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success mantra Mona
Love for the olive green is what General (retd) JJ Singh inherited in his genes. This third-generation soldier, General JJ not only became the Army Chief, but also got the honorary title of ‘Colonel of the regiment’, an honour which he considers far more valuable than the medals that he has earned. Presently the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, General JJ has a way with words. Well-versed in French and Arabic, apart from Hindi, English and Punjabi, he has come out with his autobiography, A Soldier's General recently. A firm believer in leading a well-rounded life, he credits his success to a supporting family; wife Anupama Kaur and children — Vivek Pal Singh and Urvashi Kaur. “Life has been kind to us,” says the General, who is also proud of his two foster sons. Having settled them in life, he is ready to shoulder responsibility of more children and also set up a charity in the name of his late mother. A proud Indian first, and also a proud Sikh as well as Maratha (he served in the Maratha Light Infantry for 45 years), General JJ shares the secrets to success: Fight to win One should be a warrior for the just cause. The fight is not against others, but challenges that life presents. With firm resolve — when the cause is just and the path righteous — nobody can stop you from being a winner. No shortcuts in life Hardwork is the key, but aimless toil doesn’t pay either. Clear-cut aim and single-minded approach takes you places. The focus should be clear. ‘I want to be a golfer’ is vague; have a set priority for a particular time-frame. ‘I have to crack this entrance’ is better and move on to next target! Think, be original Chart your own course. Playing safe produces average results. Introduce an element of surprise in whatever you choose to do. One does expose oneself to criticism by following a new path but from my experience, it certainly gives an edge over others who follow the beaten track. Work over words It’s work not words that finally matter. Your work should speak for you. The voice of work done and results achieved has an ever-resonating echo. Also, don’t be a victim of zero error syndrome; no war or event goes flawless; just do not lose your cool. Well chosen team One must have a team that you may call your think-tank, but ‘yes men’ have to be kept away. Honest feedback might upset you at that moment but goes a long way in winning a war. Keep 20 per cent of the key work with you; let others do the rest of 80 per cent, in their own way. But, yes, monitoring is as important as delegating work. Loyalty works both ways. Be loyal to your team, your superiors, workmates and also your juniors. Lead a full life Work is worship, but it’s as important to enjoy the little pleasures that life offers. Spending quality time with your family as well as indulging in hobbies boosts the quality of life. Duty, honour and courage are Maratha’s motto, which I have kept and I advise to the younger lot to keep as well. And, yes — work hard, play harder! mona@tribunemail.com
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Minimum for maximum impact!
Sporting fewer clothes and making a bold fashion statement only happens in summer. And with the scorching sun and the maddening heat, you need to dress up just the minimal. Let the conservative clubs say whatever, those who want to look every bit fashionable give two hoots and stick to clothes that keep them cool.
Spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, ganjis, tank-tops bottomed up with really short shorts or skirts look the trendiest in summer. And those floral one-piece-dresses in the right colour palette make the wearer a winner in the fashion circuit. Here is how young girls like to cut down on the fabric and look chic.
Being different is in
sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
Comfort counts
Rubia Chauhan who has just finished her graduation feels that one should stick to whatever one is comfortable in. Says Rubia, “I love to wear shorts, skirts, floral dresses and net in this hot weather. That helps my skin breathe.” What about her feet? “Ballerinas, as they don’t expose my skin and save it from tanning,” adds Rubia. Accessorising the look well, she feels, is extremely important. Says Rubia, “A smart pair of sunglasses and a hat is what adds style to the looks in summer. And I don’t ever forget to put my sun-screen lotion.” The bright and bold look is in for the girl.
Summer proof shots
Neihal Dogra who has just completed her law from PU says that she enjoys wearing clothes that don’t make her feel sweaty. “I stick to really short shorts with loose t-shirts or the popular boyfriend shirts,” quips Neihal. And what about the footwear? “Definitely flip-flops, which could be in any colour and style,” says Neihal. Her best bet while stepping out for an evening with friends are short and cute cotton dresses. “Synthetic fabrics are a big no.” adds Neihal. She ups her style quotient with her short hair-cut and do we need to mention that sunglasses are her best friend? Neihal Dogra flaunts her colourful and short jumpsuit Photo: Pradeep Tewari Too hot, but well handled!
