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ROSY times are back
Bright happy faces and roses; numerous reasons to feel joyous! Adding to the ‘being-happy’ factor, are traditional dancers dressed in bright costumes welcoming everyone with a smile. Now that you have a curve perched on your lips, move around at the Rose Festival and hunt for various hues that can lighten your heart. From one reason to cherish to another — people. Happiness is infectious, yes yet another thought floats here. Families of young, old; youngsters in their Friday’s best attire, love-birds holding hands…the spirit is alive. The first day is not rushed, but this is one festival that has many fan-followers. After the discotheque, we dare to say this is one place where we saw youngsters of all shapes and sizes! Aviators, sports jackets, sneakers, long boots, scarves; this generation can’t help being fashionable. The warm sun smiles down, as we move further ahead, watching families pose in rose hats. This picture will be on Facebook soon, we know! Apart from the chirpy laughter, hushed voices discuss the well-put-together show by the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation, there is one more sound that can be heard and seen vividly - the click of the cameras. SLRs, snapshots, mobile cameras; beauty is being captured. Everyone wants to take back some piece of happiness. Collect yours at the Rose Festival! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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A musical treat
Give a singer a chance to perform live and see them bring the house down with their energy! Aditi Paul, one of the popular contestants of the singing reality show Indian Idol in 2004-2005, is the star performer on the first day of the Rose Festival. A bit nervous, Aditi loves the stage like any other singer. "I still get jitters before a live performance, but once I get on the stage it is magical," she smiles, handling all questions gracefully.
A reality show is reason enough to trigger many queries. We have our doubts. What happens to the participants after their 'one-minute fame?' She smiles, "I cannot deny that it is Indian Idol that gave me the exposure and platform. It has given me confidence and helped me a lot. Besides, the industry is flooded with numerous opportunities so anyone who has the talent will definitely make it big," adds Aditi, excited to talk about her debut in playback singing in the soon-to-be-released Ram Gopal Varma's Rann. "I am pretty excited and looking forward to it. I have sung in Not a Love Story. This is why I say that the industry is a place where you can survive if you have the will to work hard." A student of Santiniketan with a degree in English Literature, Aditi Paul was always interested in classical music. "I want to work with the best of music directors and explore every genre of music. I have sung in Bengali movies and in movies Down South as well," she says. "I never knew I could make music my profession, but now I am enjoying every bit of it. I am doing live shows; something that I like doing. No effort goes waste, Aditi holds the opinion. "One shouldn't take fame seriously, don't let success affect you. Do what you like doing and enjoy it," adds Aditi, who will be singing Bollywood numbers for the Chandigarh crowd.
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The canvas of posters
Since the industry has no qualms in calling themselves inspired from the West, posters can hardly remain untouched. Opines Sumeer Walia, a Bollywood photographer, “Whenever film-makers move out, they aim to bring in uniqueness and introduce something catchy in the films.” With technology increasingly playing an important role even in the industry of film posters, there is just no end to how innovative they will be in the future. “There is not an option to not publicize well. Also, a large part of film-making depends on the audience perception,” says Sumeer. When it comes to understanding art, South is far more pronounced than the North. “South really understands art as a subject, so even culturally, the audience reacts differently to film posters,” he adds. For Jas Buttar, a Delhi-based fashion photographer, a film poster is more about the story-line. “If the film is conservative, a revealing poster would be out of sync. The posters have to touch the same chord,” he says. Since the film industry is also continuously re-inventing itself, changes are inevitable. “Film producers are more careful and spend a lot more time in creating meaningful posters. The element of art has taken them to another level,” he adds. Here’s hoping art and film-making continue their rhythmic dance of aesthetics and passion. Artistic touch
vasudha@tribunemail.com
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A journey inwards
“Theatre has its own language and it is universal,” says Soumitra Basu. Basu, who visited Chandigarh recently with his Bengali play Bostomi to take part in Natyanjali, a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore, explained why he picked up a difficult and different story to tell.
“Bostomi is a very challenging play to perform on stage,” says Soumitra who prefers to keep the stage to the minimal and thus focusing on the story. A story of a woman (Anandi’s) journey into her inner-self, this director finds Tagore’s works still relevant. Happy with the theatre scene in the country, Soumitra says, “Theatre is doing well. It has its own power and that will make it survive.” As for his dream direction, it’s Mahabharta. “Mahabharta is the mahakavya. It is such a multifaceted story. With so many layers and interpretations to it, this is an immortal work,” he
says.
