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From the bylanes of the past
Before looking at people in bad light one must understand why they are doing so. Sometimes, they have no alternative, says French writer Claudine Le Tourner d'lson
Sunday noon. Library at Alliances Française, Chandigarh. A group of some twenty people listen in rapt attention as Claudine Le Tourner d'lson, a French journalist and writer shares the story of her novel Hira Mandi. The engaging presentation goes beyond one hour, but the crowd sits still in pin drop silence as Claudine goes through the moving journey of her book. Her voice quivers at times, tears well up at other, the ones present there get transported to the life and travails of Hira Mandi, once burgeoning market of culture as well as prostitution in the old city of Lahore. "Being with the poorest of the poor gives great lessons in life," says Claudine. She started travelling alone as a student. "I visited India in 80s. When people realised, I was a lonely French girl in India, there first reaction was that of protection. Poor people welcomed me into their family, offered shelter and food out of generosity," says Claudine, who dreamt of travelling the world on her own as a child. One of the fortunate few, who get to live their dream, Claudine found subject of her novel on one of her trips to Pakistan. Hira Mandi not only narrates the poignant life of the dancing girls, is also a commentary on Pakistan, its politics and how religion is perceived. "It pains my heart to see the treatment that society meted out to these so called 'whores'. But in reality they are as much a human being as you and me," says Claudine. Also, what bothers this writer is how Pakistan is seen by the outside world. "Sadly, the world views the country to be that of Taliban, a country where women are beaten by men, but that's not the whole truth. It exists and so does much more. I have found greatest friends not only in the dancing girls, but, in other members of society as well — managers, designers, writers — who are fighting courageously not only for their sake but for their country's." The seat of Claudine's book Hira Mandi no more exists as capital of culture. The four streets have been given a make over by the government. Yet, going to Pakistan with her book (Roli books published it in English this year, the French one came in 2006), Claudine is apprehensive of the reaction it will meet. "I am no dreamer. But I sincerely hope that they see the honesty behind my effort," signs off Claudine. mona@tribunemail.com
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What's app? …A lot
Just like each aspect of technology, the application world is continuously evolving and re-inventing itself. We try and find out how it's the most popular thing today and where does the future lie?
When they say that the world is in your hands, no one would have really imagined that one day, the world would really be in ones hands. Earlier, it was the mobile phone, which drove the world around, now till the time your what's app doesn't ping, it totally means, you haven't quite arrived yet. So, as the youth go gaga over this current rage, we did a round up to find out, how the world of mobile phone applications will grow to envelop more in your life. Had it not been for the several paid and free applications, the world would have been reclusive to understanding a whole lot. "Today, my entire life revolves around my apps. From Priorities to having a cool Palm Reader, there is very little left to imagination in the apps world," shares Manik Thakur, a gadget expert based in Chandigarh.
A day really does not go without playing around Angry Birds to checking out the latest on the news through the apps available. Talking about the technological aspect of it, Amarjit Batra, country manager, Olx.in, says, "Futuristically, mobile phone applications will make it easier for users to do everything that they do offline or on the PC internet in their hand." The experience in commerce, entertainment, sharing, connecting with friends, professional network, news and other content consumption will only become better. "The coolest aspect is that it makes things very easy. Checking Facebook, which is like the lifeline of the youth is today accessible at the touch of a hand. Though the app store has existed in the cell phones since Apple hit the market, its only now with every phone having accessibility to applications that they are becoming a rage and reinventing themselves. Shares Ankita Wadhwa, a housewife, "Besides updating me with the latest in my favourite programmes of Star Plus, the various health-related applications keep a tab on my stress levels, teach me how to relax and give healthy diet tips." Not only in keeping a tab of lists and helping in communication, the applications are also assisting youth in the job market. Opines Yogesh Bansal, founder and CEO apna circle.com, "The app market for Facebook alone has directly created almost 50,000 new jobs and the software companies that design the apps indirectly created at least an additional 1,00,000 jobs worldwide." The future of the application industry is brimming with bright prospects. Holding a professional networking site, Yogesh says, "It is nice to see how various businesses and corporations are utilising these apps and managing their business presence." There are various other gaming applications, apps on astrology, and apps for birthdays, weddings and also finance. "It is astounding to know that there are applications through which people can handle their own finances and do their own investment research," he adds. It is not only the CEOs and the bankers who relay heavily on these applications, even children today are busy learning about the world from the very tiny app store. Says Hemant Kataria, a student, "Thanks to the various applications on my handset, learning maths formulas is now a cake walk." Plus, with the entire world going on the I-Pad next, we can just imagine that schools and classes will run on applications. Surely, you must have checked out Talking Tom on your phone, stay updated! vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Art carat
The highlight of the Mughal-E-Azam fashion exhibition is a miniature painting of Taj Mahal by Naveen Sharma, an artist form Jaipur. "The painting displayed here is just a scanned copy because the original one is under a bank's custody. The
commission agents have valued it for around Rs 100 crores." So, how much time did Naveen take to create the wonder? "It
took me four years and in that time, I visited Taj Mahal four times. I have always been intrigued by history as all artforms have been derived from it. I researched in detail about the inauguration and construction of the monument and then painted it," says Naveen.
