The dress circle
Fashion stylists are no longer limited to Bollywood, the Punjabi movie industry is also taking to them… 
Sabia Talwar

Fashion stylists in B-Town are the ones who work out the best permutations and combinations for celebrities as far as the outfits for movies or other public appearances are concerned. Now, the trend is not limited to Bollywood alone! Punjabi movie stars are also taking an equal interest in styling their costumes. Ah! Before we forget…whereas a fashion designer comes up with the creations, a stylist helps to pick out the best. We find out why more and more stars are going in for stylists.

Hand in glove

As for Kulraj Randhawa, who started her career with Punjabi movies like Mannat and Tera Mera Ki Rishta, says when she did Punjabi movies stylists were available. “A second opinion is very essential, especially when you have to dress up for the screen,” she adds. You know your body the best and what suits you! “The stylist does come up with innovative ideas about what type of look the actor must sport, but an actor should also go about helping the stylist,” she adds. 

Character determines all

Punjabi actor-cum-singer Amrinder Gill says the role of a stylist has been increasing in the Punjabi movie industry. We wonder how much of improvisation and innovation is required as compared to Bollywood! “The overall scene is looking up, but some amount of grooming is definitely required,” says Amrinder. In his recent movie Taur Mitran Di, Amrinder played a rough and tough character. “This movie required costumes like kurta pyjamas, jeans with colourful t-shirts and jackets. In Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 I’m playing a very soft character, so the stylist has decided the look according to that. Similar is the case with Saadi Love Story, where I am playing a photographer,” says Amrinder. 

Personal touch

Surveen Chawla, who was recently seen in the movie Taur Mitran Di opposite Amrinder Gill, agrees that to draw a perfect character sketch a costume stylist is needed. “For my upcoming movie Saadi Love Story I have hired a personal stylist for the first time. We held many sittings to discuss the concept of the movie, the character and the kind of clothes it will require,” says Surveen. And Surveen accepts the fact that shopping with the stylist is always helpful wherein you give ideas for the kind of fabrics to be picked up, or the colour combinations to be chosen!

Suggestions welcome

Says Rannvijay Singh, VJ-cum-actor, “I do have a personal stylist and he knows what suits me the best.” Little wonder then, Punjabi movies Dharti and Taur Mitran Di were very stylish in terms of costumes! Rannvijay feels proud that even Punjabi industry actors hire stylists, whatever the budget of the movie. “When you are doing a movie, the director and the stylist knows what it demands but inputs from our side are always looked upto,” adds Rannvijay. 

Fashion sense

Punjabi singer Alfaaz, who is soon going to act in a couple of Punjabi movies of which one is titled Collegiate, feels that a stylist is a person who knows the latest fashion trends and therefore his role his or her role is important. “I’m a fashion student and did apply my fashion sensibilities for the videos of my debut album Alfaaz—The Boy Next Door. I would love to take up the role of a stylist in the future,” says Alfaaz. We also get to know that he has learnt a bit of the styling job on the sets of Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Bollywood timeline

The history of Bollywood stylists goes back to 1995, when Manish Malhotra did a complete makeover of Urmila Matondkar for the movie Rangeela. His next client was Karisma Kapoor. It also differentiated a fashion designer’s job from a stylist’s. One such example is of Anaita Shroff who was a stylist to movies like Luv Aaj Kal, Dhoom 2 and Drona. The credit for Sonam Kapoor’s perfect style in Aisha also goes as much to her sister stylist, Rhea Kapoor as much to the actor herself. Other popular examples of stylists are Ashley Rebello, Rajit Kumra and Marc Robinson. 

Play right 
Mona

Plays should have power to stir the society, believes Sahib Singh. Active in the theatre scene for last two decades and half, this playwright-director, released his latest book, Mere Do Natak on Sunday at Pracheen Kala Kendar — 35.