She likes to wear plastic sandals and Kolhapuri chappals. “Loose hair gives a very shabby look in summer. I always carry my pins, hair bands and clutchers with me to tie mine. Only on formal occasions, I prefer leaving them open,” adds
Shriya. Shriya sits in elegance wearing her one-piece short floral dress
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COP-ing up well
Right place, right time - this is probably one of the few success mantras people go by. As for people from the entertainment industry, they swear by it! So, an actor who has been a part of the filmville, suddenly finds himself at the right place and right time. This is Chedi Singh of Dabangg, Sonu Sood — right here, right now. Accompanying him is the sultry actress Neha Dhupia and together they tour Chandigarh for the promotion of their upcoming film Maximum.
Sonu Sood from Moga has been striking the silver screen for a long time now. The oldest we remember him is from Aashiq Banaya Apney. Then of course we saw more of him — a cop trying to pin down conman Amitabh Bachchan in Budhha Hoga Tera Baap, and now another specialist cop in Maximum. "I have played a cop who fights, punches and knocks out criminals before also, but in Maximum the cops have a totally different shade. He is real, serious, doesn't indulge in much talk, but delivers," says Sonu who believes destiny is finally looking up. Before we roll on, it is the title of the movie Maximum that is a difficult to crack. "Maximum stands for Mumbai, a city with maximum population, maximum dreams, maximum hopes; everything about it is maximum," says the actor who hasn't mastered the art of self-boasting yet! And then we hear a fellow scribe drop the name Nasserudin Shah. "He is an institution, it is always a learning experience with him around." Intimidated? "This is the best part about the camera; once an actor is in front of it, all fears are washed out," adds Sonu, who will be playing Dawood Ibrahim in the upcoming movie Shoot Out At Wadala. It is not the length of the role that matters, for Neha Dhupia, who plays Sonu Sood's wife Supriya, it is the impression that she leaves on the audience. "This is a movie about cops, which has drama, action and thrill. I am providing the emotional quotient. I never thought of my role as small or big, I always look out for performance and my role in Maximum is all about that," says Neha. How can we not ask about the item song Annte…, the actress would have loved to shake a leg on this! "This song was introduced only two months back; I have been a part of the movie for a long time now. If it is a choice between the leading lady and actress, I would go with the leading lady any day." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Music is me
Jasmine Singh
If he has known anything in life, it is music. Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit lives everyday to create music and only music. He shot to fame with his first album in 2005, Chor Ankhiya. His latest release in 2011, Yaar Naginey, is making waves in the overseas market. Every conversation with him ends with only music, but once he gets talking we know there is more to this singer. We explore. If not a singer I liked the teaching profession, so had I not been a singer, I wouldhave been a lecturer. I like to share information with people. Training is important Like acting, singing is also an inborn talent. All the same, I don’t deny the importance of training in music. It adds up to the existing skills, it only refines your knowledge about singing. Sing along I am a huge fan of Hans Raj Hans and would love to sing with him one day. I don’t see many collaborations happening these days, but I want to come out with a good one. Live it loud I have performed at various places, but I like giving performances at universities and colleges. Performing in front of the students is a great experience. Piracy, right and wrong Piracy is spoiling the business in the music industry. Free downloads only bring in losses. On hindsight, music on the Internet only gives more popularity. On my i-Pod Amrinder Gill’s new song Ki Samajhia…he is a Punjabi singer who can churn out something different and entertaining. I can’t relate to Almost 90 per cent of the songs being released these days; they don’t make any sense. Video calling I like to keep my videos neat and mostly get them shot abroad. This gives a hi-end appeal to them.