The painting has around one million miniatures images and is made by water stone colours on wasli, a hand paper. It has gold leaf on the images and has a coating of protective sheet and is guarded by tuffen glass. "From the last 25 years I'm into painting and that too historical themes as I'm very interested in history." While this already astonishes you, Naveen tells that this is second part of his painting while the first part, he is still making. In that, he is painting Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan playing chess. "Paintings are all about an artist's imagination, so in this part I've imagined that Mumtaz had made an agreement with Shah Jahan that if she wins the game he will make a
love monument in her memory." The intricate details in the painting can be seen only through a magnifying glass.
There are images of Shah Jahan, in which he is shown deciding area where Taj Mahal had to be built, the architect presenting the plan for the monument, Shah Jahan unwinding all his money for the building expenditure, and so on, which ends on a bed-ridden Shah Jahan watching Taj Mahal from a window of Red Fort, where he was imprisoned. We wonder if the artist agrees to sell this work which is close to his heart. "I don't plan to sell this at least in the coming five years, as I want to promote Indian art around the world." Naveen has already displayed his works in Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, ITFT, Pragati Maidan, Delhi and plans to showcase it in the Dubai festival. He plans to paint something related to the history of US, which he confidently says that the US government will agree to purchases at any cost. "Painting is both my profession and passion; I painted Taj Mahal thoughtfully as it is a true symbol of love and attracts all. It is India's pride which the tourists from all over the world visit and praise and the same goes for my painting as well." Another one of its own kind is an antique miniature of Taj Mahal in brass which is 200 years old and is worth Rs 3, 00,000 by Aatma Naaz collections from Moradabad. sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Next in line
The wait is finally over, as the wax statue of Bollywood's dancing queen Madhuri Dixit will be unveiled in Madame Tussauds in London in March this year. As the Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri prepares for a comeback in Bollywood, she has a reason to cheer, as she will be joining the gallery of wax statues at Madame Tussauds in London on March 7. "Madame Tussaud's unveiling on March 7th, 2012. C u then!," an ecstatic Madhuri wrote on twitter.
The announcement about her wax statue had been made in early January this year. Madhuri has dominated the industry for about two decades with several hits like Tezaab, Saajan, Khalnayak, Ram Lakhan, Dil To Pagal Hai, Devdas and others. After marrying doctor Shriram Nene, Madhuri had moved to Denver, US for almost a decade. However, she shifted her base to Mumbai last year, along with her husband and two children. Madhuri is the latest actor in Bollywood to join the bandwagon of stars like, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan, to have a wax statue at the Madame Tussauds. It will cost 150,000 pounds to create the statue and will take a team of sculptors and hair, makeup and wardrobe experts to create the wax statue.
— PTI
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your spouse may complain of backache. Deal with paper work that has been building up. It is time to slow down and recharge your physical and spiritual batteries, so don’t push yourself. Tarot message: Be sure of involving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 52.
