Destination B-Town
Jasmine Singh

Chris Higgins, vice-president, marketing and admission for International School of Film and Media, says Bollywood is set to expand by leaps and bounds

The Hindi film industry is doing a good job when it comes to giving a different kind of cinema, launching new faces, giving hit numbers (8 out of 10 are raunchy though. Chikni Chameli is the latest addition); moving beyond regular scripts. This is till we meet Chris Higgins, vice-president, marketing and admission for International School of Film and Media (ISFM), in Chandigarh, who makes us look at the entertainment industry in a different light.

We ask him what gets him hooked on to Bollywood and Chris is more than willing to answer. "I have stayed in India for almost seven years in different cities like Mumbai, Delhi and now Hyderabad, and I realise that Bollywood has a huge scope to accommodate people," he says sharing a brief note on the media institute he stands for. "The International School of Film and Media has been formed as a privately managed, non-profit entity with the dual mission of providing incredible education for students and offering highly trained talent to the industry."

He talks passionately about movies, new serials being launched on various channels and what Bollywood needs right now. "India has various entertainment industries, Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Punjabi and so on, whereas Hollywood in just one big industry. This is the reason that the scope of growth of films in India is more. In fact, it still has place for three lakh jobs," shares Chris who seems to know the graph of Bollywood like the back of his hand.

"India has probably only five good acting schools, which cannot fulfill the demand in Bollywood. What we need now are professional schools that can provide skilled people, actors, technicians, script-writers," he adds. This is where The International School of Film and Media comes into play. "Indeed," smiles Higgins, "one because this school works on a non-profit basis and secondly we professionally train students. We provide a world-class learning experience by combining government-recognised degrees with the best practices of international education." However, it is not classroom education that Higgins advocates. "We have tie-ups with production houses that will showcase the commercial films shot by our students, while they are still pursuing their courses."

Higgins mentions names like Hema Malini, Maniratnam, Kamal Hassan, Prakash Raj and Anushka Shetty who are part of the academic advisory council. "Their being on the panel only says that we want to bring in the best for our students. In times to come, Bollywood is expected to grow manifold and we want to cater to the demand."

On a classical note
Vasudha Gupta

As a student in any of the top-rated colleges of Chandigarh today, the trend is mostly to huddle up and gossip, indulge in the department politics or to find the best looking thing and start the date trap. There are only a handful of youngsters who flip the coin and do something that promotes our rich culture and classical music. SPIC MACAY is one such organisation and these youngsters are taking out time from their busy schedules to be a part of the movement.

For Nalin Taneja, (21), the treasurer of the Chandigarh chapter, it has been more of a fulfilling journey and an integral part of being a youngster. "I just saw a notice board talking about a convention. Without much interest I enrolled and was so amazed that I am now handling all finances for the same," he smiles. His interest in the movement has only grown with time. Nalin's brother Sumit Taneja is also an active volunteer. Mostly, it is the concept of a student-run movement that ends up playing a significant role in the youth becoming a part of it. "There is no doubt that the movement is losing steam in Chandigarh due to the obvious lack of awareness," he shares with us. Though the volunteers are constantly trying to persuade youngsters into it, a lot needs to be done.

"Due to the popularity of Punjabi and Bollywood music, youngsters today don't really care as much about the classical forms of music," shares Ishaan Bhutani, 22, student-secretary of the movement. The youngster feels that orientation programmes and volunteer recruitment programmes will continue to make a difference. Responsible for the all the administration and the coordination of activities, he seconds the fact that Delhi has a stronger chapter. "I remember when we had Hariprasad Chaurasia's event a while ago, it was a tremendous hit. Greater exposure about the movement will always help the agenda," he says. Another factor contributing to the low intensity in the movement is the involvement of students in the curriculum. "Students today tend to remain more involved in studies," says Rahul Kapoor, (21). Handling management since the past one-and-a-half year, it was the convention at Patiala, which brought Rahul closer to SPIC MACAY. "The enthusiasm level, which students used to have earlier, has reduced considerably," he shares with us.

Apart from this, the involvement of colleges makes a difference. "Colleges today tend to be a bit more closed-minded. None of them are willing to spend money for the events," he says. Sometimes, it is the scholarship programmes that tend to bring commitment in the students for the movement. For 19-year-old Purnendru Bains, a volunteer, it was his affinity to music that brought him enough luck for the SPIC MACAY scholarship.

