
From witty to funny to reflective — Shah Rukh Khan at his candid best
Minna Zutshi

Show-Stopper: Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan's Ludhiana visit on Wednesday saw him in different moods. Tongue-in-cheek, he said he was a Punjabi by nature. Quoting his father, he added, "My dad would often tell people that his son was a Punjabi, only his health was rather delicate!"

There was some wry humour. "Perhaps, I'm a big influence on kids. Anything I do in any film gets a lot of attention. If I'm shown smoking, I draw flak for it."

The next few minutes saw Shahrukh at his marketing best. "RA.One is a film that people of all age groups can watch together and enjoy. It has action sequences that match up to those of Hollywood."

This was followed by a bit of moralising, albeit in a tautological mode. "Bad is not good. That's what the film reiterates," the actor said.

Later, there was some philosophising. "Celebrities have their own style of interacting with their fans. Some clam up and act snooty. Others build a protective wall around themselves. But I subscribe to humility. I thank God for having given me this opportunity…" he trailed off.

As a Bollywood ambassador, Shahrukh said the film industry was a respectable place. "The industry is fine for women, provided we leave aside the gossip columns. If my daughter, who's still 11, decides to be an actress some day, I would not have any objection," he added

Gyan Zone
Art from heart
Neepa Sharma’s Art File brings together art works of upcoming artists as well as established ones
Ashima Sehajpal

The Monsoon in Blue by Pramod Arya with a dimension of 6X6 feet seem larger than life. On the adjoining wall, the work is in stark contrast from this one. It’s just about 1.5X 1 feet and there are no colours, just beautiful doodling in black ink by RP Verma, who aptly titled it Random Thoughts, while Pramod’s wall-sized painting is splashed with colours. Hues of blue occupy most of the space, leaving some at the bottom where use of earthy shades indicates rain water mixing in soil. And there are several such contrasts that are part of the painting exhibition assembled by Neepa Shrama, an art curator and consultant.

If there are works by Madan Lal, who has displayed his artworks often in the city, there are by Gauri Sharma, who hasn’t showcased her works for quite some time. If Mukesh, a student artist of the Government College of Art, has his works here, there are also a few by established names like Anand Shende and Raj Kumar.

“I consciously picked up diverse works for the exhibition, so that there is something for every art lover,” says Neepa. In total, 64 paintings, seven sculptures by 10 artists are part of the exhibition. Neepa also chose artists who haven’t displayed their work in the city lately. “As they didn’t find a suitable market in the city, they started selling works in other cities.” So, when she approached the likes of Gauri Sharma and Raj Kumar, they happily obliged. The latter’s work is also the costliest at Rs 3 lakhs. “He didn’t want to compromise on the pricing but the detailing of his paintings justify the same,” says Neepa.

Rajendra’s Kumar trilogy of work doesn’t fail to catch the eye. As the titles suggest, Rainy Day, Golden Sun and Autumn, these are in the hues of blue, orange and yellow. Anand Shinde’s figurative work is about Maharashtrian faces. Besides Madan Lal’s Bull series, the exhibition has on display his new works, titled Urban Emotions that captures has objects that interest an urban woman.

(On at Museum and

Art Gallery till October 23)

Nature’s best
Sabia Talwar

Sanjay Kumbkarni’s photography exhibition, My Little Finger, on at the Panjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh, draws our attention towards all that nature has to offer Hold his little finger, get sensitive towards nature and he will introduce you to the beautiful creations of the Almighty. The man behind the show, Sanjay Kumbkarni, a geologist by profession, lives his passion for photography and poetry together.

“I put up my first photography exhibition in 1998 and experimented with landscapes. This time, I’ve worked on the theme of nature,” says Sanjay.

A click that portrays a half-eaten leaf against sunlight comes with a small note—One half you took of me, the withering other I hold close to left what is. Another note — A page torn from the diary of God the barn, look beyond closely, it’s not that hard is below a click that shows tall trees and a bed of lush green leaves beneath. Sanjay has captured beautiful forests of Himachal Pradesh.

We wonder why there a stanza of poetry with every click! “This is because poetry and photography for me are like husband and wife. I’m also into composing poems,” shares Sanjay.

