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The great red carpet debate
Who’s bigger—the celebrity or the designer’s label she flaunts on the red carpet? People from the industry try
to find out…
There are ample examples in favour of both. Freida Pinto became the fashion diva she is today majorly because of the top-of-the-line fashion designers’ creations she sported on the red carpet. Sarah Burton, creative director, managed to step out of Alexander McQueen’s shadow only after Kate Middleton stepped out in her ensemble on her D-day. “A superstar walking the red carpet on an international event is the ultimate compliment for a fashion designer. Without making special efforts, a designer is able to showcase his creations,” opines Nikhil of Shantanu Nikhil fashion designer duo. But an A-list celebrity in a designer’s creations doesn’t always guarantee positive results. “What if an actor is not able to carry off the ensemble well at the event? Not only the actor’s choice –gone-wrong will be criticised, also the design she is wearing will come under scrutiny,” adds Nikhil. In between all this, a fashion stylist suddenly becomes very important because it’s him who decides the look, outfit, accessories and footwear of the celebrity. A lot of research is conducted before the final appearance is decided. As Rajit Kumra, Bollywood fashion stylish, says, “It all depends on the event in question - if it is for a film premiere, after-party or charity fare. If it is a product promotion, the colour tone of the outfit selected should be in tandem with it.” Not that Sonam Kapoor didn’t hire a stylist this time, but she went wrong with one of the industry’s best names — Alexander McQueen. The polo-neckline and the Victorian silhouettes was an experiment that went awfully wrong. “The only saving grace is that she wore an Alexander McQueen. But at the same time, you can’t take away from Sonam the credit of making lesser-known designers popular.” And that is true. She took the initiative of wearing a creation from Sabah Khan’s Tuk Tuk collection, a fresher from Lakme Fashion Week, when she could have gone with any established name! Varun Bahl, the youngest member of FDCI board of directors and a fashion designer who has made a collection in collaboration with Karan Johar, feels the event decides who is bigger - the celebrity or the designer. “At a fashion week in India, however big the actor is I believe the designer still manages to make an impression in the fashion circles. Cannes is a film festival. No matter what, a designer can’t become bigger than the actor endorsing it.” But on the same thought, why do Indian actors only stick to international designers. Why Neeta Lulla is replaced by Elie Saab for Aishwarya Rai, why didn’t Sonam Kapoor wear Anamika Khanna last season, when she even carried the creation with her? And by the way, where is Mehr Jesia, who was rumoured to be at Cannes in Tarun Tahiliani’s outfit? The big names of the fashion circle manage to roll over the red carpet, actually!
ashima@tribunemail.com
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Genial, Genteel… Genelia!
Post her marriage, actor Genelia D’souza will be seen for the first time on television with a reality show titled
The Chosen One
It had to be something out-of-the-box to inspire the blissfully married Genelia D'souza to face the camera again, just a few months after her marriage. "I got a call from UTV Stars to host their show The Chosen One, which is about girls aspiring to be in Bollywood. I could relate to the subject; to how desperately girls want to be a part of the glamour world, to the efforts they put in to prove their talent," says Genelia, and there she is, all agog about her second outing on the tube. The Chosen One is a reality show that will have young girls as contestants. Genelia will not only host the show, she will play mentor to the contestants and guide them throughout. "It was four years back when I first hosted a show on TV. Competition has become more intense since then. A chance lost is lost for good." She realises how important her role will be as a mentor. "I have to guide them about styling, make-up, and more importantly about attitude, which I feel differentiates an actor from a star." The qualities she is looking for in the winner are good looks, great dancing skills and of course, acting skills. But will the winner get a break in Bollywood? "Reality shows provide a sound platform to youngsters to showcase their talent, but once the show ends contestants have to wage their own battles. The best will not be denied a place in Bollywood for long." For that matter, the contestants in the reality show have also come from the smaller towns of India. Genelia quotes the example of a girl from Moga, "If not a for reality show, how else a girl from Moga would have got so much of exposure." Besides TV, she is also taking out time to shoot for Rock the Shaadi. "Marriage is still a priority. Much against what girls say; life hasn't changed much after marriage. I am taking out time to relax but at the same time, I am also spirited about my comeback. Rock the Shaadi is the perfect comeback material." We hope it is! ashima@tribunemail.com
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That 70’s feel
The theme of the competition was Swinging 70’s, an era when polka dots were the definition of prints, when bell-bottom was the only design for trousers and when satin shirts made for the perfect party wear. Kanika Kamra took two weeks to study the fashion of the 70’s to come up with five designs that had all these elements of the decade’s fashion.