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Don’t go overboard
Parvesh Rana
Kartik Sharma, Mohali I think you should stop trying too hard. You don’t have to be worried about this. Talk to people and be open about yourself. Don’t pretend too much, don’t go overboard, just be yourself. Join some library or any movie watching group of like minded people. I am sure you can find many friends there. I am an 18 year old girl staying with my maternal aunt. I feel suffocated at times, I want to attend parties and be out with my friends, but I am not allowed. I can’t say anything to my parents because they trust her a lot. What should I do? Samiksha Dheer, Zirakpur If you parents trust your aunt you should do that as well. If she doesn’t let you go out to late night parties, it is not a big deal. You should study and focus on your career. If you still feel, talk to her and see if she agrees. (Rana is a Bollywood actor)
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Doc Talk Sitting posture plays an important factor in both your health and performance at the workplace. Why? If you consider the fact that you spend probably half your life sitting at your desk and PC, how you sit has a huge impact on your muscles, digestive system, circulation, breathing and even your bones. Work on your posture The problems most commonly seen in persons having prolonged sitting hours include low back pain, neck pain, wrist pain, knee and ankle stiffness or eye strain. These work related medical problems have monetary implications in terms of loss of working hours, employee illness, productivity. Sit poorly and your posture will change in a relatively short space of time as muscle imbalances develop. But to the rescue are the ergonomic techniques. Modify your work station Ergonomic techniques are very important to ease the stress and work with maximum alertness. When you spend maximum amount of time in front of your desk, you should be aware of how the arrangement and design of your equipment can impact your health, comfort and overall productivity. Personalising your environment so that it is comfortable for your work situation promotes a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. Some simple workstation modifications, posture awareness, and chair consciousness can prevent problems “No day in your working life will be so bad if you follow the right ergonomic techniques.” l Begin your work with correct chair height. To arrange the chair in an ergonomic position, just stand in front of the chair and adjust the chair height to your knee length. l Adjust the chair’s backrest in order to support your lower back. Then tighten the chair’s backrest, so that it does not give away with your body weight. l Throughout the working day, re-adjust the chair to your various body postures. Don’t stay in a single static position for long hours. Alternate your posture between sitting and standing positions when you are performing daily tasks. l Take small breaks and walk for few minutes. l Do you spend most of your work time in typing? Using the keyboard and placing it can greatly affect the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. l Desk exercises offer relief to computer users from pain, stiffness and posture problems. Computer work at office involves maintaining same posture for long periods resulting in muscle stiffness and tension. l Practice simple stretching exercises which can be performed at the desk. Stretching exercises improves flexibility and decreases the risk of injury, physical stress and improves performance. l Improper lighting can cause visual discomforts like burning eyes, eye strain, itching, and blurred vision. So, adjust the lights to reduce the glare and also position your monitor at an angle to reduce the reflection. l Working at the desk can cause discomfort on your upper extremities and on your eyes. So, to avoid these discomforts, you need to learn some work habits. l Take frequent breaks for every 20-40 minutes, get up and walk around for 2-3 minutes. l Don’t stay in one static position for longer hours, change the posture periodically. l Provide your eyes with vision breaks for every hour. l Stretch your neck, back, and hands every hour. (Dr Batth is a Chandigarh-based orthopaedician)
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Master Chef The humble banana is a powerhouse of energy, brimming with vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Rich in iron and potassium, bananas help to regulate blood pressure, build bone strength, ease constipation and assist in weight loss. Easy to digest, it lends itself easily to fruit chaat, desserts and fruit salads. When you are tired of the common chocolate cake or the plain vanilla sort, try your hand at a banana cake to accompany your cuppa! Beautifully moist and springy, it tastes heavenly with tea or coffee, or on its own. Walnuts and cinnamon, though they are optional additions dramatically improve the cake's flavours. Did you know that banana peel rubbed over leather shoes and bags add a great gleam to them? They are also naturally soothing if you rub them onto an insect or mosquito bite. You have also had a lesson in the use of kitchen-waste !
(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh based culinary expert)
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Keep it natural
Ritu Kolentine
Before one starts applying any make-up is that the face should first be thoroughly cleansed, toned, moisturised followed by cold compression as this ensures a smooth look. Foundation/Base Tinned foundations can be used in different colours to reflect the shaded and highlighted areas. l Foundation must be applied over the face, neck, eyes, ears and even on the lips to reflect an even look. l Acne spots and pigmentation can be concealed with foundation. The foundation should be applied sparingly and evenly. It should be applied in an outward circular movement over the entire facial area. Excess foundation, if it accumulates in the furrows of wrinkles, should be removed. l Dark circles and spots can be covered completely with the help of a skillful use of erase foundation. A lighter shade of foundation should be applied in a thin coat. Let it dry for a few minutes and then once again apply the foundation of the skin colour on the entire face to give a smooth and even look. . l Set concealer and foundation with sheer finish loose powder to make them longer lasting. Eye makeup l Pre-base is must in summer l Pastel shades are preferred at daytime and others like nude or smokey can be tried in the evening. l Shimmer should be avoided Lips l Apply base before lipstick, for long lasting lipstick. l Natural matte colour is a better choice for summers. l Press tissue paper on lips lightly, as it will take excess lipstick and will prevent bleeding. (Kolentine is a Chandigarh-based beauty expert)
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EYE to EYE Here’s a quick check on the latest eyewear available in the market Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra It’s high time that you consider this season’s most stylish eyewear and we suggest let your eyes shine bright with brands like Gucci, Dior, Cavalli, Vogue, Versace, Chopard, Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Club. As for the trends, sunny hues and catty frames are in. For men, it is the aviator style glasses, retro, squared framed sunglasses, coloured lens and wooden frame, while women should look for cat eye, round frames, coloured frames, 70’s squared lens sunglasses and the hit animal prints brought to life by ace designer Roberto Cavalli.