TAURUS: Do not be rash or impulsive. Matters concerning the government are taken up. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. GEMINI: An early start will put you on top today. You may be destined for better things than you can imagine. Someone who enjoys a lot of authority is on your side. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. Tarot message: Don’t criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 35. CANCER: A restless night’s sleep can result in irritability. Anxiety might be at an all time high. Co-operation is unlikely from lawyers. If single, meeting may spark new romance. Rumours that you hear are likely to be false. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 27. LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. It would be best to deal with minor issues that do not arouse conflict. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky
colour: Black.Magic number: 32. VIRGO: Romance is your forte this morning. Everybody will love you and small problems and pretty grievances will disappear. Love on the home front will renew your hopes and wishes. Keep your mind on the business at hand. Tarot message: Try not to give money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 57.
LIBRA: Confidence and good feelings are in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don’t listen to other people as they could have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. Joint finances are apt to expand. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 39. SCORPIO: A bright start to the day. New contracts are likely to prove most valuable. You need to be on your toes in order to take advantage of the opportunities. Relationships with partners are likely to be problematic. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 64. SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to stick to schedule. Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. Avoid social gathering. A compulsion for romance can lead you astray. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33. CAPRICORN: You may have to be stricter with loved ones. Students should ask for favours from teachers. Have faith in your own intellectual ability and make your own choices based on your needs. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting something new. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 40. AQUARIUS: Today you will get money from unexpected source. Be more realistic. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. This is a time to formulate your goals and actively pursue them. Your ability to influence and persuade others is strong. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 31. PISCES: Not much change from yesterday. If you are one of those people who can’t say no, you are about to learn. Your private life could be disturbed as the Moon shines its light on your public life. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried over anxious. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 60.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 6...
You have another fortunate year ahead of you. Do all that you can to cash upon the lucky breaks coming your way in April ? Distant affairs can be made more profitable with the co-operation of close associates. The financial propositions that are put to you are apt to be more profitable and could lead to increase in earnings. Make a concerted effort when dealing with a superior, who pretends to be unaware of a certain situation. Youngsters can make the most of the day by reflecting really well on their own goals and expectations. Although you have found that the majority often solicits your interpretations, you might want to mind your own business. Exegesis is impossible if you try to judge the book by its cover. You can discern a deeper truth if you read between the lines. Fresh agreements will be easier to negotiate on favorable terms and conditions. The future security for you and your loved ones is guaranteed. Personal relationships will be a source of strength and happiness for you. The married, who have been living in a joint family, will move out into a separate accommodation. Joining a fundraising effort proves a lot more fun than you expected. The people you work with will be funny, compassionate, and affectionate. You’re so tired of being surrounded by cynics. Mood : Realistic and practical. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Virgo, Libra. Lucky colours: White, Red, Yellow. Lucky days: Friday. Lucky numbers: 6, 13, 21, 22. 27 Lucky gem: Tourmaline - The Rainbow Gemstone. Lucky flower: Carnation (Red)
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Out of veil...
At the receiving end
Split Open: Jessi Kaur
In director’s chair
On to the gig screen
Kingfisher model Gizele Thakral, who made her debut with reality show Survivor may not have been able to complete the show due to her injury, but that isn’t an end for her. The model has been approached to be a part of an international film. “I wouldn’t say it’s a Hollywood film but it’s an international project, made in a foreign language. I have signed it but I will wait for the makers to make a public announcement before I do,” she says. When quizzed if she is open to Bollywood, she adds, “Yes, why not! I love Bollywood. In fact, I’ve been trained in acting and dancing. I would even love to do an item number. But it has to be classy.”
To be axed...
There’s buzz that show Beend Banoongaa Ghodi Chadhunga on Imagine TV may be axed soon. The show according to the latest ratings is one of the three lowest TRP gainers along with Haar Jeet and Dharampatni. However, a source says that the show was all set to bid adieu on Feb 24. “We weren’t hoping the show to get axed so soon, as it was performing better than Haar
Jeet.”
Rumour mills at work
But rumors about their break-up have been floating and Ratan cleared it out. “A person in the industry gets used to rumours like these. When the media gives good news, it also gives the
bad ones at the same time. Obviously, we feel bad when someone says such things, but they
can’t be controlled.”
Closed chapter...
Aman Varma’s stint on Zee TV’s Chhoti Bahu is going to end this week. Aman was roped in the show a few months ago to portray the character of an Asur (reincarnation of evil) whose only purpose was to create chaos in Radhika’s (Rubina Dilaik’s) life. But now, it’s time for Aman to say goodbye to the show. He says, “My role is over in the show. I have a mixed feeling. I’m happy that the good versus evil track worked for the show and got us more viewership. But I am sad that the track came to an end so soon. I am thankful to Zee TV, the production house and the cast and crew for all the love and support. I bonded well with both Avinash and Rubina. They both are very talented actors and I wish them all the best for their future!”
