From best friend to bed fellow!
It’s not Britons alone who let their pets sleep with them, a host of pet lovers in Chandigarh are happy to share their bedrooms with pets too
Manpriya Singh

Room mate: Isha Jain with her gang of friends and Pogo

They could be all shaggy haired or spruced up to the tee, what they are never going to miss out on is the princely welcome each time on your arrival back home. The barking and wagging follows, never mind the early morning twitching and nocturnal wriggling. He’s been a man’s best friend for years now, and is on its way to being the bedfellow. More than half of Britons let their pet sleep on their bed, according to a new study, while almost three quarters share the bedroom at least.

“People love their pets and they obviously want maximum level of comfort for them. So, during summers, sleeping in the air conditioned bedrooms is a done thing,” shrugs Vineet Kapoor, MBA, Cardiff University and Panchkula resident. “If I’m sleeping in my bedroom, pet ought to be with me,” he’s talking of his two and a half year old St. Bernard called Goofy. He adds, “It’s a breed from Switzerland, moreover it’s tough for him in this weather.” Such is the love for pets that one in three people, of those in the sample study, admit they would rather share their bed with a pet than with their partner. “He’s my baby, he’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” chuckles Isha Jain, CA student, of her five-year-old black labrador Pogo. The rest of the questions about letting him into the room just fall out of context. She adds, “He sleeps with me only in my room. These days it’s too hot, so he has to be in the AC but even during winters, he’s in my room, that’s the way it is.”
Dog’s day out: Vineet Kapoor with Goofy
Dog’s day out: Vineet Kapoor with Goofy

Though the dogs rule, the cats come a close second in the study. Meanwhile going to bed each day, with a bottle of water, a book in the other hand, while the baby dog, tags along, is a routine thing. Does it ever jump onto the bed? “Oh yes, so many times. He doesn’t sleep all through the night by my side but I let him onto the bed, so many times. He also jumps onto the bed at the slightest provocation,” laughs Kanishka Batra, first year student, GCG. She is talking about her three-year-old restless Labrador. It’s a situation which might attract a strict no but doesn’t raise many eyebrows. A pampered pooch will have his way, never mind the fact that they take up too much space. Shrugs Eshaan Sahdev, first year B.Com student, “He sleeps with me only and on the same bed, of course. Earlier he wouldn’t get off the bed, now I don’t let him get off the bed.” His chocolate brown, two year old, Labrador, Turtle gives him a feeling of completeness. The research which interestingly coincides with a home furnishing retailer’s launch of the life size pet dummies that allows shoppers to test whether a mattress is big enough for them and their pet, might be debatable. There aren’t many that are ready to contest the findings.

Safe option

Taking your Brandy or Ginger to bed need not ring alarm bells. Dr APS Toor of Animal Kingdom says, “It is absolutely safe. If your dog jumps onto your bed or insists on sleeping at your feet, there is no harm whatsoever. Provided the animal is healthy and disease free and well groomed.” He adds, “Taking a well kept dog to bed is akin to taking a child to bed. A lot of people do that.” He has a story to share too. “We had this cross between Cocker Spaniel and Dachshund called Honey who used to sleep in the bed only.” It doesn’t end there. “He’d rather insist on sleeping in the guest room whenever we’d have people over.”

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Beyond the fantasy world
In Chandigarh, for his upcoming movie Freedom, director Vivek Agnihotri talks of the difference between an actor and a star
Jasmine Singh

From the tulip gardens of Amsterdam to the chic lifestyle of New York; romance, action and drama in Bollywood is maneuvering its way to the dark by lanes of the city and to the living room of a common man. Cinema has crossed many stages. Film director Vivek Agnihotri is one man who likes to take his subjects to this ‘other’ stage.

In city, to finalise the script for his upcoming movie Freedom, the director of Hate Story and Dana Dan Goal wants to make movies which are different, even if it means saying that they are dark. “I am clear on one thing that is my movies are for the contemporary generation, their struggle and their hopes and aspirations. I want to make movies they can relate to.”

