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The producers’ corner
They own the ship, throughout the journey they sit in a corner viewing the direction of the wind; observing the tides, adjusting the sails, and finally when the ship hits the land they quickly roll out a paper to pen down the reactions. Without much navigation, these are the producers, the financial docks of the movie industry. It is from where the story of any movie-making venture starts and with Punjabi movie industry crossing the smart, smarter and smartest degrees, the owners of the ship are the new off-screen heroes. With changing market trends in Punjab, the producers are now opening their safes with an open heart. Equipped with better understanding of movie-making business, producers of Punjabi films are making movies look plush and saleable. Face off Take it from Pushpinder Happy from Ludhiana, now based in Chandigarh, who is excited about his debut project Carry on Jatta, which is releasing on July 27. The movie stars Gippy Grewal and Mahie Gill, and is the first out-and-out Punjabi comedy movie. Pushpinder has earlier done the distribution of movies Dharti and Mel Kara De Rabba in North America. When it comes to investing in Punjabi cinema, rather than gold or property, Pushpinder has umpteen reasons in support. “The face of Punjabi cinema has changed drastically. Better scripts, good directors and actors are giving it a new shape. As a result, the final product is pretty much excellent and saleable,” says Pushpinder. Smart producer, smart cash
If you thought the only time a producer comes into picture is when the director prepares the where-to-spend list, then go out for a recee to Pushpinder’s movie sets. “Today, a producer is involved thoroughly in the making of a movie. They sit down at script sessions, give in their inputs about locations as well as the actors,” he adds. Know it all In addition to moolah, the owners of the ship are interested in the word creativity as well! Rajan Batra made his entry into the Punjabi film industry as a producer with Mel Kara De Rabba. The movie did well, and Rajan knew this is where the real investment was. Jine Mera Dil Luteya, Yaar Anmulle, Pure Punjabi and Pinky Mogey Wali, Rajan went on to produce more films later on. “I take my job seriously,” he laughs, “I like cinema so I involve myself in the whole process. Before investing, I go through certain checks. The most important part of the film is the story, which is viewed from all angles and then given a final approval. Then we decide about on music, director and actors accordingly.” Rajan says he has to stay ahead from the rest of the unit, as he has to view the graph the movie will take eventually. Lot of sixth sense working here? “Sure it is. Today, Punjabi movies are about smart packaging, upbeat promotion, smart post-production and I involve myself in all these departments,” shares Rajan. Money matters When it is the word producer…the mention of money can’t be far behind. Thanks to the far-sightedness of these producers, the budgets of Punjabi movies have increased from a few lakhs rupees to some crores. JS Kataria from Jalandhar turned producer with Punjabi movie Dharti. He is all set with his next venture Main Tera 22, Tu Mera 22, starring Honey Singh and Amrinder Gill. Says Kataria, “The budget of any film in Punjab today touches Rs 3-4 crores. Earlier, it would only be only in lakhs. Now, we are selling a smart package to the audience, which obviously requires more money.” Pushpinder pitches in, “Many Bollywood actors are doing Punjabi films now; therefore the budget is bound to go up. The producer doesn’t mind because as of the now the market is responding positively.” The owners of the ship have definitely become smarter. Buying and investing in a ship is a big bet as well as a big responsibility…and the producers know it all! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Cinema scope!
Live life king-size — the phrase might be turning a little cliched, but for Ludhianvis, the meaning gets a new spruce-up every now and then, as the city is embracing the best of the luxuries or should we say, vice-versa!
Whether it's the food, fashion or malls, Ludhiana is seeing the best of brands coming in. The latest to join-in is the luxurious cinema experience by Cinepolis, the newly opened five-screen cinema facility at MBD NeoPolis, where the VIP section is equipped the push-button plush recliners! According to Milan Saini, MD, Cinepolis, the brand brings together excellent cinematic and entertainment experience in a unique way. The food is freshly prepared and made-to-order, he says. “It is the first time that the recliner luxury cinema of this kind has been introduced in the country and Ludhiana is a perfect place to start this concept from because the city has the market and clientele for it,” he adds. Recently, Nando's — an international chain of Portuguese restaurants — was opened in the city, which was the third outlet of the restaurant after Chandigarh and Bangalore. The city's obsession with luxury cars is also an open secret. "In very few cities in the country would you find such a congregation of luxuries. The city is turning into a Mecca of luxury," says a local.