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Hut cuisine
It's a decent place to begin with and pretty much fits into today's definition of restaurants. But yet another restaurant? The newly-opened Buffet Hut, Sector 9 aims to hit the pulse of its target audience. Shares Narender Kumar, general manager, "I'd say affordability is our main attraction, along with quality food and a decent ambience. There are so many eating joints dotting the Madhya Marg, but we didn't have very many options, especially when it came to buffet and proper meals. Hence, we came up with this concept of Buffet Hut." Having said this, he moves onto quote the price at Rs 299 for a lunch, excluding taxes and you aren't left fumbling for a USP.
The brown and beige interior might not stand out, but don't distract either. As for things behind the kitchen, they claim to have chefs from outside. "We have three main chefs, one is from Hyderabad, the other one from Bangalore and the third one is from Jhansi." Speaking of the menu, a welcome drink, starters, soup and the main course finds its way into the package. "We are open for both lunch and dinner and apart from changing the menu morning and evening, it's changed every two days." However, what makes to the menu is nothing rare, only the most popular dishes. Think Indian and oriental. "We have restricted ourselves only to the most popular dishes. Our years of experience in the industry and observation tell us that at the end of the day, it's only the Indian and Oriental find favour with most people. The parents invariably prefer Indian while the children prefer Chinese." Speaking of which, kids that is, a separate section comprising toys, trains and all the possible colours have been kept near the main entrance. As for the rest, they aim to promote buffet big time, as much for families as for corporates, as much for lunch, as for dinner. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Master Chef Ajay Mathur The cool evenings and kebabs definitely make for a cracking combination! And I think Khoya khubani kebab is best to have in winter, as it is good for health and increases one's appetite. The best part is that this recipe takes less than 25 minutes to prepare. Khoya khubani kebab PORTION-4
Preparation n Peel and chop ginger, green chilly and green coriander. Method (Mathur is executive chef, Hotel KC Royal Park, Panchkula)
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Survival instinct
Where loyalties switched every few hours, back-stabbing was a way of life and food a luxury; survival couldn’t have been a cakewalk. It was even tougher for this commoner, for unlike celebrities, he hadn’t dealt with the mind games ever and double-cross was just a term he had heard in Bollywood flicks.
S Micheal Durairaj recounts his experience of barely surviving on the reality show, Survival India, which he says is both the best and the worst thing to happen to him, “Best because I now respect whatever I had taken for granted before this; worst because it has made me a bit cynical. I can’t believe people around easily.” In his 28 days stint on the reality show, Michael could not make a single friend but he doesn’t regret it, “It’s a competition, wherein only one person will win, so one has to ditch others to climb the ladder.” The show, he says, also made contenders test their limits. They were made to live without food for as much time possible; nobody came to their rescue till the time something serious happened. “I lost 7 kg in four weeks. What’s more appalling is that wrestler Sangram Singh lost around 12 kg, which now makes him eligible to contest for a different weight category.” Besides dealing with the scarcity of basic things, he also had to put up with the tantrums of celebrities. The most difficult of all doesn’t require much guessing - Payal Rohatgi. He had a spat with her, the result of which, he says, “I lost. I had to because I couldn’t abuse the way she did. I haven’t abused a woman in my entire life, so couldn’t manage it there as well.” He gives a very candid answer to as to why he couldn’t stay longer on the show, “I couldn’t have made the show garner more TRPs. Also, I wasn’t diplomatic enough to handle people.” He says that contenders like Preeti and Rohit, who come from affluent families, had to change their ways as well, “The same people who earlier boasted about their wealth and empire literally begged for food later on. Surviving on Survival India is actually the toughest thing.” ashima@tribunemail.com
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Classic cut
Your sense of style… Simple and sophisticated style that evokes confidence is what I admire. An individual must dress in the manner to convey the feeling that he is in total control of himself. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories… A pair of Diesel jeans and long coat from Gadoni. Brand crazy or street pick-ups? Depends on the occasion, but generally in certain items of clothing only brands work! Your style icon would be… Hrithik Roshan. He looks good in everything he wears! Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity? Govinda for sure! Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous Glamorous for me! One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension… Piercing of tongue and tattoos for the sake of fashion are beyond my comprehension. Your take on accessories? Only a classy watch and a belt. What gives you a high on the confidence level……. When I feel that I am getting second glances and feel I am looking ‘dashing’, it sure boosts up my confidence level. (As told to Ponnam Bindra)
