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Exotic Diwali platter
The festival of lights is special for more than one reason - the best being that even a single beam of a flickering candle can wipe away the shadow of darkness! Though every individual has his or her own way of celebrating the festival, for a country that is an amalgamation of varied cultures Diwali has various flavours.
Pahari style For paharis (hill people) Diwali is not much about crackers and fireworks, but about being together and warding off the evil of darkness. Says Manorama Sood, homemaker from Sector 28, "Since mountains are cold by this time of the year, Diwali means cooking rich food, holding a puja and lighting a fire. Though they are outdated, sweets like kheel, pathasha, and pathanda (something like the South-Indian dosa) are a must-have on this day. Other than that, women usually keep fasts as part of the ritual. The highlight of the day is Lakshmi Puja and burning of kawha (dried grass or pine straw tied tightly with the bark of a tree, for which preparations go on throughout the day)." Toys made out of sugar, shaped-like animals, are also made for the puja. She adds, "And once the Lakshmi Pooja is complete, a sort of bonfire is lit up; kawha is burnt and waved in air to ward of evil. As part of the ritual, women chant prayers while taking circles around the fire. This is an offering made to their family deity." Bengali flavour In Chandigarh, they get together at the Bengali Club in Sector 35 or the Kalibadi in Sector 44 to perform this ceremony. This is followed by a grand feast and cultural functions. "In fact, the days following Dusshera up to Diwali hold a great significance for us. Starting from Dusshera, till Diwali, elders in the family receive a lot of regard and respect. This is a time to show great reverence towards them, which is done by visiting elders in the family, touching their feet and seeking their blessings," he adds. Gujarati feast For people in Gujarat, Diwali also marks the beginning of a New Year. Says Ritesh Shah, an employee with a private firm in Mohali, "I get a little nostalgic while recounting Diwali celebrations back home, but what makes this time of the year so special is that it isn't just one festival. In fact, there are five festivals, one after the other. The first one is the Dhanteras or the Lakshmi Puja. This is followed by Kali Chaudash or the Shakti Puja; Diwali, Bhai Duj and then Labhpancham." Other than that, though Gujaratis love their khichdi, this is one thing that is never on cooked on this day. He adds, "Even if someone is unwell, he or she will not have that. Everyone has fried food and sweets. Part of the food that is cooked in the house is put on a plate and left on the road crossing as an offering to nature." Southern pleasure For people in South, Diwali is a big affair that starts with dressing up in traditional attires. Say Uma and Sundram from Sundram's in Sector 26, "Diwali is a big affair that starts inside a huge kitchen where bakshanams — eatables-are made. For those with a sweet tooth, a good variety of murukkus and mixture (an assortment of namkins), laddoos and balushais are also made. The best of all is ingy marundu (ginger medicine), also called lehyam, which is very aromatic, spicy and halwa-like thing. This is meant to help us digest other things!"
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Shop till you drop!
This Saturday, take a round of city markets that are imbued in the spirit of the season... Mona The weekend before Diwali…if you are through the home cleaning, decorations, buying gifts and settled the schedule for the day, how about sauntering in some of the markets especially decked up for the occasion? The Sector 34 Mela Ground has not just one but three melas right next to each other! A fun place for kids with plenty of rides, well, there are some for grown ups as well.
We recommend an exhilarating Maruti Circus (popularly known as Maut ka Kuan). Not only bikes, but here, in a wooden well as many as three cars encircle up to the height of some 26 feet. Also see the acrobats make formations, do tricks on their moving bikes. "I want to make a world record," says one member of this brave heart troupe. "Well, it's nothing much, just a trick," says Mohhamad Nasim from Muzaffarnagar who travels across India with the troupe. Columbus, Break Dance, Dragon Ride, there are plenty of options for you to have fun. It is also a good place to shop if you want to pick up some candles, flowers or terracotta figurines. A stage at Diwali Mela and Kids Carnival gives children a ready arena to showcase their skills! Though a sane person would not venture into a regular market (especially when everything you need is available in each sector) but then the pretty decked up markets are worth a visit. Colourful lights and flower décor adorn the city markets. The Sector 17 piazza is choc-a-bloc with people in the evening! But then this is one easy place if quality products are on your mind. Handloom saris, suits, western wear, bags, shoes, books, gift hampers — name it and its there! Plus there is the option of eating different cuisines. Well, if you are ready to wait a little, try Sector 17 for an outing! If jewellery is on your mind, Sector 22 has plenty of options in gold as well silver. Also, a great place to shop for regular gifts — dry fruits, crockery and even toys. If you can bargain well, saunter in Shastri market for some good deals, especially knick-knacks to decorate your home. Eat, shop, make merry and indulge till the festive season is on! mona@tribunemail.com
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One-time wonder?