“Classics such as black and tortoise-shell will always be in style, but with cat eyes and retro shapes for this season it is a surge of colour,” says Ranpreet from Weldon-17. While pink is one of the most dominant colours of the season, universally Roberto Cavalli has infused patterns from its runway collections into designs of sunglasses to pastels from Dolce & Gabbana and Prada! “Colours like green, leopard prints and orange are selling well in hi-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Chopard,” he adds.
Style check Shape-wise, retro-influenced styles dominate the Spring/Summer 2012 trends for sunglasses. The cat’s eye shape is refusing to go away, so is the colourful 1950s-style shades in a splash of colour. “Another vintage favourite is the circular frame. The perfectly spherical style has been embraced by designer labels, including Louis Vuitton,” says Kishore Tewari, manager, Optique at DLF City Centre in IT Park. Well, not to mention celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles and Lady Gaga who have been supporting this style! Here you can pick brands like Prada, Dior, Gucci, Boss, Armani and more. “Square shapes are also a hit for this season. Meanwhile, one style that comes back season after season is the Aviator and it flatters the top heaviness of a heart-shaped face,” he adds. Though eyewear is still considered as a fashion accessory, employee of Gee Ess opticians in Sector 35 says, “Quality lenses that are available in hi-end brands offer protection from ultra-violet rays; though they come with a cost it sure makes the eye less prone to the UV rays damage.” “Oval faces should try rectangular or square frames, as they will make their faces look too round. People with sharp jaw-lines can flaunt roundish frames and chubby faces look good in glasses with geometrical or sharp cuts.”
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Will never rebel against my parents: Justin Bieber
Teen pop star Justin Bieber says he will never rebel against his parents but is happy that he is now mature enough to take his own decisions. The 18-year-old Boyfriend hit maker says he still listens to exactly what his parents tell him but knows that he is not obliged to obey them, reported a website. “I am a man now. I’ve become more mature and a whole lot more grown up. I am an adult now and that gives me more freedom. I don’t have to listen to what my parents tell me anymore. But I still obey my parents,” Bieber said. “But I don’t have to. I could shock them, too. If I really wanted to do something that they would not agree with, then I could do that now. Somehow that’s reassuring,” he added. The singer also said that he is learning to deal with his millions of fans all over the world. “It’s crazy that fans start crying when they hear a song like Believe. But at the same time, I’ve written the song for them to react emotionally. Do I sometimes fear the fans? There are situations that are overwhelming. But you get used to it and usually I know what to do,” he said. —PTI
The forbidden fruit
Pop star Katy Perry feared she would be “strip-searched” by her parents if she was spotted carrying any rock music as a youngster. The 27-year-old worried her minister mother and father would find out that she had been listening to heavy music which they prohibited, reported a website. “I wasn’t really allowed to listen to anything besides gospel music, so I’d sneak in different CDs. The first time I bought a record was by Incubus. I brought it home in my knapsack and I had things on top of it so my parents didn’t strip-search me.
“I went into my closet, put a blanket by the door crack and tried to pop open the CD. It broke in two like the Ten Commandments and I was like, ‘I will never do that again’,” she said. While Perry had a strict upbringing from her parents, she says her father used to be a “hippie” during his younger years. “My dad was a hippie who went to Woodstock and my aunt was a topless showgirl before she found the Lord and became a preacher as well,” Perry added.
—PTI
Happy go lucky
Huma Qureshi, who has made her acting debut with the recently released mafia drama Gangs of Wasseypur, says she gets due attention in the film despite there being a bevy of characters. The actress says she was initially apprehensive about going unnoticed in the Anurag Kashyap film as it also stars the likes of Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Reemma Sen, Richa Chadda, among others.
