The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Past Forward
On the stage
SD Sharma

The performing arts scene in 2011 was throbbing with activity as the city witnessed a host of theatre productions, dance performances and musical renditions

The graph of performing arts' activities in the region has been gradually rising each year, with the Chandigarh administration leaving no stone unturned to promote the arts scene in the city. While state academies and a few NGOs also contributed their bit, amateur theatre groups had to be content with street performances due to heavy government levies and exorbitant rentals of the theatre halls in Chandigarh.

Besides the Chandigarh Carnival, Arts and Heritage festival, Chandigarh Theatre Festival, Basant Utsav, World Tourism Week and the National Crafts Mela, the Administration organised a special eleven-day festival dedicated to Guru Rabindranath Tagore's plays. Chitrangada, Lal Kaner, Kankal Aur Kunti, Sambaad, Jeevan Aur Mrit, Baat Suhe Phullan Di, Chir Kumar Sabha and Balidan were staged by local theatre ensembles.

Sarod wizard Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Bharatnatyam dancer Vani Ganapathy and others performed in the city. The Haryana Cultural Affairs Department organised the ten-day Saang festival at the Tagore Theatre and a rendezvous with lyricist Gopal Dass Neeraj. Notwithstanding the financial constraints, city's leading Theatre for Theatre (TFT) group held six festivals besides a two-week theatre workshop by Dev Raj Ankur, former director of the National School of Drama. Besides the Basant Festival, Baisakhi Festival, TFT Oscar Festival, the week-long sixth TFT Festival was significant because teams from seven states participated in it.

"Staging a play in the city with meagre financial support and the high rentals at the Tagore Theatre is very difficult," says Sudesh Sharma, director TFT. "Even the just reduced rates of Rs 10,000 plus 5,000 extra for morning setting is ridiculous, as compared to Rs 5,000 for government academies that are otherwise financially self-sufficient," echo Anita Shabdeesh (Suchetak Rangmanch) and Dr Sahib Singh. The latter prefers holding his Adakarian Festival at a college.

The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak akademi organised a play One Or The Part Of Two and a ten-day classical dance workshop for children. Besides a three-day street theatre festival of socially relevant plays was staged in neighbouring villages, which was in addition to the annual eight-day Chandigarh Theatre Festival at the Randhawa auditorium.

CSNA organised a recital by flutist GS Rajan and Swar Ragini by Pandit Subhash Ghosh, besides performances by vocalist Ashwini Bhide Deshpande and Saili Kalyanpur in association with the Indian National Theatre. Observes Akademi chairperson Kamal Tewari, "While theatre has come up well, we need to emphasise more on promotion of the dying classical music traditions like dhrupad, dhamar and more. People are getting attracted to Western and contemporary music genres and moving away from classical music; the Government should come forward to preserve and promote the rich classical genre."

The Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi organised seminars like the Chandigarh Festival of Letters, Gandhi-Tagore, Faiz Centenary, Folk literature et al. It also gave away annual awards, prizes for books and grant-in-aid for manuscripts. Eminent scholars like Vishwanath Prasad Tewari, Sheharyaar, Sheen Kaaf Nizam, Nand Kishore Acharya, Naseer Bechain, Gyan Parkash Bechain, Lal Chand Gupt Mangal, Minna Surjit Singh and others participated in seminars. Akademy secretary and noted poet Madhav Kaushik was elevated as convener, National Sahitya Akademi, Delhi.

The ICCR organised dance recitals by Menaka Thakkar and a group from Canada; Johaana Devi Loranzo, Shebana Devi Loranzo from Berlin and more troupes, besides twenty other programmes under its Horizon Series. The Punjab Arts Council paid rich tributes to legendary thespian Gursharan Singh by organizing a Kathak rendition by Jayant Kastuar.

In addition to the yearly Baithak classical musical programmes, the Pracheen Kala Kendra organised a Kathak recital by Dr Samira Koser while their annual Bhaskar Rao Sammelan featured known vocalist Begum Parveen Sultana, dancer Deepak Maharaj and sitar virtuoso Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan.

Making a grand start, the Naad Foundation, an NGO, presented ghazal legend Ghulam Ali, Vinod Sehgal, Ustad Ahmed Hussain, Mohammad Hussain and Dr Ashwini Bhide Deshpande in different concerts. The Spic-Macay too organised concerts for the benefit of students as also the Triveni Sangeet Sabha.