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Movie meter Nonika Singh
Cast: R Madhavan, Bipasha Basu, Omi Vaidya, Dipannita Sharma, Mrinalini Sharma, Milind Soman and Helen Director: Ashwini Choudhary Rating: Just about average They, our hero and heroine, are as the title of the movie suggests Jodi Breakers. In short divorce experts of sorts who get wronged spouses get rid of their cheating (in one case over-sexed too) partners. So there they are— R Madhavan as Sid and Bipasha Basu as Sonali thinking of ingenious ways to achieve their target and do come up with some clever, some over-the-top plans to relive couples of marital distress. But before you say hurrah to the novel concept in sync with the world of today where divorces happen at the slightest provocation, before you can savour some delightful moments and comic one liners our jodi has a change of heart. Or perhaps not, for didn’t Sonali always believe, “marriage is the final destination of love”. Yawn…. yawn there flies the offbeat theme. So as the jodi breakers transform into jodi makers….the film goes round in circles. There is Sid’s ex-wife and her alimony demands to be dealt with which makes him get embroiled in a web of lies. Alas, as the movie changes track from a comic caper to a mushy over-sentimental drama, the storyline, despite some surprise elements in tow begins to nosedive. And till the very end it continues to toe the oh-so predictable path. Then even the presence of yesteryears bombshell Helen playing a cameo of business tycoon Mark Perreria’s (Milind Soman ) granny is unable to retrieve the film from falling into an abyss of boredom bordering on ennui. Nor can the consummate actor Madhavan who displays some fine comic timing in the beginning, especially in the scene where he is discovered in the closet of a married woman’s bedroom. Bipasha with her well-sculpted body as always looks hot. But a woman in love, with her heart in the right place, endorsing the institution of marriage…well model Dipannita Sharma as Maggie looks more the part. In fact, the chemistry between the lead jodi is at best sans jing. Even the over-hyped kissing scenes do little to make you fall in love with their love story. Actually one is more keen to know the fate of the parallel love story between Mark and Maggie whom the jodi breakers have wronged. Thus a good part is spent on the jodi trying to rekindle their love through some good old tricks from granny’s love kitchen. But nothing can bring the spark back evident initially where even X rated humour works. The movie chugs to its logical expected conclusion. The same feel-good formula that has worked in many a Bollywood films, can’t quite salvage this one. The film falls way short of expectations that build up in the first half an hour. Yet another unusual subject meets its nemesis at the altar of Bollywood’s inability to sustain it.
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first-day-first show Jodi Breakers Jodi Breakers is an up-beat modern-age funny movie. The basic idea around which the story revolves is dysfunctional relationships which eventually lead to break-ups. Sid (R Madhavan) is a break-up specialist, helping wronged parties out of bad relationships. He guarantees a quick, uncumbersome, final freedom to his clients. A chance encounter with the sharp Sonali (Bipasha Basu) takes his ‘business’ to a new level. Both embark on a journey taking them through outrageous, hilarious cases that they solve with some wit and some vile till love happens. Unexpected twists and turns in a case, however, turn their world upside-down. Sid has a lot of explaining to do but little time to course-correct, so the ‘Jodi- breakers’ have to turn ‘Jodi-makers’ this time. No connection No doubt the movie has an unusual and interesting lead pair but the script fails to connect with the audience. The comedy loses momentum to romance which spoils the fun. — Misha Khanna, student, MCM College Good try Omi Vaidya is not as funny as he was in 3 Idiots but R Madhavan has done a good job. Bipasha Basu complements with her stunning looks which make the movie at least a one-time watch. — Dilsher Singh, law student, PU Beautiful ambience The shoot locations of Greece are amazing and the movie has foot-stomping music. It lacks some potential where dialogues and one-liners are concerned. — Buuny Sachdev, employee, HDFC bank Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya
Made for each other The newly-married couple looks good on screen with their sizzling chemistry. Both Genelia and Riteish balance out in terms of performances which gives no room for comparison. — Divyakriti Deol, student, GGDSD College Couple vs storyline The music is average except for the track Piya O Re Piya. The story could have been a little more interesting to shift the attention from the couple to the movie itself. — Gobind Kalon, student, PU Colour of love It is a colourful movie which might remind you of Tanu Weds Manu with all the romance that couples will love to watch. It is not a movie to be missed. — Sukriti Bains, housewife (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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star track Kissing is becoming common in films. We pick up some hot ones...