It is the most awaited day in the life of any woman. Several trips across the markets are made for this one piece of garment. Fights are endured, fittings are revised and the exact colours matched with the shoes, bangles and even jewellery! There is nothing else that makes a bride stand out like her wedding dress. The tassels, the shimmers, the embroideries and the dolled-up work always make for the perfect shot.
In the wedding season as 'bridezilla' takes over, we do a round up of how cost effective those supremely expensive wedding dresses are and if or not they are ever taken out from the closet and worn again. For shoe designer Avantika Sethi, it has never really come out of her wardrobe. "I am waiting for my sister's wedding, maybe then," she smiles. Looking at it as an investment, she looks at wedding ceremony as a special day. "I have been married three years and totally believe that a wedding day is the best in a woman's life," she says. Her red and beige lehenga was chosen from the sea of lehengas in Ludhiana and stays close to her heart. Then there are some who lay their hands on a Ritu Kumar for their weddings and save them up in muslin for their daughters. Married for ten years, Vrinda has taken the pain to save up her precious wedding outfit for her daughter. "Although I wore it on two three special occasions right after my wedding, I am hopeful my daughter will be able to wear it for one of her ceremonies," she says. Red and orange with the typical intricate aari work, her designer dream has also managed to stand the test of time. "I have made a suit out of it and use the duppatas from my wedding attire. I outgrew my wedding lehenga and could never wear it again," laughs Sonia Sharma. The list for the perfect wedding dress is endless. "I wanted a specific colour, but not red and had dreamt about it for years," she says. Glad to have found her favourite, she plans to take it out only on a special wedding ceremony. A chosen few plan to altogether redesign their wedding outfit to suit the tastes. Jyoti Sharma, a nurse by profession, and one year into her married life, shares her side of the story. "Maybe I will wear it on my brother's marriage in a saree style so that it looks different," she says. So how fruitful is this one-time 'huge' investment? "It's not worth spending on a bridal lehenga as trends and styles change; no one likes to repeat the same dress for any other ceremony," she adds. Waiting for the one perfect ceremony, Latika Aggarwal's red dream on fabric has not seen the light of the day since her wedding day in 2008. "I will wait for another great day in my life to wear it," she smiles. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Not SHORT on success
Can some director convey a strong environmental message through a short, six-minute animation film? Well, Jasraj Singh Bhatti, son of the comedy king Jaspal Bhatti, has done precisely that. His short film Bunty's tree has won the award for animation in Best Shorts Competition at Los Angeles, USA. The film has also been nominated at CMS Vatavaran, India's foremost environmental festival and at Chitrakatha '11, animation festival of NID, Ahemdabad. It has also made an entry into the Rhode Island Film Festival. Bunty's tree is a silent animation film, which shows a boy, Bunty, literally growing up with a tree in his courtyard. From a baby to a young boy, the tree entertains him, from swinging to tickling to helping him in plucking mangoes. The bond strengthens so much that Bunty finally scribbles Bunty's tree on it. Twenty years later, he becomes a CEO of a timber company and faces the worst day of his life when he witnesses the same tree trunk chopped in the form of a log. He cries a lot, resigns from the company, goes back to his roots and plants a new sapling there. For us, it is a six-minute film conveying a message that 'plant more trees to save the environment', but according to Jasraj it took him and other students of the MAD Arts, Jaspal Bhatti Film School, a good fifteen months and Rs 15 lakh! Says Jasraj, "It is basically an outcome of a training project of students from different places, who are a part of the film school. We did proper research and even went to areas in Himachal Pradesh, especially the Kinnaur region, as the film has a Himachali Jasraj has directed this film, done the story boarding and the editing. What about his first short film? "It was Laadla driver, which I made when I was nineteen years old and it was on underage driving. Then the first animation film was Nanhi Chidiya on female foeticide, which went for New York Children's festival." The story of Bunty's tree has been written by Jaspal Bhatti; he shares, "My motto was to keep the message simple for the masses. Also environmental issues are such a major concern that people should know their responsibility towards them."
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Car that drives itself!