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Time to spare
We tell you what Bollywood celebrities like to do when they have free time... She takes two hours off every morning when she goes for a swim and spends time doing nothing. She likes day dreaming and gazing at the sky, ocean, buildings, whichever view is
available.
Shahid Kapoor He enjoys cooking, dancing, going for long drives with music, riding his bike, and working out in his free time. Sometimes, he goes for his holidays with his boy
gang.
Sonam Kapoor She loves pouring over fashion magazines, reading, girly chats, and visiting new restaurants and cafes in her spare time. She is a
chocoholic.
She finds it a task to even talk to people! She loves sleeping with the air-conditioner on. She likes reading too. Sleeping beauty: Anushka Sharma
She loves meeting her friends with family. She loves taking time off and going on her annual Swiss vacation with beau Saif. She loves sleepovers with her gal pals with loads of gossip.
Good advice
Aamir Khan has asked Tiger who is Jackie Shroff’s son to wait another year to make his film debut in 2013. He wants him to train more in different areas of acting and then he will launch him next year. Way to go!
Proud daddy
Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana got a scholarship for studies because of her writing. He is very proud of her and grinning like a Cheshire cat. As we all know, SRK has the Gift of the Gab and his daughter has inherited this gift, among many other things from her parents.
YRF’s Valentine gift
Valentine's Day would be a good time to celebrate your love through epic Bollywood tracks. YRF is all set to introduce The YRF Daily to their fans. Best known for their romantic films and soundtracks, YRF decided to make an offering of their hit songs to their fans, this year as part of their ‘Valentine Fest’. Yash Raj Films will upload a love song every day on their official website. You can not only listen to their songs online, but also dedicate them to your loved ones using Facebook. Yash Raj wanted to break the customary norm of using Facebook and YouTube as the usual social media platform and try newer alternatives.
Vikram Bhatt is directing Raaz 3 and he started out as Mahesh Bhatt’s assistant. Mahesh’s daughter Shaheen is assisting him on the movie and his other daughter Alia is making her film debut this year in Student of The Year. So it is a filmy year for the full family. Moreover, Pooja will direct Jism 2.
Talented clan: Mahesh Bhatt with daughter
Vivek Oberoi will strip down to his boxers in front of 5,000 people in a stadium in Delhi. This is for a film and it is freezing cold in Delhi right now. Hmm, who wants to see this?
Dino Morea has turned producer with Jism 2. He has not made it as an actor so he is co-producing the hopefully successful franchise film with director Pooja
Bhatt.
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KIDS AND WINTER WOES
Sachin Kalra Keeping kids active when the weather is warm is easy but ensuring the same during the cold winter months can be tough. Most parents have a tough time keeping kids physically active during winters as the weather outside makes it tough for outdoor activities. Staying indoors constantly acts as a powerful inducement for kids to go into hibernation (lazy mode), watching a lot of television and eating junk food. However, according to experts, physical fitness is crucial to a child’s health. Experts recommend a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity a day irrespective of the weather. The trick, according to successful parents is in creative thinking. It is in finding indoor activities that are fun and which will help them make the right use of energy. Check out the lists of fun physical indoor activities to keep kids active, healthy and happy;- Get Involved in structured activity
If you want to get involved in something fun and consistent, enroll your kids in a class. You never know if you will find an activity that they love. Classes could range from martial arts, swimming lessons (indoor obviously), kid’s yoga or dance lessons. Just Dance
Dancing is a fun way to burn calories and a great stress reliever. Put on some music and let kids release their extra energy. Fun upbeat songs will keep them grooving for even longer. There are numerous kid’s dance fitness videos online that you can check out if you need some guidance. TV Break Time
Do not let kids sit for too long in front of the TV. Make them get up during the commercial breaks and do jumping jacks, sit-ups, running in place and toe touching. It’s amazing how simple this trick is and a 90-minute viewing can nearly mean 20 plus minutes of physical activity. Active Video Game
When you cannot beat them, join them. Playing video games can actually be a good way to exercise - if you play the right ones. Make the latest video game technology work for you. Xbox and Nintendo force kids off the couch and moving around with special controllers as they play a variety of games from tennis to bowling to fencing. Keep These Handy
Invest in a mini trampoline, a skipping rope, a hula hoop, stationary bike, et al. All these can be fun and provide a good physical workout. Moreover, most kids simply love them. House Power