"I spent one month with Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan in Kolkata," he says. Coming from a family of musicians, it was under his father Shri Rattan Kumar Bains that Purnendru learnt music and went on to complete a scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi. "Old songs have a sense of classical and hit the right chord for a longer period of time, much unlike the modern music today," he says. Considering how popular the modern meaningless music is among the youth, there is no doubt that classical needs time to penetrate into the system.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

The real show
Jasmine Singh

After reality show Big Boss, actor Dolly Bindra is set to enter the
real world of politics


N
ew innings: Dolly Bindra. Photo: S Chandan

No matter how much we lambast the very ‘existence’ of reality shows; we cannot deny that we look forward to the artificial ‘spice’ element they bring into our lives! And not to forget how they make celebrities out of common names.

Dolly Bindra, a contestant of one such reality show, Bigg Boss Season 4, is a name that pops up each time we talk about the ‘melodramatic and loud’ element of reality shows! But this television and film actor has more to herself than a thunderous laughter, an in-your-face attitude and a reality show.

In Chandigarh to support her friend Manav Mehra who contests from BSP, Dolly Bindra drags our attention to the new development in her life. No, it is not another reality show, but something still closer to it — politics. “I am supporting the party in this election and would be visiting villages around Chandigarh and Mohali. I believe in fighting for our own rights, and the best way is politics. I want to make a difference in the lives of people,” she says. We listen with rapt attention! Is this also reality? Are we still left to see reality from her, we wonder? “These are two different worlds; you cannot compare it with each other. On television I am an artist, the minute I wear make-up I am expected to act. In politics, I can’t wear a mask.” We expect to hear that thunderous laughter, but she wants to sound ‘politically correct’ this time round.

Dolly is busy with her upcoming show, the details of which she doesn’t want to divulge. It is difficult to shrug the ‘reality’ tag off. “The reason audiences like me is because I don’t pretend. I am not a hypocrite who will do tamasha to get publicity on the show. I am helpful and nice to people who are genuine and I don’t believe in being touch with those who are not,” she adds.

We are expected to read between the lines here and we decode it well. Dolly is not in touch with the Bigg Boss house inmates. “I want to live and die for my rights.” Ah! Politics is just the place for you, more so because she gives one politically correct statement after the other. This time the radar is on Oprah Winfrey. “Why are we making such a hullabaloo about her visit? We have many people in India doing the same; there are many women fighting for women’s rights. Mayawati is one such person,” she keeps a stiff face. We sure know now that a real reality show star can do really well in real politics! This is a tongue-twister for you and for us as well. Only one person has the answer— Dolly Bindra!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Amy and I? Keep guessing: Prateik

Actor Prateik refuses to divulge whether rumours that he is dating his Ek tha Deewana co-star Amy Jackson are true or not.

“Whether it is true or false, I think it is for me and Amy to know and for the whole world to keep guessing,” the 25-year-old said at a promotional shoot of the Gautham Menon-directed film, releasing on February 17.

Prateik and British model Amy are being spotted together a lot, thanks to the movie’s promotion, adding fuel to the fire about their relationship status.

However, the only subject Prateik preferred to talk about was his character in the film. “I am playing the character of a middle class Maharashtrian boy who is around 25 years of age and wants to become a film director. Then Amy’s character enters his life and he falls in love and then he wants both. — IANS

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card gives you a new vision but overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love. If you are thinking about dieting, join a gym. Focus on fitness and well-being.

Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 50.

TAURUS: Your card suggests that you will be flirtatious, but be careful not to ignore or hurt people who matter in your life. Love can take a turn if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others.

Lucky colour: Silver grey.

Magic number: 44

GEMINI: You won't be able to count on anyone. Be responsible and you will start the day on a right note. Listen to what others have to say. Perhaps one particularly attractive person will help you mix business with pleasure. Tarot message: Set the pleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35

CANCER: It's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. A social event or gathering might bring you in touch with some interesting people. Tarot message: Use your instincts to get into the top circle of power.

Lucky colour: Deep red.

Magic number: 46

LEO: Recent professional setbacks can easily be turned into triumph. Don't yield to temptation; be responsible. You will not get away with wrongful doings, so don't even try. Discuss investment. Real estate matters may suffer. Tarot message: Don’t ignore advice from young colleagues. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25

VIRGO: You are on a winning streak. Having fun is what it's all about. You are more than ready to make a change. Love and romance is in the air. Any complaints could lead to a quarrel. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 39

LIBRA: Attend any event that will help you meet people you like. A Cancerian surprises you with a generous gift. Accept that other people are not going to do exactly as you would want them to. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Sky blue.