A walk along the frames show intricate details such as spider webs, pebbles on a leaf, dew drops settled on the leaves, algae and lichens on the rocks; falling and withering leaves…the colours are so bright and fresh that one can feel nature with their eyes!

Shares Sanjay, “I think there is beauty in decaying too and when clicking on the field, I often wonder how perfect nature is.” Sanjay, who is from Panchkula, puts up a show once a year.

What is the message? “Every human being loves nature and most of us don’t realise that there is so much to explore. I want to awaken those people so that they can see nature with a different perspective.”

(On till October 23)

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Solo notes
Preet Brar is ready to go solo and launches Rise of Jatt
Vasudha Gupta

Preet Brar Punjab has been brimming with singers and with each passing day, there is another fish in the sea! It takes a lot for budding talent to leap ahead and make a mark in the Punjabi singing industry. One such singer, Preet Brar, is all set to take on his solo journey. Launching his album ‘Rise of Jatt’, he speaks about music and more.

Focusing on what sells and what is liked by the audience, his music he says is ‘different.’ “If the audience demands a certain type of music, the singers should be able to comply with it,” he says. Music is not only about song and dance today, it is now turning out to be a revenue cruncher. “The days when companies would pay singers have finished. Today, talking out an album is talking lots of money,” he adds. Working alongside Pooja has been an enriching experience for this singer. “It is just a matter of chance that she sang her first song with me, which is till date a hit,” he says. Trying to build a brand of his own is the main reason for the album launch.

With ten tracks in total, mostly shot in Canada. “It is impossible to find locations in Chandigarh for videos. Canada is a great spot,” he says. If the voice is good, there is no doubt it will do well in the industry! 

Celeb point
High on life
Divya Dutta

One of the filmmakers in my wish list to work with has always been Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the call finally came from his office for My Friend Pinto. The film, though not directed by Bhansali himself, was still a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production, something prestigious. The director Raghaav Dhar narrated the character to me and I had a bright smile on my face.

I have always picked up my roles very intuitively, and I knew this one worked beautifully! The role of a C grade filmstar, who lost the race, who is wacky, crazy, naughty and sexy. Yes, emotional too. A lot for an actor to play with. I was told initially Manisha Koirala was to do that role but since she was getting married, I became the chosen one!

Shooting with Smita Patil’s son Pratiek was an interesting experience. Very vulnerable looking and very shy. And as always, the talkative me had to break the ice as we had lot of fun scenes together!

I started my tests for the film and I realised why everything in a Bhansali film looks so beautiful. Special care is taken for your look. I was given a special retro look.

My first day of shoot was in South Mumbai. It was a night scene and I was drunk. The scene has been applauded by everyone as the highlight of the film. I got the lines and I wanted to add some nuances which director Raghav was very happy with. In one shot I said something and Prateik cracked up laughing. For the first time I saw the shy boy laughing like that!

How did you manage it madam? Assistant director asked. The drunken scene was a fun journey!

Three days back, I saw the film with the entire crew, including Prateik, Kalki and Raghaav. The first screening of your film always brings along memories attached to each scene! I was smiling. It sure was a super fun ride.

When we got out, the super talented Sunidhi Chauhan hugged me...she said it was the best drunken act she had ever seen. She was clearly moved and so was I, with her response.

The critics and the people have been gracious to me, calling it a stand-out performance!

A journalist asked—how did you manage your drunken act? Did you drink? I saw my mother standing in the corner, smiling and I said, “I am high on life!”

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

Spice of Kashmir 
Gurvinder Singh

The original flavours of Kashmir can be savoured at the ten-day Kashmiri Food Festival, which is on at the Fortune Klassic in Ludhiana since October 14. Forget the walnut cake, as the veg Kashmiri seekh or the haak takes over!

The festival is especially a feast for non-vegetarians, but vegetarians too have a platter full. The Surkh angeri paneer tikka has
been customised to cater to the Punjabi palate and if you are bored with the same daal time and again, try out the special daal that is cooked in curd with coconut.

As for the non-vegetarian, the main course has specialties from Kashmir in Gushtaba and Rista. While Gustaba is made of soft balls of mutton with cardamom, Rista is smaller meat balls cooked in hot gravy.

Khata meat is bound to tickle your tougue with Gustaba cooked in
tamarind. “We have kept the menu compact but it has the best and most loved dishes from Kashmir,” says the chef Vishal Chandok.