What made her get short-listed for a national design competition organised by a leading fashion magazine of India is her perfect duplication of trademark style of the 70s. One of her creations has polka dots in black and yellow combination, another one is a jumpsuit in bell-bottom shape towards the hemline and then there is a short blouse with puffed sleeves. “It was an interesting concept. Fashion always follows a cycle, I used the basic elements of the 70's and merged them with certain cuts that are popular in the present times,” says Kanika, a student of INIFD, who originally belongs to Fazilka. She has won a cash award of Rs 15,000 along with an opportunity to present her creations at the Vogue Night Out, an event which showcases creations of various fashion designers. “I will get a lot of exposure at the event. It’s a rare opportunity to get a first-hand experience of how fashion designers work.” She says that it will help her pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer in the future. Way to go!
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Astro turf
ARIES: The Six of Wands brings a gracious and aesthetic influence in your life. You will face several interruptions and disruptions and staying on schedule will be difficult. Singles should be cautious about new relationships. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 27 TAURUS: You draw the Two of Wands to invoke mental power and intelligence to achieve professional goals. Work will be smooth-sailing and your analysis of current projects will be appreciated by colleagues. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 35 GEMINI: You are awakened and energised by the fiery Knight of Wands. Your creative abilities will be at their peak and your ideas will gain recognition. Romantic bonds will benefit from honest communication. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number:
27
CANCER: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualization of personal and professional plans. You will be restless and contemplate making changes to your routine but you need time to define the changes you want to implement. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade. Magic number: 29 LEO: The Lovers inspire you with love and creativity today. If you have finalised the details of your pet projects, now is the time to implement your plans. Romantic relationships can be intense. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 46 VIRGO: The Two of Wands spin in speculation luck. You may be in an irritable mood and could react aggressively. Chance encounters could lead to interesting opportunities. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55
LIBRA: You draw The Ace of Wands which puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Conversation and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Control your emotions. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 26 SCORPIO: The Priestess infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Applying for a dream job? You might just get in with your track record and qualifications. Your love life will be good. Plan your day with your loved one. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52 SAGITTARIUS: The Wheel of Fortune spins some good fortune. You may be unable to concentrate on your tasks at work. Indecision about a particular situation will occupy your thoughts. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 43 CAPRICORN: You card The Strength gives you self-esteem and a good feeling about yourself. Work will be smooth-sailing There could be tensions with family members. Clear the air. 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 AQUARIUS: Your card Judgment is reversed, so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be enthusiastic about developments at work but listen to colleagues. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 32 PISCES: Your card The Magician brings a day of change and mutation, whether you want it or not. You may be feeling irritable and could lose your temper very fast. 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
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The year ahead
If your birthday is May 30...
Elderly people need to take care of their health. Money gains will not be according to your expectations. You will have limited patience, but take care as harsh words might upset people around you. Use your discretion in love. Do not make any commitment unless you are sure of honouring it. Be polite and charming to everyone. You need to attend yoga classes or a spiritual lecture. Anyone related to advertising or media fields will do well. You should look in all directions while investing money in the market, only then will profit come your way. The open ambience will make your mind work swiftly in your work, but you should curb the feeling of excessive pride. Number 3 and Jupiter will help you stick to your basic qualities - passionate, level-headed and organised. A difference of opinion is likely, but it's all about how you express yourself and the attitude you project. Extra spending is on the cards, so be prudent. For those born between 1960 and 1980, relationships with colleagues could be rather complicated. Students will feel motivated to study for competitive exams. They will do well in studies as well as sports. Expenditure will be more than your income this year. Therefore, you have to take necessary steps to rein in your expenditure. Your health might experience ups and downs; hence you have to be careful about your diet. Your love impulses are tempered by what you "read" at the emotional level. You might not make everyone else happy, but at least you'll have your self-respect, which is worth much more. Mood: Emotional but happy. Compatible signs: Virgo, Gemini. Lucky colours: Dark blue, black. Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 18, 34, 62. Lucky gem: Yellow Sapphire, Pearl. Lucky flower: Blue Lotus.