Kill two birds with one stone. Involve the kids in house hold chores. From dusting, to making beds, picking up their toys and sorting out their rooms; work and exercise go hand in hand. Also, all this will teach kids responsibility and give you some extra time for yourself. Through encouragement, education and a little ingenuity, parents can help kids stay fit, happy, and healthy even during cold winter months. Also, it is important for parents to stay positive about exercise and be good role models. kalrasachin@hotmail.com
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Brush with creativity
The Annual Art Exhibition of the Lalit Kala Akademi brings out the myriad hues of creativity A man paints with his brains and not with his hands. — Michelangelo It is not always that the diversity of varied artists finds a common platform for display. It is only under the umbrella of the Lalit Kala Akademi that 192 works from student, professional and invited artists have been brought together ensuring that the myriad hues of Chandigarh find the right representation. Just as one walks into the gallery of Punjab Kala Bhavan, the burst of colours mesmerises. From sculptures to paintings,
to instillations, there is nothing within the parameters of the art that has been ignored.
The two-member jury comprising of Nagji Patel from Vadodra and Amitava Das from Delhi, worked painstakingly and short listed 90 works. “The jury has an experience of over 70 years, so for them to pick out the best works is a matter of just one look,” says Diwan Manna, chairperson of the Akademi. From a majestic tiger staring into your eyes to a humble bicycle standing and waiting for its rider, the exhibition is an interesting mix of colours and black and whites. An unkempt kitchen, a couple of abstracts and Buddha dominating, the exhibition is an insight into the colourful minds of the participating artists. Between the play of colours, the sculptures stand out and make a mark. The most interesting one is an installation with butterflies, created with cigarettes and burnt paper, which make for a large installation piece. Considering the fact that Chandigarh is the capital to states, which create celebrated art, the exhibition happens to be a collection of most comprehensive art works from the region. “Apart from the student and the professional category, we also have invited 26 artists, whose work has been displayed alongside,” Diwan says. Very visible, the art has gone more meaningful and clearly illustrates the intellectual work of artists. “Chandigarh has been producing good artists since a long time now,” shares Diwan. Among the host of works, the awardees make for a special place. Hirdey Parkash Kaushal’s sculpture, Romance with Nature, a winner in the professional category, reflects the artist’s thoughts to life. Whereas, award-winner painter Shilpi’s Apni Desi Canteen takes us back down the memory lane to a canteen every one can relate to. Sanjay Kumar, a student, whose work has floored artists and students alike, brings the memories back into life. His old man, staring into space and thinking about the bigger picture makes for one of the most interesting works of the exhibit. As the colours on the walls become more prominent and aesthetically more appealing, the conversations dilute and only the tints and hues remain. (On till February 7) vasudha@tribunemail.com
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All for those happy hormones
We know that our minds and bodies are integrally linked; the state of one affects the other. We also realize that as we are constantly running in the emergency mode, for which, our mind and body pay the price. Frequently one is feeling frazzled and overwhelmed and we know it's time to bring back the balance into your life. Stress lowers our immune system and makes us prone to various diseases whereas a relaxed mind helps to strengthen the defense system against diseases and also trigger's ''happy hormones'' within us. Ideally for us, our home should be our haven, a perfect refuge to get away from the tensions of the outside world. I personally am not in favor of designer homes as they lack the warmth and comfort of our own zone. I believe that our house should reflect our personality, only then it becomes a home. But then we can always opt for one room, where one can create an environment that beats the stress within our systems. It is very important to protect ourself from the effects of stress in our life and I would highly recommend a few tips, which will help your create the right mind and body balance. Make your own
physical space
Create a space in your home which is your own private den. When you are there you should feel most relaxed as it is your own private area where you
can be with yourself. Read, write, reflect. Negotiate with your family and tell them that this is a place, where you can spend ‘me’ time and you must not be disturbed. This space should have
a supportive environment where you can accomplish your tasks in peace and privacy. Make your own
mental space