Magic number: 48

SCORPIO: Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Stay calm and refuse to let anyone get the better of you. Plans are likely to be changed or cancelled at the last minute, so have a backup plan ready. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.

Lucky colour: Peacock green.

Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: A loving relationship flowers with commitments. The day promises new possibilities. Promote whatever you believe in. Stay true to your partner. Take decisions after a thorough research.

Tarot message: Lay emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28

CAPRICORN: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. This is a perfect time to entertain or to let others entertain you. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to changes. Tarot message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56

AQUARIUS: Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. Going away for the weekend or visiting good friends will be a great way to bring on the new day. Students might receive a job offer. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 27

PISCES: You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry.

Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels.

Magic number: 30

Riya Sen  Riya Sen (January 24, 1982, Kolkata) hails from a family of actors, including her grandmother Suchitra Sen, mother Moon Moon Sen and sister Raima Sen. She began her career in 1991 as a child artiste in the film Vishkanya. Riya was first recognised as a model when she performed in Falguni Pathak's music video Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi at the age of sixteen. Due to Rahu’s dominance in her stars, she will remain in the news for controversies.

 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 24...

On your birthday think about your past, so take out some photo albums. These images will remind you of people and places you had entirely forgotten. You might even be inspired to return to a hobby you abandoned long time back. This is your life, and you have every right to spend your free time in the way it pleases you most. Things are good and getting better in 2012. Be willing to sacrifice your pride or take a risk in order to escape unhealthy circumstances. You may not see an immediate way out and may claim that your hands are tied in order to avoid accountability, but absolving yourself of responsibility will leave you trapped or isolated. Until you put your heart in it and assert your independence, you could remain burdened by your own unrealistic expectations and fear.

You'll be forgetful, try to remember important appointments and write them down. You'll be very attentive to things which seem significant and you'll try to take the right measures to improve your relationship. Those in business need to be cautious regarding financial transactions. Change in a partnership will lead to more benefits for you. Those keen on working independently will get the necessary support. Consider proposals from abroad. Unfortunately, some things that you once treasured are gone for good.  There is no point looking back.  Even a small victory is still a triumph, which should be considered a welcome change.  The trick you need to learn now is how to turn your one win into a winning streak. Home and family affairs will be fine, except for your parents who will be unduly worried about you. Other than this, matters at home will be congenial and peaceful. Women born after 1970 will participate in a cultural programme or organise a social function  before April in 2012.

You need to be self-reliant at work instead of depending on those who seem to have been making false promises. Work pressure is likely to increase, so take necessary steps so that it does not affect your health. Elderly persons won't have a good time regarding their physical condition till March.

Mood : Pumped. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Pisces, Cancer. Lucky colours: Gold, orange Lucky days: Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 2, 9, 11, 15. 55. Lucky Gem: Rutilated Quartz - The healing gemstone Lucky Flower: Chrysanthemum.

Chatter box

On the right track

On a song: The team of TV series, CID
On a song: The team of TV series, CID

They say those who wish to sing will always find a song. And guess ACP Pradyuman and his team have found one for themselves. The team of cops, who is known for their stern characters on screen, recently shed their hard on screen images and donned the brand new avatar. For the first time ever, CID team comprising ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya and Inspector Abhijeet sang a song, which is going to be part of one of the episodes of the longest running crime thriller, this weekend.

The actors recently recorded a lullaby Aari Aaja Neendiya from the Mehmood starrer movie Kunwara Baap. And guess who inspired them to record a song? None other than the legendary Lata Mangeshkar! The team also took her blessings before recording. We all know ACP Pradyuman and his boys are the best crime busters of Indian television, let’s see how well they do in singing.

To be axed

Imagine TV had launched Harshad Chopda starrer Dharampatni amidst great fanfare in August. But the show failed to live up to the expectations and now has been axed.

Sources claim, “The promos, the story line of east and west culture clash and the pairing of Harshad and Asiya looked promising but it couldn’t be converted into great drama. DJ's Creative Unit's Dharampatni will go off air and will be replaced by a new show Shakuntalam's Me Ajji Aur Saheb. Promos of the latter are already on air.”