“I was apprehensive about taking on the role in such a big multi starrer film with a bunch of good actors. There was this feeling that I would go unnoticed. But the credit goes to Anurag. He gave me the confidence. He knows what he is doing. Despite a dozen characters sharing screen space, none of them is forgetful. Each one of them connects with the audience in a beautiful way. Each character has a story to tell, a significant role and does not overcrowd the film,” Huma said. Born and brought up in Delhi, Huma comes from a completely non-film background. But that did not stop her from following her acting dreams. While shooting for a mobile phone advertisement with Aamir Khan, she bagged her dream debut. “I had done an ad for a mobile company with Aamir Khan which was directed by Anurag. During the ad shoot itself, Anurag told me that he will cast me in one of his films. At that point, I didn’t really take him seriously but was happy when he actually kept his word and called me to be a part of Gangs of Wasseypur. I never auditioned for the part,” she said. The actress also said that the director did not give her the script beforehand as he didn’t want her to superficially act out the scene. “I was one of the many actors who was not allowed to read the script of the film because Anurag wanted all of us to be as natural as possible. Some of the scenes in the film would have been completely ruined had they been acted out of a script,” she added. Huma’s character Mohsina is introduced towards the end of the first part of the film. The actress says her character fleshes out in the second part along with her love interest played by Nawazuddin. Gangs of Wasseypur was screened in the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival this year and the actress says the international exposure has helped the film. —PTI
I wasn’t athletic in school: Kate Beckinsale
Serendipity star Kate Beckinsale says she was not the sporty type in school. The 38-year-old actress said that she was not one of the pupils who would get selected first when it came to choosing teams in physical education, reported a website. “I wasn’t particularly athletic. No one ever thought, ‘I must have Kate on my team’,” she said.
Beckinsale also said that though she is known for playing tough roles on the big screen, she is just the opposite in real life. “It’s slightly strange being predominantly known for something that’s not necessarily my sensibility,” she added. —PTI Lagging behind: Kate Beckinsale
Over to next
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who won accolades for portraying the character of a sperm donor in Vicky Donor, says he is all excited to work again in director Shoojit Sircar’s Hamaara Bajaj. He made his debut with Sircar’s film and said he shares a comfort zone with the filmmaker.
“He is my favourite director with whom I share a comfort level. I liked the way he etched out the role in Vicky Donor. In my next outing Hamara Bajaj with him, I would be playing the role of a young man,” he said. Ayushmann rose to fame with a reality show and became a TV presenter. The actor, who has donated sperms in real life too, said the social scenario is changing after Vicky Donor. “My experience as a sperm donor in real life had certainly contributed in preparing myself for this role, as I could identify with the character. Me as a sperm donor earlier did not get that much money as shown in Vicky’s character. But again things are changing, I have heard that a couple in Chennai was willing to shell out Rs 50,000 for a child,” he said. His next release remains awaited. —PTI
Beyonce dines with Kim
R&B star Beyonce Knowles and Kim Kardashian reportedly went on a dinner date arranged by Kardashian’s boyfriend Kanye West. The 30-year-old singer and the 31-year-old reality star accompanied West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne concert in Birmingham, England, reported a website. “The girls have never really seen eye-to-eye. It’s a shame because Jay-Z and Kanye are so close. Beyonce has always viewed Kim as a reality TV star who’s not earned her fortune with a specific talent.”
“Kanye arranged a dinner in the hotel suite for the girls to clear the air. He’s hoping now that they’re pals, it will lead to further get-togethers away from the tour. Beyonce has now welcomed Kim into the clan,” a source said. —PTI
50 pounds in five months!
New mother Jessica Simpson says her mission is to reduce 50 pounds, and get down to 130 pounds before year-end. The 31-year-old singer-designer was seen arriving at a gym to embark on her weight loss regime. She was also photographed while going for her morning workout, reported a publication online.
Simpson gave birth to her first child Maxwell Drew with fiancé Eric Johnson on May 1. She is on a strict timeline to lose weight as she has signed a USD 4 million deal to endorse Weight Watchers, a company that offers dieting products and services to assist weight loss and maintenance. She is also reportedly on a strict diet.
—PTI
Silver screen and beyond
His maiden production Vicky Donor gained a lot of critical and commercial acclaim and actor-turned-producer John Abraham says he wants to continue making films that have an indelible impression on the audience. The 39-year-old actor, who made the film with a new star cast and a budget of Rs seven crore, ended up earning close to 40 crores just from the Indian box office and John says he is loving his stint as a producer. “I just think that my sense of comfort as a producer is coming along and it has been a natural progression from being an actor to a producer.