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A fit act
When others of his tribe inhabit the world full of fast food and Facebook, this boy has a totally different take on life. When not acting on stage or in front of the camera, Vansh Bhardwaj works out in a gym. When he recently played Mrinal in A Wife’s Letter in Chandigarh, apart from his acting finesse, his fabulous body won admiration as well.
Vansh often comes home to see his family and also for the play rehearsals, though Mumbai is his karambhumi now. He shares quick notes on his journey so far. “Acting is my passion. It’s indeed a challenging field if one is looking to make career in it, but since I love it, all’s welcome,” says Vansh. His last release came last year, Sahi Bande, Galat Dhandhe, and he divides his time between theatre and films. “Theatre is my first love,” says Vansh, a student of Department of Indian Theatre. Later, he also worked with Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry. “In theatre, they usually talk of placing in terms of time and space. Apart from other nuances of the trade, what I learnt from Neelam Ji is to have a kind of universality. Let the audience take a call on it. Also, theatre is not just talking and acting but also one’s relationship with objects, which Neelam Ji extensively uses in her plays,” he adds. Was playing Mrinal challenging? “Wherever we take A Wife’s Letter, I get comments that ‘you were and yet not a woman on stage’; how I interpret the character is that I play the ‘soul’ and the ‘soul’ has no sex or gender!” Body for an actor is a tool, believes Vansh and he takes it seriously. “I can miss a meal, but not my workout. I am not for adding bulk, but keeping my body agile and flexible, which is a must for any actor.” So occupied is Vansh with acting and keeping fit that sometimes his friends mock if he ever wants to do something else or wishes to spend the rest of his life in a gym! “I am not fond of anything but acting and working out. So I am enjoying it.” How about giving TV a try? “There have been offers, but so far I am not really keen because it’s like 10 to 10 job which gets monotonous over a period of time. But who knows if something creatively challenging comes up, I might just,” he avers. Over the years, his family has been very supportive. “My family had no connection with theatre, till I began doing it. They have been so supportive that they would even come to my rehearsals and appreciate me,” says Vansh. What he dreams is to inspire others by his acting acumen, till then he is putting in his best effort. Good
luck! mona@tribunemail.com
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Universal appeal
Maya Krishna Rao has played a significant role in bringing about socio-cultural change in the country. Theatre-person, stand-up comedian, Maya’s solo performances make most of the sound, music and silence!
In Chandigarh on Friday to participate in the Women Directors’ Theatre Festival, she shares excerpts from her amazing journey. “I started with Kathakali, dance-drama form from Kerala, in my childhood and have grown with it,” says Maya. And as a teenager she related to it differently as compared to when she grew up. “The milestone, however, has been when I realised that I can use this very traditional art form to express everyday concerns and reality,” she says. Maya has made extensive use of music and dance in her works, which she usually conceives, writes, acts and directs, but Quality Street that she brings to Chandigarh is different. Picked up from a short story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Maya is glad that Mrs Njuko shares the same world (Nigeria) where unbelievable things happen, just like in India. “Quality Street has universality about it. It addresses the parent-child relationship,” says Maya.If solo-woman plays are her high-point, it’s stand-up comedy that she loves the most. But the journey to the stage has not been an easy one. “In the beginning, my legs would shake; it’s been kind of a nervous excitement,” reveals Maya. Over the years, she has found ways to tackle that. Being spontaneous, wearing ridiculous costumes (they come in handy while creating ridiculous acts), she has found her niche in political themes, comparing the big policy decisions with the trivial. Be it a cookery expert striking a deal for Kandhar situation or Vajpayee in Kerala for knee-treatment, she makes the most of the latest news in her stand-up acts. “Once I have a big bagicha (she wears huge floral hats) on my head, I feel I can do anything.” There are less women in the field and she emphasises there should be more, but she doesn’t blame lack of good scripts or opportunities for artistes to grow. “If one has the drive, sky is the limit today, but what lacks is that we don’t prepare artistes to be organisers. How to write and present the project is what one needs to know well,” says Maya, who considers herself lucky being in India where one need not depend on institutions to organise theatre festivals, as only two like-minded people can pull-off a show successfully. Being self-dependent has not necessarily come from her acting experience, but her training as a political science teacher. “We must help develop artistes into thinkers and organisers,” says Maya, who teaches at the National School of Drama that’s soon planning to introduce such a course.
Promoting drama There are two kinds of people in the world, one that are part of the problem, other that are part of the solution. Maya Krishna Rao certainly falls in the second. Her next significant project is workshops for primary teachers for including drama in classrooms. “It’s not about makings children fairies for the annual show, but on how to incorporate drama into the learning process,” she says.