The irreparable loss due to the demise of theatre stalwart Gursharan Singh, can not be explained in words. The year ends on a happy note as the region gets maximum Tagore Akademi (one- time) and Sangeet Natak Akademy awards. The Tagore Akademi Ratan award for Rs three lakh, citation and memento has been conferred on Satguru Jagjit Singh Namdhari, Dr BN Goswami, Gurcharan Singh Ragi, Kartar Singh, while Pandit Shankar Lal Mishra, Pandit Ganesh Parsad and Ustad Juhoor Mir get the Tagore Akademi Puruskar for Rs one lakh each. The SNA awards were bagged by thespian Neena Tiwana and Punjabi folksinger Gurmeet Bawa, while Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Pursukar has been given to classical vocalist Alankar Singh and theatre activist Anita Shabdeesh.

Kate is beauty icon

Style check: Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
Style check: Kate, Duchess of Cambridge

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, has beaten her own sister Pippa to become the top beauty icon of 2011in a new poll. Over 3,000 womenvoted for their beauty icon.

The 29-year-old has been recognised as style savvy throughout the year, appearing impeccably dressed at various public occasions over the year. While Kate was appreciated for her trademark glossy brown locks and heavy eyeliner, Pippa was hailed for her signature look of dark tan, glossy lips with fresh-faced make-up.

Third place in the Superdrug poll went to last year’s winner Cheryl Cole, despite having kept a low profile since her departure from American X Factor.

Sara Wolverson, Superdrug director of beauty, who commissioned the research, said the most fascinating fact that emerged from the polls was now “brunettes are seen to be more beautiful”. “What is fascinating is that four of the five celebrity women to appear in the top five are brunettes, which would indicate that while blondes may have more fun, brunettes are seen to be more beautiful,” Wolverson as saying.

“Everyone in the list has a distinct look, whether it’s natural beauty, full octane glamour or a love of beauty trend-hopping. “While the majority of ladies in the list are natural beauties, we also see the TOWIE effect with Amy Childs appearing on the list for the first time with her Essex tan, hair extensions, and false nails,” she added.

Pop princess Rihanna and This Morning’ television presenter Holly Willoughby rounded off the top five beauty icons of 2011. — ANI

Doc Talk
Best foot forward
Dr Vikas Sharma

The winter can sometimes affect the important weight bearing area of our body; that is the feet on which we stand proudly. And pretty feet is really important to attain that well-groomed look.

The problems of cracked heels, eczema, discolouration of toe nails, fungal and bacterial infections of feet and nails, increased sweating, foul odour, etc tend to increase in the winter.

In addition to that the lack of moisture in the air can dry out the feet, and heavy socks and shoes may prohibit dead skin from shedding, leading to dry and flaky feet.

Here is how to deal with common problems of the feet in the winter:

Dryness

To keep your feet from drying out, moisturise the feet twice a day, especially around the heels and sides. Though a hot shower in the chilly weather is inviting, hot water actually damages and dries the skin. Instead, bathe in warm water, pat your feet dry and apply moisturiser.

Do not moisturise the nails or the area between the toes as it may mean an invitation to fungus. Remove dead skin from the foot by scrubbing them gently with a scrubber.

Soaking your feet in warm water to which some oil or moisturising lotion is added helps. But be sure to pat dry your feet.

Frostbite

In literal terms, frostbite is frozen body tissue. Wearing socks and shoes helps, but be sure that they are completely dry. Wearing wet socks or shoes for long can lead to frostbite.

Frostbitten feet should not be immersed in hot water, as you are likely to burn your feet that may be numb from the cold. Instead, use lukewarm water. In case of severe frostbite, which can cause blisters and blackening of skin, it is better to seek medical intervention.

Chilblain

‘Chilblain’ is an old English term compounded from chill and blain, an archaic usage for an inflamed swelling or sore on the body. Also called ‘perniosis’ or ‘blain’, it is caused by exposure of skin to damp air.

It is painful but causes little or no permanent impairment. It appears as red, swollen skin, which is tender and may itch. In worst cases, it can lead to aching, prickly (pins and needles) pain, and even numbness. It can develop within a few hours if the skin is exposed to cold.

