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Twin tune
Young brothers Eashan and Eash Goyal are working wonders with the guitar and piano, respectively
One strumming the strings of a classical guitar, playing Steve Vai, and the other running his fingers smoothly on the keys of the piano for a perfect Mozart symphony is surely music to the ear! Eashan and Eash Goyal are fourteen-year-old twin brothers from Chandigarh who have recently made it to the India Book of Records for being the 'youngest twin brothers to perform Western classical music'. Eashan, who is just one minute elder to Eash, has an additional feather in the cap - 'youngest rock guitarist of India'. So, when and how did their musical journey begin? "I was really interested in Western classical music and suggested to both my sons to try it when they were just five; they haven't looked since," says Meeta Goyal, their proud mother. Both started listening to good Western classical music and singing side-by-side. Says Eashan, "I began learning electric as well as classical guitar together. We performed for the first time while we were in school on Parent's Day. We played the famous songs Dancing Shoes and Walk of Life." Although singing has taken a backseat for now, the twins are passionate about their hobby. "I'm more into the classical genre," chips in Eash Goyal. On the contrary Eashan loves playing rock but western classical is his forte as well. "I feel like a rockstar while I'm playing the guitar. I'm inspired by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai," says Eashan. They have done three shows till now, all in Delhi, at the Teen Murti Auditorium, Delhi School of music and Alliance Francaise De Delhi. They were certified as the highest scorers by the Associate Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London. "I think performing live brings you a lot of appreciation," says Eashan. We wonder who has guided the prodigies. "There isn't a single person behind polishing their talent. There have been different teachers from Delhi as well as Chandigarh at different points in time," says DK Goyal, the father. Eash has passed his ABRSM exam in piano (grade 6) and Eashan has passed his exam with the same in guitar (grade 6) in November 2011. Also, Eashan has passed his Rock School Advanced Level Graded Examination in music performance (grade 8) in October, 2011 conducted by the Trinity College, London. "The musical examinations are taken once a year by the ABRSM and hence their authorised certificates are issued from London," adds Meeta. So how much of practice daily makes them perfect? "We try to give at least two hours on a daily basis, which is apart from our study time," they echo. What about academics and sports? "We study hard and strive to get good grades, as for sports we don't divert our attention from music," they add. "I find piano simpler than the guitar; I have one digital piano and one acoustic piano," explains Eash. And Eashan has four electric, one semi-acoustic and one classical guitar in his collection. What comes as a shock is that the twins don't listen to Indian composers and are really taken by the European culture. "We are totally into Western classical; Indian music is totally different from it so we keep away from listening to it," they agree. To play a melody one needs to get the notes correct and Eashan says that both of them know their respective pieces by heart. Is it difficult? "No, in fact it is far simpler than learning academic subjects," quips Eashan. "I guess every piece requires different levels of dedication as they have their own respective technical demands," adds Eash. We wonder what the future holds for them, but they are definitely living their passion as of now! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Assessing music
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Exam (ABRSM), London, is the leading authority on musical assessment. They deliver exams consistently worldwide with the help of experienced music teachers, who choose potential music learners every year. The High Scorer's concerts are held randomly to encourage music lovers, which are enjoyed by a good number of audiences. On the other hand, Trinity College, London, is the international external examinations board of Trinity College of Music. Trinity College, London, is also one of the traditional validating authorities for Trinity College of Music, the others being the University of London and the University of Westminster. Melody mood Both Eashan and Eash Goyal are used to listening as well as playing Western classical music. They enjoy playing Western melodies such as Walk of Life by Dire Straits, Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams, Hard Days Night by The Beatles. Eashan loves playing pieces of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and Eash is inspired by compositions by Beethoven and WA Mozart.
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Operation onscreen
Other than the stories of how they sliced the veins of the heart, how they reasoned out a particular treatment, what else would you expect the doctors to talk about? Well, shift your radars on to the beautiful faces in Bollywood and television industry, on the real-life doctors who have chosen to go behind the arch lights. And you bet they talk much more than operation theatre and ligament fractures! On Doctor’s Day we speak to celebrities who hold a doctorate degree and are gracefully striking a balance between the two worlds.
Physio dose
Akansha Singh, TV actor
Doc on sets
“While I am shooting, whenever I get time, I grab my books to study.” The glamorous doc
“I can’t say anything about it. I am a doctor who acts as well. I like both the professions.”