Once a week create opportunities where you can reflect on your own personal issues and assimilate the changing thoughts and feelings that arise within you. Distance yourself from the demands of your loved ones and take stock of your own needs. Ask your family to respect your time. Take a long bath
This is one of the most relaxing things you can do. Get away from all the negative energies and put your mind in a fresh perspective. Ensure that family
members share the household tasks
This way you can have adequate time for your own self. As we progress in relaxing ourselves, we continue to create a feasible environment around us by making an effort towards the following factors The art of placement
Your environment strongly influences your sense of well being. Find ways to make your immediate environment conducive to your state of mind. Whatever makes you happy should be around you. Hang mirrors to deflect negative energies and use good Feng Shui techniques to see to it that your surroundings are in harmony with the universal life energy to encourage prosperity and health into your life. Use natural materials
Sleeping between freshly laundered cotton sheets is always very relaxing. Natural materials look and feel good. Change into comfy cotton clothes when you get home to feel relaxed. Let in light
Natural light always affects our mood positively. Artificial light causes headaches, low energy and eye strain. Let in as much natural light into your home as possible. Soft lighting
During the evening, relax in the glow of some soft lamps. Wake up early
Early morning light always revives you. Feel the energy of the morning sun and bask in the glory of the long and fulfilling day that lies ahead of you. Ventilation
Open the windows in your house everyday to let in fresh air and let out stale smells. Bring nature indoors
Houseplants enhance the beauty interiors. You breathe in nature at it's best. Keep herb pots in the kitchen to benefit from their therapeutic qualities. A garden retreat
Create a small terrace garden where you can sit and relax. It is great joy to sit amidst pots of flowers. (Singh is a Chandigarh based
psychotherapist)
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First take
Dhanush, who is making his Bollywood debut in Anand Rai's Ranjhna, said he hasn't started shooting for the film yet and it will begin in June.
"I don't think of it (the film) as my first Bollywood movie but my 24th Indian film. I am thrilled to work in a new culture, with new people and new language. A lot of faith has been put in me by Anand Rai ji and I don't want to let him down. I don't know how will I be accepted by the audience here but I just want to do justice to my character. "I haven't started shooting yet it will begin in June. I am not nervous and am not expecting anything from it. I just want to live up to the expectations of my director," Dhanush said. The actor also thanks Kolaveri Di for bringing him out of Rajinikanth's shadow and helping him make his own identity. "'Kolaveri Di helped me move out of my father-in-laws shadow and make my own identity. There is a lot of pressure on me because of his status and stature and I have to consider a lot of things before taking up a project. Thankfully, I was acting even before I got married so people know my capabilities and don't draw comparisons," Dhanush said. The actor has given hits like Kadhal Kondein, Polladhavan, Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Aadukalam down South.
— PTI
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Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is filming romantic thriller Shortcut Romeo in a jungle and says he is having a gala time there. “Hectic days of 18 hour shoot in the mid of the jungle! But must say its so worth it. Shortcut Romeo song two by Himesh (Reshammiya) is over,” the 30-year-old tweeted. Shortcut Romeo is being directed and produced by Susi Ganeshan and it is a remake of his 2006 Tamil film Thiruttu Payale. In the film, Puja Gupta plays Neil's love interest, while Ameesha has been cast in a negative role. Nitin also says, “This is the first Hindi movie to be shot in Masai Mara (a large game reserve in south-western Kenya)." — IANS
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Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt once had a job driving strippers to their gigs. The 48-year-old had to pick up the girls and take them to a specific party and then had to watch proceedings and catch the strippers' clothes as they threw them off to make sure people didn't steal them. "I drove strippers, which was interesting. It was an odd job. There's a place called the Job Factory where people listed odd jobs they needed for a little while and you'd go and sign up. It said, Drive strippers. I said, 'I got a car.' My job was to go to the place and get the assignment, then go to the girl's apartment, pick her up, and drive her to the party. "You'd then be responsible for playing the music, which was cassette then. Then you had to catch the clothes so the guys wouldn't steal them as they came off. And then you had to try to collect the money at the end and get out of there alive. It was not always easy," Pitt said. The actor, who raises six kids with partner Angelina Jolie, also said he met his acting coach Roy London through the job. "There was a new girl there that night and sometimes when you drive, you strike up a conversation. She said she was dating an actor, an actor I had actually heard of. I didn't know any actors - this was the closest I'd gotten to someone who actually worked. "She told me about this class she started taking. I said, 'Give me the name.' It turned out to be Roy London, who was a beautiful human being." — PTI