Two plays Ikko Raah Sawalarah and Zakhmi Khamban di Parvaz that are a part of the book, have already been endorsed by the audience. While the first one has enjoyed some 500 successful shows, the later has been staged over 125 times. Putting them in the book is Sahib’s attempt to make them a part of the tradition and an attempt to reach out to more people.

“I consider a play rewarding if it raises questions about the prevailing conditions in the society and forces you to introspect,” says Sahib who writes and directs plays that address issues in a common man’s life. Ikko Raah Sawalarah addresses concerns of farmers in the region. Natural calamities that ruin crops, not getting right price for the harvest, getting cheated at the hands of travel agents who promise instant riches, there is little or no option left for farmers, who are otherwise called annadata but to rebel.

Zakhmi Khamban di Parvaz narrates the story of an unemployed man who gets frustrated due to corrupt circumstances and falls prey to drugs. How his life gets wrecked and how he comes out of it is the theme of this play.

With 32 plays under his belt, Sahib has won awards from Language Department Punjab, Punjabi Academy Delhi, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, IWA Great Britain, North America Association of Alberta Canada and Randhawa Yaadgari Award. Sahib, who belongs to the fourth generation of Punjabi playwrights has plans to publish more of his plays this year. And, it’s plays that he wants to write and do for the rest of his life. “Play is an amalgamation of all other arts, story, poem and even fine arts,” says Sahib.

Happy at the strides theatre he has made in the last few years, he says, “I am proud to say that when it comes to subject relevance, Punjabi theatre is doing probably the best in the country. Technically also, we have progressed a lot. Visuals are also gaining precedence, though words for me remain all the more important!”

mona@tribunemail.com

Fashion Funda
Splash of citrus 
Ashima Batish

From Bollywood actors to the who’s who of the elite club in Delhi and Mumbai, she has catered to the fashion needs of all. Neeta Lulla is one of the most sought after names in the industry for her designs. Here, she makes a fashion forecast and we bet no fashion follower will miss it.

What’s in: In scorching heat, nothing works better than pure fabrics. Pick up cotton and linen, stack away mixed fabrics. There is a strong influence of 1950’s this time, which means that structured look will rule. Flairs aren’t meant for summers, they add volume. Geometric and floral prints will fare better than stripes or checks this time. Take a cue from Malaika Arora Khan’s gown she wore at Karan Johar’s birthday do. The geometric print gown is worth drawing inspiration from.

What’s out: Bright jewel tones are not meant for this season. Any form of jackets are out, since you don’t want to suffocate yourself in layers of clothes.

Colour count: Citrus colours are the best bet. Orange is the hottest colour of the season. Go in for ivory, old rose, light green, in case you want to add colour.

Party couture: LBD—nothing works better than a little black dress. It’s one outfit that’s evergreen, no matter what fashion experts say.

The designer model: Elie Saab — very few fashion designers can match up to his creativity.

What’s next on the block: A gorgeous collection. It has the right mix of ethnic and Western. It will have an international appeal.

On the Indian fashion industry: We have been able to generate a lot of global interest in the past few years. While Indian designers are showcasing their collections at the major fashion weeks of Italy and France, fashion lovers are coming to India to explore the markets. All we need to do is, be careful about the quality of fashion. 

stress buster
renee singh

Distress to de-stress 

''I am stressed,'' my friend who just walked into my house declared. ‘Hey, is that news?’ I snapped back. But then, as usual, I said “What are you doing about it?” Much to be said on this one.

Stress is a physical, chemical and emotional factor that causes bodily and mental unrest. Frankly, I would say that elimination of stress is unrealistic and management of stress is an attainable and realistic goal that can be achieved by a number of strategies.

But is stress always bad? Not necessarily!

A mild degree of stress and tension can sometimes be beneficial—

Being slightly stressed while trying to complete a project might be a positive stress.

Exercise produces a temporary stress on the body but its health benefits are indisputable.

It is only when we manage stress poorly or allow it to overwhelm us that its negative effects appear.