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Bollywood biggies walk the TV talk
The small screen is going big. Making the transition from the big screen, mainstream Bollywood producers Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Ritesh Sidhwani and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are planning a bouquet of television shows while Aamir Khan has already set TRPs soaring with Satyamev Jayate.
Satyamev Jayate, a Sunday brunch delight, has already brought back those who had drifted away from TV ruing that
it had nothing appetising to offer. The show has touched a chord with its well-researched shows focusing on burning social issues. Before that, of course, stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have discovered the reach of television. Now, increasingly, big production houses are also walking the television path. —IANS
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The world is his stage…
Ankur Vikal, a face that you have seen in movies like Slumdog Millionaire, Mango Soufflé,
Maqbool, Missed Call and many more, has his hands full with Bollywood as well as Hollywood projects. Says
Ankur, “I grew up in Gujarat, studied architecture in Baroda and later joined the National School of Drama in Delhi.” And then finally in 2001, Ankur landed in the city of dreams,
Mumbai.
We wonder how much of his acting background comes from his being a theatre artiste. “Theatre has helped me hone my acting skills. While I was a student at
NSD, Naseeruddin Shah used to take lectures in our final-year; when I came to Mumbai I joined his theatre group, Motley. I have been a part of it for ten years now.” He adds, “Whereas film-making is a costly affair theatre is the cheapest form through which one can reach out to audiences.” What about movies, when did the journey start? “I have done quite a lot of movies but it’s just that I haven’t talked about them. My first movie was Mango Soufflé, which was on the subject of gay sexuality. Thereafter, I worked in Maqbool and Missed Call, which also went to the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. And then Slumdog Millionaire happened.” And that’s not it, Ankur has done many plays, a Telegu movie with Nagarjuna and a thriller, which was recently released, titled The Forest. “I am in the main lead in The Forest and it has been directed by Richard
Grylls.” Ankur faced a leopard while shooting for a scene of The Forest. How was it like? “It was amazing; I had to train myself to climb a tree and the leopard would be set free; rushing up to the tree and climbing it was an uphill task.” “Fame will come to you when it has to, but it’s just that you should honestly do your work,” he signs
off. sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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A safari to remember
Figure this, a sleek and smart looking Jaguar is waiting outside your house. You step out in your summer best and hop into the car that takes you to Taj, Chandigarh. Here you are received by the staff and a personal butler who takes you through a gourmet experience.
Taj Chandigarh has started one of its kind exclusive Gourmet Safari package. It sounds interesting and Sandeep Makroo, director Sales and Marketing, Taj Chandigarh, shares what makes the package exclusive and different. “To begin with a Jaguar will pick up the customers (couple) from their residence at bring them to Taj where they would be taken around Lava, Dera or Black Lotus with a personal butler,” says Sandeep. If you are planning to give a smart gift to your parents or someone else, the Gourmet Safari can be perfect. The food and beverage experience costs Rs 6,000 per couple (plus taxes). — Jasmine Singh
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Floral foot forward!
“Every few years there are one or two big changes in women footwear trends and this season, floral patterns have taken the lead,” says Karan from Drish in Sector 17. He adds, “Right from pumps to flat sandals and wedges, there are loads of pretty floral patterns and even flowers embellished on shoes and sandals.”
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It’s happening
Simplicity is central to the Tuscan cuisine with a generous use of bread, cheese, vegetables, mushrooms and fresh fruit along with olive oil. Wine is amongst the famous and common cultural produce of Tuscan cuisine which is used in preparation of the dishes.
The dessert course consists of zuppa inglese, tiramisu tradizinale, pecorino e pere to sway the guests with its refined texture. All this along with chef’s singing and guitar tune to create a perfect Italiano atmosphere. Guests can also participate in the Tuscany Food Festival lucky draw. (On till June 10)
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Miss Prim & Propah
In the world of sky-high heels and the tiny waist lines, there are only a few who put comfort before style together. For Vasundhra Duggal, a B Com graduate, all set to move to IMT Dubai for her post- graduation, talks about her definition of style. This fashionista does not like to step out without her blow-dried tress and loves shopping at the major branded stores. Your sense of style... Whatever clothes I end up feeling comfortable in is stylish. For me, right now, dresses in floral prints in chiffon and cottons are stylish. Latest addition to the wardrobe... A pair of cute ballet flats from Shelly’s Wardrobe. Choose a look—sporty, glamorous or chic Glamorous. When you feel glamorous, it shows in your attitude. Your style icon would be... Sonam Kapoor. She is one fashion diva who is dictating the trends in Bollywood So who is the worst dressed celebrity around? Mallika Sherawat. She has the most obnoxious sense of dressing I have ever seen. One fashion trend you don’t understand... I just hate to watch women who team up dresses with sports shoes. It’s strange and makes no sense. Your take on accessories... They are the most important part of any outfit. An accessory can make or break your looks. One thing that boosts your confidence... Shoes and watches. They are the very important for my confidence level. — As told to Vasudha Gupta (If you think you fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com. We’ll sift the best from the rest.)
