Dressed to kill!
The Indian television industry certainly scores low on fashion! Why else can't we boast of characters like Carrie Bradshaw or Gabrielle Solis?
Ashima Batish

Sarah Jessica Parker loaned a Fendi bag and kick-started a fashion parade in the show Sex and The City. Parker, as Carrie, then graduated to carrying an assortment of other luxury brands, which mutually benefited the series and the labels. Eva Longoria earned the fashion icon status fairly well in Desperate Housewives. Also a brand ambassador of L'Oreal, she makes equally fashionable appearances at the red carpet events (Cannes being the recent one).

Cut to the Indian television Industry-fashion is totally lost in the quagmire of generation leaps. Strangely, our TV industry hires stylists but experimentation is still at its lowest. While some actors rue the fact, some justify sleeping in fake kanjivarams, with mascara and false jewellery in place! Urvashi Dholakia, who became famous for her role of a vamp in Kasauti Zindagi Kay and her off shoulder sarees in the show, feels there is a dire need to experiment. "I do realise that the target market is in small towns of India, but people don't even deck themselves up there like we actors do. Unlike the sitcoms of the West, even if it is not possible to have designer sarees and suits on the sets, at least actors should be given outfits that make for a fashion statement that the audiences can follow."

Even the varying storylines don't matter. The fashion sensibilities don't vary much, either for soaps that have the countryside as the backdrop or the ones in which the characters boast of a 500-crore empire. Fashion designer Pallabi Jaipur, who revived a craft of Rajasthan by incorporating it in her last collection that she showcased at the WILFW, says, "The crème-de-la-crème in the shows are again about the loud make-up and that's about it. Where are the big brand bags or glares? Fashion is never in sync with the story of the show, the reason why they all are the same."

On the other hand, reality shows are faring better than daily soaps on the fashion radar. The high-profile judges look stylish, flaunt brands and are dressed to the nines in every episode. If Sonali Bendre looked dapper in her one-piece-dresses, Kirron Kher made appearances in elegant Kanjivarams. Judges on the panel of Jhalak Dikhla Ja (read Madhuri Dixit) wore the best of Anarkali suits from the houses of the best designers. "When it comes to fashion, there is a stigma attached with daily soaps. While designers are ready to tie-up for reality shows, I am sure no designer would loan away clothes to daily soaps. It might indicate dilution of the brand," says fashion designer Nitin Bal Chauhan.

A beginning can still be made, maybe with the most reasonably priced segment of Ritu Kumar's. It will add elements of fashion to the soaps and take Kumar's collection to the masses at the same time. "For that, producers have to think of urban storylines with urban settings," says Ragini Khanna, who though stuck to Indian attires didn't compromise on their designs or quality on the recently concluded show Sasural Genda Phool. "Let's face the fact; Indian television industry is not ready to spend on costumes of actors. Stylists can't create magic in a limited budget." More than the budget, what's required is the right intention to introduce fashion to the industry, initiative from the producers and consideration from the fashion fraternity. As of now, one can only wait and hope!

Worst dressed actor: Jiaa Manek was bad; Devoleena Bhattacharjee is worse. A debate can be held on who is tacky when it comes to dressing. Same to same: Sanya Irani looks adorable as Khushi in Iss Pyaar Ko Main Kya Naam Dun but why is her stylist so adamant with the shape of her suits? They are all the same, only colour differs. Anjum Farooki in Balika Vadhu as Gauri is no different. Same cuts, similar shapes, her stylist definitely needs to hire a better tailor. Better than the rest: If Saasural Genda Phool was still on air, Ragini Khanna was the ultimate winner but as of now Mona Singh in Kya Hua Tera Vaada isn't faring too badly.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Focused designs
Designer Pali Waraich says she helps the cause of women empowerment 
Ashima Batish

The intricate corset work in bright green colour on the border of the magenta sari makes the otherwise plain cloth perfect for any occasion! Pali Waraich, the designer, then takes out a white silk kurta. On the collar and around the button line, the same corset work is done in zari thread. In her journey, spanning around thirty years, she has revived corset work to the extent that it has been used to make a blouse and even a short dress!