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Bharti Singh is excited about
Jhalak
While Anandi aka Pratyusha Banerjee and Sanath Jayasuriya are already confirmed for the show, it's the turn now for standup comedian Bharti Singh of Comedy Circus fame to strut her stuff on the dance floor. Bharti Singh seems to be take pleasure in dancing very much as she even lifts one of the dancers on stage. On being a part of the show, Bharti says, “Dance is my passion and I'm getting a chance to accomplish it through Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. I am very honoured as well as excited to be a part of this show that boasts of big names and superstar judges.” She further adds, “Even in Comedy Circus if you see, I've entered the show many times dancing, so I feel very blessed to be a part of it.” After her comic acts, let's see if Bharti can entertain audiences with her moves!
Wearing producer’s hat
Two lives: Vikas Bhalla
Adjustment issues
Soon Parichay on Colors will go through changes. Not only will Kunal and Siddhi separate but Mona Vasu who played the character of Richa Thakral will quit the show. She hasn’t been seen on the show for long and the channel is looking for a new face to replace her.
Changing times
Ronit Roy’s hit show Adaalat now will see change in timing and now will be aired at 7.30 pm instead of 8.00 pm from June 1. Indian Idol-5 will be launched on Saturday-Sunday at 8.30pm. Adaalat has maintained good TRPs and even got an extension of 104 episodes. Lets, hope the change in slot will retain the rising TRPs. Of course, everyone is surely looking forward to singing talent in Indian Idol season 5.
Judging talent
Her Master’s voice: Asha Bhonsle
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Moving on for fresher avenues
Doe-eyed beauty Sayantani Ghosh is unfazed about her show Meri Maa going off air. Glad that she got the part, she is looking forward to better roles.
Your last show Meri Maa was a remake of the popular Bengali show Maa. Yet it didn’t work on Life OK. What do you think is the reason? One can’t pinpoint an exact reason. We have seen good shows not work while other average stories go on for years. You can never say for sure which show will appeal to the viewers. As an actor, you work hard on roles, and leave the rest to the audiences. Did the high drama boomerang? I don’t know as on other shows dramatic scenes are over the top yet they work. I think the time slot too is a factor as is competition for a show to work. I enjoyed working in Meri Maa as it was not only a dramatic but an emotional journey too. It was a surprise to see you playing mother to a grown-up child? The role was so good in Meri Maa that I didn’t mind playing a mother. This was a mature show about emotions and characters which the audiences love watching. I don’t have a problem playing mom on TV if the role is tempting enough. I enjoyed it in Meri Maa. How do you look back on your career? I began my journey in the role of a bahu in Kumkum. I learnt a lot in my first show. Later, many other important shows made my journey enjoyable. Meri Maa too made me grow as an actor. What do you think of marriage and kids post this show? I am too young to get married right now or have kids. My focus is work for
now. There have been rumours about your relationship with Bharat Kaul. I don’t want to comment on it.
— HRM
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After delivering two successful films in a row; The Dirty Picture and Kahaani, Vidya Balan is back on the silver-screen with a lavani number in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s next film, Ferrari Ki Sawaari. Here’s what Vidya has to say about the song, lavani and the film… From a Bengali girl in Parineeta to southern siren in The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan has played numerous characters. However, a lavani number is something Vidya always wanted to do. She says, “It was always my dream to do a lavani. I would actually go down telling people that if you have a lavani in your film please let me know... I thought lavani was only done in Marathi films. So I even went ahead and told a few Marathi film producers. But I was amazed to receive a message from Mr Chopra saying that ‘Will you do a lavani?’ I said ‘Yes, tell me more.’ He said it’s for Ferrari Ki Sawari. So I was more than happy to do a lavani for him because I started my career with his film Parineeta. I had a great time doing lavani and I drove my choreographer Stanley nuts for this song.” She adds, “From a Bengali girl to a south Indian, I enjoyed playing all my characters. But I don’t enjoy dancing much usually because I am not really a dancer. I have to put in a lot of efforts. However we worked hard for this number and once I reached the sets, I went mad dancing. The experience shooting for the song was fabulous,” she adds. She hopes to do a Marathi film now. “I always wanted to do a Marathi film. There’s great work happening in Marathi cinema. So inshallah I’ll hear soon from that industry!” she adds further. When quizzed if she came across any criticism for the song, she tells, “I haven’t come across any criticism as yet for this song. In fact, I would like to admit that someone actually called me up and said that I reminded them of the authentic lavani dancers. But I have only received praise and I am just happy that I did it. I am happy for myself and glad that people like it.” The actress is also all praise for the film and says it’s the most clean and entertaining film she has seen in a long time. “It’s the most clean, endearing entertainer I have seen in a long time,” says Vidya. Ferrari Ki Sawari is all set to hit the screens on June 15.