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High
Spirits Vineet Mishra 
It is a tropical cocktail that instills a vacation-like feeling. Ingredients
Pour all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into an old fashioned glass. Top up with lemonade. Cocktail joke: A man enters into a bar, and the waiter comes and asks him "What do you want to drink sir? "The customer points out to a guy laying on the floor and replies "Whatever that guy was drinking." (Mishra is director, CocktailJockey.com)
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Punjabi tadka Jasmine Singh
When Kadi Sadi Gali from Tanu Weds Manu hit the chartbusters, music fans added a new name to their list of favourites —Lember Hussainpuri. Even though the Punjabi singer has been around for years, it is his own old song in a new avatar that got him recognition. An otherwise introvert, Lember opens up… That’s me Without sounding modest, I have just got two words that describe me — god fearing. I totally believe in destiny and God’s intervention. Welcome Bollywood I would often see singers from Punjab singing for movies and feel happy about it. Now that my songs in Tanu Wed Manu and Faltu have been appreciated, I want to do some good numbers in Bollywood. Can I sing better? I cannot say that I could have sung any song better. I respect all artistes. However, I think if I had much time I could have done a good job of Kadi Sadi Meri Gali in 2004. Singer I appreciate I have always followed and appreciated Kuldeep Manak. There can be no other singer like him. Wish I could sing for these I think Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Ranbir Kapoor can carry off my voice well. If I were not a musician Maybe a mechanic, I don’t know really if I can do anything other than singing. Rap, not my thing I like to sing folk and if there has to be rap, I would like the composition to be simple and easily understandable. Punjabi music industry needs more I think it is doing appreciably well, otherwise why would Bollywood ask our singers to sing in their movies?
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star track
After evil queen in Snow White and the Huntsman, Charlize Theron returns in a grey role again with Prometheus and says she enjoys playing such characters as they seem “real” to her. The film, directed by Ridley Scott, releases in India June 8. In Prometheus, she plays Meredith Vickers, a powerful woman who has another agenda for the mission that her team is set to embark upon. Explaining why she enjoys playing female characters with a darker side, Theron said: They feel real to me. I think women are just as conflicted as men. I don’t think we are as one dimensional, as two dimensional as cinema sometimes wants to make us.” Prometheus marks Scott’s return to the action genre after classics such as Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator. The film had its blue carpet premiere in London Thursday. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress Noomi Rapace too features in the film and said that she found certain scenes hard to handle in the movie. “It really messed me up, I got the worst, crazy, disturbed dreams for a week or something so it really felt like I had stepped into some kind of nightmarish hell,” she said. — IANS
Beckhams miss home
Soccer star David Beckham says he and wife Victoria Beckham would love to bring his family back to live in England soon.
The father of four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, said that he is always tempted to uproot from their Los Angeles base and return to home country. "At the end of the day, I always miss London - just having pie and mash with my Mum or Dad and visiting my Nan," he said. However he admitted that the schooling of his kids, who are being educated in a California facility, is their current priority right now. The LA Galaxy player has been travelling the world recently, collecting the London Olympic flame in Greece and helping Princess Anne deliver it to Cornwall for the start of the torch relay. — PTI
Epic project
Singer Beyonce Knowles has been roped in to lend her voice in an animated film titled Epic.
The 30-year-old R&B superstar will voice the character of Queen Tara. Knowles has joined the likes of Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler and Josh Hutcherson, who have signed the project. Directed by Chris Wedge of Ice Age fame, the film follows the story of a teenage girl who, after finding herself magically dropped into a secret universe, teams up with a unique group of characters to help save the world. The animated movie is slated to hit theatres May 24 next year. all the best, Beyonce. — IANS
Justin, an absolute sweetheart
Justin Timberlake's former girlfriend Veronica Finn has said that the singer turned actor is an "absolute sweetheart." The SexyBack hitmaker had romanced a number of famous women including Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears before getting engaged to Jessica Biel last Christmas, but his first girlfriend was Finn.