Kareena Kapoor has locked lips with Akshay Kumar (Kambakkht Ishq), Shahid Kapoor (Jab We Met), and Saif Ali Khan (Kurbaan). Her kiss with Shahid was cute but her kiss and scenes with Saif in Kurbaan oozed sizzling chemistry. Spontaneous feat Priyanka Chopra has puckered up with Shahid Kapoor in Kaminey and most of the heroes in Saat Khoon Maaf along with Ranbir Kapoor in Anjaana Anjaani. Our pick would have to be the one with a mumbling Shahid Kapoor in a tent in Kaminey! Very intimate and spontaneous. Pick of the lot Deepika Padukone has kissed former beau Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseeno, Saif Ali Khan in Love Aaj Kal, Imran Khan in Break Ke Baad, Neil Nitin Mukesh in Lafangey Parindey, and Farhan Akhtar in Karthik Calling Karthik. Phew! Our pick is her lip-lock with Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseeno. Reluctant one Katrina Kaif did it with John Abraham in New York and Hrithik Roshan in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She doesn’t like kissing her heroes but made an exception for Hrithik and
Bold act Vidya Balan has bravely kissed quite a few heroes. There is Arshad Warsi in Ishqiya, Tusshar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah in The Dirty Picture. Her hottest love scene and kiss has been with Arshad Warsi in Ishqiya.
Ashmit Patel goes nude!
A few weeks ago, Pakistani starlet Veena Malik’s nude photo shoot with ISI tattooed on her arm for a magazine was hot fried news.
Now, as if taking a cue from his girlfriend Veena, Bollywood actor Ashmit Patel has gone nude. Ashmit has shed his clothes for a men’s health magazine to help guys opt for the right underwear. Before her controversial shoot, Veena Malik gained popularity in India when she got invited on the country’s biggest reality show Bigg Boss because of a controversy with one of Bollywood PR guru Dale Bhagwagar’s clients, actress Neetu Chandra. On the show, she attracted further notoriety when she cootchie-cooed with Ashmit, another of the same publicist’s clients during Bigg Boss. Seems like Ashmit Patel is following his so called friend’s footsteps.
Pritam quits smoking
Music composer Pritam has finally quit smoking. He used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day. His wife gave him a book that inspired him and he has finally decided to kick the habit which he calls the “worst addiction.”
Sweet celebrations
The cast and crew celebrated the completion of Jodi Breakers with sweets. Helen brought yummy chocolate cake and Bipasha Basu got kheer for everyone. They had a ball!
Party time
Shahid Kapoor has flown to Goa to make arrangements for his birthday party at a friend’s bungalow. Nargis Fakhri accompanied him on the flight. Are they new “good friends” in Bollywood? Time will tell!
Mahima is loving motherhood
Mahima Chaudhary’s daughter Ariana is four years old. The yummy mummy talks about her and shooting for her latest
television show.
I used to be completely busy with her. I put all my professional commitments on hold. Now, she has grown up a little and I have time for other activities. I monitor her diet and what she watches on television. We both love Mr Bean. I am glad she doesn’t like television too much. I am a hands-on mother. I wake up at six am to send her to school. I get paranoid sometimes. Adorable Ariana She loves singing and dancing. She is well-behaved and only throws tantrums in my presence. She loves dancing to Chhamak Challo. She likes cars instead of dolls. She plays video games. She asks me questions all the time. She is talkative and friendly and curious. I have learnt so much from her. Ariana keeps me happy and on my toes all the time. Children today Children today know so much more than we did in our time. I remember I used to go to my cousins’ place (most of them are boys) during vacations and I played with them. I was a tomboy then and I learnt how to understand boys. I was good at sports. Children in reality shows are so confident today and they want to start working on their careers and dreams from an early age. It is so delightful to watch them perform so I like being on the show.
Celina on a journey
“Twin pregnancies have their risks and unique experiences which single births don’t have. So it’s been quite a journey. Thank you for the many wishes on our twins.
Peter and I are due to become parents in April but twins come a month in advance so March it is,” the actress said.