Striking a balance
She is beautiful, she is effervescent, she sizzles on screen and she is a practicing cosmetologist. Shamoly Khera decided to follow her passion that brought her into the world of glamour, and now she is in love with both the worlds. “I strike a fairly good balance between both my professions. In fact, being a glamourous doctor works in my favour.”
Minus glam
“When I sit in the clinic I don’t wear make-up, I am in a completely de-glam look. I don’t talk the movie stuff, but sometimes people do get curious and ask me about my show.”
Role reversal On the sets, my colleagues keep taking tips. I can’t forget my profession and I take pride in being a doctor. Doctor first
Dr Sonu Ahluwalia, actor
It wasn’t easy
Facing the camera was not at all easy for me because I have never done anything like this before. Somehow, I managed to conquer my fear and finally made myself comfortable in front of the camera.” Sweet remedy
Manav Vij, actor
Doe-eyed doc
“I haven’t played doctor on screen, other than my role in Asa Nu Maan Watan Da where I don’t wear a white coat; my dialogues show that I am a doctor. People do tell me that I am a good looking onscreen doctor and I smile back.”
Practicing on camera
“Everyone around knows that I am a homeopath, so giving prescription once a while is a common thing.”
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Reel vs real
Dr Ravi Gupta, professor of
orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Chandigarh, feels Amitabh Bachchan’s role in the film Anand is the best onscreen portrayal of a doctor. “It’s the most honest representation of a doctor. I am not claiming that every doctor is righteous, but that should be the benchmark in the medicine industry,” says
Ravi. A recent episode on Satyamev Jayate, which highlighted the issue of corruption in the medical profession, has irked many doctors. Dr
Ravi, however, feels that the malpractices should be brought to the fore and at the same time efforts of doctors who have sincerely worked should be
acknowledged.
What Munna Bhai MBBS is to Bollywood, Robin Williams-starrer Patch Adams is to Hollywood; both the movies are funny, but at the same time underline the challenges doctors have to face while treating patients from different strata of society. Dr Swami Das Mehta votes for the Hindi comic film and Dr Vipul Gupta is all praise for the Hollywood blockbuster. “I loved the role of Boman Irani in the film, especially the dialogue in which he says that you have to treat patient not with love but as professionally as possible,” says Dr
Mehta, skin specialist, Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector16. He adds that Boman Irani played the role of a strict dean to perfection, but his method was wrong. “You can’t be rude to the patients. It’s important to empathise with them.”
The role of a doctor has been given a lot of importance in Hollywood science-fiction films. The recent one being Avengers, in which Mark
Ruffalo, prior to taking the shape of brawny Hulk, is a super-brainy doctor. Some were seen in Avataar too, treating patients. Not to forget all the war films, wherein doctors were as important as the warriors. The best till date is Robin Williams in Patch Adams. His sense of humour and temperament is at its best even when one of his patients steals his girlfriend away. “It’s the way the life story of a doctor is handled in the film that makes it my
favourite. There is another side to the life of a doctor, which is not serious. The movie precisely portrays that,” says Dr.
Vipul, Assistant Professor, PGI. On the small screen, the most popular series on the life in a hospital is Scrubs. The serial focuses on medical interns and ran for ten years on the tube. The slapstick comedy still is the best-ever made in the US. Television has less to offer when it comes to depicting a doctor’s life. Substantial addition was made recently with the episode of Satyamev
Jayate. “We should have many such programmes that highlight the evils of the system. Criticism only leads to improvement,” says Dr Amod Gupta, professor and head, Advanced Eye Care
Centre, PGI. For the same reason - loopholes in the system — he likes the film 3 idiots. “Though it was engineers’ and not doctors’ life that was focused upon, the conclusion is applicable to all.” As long as doctors’ lifestyles get some space on the screen, it is all
fine! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Doc’s diary
Like with most first-timers, the book covers real life incidents, takes inspiration from the far as well as near ones and weaves it all into a fiction. “The book is actually about all the things the medical students go through. It is basically about what every teenager who is a student goes through, but is more relevant to medical students because in other streams you are not dealing with human life.” The young girl in the story is as ambitious as it gets. “She has lots of dreams, yearns to find friends; have everything in life, at the right time.” She adds, “I have written the book in ‘spoken language’; it’s like I am having a conversation with my friend.” After the love story, coming up is a suspense novella. “I am almost done with it, it’s a mystery fiction. I have always been intro reading thrillers and mysteries; authors like Robin Cook,’ says this anaesthetist by profession. Her part of the profession somewhere gets under the skin of the character too. “The protagonist gets these suggestive dreams throughout in the narrative.” A hint of reality, lots of imagination!