Star Harshad Chopda was the big ticket who would have got the audiences to tune in but his charm and looks didn’t measure up.


He earlier had a success rate with shows like Tere Liye and Kis Desh Mein HainMera Dil. Bandini actor Aasiya Kazi played Kastur in Dharampatni, Barely five months since its launch, Dharampatni will end on February 2. Sad ending indeed.

New show, new promises

After the hit Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Sony Entertainment and Ekta Kapoor launched yet another show Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada starring Pawan Shankar and Mona Singh which will air at 10 pm from January 30.

At the launch, Ekta explained the concept, “The show is a big challenge, as it is a take on a couple that how after 10 years of marriage, love takes a back seat. How the wife does not have time or inclination to dress up and is involved with her kids, while the husband is more busy with work.” She rubbished rumours that her show is inspired from David Dhawan's Biwi No1.

More than getting the concept going, Ekta had to work on getting Mona on board. “Mona suits the role and she is a great actor.”

Life on a roll


TASTING SUCCESS: Aarti Singh

Talented and beautiful television actor Aarti Singh needs no introduction. She is comic actor Krushna Abhishek’s sister and Sasural Genda Phool fame Ragini Khanna’s cousin. She is currently playing the character of Seema Chopra in Ekta Kapoor’s much-appreciated show Parichay on Colors. Having earlier played roles in Grihasti, Maayka and Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai, she is today being recognised as an actor with substance. Aarti talks about the show, her career and take on playing Seema Chopra.

Are you happy with your role in Parichay?

Yes, I am happy with the way the show is shaping up. As far as my character is concerned, it is not restricted only to the kitchen. When it comes to the visibility factor, my character was not in the limelight earlier, as the show focused more on other actors.

Why did you choose a parallel role after playing a lead in Thoda Hai…?

After Thoda Hai….I was chilling out at home for almost seven to eight months and waiting any longer would have made no sense. So when the role was offered to me, I knew it would give me the desired recognition. First of all, the show is from Balaji and then it is being aired on Colors during primetime.

You are playing a parallel lead but your costumes and make-up are not very appealing?

Personally, I don’t like putting on too much make up. As far as the clothes are concerned, in the show, I belong to a middle-class family so I wear kurtas and salwars.

How’s your equation with your co-stars in the show?

Parichay has the best team I have ever worked with.

What’s your family’s reaction after watching the show?

My brother Krushna Abhishek has watched a few episodes and he really liked it. People have now started recognising me as Seema from Parichay.

— Dharam Pal

Par Excellence
Pulling force
Jesse Grewal

The golf swing is predominantly a ‘pulling force’ which is created by the left side of the body (for right handed golfers). Scientifically we could have a ‘pulling’ or a ‘pushing’ force. A pulling action would be from the left side of the body or the lever which creates the force being ahead of the ball. A pushing action would be from the right side or having the lever behind the ball. A pulling force aligns the object it is pulling towards it and therefore has directional control. When a tractor pulls a trolley the trolley follows it and maintains its direction. When the tractor reverses the trolley it does not go straight and it takes a very skilled driver to manage the direction of the trolley. Similarly it is only possible to ski on water if we are behind the boat and are pulled by it and not in front of the boat with a pushing action.

Most golfers do not use the left side of the body adequately and create the hitting action only with their dominant right hand. The right hand has a role on squaring the club head but not in the creation of force. Take a club in your left hand with the club head side in your hand. Make a backswing by primarily turning the left shoulder and allowing your wrist to cock. Then try and pull the club fast on the forward swing and hear the swooshing sound. Try and increase the speed and the swooshing sound will get louder. Make sure you are swinging the shaft end six inches above the ground or you may break the shaft if it hits the ground. If done correctly you will find that the left side of your body would be turning and creating the force. This would be the left hip and the left lateral muscles. On the follow through let your left arm fold at the elbow and not remain straight and extended. This exercise would develop a pulling force and not only help in being more accurate but also increase distance.      

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

 

Musical Basant
SD Sharma


Arushi Mudgal

Music lovers from Chandigarh are in for a treat of Hindustani classical, courtesy the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi’s much-awaited, two-day festival Aai Basant Bahar- 2012 to be held at the Tagore Theatre on January 27-28 from 6:30 pm onwards. Here is a brief look at the itinerary.