He adds, “Saunf, sauth and heeng are important ingredients of Kashmiri cuisine; so are walnuts, almonds and kesar, which makes the delicacies tastier. For the desserts, there is the mathur chawal or Kashmiri phirni.”

Master Chef
Fry some Fritters ! 
Kandla Nijhowne

I firmly believe, “If it’s fried, it’s gotta taste yum! Pakoras, dumplings, fritters, tikiaas, bondaas.....by any name you choose, they taste scrumptious. Every cuisine across the globe has these piping hot bits of heaven, designed to travel straight from the frying pan into the gob! I know I’m talking oily food but what the heck, Diwali is knocking at the door. So, it’s forgivable to binge a bit.

I would be insane to try telling any of you the art of pakora making, but sweet fritters may have you sit up and take notice. These pineapple fritters are moist and juicy on the inside, sporting a crispy hot exterior. They are sumptuous served with a dollop of ice cream, a fruit sauce or custard to end off great meal. Now, don’t fritter away your time....fry my favourite fritters, and become the family’s favourite!

Hawaiian pineapple fritters

½ cup maida

2 tbsp grain sugar

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

¼ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tin of pineapple rings

1 tbsp butter

Powdered sugar for garnish

Oil for frying

Method

Stir together the maida, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat the egg, milk and vanilla in a separate bowl and stir quickly into the dry mixture. In a deep karhaai, set up oil for frying Dip pineapple slices in the batter. Fry for 3-4 minutes each of till crisp. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with any of the above given suggestions.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert.)

Astro Turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: You can bring dreams back into focus with the added benefit of your wisdom. You will be in the mood to meet people from different walks of life. A spiritual meeting can bring several interesting people together. Tarot message: Take timely action. Lucky colour: Fushia. Magic number: 46. 

TAURUS: Indulging in gossip with neighbors will not satisfy. Check out the newspapers to find activities that appeal. Students should give plenty time to studies. You may feel a bit careless in the evening. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 58.

GEMINI: You will be surprised at the excellent reception you get. You are likely to have a lot a fun at work. You have an invention turn of mind when it comes to achieving your goals. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 31.

CANCER: Health may be determinably affected while travelling. Your personal and public life is likely to clash in the evening. You might visit an art gallery to brighten up the atmosphere at home.Tarot message: Feel good about yourself. Lucky colour: Bottle Green Magic number: 63.

LEO: A good day for business. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial to making good progress. You could be suffering from digestive system caused by any excessive enjoyment of drink and rich foods. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky Colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27.

VIRGO: VIRGO: It is a good time to look at real estate. Whatever you set your mind for, you can achieve it now. This need not be a difficult day so long as you postpone major moves. Avoid speculation. Tarot message: Avoid being over-anxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 36.

LIBRA: Your card "Two of Pentacles" shines on love, money and sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Women : do not be worried about holding down your jobs. Don't be close-minded. Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44.

SCORPIO: It is up to you to take hold of opportunities. Be alert, an excellent time is ahead. Women : you should be able to find useful ways to cut down on shopping bills. Tarot message: Do as many courses as you can to get ahead of others. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 51.

SAGITTARIUS: Problems for factory workers are indicated. You could be misreading the actions of loved ones. Your diet needs more attention. Do not take risk for quick gains. To please people be honest from the start. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Deep Red. Magic number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. You may have some worries that cause restlessness. Escaping into a good-book or a movie might give you some respite. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52.

AQUARIUS: A new love affair might be dominating you're every moment. Pet animal needs attention. Teenage girls will be at their charming best. A Libra friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 32.

PISCES: Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. Lively communication is indicated resulting in good contact building. You may have to make a long journey which will be successful.

Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 28.

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 21...

This year, be careful as an oversight could cause you problems so keep everything under control. You'll have an excellent opportunity to go out with new acquaintances. Be careful to not tell any lies to your loved one as he or she will check every step you take. Assimilate new information as it arrives with the new changes of planets. 2012 will commence confirming the potential for transformation and achievement.