Karisma is living her dream
Mind-blowing! The strength of Dangerous Ishq is that it is a mind-blowing idea! The part that she gets to play in the film is a dream role for any actor. Karisma too understood that when Dangerous Ishq was
narrated to her. The shooting of the film is through and it is all set to compete at the Cannes Film festival. Promotional activities are all set to kick-start soon. On Karisma She comes with a body of experience to gauge a film's strength at the script level itself. Once she agreed in principle, we developed the film a little bit more and were ready to
roll. The film's script was written well in advance without keeping any particular actress in mind. I was a little doubtful if she would do it but then the agreement was that she would be fabulous in doing a film like this. Once we met, everything fell in place. Reconciliation with Bhatts We had misunderstandings and a fall-out earlier but all is well now. I am working with them on Raaz 3, I wish them well for Jannat 2, and they are rooting for Dangerous Ishq. It is an exciting year for all of
us! — HRM
Farhan Akhtar is roaming around with a beard these days because he is getting into the groove for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He is also running with Milkha Singh (the man himself) while preparing for the movie in Chandigarh.
Missing links
Will You Marry Me? is releasing on 2 March. Mugdha Godse is promoting the film but lead actors Shreyas Talpade and Rajeev Khandelwal are missing from the promotions because they are busy with other projects.
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chatter box
Laugh out loud
This season the show will take the war between boys and girls to an all new level, the uber talented children will spice-up weekends through a battle of jokes bound to tickle your funny bone. What’s new The judges will attempt to solve the universal problem of who reigns supreme – boys or girls. The girls versus boys fight will be interesting to watch. An excited Mahima Chaudhary says, “I have always loved comedy and when Chhote Miyan Chapter 3 was offered to me, I couldn’t turn it down. It gives me a chance of not only being around young actors, but also witness how children work while creating comic moments. Being a mother, I cherish every minute; I get to spend with children because they are the perfect balance of innocence and mischief. The kids on the show are exceptionally talented and keep us thoroughly entertained through their acts. I am sure that the audiences will enjoy watching it just as much as I have enjoyed working on it.” Back to judging Returning to judge the show for the third season, Sachin Pilgaonkar says, “It is always a pleasure to see talent and when it comes in such small packages, it is very difficult to stay away. This season of Chhote Miyan is going to be a laughathon because the kids have incredible comic timing and throw a surprise every episode. I am amazed by this budding talent and can say that this season of Chhote Miyan is going to be better than all the previous seasons.”
Change of track
Ekta Kapoor, the queen of soaps, is planning a new show on Channel [V]. According to sources, the channel has roped in Ekta for producing their next show, based on real-life incidents. The show is slated to launch sometime in March. The queen of millions of hearts believes in keeping up with changing trends. Gen y: Ekta Kapoor
Hardwork pays
On the UTV Bindaas’ Big Switch 3, Rohit Shetty got nostalgic about his struggling days. The master director revealed how he earned Rs 35 as his first pay and he would cover long distances on foot because he could not even afford public transport. Rohit wanted to ensure that the contestants appreciate what they already have and realise the value of hard-earned money.
Where small is big
Actor Tusshar Kapoor will be seen on Zee’s Pavitra Rishta to promote his film Char Din Ki Chandni. Earlier, Kareena Kapoor made an appearance on Pavitra Rishta and now it seems appearing on the small screen is the new trend of film promotion. Promotional stunt: Tusshar Kapoor
In the upcoming episodes of Zee’s Chotti Bahu, Barkha (Benaf Dadachanji) role will soon end. She will plan to kill Radhika (Rubina Dilaik) once again this time with a car but Dev (Avinash Sachdev) will save her and Barkha’s car will fall off a cliff. The villain in the Dev – Radhika story will see her end.
Acting smart
Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Shaikh’s marriage is round the corner and they sent out an interesting wedding invite which was a frame with a collage of their pictures with details regarding the wedding. Aamir came up with the idea as he didn’t want a regular card. Like the informal invite, the reception too will be informal.