Search giant Google has now unveiled a self-driving car technology that is designed to help people with mobility issues and to combat congestion. The website's co-founder, Sergey Brin, recently announced that ten percent of the company is working on innovative projects outside the web domain, the first of which is the building of "autonomous" cars.
The driverless vehicles would travel through normal roads under the instruction of computers and would help people to combat congestion. "There are a lot of people who can't get around, whether you have a disability, whether you're old or you're young," Brin, said. "There's also just incredible urban congestion caused by the need for parking. There's highway congestion because humans don't accurately drive on roads with smaller spacing. There's a tremendous opportunity to improve the world," he added. According to the report, the car works using a rotating 75,000-dollars laser on its roof called a "lidar" that gives a 360-degree, 3D understanding of the car's surroundings that is accurate to two centimeters. A computer in the trunk compares this information with known maps, and as a result, the car knows every road and traffic light. The car is also capable of reacting to other cars and pedestrians, in any weather conditions and at any time of day. Brin said that autonomous cars successfully completed a "1,000-miles challenge," in which they drove through a complex route including city streets and fast highways without human intervention. But he also said the project remains in the research and development stage and will not go on sale for some time. —
ANI
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Getting real
If there is anything that keeps all the eyes on celebrities, it is brand endorsements. From watches to sports to clothes and even real estate, everything is in their kitty. Taking the baton forward, Punjabi by nature, Monica Bedi, has decided to promote Emerging India Housing Corporation.
Dressed in a body-hugging and ruffled, one shoulder blue dress, she walked in with as much élan as she did while promoting her film Sirphire recently. Even before anyone could step forward with the question, she explains why real estate, "Considering how beautiful Chandigarh is, it is a dream to have a house here." With Shakti Kapoor being the only man in Bigg Boss in the beginning, we try to find out from this ex-Bigg Boss house-mate the possible reasons for the high temperatures in that arena. "If you put so many women together, there is no doubt that cat-fights will happen," she smiles. Excited about Sirphire, she compares the film to any international movie today. "It is very surprising to watch Punjabi films doing so well in such tight budgets," she says. The grace with which she handles herself, give no indications of the past. "Everyday is an experience is life. We mature with each passing day," she adds. Inclined towards devotional music, she has just wrapped up an album. "It changed my life," she says. — Vasudha Gupta
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Enjoy the high
Renee singh With festivities around, the every-day stresses of life seems to have taken a back seat and even the most serious individuals who are termed as “bores” by their friends, seems to have perked up their acts. Festive seasons are infectious. Even if we try to stay out of it, it somehow gets to us and I think we should allow it to. The child within us comes alive once more and we must listen to the demands of this inner child. Once our inner emotional needs are taken care of, stress goes down. Why do we stress, it’s because we allow the nitty gritty of life to take over and get bogged down by it. We also constantly keep looking at the larger picture and forget to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. If we look back into childhood, all the festivals gave us that special ‘high’ which we craved for. Bringing back that ‘high’ is vital so just allow it to happen. Learn to let go We must, even if only for a few days, learn to let go of our anxieties, our troubles and our problems truly all our stressors. By hanging on to them we only increase our emotional burden. Creating balance
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Easing yourself emotionally is one of the greatest favours you can do to yourself. This festive season take a rain-check on your troubles and get into the mood. n n
Don’t ever go overboard—all indulgence is good within limits. n
Please do not allow guilt to take over even if you have been binging. The worst kind of stress is generated by guilt pangs. n
Binging is alright once in a while. Don’t go on a guilt trip. Keep your spirits high and join in the festivities with friends and children. n
A little bit of shopping, a few evening get-togethers, an attempt at dressing up, sprucing up the house and cooking for the family, all these will contribute towards keeping you feeling good all the time. This festive season soak in the joy of the cultural scenario and enjoy a guilt-free festive season. Stress will run miles from you and help you to bounce back to work and life. You will be much rejuvenated. (Singh is a Chandigarh-based
psychotherapist)
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Let there be light…
Light can make or mar a room’s decor Sukhmani Lighting has a huge impact on interiors and if not done properly, the most beautifully decorated room will fall short of its potential. These are a few tips to light up your house…
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Depending on the size, you need a centre light n
Place lamps to brighten dark corners n