I want to create the kind of cinema that lives beyond my life and Vicky Donor has been a positive step in that direction. Now I am not going to lose steam from this point on. I have no shame in going to any extent to ensure that a good film is made. More so because I am strictly going as per my belief and faith,” John said. There are quite a few films in the pipeline like I, Me Aur Main, Kaala Ghoda, Hamaara Bajaj and Jaffna, which the actor will partially or entirely produce in the months to come. “There are good plans to make different films. They would belong to different genres and subjects with either fresh or established cast. The budgets could range from Rs 5 crore to Rs 25 crore but the idea is to spend as much as is required to make a project viable,” John said. The actor will be next seen in two action films Race 2 and Shoot Out at Wadala. While the former will see him do some cool dare devil action for Abbas-Mustan, in the latter he will get into a period setting and play a dreaded don.
“It is quite an intense outing for Shoot Out At Wadala. I try to work with good people,” he said. —PTI
Philosophy and films
If one is inspired by a movie, its rights should be bought to make one’s own version, actor Ajay Devgn suggests, adding this is akin to paying a tribute to that work. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Gol Maal inspires his forthcoming film Bol Bachchan, which he has co-produced. “A lot of people told us that we didn’t need to buy the rights. But ideally, if a film inspires you, you need to buy the rights. It is just ethical. It is like giving a tribute,” Ajay said.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, Bol Bachchan is an action comedy. While Amol Palekar, Bindiya Goswami and Utpal Dutt featured in the 1979 hit film, the modern version will see Ajay along with Abhishek Bachchan and Asin Thottumkal tickling the funny bone of the audiences. Ajay plays landlord Prithviraj Raghuvanshi who loves to talk in English but does not know the language. His lack of knowledge adds to the comic flavour in the film. “My character is of a wrestler. He is practically what you call a ‘zamindaar’ of the town. He loves to speak in English and likes to believe that he knows English really well. But he doesn’t speak it well. People are scared of him, so no one tells him that,” he added. Talking about box-office performance of Bol Bachchan, Ajay said that he is confident that people will like it. “I think Bol Bachchan has shaped up well and whatever the audience wants, they will get to see in the film. I think it’s a complete entertainer. The movie will make you laugh, plus the action is also good. People will like it,” he said. He is pretty confident of the film. —IANS
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Picture perfect
Manish Ranjan’s designing is indeed akin to breathing. He is working on his new collection The Ragas to be launched in August mid week this year. He is all geared up to dress up Sayali Bhagat for a photo shoot showcasing his collection Raga Tilang. Manish has designed not only for Ad commercials but TV serials like Kumkum, Amber Dhara and promos of Star Screen and Parivaar Awards as well. He will now enter Bollywood with two upcoming films Go Goa Gone and Cigarette Ki Tarah. Manish excitedly speaks about his new collection, “It comprises of evening flattery gowns which personifies the Raga Tilang with the undertone of mellow, semi romantic and pleasing mood with a hint of yearning.” He designs to create a perfect ensemble that will make the woman who wears it feel confident. Talking about how Manish came up with Ragas he mentions that he truly traced back the time to rediscover the heritage that we lost to commercialism. Specialised in blending clean silhouettes with traditional fabrics and contemporary international trends reflecting in his label of Fusion Collections called Dhobi Ghat The photo shoot appears to be a promising one.
Close connection
Famous for her character Komolika, actress Urvashi Dholakia says being a single parent isn’t easy. She says, “Being a single parent is not easy, but if the people who you work with treat you as family then nothing seems difficult or impossible.
And that's exactly what I have got from this industry.” Urvashi was married at age 16, had twin sons at age 17, and was divorced one-and-a-half years later. When quizzed if she would like to marry again, she answers, “Marriage! Let the heavens decide (laughs).” The actress adds that if she ever decides to take the plunge again she will definitely seek her sons’ approval.
“My two sons are my support system and are aware of everything that takes place in my life. As far as taking the plunge goes and their reaction to it, one thing's certain that no decision of mine would come as a surprise to them which categorically means that their approval and acceptance is my priority,” she adds.