January 27

Rakesh Prasanna, sarod

Young and versatile Rakesh Prasanna comes from a renowned family of shehnai and flute players. Initiated into flute-playing by his father and guru Raghunath Parsanna, he fell for the charm of sarod and soon Rakesh was under the tutelage of sarod Maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Sahib. He also received guidance from renowned flautist and his elder brother Pandit Rajendra Prasanna. After Rakesh secured first position in the AIR’s national music contest, he travelled widely through UK, Poland, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan and several south-east Asian countries. Besides all top venues in India, he also performed at the Asian Music Festival in 1984 at Hong Kong, Festival of India in Bulgaria in 1988; Edinburgh and Womad festivals.

January 27

Arushi Mudgal, Odissi danseuse

Arushi has imbibed the nuances of music and dance at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Delhi under her father-guru Padma Shri Madhup Mudgal and learnt Odissi dance under her aunt Padma Shri Madhavi Mudgal. Arushi has toured extensively in India and overseas as part of her guru’s dance troupe. Some of her significant performances have been in Greece, North America, UK, Brazil, France, Germany and Morocco, where she had the honour of dancing with the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Madhavi Mudgal, besides solo performances. She has conducted dance workshops in London, Leeds, Manchester and Singapore. She has been the recipient of President of India’s Bal Shree.

January 28

Bhuvnesh Komkali, Classical-vocal

Representing the rich legacy of classical-vocalist Kumar Gandharva, the grandson Bhuvnesh Komkali is the most promising star vocalist in khyal gayaki. Groomed by the legendary Kumar Gandharva and Mukul Shivputra, he further sharpened his skills under the tutelage of Padma Shri Madhup Mudgal and illustrious Vasundhra Komkali. Dewas-based Bhuvnesh has scored music for a Hindi feature film Ahilaya, besides other projects.

January 28

Venkatesh Kumar, vocal

Well-known Dharwad-based vocalist Venkatesh Kumar, who is an A-grade AIR artist, will mark the grand finale of the festival. A foremost disciple of Padma Bhushan Dr Puttaraj Gawai, he learnt under Gurukul system for 11 years.

Fashion fundas
Ethnic flavour
Ashima Batish

Jainee and Niket Mishra
Jainee and Niket Mishra

Niket Mishra of Niket and Jainee fashion designer duo does a fashion forecast for the coming season. He also talks about what you should take out of your wardrobe.

What’s in: This winter, stick to traditional outfits while attending parties. Anarkalis and silk sarees will make a great style statement. In summer, prefer sheer fabrics like chiffons and nets. Skirts without flair are back in fashion. Even with gowns, pick the A-line shape. Thread and dori work is what you should get done on the fabrics. Also, fusion will be the flavour of the season.

What’s out: Certainly velvet. Though you will see it everywhere in the market, velvet as a fabric is out for sure. Also, gota work has been done away with. Flowing fabrics are in, which means hard fabric like organza should not be opted for.

Colour count: When it comes to motifs, go in for golden and silver work on white base. The perfect colours for winter and summer both, this time are pastels.

Future collection: The spring-summer collection will see a lot of fusion work again. Kaftans will be interspersed with gowns and saris. The inspiration has been drawn from the outfits of the Middle-East. Also, the collection will comprise of a lot of anarkali suits, with more than the usual length, so that they can be used as gowns.

Leading in style: Priyanka Chopra scores the maximum with her style sense. Be it ethnics, saris or anarkalis, or Western outfits like jumpsuits, gowns, skirts, the leading lady of Bollywood is also leading on the fashion front. Her hair dos are perfect, she chooses the right accessories; she doesn’t have a competition when it comes to getting the style right.

On Indian fashion fraternity: Versace recently came up with a collection of gown saris. At the Milan Fashion Week, models walked the ramp in dhotis. Indian fashion is getting popular because Indian designers are excelling globally. What’s important is, we don’t put a full stop on the learning process.

Kashmir on a platter
Poonam Bindra

A snowy ambience with dotted balls of cotton and lilting regional music in the background greet you as you step into Punj Sitare, Park Plaza which is holding a Kashmiri food festival.

This scenic part of the country is known for its flavoursome cuisine. Wazwan—the traditional Kashmiri cooking is steeped in history with its roots going back to the Tuglak dynasty when Timur invaded India. So, giving us the Iranian touch wazas (as Kashmiri chefs are called) Rayaz Ahmad and Tariq Ahmad have specially come to the city to pamper the Punjabi palate and warm them up with traditional Kashmiri dishes like tabakh maaz and rista aab gosh, ghustaba, to mention a few.