"I have changed the designs, but not my objective of designing. When I started it was women empowerment, it is still the same," says Pali, who has her studio in Mumbai. Her resolve of making women financially independent has become stronger. She has 200 women working for her. "They are expert at corset work. I contribute by educating them about the latest designs and how to customise a creation. The label is known as Zameen-Asmaan, which is appropriate for my work that aims to lessen the economic disparity," she says.

Various fashion designers, who entered the industry at the time when she did, feature in the list of the most successful designers today. But she doesn't regret that she hasn't been able to make it that big. "I am in fact happy that I haven't got into the loop. A few other designers started with the same objective but couldn't stick to it for long. Stereotypes are difficult to ignore, I somehow managed." She decided not to follow the trodden path for the reason that karigars were exploited. "There is a lot of difference between what craftsmen earn and how much fashion designers make. I couldn't make peace with the system and thought of opting out," she beams. Pali has worked in collaboration with Tarun Tahiliani by outsourcing corset work for him. From Lara Dutta to Kirron Kher to Kajol, women of every generation have worn her creations.

Next on her agenda is Phulkari work. "Since I have shifted my base to Chandigarh from Mumbai, I will now tie-up with women in the villages of Punjab who know the craft of Phulkari." The idea is the same as was in case of corset work — help women earn some money and make them independent. Her idea is worth all the praise because it requires no hardware.

"All they need to make some bucks is a needle and thread." In case of Phulkari, she is looking forward to making certain subtle changes. "Why only bright colours are used to make Phulkari? By using lighter shades, I am sure the younger generation won't mind donning it."

(Exhibition of her works will be on at the Hotel Aroma, Chandigarh, from July 6-8)

New Krishna

Akshay plays bike-riding almighty in Oh My God. The first look of Akshay Kumar starrer Oh My God has been released showing the Bollywood star play a modern day Lord Krishna riding on a hunky motorcycle.

The poster shows Akshay riding a golden bike through a bright colourful sky in the background.

The film, based on Umesh Shukla's Gujarati play Kanji Viruddh Kanji, will see Paresh Rawal play the character of Kanhaiya.

Akshay and Paresh were last seen together in 2008's Phir Hera Pheri, a sequel to their hit film Hera Pheri.

Oh My God, co-produced by Akshay, is set to release on September 28. — PTI 

Hrithik impresses Hollywood

Indian film industry's song and dance culture has found a fan in Step Up Revolution director Scott Speer, who is also impressed with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan.

"Yes, of course, anyone who is interested in dance and music will know about Indian movies. It has a lot of music and dance and colours in them," Speer said in an e-mail interaction.

Praising Hrithik after seeing him in Kites, the Hollywood director said: "I liked Hrithik Roshan as an actor and dancer in the Indian movie Kites and have seen him dancing in Dhoom 2."

Step Up Revolution is the fourth installment of dance movie Step Up.

With So You Think You Can Dance star Kathryn McCormick in the lead, the movie will release July 27 in both 2D and 3D formats. It also features Ryan Guzman, Misha Gabriel and Peter Gallagher.

Speer is an American music video director and has done several music videos for Mexican singer Belinda. In June 2007, he directed a three-part video series for the High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale.

"I love music, it brings life in me, it inspires me and when I close my eyes and visualise music, dance is something that completes my vision. Both the entities are inseparable for me and both depict emotions in its respective ways," said Speer. —IANS

Fans and fury
Rihanna disappoints her Swedish fans by mixing up countries

Rihanna, who headlined the annual Peace and Love Festival in Sweden, kept her fans waiting for 45 minutes, before she took the stage on Saturday. If that wasn’t bad enough, furious fans took to Twitter to claim that she appeared intoxicated and wasn’t singing live.

“Really don’t feel like watching Rihanna under the influence gig. Who the f*** allowed her on stage in this state? #pal12,” tweeted disgruntled fan.

Some fans questioned whether the Barbadian singer was under the influence of drugs as her performance was so bad, with one person calling her “disgusting and shameful.”