Who is most susceptible to stress?

No external standards can be applied to predict stress levels. It can appear at all ages and stages of life. The degree of stress in our lives is highly dependent on individual factors such as —

Physical health

Interpersonal relations

The number of commitments and responsibilities we carry

Expectations of others from us.

The support we receive from our dear ones

People with a strong social support network generally do not succumb to stress. A strong network would mean good family, friends, religious organisations or other social groups.

Let’s focus on some immediate stress busters. Take a quick fix by applying the following techniques—

Manage your anger

Watch yourself when you get angry, then practice letting go. Make a conscious choice not to get upset. Effective anger management is a tried stress buster.

Breathe slowly and deeply

Before reacting to any stressful situation, take three deep breaths and release slowly. If you have a few minutes, try relaxation techniques like guided meditation etc.

Jumpstart a time management strategy

It is very important to take care of your nagging responsibilities in every sphere. If there is a phone call you need to return, just do it.

Speak slowly

Speaking slower than usual helps you think clearly and react more reasonably. Stressed people tend to speak faster and breathlessly. Slowing down your speech makes you less anxious.

Venture out

A walk in the park, a stroll in your balcony or a terrace is a sure shot rejuvenator.

Drink plenty of water

This cleanses your system, helps reduce anxiety and stress immediately.

Eat small meals frequently

Hunger aggravates aggressiveness. See to it that you are nibbling off and on.

Quick posture check

Hold head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping. Bad posture leads to muscle strain, injury and tension. See to it that your furniture has good ergonomic designing.

Reward yourself

This is important for you. A relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book.

Put aside work for a while and imagine you are on a vacation and just relax. Recharging your energies is very important. Once you are recharged, you are all set to face a stressful day.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist).

Star track
Brand shares a kiss with Baldwin

British comedian Russell Brand has revealed that he shares a kiss with co-star Alec Baldwin in their new movie Rock of Ages.

"I get to kiss Alec Baldwin. He is (a good kisser). It is sexy because Alec is a sexy man. I certainly don't regret (kissing him). I'd do it again if there was a sequel - or even if there wasn't," a website quoted Brand as saying.

Brand also shares screen space with the film's lead actor Tom Cruise, but has no kissing scene with him. However, he is all praise for him. "You'd think if (someone) were the biggest movie star in the world, they wouldn't be so interested in other people, but he's very interested and caring. He really cares about what he does. He's a serious guy but very sweet. He's a joy to be around," Brand said.

—IANS

Elizabeth Taylor stole Donatella Versace's ring? 

Legendary Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor once stole a ring from Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace after just asking to try it on. The late actress, who was renowned for her love of fine jewellery, once asked the Italian designer if she could try on a ring she was wearing, but then never gave it back to her, reported a website.

"My brother collected vintage jewellery and I was wearing a ring that he'd given me - Elizabeth said in this extraordinary breathy voice, 'Darling I love your ring, may I try it?' And she didn't give it back! She put it on and breathed, 'Oh darling thank you, you didn't have to do that!' But I hadn't," Versace said. — PTI

Maddy's accidental dip ...

Little did actor R. Madhavan know that trying his hand at a game of golf will leave him stinking cold and smelly.

"Had a crazy day today. Played golf in one of the top end courses in Chicago... became so competitive that while taking aim and trying to avoid a geese. I fell backward into the lake... lol... came out stinking cold and smelly," Madhavan tweeted. He took it in his stride.

"But showered in the locker room, bought some new clothes and went back and played. Freaked out the guy at the pro shop. But crazy adventure. No injuries or trauma at all. HADDD Funn," he further posted.

A dream to come alive

Actress Shruti Seth can't wait to see her lifelong dream come true as she gears up to watch singer Madonna live in concert in Abu Dhabi. "Heading to Dubai tomorrow to fulfill another life dream. Watching Madonna LIVE IN CONCERT in Abu Dhabi on the 4th! Yayyyyy!!!" tweeted Shruti. The actress is a trained singer herself.