Vivek’s up coming movie Freedom is based on the same trials and tribulations of the new generation. “It is a story of three boys and their idea of freedom. There is no dearth of good talent in our country, thanks to corruption at every level nothing concrete happens here. The story of my film deals with all this.” It is the query on the star cast for his movie that makes the director start the entire talk on the difference between a star and an actor.

“Stars don’t make for good characters in a movie. Now, I cannot make Shah Rukh Khan look like a villager in a movie. Audiences will not accept him like that. On the other hand, a director can mould an actor and make them do any kind of roles,” says Vivek, who got a lot of criticism for Hate Story. He is now ready with Budha In A Traffic Jam, a movie based on naxals. “As a filmmaker, my idea is to bring out a subject that people can relate to, even if it means making an erotic thriller. I don’t want to make fantasies or make believe world movies.” jasmine@tribunemail.com

A thought for legacy
The Furniture Gallery at the Government College, Sector 11, houses pictures and furniture from the Le Corbusier era, which are reflective of India’s heritage before and post-Independence
Ashima Batish
TOUCH OF HISTORY: JS Cheema & Sukjit Dhiman
TOUCH OF HISTORY: JS Cheema & Sukjit Dhiman Photo: Pradeep Tewari

On two adjacent walls are two photographs. The era when the pictures were clicked is almost the same. The time zones, however, are different. One is of the Government College, Lahore, and other has Le Corbusier enjoying a sunny morning in the Leisure Valley, Chandigarh. Both the frames make for the perfect setting of the Furniture Gallery at the library in the Government College, Sector11, along with a few other pictures and furniture from the Le Corbusier era, which are reflective of the heritage of India before and post-Independence. An idea, conceived and executed by the alumni of the college, Furniture Gallery is one perfect example of restoration of Le Corbusier’s work.

“We aren’t getting into the debate whether the furniture was designed by Corbusier or Pierre Jeanneret, what’s more important is preservation of our heritage,” says JS Cheema, president of the alumni association of the college. About the controversy of restoring the furniture, which many say shouldn’t not be done, he says, “It’s not possible in any other way. Take the example of United Kingdom - they have preserved their heritage buildings only through restoration.” The gallery stores an executive furniture set, which comprises a centre table, six chairs and two side tables. “During the restoration process, we were conscious of not tampering with the original design. We also used the basic material of that era. Thus in a way, the furniture bears the stamp of Le Corbusier.” If the source of inspiration is photographs of the furniture archived in various books, it’s also the auctions held by the Christies every now and then.

“We were caught napping while Christies was minting money at the auctions. A single chair fetched them close to 3,000 dollars,” informs Sukjit Singh Dhiman, secretary of the alumni and owner of D’mans, which took the onus of the restoration process. In favour of auctioning the heritage furniture, they say if agencies abroad can do that, ‘why not us - who own the property’? “It’s otherwise also lying in the stores. Why not take out the furniture, revamp it a bit and hand it over people, who value heritage? At least it will be taken care of this way.” The alumni association also credits the principal of the college, J S Raghu for sparing space for the gallery. “There couldn’t have been a better space than the library of the college for the cause,” adds Cheema.

He now hopes to gradually increase the area of the furniture gallery. Sukjit seconds him, “Furniture is made for practical use. Also, probably, this is the only way in which we can easily make the coming generations get a glimpse of our heritage.” Do not forget, the photographs hanging above will play a part as well!
ashima@tribunemail.com

If wishes were horses
Actor Hugh Jackman says his son doesn’t mind using his stardom to impress a girl...

Actor Hugh Jackman says his son is uncomfortable with his stardom. The X-Men star said 12-year-old Oscar wishes his father was not famous but the youngster occasionally uses Jackman’s stardom to his advantage, reported a website.

“My son is 12 and he just wants me to be dad. He doesn’t want me to be famous. He doesn’t like when people come up to me on the street. He would much prefer if nobody knew who I was. Although, I’ve seen him in social situations when he didn’t think I was listening, and he once said to a girl, ‘Well, my dad is Wolverine.’ So when it came to try to talk to this girl, apparently it came in handy!,” he said.