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Fair and lovely
Back to the basics, is what Kareena Kapoor advises all those hankering after
a flawless skin
Kareena Kapoor is known for her luminous, glowing and flawlessly fair complexion. It is no wonder that she endorses a few creams and lotions. She shares some summer skin care tips with us. 1 The basic rule for skincare is: cleanse, tone and moisturise. You have to do it twice a day, using products that suit your skin type and even weather. Feeling fresh always feels good. Once or twice a week, you can exfoliate using a gentle scrub. 2 It is important to keep clean and dry in this heat. Take cool showers. Use good quality products as you cannot play around with your skin. If you have to, visit a reputed dermatologist. Choose natural remedies over cosmetic ones. 3 Don’t wear too much make-up (unless necessary) as it will peel off in the heat. Remove every trace of make-up before sleeping as that clogs pores and doesn’t let your skin breathe. 4 Exercise in some form or the other and do breathing exercises regularly. That increases blood circulation and makes your skin glow. We all know which foods are good and which foods are bad, so eat the good stuff. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water. 5 Lastly, be happy, do what you like doing and sleep well. If you are relaxed and at peace, it will reflect on your face. Do not panic over pimples and acne, they will go away.
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A la Angelina Jolie
The latest to be hit by the calorie consciousness bug is Bollywood bombshell Kashmera Shah. Not to be left behind in the eating-right-routine, Kashmera has started living on fruits and salads.
If this goes on, we wonder what’ll happen to her famous curves! Kash seems to have that too, all sorted out! She gorges on brown bread and butter after the greens! Butter after greens? Then what’s the use of the entire strict regimen? “One needs some fats and carbohydrates too, to balance things out in the body,” she retorts. We simply forgot. “Even if I can match up to Angelina Jolie’s hot-body, I’ll be happy,” says Kashmera. All this, while chewing up on lots of iceberg lettuce and baby spinach, with a few slices of tomato and cucumber thrown on top, at an up market restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai.
— HRM
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Create good impact
Jesse Grewal The moment of truth in a golf swing is the impact. A good way of learning to swing correctly is to know and create the correct position at impact and reverse engineer our swing to do this job. At impact, the left hand (for right-handed players) is flat or slightly bowed with the back of the hand facing the target (picture1). If you are wearing a watch it should face the target. The right hand would maintain an angle and the palm of the right hand would be facing the target. The hands would be leading the club head. An impact bag helps us create this position. While hitting into an impact bag the shaft of the club should hit the bag a fraction before the club head hits the bag. The club face should be square at impact. If you do not have an impact bag you could use a tyre or an air bag stuffed with clothes. Make soft swings trying to create this position at impact. Incorrect impact is either when the right hand applies force and throws the club head out to early. The club head would hit the bag first and would have passed the hands at impact. This is called ‘casting’. The ball tends to fly to the left and also loses distance as the loft of the club increases leading to a higher ball flight (picture 2). The opposite to this is when the left hand comes in to impact open or facing the right side. This drops the club inside the line and opens the club face at impact (picture 3). This leads to weak shots to the right. To compensate for this, the player begins to throw the right hand at the ball causing push hooks. Good impact is created by a correct pulling action of the left side of the body with a perfectly timed release. Use an impact bag to train your swing and find the right timing. (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 the Director of 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)
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With wonderful and exotic toppings, pizza has come a long way
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra From pre-made bread to hand-tossed and now thin crust, it’s almost 3,000 years of food evolution that has taken the pizza pie to reach its current delicious state! Although no one can say who first invented this fabulous bread, it was an Italian tavern owner named Don Raffaele Esposito who first developed pizza featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. He named it the Margherita Pizza, after the Queen of Italy, Margherita Teresa Giovanni. Thus, we have the modern-day tomato and cheese pizza! That was history; today we have pizzas tossed to suit the taste-buds of people from across the globe. “Every pizza is made with the same foundation of bread dough and generally a tomato, garlic or white sauce. But the toppings differ from place to place as pizza has become comfort food in many countries. Europeans add sliced boiled eggs, raw fish and even aubergine as toppings. Japanese pizza is with moshi cake and Brazilians add tropical fruits and veggies as toppings. As for us, we have invented the tandoori chicken, spicy chicken, spinach and paneer pizza,” says Nikhil Mittal, from Nik Bakers. Having evolved over centuries, the word pizza is believed to have originated from an old Italian word meaning ‘a point’, which in turn became the Italian word ‘pizziare’ that means to pinch or to pluck. And informing us more about this peasant food turned glam fare, chef Antonello Cancedda from the Italian restaurant Oregano at JW Marriott says, “Pizza is no more an Italian food alone, it has become a global fare that is loved by all. From hard bread of the peasants it has turned thin crust, which is the most-liked form of pizza these days. Though one can add as many variations to the pizza and make it country and city-specific, but what we serve is the authentic Italian Pizza, where even our tomatoes come from Italy.” And when talking of tomatoes, they were first not added to the pizza. It was only around the 17th century that Italians began adding tomato to the bread dough and hence pizza was created.”