The Twitter user wrote “Rihanna is blatantly under the influence of drugs and is allowed to perform in front of children and young people. It is disgusting and shameful. #pal12.” Another added “Crowd walk-out from #Rihanna concert at #peaceandlove #pal12 #Sweden claiming she’s too high to sing properly.”

Although the crowd waited 45 minutes for Rihanna to arrive, many left soon after she started singing because of her poor performance “Playback and being high as a kite is not rocking P&L #Rihanna #pal12” another wrote.

Walking out of the gig wasn’t enough for one person who added “Rihanna is dead in my eyes… How can you be so f****** bad? #pal2012 #pal12.” As if her shambolic performance wasn’t enough of an insult to the people of Sweden, Rihanna then dedicated Redemption Song to Norway after getting the countries mixed up.

She was referring to right wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in twin attacks in Norway last year.

A concertgoer tweeted “Note to Rihanna. Borlänge isn’t Oslo and no people weren’t killed by Breivik here... But thanks for coming #pal12.” Rihanna had played at the Kollen Festival in 
Oslo on Friday and had clearly confused the two countries. — ANI

Mohit Chauhan ties the knot

Bollywood playback singer Mohit Chauhan has tied the knot with journalist Prarthana Gehlot, a family source said. The wedding, a low key affair with only family members and close friends attending, was held at the hotel at Barog, 10 kms from Solan, last weekend.

The 48-year-old singer hails from Nahan in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, while Prarthana, working with an English magazine in Delhi, belongs to Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Born in Nahan, Mohit started singing as a hobby but his interest grew in music and he formed his own music group The Hijackers and started stage performances.

Soon he became a popular name in Himachal and adjoining states but shot to fame nationally with his band Silk Route group which delivered the hit number — Dooba dooba rehta hoon.

He started his Bollywood career with his first song Gunchha Koi in Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh!(2005).

Mohit went on to sing a number of chart-busting songs in films like Delhi-6, Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal. His most recent success was in the film Rockstar. — PTI

33 is a bad number for Cruise

Tom Cruise seems to be unlucky with the number 33, as all his previous wives were in their early thirties when their marriage with the actor ended. Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes all aged 33 at their time of divorce.

Cruise had married Rogers when she was 31 in May of 1987 and was 33-years-old when they broke up in 1990.

He then married Kidman, the actors stayed together for ten years and then split in 2001, when she was 33.

The Top Gun star then married Holmes in 2006 when the Dawson’s Creeks actress was aged 28.

And now, when the actress has filed for divorce this week, seeking sole custody of daughter Suri; she too has reached the age of 33.

Moreover, in each case, divorce proceedings began when the wives were 33 and concluded when they turned 34. — ANI

Separate bedrooms?

Hollywood star couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes reportedly had separate bedrooms in their sprawling LA apartment as their marriage fell apart.

Cruise's living quarters were on one side of a large communal area while Holmes lived on the other side of their home in the Scientology Celebrity Centre, a massive hotel-style complex devoted to the controversial religion.

"Tom and Katie had a lot of people coming to see them there, to cut their hair and cook for them and stuff. Everyone knew they stayed in separate sections of the apartment but nobody mentioned it.

"Katie was really embarrassed about it, and didn't seem to like people to see the way they were living behind closed doors. But she just got on with it and knew there was nothing she could do about it," a source said.

It is said that it is because of these reasons and Cruise's devotion to Scientology, Holmes, 33, filed for divorce from the Mission Impossible star in New York on Thursday.

The Dawson's Creek actress feared over how much influence the religion would have on their six-year-old daughter Suri and decided to end their five-year-old marriage. —PTI 

Co-star concerns

Actor Johnny Depp is struggling to master horse riding on the set of his latest film The Lone Ranger but insiders say he has not yet got to grips with his animal co-star.

“It has become a problem for Johnny. He wants to do all his own stunts, but he's been falling off his horse so often that producers worry he's going to do permanently damage his tailbone,” says a source.