The 43-year-old said he is a family man and cherishes the everyday moments spent with his loved ones more than anything. “The things that I really cherish are the everyday moments, like sitting around, cooking pancakes together on a Sunday morning, or getting home after a tough day and my kids come up and give me a hug and remind me what’s really important.” — PTI

The Broadway return

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is planning to return to Broadway as Cleopatra in a new rock and roll musical. Zeta-Jones is developing a stage show about the ancient Egyptian queen with her Traffic director Steven Soderbergh, reported a website.

“I just finished a movie with Steven Soderbergh and we have an idea - actually it was for a movie - to play Cleopatra. It’s a rock and roll musical movie, but we think it would just be fantastic on Broadway,” she said. The 42-year-old won over critics and earned a Tony Award for her turn in 2009’s A Little Night Music, and she is currently showing off her vocal talents in the Hollywood adaptation of another Broadway show, Rock of Ages. — PTI

Shift and enter!
Big switch: Shraddha Kapoor
Big switch: Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor made her debut in Teen Patti which tanked. A year later she starred in Luv Ka The End under YRF films which also tanked. For a year, she got no films under the banner and decided to switch sides.

A source says, “Shraddha was under a three-film contract with YRF. She has been offered Aurangzeb with Arjun Kapoor only now, after waiting for a year. Simultaneously, she was offered Aashiqui 2 by the Bhatts with Aditya Roy Kapoor and signed the film without consulting YRF. The dates were clashing and she picked the Bhatt film. It is a given that Bhatt films are hits and Aashiqui 2 is a big project with guaranteed super hit music so Shraddha made a good move. Aurangzeb has two heroes and two heroines and Arjun has a double role. Aashiqui 2 will give Shraddha more scope. Her action towards signing Aashiqui annoyed the Chopras and they asked her to leave.” YRF’s spokesperson says, “Shraddha and YRF parted amicably. She was not considered for Aurangzeb.” Shraddha was unavailable for comment. —HRM

Under my umbrella
Rains are here again and there’s nothing better than watching a movie at home as you sip your hot drink. Actress Amrita Rao lists down her five favourite monsoon films…

Sound Of Music
Take five: Amrita Rao
Take five: Amrita Rao

There is a thunderstorm sequence with Julie Andrews and the kids where she’s telling them bed time stories. It’s one of the most memorable scenes from the movie.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

The entire sequence before the store song Mere khwabon me jo aaye and the rain dance just plays with you.

Shree 420

Raj Kapoor captured the mood of rain perfectly in his film and also the umbrella song Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua Hai. Also the act of sipping hot tea on a cold rainy day has been depicted perfectly in the movie.

Monsoon Wedding

I remember this film for its very realistic approach and that too almost 10 years ago.

Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke

As a child, this film was so appealing and till date I find each and every scene entertaining, not to forget the rain sequence of the song, Kaash Koi Ladka Mujhe Pyaar Karta.

Memoirs of a singer
Gospel singer BeBe Winans is writing a book about his legendary friend Whitney Houston

Winans, who performed at the I Will Always Love You hit maker’s funeral in February, will release his book The Whitney I Knew on July 31, with the tome including never-before seen photographs of the pop superstar, reported a website. Houston, who had a history of substance abuse problems, was found dead in the bath of her Beverly Hills hotel room in February and Winans has promised to use the book to reveal “heart-breaking accounts that led to her ultimate defeat”.

It was recently confirmed that Houston’s mother Cissy will release a book about her daughter next February. She has signed a multi-million dollar deal to write with “candor, honesty and respect” about her daughter.