It will take a lot longer than you think to climb the ladder of success. Be willing to accept a menial job. Paying your dues is critical. If your colleagues think you're getting special treatment, you'll never win their trust. This is more important than you think. Get organized early and thoroughly in 2012 - you'll want to free yourself up to take full advantage of the high energy and interesting opportunities the stars are sending your way over the next months. You'll have exceptional flair. Mood: Eager Compatible Signs: Aries, Leo Lucky Colors: Spring Green, Steel Blue Lucky Days: Friday and Saturday. Lucky Numbers: 2, 12, 49, 50. Lucky Flower: Begonia.

Lucky Gem: Aquamarine - Gemstone of Love.

Helen Helen Jairag Richardson Khan born on October 21, 1939 in Harrow London] is best known for playing vamp in Bollywood movies of the 1960s, 70's and 1980's. She was famous for her performances in flamboyant dance sequences and cabaret numbers. She was known as the Cabaret Queen of India. Helen retired from the screen for a number of years, but made a few guest roles in 2000, made a special appearance as Salman Khan's mother in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Chatter Box
Tantrum king?

Gurmeet Chaudhary Recently, there were was a buzz that Gurmeet Chaudhary was throwing tantrums on the sets of the show —Geet Hui Sabse Parayi but Gurmeet has squashed all rumours. A source claims, "The actor is concentrating on his work. As he had to go out of the town for 10 days, he worked longer hours and prepared a bank of episodes. He worked day and night so that the show doesn't suffer. He knows that he has huge fan following and keeping them in mind, he has worked hard for the show before he goes on leave."

New Releases
Be-careful

Director: Chandrakant Singh

Get ready for different romantic comedy in director's Chandrakant Singh's Be-Careful. The film has a tagline! "If you are married and still wanna have fun...." The film is going to be acid test for Chandrakant Singh. With Rajneesh Duggal, Zaid Shaikh, Tanisha Mukherjee and Kiran Rathod lending him good support, this romcom should manage to tickle your funny bone.

Be-Careful is about two friends who have been together since childhood flirted during their college days and even get married around the same time. Their wives plan a holiday to Bangkok for them where they meet a sexy girl. But soon their wives also land up in Bangkok and what transpires next make the film a lot of fun. —Dharampal

Star Track
Chulbul to hit back 

Salman Khan Salman Khan is all set to scorch the silver screen as Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg 2 that is scheduled for release on December 21, 2012.

Produced and directed by Arbaaz Khan, the Salman Khan- Sonakshi Sinha starrer will be going on the floor in March next year.

Dabangg 2 will also star Arbaaz Khan and Sonu Sood, who will be seen in a completely different avatar this time. Talks are also on with Prakash Raj for an important role in the film. With some more names yet to be finalised; Dabangg 2 retains the same technical team as the previous film.

The script is penned by Dilip Shukla and the film's music is by Sajid-Wajid.

When Shahenshah helped Badshah

When SRK reached the sets of KBC for a shoot it is said he was having a bad hair day and couldn't decide which style he should go for when Big B entered and asked him to get a pony tail.

Dev meets Lalu

Recently in an award function we spotted Dev Anand chatting for a long time with none other than Lalu Prasad Yadav. Both were laughing and then share a hug too. We hope Dev Anand is not planning to join politics now!

Deepika to Race

Deepika PadukoneIt was rumoured that Deepika Padukone had opted out of Race 2 to act in Ayaan Mukherji's film starring Ranbir Kapoor. Then Sonakshi opted out, according to the buzz. However, producer Ramesh Taurani cleared the air by saying, "Deepika is doing the film. It's just that we have postponed the dates for Deepika. Now, Race 2 will start shooting in 2012. Sonakshi Sinha is there in the film, too."

Significance of 11

Imtiaz Ali Not only Rockstar will release on 11.11.11, it happens to be Imtiaz Ali's daughter birthday too on the same day. And she will be turning 11. Along with that, two crew members will also get married on the same day. So we expect Imtiaz to be super busy!

Not only Rockstar will release on 11.11.11, it happens to be Imtiaz Ali's daughter birthday too on the same day. And she will be turning 11. Along with that, two crew members will also get married on the same day. So we expect Imtiaz to be super busy!

Work hurts

Hrithik Roshan has been shooting continuously for Just Dance and Agneepath. According to reports the actor has hurt his back very badly and has been advised complete bed rest for about 15 days, which has now resulted in the cancellation of shoot of Agneepath for a while. Family member says it is because of overwork.