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Astro turf
TAURUS: Your mate may feel that you have been devoting too much time to outside interests. A compassionate turn of mind will create a passionate aura. Spiritual issues can lead to some deep thinking. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 26. GEMINI: Agreements that have been dragging on for sometime can be successfully negotiated. Although you like social contact, work behind the scenes today and get some chores out of way. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55. CANCER: Plug away steadily in the back ground. This is not time for grabbing centre stage. Try to improve your financial situation. Consider your course of action before jumping into anything new. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 46. LEO: Business matters are under control. Social affairs will be exciting. A former friend might turn up on your doorstep and have some exciting stories to tell. Enjoy reminiscing about what was and imaging what might have been. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade. Magic number: 29. VIRGO: No need to make any important moves. Conditions are too weak at the moment to contemplate fresh operations. You should not be too critical. A message or manicure can make you feel like a million dollars. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.
LIBRA: The affairs of close companion are favoured today. An accident could occur if you don’t keep your mind on the job. Be careful when using electricity A change of home or job is possible. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky color: Deep red. Magic number: 35. SCORPIO: Emotional people may change their mind. Take note of your financial picture. Deception from opposite sex is on the cards. You may be having trouble making your monthly payments, so don’t add to this debt. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky color: Ebony. Magic number: 27. SAGITTARIUS: Renovations or a redecorating project can progress well, especially if you have help from friends. Your energy level is soaring. An argumentative neighbor might be annoying. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 44. CAPRICORN: Take advantage of other people’s experience. Family will be much better company this evening. If you prefer to hide away indoors, travel via the internet to escape the commonplace. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 32. PISCES:Business will tick over smoothly enough. Hobbies are occupying. You should finally feel your self esteem rising, especially if you have are spending the day with elders. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 43.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 25...
An incredible year begins on your date of birth whereby a sense of speculation, determination and tenacity will help you go forward in your career and throw yourself into new experiences. Those born after 1980 will have new energy in projects they wish to undertake. Tensions in a business relationship may be felt before the financial year ends. You may feel out of sync with your partner or supervisor and dissatisfied in a way that may be difficult to pinpoint and resolve. Most likely, you are pulled between pleasing others and doing business your own way. Your rhythms are a bit off. This affects all your relationships, but particularly those, which are business in nature. In social settings, some awkwardness, inappropriate, excessive affection, or unwanted sexual advances are likely. Someone may dangle financial opportunity at you as a way of winning your favour. You’ll be favored by Jupiter; you’ll meet important people, make positive choices and improve your way of life. Stop living in the past! The old way of doing things is unlikely to return to fashion. You may need to give up some fun activities in order to save up for an important purchase that you will want to make in the near future. Big changes have completely altered the game. Now, in order to win, you will need to adapt a whole new style. Home and personal life will tend to be neglected, adding to your woes. Minor misunderstandings might mar your domestic environment. Therefore, it will be beneficial for you to focus your attention towards your domestic affairs. Your financial status will remain stable despite your having taken risk in a new venture. Some of you
will receive suitable opportunities to start new business that would bring substantial financial gains for you. Financially, a beneficial phase is on the cards and the period in near future is favourable for consolidating your monetary position. People close to you will extend support to enable you to further strengthen your position. Mood: Peaceful and insightful. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Pisces and Capricorn. Lucky colours: Turquoise, Yellow. Lucky days: Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 7, 15, 55. Lucky gem: Turquoise. Lucky flower: Lotus.
Shahid Kapoor (February 25, 1981, Delhi born to Pankaj Kapoor and Neelima Azeem, worked with some music videos and a beverage commercial with Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji. Then in 2003 he made his first film as a lead actor in Ishq Vishk. In 2006 he starred in 36 China Town and Chup Chup Ke later came in film Fool and then he came in Jab We Met, which was the biggest hit of the year.
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Ideally everyday should be a joyful experience, but for some reason if you are trying hard to make it one — turn your vehicle to Sector-16, Chandigarh, where spread across an expanse are colourful reasons to smile. Yes, it is time for the 40th Rose Festival that began on a warm Friday morning.
The first day of the festival had loads to offer. A rose is a rose is a rose said Gertrude Stein…and we thought it was some kind of a tongue-twister till we moved around the flower beds of bright-coloured roses. Beauty that isn’t on your face, subtle and soothing, roses in different colours are sure a delight to watch. If you can’t resist, bend down a bit to sniff the fragrance, but watch out for don’t get too close sign. We know now why a rose is considered a token of love! Beauty in its most natural form, as Chetan Chibber, a school teacher from Ropar says, “It is sad that we run after artificial beauty and forget that there is nothing more beautiful than nature at its best.”