Timberlake and Finn met when she was 16 and he was 17 and they were both in groups — she was in girl group Innosense, while he was part of boy band *NSYNC — and she remembers the time that they spent together fondly. "He was very special. Our love was unique, and he was an absolute sweetheart," says Finn. "I was a girl version of Justin, we hit it off right away. It wasn't typical dating because we both were touring by then. But when we had time together, we went to the movies, to the park or just hung out at each other's house." "We even vacationed together in the Bahamas," she said. Finn, now 30, keeps a box of mementoes and love letters that were written by The Social Network star during their year-and-a-half time together. "Justin loved to express his feelings for me in writing. I've kept a box of mementos from him, including his cards and letters, in my attic for Years," she said. In one letter Timberlake has described himself as "the happiest man alive," and finishes the note with "Damn, I love that girl." The young lovers had parted ways back in 1998 when Finn started to get jealous. Although she never suspected Justin was unfaithful to her, she said he "might cheat, even though he loved me. There were a lot of female fans and a lot of temptation out there." — ANI
SRK not at IIFA
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to give IIFA ceremony in Singapore a miss this
year as he will be busy shooting for Yash Chopra's untitled next.
The actor, who attended the ceremony last year, will be leaving for London this weekend for the shooting where he will be joined by his family and children Aryan and Suhana. "The rumours of Shah Rukh and his family being at IIFA has got many of his fans excited but this is to clarify to everyone that Shah Rukh is in London shooting for Yash Chopra," his representative said. Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma will join the actor a few days later. The film is a love story set in London and marks Chopra's return to the director's chair after
eight years. — PTI
After tigress, Priyanka adopts lioness
After tigress Durga, Bollywood's junglee billi Priyanka Chopra has adopted lioness Sundari of Ranchi's Birsa Munda zoo, an official said Saturday.
"We have received a cheque of Rs 200,000 from Priyanka Chopra foundation. She has adopted lioness Sundari," a zoo official said. The contract will last till April 30. The official said Priyanka had adopted tigress Durga last year. That contract ended April 30. Last year the Ranchi zoo introduced a scheme for adoption of animals. One can adopt any animal for a period of one year to 11 years. The money is used for the upkeep of the animals and to create awareness about wildlife. —
IANS
Gaga's new album insane: Herbert
The 26-year-old Judas hitmaker is already working on the follow-up to Born This Way, which was released in May 2011, and her co-manager, Vincent Herbert, thinks it will defy all expectations. "There's a lot of work to come, (I'm) very excited about it. (It's) just an insane, great record. She's on tour right now, but it's just going to be a great record. "Look out for the unexpected when it comes to her. We're doing it on the road right now, so it's a little hard, but it's going to be great," Herbert said. — PTI Following up: Lady Gaga
Non-stop laughter
Pop star Rihanna has bagged another film role after making her debut in Battleship. She's starring in Seth Rogen's new comedy The End Of The World.
The 24-year-old first put her acting talents to the test playing a tough cadet in the Peter Berg movie and now she's trying her comedy skills for Rogen's movie. Rihanna was spotted shooting scenes with actress Emma Watson in New Orleans, Louisiana Thursday, alongside co-star Jonah Hill. The Umbrella hitmaker also took to Twitter to drop hints about the project, telling fans, "Movie time in N.O, all my fav comedians in 1 room! Pure laughs non stop(sic)" A host of stars including James Franco, Jason Segel, Danny MCBride and Mindy Kaling have signed up to play themselves in the apocalypse-themed film, which is set for release next year. — IANS
Work speaks, not the surname
Filmmaker Boney Kapoor's son Arjun, whose debut film Ishaqzaade has received acclaim from audiences and critics alike, believes that a star surname is not the criteria for success.
"You are as good as what you do in front of the camera. Nothing else matters, your surname, from where you come or where you will go ... The audience is very intelligent. It gauges you and knows if they want to see you or not," the 26-year-old said. Arjun made his point by citing Band Baaja Baaraat actor Ranveer Singh's example. "Ranveer (Singh) is a prime example of that. Somebody like him came out of nowhere. It just shows the audience wants to see good films and good work," he said. — IANS
Negative ambitions
Star Trek actor Simon Pegg says he would love to play a negative character especially Bond villain. The 42-year-old believes he is too regularly cast as a good guy in films and would love the opportunity to play an iconic baddie such as Dr No.