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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All you can eat
A host of buffet options at hotels and restaurants across the city is being lapped up by food lovers
Thanks to the ongoing trend of buffets, the ala carte menu is definitely on the back burner. With a variety of dishes and multiple cuisines on offer though there is very little left to imagination, but we check what is in a buffet that is making the concept an ongoing trend. Food note “People like to experiment with different food and in ala carte menu you can’t order many dishes at a go, but in a buffet there is a variety being offered and that is what makes it so enticing,” says Joydeep Ghosh, an employee of a telecom company. A foodie he adds, “And the price is another deadly combination. It beats the desire to eat. You can eat unlimited and that too starters, soups, multi-cuisine dishes and sweet-dish included. What else can one ask for, at a price of Rs 500 or above? And this is the main reason behind the success of a buffet table.” “Diners at a buffet can control their own portion size and side dishes and this ability to self-select entrees and side dishes also makes buffet an ideal for eating out,” says Karan, an employee of a BPO in Mohali. He adds, “Price too is a show stealer.” Eat till you drop “Affordability is our main attraction, along with quality food and a decent ambience,” says an employee of Buffet Hut, Sector 9. While the restaurant has hit the pulse of target audience with its name itself their buffet is priced at Rs 299 for a lunch, excluding taxes. And offering a variety under the buffer hat they say, “Kitty groups and Sunday brunches make most of the buffet.” While buffet is being offered by almost all restaurants baring a few, Sreedhar, manager Tao in Sector 26, says, “The idea behind the buffet is to provide customers with maximum at a minimum price. And buffet is also a way to introduce new dishes to the consumer. As they develop a taste for certain cuisines only when they taste it.” Well, that’s not a bad idea. He adds, “Just to acquaint people with Japanese cuisine we introduced Sushi even in the buffet.” Buffet bonanza “There is no doubt that Buffet-style dining has become very popular,” says Sushil Yadav, manager, Barbeque Nation. He adds, “Though we were the first ones to start the buffet concept, our table grill units and the number of starters makes our buffet quite a hit with people. And the intention is to make the concept all the more palatable, delightful and appealing to even for once-a-month eating out commoners also.” No wonder, eating places across the city are fast adding new ingredients to the recipe for preparing buffets.
Our Pick
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Hi Five
Your sense of style
Simple and sleek, how one carries oneself is my idea of style .It could be just a pair of good fitting jeans and tee which maybe looking wow. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories My black ‘coach’ bag Brand crazy or street pick ups? Comfortable with both – the idea is what looks good on me. My
style icon would be Katrina Kaif for she only wears what she can carry off well. She looks pretty in whatever she wears. She can carry off any dress in an elegant manner. Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity? It has to be Lady Gaga,I don’t understand her sense of style. Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous Comfortably stylish One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension….. Wide floral pants are a funny trend Your take on accessories? I am not much of an accessory person – just a elegant watch would denote my style If given the choice which designer would you be liked to be dressed by D K & Y would be my
ideal choice and I would feel lucky. What gives you a high on the confidence level… Confidence level is best if you feel you are looking good and if you carry it off comfortably. PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA
(As told to Poonam Bindra)
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Hot cuppa tea