Nina and Arun Mehra would not stop raving about marchawagaon korma. “It’s so soft that it actually melts in the mouth”. The meat is not minced but pounded for a long time to achieve the degree of softness. The nadru ke kabab is another hot favourite which is made of mashed lotus stem and blended with Kashmiri herbs and it is difficult to say whether it is vegetarian or a non-vegetarian snack.

“The highlight of the main course is the weer ras, a light soup and the dry fruit laden naan enthused a senior Kashmiri couple the Rizvi’s for whom it brought nostalgic feelings.

The band Rangeela enthralls with melodies from the Bollywood movies with a Kashmiri connection, so one can relish guccci matar or nadru yakhni and razmah goagji while listening to Kaashmir ki kali hun main or Pardesion se akhian na milana is indeed a happy experience. To top it all there is rendition of sufiana kalams by Farooq.

To round up the traditional Kashmiri meal, one can go for shukriya madur, the dessert which was the kesar pista kulfi with sweetened cottage cheese and dry fruits or simply sip kahwa, a flavoured tea, laced with saffron, cardamom and cinnamon.  

Price points: A set vegetarian meal is for Rs 850 and non-vegetarian meal for Rs 950 plus taxes.

On till January 29

HEART talk
Try, test and decide
Parvesh Rana

My boyfriend and me are in our early twenties and we’ve have been together for two years now. Recently we moved in together for a live-in relationship. Initially, everything was fun but sadly I’ve begun to see a different side of his character. He doesn’t trust me at all and keeps calling me constantly throughout the day. I don’t know what to do.

Harpreet Kaur, Chandigarh

The best part of living together is that it brings an openness to a relationship. Give your relationship sometime and see if more problems occur. And the best part is that you are not married, so you can always move out.

I’m married to a man who has a drinking problem. It has caused a lot of problems in our marriage. A few months ago I got to know an amazing person at work and we ended up having an affair. I struggle with this guilt each single day that whether I should tell my husband about it or not.

Shalini, Ambala

First of all, your husband needs to solve his drinking problem through professional help and you need to act as a supporting wife. Telling him is not important but just be with your husband and just work on your marriage.

(Rana is a television anchor)

Won’t mess up my life again: Kelly Osbourne


Coming clean: Kelly Osbourne
Coming clean: Kelly Osbourne

TV star Kelly Osbourne is furious over reports that she is back to her partying ways and says she has worked too hard to mess her life again.

It appeared that the 27-year-old Fashion Police star had allegedly purchased marijuana-laced cookies at a bar. But Osbourne took to her Twitter to set the record straight, reported a publication online.

“Trust me I’ve worked too hard to go and mess my life up again and that’s quite frankly all I have to say on this stupid subject. If I want to have a drink them I’m going to have a drink. I m 27 years old (sic),” she tweeted.

Referring to the report that she had a plethora of alcoholic beverages at a Golden Globes after party, she wrote, “Was their story true? No! Is it anyone’s business No”.

Although she has been clean and sober for the past three years, Osbourne does have a party girl past. She has been to rehab three times, most recently in 2009, to treat her addiction to painkillers but has been clean since.

— PTI

I got the money, honey!

Actress Kristen Dunst says she is happy that she doesn’t have to rely on a man for financial security

Financially speaking: Kristen Dunst
Financially speaking: Kristen Dunst

She gained success at the age of 12 and actress Kristen Dunst is happy that she doesn’t have to rely on a man for financial security.

The 29-year-old, who gained recognition with her role Claudia in Interview with the Vampire, has given hits like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Spider-Man trilogy, reported a publication.

“I don’t have to rely on a man to give me financial security. I have the confidence as a 29-year-old of knowing that I can work and make money. That’s something most women my age don’t have. That’s a big deal. It’s amazing that I can help my family. My grandmother lives with my mother in a gorgeous house. I am afforded these luxuries and I’m very young,” Dunst said.

The actress also said she doesn’t mind posing nude on-screen as long as it is appropriate. “I’m happy doing nudity in a film when it’s appropriate. There’s a scene in Melancholia where I’m lying naked, bathing in the glow of the moon, but it looks like a painting as it is lit so beautifully. You can almost forget that I’m nude.”

