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Costume drama
Her recent appearance on screen swayed the audience. A harried mother, who gets along well with her mother-in-law, post a few pegs together, Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari got much appreciation. "I am glad people liked the act. But it really got awkward when two gentlemen commented in Sector 20 recently 'Kade sade naal vi peg sheg la laya karo'.
The effervescent actor and award-winning costume designer has a peculiar funda for selecting work. "Be it theatre or films, acting or designing, I don't take up something if I am not in love with it." The first actor to be in the cast for Vicky Donor, Dolly considers it an honour, "I have always had faith in Shoojit Sircar. With Vicky Donor he has got recognition but wait for Shoebite and Johnny Mastana, he is going places." Dolly has been associated with all the films of Shoojit. And, is all ecstatic about the recent experience. "Vicky Donor has been an actor- oriented film with fabulous dialogues. The best, however, has been working with such a wonderful, playful director Shoojit." Three major actors from Chandigarh? "I think it's been a coincidence. And, why not? After all Chandigarh is full of talented people," she says. Work keeps her travelling but to get a breather she makes a trip to Chandigarh, "I unwind here. The city has a charm about it and I still find people from the city kind of innocent." A National award, Filmfare and Genie for costume designing and also Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2007) in her kitty, Dolly has loads of project on hand. She has recently done costume designing for Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children. "Designing for some 3,000 characters was pretty challenging. We spent four-and-half months in Sri Lanka for this," says Dolly who has won much appreciation for designing for Omkara, Water, Bandit Queen and Currently she is engaged with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. "Costume designing is a very tiring and time consuming process. Whether one is designing for shooting on sets or outdoor locales, there are millions of things to be adhered to." Shooting a season-specific scene in real locations gets particularly taxing. But as this designer loves her work, she is up for it. "It is a long drawn process. We are currently working on Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Farhan has to lose weight according to the storyline and we are in the process together." A National School of Drama graduate, Dolly will be next seen on screen in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana and Sadi Love Story. Apart from that there are three international projects that have kept her occupied. "I look at each of my work critically. I enjoy the appreciation that comes my way, but, I also critically review it. I concentrate more on faults and try to cover it up in the next one," she signs
off. mona@tribunemail.com
High on design
On Thursday, Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari as member of the jury assessed the works of final year students of Northern Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT). "My association with NIIFT is fairly long. I really applaud the students on creativity and concepts. But I also feel it's detailing that's missing. Can't really blame them for everything today is in fast forward mode and so is fashion. Another judge, DS Kapoor, principal, Government College of Art-10, shared his take, "Fashion is one of the 64 arts mentioned in ancient scriptures. I am glad the students have come up with such creative designs," he said. The designs would be showcased in their annual show Anukama 2012 later this month.
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She's got the look
The venue of the music concert has been shifted from a resort near Morni Hills to JW Marriott. The reason cited for the change by the organiser is, "We were flooded with inquiries about DJ Emely, (who will perform at the event) and we realised that at the earlier venue not many people will be able to make it to 'see' her." No wonder, why 'seeing' this DJ is a bit more important than listening to the kind of music she plays. One, she is strikingly beautiful, two, she is dressed up for the occasion. Aptly or not, that's debatable (a white tube dress in satin with tantalizing hemline which gave the feeling that a wardrobe malfunction is waiting to happen)!
Being in a profession that demands night shifts, she admits, it's just not easy to take care of skin, hair and health, "But I do my bit to take care of myself. I am teetotaler; I don't smoke and hit the gym five times a week for one and a half hours each day," says the DJ who is in Chandigarh to perform at the console at The Bling, a music concert to be held on June 10. The rest, she adds is taken care of by music. What began as a hobby got translated into profession four years back. She specialises in-house and R&B styles. Now, she is touted to be one of the best female DJs of Ukraine. "It's a male dominated industry and when I started, I was the only one to represent women on the turn tables. But if you work well and focus on playing great music, gender doesn't matter." At the concert, she will play a few Punjabi and Bollywood tracks. A research on what people in the city will like is on. "I will mix Punjabi music with international hits. It's very important for a DJ to understand what kind music people like. They lose interest if the DJ plays his own thing without checking their preference." Having travelled to various counties, she finds playing music at different places more interesting than being just a house DJ. "That gives me an opportunity to get to see so many cultures and know about music of other countries." On that note, she says India is about Bollwood music. "It's not very difficult to understand. The beats used are very international. Only the language is different but music equals it all, its language is actually universal." Who said beauty and brains is a rare combination! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Most of them are married or taken but the beauties and hunks of Bollywood tell us about their crushes from across the seven seas. No harm in looking and admiring, right?