Dr Mansi Chatrath Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, after water. For us, Indians, tea has taken a humongous space in our daily routines. The importance of drinking tea in India cannot be confined to words. We start our day with a hot steaming cup of tea not only as an early morning refresher but also as a wake-up stimulant. Tea serves as a potent medium to connect at family get-togethers, at college reunions, at daftar meetings in sarkari set-ups and at formal corporate occasions. It is like a comfort drink for many Indians and so goes the proverb that Indians have tea on two occasions when it’s raining and when its not. The intoxicating addiction to this beverage comes as a boon in multiple ways. Here is an insight into some of these:- Antioxidants. Just like paint keeps our furniture safe from rusting similarly tea's antioxidants protect our bodies from the ill effects of aging and pollution. Tea has less caffeine than coffee. Coffee usually has two to three times the caffeine of tea. If drinking coffee gives you the jitters, causes indigestion or headaches or interferes with sleep — switch to tea. Tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Drinking tea may help keep your arteries clog-free and clear. A study from the Netherlands found a 70 per cent lower risk of fatal heart attack in people who drank at least two to three cups of black tea daily compared to non-tea drinkers. Tea contains fluoride and tannins that may keep plaque at bay. So if we have unsweetened tea, we are actually adding to the health of our teeth and gums. Tea bolsters your immune defenses. Several studies and researches have confirmed that drinking tea may help your body's immune system fight off infection. Tea increases your metabolism. As a nutritionist I have seen and heard lots of people complain about a slow metabolic rate and their inability to lose weight. Green tea actually increases metabolic rate so that one can burn 70 to 80 additional calories by drinking just five cups of green tea per day. Over a year's time you could lose eight pounds just by drinking green tea. Of course, taking a 45-minute walk every day can make the process of weight loss more easy and healthy. Flip side
While tea has several benefits, it also comes with some major health issues: Researchers from the Rutgers University found that drinking tea could cause chromosome damage and fetal leukemia i.e cancer and increase the risk even more among unborn babies. There is also a concern about negative interaction between the supplements and common prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs. Consuming tea just before or with food can prevent the absorption of iron. Also, consuming tea at a very high temperature can cause heart burn and acidity for some and as per some researches can cause kidney and liver damage. So, what does this mean? Do we continue enjoying our chai or call it quits? Well, moderation is the key. We must take no more that three to four cups of tea/green tea a day. Preferably unsweetened. Also, it’s important to remember we do not consume tea when very hot. So go ahead folks and enjoy your cup of tea on a rainy day or otherwise but be cautious. Excess of everything is bad. (Chatrath is a
Chandigarh-based dietician)
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Shake it up!
Mona
Ukrainian belly dancer Oksana Teroshyna performs her well-practiced moves at a fusion restaurant in Chandigarh
With Cloud 9 celebrating its first anniversary, belly dancing is back again! Dinners at the weekend are special as Ukrainian belly dancer Oksana Teroshyna performs her well-practiced moves at Shivalikview’s fusion restaurant. Trained in the dance by her mother initially, Oksana has been doing it professionally for seven years now. Having had a full house on Friday night, she is thrilled at her first visit to India and the rousing response she has received. “Belly dancing was a family thing to begin with; then the character changed. I was delighted to see families and small kids and their appreciative smiles last night,” says Oksana. From a small town in Ukraine, this dancer finds much resemblance in Chandigarh. “My hometown is as green as Chandigarh, I felt as if I am at home,” says Oksana, who hardly gets to be home due to a hectic travelling schedule. Her vegetarian diet coupled with her no smoking, no drinking (not even cola) habits keep her slender. “But here in India, I am eating a lot. I love rice, roti and paneer,” she says. She is also fond of Hindi music. “I really love the Cloud 9 is offering its signature dishes as part of the celebrations, including Lahori paneer tikka, Gandheri kebab, tandoori bater and low calorie vegetarian fare. Says DK Tiwari, MD, CITCO, “Cloud 9 has received an outstanding response in its first year. Commanding location, splendid ambience coupled with fusion food has made it popular in no time.” Well, if you want to be part of the celebrations, meal for two would cost around Rs 1,200 and belly dancing is additional treat on Sunday night! mona@tribunemail.com
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Katie Holmes files for divorce
The high profile Hollywood marriage of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise is over after the Dawson's Creek actress filed for divorce from her superstar husband of five years. A move that left entertainment industry and even Cruise surprised, Holmes filed papers in New York citing "irreconcilable differences". The actress wants sole custody of couple's six-year-old daughter
Suri.