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Green apple and mint martini
Vineet Mishra
Ingredients
Garnish: a slice of green apple Instructions: Muddle the apple with the lime and sugar. Add in rest of the ingredients. Slap some mint and drop it into the shaker. Shake well with ice and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Cocktail joke: Telephone is a good way to talk without having to offer them a drink. (Mishra is director of CocktailJockey.com)
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Rihanna baffled by Cole’s exit
R&B star Rihanna is baffled by Simon Cowell’s decision to fire Cheryl Cole from the American version of The X Factor, insisting the performer was received well by the US viewers. The 52-year-old music mogul axed the British singer during auditions for the first season of the show last year amid speculations that she failed to make an impact on audiences and TV executives, reported a website.
However, Rihanna, 24, is convinced that Cole, who served as a judge on the UK’s The X Factor before taking up the US job, was the right woman for the job and hopes she lands a similar role on the next season of rival show American Idol. “I don’t know if Jennifer (Lopez) plans to stay another season or not but Cheryl would be a great replacement for her.” The only thing Cheryl needs to consider is that it is so time-consuming. She was received so well on the US X Factor and most people could not really understand the decision to let her go,” she said.
— PTI
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Some of Kim Kardashian’s precious belongings have gone missing from her suitcase and the reality star has urged bosses of a British airline to step up security. The 32-year-old socialite, who was at the Cannes Film Festival in France with boyfriend Kanye West, discovered some items were missing from her luggage on returning home, reported a publication. “Very disappointed in the staff for opening my luggage and taking some special items of mine! Some things are sentimental and not replaceable. What happened to the days when you could lock your bags! We need to get back to that. There’s no sense of security and no trust! Shame on you,” she posted on Twitter. — PTI
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As the ‘film-cum-fashion- cum-critic-festival’ wraps up at the French Riviera, it leaves behind enough matter for Cannes followers. Besides whatever the festival boasts of it’s also a ‘celebrity endorsing celebrity’ pact! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan traipses on the red carpet in Elie Saab’s sequined blue couture gown at the Cannes; at the same time the dress gets posted on the designer’s official website while she was still striking poses for the shutterbugs! Who does better endorsement — the one who makes the label or the one who wears it?
Paresh Rawal (May30, 1950, Ahmedabad), Himmat Bhai of Doordarshan’s days, will be with you in lighting the birthday candle today. Having made his film debut in 1984, he mainly played supporting villain and comic roles. He has appeared in over 100 films. Paresh Rawal's biggest hit was Hera Pheri. Other memorable films are Aankhen, Awara Paagal Deewana, Garam Masala, Deewane Huye Pagal, Malamaal, Golmaal, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag et al. He has also produced Hindi Serials Teen Bahuraaniyaan and Main Aisi Kyunn Hoon.
Dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is getting very exciting as the contestants are being revealed one by one.
Vikas Bhalla who is seen as Veer Singh Bundela in Uttaran, has turned producer. He is planning to produce an adaptation of an Irish film which revolves around the life of two musicians. He is also enjoying his stint in the show.
After three judges Anu Malik, Salim Merchant and Sunidhi Chauhan on Indian Idol season 6, now the channel is upping the quotient and bringing in a fourth judge. Though music maestro AR Rahman was approached for the show it is now confirmed that singer Asha Bhonsle will don the chair on the show.
Yes! You heard it right. “Mornings are for fruits and juices, afternoons for raw greens, and evenings are for”, what else, but “more raw greens,” she quips with a wink. Ooh la la!