Use recessed lights if the decor is modern. n
Track lights or picture lights to highlight artwork n
Place lights besides or behind the TV to offset its glare. n
For the bar area, Pendant Lights are ideal. n
Wall sconces for general lighting in a room n
Table lamps on either sides of the bed n
For the dressing table, install vanity globes around the mirror to avoid shadows Dinning area n
Bright lighting in the dinning area is a strict no-no n
Use soft light over the table. A pendant light or a chandelier with a dimmer can be used n
A buffet or a sideboard can be flanked with wall sconce on both sides. n
Low voltage linear systems can be used to highlight your china cabinet. Kitchen core n
If the size of your kitchen is small then a general light may seem sufficient, but if it’s a huge kitchen, a more complex lighting is required n
Use down lights over task areas such as the sink or the cooking range n
Under cabinet lights are
a must n
Pendant lights can be used over your eating area or an island counter n
If your cabinets have a plain glass front, consider installing LED lights inside these cabinets to highlight your crockery Bathroom beauty n
If the size is too small, go for a ceiling light or recessed light n
Place mirror lights on both sides of the mirror rather than overhead to avoid shadows n
A night light is a must All rooms must have multiple lights put on different switches. (The writer is a Chandigarh-based
interior and landscape designer)
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Ayan wakes up again
On Ranbir Ranbir is a born actor, and he will grow with each film. He is a genius. When he does a film, he gets totally involved. He does all possible research and takes lessons for the role. He gives his cent per cent. He is also very down-to-earth, and welcomes everyone’s suggestions. Working with Ranbir is a pleasure. On Deepika Deepika is a great friend. I think Ranbir and Deepika look good on-screen. Their on-screen chemistry is superb. Deepika too has evolved as an actor, and she is gorgeous as well. It would be great to direct her. Working relation Ranbir and Deepika are mature and professional. I don’t think they have any issue with each other, as both are friends too. Their past will never affect their work. On Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani It is not a political film, as some people believe. It is a simple love story. Ranbir shot Rockstar in Kashmir, and he was impressed with the beauty of the place. After seeing the beauty of Kashmir, I am impressed too. I have decided to shoot my film in Kashmir. Right now, I can’t talk much about it. We will start shooting early next year. Wish list I want to work with Kareena; she is a great actor, and a friend too. I am a SRK fan, so directing him one day will be like a dream come true. And there are many other stars on my list, but currently, I am happy working with Deepika and Ranbir.
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Confession of a Rockstar
Ranbir Kapoor is all set for the release of Rockstar. He feels that it is his most challenging role till date. “The character has grown on me and has made me more mature as an actor. I connected to it and now I feel that something is missing as the shoot is over,” he says. In this interview he speaks of Imtiaz Ali, Nargis Fakri, films and future projects.
You and Imtiaz seem to be bonding well… I have found a great friend in Imtiaz. Both of us love cinema. While working on Rockstar, we realised that we have different perspectives and we love debating. I am a director’s actor. I want to know what the director is thinking and then get into the character. At the end of the day, the movie is the director’s baby and the way he sees the film is important. What about Nargis? She is the next superstar of Bollywood. She is awesome and hard working. Rockstar isn’t an easy film, but she has done full justice to her role. She is a great co-star. Rockstar is a high budget movie. Do you feel pressure because of that? I do not know about the budget. To me, it is the role of a lifetime. I am glad that Imtiaz offered me the role although I am not that experienced. —HRM
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Coping with emptiness
Pataudi wasn’t keeping well for a few months before his death. “His health was not in good condition. He was being treated for lung infection, which is not always treated away. So, we kind of knew, but still, I had a hope that he would survive, as he was a strong man,” recalls Soha. Soha attended an event recently, where she shared fond memories of her father, “I recall him with a lot of love. He has been there whenever I needed him. Relationships with parents can’t be described in words. The emptiness in my heart will now remain for a lifetime,” she said. Talking about mother Sharmila and brother Saif, she says, “Bhai looks strong but, I know, from inside, he is hurting. He is a father too, but no matter how many kids you have, you still feel like a kid in front of your parents. Amma is coping well, but this is a great loss for her. Saba and I are spending as much time as we can with her.” Soha is thankful to all those relatives and family friends who stood by her family during their hard time. “The love and support we got from friends and relatives was really nice. I thank everyone for standing by us in our hard times,” she says.
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One of a kind
Kareena Kapoor will be in London for the premier of Ra.One, and then, she will be heading for the opening of the new Madame Tussauds museum. She talks about her plans.