"I generally get hired to play nice but I'd love to play a bad guy. I'd like to be a Bond villain and I like cats so it would be great to have a job that I had to hold a cat a lot," says Pegg. —
IANS
Together again
Prabhudeva had choreographed Main Aisa Kyun Hoon from Lakshya. Both Hrithik and Prabhudeva will perform together to that song at the IIFA ceremony.
Grandpa’s sweet tale
Ranbir Kapoor was all of six when his legendary grandfather, Bollywood actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor passed away in 1988. On the latter's 24th death anniversary Saturday, the young actor shared vivid memories of being pampered by him with toffees.
"Raj Kapoorji passed away when I was very young. I was six years old. My favourite film of his is Shree 420," Ranbir said here. Ranbir has some 'sweet' tales to tell of his experiences with his grandpa, who held sway over the Hindi film industry producing, directing and acting in successful movies like Barsaat (1949), Awaara (1951) and Chori Chori (1956). "I still remember he used to call us to his room... including me. All my cousins — Kareena and others from Delhi — used to come," the 29-year-old said. "He used to call us to the room and he used to have all the toffees with him. We all used to sit down and he used to ask us to perform. And getting that one toffee was a very big deal," he added. — IANS
Neha Dhupia on being sexy
Love your body and be confident about it. You don’t have to lose weight because everybody is thin. A full-figure is a priced possession. Embrace your curves. Wear clothes that are fitted and form flattering. I love wearing colour and black. The outfits you wear have to make you feel sexy and good. Know what your assets are and accentuate them, without being in your face. Be independent, emotionally and financially. That will give you confidence which is very sexy. Speak your mind and be honest. That is a turn on. Be yourself. You must know that you are sexy. Only then will others think so. Keep your self-esteem up and be happy, bubbly and optimistic by nature. Compliment and praise yourself. Your self-worth comes from you. Spend quality time with yourself and pamper yourself. Know that you are important. A pair of killer heels, a sexy black dress and red lipstick will make you feel sexy instantly. Also, splurge on a great perfume. Getting ready helps you feel darn good about
yourself. Loving self:
Neha Dhupia
Vishwaroop’s first look
One of the most awaited spy thrillers, Vishwaroop’s director and co-producer Kamal Haasan will showcase excerpts from his film at the 13th Videocon IIFA Weekend in Singapore this June 2012.
Made in both Tamil and Hindi, Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated movie is one of his biggest projects till date. The Hindi version entitled Vishwaroop will be unveiled on 8th June at the Raffles City Convention Centre, giving world-media key glimpses from the film. In just a few short weeks, the Videocon IIFA Weekend and the IIFA Awards will bring the magic and glamour of Asia’s most venerable cinematic festivities to Singapore, for the second time. The film features Dr Kamal Haasan in the lead role along with a superstar line up – Andrea Jeremiah, Rahul Bose, Pooja Kumar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Samrat Chakrabarti, Zarina Wahab and a special appearance by Oscar nominee, Shekhar Kapur. Musical trios Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have composed the film’s musical score and noted lyricist Javed Akhtar has penned the lyrics for the film. The multi – talented super star Dr Kamal Haasan will address the media along with the cast of the film. Kamal Haasan said, “IIFA is one of the biggest events. This year is particularly special for my film and me. It is a great opportunity to present my film on such a large a scale. I look forward to it and I am hopeful that it will be well received.”
Sunny is not an item girl
For all those, who thought that Sunny Leone would be making her debut in Kannada films, here is disappointing news.
Sunny Leone has denied the reports of her doing an item number in Kannada film Prem Adda. “For all the rumours, the only two movies I am signed to shoot this year are Jism 2 and Ragini MMS sequel. Nothing else. I also have no plans of doing any item numbers as of yet,” she said.
Making mom proud
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s mother loved every minute of Rowdy Rathore. She whistled and clapped and loved the one-liners and Akshay’s work in the movie.
Chetan’s next!
Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States film adaptation finally takes off with Imran Khan in the lead. The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar and will take off next year. Long time!
Loved it!
Priyanka Chopra threw a party for Parineeti Chopra to cheer her up. Junior PC was feeling low after the Kapoors threw a bash for Arjun Kapoor because her work was equally raved about. So Senior PC hosted a party to make her feel good.
Work over romance
Sonakshi Sinha is very busy with films so she has no time to focus on romance. She turned 25 over the weekend and Rowdy Rathore is one of her many releases this year.