Multi-brand face

It is raining endorsements for Deepika Padukone. She is now endorsing a pen brand Pilot from Luxor. She already endorses a camera, hair oil, soap, etc. She was chosen because of her confidence and success. The campaign is a multi-media one.

Zip zap Dhoom!

Katrina Kaif is shooting for Ek Tha Tiger in Thailand with Salman Khan. She is also training for Dhoom- 3 after pack-up. Aditya Chopra has sent three trainers to tone her up and sharpen her reflexes. Dhoom 3 rolls in a month in America.

Reunion time

Post the debacle of Department, Sanjay Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan will reunite for the remake of a Tamil film in which Sanjay Dutt will play a cop and Bachchan will play the bad guy. The film will release at the end of the year.

Adam Levine dating a lingerie model

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine is reportedly dating Victoria's Secret model Behati Prinsloo.

The 33-year-old singer split from another Victoria's Secret star Anne Vyalitsyna two months ago, but has now been spotted getting cosy with Prinsloo in Hawaii, reported a magazine.

The two women reportedly know each other and starred in the same fashion show in which Levine appeared at for the brand last November.

"Anne and Behati are good friends. Not best, but close enough," a source said.

The Namibian model was spotted talking and flirting with Moves Like Jagger singer at a friend's pre-wedding party earlier this week. Earlier this week Levine, who has also dated singer Jessica Simpson, actress Cameron Diaz and tennis star Maria Sharapova, said that he had a promiscuous past. "I felt like people only knew me as a singer who dated pretty girls. A little bit of a bimbo. Maybe the reason I was promiscuous, and wanted to sleep with a lot of them, is that I love them so much," he said.— PTI 

Cooper, Saldana back together?

Actors Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana have reportedly rekindled their love affair. Cooper and Saldana were spotted enjoying an intimate dinner date in New York. They looked "pretty engaged" while dining together at Mexican restaurant Empelon Cocina in Manhattan's East Village, an eyewitness told a website.

"It looked a little friendlier than a business meeting," added the source. The actor was first rumoured to be dating Saldana when they were spotted ringing in 2012 together.—IANS

Misunderstood identity

The promo of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi starring Boman Irani and Farah Khan is attached to Rowdy Rathore and many people think that it is the funniest thing in the movie! Rowdy Rathore has got mixed reviews.

Another dimension to Devdas

Devdas fans will be delighted and others will be unhappy by this development. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is keen on releasing Devdas in 3D because of the grand scale, star cast, and success of the movie.

No hopes for a sequel

Don't expect a Slumdog Millionaire sequel any time soon. The team behind the Oscar-winning film have split over plans to turn it into a stage musical, The story of a young boy's escape from India's slums appeared ripe for a Bollywood-themed musical since the 2008 film's success. But the creative team, including Boyle, the screenwriter Simon Beaufoy and the composer A R Rahman, said they would only go ahead if they could all work on the adaptation.

Frustrated with delays to the project, Paul Smith, executive producer on the original film, who owns the screen rights, is pressing ahead without Boyle after talks failed to overcome "creative differences".

Julian Fellowes, the Downton Abbey creator, has now been lined up to write the book for the musical. Matthew Warchus, director of the musical Matilda, is discussing a deal to take over directorial duties.

Gender, no bar!

Sarah Jane Dias plays a barmaid in Kya Super Kool Hai Hum so she learnt the tricks of the trade from real bartenders on the set of the film. She learnt how to juggle bottles and glasses and make cocktails like Screw Driver and Cosmopolitan.

 

Naseer slashes fee for Charlie Ke Chakkar Mein?

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah is said to have been so impressed with the script of Charlie Ke Chakkar Mein, involving a bunch of theatre actors that he agreed to be part of it at a nominal price. Debutant director Manish Srivastav was keen on casting Naseer in a lead role and had even written the script keeping him in mind. When he approached the actor, he was humbled and decided to come on board for a very small amount, said a source.