The 49-year-old is refusing to use a stuntman and is also growing increasingly frustrated as co-star Armie Hammer is a natural at horse riding.

“He sees Armie doing everything so easily, and that's got him even more frustrated,” said the source. — IANS

Direction on the cards

Alex Pettyfer has launched his own production company in a bid to branch out into movie making. The 22-year-old, who found fame in Hollywood with starring roles in Magic Mike, Beastly and I Am Number Four, said he dreams of working behind the camera as a director.

"I'm very ambitious. I live in reality but I have dreams I want to fulfill - I want to be a director, and I've already started my own production company. But I also have a measure of success that I keep to myself. It's something very personal to me," he said.

Pettyfer said that he models his career after late Oscar winner Paul Newman, who also found success as a director.

"Paul Newman's an inspiration. I know a lot of people say that, but I love that he's a great role model and humanitarian. I admire people who don't necessarily want to change the world, but try to make it a better environment." — PTI 

Cruz loves cooking and cleaning
The actor is enjoying time off after the birth of her son

Penelope Cruz has revealed that being a housewife is the ''best thing in the world'' and loves staying at home to cook and clean. The 38-year-old actress, who has been staying at home since giving birth to 17-month-old Leonardo with husband Javier Bardem, enjoys not having a job to go to because it means she can concentrate on her cooking.

''I'm a housewife and it's beautiful, the best thing in the world. I know how to cook and it's important to me to make fresh food every day. I don't do crazy diets, just the good Mediterranean food that I love because it's important to eat well,” she said.

Cruz also admitted that she's very good with a mop and duster.

''I'm good at cleaning too. I learnt that when I made the film Volver.

“My character was always cleaning the house, so when I started preparing for the role I would go to my mother's house and to my sister's house, and they were like, 'I think she has a fever, because I don't know why else she has come to clean my house today,” she added. — ANI

Mix and match

It’s all about the floral summer dresses for this style diva. Neha Malik, a young graduate from MCM is no newbie to fashion, from modelling assignments to walking around in stilettos, she has done it all. We find out what makes this pretty face a trendsetter.

Your sense of style is...

I hate following fashion trends blindly. It’s important to know what suits your personality and personal style. For me till it’s not comfortable and classy, it won’t enter my wish list.

Latest addition to wardrobe...

A pair of classic white Chanel shades

Brand freak or street junkie

Not an out-and-out brand freak, I don’t mind mixing and matching to ensure it suits my sense of style.

Choose a look; sporty, glamorous or chic

A fine blend of glamorous and chic

My style icon would be....

Katy Perry. I love the way she experiments with her look and her bold sense of style.

So who is the worst dressed celebrity around?

It has to be Mallika Sherawat. No doubt she has a good body, only when she dresses up, it’s a complete disaster.

One fashion trend you don’t understand....]

Excessive body piercing. It’s terrible.

Your take on accessories

I like to stick to the bare minimum. It should be classy and elegant.

One thing that boosts your confidence:

As long as I am looking good, it’s my mantra for confidence

Who would you like to be dressed by?

Roberto Cavalli. He defines high-end fashion and I love the way he puts everything together and brings out the best in terms of fashion.

(As told to Vasudha Gupta)

If you think you fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com. We’ll sift the best from the rest.

Par Excellence
Turn-don’t slide
Jesse Grewal

Lots of golfers misunderstand the movement of the lower body. The hips rotate or turn and should not make a lateral sliding move. This applies to both the backswing and the forward swing.

The first move of the backswing is the turning of the shoulders which move the arms and the club. As the shoulders turn approximately 45 degrees the hips respond to this by turning too. This should happen with a minimum lateral action. Place a bag stand just outside your right foot for right handed players (picture 1). While making your backswing ensure that the hips are turning within the bag stand (picture 2) and do not slide and hit the stand (picture 3). At the top of the backswing the shoulders would have turned approximately 90 degrees and the hips would have turned a little less than 45 degrees and you should feel that your body is within the line of the outside of your right foot and should not have swayed laterally and gone outside the foot.