On the move
Sonam Kapoor has been very lucky with travelling this year. From Cannes she went to London and from there she went to Las Vegas! How cool is that! |
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chatter box
Ankita Lokhande aka Archana of Pavitra Rishta has made a name for herself and though she misses her beau Sushant on the sets, she has made her peace with the change. There have been reports about your arrogant behaviour on the sets. What do you have to say about that? I don’t care what rumours are doing the rounds as my family and fans know me well and love me. I can’t fake reactions and I say what I feel like which people don’t like, I guess. How are you managing without Sushant on the sets? Every corner of the set has memories of Sushant. Some distance is good in a relationship. Thank God for Blackberry that keeps us connected. He comes to my sets and I go to his when we can. How do you feel about his debut film? He is doing what he wants and I am extremely happy for him. It is like a dream come true for him. How is it working with Hiten? We have a great tuning now. He makes me laugh a lot which is what I like most about him. He’s a lovely and wonderful co-star and we get along well. Playing mom to a girl close to you real age must be tough? After the 18 year leap, I have become an aai (mom) and an old woman. It is weird and boring that someone my own age is calling me mom. But I have made my peace with it. You have even styled yourself on the show. How is your experience? Yes, I am wearing my own saris and gowns on-screen. I want to look good on-screen. My fans and the makers of the show are happy. I like dressing up and have a great sari collection. I have 50 designer saris from Archana Kochar, Neeta Lulla and Manish Malhotra.
Stars shine bright
Sanaya Irani and Mohit Sehgal made an appearance together. The ‘very much in love hot looking couple’ had eyes only for each other.
Recently-married Sanjeeda Sheikh came with husband Aamir Ali in tow in colour coordinated outifts. How sweet!
Shweta Tiwari's jungalbandi act at Indian Telly Awards, which will be aired soon, was a wonderful performance. She entharalled the audiences.
Diya Aur Baati Hum completes 200 episodes
Star Plus’ show Diya Aur Baati Hum has been ruling the TRP ladder chart for weeks now. It has constantly managed to maintain its numero uno position.
While the audience loves the chemistry between Sooraj (Anas Rashid) and Sandhya (Deepika Singh), the show has added another feather in its cap by completing 200 successful episodes recently. To commemorate the achievement, the makers of the show have organized a small cake cutting ceremony on the sets in the evening wherein media had also been invited. Anas says, “I am happy that we have completed 200 episodes. I still remember the time when we completed 100 episodes and since then time seem to have flown. I am glad
to be associated with the show.”
Maha episode of Mahadev
On the maha episode of Mahadev on Sunday on Life OK, Shiv tells Ganga that it is not possible for him to marry her. On the other hand Tarakasoor is preparing for the attack on swarg. Meanwhile, Adi-shakti comes in Menavati’s dream and tells her that soon she will take birth as her and Himavan’s child. On the other hand, Tarkasur is anxious as he doesn’t know where Adi-shakti will be taking birth. Chakri is sent to swarg disguised as an apsara to find out about Adi shakti. In swarg, he over hears Indra explaining to Ganga about the birth of Adi-Shakti as Parvati. Chakri goes and informs this to Tarkasur who calls for a rakshi Bahuroopa to go and kill Menavati and baby Parvati. Will he be successful? Will Pravati be able to take birth on earth?
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Astro turf
TAURUS: Buying and selling is a salient feature. Do not bury disturbing emotions. Conflicting energies in the cosmos make this a good day for recharging
your batteries. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective before making important decisions.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51 GEMINI: Your card The Sword signifies that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job as that is the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 34 CANCER: Concentrate on your career and the business at hand. Be flexible in your thinking. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected, solution. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 39 LEO: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long-range decisions. You will have to modify your plans. Your determination and thoroughness will ensure success. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work.
Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27 VIRGO: Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Confidence and self-esteem are on the rise. Put forward your ideas and enjoy the
positive response. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45
LIBRA: A good day for romance. Avoid gossiping, because it can spoil your chance of success. Sportsmen, get more exercise. A friendly vibe makes it easy to broach subjects that might usually be avoided. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 47 SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air.
Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red.
Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: The day will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Appointments and meetings could fill up your day, making it necessary to keep your phone turned off. Tarot message: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29 CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. Partners may not agree with your plans. A positive outlook on life and general good feelings are starred. A childhood dream might be close to becoming a reality. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 42 PISCES: Surprising events can lead to a major rethink on what you are doing with your life. Avoid alcohol and drugs . Speak to your partner about joint finances. Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in new project.
Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58
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The year ahead
If your birthday is June 3...