Nail care

And finally, you have to make sure they cut and clean their nails regularly to prevent fungal infection. Hardened nails in cold season can be avoided by protecting them from detergent exposure.

What to do

Change socks daily

Keep feet clean and dry

Wear 100 per cent cotton socks

Use foot powder in socks and shoes

Soak feet in lukewarm water

In case of severe frostbite, don’t warm your feet near a heat source such as open flame. Don’t use a heating pad.

Receive immediate medical attention if there are signs of tissue damage.

Use glass balls or pebbles in the bath/shower. Rub your feet on and between them, as long as you stay in the water.

Rough heels with cracked parts may be the result of wearing synthetic stockings, or vitamin A and B deficiency.

Each day, even 15 minutes of attention can restore your feet’s glory.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Chatter box
Secrets breed mistrust
Suhana’s Corner — Fighting with Ishaan

Hi everyone,

This week I was in a very bad mood as Ishaan and I ended up fighting over two issues. While one was the fact that I didn’t tell him about Bade Papa and the other reason was his attempt to deflect my questions on someone’s presence in the house in my absence.

Fighting with Ishaan makes me restless and anxious as I love him a lot and would never want to hurt him. But he has been unavailable emotionally and on the phone making it highly impossible for me to explain why I didn’t tell him about Bade Papa. I returned to Mumbai to surprise him but was shocked instead when on my return, my maid informed that Ishaan didn’t allow her to enter the house while I was away. Yet I put the thought aside as I wanted to manao Ishaan so I decorated the apartment as a peace offering. Before his return, I noticed two tea cups and the smell of a women’s perfume on Ishaan’s towel. And my mind raced.

When I questioned him if someone had come in my absence, Ishaan got angry with me instead about the Bade Papa issue. Arguments between us got heated and his taunts, that I should stay in Delhi as the Kashyaps are my family, hurt me. I apologised for hiding the fact from him but I also explained that it was Badi Maa’s secret to tell. She asked me not to so I couldn’t. Ishaan was beyond rational thought and lashed out at me. His last barb that it was a matter of his family - really hurt as if I am not part of this family. I realise that hiding things from your partner can breed mistrust despite your best intentions. But in this case I don’t think I am at fault.

Whereas when I asked him again about the towel, he kept harping on the Bade Papa issue and fighting with me, I had to get defensive too. I know he is hiding something. I don’t want to behave like a typical housewife and nag my husband but these are rational questions. I was very hurt with Ishaan’s rude attitude but the next morning after talking to Badi ma suddenly when he hugged me all our tiffs were solved.

Tall dreams

Idol worship: Gia Manek

Gopi Bahu aka Gia Manek of Saath Nibhana Saathiya is surely flying high having won six awards in a row this year for the role and feels that for this role she had waited for long and finally her acting dream is coming true but this pretty actress is also a movie buff.

She claims to like Geet from Jab We Met and it is her dream to act this character which was full of life

Frame by frame
Vasudha Gupta

The love for photography begins when a child plays around with dad’s camera - no matter if it is the very humble film camera or the latest digi-cam. Such is the story of Maya Singh. Her passion for photography developed at a young age while meddling with her dad’s camera. The love continued and brought her to the stage of holding her first solo exhibition at the Girl in the Café, Sector 17.

Sitting pretty in long dangling earrings, Maya talks about her love for the dark room, photographs and much more. “Photographs help me articulate things,” she says. Despite having no formal training in the field of photography, she does feel the need for better technical knowhow and learning to develop a film. “That is something I have always wanted to do - develop a film. I am planning to make a dark room soon,” she smiles.

Talking about her work, she picks out her favourites. Breakfast and Anti-gravity happens to be the few of the first clicks and one of her favourites. “The one part I love the most about both is that they are so surreal. It’s just about trying to look at the subject differently,” she adds.

Few would be surprised to walk into the Grand Central Station in New York and not be amazed at the pace of the place. “Everyone was moving around, but this one woman who caught my fancy walked with such élan, knowing just where she was going,” she says.

Her photograph Poof is one of those, which has triggered a host of responses. “Someone told me it looked like an exploding Red Riding Hood,” she says. “They are basically the table cloths drying in the sun,” she laughs. Three cheers to the lens!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Not so tweet!
Tweets that made headlines in 2011

Some kicked up a storm, others brought good news, while some gave instant fame. Welcome to the world of Twitter, where messages flout every rule in the grammar book but are keenly followed, tweet by re-tweet.