Lateral sway or slide is often caused when the player tries to shift his/her weight to the right and then to the left. Weight shift also happens in a sliding move and therefore is not necessarily the correct feeling. Rotation of the body also has some weight shift but mainly produces centrifugal force which powers the golf swing. In a lateral move the hips do not turn and therefore do not allow the shoulders to complete their turn in the backswing. It also allows the centre of gravity of the body to move too far behind the ball and creating a shallow arc leading to duffed shots.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Tap your inner strength 
Simmi Waraich

I have been married for the past eight month, but my husband is not showing care and love which a woman wants. He wanted to go in for further studies and is always reading books. He he even left a good government job. He doesn’t talk to me for many days. Please tell me what to do? — Preeti, Ajnala

I understand your predicament. One gets married with a lot of hope. See the situation is already not to your liking. You have two options. Continue like this or ask your in laws and relatives about his personality as a child. Did he have friends? What were his interests? Some people are born with a personality where they do not feel the need for other people in their lives. They prefer solitary lives. They are unable to understand that others may require love and affection. Other possibilities are acute anxiety related to career. You have to see what you want? Consider all options with your parents. Focus on work. If you are working his anxiety may go down and even of you decide to leave him it would be good to be independent. In the meantime, live your life by enjoying your day, your music, your walk. Whatever you decide do not let stress get to you. Think of yourself as a complete person who can deal with the lows and not just the highs. We all have inner strength.

I am a 20-year-old girl. My father and mother are separated. My mother lives with my brother and her parents. I meet my father when he comes here. My mother gets upset when I meet my boyfriend. She says I do not spend time with her or my grandparents. She nags me and really upsets me. I don’t think I can live with my mom. I don’t like the way she talks to me. — Ruchi. SAS Nagar

It must be upsetting for you. It’s unfortunate your parents separated but sometimes it’s better to do that when two people don’t get along rather than living together and fighting.

The thing is they are both your parents and they both love you and your brother. If you want to live separately work on what you want to do. Focus on your career and studies. Spend 15 minutes with your grandparents. They will not be around always. Lot of people don’t even have grandparents. Life is give and take.

(Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh- based psychiatrist) 

Weight watch
No child’s play
Swapana Singla

As you sow, so shall you reap - a saying that can be used aptly for childhood obesity! Children obese after the age of 10 years or in their pre-pubertal age (12-16) are 95 per cent more susceptible to obesity in their twenties and thirties.

The reasons could vary from family history of obesity, wrong eating habits, genetic syndromes, endocrinal/hormonal abnormalities.

Easy availability of fast food, reduction in time spent on outdoor games, video games, laptops, stress and competition faced by children at an early age confine them to their homes and make them obese. Children on epileptic drugs and steroidal drugs also tend to put on weight, but exercise and diet never goes in vein.

Children on formula feed before six months of age are seen to be more obese and lethargic than the ones solely breast fed till six months. They even show poor milestone or slow developing stages. The fat storage that happens at such an early age is found on the nape of the neck, thigh and hips. Many a times, if the weight of the hips is more than the leg, the child finds it difficult to walk, sometimes much later than fifteen months. Health or nourishment drinks, which are high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats, add to the fat content.

How can you manage?

Alteration in diet and activity can do wonders and many a times it can even help tackle medical conditions, in addition to drugs. Feed your child every two hours with different things like fruits, salads, milkshakes, roti rolls, fried rice, noodles or pasta in very small amounts. Don’t ever make your child overeat. Discourage fried foods completely. Try to make things at home, like pastas, pizzas, funky rolls, noodles, pav bhaji etc. Pav bhaji can be one of the most nutritive serving for birthday parties and is very easy to prepare. Children imitate their parents, so avoid relishing fried and junk fruits in front of your children. Encourage outdoor games. Take your child to the garden. It helps you to take a walk and adds to your fitness levels.

Future of fat children:

It is very difficult to lose weight that is gained during childhood, leading to obesity, hypertension, joint pains and many such problems at later ages. Even if weight loss is achieved, cosmetic problems of stretch marks and saggy skin is often seen in young adults.