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How Jackky stays fit…
Jackky Bhagnani has worked in films like Kal Kissne Dekha and Faltu. He has a few more films in hand. Debuting in films was not easy because he had the mammoth task of losing 60 kilos before he could face the camera. The 6 footer weighs 70 kilos, which is perfect for his height. He tells us how he managed it and shares his fitness regime.
Gradual process Bull's eye Healthy way Work it out |
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Saif is back in his element
Saif Ali Khan is excellent at playing the lover boy. He has proved this in movies like Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Tum, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Salaam Namaste, and Love Aaj Kal. He is back in his element in a romantic comedy Cocktail in which Diana Penty and Deepika Padukone are his co-stars. The team of Cocktail talks about Saif's charms.
I, me, myself Deepika’s take Fun to be with One at a time "Thank you all for the good wishes for bhai and Kareena - I am happy to say that the wedding date has been set for October 16th in Pataudi!" she tweeted. But when a fan quizzed if she will marry her longtime boyfriend Kunal Khemu this year as well, she replied, "Our media is marriage obsessed! Everyone wants to see couples neatly married off…only one family wedding this year I'm afraid."
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Kim Kardashian owns a YSL gun
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian’s new fashion accessory is a pearl-handled Yves Saint Laurant pistol. The 31-year-old posted a picture of the weapon on her Twitter and Instagram accounts today, writing the words Bang bang underneath the photograph, reported a publication.
Her post set off a flurry of comments from her followers. “A YSL gun? Great for us chicks that love high fashion.” Other comments were critical, “Oh that is setting a great example to the millions of teens around the world following you.” It wasn’t clear from her post whether the gun, which has been popping up on a handful of pop-culture sites is a real gun or just a fashion accessory. Kim likely got her taste for guns about four years ago, during the second season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. This was when mother Kris Jenner took her daughters Kim, Kourtney and Khloe to a shooting range. The sisters learned how to fire a pistol after the family’s store was vandalised. —PTI
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Small wonder
Manpriya Khurana There he was, all playful and naughty, nibbling his own food and having other dogs' food as well. "I went to this kennel which has a separate section for smaller dogs and another section for bigger breeds. I looked at Mylo, he was the naughtiest little creature there and I knew that he was for me." Every pet owner has a story to share, pretty much similar yet very special. Harsh aka DJ Cherry of Blue Blazer just got started with his-about his three-year-old male, black and grayish, American Miniature Schnauzer, Mylo. "He is the only one of his kind in Chandigarh. The second of this breed you'll find in Jalandhar," he beams proudly. Love me, love my dog Whoever said, a dog might not be the whole of your life, but they certainly make your life whole. "Apart from the princely welcome on getting back, there are so many other adorable things about them. He sleeps next to me, listens and understands. They take you away from the worries of the world." One for the companionship. He adds, "I thought of a lot of names but zeroed down on three. Out of those three he was responsive to Mylo the most." You might adore them but they also annoy you. "He's alarm-clock like strict with his timings. He's so particular that he needs his food, walks, everything on time." He adds, "You know the best thing about my pet, if he's not shaking, you can't make out that it's a Yours faithfully He adds, "Breeds that are very small are very dominating. Mylo is dominating too. He's playful but dominates like anything, he'll get all moody and temperamental and start barking, which means he needs attention and has to be pampered." A dog in the house means hands full! "He'll start barking in your ears, which is his way of saying pay attention to me, whatever the circumstances, no matter how busy you are." We bet his tantrums are paid due attention too.