“When I lost my daughter Nippy (the nickname Whitney’s family gave her), the world lost one of the most beautiful voices and an extraordinarily beautiful and charitable woman. In sharing our story in this book, I hope to give her fans something to treasure, the way we all treasured Whitney. We are still receiving thousands of letters each day from her fans, and I hope reading this book will provide a deeper understanding into my daughter’s true story,” said Cissy. —PTI

Blunt and beautiful

Sonam Kapoor has an interesting bouquet of films and she has established herself as a style icon. She is someone who calls a spade, a spade and her interviews are fun to read. Here are some of her fundas.

On contemporaries

Sonam thinks Sonakshi is commercial, Priyanka is talented, Katrina is intelligent, Kareena is beautiful, and Anushka is inspiring.

Fashion fundas

I live and breathe fashion. It is a way of life for me. It comes naturally to me. I don’t try to be somebody I am not. I genuinely enjoy fashion, make-up, and hairstyles, and there is nothing wrong in looking good. I read about people wanting to be fashionistas and pulling me down. I think you don’t have to pull anyone down to plop someone else on top.

Co-actors and all that

I don’t really have friends in the industry because I am shy. The actors have to come and talk to me as I give my shot and then go to a corner and am reading or on my phone. I still have my same old set of friends and we hang out, go for holidays and party together.

Struggle to success
Gurjit Singh, a 26-year-old, is happy making his failures the pillars to success
Vasudha Gupta
MOVING AHEAD: Gurjit Singh
MOVING AHEAD: Gurjit Singh

There is not an iota of doubt that the tinsel town can get anyone intimated. But there are very few who will muster the nerve to come back and go again and be even more certain about making a mark there. Such is the story of Gurjit Singh. At 26 years of age, when most youngsters are worried and uptight about earning huge salaries, this young lad has pulled up his socks and is ready to go back to Mumbai to pursue his dreams.

Talking about his highs and low, Gurjit, who is currently working in Kacch Diyaan Wangan, says, “The atmosphere in Mumbai is not very positive.” Despite having a rich experience in anchoring and hosting shows, when nothing really worked for Gurjit, he kept his spirits high and continued auditioning.

“My first experience with anchoring was in 2003-2004, for the sake of pocket money,” he shares. It was after his graduation, in non-medical, that he knew it was the entertainment industry he was made for. After his MA, in Indian Theatre and a diploma in Mass Communication, things changed. His wishes for entering Bollywood started seeing the light of the day when he got his first break — World Cup 2011. “It was under Ashok Mehta, the cinematographer, that I learnt a lot,” he says. Following this, he got the opportunity to work with Dipit Naval’s Do Anne Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish with Manisha Koirala. From anchoring to playing small character actors, Gurjit came face–to-face with negativity and returned.

“It was a tough time for me, but I continued to audition and got selected as a radio jockey,” he adds. Now, all dusted from the past and keeping his shoulders high, Gurjit will bring social issues in front. “The show, Dil Khol Ke Bol, will bring an expert from the society and a victim to elaborate on certain issues,” he shares. Three cheers to the spirit of strugling.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

the ‘in’ side
Space out
Sukhmani

How to create a summer garden…

The summer temperature can work havoc on your garden, but this does not mean that you cannot have a stunning garden in summer. On the contrary, you can create a beautiful summer garden by keeping a few things in mind.

Take a good look at the space where you wish to create your garden. Make note of the levels and also of spots that have shade and sunlight.