In 2011 authors Chetan Bhagat and Taslima Nasreen and Kingfisher model Poonam Pandey tweeted their way to headlines.

Here is some of the controversial tweets of 2011:

Poonam Pandey: Unknown model Poonam became a household name as soon as she tweeted that she will strip in the green room for team India if they win the 2011 World Cup. Her tweet opened a Pandora's box and she has been in the news after that. She later admitted her tweet was a fruitful publicity stunt and worked as per her plans.

Chetan Bhagat: Bestselling author and ex-IITian Chetan took on to twitter to counter Infosys chairman emeritus NR Narayana Murthy's remark that the standard of students in the IITs is declining.

Slamming Murthy's remark, he wrote: "It is ironic when someone who runs a body shopping company and calls it hi-tech makes sweeping comments on the quality of IIT students."

His comment kicked a storm, but later Chetan called a truce on twitter, saying, "All is well."

Salman Rushdie: India-born internationally acclaimed author took on Facebook when he was asked not to use his middle name Salman, which he is recognised by. He described his online identity crisis through a series of tweets.

"Dear #Facebook, forcing me to change my FB name from Salman to Ahmed Rushdie is like forcing J. Edgar to become John Hoover" and "Or, if F. Scott Fitzgerald was on #Facebook, would they force him to be Francis Fitzgerald? What about F Murray Abraham?"

The impact of his tweets was such that Facebook buckled under the pressure and allowed him to call himself by the name he is known as.

Taslima Nasreen: Bangladeshi author kicked up a storm when she tweeted, "My Nepali friends, I missed my flight to go to Kathmandu today. I forgot to bring my passport as I didn't consider Nepal a foreign country!" — IANS

Cut and hurt

Imagine's Chandragupta Maurya witnessed an accident on the sets. Ashish Sharma, who plays the protagonist in this period drama, got his nose cut. In one of the scenes, Ashish was to push the soldier and the soldier was to retaliate. While Ashish did successfully push the soldier back; the soldier ended up cutting Ashish's nose with his sword. Ashish was rushed to hospital.

No time for play

Television actor Amar Upadhaye seems to be very busy in 2012. The actor, after he gets free with Bigg Boss 5, will start shooting for his next television venture, Mohe Rang De, from 12th January 2012. This is good news for his fans.

All rounder

Deepika Singh who plays Sandhya from Diya Aur Baati Hum surely is familiar to most of telly viewers. She admits that like her character, she too is studious and wants to learn more all the time. Deepika is an MBA who has done a course in theatre.

Trust issues

Stretching the limits Television actor Sumit Vats, who plays the male lead in Zee TV show Hitler Didi, seems to be going through a rough patch. Sumit's girlfriend is said to be upset with a few intimate scenes he did on-screen with the protagonist Rati Pandey. Lets hope all remains well between the two.

Christmas jingles

A still from Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein

The cast and crew of Zee TV's Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein were taken by surprise when they heard a loud Ho! Ho! Ho on the sets! And in walked Santa Claus wearing his traditional red outfit, clutching his huge gunny bag over his shoulders, replete with his flowing white moustache and beard and wished all on the sets…

There was much speculation about Santa's real identity. Santa greeted everybody, showered gifts and then indicated the cast and the crew to follow him to a room where a huge chocolate cake with "Merry Christmas!" written on it was kept on the table to be cut! Santa made everyone sing Christmas carols, distributed gifts to everyone and spread the cheer. The cast could not hold their excitement and asked Santa to reveal himself. Everybody shrieked "lovely" the moment Ragini removed the beard and moustache grinning from ear to ear. Ragini said, "I am shooting round the clock and don't get the time to go out and soak in the festive spirit. Hence, I took the production head in confidence and planned a Christmas celebration on the sets. Co-Incidentally it happened to be Gunn Kansara's (Gehna Bahu) birthday too and along with singing Christmas carols we also brought in her birthday and gave her a present. Everyone was very happy to be flooded with gifts and Xmas goodies!