(Dr Singla is a Zirakpur-based

cosmetologist and obesity consultant)

On a rainy day
Monsoon might be away but there is no harm in getting ready for it. Here are some fashion essentials, a few musts that will make the rainy season more enjoyable
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Monsoon has hit the southern skies and while we wait for the skies to pour, in the meantime why not ring in the showers with a tinge of style. Though from footwear to fabric almost every fashion essential alters with the season, so, we do a quick style check and list what’s hot and what’s not so hot this monsoon.

Style check

If you think the pants have beaten a retreat to the summer wardrobe, you’re mistaken, as it is going to do another round this monsoon. And believe us its going to be hot pant splash this monsoon. “Be it cotton pants, capris, quarter pants or hot pants, nothing can stop them from looking sizzling this season,” says an employee of Wills Lifestyle store in Sector 17.

With hot pants catching the imagination of the young it’s confort that takes over style in the rains. “Hot pants are in these days because they are comfortable. You don’t want to wear anything clingy or blingy that will be a burden on the body. Clothes that are easy on the body are always preferred,” says Akhil Duggar, creative head, Madame. He adds, “Hot pants are hassle free and very casual, just what you would want when it pours. A combination of comfort, ease and glamour hot pants are a much desired item to have in your wardrobe for the rains. Apart from that skirts and shorts too are a hot item.”

Fabric for the rain

While it’s time to pack your loved maxi dresses and denims for rains are soon to be here, monsoons are all about choosing the right fabric than the right style. Says Babi, fashion designer from Babi’s, “Monsoon is the time when people should go for fabrics that are easy to dry and don’t crush easily. Pure cottons and synthetics should be avoided, as they tend to stick to the body and the crease of the cloth doesn’t fall well. Chiffons, net, lycra and georgettes are the best fabrics for this season.” Floral patterns will remain a hot item in the rains too and so will bright hues and shimmer. “The weather during monsoons is already dull and drab so, it’s better to add some colour to the wardrobe. Brighter hues definitely look good and the other reason for supporting vivid shades is that pastels get dirty and soiled very quickly during rains,” says designer Rashmi Bindra.

Lending monsoon tip she says, “Avoid cottons and colours that bleed easily during rains. Denims are also a no, no for the monsoons as it is a heavy fabric and gets drenched fast.”

Monsoon’s my foot

Gone are the days of sloppy looking footwear for the rains, rather step in style as it pours. With options galore right from brands like Crocs, flip flops and Bata you will definitely be spoilt for choice this rains! Flip-flops are good, so are the sporty sandals or floaters with straps, crocs are a good idea so is the rubber chappal. Easy to wash, it lets the feet breathe and look cool too. Here, we get for you some real fancy ones available across the city stores.

If you are looking for some stylish, colourful and trendy plastic footwear Bata-17, is the place to be. Available here is a variety. From see through peep-toes to plastic jutis in vibrant hues, here you can pick sandals that are water resistant and comfortable to the feet. Easy on pocket the price range of monsoon footwear starts at about Rs 200. For the ones who are hooked to the brand, nothing beats the designs in Crocs. From Ballerina shoes to stylish looking sandals, crocs are light in weight and the material is odour resistant and can be washed easily. Available in host of colours and designs Crocs store at DT Mall in IT park is the place to look out for.

Bag ‘n’ more

For our ladies who like to carry their world in a bag, leather handbags are a definite no-no. Instead, go for water resistant bags. Fastrack has some special bags that are fit to fight the rain. Available at Pantaloons and DT Mall in IT Park even Bata has some of these water resistant bags that can help you keep your stuff water free.

tip talk

n Don’t wear ill-fitting shoes or strappy sandals. They can slip easily and you could end hurting yourself.

n Lycra, chiffon, georgette, jersey, linen, net and polyster are the fabrics for monsoon.

n Ill-fitted clothes are a thing of past for the rains, rather dress smartly but in airy clothes. Noodle straps, backless, boat necks are the top trends and capris, hot pants and knee-length skirts the call of rains.

n Say no to denims, pure cotton, coudroys and synthetic fabrics.

success mantra
Engineered to perfection
Mona

Dedication, hardwork, sincerity, transparency and ethical dealings were a few qualities that Hartek Singh inherited from his father, late Amrik Singh. Starting his career as a marketing representative of engineering products, Hartek set up his dream company AMTEK in 1991, all at the age of 25. The first company in the region to offer HT electrical equipment in a single window concept, AMTEK has progressed by leaps and bounds. Hartek shares his success mantras with us.