Parakh loves to experiment
The beautiful actor Parakh Madan is all set to storm television screen with her show Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi – Niyati. The Punjabi kudi portrays the character of Sanjog on Sahara One’s family show produced by Dheeraj Kumar. The charming Parakh Madan who was earlier seen in Monica Mogre’s Case Files… has got a good role in Niyati. She is a trained and accomplished Kathak dancer who loves music from all parts of the world. Here is the vivacious actor in conversation with Life+Style.
How has your journey been in the serials so far? It has been great. ‘Monica Mogre’s…was my benchmark and I have continued doing good roles with shows like Saathi Re, Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum and Bade Achche Lagte Hain. I do a show or two every year and that is pretty good going. Tell us about character Sanjog? She is an NRI girl and daughter of a business tycoon. She lives her life to the fullest and truly believes in love at first sight. What excited you about this role? Though I have played different characters in the past, this by far is the most challenging one. Sanjog is as real as possible and I am enjoying essaying her role. What are your expectations from this show? I have a lot of expectations. I will put in my 100 per cent for this show. And I know that it will require a lot of hard work. Do you think your character will go down well with the viewers? I think viewers will like my character for sure. Also, I love to experiment with different characters. So, is the character of Sanjog close to you? Frankly, you have to give a part of your personality to every character you play. There has to be an element of truth in it. How has Dev D changed your life? No doubt it has been a turning point of my career. It is amazing to be a part of a successful film like Dev D. Your favourite actor in Bollywood? Hrithik Roshan is my favourite. I like him for his looks and outstanding acting skills. — Dharam Pal
An end for a new beginning
She returned to TV with Ekta’s Bade Achche Laggte Hain as the villainous step mother of the protagonist Ram Kapoor. Eva who has been a popular face on television made an impact with this controlled scheming woman’s role. Here she talks about quitting the show and more.
Why did you quit the show? I quit as I didn’t want to play an older character. As it is I was playing a mother to Ram Kapoor but as it was the role of a step mother it was fine. But I didn’t want to do a grandmother’s role. I wasn’t comfortable. I was extremely confused about the leap and I thought to end the character when it was at its peak. As of now her character Niharika has died in the show. Has this role helped your career? Absolutely. Niharika has been a smashing role to return with. I was not seen on TV for a while and this character was more than what I had expected. The glamour element was fabulous. I didn’t want changes in this character. I am glad I got to work with a brilliant producer, do a great show and character. What did you do to appear really glamorous in this role? I have lost weight recently and I am thankful for the love of my fans who loved me in sarees and suits. What is next on the cards? I plan to lose more weight and then go for a fabulous photo shoot. It should be in mid July. I hope to pick up something interesting soon. Will
television be your sole focus? There is nothing you should focus on, as you can’t keep doing one thing forever. Whatever interesting comes my way, I would like to pick up. How tough is it to manage home and work? Working on TV is hectic and being a single mother I ensure my daughter gets my full attention. I have my hands full but I try to strike a fair balance. — HRM
Not all is bad
Ashwini Kalsekar has entered Zee TV’s Afsar Bitiya as a character of Phoolan Devi. The character has shades of grey, is bad to the bone but at the same time will be tailor made for entertainment. Ashwini plays the role of Sikka Thakuraine who is around 40 years old and is carrying forward her husband’s legacy of being involved in all sorts of illegal activities. She is named so because instead of a Bindi she wears a sikka (coin) on her forehead. Ashwini after accepting this offer said, “This is not the first time I am playing a negative character but definitely the first time where I will be playing a tough yet comical Don. I am essaying the role of a quintessential village goon.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Recharge your physical and spiritual energies. Today romance is on the cards. Get yourself movie tickets to keep yourself occupied, in case there is nothing else to do. TAURUS: Do not be rash or impulsive. Postpone work that requires concentration. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today. Go for a walk around a local nature spot. GEMINI: A neighbour may gossip but lend an ear and hear something interesting that might turn out to be valuable information. You may be destined for better things than you can imagine. CANCER: A restless night’s sleep can result in irritability. A love affair could lead to strange situations that put you at a distance from your partner. Anxiety might be at an all time high and one of you might react strongly. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. Health problems should be addressed and solutions are likely to emerge. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Black. VIRGO: Romance is your forte this morning. Everybody will love you and all your petty grievances will disappear. Love on the home front will renew your hopes and wishes. Keep your mind focused towards the business at hand. LIBRA: Confidence is in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don’t listen to other people as they could have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. Joint finances are apt for expansion. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to destiny. Lucky colour: White. SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove valuable. Communicating with people at a distance should be extremely helpful. You need to be on your toes in order to take advantage of the opportunities. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. SAGITTARIUS: Try to keep to your planned schedule. Do not rush through the jobs that require careful handling. It would be best to do one thing at a time. A compulsion for romance might lead you off track. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Orange. CAPRICORN: Do not project yourself too far into the future. You may have to be stricter with loved ones. Ask for favours from your loved ones. Your efforts will bear fruits. Have faith in your own intellectual ability. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to be over before starting new. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 40 AQUARIUS: You may get money from an unexpected source. Important business matters should be handled carefully. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. Your ability to influence and persuade others is strong. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. PISCES: In public meetings you might feel forceful or aggressive; so control your temper. Your workload could bring you stress. Your private life could be disturbed as the Moon shines its light on your public life.