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Dealing with a crisis might drag you back to the workplace. Make the best of it by doing what must be done quickly. A chance encounter with an ex-flame may revive memories. Don’t lose your temper. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 24

TAURUS: You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions involving career should not be put off. You have the clear headedness and courage to bite the bullet. Correspondence can be brought up to date. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54

GEMINI: Major domestic purchases may be made with confidence but may not be available until next week. Be patient, even though you want it immediately. Students: you will be successful. Love life suffers. Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 60

CANCER: Put knowledge into practice or learn how to do things better. Children may enjoy the company of their parents. Businessmen find the day quite hectic. A nagging doubt gets cleared. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 29

LEO: Your card is Fortune so this can be a good day on the financial front. Try your luck at a range of speculative possibilities. If your career is in good shape, a request for higher pay can be answered positively. Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 61

VIRGO: Relations with fellow workers are on a high and your popularity can increase. If you aim for what you really want, it just might happen. Shareholders may find the day quite beneficial. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 55

LIBRA: Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays. Newly married will be stressful. Trying to make last minute changes and continual adjustments won’t help. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red. Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: Your card “Four of Wands” promises an excellent day. Do not feel guilty about taking time out to look after your well-being. Focus on meditation, yoga and exercise. Group activities should be successful. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 42

SAGITTARIUS: Charm and respect are far better attributes to employ in dealing with people if you want positive results. Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled and contained. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 65

CAPRICORN: Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events and big gatherings. Your family may be having a big get together. Your magnanimity can get the better of you when you offer to host it at your place. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 36

AQUARIUS: Now is the time to distinguish clearly between wants and needs. Your bank account will dry up before your wants. Tie up the loose ends. It might turn out to be a hectic day. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 33

PISCES: A healthy competitive instinct can be harnessed for success. There may be trouble brewing in the family that would benefit from a sensible voice of reason before matters spiral out of hand. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 64

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 30...

It will be a good year although returns and gains may be lower than usual. You should guard against unnecessary ego in speech and actions. Investments in bonds and securities may be possible in the second half of the year. 2012 begins with ego in speech and sub conscious. You will realise half way that working with others is better than having others work against you. This will bring in growth as well as progress. Your status and public image will be better. Progress will continue on personal as well as professional fronts. Your progress will be related to your instincts and not your academic knowledge. In the second half of the year, the action would move towards family matters and some movement in residence and travel would come about too. Avoid unnecessary resentment against family members.

2012 is the year for you to shine. Your ideas should take centrestage right now, and you’re not apt to be shy about expressing your opinions. Just be sure to use your charm and tact, as well. Avoid being forced to make a decision prematurely, especially if it involves your daily responsibilities or an urgent family matter. Those who are domineering or pushy should not be allowed to interfere.

If you’ve ever wanted to act, now would be a good time to explore opportunities. Restless energy and emotional conflicts will probably dot January. Play a waiting game, and don’t reveal your cards. You could find yourself promising too much in order to please everyone. Right now, the stars are reminding you that it’s better to say what you mean and mean what you say. The care and support you’d like can be obtained by showing someone that you are there for them. This mutual concern can last for many years. Remember to always be positive. Be aware that there are eager rivals ready to claim your territory as their own! You must look out for your health and get enough rest because if you push yourself beyond the limit, you will jeopardise your dreams. News of an important project, perhaps from overseas, will be encouraging. Investments made in new ventures are likely to bring good returns. Hence you should try to utilise this period to your advantage. You are ready to rock in 2012. This is no time to play it safe.

Mood: Emotional initially; solid and clear later. Compatible signs: Pisces, Gemini. Lucky colours: Silver, White. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 11, 17, 22. Lucky gem: Topaz.

Lucky flower: Windflower.

Sonali Vajpayee (December 30, Kanpur) is a singer whose memorable contribution in Kabhi Socha Na Tha Maine, Zindagi Ko Nayi Zindagi, Pyar Pyar Mein with Babul Supriyo, -Kaise Bhool Jaati Hai, Tere Chehre Pe, Chhat Ke Oopar Do Kabutar (Part 2), Ek Doosre Se Karte Hain Pyar Hum with Suresh Wadkar, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan and Kya Hai Tumhara Naam will remain evergreen.

Sewing runs in my family: Gwen Stefani

Singer turned fashion designer Gwen Stefani says she has always made her own clothes because sewing runs in the family. The No Doubt singer has launched two successful clothing lines—LAMB and Harajuku Lovers - and said it was inevitable she would go into fashion because all her family have shown talent for it, a website reported.