Missing Diwali Diwali is a very special time for me. I love to be home during Diwali. But since I started work, I have missed celebrating Diwali at home. This year too I’ll be away in London for the premier for Ra.One. And then I’ll be going to Blackpool for the inauguration of the new Madame Tussauds museum. Family support I have always been very close to my mom and sister. I share a great bond with dad too. When we talk, we never stop. I miss them when I’m busy. My mother is there all the time, but I’m so used to calling Lolo up that I get annoyed when they say that she’s busy shooting. I’m not used to her not being there. Funny. One It was after Golmaal that I got interested in doing comedy roles. My character in Ra.One has a funny side to her. It’s a fun film with exciting twists. Working with Shah Rukh is always exciting. With all his energy, it’s super fun to work with him. I have also learnt a lot from him. Box office crown I heard about this BO rating. Bodyguard has earned so much and I hope Ra.One does as well. Because it’s just not one person attached to the film, it’s a whole team’s hard work. And I am happy that my films are doing well. For fan I think my own films compete with each other and I am very happy with that. I work here for my fans. At the end of the day, I have to entertain them. I keep trying my best to give my best.
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French reward
French film My Little Princess, about a love-hate relationship between a mother and her daughter, scooped top prizes including best movie, best director and best actress at the 13th Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) where Oscar-winners Morgan Freeman and Gulzar were honoured for lifetime achievement.
Freeman's honour was the surprise of the evening and the Hollywood actor sent his message to thank the Indian audience. "I wish I could be in Mumbai. I have played all kinds of characters. I have even played God but my job is to tell stories and I am fortunate to do that. It has been a long journey and more is to come. I hope that people enjoy watching me," he said, adding that the achievement trophy came as an icing on the cake as his latest film Dolphine Tale was the closing film of the festival. Gulzar, who was feted for his outstanding career as a lyricist-director in a career spanning five decades, said it is always great to get recognised on the home turf. Directed by Eva Ionesco, My Little Princess beat films like Sleeping Beauty, Sengadal and Michael to win the Golden Gateway Award and cash prize of $100,000. The film also won the Silver Gateway Award for Best Director (Eva Ionesco) and Best Actress (Isabelle Huppert and Anamaria Vartolomei). — PTI
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Spot light
Riteish Deshmukh and Neha Sharma
Riteish is casually dressed but pretty Neha has caught our attention. She is so attractive! The bright Indian gown looks lovely on her and so does the traditional jewellery.
Only he could have pulled off these colours and kudos for that! It takes an amazing sense of style and confidence to pull off midnight blue with tight sea-green pants and pink accents! We are mesmerised.
Sophie Choudry She looks impeccable and gorgeous, as always. The printed dress fits her like a dream and the black pumps are powerful!
Sonam Kapoor We are seduced by the dramatic look and Sonam pulls off the sexy sheer dress and how! She hasn't looked this hot in a while! We love the combo of black and gold! She looks stunning.
Shah Rukh Khan We love the way his hair has grown all over the place and that makes him look so cute and hot, too! We like the full-sleeved shirt. The superstar lives in jeans.
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Chatter box
Learning the hard way
Destruction spree
Marking territories
Cooking the single story
Farewell blues
Ragini Khanna speechless
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The year ahead
In 2012, stick to the tasks you’ve been given and don’t be hot-headed as this could irritate a superior. Your loved one will mention your faults and this will make you feel unstable; try not to be aggressive and you’ll regain your position. Positive stars will mean you’ll act intelligently and promptly; great opportunities for extra earning are on the cards if you are self employed. Try not to let them dampen your spirits. If you’re looking for ways to increase your savings, why not change the business or expand in 2012?
In March 2012, an unexpected event could make you late for an appointment and then you’ll have to hurry. So try to get organised. Prepare for a confrontation that might be too hot to handle. In travel, when the offer of a free visit to a luxury resort involves you watching a three-hour infomercial about timeshares. Mood: In need of conservative observations Compatible signs: Leo and Libra. Lucky colours: Tomato red, White. Lucky days: Thursday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 9, 12, 15, 21, 29. Lucky flower: Bluebell. Lucky gem: Sunstone.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Focus on completing unfinished work. You will develop an interest in alternative lifestyle and travel to interesting places or attend a festival. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red.
Magic number: 43. TAURUS: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates may be rather aggressive. Emotionally you could be easily disturbed. This could be a time of sweeping changes. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47. GEMINI: New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Talk to your counsellor before confronting before your partner over joint resources. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44. CANCER: Your friends and support network are all behind you at the moment. A new project can get the go-ahead. A female colleague will make you angry. It might be best to avoid getting in their path. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28. LEO: Take some time out for meditation to disengage from the thoughts that keep churning over the past. You will find that several negative emotions are coming from external sources. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of your health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33. VIRGO: This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems can be resolved without any major stress. Take up studies in a subject that inspires your personal and spiritual growth. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36.