  • Choose a garden type. You can either go for an informal style or a formal garden laid out geometrically.
  • You must design your garden on paper before you start working on your garden. This will give you a fair idea of how things will end up looking and a bit of planning will save you from many hours of hard work.
  • Trim your garden before you start. This will give a neat look to your outdoor space.
  • n Prepare the soil before you start planting. Add manure and work it well into the soil.
  • Choose your plants wisely. Mix perennials and annuals so that something is blooming throughout the summer. Try using a lot of native plants in your design as they require less water and are less prone to insect infestation.
  • You can mix beauty with practicality by planting a few herbs and vegetables as well as flowers.
  • Arrange your shrubs in a tier position, starting with small ones to larger ones. This can create the effect of layers and gives height to your garden.
  • Plant some bright coloured flowers in containers so that they can be moved around easily.
  • Water your plants and lawn area regularly but remember not to overdo it as too much water can cause more problems than you can imagine.
  • Border your lawns with hedges to define your green area as well as to give it a neat look.
  • If water is an issue, you can add a rock garden with native plants to your existing garden as rock gardens are low maintenance.
  • To enjoy your garden you need to create a space to sit. Construct a gazebo or a pergola. You may even place garden benches in key positions to enjoy the scenery.
  • Add a water feature to your summer garden. A fountain or a waterfall works well. You may even build a small lotus pond with a few fish in it. Don’t forget to add a fancy bird bath to the garden.
  • No garden is complete without pathways or walkways. Choose winding pathways made of natural stone, sand and gravel.
  • Add garden accessories like statues, stone figures of animals and birds, stone mushrooms. To make your garden look unique.
  • And last, but not the least in any way, is the lighting. Add fancy lights in the shape of butterflies, birds and dragonflies to create a magical look.

Sukhmani is an interior and landscape designer

Sing-a-song

Wanna croon to the whole world out there? Here’s a piece of good news for youngsters above seven years of age. Awaz Hindustan Ki, a singing contest claims to search and bring out talent from the region. The contest is being held in association with M4U Entertainment and Salmon Entertainment.

Auditions for the singing contest are being held in various cities in the North including Chandigarh, Agra, Saharanpur and Lucknow etc. While the selected few will get a chance to take part in the pre-quarter final to be held later at Punjab Kala Bhawan, followed by the quarter finals in Noida and semi final in Agra in July. Jaspinder Narula and Monty Sharma will grace the grand finale. — TNS

Auditions on 19th June at Hotel Park View, Sector 24, Chandigarh

GET PHYSICAL
Know your body
Sachin Kalra

Here are a few FAQs about health answered.

What is water retention and what are the best ways to reduce it?

Water retention is a condition in which the body retains water, causing swelling and tenderness, especially on the extremities and around the abdomen. As a rule, you should seek medical help for water retention if it persists for over a week, or if you are extremely uncomfortable.

Here are some tips to reduce unnecessary water retention.

  • Reduce your sodium intake (to 1000-3500 mg per day).
  • Raise your calcium intake (to 1200-1350 mg per day).
  • Drink plenty of fluids(8-10 glasses of water per day).
  • Eat plenty of diuretic fruit and vegetables.
  • Lie down with your legs higher than your head when possible.
  • Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee and alcohol.

Do weight lifting workouts increase bone density, especially in case of osteoporosis?

Weight lifting workouts are a great way to increase bone density and strength. Maintaining good bone density is important at any age, especially after 50. Weightlifting exercises are considered impact-loading exercises. This means that you are required to support your own body weight, which causes a stress on the bone and that leads to maintenance or improvement of density.

Is working out at home really as beneficial as hitting the gym?

Yes, there are several options for strength training and cardio workouts that don't require a trip to the gym. If you have dumbbells, a resistance band, or an exercise stability ball, there are literally hundreds of exercises that you can do at home. With these

exercises you can increase your muscular strength and endurance.

Why does weight loss suddenly stop?

When a weight loss plateau usually occurs weight reduction stops completely or slows down to almost nothing. 

A plateau may occur because:

Your body simply wants rest to cope with your calorie-reduction.

Your calorie-intake is in balance with your calorie expenditure.

If your calorie-intake is too low, your body slows down your metabolism in order to conserve calories.

How can you overcome a weight loss plateau?

Raise your metabolism by increasing your activity level. This boosts your metabolic rate and you usually losing weight again. For example, if you exercise for 20 minutes each day, increase this to 25-30 minutes and weight loss should resume. Or try varying your workout routine. For example, if you do 20 minutes cardio and 30 minutes strength-training, switch them around. Going without food for long periods can also trigger a weight loss plateau. Try calorie cycling. Calorie cycling is the process of varying daily calorie intake, while maintaining the same weekly intake.

stress buster
Learn from mistakes
Renee Singh

“I made all the wrong choices in life and now my life is such a huge mess because of that,” this is a constant lament from lots of people. But then who doesn’t make mistakes? The smart thing of course is to learn from our mistakes and make our lives better.