He was even more delighted that majority of the cast include theatre actors.

Produced by Karan Arora of High Ground Enterprises Ltd, the film is currently under production and is slated to release early next year.—IANS

chatter box
Usha is a mind reader

When Usha Uthup is a part of a judging panel, she can’t be cheated easily. Recently on the sets of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar season 2 where the popular Hari Om Hari singer Ushaji was invited as the celebrity guest, she had her eye on much more than just music.

“Being in this industry from a very long time, I am very perceptive and I know when something is wrong with someone,” she made this statement after a performance by Sharib who sang, Hamari Adhuri Kahani from the movie Gangster. In spite of appreciating Sharib’s performance, Ushaji asked him if there was something bothering him and why was he pre-occupied during the performance.

To this Sharib adds, “Yes, she is experienced enough to read a person. I have been unwell since a couple of days but I never let that affect my singing. Ushaji is amazing and she could clearly tell that I was pre-occupied during my performance.” Is there more than just health issue that Sharib is pre-occupied with?

Stay tuned with Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar Season 2 to know it all. 

Nothing so moving about it! 

Shekhar Suman’s second season of Movers and Shakers on SAB hasn’t got great reviews or TRPs. Shekhar is unable to explain the poor TRPs. He claims that the guests invited are popular and the humour is good as well. Well then, perhaps it is time to look at the overall picture.

Ali makes an entry

Love…fights…heart breaks are some of the common turns, which we all might have experienced in our lives. But when Love takes the ugly path of vengeance and angst, it leads to actions of pure malice and dislike. In the forthcoming episode of Suvreen, Naro breaks up with her boyfriend Gogoi (Ali Merchant) only to face humiliation in the campus of DPSC. Her pictures, captured in a desolate place, are uploaded on a social website with uncanny remarks.

Suvreen Guggal decides to put an end to these mysterious happenings and in the course of events that follow, she is forced to launch a march against the authority.

Ali Merchant has been a part of many successful television series like Big Boss, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and many others.

Eijaz got a date!

It’s official! TV actor Eijaz Khan is dating Canadian singer Natalie Di Luccio. 

The actor finally went public about his personal life and admitted that the two have been dating for a long time. “I'm dating somebody and it's been a long time. I'm a very private person but it's time to admit that yes, I am dating Natalie Di Luccio. She is a multi-lingual singer from Toronto, Canada, and has sung for Bollywood as well,” says Eijaz.

False alarms

Buzz is that Roadies host  Rannvijay Singh is quitting the show but soon the channel clarified on Twitter that he isn’t leaving. But Rannvijay was unavailable for comment. Apparently later it turned out that it was a hoax by MTV Bakra. His Fans will surely feel relaxed after hearing this news.

Rakhi is back 

She became a household name as Sweetie in Hum Paanch, and now  Rakhi Vijan is glad to be back on TV with Saurabh Tewari's new show Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on Colors. She plays a junior artist Roma. This role won’t see her in her usual comic avatar.

 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 4...

Your childlike nature will surface and you will be in a playful mood. Sudden inflow of funds takes care of your bills and immediate expenses. Grandchildren would be a source of immense pleasure. You may be overwhelmed by proposing as it unburdens you. Avoid being too spendthrift, if you go for shopping. It will be a moderate 2012-13 career wise. Official travel is possible. Constraints regarding finances may force you to save. You will try to make the year a lucky one for relationships. Health related worries such as cold might be possible. You'll receive reassuring news which will let you hold your head. Don't ask your beloved to do anything and don't make any suggestions. Wait for him or her to act. For you, this is a winning period which you must know how to make the most of. Nothing lasts forever. Remember you will obtain best results by joining people who share your interests and aspirations. You will all help one another.

If you’re a bit lost don’t hesitate to seek out more specific direction from clients or those who are better informed. Believe in your professionalism and problem-solving prowess. The stars support you and aspirations can be accomplished.