"This is a personal and private matter for Katie and her family. Katie's primary concern remains, as it always has been, her daughter's best interest," Holmes' attorney, Jonathan Wolfe said in a statement. Cruise learned that Holmes had initiated divorced proceedings in New York while he was working on a film set in Iceland, a publication reported. "Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children. Please allow them their privacy to work this out," his publicist said in a statement. Holmes, 33, has retained two prominent law firms that specialise in wealthy break-ups. She has hired New York lawyer Allan E Mayefsky and New Jersey divorce lawyer, Jonathan Wolfe. Cruise, who turns 50 soon, however, is yet to hire a divorce attorney, said his legal representative, Bert Fields. The Mission Impossible star married Holmes in November 2006 after a year of dating in a lavish ceremony held at an Italian castle. They were last seen together in Iceland two weeks back, where the actor is shooting for his upcoming film Oblivion. Cruise had infamously declared his love for Holmes on The Oprah Winfrey Show by jumping up and down on Winfrey's couch during the show, which brought him much ridicule and almost ended his career. — PTI
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Get pretty with Vidya Balan
The very talented and National-Award winner Vidya Balan has great skin and hair. She gives us some tips about maintaining the same.
1 It is essential that you sleep well. Get at least eight hours of sleep daily. Only then will all your efforts of eating well and exercising show on your skin. 2Drink at least four litres of water to stay hydrated. Eat greens and try switching to vegetarian diet. Eat lots of fruits. Inherently, we know what is good and bad for us, especially when it comes to food. We must avoid sugary, fried and oily foods. 3Oil your hair once a week with pure oil. No non-stick options please. 4Pray and be positive in life. Meditation gives you an inner glow, which reflects on your face. 5 Use natural remedies on skin and hair and stick to one product (instead of changing brands frequently). Use what suits you and makes you feel good. Stay make-up-free when at home.
— HRM
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Shekhar Kapur: Hate to see myself on screen
The actor-turned-director, who is still praised for his acting in 1990 National Award winning film Drishti, revealed that he never saw the final film. "People keep telling me how wonderful the film Drishti was. I actually never saw the final film. I hated myself on screen. I still do," he said. The director who recently met Vicky Donor writer also denied the reports of making a film with him. "All I have to do is, have one meeting with a wonderful writer and the press 'announces' a film! Like I did with Masoom, Bandit Queen, and Elizabeth, I have this huge desire to go back to just making films without all the hype. When your life gets surrounded by hype, you become insensitive.”
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Astro turf
ARIES: The card “Eight of Swords” bestows negative influences so a certain set of problems are bound to arise. Cater to people who may be feeling low. A disagreement with your partner won’t be resolved for a few days. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 39
TAURUS: Keep your mind at work. You may give some of your time to work in the hospitals and talk to those less fortunate than yourself. Start a class in yoga and nurture your well-being. Tarot message: Seek advice but don't feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 48 GEMINI: Home and family affairs will be enjoyable. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be harder to carry out. An attraction to the unknown can take you away from your comfort zone. Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. The married will be able to see more of each other. Enjoy the day as it unfolds. Everything should just fall into place. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 59 LEO: Use your own judgment while tackling important issues. Your family members may not like your association. A restless attitude will prevail. Situations and negotiations can be touch and go at various times throughout the day. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29 VIRGO: Family politics or the power struggles in shared living quarters can intensify. Talking about the issues with friends may be a distraction but it won’t make any difference. Tarot message: Take your partner out to dinner and renew energy in the relationship. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47
LIBRA: You card “Ten of Wands” shows deception influence. Women: control your diet, and focus on exercise. Good friends will be a source of entertainment. Don’t hesitate to fall back on them if you are finding life hard going at the moment. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61 SCORPIO: Delegate responsibility. A chance encounter with a stranger may leave your heart beating wildly. An old friend might turn up out of the blue and take you out to an exciting venue. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves or personal decisions when angry or upset. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Business will move successfully. You are unlikely to have difficulty concentrating on important issues. Diplomacy is the key word. Your card “The Lovers” is shining its loving light on your house of fun. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: Keep business activities open. Parent’s health needs attention. A foolish obligation can be dropped. Spend the morning reading newspapers then stroll down to your favourite café for breakfast. Tarot message: Do try to be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: Get into work early because as the day unfolds, everything can become disjointed. An influential person may acknowledge your work. Take care of your food and drink intake. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 40 PISCES: No matter what problems might arise, you will achieve success. A business deal is likely to go through. Start organising your finances. A new budget to suit your income and lifestyle will help you to make headway. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 1...