“I can sew - it runs in the family. My grandma made my mom’s prom dress - mom didn’t have a choice! And mom would take us to the fabric store and we’d pick out Vogue and McCall’s patterns. When I got older, I was very anti-fashion. I was into thrift stores and making my own stuff. I had my own sewing machine, glue guns and projects everywhere. My room was a danger zone,” she said.

Stefani, 42, says she is involved in every part of her fashion lines and has so many ideas about her designs. “Fashion’s not as draining as music but it is much more greedy - there are endless ideas and dreams about what you want to wear. And then you’ve got to make that happen. But I enjoy all parts of the creative process - making the cookies and eating the dough,” she added. — PTI

Katrina: I am not Chikni Chameli!
Katrina Kaif is all set to do her bit for society

Katrina Kaif says that the item song Chikni chameli is completely different from who she is and the kind of work she usually does. She also talks about helping out distressed women.

On Chikni Chameli

It was a little difficult to shoot the song because the set had gravel and my feet were bleeding by the third day. The styling in this song was important and I went with the vision of director Karan Johar and choreographer Ganesh Acharya. I was a little uncomfortable initially but later I just had a blast. I don’t think the Chikni chameli tag will leave me for a while and I don’t mind that.

Skin deep

Beauty is a very important aspect in our industry. We have to look good. I know I am tall so I like wearing slightly long dresses and feminine silhouettes. I also like to leave my hair open and keep it long. I swim but I don’t do much for a beauty routine.

Site of my own

It is flattering that I am one of the most searched celebrities on the internet and I try to take this as lightly as possible. I am starting a website for distressed women as my way of giving back to the world. Women need help around the world. My mother’s social work around the world has really inspired me and it gives me joy to help people. It is too early to talk about the site but I hope it makes people’s lives better. — HRM

All work, no play

Busy bee: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is such a busy girl that she has no time to celebrate her own success. She was earlier busy with her music album and then returned to shoot Barfee and promote Don 2. She is also shooting Kunal Kohli’s film and Agneepath. All this excluding the promotions.

Priyanka had no time to enjoy the good response to Don 2 because she was very busy. She says, “I am shooting about three films right now. We actors cannot sit back and enjoy the success of our movies because we are always shooting. It is good that way because we love shooting and acting and it is a gift to be continuously busy with the craft.”

Priyanka shares her idea of stress-busting. She explains, “I love going on beach holidays with my gal pals. I love spending time at home with my family members and I love my mom feeding me. I love eating fast food and heavy Punjabi food. I am genetically blessed to stay thin. I also like sitting by my window and doing nothing, sleeping loads, and going for drives with loud music.” Priyanka Chopra will be seen in Agneepath, Kunal Kohli’s film, and Barfee in 2012. She will also launch her international music album which she has written and sung for.

After the hiatus

Crossover concerns: Raageshwari

Be it acting, modelling or anchoring, singer Raageshwari Loomba has done it all and now she wants to venture into the territory of crossover films.

Although the 39-year-old has acted in films like David Dhawan's Aankhen and Main Khiladi Tu Anari, her last big screen appearance was way back in 2003 in Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, where she played a reporter.

Now, she says that she wants to work with new and independent filmmakers, who according to her are doing great work. "I want to do crossover films but the content has to be good. New and independent directors are doing great nowadays. I am eagerly waiting for such an opportunity. I have been offered roles in films but they were not up to the mark. I want roles that I can do justice to with my presence in the movie," Raageshwari said.

She also participated in the fifth season of popular reality television show Bigg Boss and says that she is open to doing more such shows in future. "I want to do reality shows as well. I want to do a whole lot of things. Reality shows, talk shows, films, whatever comes my way," she said. Raageshwari was diagnosed with Bell's palsy in 2000. — PTI

Back to square one

Actor Chris Evans has vowed to take yoga more seriously in 2012 in a bid to ease his aches and pains. The movie hunk said he plans to do something to get more limber.

“It’s been, like, the same New Year’s resolution for, like, a decade, but I really think I’m going to do it this year. I always say I should do more yoga. Or do yoga - more would mean I do some. I’ve done none. But I always want to do yoga because I’m getting old. Nerves are getting pinched every other day, and I really just got to get more limber,” he said.