We must learn to look at our mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow if we want to reduce the stress levels that are created due to the mistakes we have made over the years.

One of the best ways to reduce stress levels is to learn from your mistakes.

Many a time we do not address this issue very seriously and live through life just stressing and regretting a whole lot of our decisions. But then who says our lives cannot be changed for the better. Just give yourself the positive in juncture, “I must learn from my mistakes”. Take it from here and make a whole new life for your self.

When you are learning from your mistakes consider the following.

Reframe your mistakes

People generally learn more from mistakes than they learn from success. From each mistake you can learn a valuable lesson.

Be forgiving

Learn to forgive. Just changing your outlook on this can make it less threatening to recognise when you are responsible or partially responsible for things happening not the way you had planned.

You can change

Try to view a situation as a whole rather than thinking of who is responsible for whatever has happened. Survey the situation in terms of what you can change.

Look beyond

Look at the situation objectively and see how you can change it. Look at it in different ways.

See how things might have been if you had made different choices…

It is not necessary that they would have been any better than they are now.

Ask questions

Have a few trusted friends who give an impartial opinion of self and tell you the truth. Sometimes we require an objective observer to tell us all with love and tact and to help us learn from our mistakes.

Pat yourself on the back

You must congratulate yourself for whatever growth happened by dealing with each difficult situation.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

What’s happening!
Play on

Prajit Nayak written by Dhanjanyaya Bairagi and directed by Shyam Juneja is a two actor play, enacted by Juneja himself and Tamana Bhasin. 

The story is based on the lives of two people, Purush and Satree and the relationship they enjoy. 

The Purush is a political leader who has been defeated in elections. He gets elected in the re-counting but loses his love. Ultimately, he is a defeated soul.

Chandigarh Institute of Performing Arts (CIPA) will present this play at Tagore Theatre on June 18. —TNS

Tweetie pie

Priyanka Chopra
@priyankachopra

Miss my high school!! Was such fun!!! Damn!! I was too bad ass for my own good! Hehe! Was watching a high school movie..just remembered..

— No only watching a high school movie, Priyanka, we truly hope you soon stop dressing like one.

Neha Dhupia
@Neha_Dhupia

Had a wonderful time at #iifa. Mingled with old friends from the fraternity, made some new ones too. Its such a joy to meet everyone.

— Yes, we know that is the only place where you end up interacting with the Indian Film Fraternity.

Sonam Kapoor
@sonamakapoor

Guys I'm only doing raanjhana right now.. Not looking at doing anything else!

— We can’t expect much from you. Even one movie is too good to be true Sonam.

Manish Malhotra
@ManishMalhotra1

Today katrina and me going shopping to some of our favourite stores in London

— Please remember, movies do not float on just clothes and outfits. Look what happened to Aisha.

Preity Zinta
@realpreityzinta

Waking up with my 7 year old niece & indulging in pillow talk is both relaxing & entertaining ... Mmmm ! Simple pleasures of life :-) Ting !

— Now that the younger breed of heroines is doing all your work Priety, go on relax a bit more. There are no young mothers’ role the industry can offer you for now.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene
@MadhuriDixit1

Morning everyone! What's up with you? Rains coming soon here in Mumbai. Kids just finished school and are on summer break.

— From one mommy actor to another. Sigh! Yes, now, we want to know what you packed in tiffins.

(Complied by Vasudha Gupta)

Star track

Poetic touch: Shahid Kapoor The right rhyming

Shahid Kapoor plays a poet Javed in the 1910 section of Teri Meri Kahani. All the shayari was written by Kunal Kohli. In real life, however, Priyanka Chopra is a poet and writes about anything and everything. Shahid initially was apprehensive of taking up the role.