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It's ok to be assertive
Simmi Waraich My husband is not very cooperative. I am a college teacher and come home at 5 pm. My mother-in-law stays with us and she does not allow me to keep a maid. They put me down for everything. My parents are in the same town so I have some support with my children. They are happy with my son but not my daughter. So far I have been giving all my money to my husband. I feel blank at times and a tiredness all the time. At times I get angry and shout at my husband. Manpreet, Chandigarh Try to get some counselling and an evaluation done to see if you have clinical depression. Mild medication can often help in that. Also, remember that if you keep suppressing yourself, like you said, your anger will come out in the form of an anger outburst or depression. So, it is better to stay calm. Tell yourself that 'it's not worth getting upset about' and keep talking to your mother-in-law and husband. Discuss your problems calmly. When you come home, have a routine-go for a walk, meet a friend or neighbour. Keep your money in a separate bank account and keep your savings with your parents. Being assertive is not wrong. One can be assertive without fighting. Discuss issues with your parents so that you have some support. Weigh your alternatives and see what is best after discussing with parents. However, if you feel confused still, discuss with a mental health specialist. My son went through a divorce as his wife was of a different caste and her parents did not wish the marriage to continue. He has become very irritable. He goes out of the house with his friends till late. We suspect he might be taking some drugs. He gets very aggressive if we say anything to him. Parkash, Chandigarh Make him sit down at a time when he is not under the influence of any drugs and is at home. Talk to him about your concerns without emotional blackmail. Avoid using words like 'we are doing so much for you'. Instead tell him that you are concerned. Don't preach or give examples. Just state why you think so. Know his friends. Tell him you want to meet them. Talk to him while doing something like driving a car, walking together etc. Let him know you are ready to talk any time. Tell him it's up to him to decide to be free of drugs. I suggest going to a doctor together. Don't give up. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist)
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In the comfort zone
Godrej Interio, a leader and innovator in the home and office furniture segment, launched their three variants of premium mattresses in Chandigarh. The three variants namely Reborn, CalmCruizer and Sleepmate take comfort to a different level altogether by making the sleeping experience entirely a luxurious one.
For those who prefer that ultimate exquisite comfort, Reborn is the right option for you. Made with natural latex, it features seven firmness zones. Whereas CalmCruizer is a luxurious high-end mattress with layer of natural latex and memory foam on top for calm and healthy sleep. Sleepmate is a premium spring mattress with visco-elastic foam for better support at all pressure points thus ensuring comfortable sleep. — TNS
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Peach perfect
Manju Dewan FFor tart
n
1 ½ cup flour n
6 tbsp butter n
¼ tsp salt n
60 gm powdered sugar n
Cold water n
½ tsp fennel (saunf) n
Salt and pepper to taste n
Butter to baste For filling n
6 peaches (chopped) n
1/5tsp cinnamon powder n
1/5tsp grated nutmeg n
100 gm sugar n
2 tsp cream (beaten) n
2 tsp strawberry jelly (prepared as per instructions) n
1 tsp mixed fruit jam
The gruelling summer and the yummy succulent fruits available in this season are two diverse ends, one bringing agony while the other an ultimate pleasure for the taste buds. Peachy peaches are sitting pretty on rehris across the town and they are the appropriate accompaniment for any mouth watering dessert. There is no need to cook them but effectively had as flambéd with ice cream or used in crispy tarts. Method To prepare a tart n
Mix flour, butter, sugar and salt and rub it to form bread like crumbs. n
Add water and make firm dough. Keep aside for 20 minutes covered in a cloth. n
Now roll out a big chapatti from the dough and line it in a tart mould. n
Bake it for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degree. n
Let it cool. For the filling: n
Mix peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in a pan. n
Heat till sugar melts. Keep in fridge and cool. n
Mix jam and jelly. To serve n
Pour a tsp of cream on the base of the tart. n
Now pour a spoonful of jelly. Pour a spoon of peach filling. n
Garnish with dry red and green cherries and serve cold immediately. — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Luxury within reach
If the pricey tags of the super-luxe dens aren't for you, take a look at the mid-budget hospitality segment. Comfort at the right price is the mantra of the hotel chains investing in region today. Chandigarh recently saw the launch of its first luxury budget hotel Oyster in Sector 17. Equipped with modern amenities and a traditional concept of Atithi-Devo-Bhava, Hotel Oyster provides an experience to make one's stay a memorable one. It has 36 well appointed rooms elegantly done in a modern and contemporary decor, different rooms designed to meet the need of diverse travelers. There are personal rooms for the special corporate guests. For the exclusive class of presidents, vice-presidents and general managers of the corporate world it has special business suites with a separate sleeping and sitting area to organise a private get-together or business meet, for the newlyweds a special honeymoon suite. Some rooms are even equipped with steam bath and massage chairs. The hotel has a multi cuisine restaurant and a bar called Whistler, a state of art banquet halls Mystic and Hazel. The highlight is its roof top lounge rightly named as Sky Lounge. Rooms are priced in the range of Rs 2,975 to Rs 6,475 with complimentary breakfast. — TNS
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Finding the root-cause
Satish Narula We like having fruits and vegetables in our kitchen garden. We also want to have the best of shrubs, climbers and ornamental trees. But are we providing them the best conditions and environs to get the best results? Normally, the plants are not very fussy about their requirements in home gardens. But there are a minimum of conditions that have to be given to derive the maximum output with quality.