— PTI

Girls’ night out

No stopping: Jessica Simpson
No stopping: Jessica Simpson

Singer-turned-designer Jessica Simpson may be heavily pregnant but this hasn’t stopped her from going on a night out.

The 31-year-old was spotted in a glamorous black and grey dress and black high heels and she looked seemingly happy as she went for dinner in Beverly with a female friend, reported a publication. It is unclear when the baby will arrive but rumours suggest that she is expecting the child with fiancé Eric Johnson in the spring.

“Everybody comes up to me and asks me, How’s the nausea? and I’m like, ‘I don’t have any’, even if she has to suffer heartburn: ‘(I am) definitely eating a lot of Tums. I have the reflux and acid going on,” she said. Simpson further stated that she has been indulging in childhood treats due to cravings. “I had a buttered Pop Tart this morning. I’m eating a lot of stuff that I ate in my childhood. Kraft MAC n’ Cheese, Pop Tarts, Cap’n Crunch. Everything’s filled with sugar,” she added.

— PTI

Hair and there

Mamma mia: Jessica Alba

Actress Jessica Alba says her three-year-old daughter, Honor Marie, loves wearing wigs.

The 30-year-old said that Honor, her eldest girl with husband Cash Warren, has an insane sense of style but loves letting the youngster dress up because it makes her happy, reported a publication online.

“She’s very independent, very opinionated and loves to dress up so much. Like every day, she’s in full drag! She wears a wig everyday. She has a lot of wigs and she has a lot of plastic heels. It’s totally insane, but it makes her happy,” Alba said.

The actress also has a five-month-old daughter Haven and said she has regular dates with her spouse so they don’t end up taking one another for granted.

“I’ve been with my husband for nine years now. You get really comfortable and you don’t always make time for each other.

You can tend to take each other for granted. So we do try and set aside time at least once a week.”

— PTI

Third in a row...


Baby steps: Jennifer Garner with daughter

Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner, who is pregnant with her third child with Ben Affleck, says she has left it to her daughters to choose the name for their unborn child.

However, Garner, 39, also said that her daughters Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3, are coming up with funny names for their third sibling, reported a publication.

“Our girls are working on names. At first they were definitely Disney. It was like, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse Affleck. And then they’ve moved on. Then it was Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Smee. They’re coming up with lists and coming in and saying, ‘Let’s have a baby-naming contest! Let’s have a baby-naming poll! They ask everyone, because they just want to know. But we’re not telling,” she said. Garner further suggested that she knows the sex of the baby but will not reveal it. Garner, who announced her third pregnancy in August, is due in late February/early March. She is set to appear in The Odd Life of Timothy Green later this year.

— PTI

Look who’s talking

Kareena Kapoor, who not so long ago had made the tag `size zero’ fashionable, says she is a foodie, she does not starve at all.

At a function to launch a book by dietician Rujuta Divekar, Kareena said that being a Punjabi, she loves to eat all sorts of paranthas.

“I eat aloo, gobhi paranthas almost every day....I have never starved. Even when I was doing Tashan I used to eat paranthas. I feel it’s all about being fit and eating right.” While the elder sister Karishma, also present, said, “All the young girls who may want to become like Kareena... they should eat correctly and not starve themselves. You can be slim even with eating.”

Kareena, who had acquired the `size zero’ during the shoot of Tashan, said it was her sister who is now super slim. “I feel Lolo is now size zero.... the crown of size zero goes to her,” she said. — PTI

Rumour has it…


Parting ways: Heidi Klum

Supermodel Heidi Klum is reportedly set to seperate from her singer husband after six years of marriage

Supermodel Heidi Klum is reportedly set to divorce her soul singer husband Seal after six years of marriage.

The 38-year-old German beauty married Seal in 2005 and they have three children together, daughter Lou and sons Henry and Johan, reported a website online. The Kiss From a Rose hit maker Seal also adopted Klum’s eldest daughter Leni from a previous relationship.

The couple is famous for renewing its wedding vows every year with a romantic ceremony but Klum is preparing to file divorce papers amid rumours that the pair has split. The Project Runway star is expected to file a petition at Los Angeles Superior Court as early as next week, citing “irreconcilable differences” for the break-up. Klum and Seal were last pictured together on a vacation in Aspen, Colorado after Christmas. Representatives for both stars are yet to respond. — PTI





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