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Charlize Theron has revealed that she was not the cool, attractive person as we know her now when she was a kid and that boys hardly looked at her in school. The 36-year-old actress made the revelation in an interview for her new movie Young Adult. “I wasn’t necessarily a part of that group, where girls were happy to have me in the popular group,” Theron said in an interview. “I had these big nerdy round glasses that I cannot believe my mother sent me to school with. I mean seriously. It just made every boy not look at me,” she said. Although she has not been “popular” among her school friends, the Hollywood actress has had the last laugh with her string of successful movies including her Oscar winning turn in Monster. “It’s interesting because I’ve just recently rediscovered the popular girl in my school,” Theron stated. “She is living in some little dopey city now. I don’t know exactly all the details but I was thinking to myself; ‘I bet she has moments like MAVIS, where she has a pang of nostalgia for her shiny days in school’.“So suck it popular girl who did not want me to sit next to you at your school bench and make me cry. Suck it!” she added. — ANI
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At your service
Panchkula based Pallavi Hotels & Resorts, has created a niche for itself among the people and commercial outlets in and around the tri-city region. The group has extended its services with Pallavi West at Panchkula; Pallavi aVIDA at Navi Mumbai; Pallavi Tarani Houseboat at Alleppey and the upcoming Pallavi Floating Resort also at Alleppey.
The upcoming floating resort at Alleppey has also been planned on these thoughts and it would pamper its guests with traditional Kerela decor and hospitality. Moreover, the group plans to introduce the North Indian traditions in the resort as well so as to introduce the travellers to the rich culture and heritage of North India. In addition, spa treatments of all kinds and treatments with a special emphasis on the medical benefits of Ayurveda are bound to indulge the guests leaving a lasting impression. As per Himanshu Aggarwal, CEO, Pallavi Hotels & Resorts, “the letter ‘P’ of the new logo symbolizes an abstract form of Lord Ganesha and it resonates with Apart from the many social initiatives that are rooted in the tradition of Pallavi, the latest to join the list are: Employment to the Differently Abled and Adoption of Industrial Institute of Training, Panchkula.
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Shyam Benegal's next with Vidya Balan?
Post the success of The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan has become the most wanted actress in the B-town and reportedly veteran Shyam Benegal wants to cast her.
Bengal approached her for his Chamki Chameli and Vidya is said to be taking her own time to get back to Benegal on the same. When asked, Vidya refused to confirm it, merely saying, “no comments”. Benegal has delivered some outstanding films in his career, which include Ankur, Mandi, Zubeidaa, Welcome To Sajjanpur and Well Done Abba. Apparently, Benegal had earlier approached Kareena Kapoor for the same film, but it didn't work out. — IANS
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Angad Singh Bedi (February 6, 1983, New Delhi) is an actor, model and a cricketer for Delhi. Unable to repeat the success of his father, cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, he began a career in modelling. Angad has also appeared in a cooking Show called Cook Na Kaho on Star One. He was hosting a reality television show called Emotional Atyachar on UTV Bindass before being replaced by Parvesh Rana. He participated in show Khatron Ke
Khiladi.
The latest we hear is that Karan Godwan, who is currently essaying the role of Nanda Kishore in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, has been approached to play an important role in Colors’ Naqab. A source reveals, “Karan Godwan would essay the role of an NRI in the show. He has already finished the mock shoot.
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Some time ago, it was reported about Ratan Rajput getting busy with her new house, for which Shweta Kawatra was happily donning the interior decorator’s hat. We also tried to find out about her relationship status as she recently announced that she will marry, whom she met through Abhinav through Imagine’s Swayamvar Season 3 - Ratan Ka Rishta.
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Learning how to relax definitely enhances the quality of our lives by countering the negative effects of stress. We manage to restore depleted energy levels, feel fresh and revitalized and we are re-charged to deal with the pressures of our modern day lifestyle.