Sixteen-year-old Sameer Dhir and his friends from Mohali sport similar sweat-shirts. They laugh when we ask them what makes them come back to the Rose Festival year after year. “Beauty,” they echo, leaving us to decipher what the word incorporates. Sameer, however, is quick to add. “I have plenty of roses growing in my garden, but never cared to look at them. Today, while moving around I realised what I was missing out on,” he adds. 
The recently released poster of Jism 2 has not only raked a controversy, but has also opened discussions on how art is an important element in posters as well. It was after taking notice of Ek Tha Tiger’s poster that Aamir Khan wants to take out a digital poster of Talash. The most recent one to also rake a review has been the watercoloured poster of Rockstar. The time when film posters were all about actors and scene stills are over, today they present a sense of aesthetics and sometimes don’t even disclose the lead star cast!
“Earlier, advertising was about trying to promote a brand, the concept has changed today,” says, Bharti Sharma, a young art’s student running her own Sunshine Studio. Considering that even advertising as a medium has also come up from art, there is a justifiable reason why it is going back to its origin. “Film posters are not about just promoting a film anymore. They are more about creating a feel of the film. Hence, they are going more and more aesthetic,” she adds. 
Of course, the art of really painting posters has died a slow death. RB Bhaskaran, who was appointed by the President of India as the chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi, says, “Cinema banner painting became oblivious, when the flexes came in the picture. It is now a dead concept of art.
No one accepts it these days,” he said recently on one of his visits to the city. 
Not only in terms of going more and more artistic, Bollywood posters today are also ready to reveal a lot more than sometimes required. It all began with the very sleazy poster of Julie, where a very bold Neha Dhupia went backless. Today the concept has run wild like a fire. From Kareena Kapoor to Mahi Gill, they have done it all. Taking it a step ahead is the latest poster of Hate Story, showcasing yet another bare back, tattoos and a gun. Looking at the very controversial, yet suave, posters of Jism 2, the photographer says, “There is a lot of sensuality there. It’s not essential that sensuality and art go hand-in-hand. There is a large part of art, which can be explored to showcase revealing posters, without the element of vulgarity in them.”
Ingredients
Striving to be in style while keeping track of the latest trends was earlier considered a prerogative of affluent few who could spare time and money. But now the scenario has changed. We see professionals too giving attention to their attire so what we get is a deadly combination with brawn and brain. A MBBS graduate, Dr Anshul Mahajan defines style---
Movie: Jodi Breakers
Free-spirited tomboy Mini (Genelia) is the most sought-after girl in her native place, not because she is gorgeous, but she has a Canadian passport and is the heir to her father Bhatti’s (Tinu Anand) business empire. Bhatti is eager to marry his daughter off. However, her life takes a turn when she meets mild-mannered Viren (Riteish), one of Bhatti’s lowly employees. In a bid to escape her impending marriage, she decides to flee with Viren, making it look like a kidnapping.
Lip lock
that was surely a delicious kiss on a highway in Spain!
Being mum
Celina Jaitly who is pregnant with twins defines her pregnancy as ‘quite a journey’. The actress is due in March.
Director Vikram Bhatt says that his movie, Dangerous Ishq is a dream role and fitting comeback for Karisma Kapoor, its lead actress. He also talks about working with the Bhatts.
Tina Dutta aka Ichcha of Uttaran will soon meet Vidya Bagchi aka Vidya Balan from her film Kahaani. Both will be looking for their missing loved ones. While Ichcha searches for her son, Vidya is searching for her
husband. Vidya Balan came to promote her film Kahaani on Tina’s show Uttaran. Tina and Vidya has worked together in Parineeta earlier.
Colors channel brings in a laughter riot with rib-tickling stand-up act by kids on Chhote Miyan Chapter 3. The show will air on weekends and launches on February 25. Mahima Chaudhary and Sachin Pilgaonkar have been roped in as judges for this season.
ARIES: Be particularly when dealing in property matters. Don’t let dogmatism close your mind to varied possibilities. If an old friend needs you support, get together for coffee or lunch and listen to their doubts and worries. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52.
AQUARIUS: A financial matter that has been delayed should be forwarded now. There should be no special problems to deal with. Self-control puts you in a promising situation. Tarot message: Don’t make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 41.
Suggestion on birthday: Donate Mustard Oil and Urad pulse in a religious place.