The year ahead
If your birthday is June 26...
Everything will go smoothly; you'll be able to fulfill all your desires. A great force of spirit and physical power are hidden inside you. Even if you can’t notice it, this potential is present and you must simply learn to cultivate and discipline it. This is the right moment for using what is inside you. Relationships may lack a smooth flow. This is not a good time to save. On the health front, be careful about a thigh or back pain. You may not be able to enjoy a comfortable August on the work front. Personal life may suffer due to anxiety. You'll be extremely talkative and rather unproductive. Be careful as you could be reprimanded for this so you should take this seriously. Do not allow frustration to overwhelm you. Extra caution and care needed when handling finances. You will be somewhat irritated with the behaviour of people around you. Don't waste your time in one-sided affairs. If you are considering a new business partnership- then it would be essential to get all the facts in hand before you make any commitment. Take care of your action and words as an authoritative figure will be less understanding if you do something deceitful. Hectic work schedule may make you short-tempered. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you today. Travel programme made well in advance might get postponed due to some health problems in the family. Resolve your long-standing quarrel. Not a good year to invite your boss and seniors over to your place. If you run from a situation- it will follow you in the worst possible way. If you find yourself in a situation that hampers your progress, you can either do nothing or find a way out. In areas you have had little or no experience in, don't run before you can walk. You need to be sure you are capable of the task you are thinking of taking on before committing to it. If you are anxious or unsure of yourself, ask for help. Mood: Growing a bit more burdened. Compatible signs: Gemini, Leo. Lucky colours: Beige, Yellow. Lucky days: Thursday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 4, 9, 16, 44, 49. Lucky gem: Blue Sapphire. Lucky flower: Pansy.
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“I don’t mind wearing short clothes as long as I know that I can carry them off well,” says Ismat Kaur Sidhu, a first-year MBBS student of GMCH, Chandigarh. “I usually wear shorts with loose t-shirts. I have quite a collection of shorts in checks, floral prints and neon colours,” adds Ismat. She completes her look with sandals and flip-flops. “I usually leave my hair open but when its gets too sweaty I tie them up in a neat ponytail.” She stays away from accessories in summer but then, she isn’t a Plain Jane at all, “I have recently got three piercings on my eyebrow, which explains my fashion sensibilities.”
For Shriya, who has just completed her B.Ed in special education from PU, wearing short clothes is the need of the season. It is more of a necessity than a fashion statement. “Throughout summer, I just wear asymmetric tops with shorts and one-piece-dresses in floral as well as geometric prints in bright colors,” says Shriya.
Playing the good guy
My space 
I am a 31 year old man who stays alone. I have a problem making friends and talking to people. I try hard but somehow, I can’t strike an interesting rapport. What should I do?
The time of the day too has a bearing on the type of makeup. For summer; bright, pastel shades will work best while warmer and deeper shades are a better option for winter.
Colour code
Emma Jane Noble is an English model and an actress. Born on June 26, 1971, Sidcup- Kent, she turned to the world of commercial and glamour modelling. Her acting career includes appearances in Crossroads playing Suzie Samson, Jonathan Creek, Casualty, Dennis Potter's Cold Lazarus, the British film The Truth About Love and the UK stage tour of Popcorn by Ben Elton. In 2005, Noble appeared on the Five reality TV programmes The Farm — in which she gave her fee to the National Autistic Society. Emma became the Global Ambassador for the National Autistic Society. She became famous after being a hostess on Bruce Forsyth's game show The Price Is Right.