And he only hopes he takes to yoga the same way his body responds to work-outs at the gym. “When I am working out, diet doesn’t really come into it. I have a pretty fast metabolism, so I don’t really have to worry about getting pudgy... and my work-out routine isn’t too fancy either... I just pick up heavy stuff and put it back down. It’s really simple stuff,” he added. — PTI

For bee-autiful skin
Beauty cream with bee stings in great demand

As bizarre as it may sound, beauty creams that contain bee stings are in huge demand in Britain as they reportedly prevent ageing by smoothing out wrinkles.

Sales of the skincare cream that has been dubbed “nature’s alternative to botox” are already up an astounding 3,000 per cent since it launched in the country around three weeks ago.

Botulinum toxin, popularly known by the trade name Botox, is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and used for various cosmetic and medical procedures.

The cream reportedly contains “more than 10,000 stings per pot”.

It has been claimed the bee stings smoothen wrinkles, stimulate growth of collagen — a protein that connects and supports other tissues such as skin, tendons, muscles and cartilage — and help in cell renewal.

— IANS

Global artistes come to India for freshness: Sonu Nigam

After collaborating with international pop star Britney Spears, Sonu Nigam, who is all set to team up with Swedish DJ Tim Berg, says that India attracts global artistes because the country has something new to offer. The 38-year-old singer added a desi touch to Spears' hit track I Wanna Go from her latest album Femme Fatale and will now be lending his voice to electronic dance music by Berg aka DJ Avicii.

"These artistes want a change in their own music, that's why they come to Indian musicians. They want to know how we can add something new to their music. They love what we do to their songs," Sonu said. "India is a huge market. They want to explore it, the way Akon did. After his hit song Chammak Challo in Ra.One, Akon is known to everyone here," he added. Not only artistes, Sonu says, even international music shows are flooding the small screen here launching their Indian versions, including popular UK show The X-Factor. "Every western musical show format has been introduced to us. There is another such show which is coming to India soon. It's going to be the next big thing. Foreign companies sell these formats to Indian channels, who Indianise them. — PTI

Going Gaga over charity

Popstar Lady Gaga and teen sensation Justin Bieber have been named the most charitable stars of 2011

Lady Gaga, who is a vocal campaigner for gay rights, came in at number one on the Celebs Gone Good Top 20 list, compiled by DoSomething.org, which praises stars for their philanthropic efforts over the last 12 months. Bieber claimed second place, just days after he made a pre-Christmas trip to visit a local food bank in his native Canada. The singer is also a supporter of children's charity Pencils of Promise.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actor George Clooney, Will Smith and his wife Jada, and Leonardo DiCaprio rounded off the top five.

— IANS

Oz calling

Ashton Kutcher

Two and a Half Men star Ashton Kutcher wants to spend New Year’s Eve in Australia because he wants to experience the turning of the year before anyone else.

The 33-year-old actor, who split from wife Demi Moore earlier this year, usually spends the last day of every year in New York but is planning a change.

“The best place to go is New York. This city is always electric and they do things bigger and better than everywhere else. But next year I want to go to Sydney because they get New Year’s Day first,” Kutcher said. — PTI

Miles to go

Pop star Katy Perry and her actor husband Russell Brand spent Christmas 7,000 miles apart.
The 27-year-old Last Friday Night singer went to Hawaii for a vacation at a private villa with friends, while the comic actor spent December 25 in Cornwall, South West England, reported a publication online.
Brand, 36, had lunch in a pub in Coverack village and then attended his comedian friend David Baddiel's charity swim where he was mobbed by fans and happily posed for pictures.
Perry was spotted surfing and frolicking in the sea and on the beach with friends. — PTI

Love birds: Katy Perry & Russell Brand

Key note

Singer Taylor Swift is keen to change her musical style but wants to continue writing her own songs. The Love Story hit maker wants to do things a little differently and experiment musically, reported a publication.
"I think my goal for the next couple of years would be to make departures in little ways and do things a little differently. And to try to maintain a balance between always providing your fans with what they've always liked from you and continuing to write all my own songs," Swift said. She will collaborate with stars that her fans are not necessarily expecting to hear. "I'd love to make collaborations in different directions.” — PTI

Musical chairs: Taylor Swift