                                                                                                Poetic touch: Shahid Kapoor

Scripting a success story

Rowdy Rathore has grossed more than 100 crores so Akshay Kumar hosted a party to celebrate the success. It was attended by people associated with the movie and their family members.

Same old story

Sonakshi Sinha had no problems doing pelvic thrusts and having the camera focus on her waist in Rowdy Rathore but she refuses to wear a bikini to “keep family values alive” Phew! We are tired!

Around the world: Aishwarya Rai  Not without my baby...

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan enjoyed shopping for her baby Aaradhya in London and spared no expense. She is in London for a hotel opening. Her baby has already travelled to Dubai, Cannes, and now UK!

Around the world: Aishwarya Rai


Chatter box

Relax with Rakshanda
Rakshanda Khan
Unwinding well: Rakshanda Khan

Television actress Rakshanda Khan, last seen in Sony’s Adaalat and Colors’ Phulwa is very chilled out person. She loves to spend time with her loved ones and when free from work, she pursues some relaxing techniques. Read on.

Sleep

Considering our hectic shooting schedules, we actors don't get enough sleep. Whenever I have an off, I sleep for full eight hours or more. I feel it’s very important to have good and sound sleep. Sleep refreshes me.

Cup of hot coffee

Nothing beats a cuppa coffee. I enjoy mine seated in my balcony watching the goings on in the world. I try to have coffee in the evenings in my balcony as well.

Shopping

I feel this is my biggest weakness yet relaxing way as it makes me get stress free. I don't shop for usual stuff clothes or accessories but I shop for jewellry. I get attracted to every new design. I prefer gold mostly but I love diamonds too.

Dinner with friends

It’s very rare that I go out with my friends due to my shooting timings and other work. But whenever I get out with my friends, I really feel energetic. Chit-chatting with them about latest movie releases, shows and any gossip keeps me updated. It is fun and we all have a good time. Either we go out or we dine at house only as my mom cooks delicious biryani.

Watching television

This is can be everyone's time pass. I love watching television in my free time. I usually watch English comedy sitcoms like Friends. I have also seen some episodes of How I met Your Mother. They are both lovely concepts. — HRM
Vikrant Massey
reserved: Vikrant Massey

Hush hush affair!

Vikrant Massey of Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo is searching work and also thinking of getting engaged to his girlfriend of seven years. Very guarded about his personal life, Vikrant always refuses to divulge anything about his personal life.

A still from Afsar Bitiya Show with an impact

Recently Rakesh Paswan's show Afsar Bitiya won an award for creating social awareness. Rakesh is glad that his show has made an impact and claims he was sure of it. It is based on the real life experiences of his sister, who became a BDO in Jharkhand.

A still from Afsar Bitiya

that’s not done: Jayshree Soni (R) Troublemaker actor

Rumours are that Jayshree Soni who plays Niyati in Sahara One's Rishton Ki Bhanwar Mein Uljhe... Niyati will be replaced as she has had some issues with the team. The makers have been trying to get a replacement but none have fit the bill.

                           That’s not done: Jayshree Soni (R)

Happy to be lucky

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon on Star Plus had a celebration on the sets as the hit show completed one year. Post shooting, the unit cut a cake and later the party shifted to Barun Sobti’s (Arnav) house, where the whole cast including Sanaya Irani (Khushi), Abhaas Mehta, Daljeet Kaur Bhanot, Dipali Pansare had a fun time. Hope the soap keeps on doing well.

Team work: Barun Sobti & Sanaya Irani

Next in line

Jay Soni became a household name for the portrayal of his character Ishaan in Star Plus' Sasural Genda Phool.  Although the show went off air two months back, Jay Soni is all set to play another lead role.  While his co-star Ragini Khanna will be seen co-hosting Season 5 of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Colors TV, Jay has been roped in to play the main lead on the same channel's upcoming show.  Co-produced by Maverick Productions and Swapna Waghmare Joshi, the show will mark Jay’s return on the small-screen. When we contacted Jay Soni, he refused to comment and said, "At this point I cannot say anything". Well… shall we take that as a yes?