There is need control finances for better results. Less favourable atmosphere may affect career progress. Stick to moral values in personal life. You'll be able to clarify all doubts with your work partners. You'll feel serene and cheerful at work. You'll be able to reinvigorate and strengthen your relationships confiding your concerns and secrets. All commitments and financial transactions need to be handled carefully. People will give you new hopes and dreams, but lots will depend on your own efforts. Mood swings of your darling might oscillate today. Travel plans might get postponed due to last minute changes in your schedule. Don’t get too excited if something good comes your way. Just stay in the moment and remember that things can changes more quickly than you imagine. For you, this is a winning year which you must know how to make the most of. Nothing lasts forever. Remember you will obtain best results by joining with people who share your interests and aspirations. You will all help one another. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others. During year 2012-13, being a Cancerian, you will look forward to life with great zeal and enthusiasm. At the same time you will be bold and courageous but violent in temper. You will be mentally very curious and very alert. You will experience changes in educational interests. This brings good and positive emotions, health should remain strong as stress will remain low. Mood: Anxious. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Gemini. Lucky colours: Dark orchid, Brown. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday.
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Shopping frenzy
The girl with a red scarf: Mouli Ganguly
Stylishly appalling!
Karan Johar is well known for his candid and cheeky comments. Everyone at some point of time or other has been a target of his remarks. Recently, the one on the line of fire was Ragini Khanna, one of the anchors on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. KJo was so appalled by her outfits that he asked Ragini on who her designer was? Ouch! The acclaimed director who is known to have a great sense of style and has designed outfits for Shahrukh Khan surely knows what he is talking and we hope Ragini’s designer is listening!
Child actor Darsheel Safary is enjoying his stint in Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 5 on Colors and with eliminations round the corner, he recently expressed a desire. He hopes his Aamir uncle supports him. Having worked with Aamir in Taare Zameen Par, Darsheel has been in touch with the superstar constantly.
Hair-raising story
It is not easy for an actor to shave his head for a role but actor Kushal Tandon has done that for his TV role Virat in Star Plus’ Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai. As the role demanded he shaves his hair for love, he wants to send a message to the youth to go to any lengths for love. Why are you shaving your hair, going bald for the role? I was asked to do so for the show as it would give it an edge. My character Virat can go to any lengths for love. When they asked me I said no way. But after discussions we agreed on a short crew cut. I haven’t shaved all my hair. After refusing, what prompted you to agree? The role and script required my character Virat to take this step. He wants to prove that one can do anything for love, go to any extent and shaving hair is just a step in that direction. Though Virat loves Maanvi, he is also her biggest support right now. He has been there for her and now when she loses her hair due to chemotherapy treatment, he wants to support her in this manner. Was it the channel who convinced you as you had turned down the idea of shaving your head? I decided to go ahead with this big step. No one forced me to do it. I took time to think it over and I am glad I came to this decision. It is a big deal to go bald on TV for a role. And I think it is a first on television too. What do you hope to achieve with this step? I hope people take a lesson from this step. In real life too, I support this decision to do anything for the one you love. I hope this will be a good message for the youth. And as a professional, I feel lucky to get such a great opportunity so early in my career. I hope this makes an impact. People have loved me as an actor, for my looks and talent. I hope they love this cool step too. You have gained popularity through this show. Yes I couldn’t be happier to start my career with this wonderful role. I am thankful to my fans who have loved and supported me. You have a girlfriend in UK. Yes I do and she is superb. She is a huge support. — HRM
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Ice ice baby
Ashish Manchanda
Apricot - Mango Martini
Ten Gin
Muddle the fresh mango in the bottom of the mixing glass and add all the other ingredients.Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the lemon peel. Foot notes Use easily available brandy mixed with apricot puree and strain to make Apricot flavored Brandy. Dissolve sugar and water in equal parts over low flame and then bring it at room temperature. (Manchanda is a
Chandigarh-based hotel consultant)
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The flip side of fame
R&B star Usher claims he is being stalked by a delusional woman who is convinced she is married to him.
The 33-year-old has obtained a temporary restraining order against 26-year-old Darshelle Jones-Rakestraw who showed up uninvited to his Georgia home on June 23 with the intention of harassing him and his family, reported a publication online. According to court documents, Usher claims the girl showed up uninvited and started banging on his front door and demanded to be let in. Cops were called to the scene where they warned Darshelle to stay away from the property and told her not to come back. But the OMG hit maker claims the girl returned again the next day and tried to convince the cops that she was his wife and had misplaced her keys. The officials later arrested her and Usher immediately obtained a temporary restraining order against her.