Old world charm

Katie Holmes Actress Katie Holmes says she is keen to get rid of her mobile phone and live life in an "old-fashioned" way.

Holmes, 32, is looking forward to a new phase in her life and wants to bring about certain changes.

"I'm thinking about getting rid of (my cell phone).

Wouldn't it be great to have an old-fashioned phone sheet? Go to your office, make your calls, and then continue with your day?," she said.

The former Dawson's Creek star is eager to embark on the "next chapter" in her life and is looking forward to taking on new dramatic roles and experiencing new cultures.

"I feel ready for the next chapter of my life. I'm excited to begin a new phase: roles I might have been afraid to play before, places I want to travel to with my daughter. I'd like to build the design business. But not too fast," she added.

Don gets comical

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani for the first time will officially reveal and unveil the look of the Don: The Origin in public and talk about the film and storyline of the comic on October 23. Farhan Akhtar, director, Don 2, says, "Don, as a character, a mastermind has created an iconic image . The second edition that was released in 2006 made us realise it was time to make the icon into a graphic novel. For me a dream is being sketched".

Bollywood actress Dia Mirza at SAFI zoom anchor Hunt 2011 in Mumbai.
zip zap zoom: Bollywood actress Dia Mirza at SAFI zoom anchor Hunt 2011 in Mumbai.— PTI

I am not a twig: Kate Winslet

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet says she does not have the figure of a Hollywood actress but will not embark on a diet to get rid of her curves.

The 36-year-old star, who is known to have a full figure, says she will never turn skinny.

"I do exercise, with plenty of swimming, but never feel that I have the figure of a Hollywood actress. I was such a fat kid and reached 182lbs at one point. My sisters Anna and Beth would swap clothes but I couldn't. I am the smallest at 5ft 6in and I've got my mum's big feet and my dad's round face," she said.

The Reader star also said that she does work out to stay in shape and wants to encourage young girls to have a healthy body.

"I am not a twig - and refuse to be a twig. I would like young girls who are screwed up about their bodies to think that it's possible to have a healthy shape. Everyone gets a bit screwed up about themselves, physically, when you're growing up.

"I don't do crash diets or eat fish rather than meat and salads until they come out of my ears," she said. — PTI 

My kind of superhero

There is a week left for Ra.One's release and everyone is eager to see India's biggest superhero film after Krrish. The movie was shown to kids and SRK was excited to see the reaction of children after they watched the movie.

But superheroes aren't meant for kids only. All of us love them. We catch up with some stars to ask them who their favourite superhero.

high flier

Kareena KapoorKareena Kapoor: I've never been into superheroes, but if I was to pick one, it would be Superman. He is cool, just and kind. However, he needs to have a new look to him and not wear his underwear outside (laughs). I've watched all the Superman films and read a few comics as well.

WolF of a time

Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopra: I am a big Wolverine fan. His skeleton is made up of a metal called adamantium. He cannot age, he heals fast and he has metallic claws that come out and retract at will. He lives on his own terms. I wish that there were more superwomen stories written. I would love to be part of them.

Big hero

Shah Rukh Khan: Shahehshah was my favourite superhero. He was the perfect vigilante. Bachchan was the original superhero and Shahahshah was my favourite film.

Caught in the web

Anushka SharmaAnushka Sharma: I am a Spiderman fan. I would love to play Spiderwoman. The best thing is that Peter Parker is an average guy, who becomes a superhero. I love the action and stunts in the films. I've always been a fan of the Spiderman comic franchise.

Alien fascination

Hrithik Roshan: I have loved superheroes and it's difficult to choose who is the best. I love Spiderman and Superman, though I would prefer Superman as he is an alien from another planet to help earthlings. He has his own style. Kids love him.

X file

Shahid Kapoor: I was never into superheroes, but I am a big fan of James Bond films, who is a superhero in his own right. I liked the X-men franchise because it was amazing to watch Sir Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart play superheroes.

Dream man

Sonam KapoorSonam Kapoor: Having superpowers was a dream that I had when I was a kid. I am a huge Superman fan. He believes in goodness, despite being an alien. He wants to protect people and he loves the earth. I also like Wonder Woman, as she is a strong character. She is a just princess.





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