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Don’t lose hope whatever the situation might be. Keep in mind that situations change and lucky breaks can be just around the corner. Try to increase your knowledge in new areas. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Coffee. Magic number: 28

TAURUS: Take criticism constructively and accept praise graciously. Make the most of this day because there is plenty of work in store for tomorrow. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 61

GEMINI: Your chivalrous behavior and sentiments strike the right note you’re your lovers. Pack up your all cares and woes and have a good time. Influential people can be contacted without too much trouble. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Golden Brown. Magic number: 33

CANCER: Browse the newspaper and on-line websites for that dream job because you just may find exactly what you have been hoping for. Arguments at home are likely to erupt. Tarot message: Learn from your past experience and resist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 28

LEO: If you have been feeling house bound arrange an outing with your partner. Refuse any new assignments. Loved ones are unlikely to make special demand upon you. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65

VIRGO: Be careful while signing any agreement. Family members may require your assistance. Not a day to start a new relationship. The day will end on a fairly optimistic note. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27

LIBRA: If something is already on your calendar, postpone it for a later date. You will be feeling competent to deal with work that requires creativity. Employment activities are lucrative. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 39

SCORPIO: You are in cheerful mood today. Decisions may involve a journey overseas, committing to a formal course of education or joining a religious community. Older people should take care of their health. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 25

SAGITTARIUS: Think about the cost to the family budget next time you spend on entertainment or luxury items. You can plan a profitable business trip. Those interested in modelling will get a suitable break. Tarot message: Lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 44

CAPRICORN: Household expenses seem to be pretty well covered now. But pleasurable indulgence might be eating into domestic expenses. Youngsters will lead a hectic social life. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55

AQUARIUS: Investments such as property may be possible. A detailed accounting process lets you know what you can afford in the present situation.You may neglect your health due to busy schedule. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 64

PISCES: Make the day a really enjoyable one and forget about your work. Some of you may lose interest in career ambitions. Students interested in competitive sports may be selected for their school team. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 46

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 18...

Your birthday on the 18th day of June suggests that you are the one who can work well with a group, but still remain someone who needs to maintain individual identity. The number nine people have completed the karmic circle and come off as people with loads of knowledge and experience. You are compassionate, tolerant, benevolent, charming and idealistic. The number nine denotes mastery over all the challenges faced by the numbers preceding it. Put your extra money in a safe place that will promise you returns in times to come. You will also make important contacts through friends. Your beloved will do things to keep you happy. You will be in the spotlight- and success is well within your reach. Correspondence needs to be handled with care. Your biggest asset is your sense of humour try to use it to cure your illness. Financial problems can ruin your ability to think constructively. Some people will promise more than they can deliver. Forget about such people who just talk and give no results. Be alert as chances of losing friendship are high on your cards today. Others might demand too much of your time. Before you make any commitment towards them make sure that your work is not affected and also they are not taking advantage of your kindness and generosity.You'll be extremely inspirational, which will help you overcome any doubts and incertitude about a task for which you are responsible. They can work calmly and will earn well. Do not waste your time trying to warn others, when few people are willing to listen. If the group looks like it is moving in a wrong direction do not be afraid to pull away withdraw from the crowd.

Cooperation is poor but you show good accomplishments despite them. Progress will continue in ongoing negotiations about a new venture or job. Mood: Stable. Compatible signs: Leo, Capricorn. Lucky colours: Intense black, Dark grey. Lucky days: Monday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 18, 21, 32. Lucky gem: Tourmaline - The Rainbow Gemstone. Lucky flower: Buttercup.

Daniel Futterman (June 18, 1967, Silver Spring, Maryland) is an American Academy Award-nominated actor and screenwriter. Although he is known for several high-profile acting roles, including Val Goldman in the film The Birdcage and Vincent Gray on the CBS television series. He is also a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplay for the film Capote for which he received an Academy Award nomination and an Independent Spirit Award, Boston Society of Film Critics award, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association award.





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