The plants cannot be grown in hard floor even when you have fulfilled the above conditions. In the home gardens, it is a compulsion in some cases to have concrete floor but in the open spaces indiscriminate concretisation makes no sense. Even during the monsoon, the trees do not get their fill due to surface run-off which is gross wastage of precious water. In the home gardens, the gardeners leave some space but not more than a foot or two and plant some fruit tree or shrub etc and moan when there is no result. Under such conditions, the plant may show some result during the initial years but remember, the roots also need water, nourishment and most importantly breathing. The spread of the roots is as far away from the plant as its drip area, that is, the spread of the plant itself. Anything added near the main trunk does not make any sense. For the application of the water, the nutrition and the breathing space has to be as wide as the spread of the tree. In the absence of such provision, the roots, bereft of such inputs, get weakened. Whatever small quantity of fruit the tree bears is of poor quality. And be careful, such plants may also fall with a little more than normal wind velocity due to poor anchorage. Now, do you know why we lose big trees in the home gardens or cities? Those who advocate the provision of at least six feet square of land around the tree are begging for a pittance. In urban planting or even in religious places, we concretise till the neck of the main trunk. The temperature in this region goes up to 44 degree celsius or even higher. The concrete of the floor gets heated, killing the hairy feeders or even big roots just below the surface leading to poor uptake of nutrients leading to malnutrition. The leaves start turning yellow and there is a premature leaf fall. Even big trees show sagging during the noon hours. We lose the tree when it is supposed to be at its prime. (Narula is a PAU horticulturist)
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New Releases
Viewers are eager to know whether Shanghai, which opens today all over is a social drama or thriller. Trade pundits claim it is a thriller in which Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin look drastically different from what they look in real life. Dibakar Banerjee, the maker of the quirky Love Sex Aur Dhoka has come up with a film that is adapted from a Greek movie (Called Z) set in India with an ensemble starcast. We should expect a different film from Dibakar Banerjee. The film is about Shanghai like new India. The new, liberated economy in India has given rise to a class of Indians who are extremely eager to reach where the West has and to reach that place, the first milestone they can see is Shanghai. It is a film about dreams, but is is firmly rooted in India. Tollywood star Prosenjit Chatterjee has a lip-lock scene with Kalki Koechlin. Madagascar-3 After the worldwide success of Madagascar and Madagascar-Escape To Africa', the third installment of the billion-dollar franchise, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is out on the big screen. The film features much loved and famous characters Alex the lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Mellman the Giraffe and King Julian. — Dharam Pal
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Weight's an issue!
Wrong move: Malaika Arora Khan
Change of track According to the grapevine, Karan has been roped in for Four Lion Films' upcoming show on Zee TV. Four Lion Films are also the maker of the hit TV show on Star Plus, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam
Doon? Change of track
Vahbbiz talks fashion... According to you, what is fashion? Fashion is comfort. I think one must wear clothes that one can carry off well instead of following the trend. Who chooses clothes for you? My mom does. She is a fashion designer and she is my rescuer every time I run out of new clothes. Are you fond of accessories? No, I am not very fond of them. However, I do like to wear rings. Do you follow any brands? Yes. I like Guess, Zara and Forever New. Favourite shopping destination: Bangkok and London. Most expensive buy: I once bought a dress from Guess. Till date, it is my most expensive buy. Clothes you are comfortable in: Dresses, you will always find me in them. Favourite designer: Manish Malhotra. Must-have in your bag: Debit cards, lip gloss, kajal, God's photo and a sanitizer. Favourite
perfume: Nina Ricci, Ricci Ricci. Colour in your wardrobe: I experiment with all colors but my favourite is pink.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is June 8...
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Try to complete unfinished work. Businessmen: it is advisable not to start new projects. Your health could be worrying you a little. This is also a positive time for business partnerships. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43
TAURUS: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates will be rather aggressive. Emotionally you could be easily disturbed. This is the time of sweeping changes. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.
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Those with botanical background would know that the basic requirement is a good amount of light which is needed for the manufacturing of the food for the plant. In case of ornamental plants there are certain species that may brave the dark corners to light-up such harsh spaces with their floral or foliage beauty. But by and large most of the flora thrives and gives its best only in good light.
Shanghai
Malaika Arora Khan's remarks are said to have irked a contestant of reality show, The Chosen One. Malaika was handed over with the job of setting a task for the contestants of the UTV Stars' show, aimed at finding the face for the channel. After the participants completed the given task, Malaika was supposed to give her advice. But her comments did not go down too well with one contestant named Drishti. She later complained of not being treated well because of her weight.
Vishal's career plans