LIBRA: Stars favour import and export. You are unlikely to relax this evening. As the day progresses, things will be sorted out if you are willing to be honest and face up to your own truth. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Be Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54. SCORPIO: Your card The Magician castes smiles on health. Useful day for discussing long term plans. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening. Some might be busy packing for a journey. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37. SAGITTARIUS: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. A positive self-image will warm the cockles of your heart. Stick to your budgets. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. CAPRICORN: Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be very satisfying. You have the ability to work hard and overcome the obstacles in your path. Tarot message: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: You may find the day quite tiring. A new romance is on the offing. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now. Legal matters could take an expected turn and surprise you with a positive twist. Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28 PISCES: Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Take a lunch a break and forget the million and one things you have to do. Just enjoy the food for a while. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32.
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In West Bengal, which has a rich culture, Diwali is celebrated with full fervour. The spirit of the festival starts much before Diwali though - people buy new clothes, decorate their homes and shop extravagantly. Instead of Lakshmi Puja as in North-India, goddess Kali is worshiped in Bengal on Diwali. "Kali Puja is performed individually at homes and as sarvjanim — together in groups," says Joy Deep Ghosh, an employee of a telecom company in Mohali. 
Living room
Bedroom basics
Ayan Mukerji’s directorial debut Wake Up Sid! won rave reviews and was a commercial success. His next film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani is an out-and-out romantic comedy, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. The director plans to shoot the film in the picturesque valley of Kashmir. We talk to Ayan about his next project, Kashmir, Ranbir, Deepika and more!
Soha Ali Khan is currently going through a difficult phase. She lost her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, last month. She feels she is grown up enough to stay alone in Mumbai, but when father was there, she felt the strength. Today, however, she feels a hollowness in her life. Soha says, “I still can’t believe Dad is not here. I somehow feel that once I go back home, I will see him. Losing a parent is the hardest part of
your life.”
Milind Soman
Hot buzz is that Harshad Chopra and Anupriya Kapoor are dating. They have worked in Star Plus’s show Tere Liye and soon their friendship made way for deeper feelings. The duo kept their new-found closeness under wraps. Harshad is a private person as he isn’t very interactive with the media. But when asked about their link up, both feigned innocence.
has been working non stop on his show Parichay- Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka on Colors which has got good response. But the down side is that he has to shoot 25 days a month resulting in weight loss. Apparently, he hardly has time to be with his wife Neelam. No pain, no gain Samir
In Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta, while Archana (Ankita Lokhande) believes in her husband Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput), he has other plans for his chawl and will favour DK’s (Naved Aslam) decision to demolish the chawl in the upcoming episodes. Manav wants better facilities and amenities for the people living in the chawl but Archana wants to hang on to the old chawl for sentimental purposes. This will lead to differences between Archana and Manav.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is irked that soap queen Ekta Kapoor is working on making the story of Bajirao Mastani into a serial. Rumours are that he wants the channel in question to stall her show as he wants to make a serial on the same subject. It has been Bhansali’s dream to make a film on the Maratha ruler Peshwa Baji Rao I and his wife Mastani called Bajirao Mastani but it never took off. When he heard that Ekta is making one, he decided to make a show himself. Bhansali is in talks with two channels to make two mega shows with one of them being Bajirao Mastani. But Ekta refuses to heed and is going on as planned.
Replacing superstar Akshay Kumar in Star Plus’ Master Chef India Season 2 is a hot looking, charming celebrated Chef Vikas Khanna. Single and ready to mingle, his primary reason to do the show was to please his mother. Secondly, she wants him to settle down now. With six-pack abs, lean physique and sexy smile, this handsome Chef is as Indian as it gets. He claims he wants his girl to be proud to be an Indian. Ladies, take note.
Tattoos and more
Kitu Gidwani (October 22, 1967, Mumbai) starred in movies and serials in Indian television. She became popular after a TV series, Air Hostess aired on Doordarshan in 1986, and received critical acclaimed for her roles in Dance of the Wind (1997), Deepa Mehta’s Earth (1998) and Govind Nihalani’s Rukhmavati Ki Haveli (1991), Kamal Haasan’s Abhay and Deham (2001).