Try not to be too aggressive. Those who are self-employed will benefit from a situation. This will lead to increased earnings. Students might not receive co-operation from teachers. They will have enough confidence to maintain a positive attitude towards your studies. In other words, your sustained efforts would achieve good results.

Call upon the best of your friends or the persons very close to you for the best support. Your perfect health enables you to take up some physical exercise or sports. Take care of your eating and drinking habit. Physical and mental stress will follow you in the next few days.

You are ready for romance. Set aside your responsibilities to give yourself as much time to primp and play. Showing your energetic and outgoing side is fun and also should make you more attractive to others.

Mood: Cheerful overall. Compatible Signs: Taurus, Scorpio Lucky colours: Gold, yellow. Lucky days: Friday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 18, 28, 80. Lucky gem: Gomed. Lucky flower: Chameli. Suggestion on birthday: Donate ice-cream to poor children.

Ashok Saraf (June 04, 1948) a comedian in TV, Hindi and Marathi movies celebrates his grand day with you. He starred in television serials like Yeh Choti Badi Baatein and Hum Paanch. Known as the Amitabh Bachchan of the Marathi Film Industry he has essayed a variety of roles. His acting prowess is well known and he plays serious, comedy and villain roles. He formed an almost unbeatable pair with Late Laxmikant Berde and graced many Marathi films. His strong number 4 is likely to boost his career in 2015. Ashok Saraf will shine in Hindi Cinema as a good entertainer.

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Take proper care of your diet.  Love life will be exciting. Expecting women should focus on medical check-up. A friend may be helpful to you. Singles could be on the lookout for a partner.

Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.

Lucky colour: Yellow

Magic number: 56

TAURUS: Make good use of the quite morning, and you will be well-prepared for the rest of the day. Personal relations may be neglected. Recognition and rewards on the cards. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success.

Lucky colour: Black

Magic number: 38

GEMINI: Your card will give you extra rewards.  You may wish to break the routine of the day. A female coworker could be jealous of your achievements. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing.

Lucky colour: Red

Magic number: 40

CANCER: Your card gives you strength and strong vision. Communication over legal matters, travel plans and education can be held up or postponed and cause undue stress. Tarot message: Try to put your terms and conditions in writing.

Lucky colour: Crimson

Magic number: 33

LEO: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Women should avoid overeating and gossiping. Work and professional responsibilities will place demands on your time.

Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44

VIRGO: Health needs some care. Do not be in a hurry to get financial plans underway. You might be able to do yourself a bit of good with the help of influential people. Stay at home and relax with your lover tonight. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that come your way. Lucky color: Beige

Magic number: 59

LIBRA: Today you are likely going to spend money on astrology or philosophical books. Agreement made today can be very valuable to you. Later in the day you should be able to get your ideas for home improvement. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Teal

Magic number: 63

SCORPIO: The day starts with smiles and cheers. Business affairs are under control. Friends are pleasant but not particularly significant. If you are thinking about dieting, join a gym and start a regimen of fitness and well-being. Tarot message: Take responsibility for your own action. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 26

SAGITTARIUS: An auspicious day for biz-folk. Meeting new people will bring delightful opportunity for romance and minor flirtation. The energy of the day is suited to having fun with your loved ones. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Violet

Magic number: 54

CAPRICORN: Avoid speculation today. The married will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Take proper care of your health. Put off dicey deals. e as cooperative as possible and make a special effort to help others. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 40

AQUARIUS: Don’t rush to make any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you a valuable advice. Defer a short journey. Get out and socialise. Business plans can be reassessed. Tarot message: Don’t try to end the entire deadlock at one go. Lucky colour: Grey

Magic number: 33

PISCES: Dispute over a small issue is possible at your working place. Heavy expenses make you frustrated. It is probably in your best interest to see a nutritionist for a personal eating plan. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional.

Lucky colour: Green

Magic number: 48





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