— PTI
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When in doubt, bake it out!
The Amazing Spider-man actress Emma Stone says she bakes to cope with her anxiety. The 23-year-old said she developed a passion for making cakes and cookies while shooting her new superhero blockbuster because spending time in the kitchen helped her relax, reported a website.
"I think I felt really out of control of my surroundings. I was just baking all the time. There were stacks of things in the kitchen that nobody could possibly go through. It seemed like it made me feel, if I put these in, I'll know what the outcome is... I was over-baking," she said. The actress is seen opposite real life boyfriend Andrew Garfield in the Spider-man reboot.
— PTI
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Scent of a woman
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has been named the queen of celebrity perfumes after making USD 80 million in profit from her range of scents.
The 42-year-old banked a fortune from her 18 perfumes released in the last 10 years, easily outselling her nearest rivals Sarah Jessica Parker and Madonna, reported a website. Britney Spears' range, which includes Believe and Fantasy, is the fourth biggest seller, and Canadian rocker Avril Lavigne rounds out the top five in the list compiled by an online beauty retailer.
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Shamoly Khera, UTV anchor
We see many actors playing doctors; this is the first time we see a doctor playing an onscreen doctor! All Is Well With Dr Ahluwalia sees the doctor in real-life host the show on television. Married to actor Pooja Batra for over eight years now, this good-looking lanky doc has film stars and audiences equally captivated.
He shot to limelight with Punjabi movies and the big break came with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi bahu Thi… Manav Vij is a homeopath doctor who decided to take up acting because he always wanted to.
In the character of a sobbing mother, yesteryears actress Nirupa Roy would often plead — Mere bete ko bach lo doctor saab and the doctor would often reply — Hum poori koshish
karenge. The dialogues remained more or less the same each time. Then after a few decades came Munna Bhai MBBS and how it changed the doctor-patient equation! This Doctor’s Day some ‘real’ doctors give their take on the ‘reel’ ones.
Is there anyone who hasn’t been through those college flashbacks? When one fine day on a rainy morning or a lazy afternoon, there’s a sudden splash of memories of the days spent in the classrooms! “Years after I passed-out, when I had more time to myself, I thought of penning down all those memories,” says Dr Ketaki Patwardhan Nirkhi, author of the fictional work Those Enchanted Four and Half Years, of her four-and-a-half years in a medical college in Miraj, Maharashtra. She adds, “Even before I knew, I was actually writing a book.”
Woven in between is a love story against the backdrop of events occurring in the college and the medical college. “The protagonist is Ruta; it’s basically her love story and her journey through those four-and-a-half years.” It’s perhaps a character that, to some extent, every reader will be able to identify with. “But I feel, if a boy had written that story about the same characters, he would have written it from a totally different perspective.” 
It is wonderful to see how simplicity combined with elegance and a trendy attitude becomes a fashion statement. It may not be getting hooked on to the ‘brand’ wagon or making a hole in the pocket but the stance one adopts says it all. Final year BDS student Zeena Bajwa becomes trendy with her nonchalant smart attitude.
Critically acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur, who started his career as an actor in 1975 film Jaan Hazir Hai, isn't too fond of seeing himself on screen.
You share your birthday cake with
Sudesh Bhonsle (July, 1) is the king of mimicry. Bhonsle is known for his ability to mimic Amitabh Bachchan. He got his first break in playback singing in the film Zalzala. He used mimicry to become a professional dubbing artist for several artists like Sanjeev Kumar and Anil Kapoor. He actually dubbed for Sanjeev Kumar when he died prematurely before completing the film Professor ki Padosan. He has sung songs for the movie Ghatothkach. Bhonsle was also judge on K For Kishore, a singing contest. Sudesh has basic number one, which denotes top position always. Between 2012-15, he will establish himself as a good playback singer like those of old melodious singers.
One thing apart from the never-ending shoots that keeps Mouli Ganguly - Anushka of Kya Hua Tera Vaada busy is shopping! So when Mouli got a chance to wind up her shoot early, she couldn’t help but go on a shopping spree. Mouli admits satiating her never ending shopping binge that forced her to buy new pair of shoes, handbags, accessories and much more. No prizes for guessing who the partner in crime was? Well, none other than her Hubby Dear!!!
Negative frame
Personal issues
Hoping for a helping hand