Try to control your emotions, especially anger. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you. Health of your spouse may become a reason for stress and anxiety. Partnership projects will create more problems than positive results - you will be especially angry with yourself for allowing someone to take advantage of you. If you run from a situation, it will follow you in the worst possible manner. Improve your health as a feeble body weakens the mind. Do not overspend on household items. You will find that friends and relatives will not understand your needs - your sincere efforts should be in making a few changes to yourself rather than expecting people to change for you. Resolve your long-standing quarrel today as tomorrow may be very late. Stay away from gossip and rumours. You could run into problems due to forgetfulness at work, so be careful. You will no longer desire solitude and finally start enjoying harmonious moments with your beloved. You're especially sharp with both brainwork and picking up on the interpersonal elements. Use it while you can; you're liable to be mired in myriad details or putting out fires left and right. Don't neglect stepping back to revisit the overall plan, no matter how busy you are. Business affairs will improve. Incredible occasions for starting up new contacts are likely. Make the most of them! Those born between the years 1980-2000 will be prone to apathy. They should not risk losing faith in their own capabilities if they don't want to make a loss. Those interested in going abroad for further studies should try their best. It may take some time but your efforts would lead you to desired goals. Students will do well in their studies as well as sports. You may be prone to 'lashing out' at family members. Trying 'too hard' to fix things will not help. Let 'time' and the right words do your work for you. Expenses might increase while your energy drops and even illness can set in. Mood: Vulnerable at times Compatible signs: Leo, Aries Lucky colours: Orange, burgundy Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 3, 5, 8, 14, 35 Lucky gem: Emerald Lucky flower: Daffodil.
Sarika (June 3, 1962, New Delhi) started her Hindi film career as a child actress (baby Sooraj, as a boy) during the 1960's. In her acting career, she was often cast as the vamp or a 'westernised' girl. She gave up her career after her marriage with Kamal Hassan. Her career will be in slow motion from 2012 onwards due to the effect of Saturn.
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Tiptoeing in floral footwear may not be an agenda for a few more months to come, but right now there is nothing better than owning a pair of floral fantasy. From daintily clad marigolds to wedge heels adorned with plastic hibiscus to crystal-embellished flowers on sandals, floral patterns are an interesting alternative to the regular footwear. And considering designers’ obsession with all things floral right from top to toe, making a choice to zoom-in on footwear alone is definitely a better way to participate in this upcoming trend.
While floral prints definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, if you are the one who likes them, you're lucky because there is lot to choose from. “A floral shoe definitely adds to the feminine touch. Some people think that florals are only sweet, but they can also be sexy. We have everything here from a sexy peep-toe platform to a downtown flat,” says Sushil, manager of She Walk in Sector 11. While pastels and neons are definitely the rulers for this season, maroons and blacks too are doing well. “Multi-coloured flowers on pastel sandals are the biggest trend this season. Other than that, we see floral embellishments on sandal straps, heels and even buckles,” says Niranjan from Shoe Rack in Sector 8.
Another trend that is catching up is of jute wedge heels. With floral patterns, these are perfect to go with an eco-friendly look. So, if you are a fan of flowers go ahead and pick a pair to bright sandals with floral patterns!
You can pick all kind of floral patterns at Drish in Sector 17. Price range starts from Rs 695 onwards.
Tuscan Chef Antonello is in the city to offer authentic taste of the diverse Italian delicacies at JW Marriott, Chandigarh. The Tuscan food festival presents mouthwatering delicacies from the Tuscan region of Italy.
A Tuscan set menu has been crafted thoughtfully by the chef that offers anti-pastis and ribollita soup, fusili and cannelloni pastas prepared in the true Tuscan tradition, torta di verdure, pollo alla diavola, accompanied by wines such as castello banfi le rime and chianti ruffina nipozzano to name a few. 
Instructions
Popstar Lady Gaga has started recording her new album and according to her manager the songs will be insane.
Neha Dhupia is an attractive woman with an enviable, curvaceous body. She is also spunky. Here is how she looks as sexy as she does.
ARIES: Enjoy a quiet morning and get into some artistic projects. A trip to the local market for locally grown fresh produce might inspire you to eat nutrient-rich foods. Cash crisis resolves after 3 pm. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 33
AQUARIUS: Hopes fill your heart. Planning to buy a house? Good offer on the cards. A relaxed day for senior citizens. Patience and hard work pays richly. Focus on leadership and inspiration. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the week and put your cares to one side. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 61
Suggestion on birthday: Donate halwa to the poor.