Work is worship

It's been 22 years since we set up AMTEK and time has just flown. Work has been my life for all these years. The fire in my belly is still alive. By the end of the day, I want to have a sense of achievement every single day.

Transparent, sincere system

We always do the best for our clients. Minimum margin, maximum volume is what we follow. This way you earn less in one deal, but make multiple deals. It might not make sense in the short term, but in the long term gives manifold benefits. Not only have we sustained, but also spread our work and multiplied.

Passionate about profession

Work has been my life for all these years. I have given my 100 per cent always to the work that I have enjoyed, loved and cherished each single day.

Carry forward positivity

Each day is a new beginning for me. I never sleep with bitterness. Bad memories pull you down. Be it at work or in relationships, I start each day on a new positive note. I believe it goes a long way in determining success in different spheres of life.

Strong family values

I value the strong family system. In business there are many ups and downs. Your family supports you when you are down and keeps you grounded when high. Having lived under the shadow of my father and his merit, I have learnt a lot. We have also instilled a strong family system at AMTEK. I started with two employees, and on that very day, I felt responsible for three families. Everyone at AMTEK has contributed to our success and we are there for one another!

mona@tribunemail.com

Star in the making

He is not a regular child actor on television. The star of Jai Jai Bajrangbali, he bagged the Best Child Actor award in the 2012 Indian Telly awards. Master Raj Bhanushali famously known as Bal Hanuman on Sahara One’s Jai Jai Bajarangbali is only 6-years-old. He has made his mark on the small screen with his acting skills. The youngest actor of the Indian television industry, Raj Bhanushali talks about his show and more.

How did television happen to you?

One of my parents’ friends sent my photos to the Sagar Arts Production house. I got a call for audition and got selected. I was really happy that Sagar Arts wanted me for a role in their mythological show.

How does it feel playing Bal Hanuman?

I am very excited because I have won the audiences’ hearts. When the show started, it became an overnight success. The viewers appreciate my acting skills and that me happy.

How has it been shooting for this show?

Exciting and a huge learning experience. On the sets, Aparna Tarakad who is playing Maa Anjana helped me through the scenes. She always helped me in learning all the dialogues. Everybody in the Sagar Arts Production’s team is very helpful.

How has been the viewers’ reaction?

People say that I am the brightest one among other child actors like Bhavya Gandhi, Paras Arora, Aryan Sharma and Rushiraj Pawar.

How have your friends reacted to your fame?

My friends are very happy for me. Everyone likes me in this show.

Your favourite games….

My favourite games are snakes and ladder, cricket, badminton and football. — Dharam Pal

chatter box
Bengali girls seem to have taken over the television world. Known for their beauty and grace, the girls from West Bengal add a dash of glamour to the small screen. We take a look at the ones currently ruling the television.
Beauties of Bengal
Pratyusha Banerjee

work wise: Pratyusha Banerjee (centre) lucky again: Tina Dutta (right) pretty woman: Mouni Roy

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 3...

You’re driven by your emotions, particularly when it comes to relationships. If you get the urge to see someone, you’ll do your best to make it happen. You also have a tendency to do things as you think of them, without considering the consequences before swinging into action. This works well, provided you don’t do anything reckless or hasty. Stabilising colours are khaki and dark red. Career may require you to compromise on certain things. Finances are less favourable. You need to stick to moral values in personal life.

You may feel July lacks positivity and this will make you less optimistic. You’ll have more intuition and will be able to make the most of current opportunities. Don’t raise your voice against colleagues. You’ll feel full of life and joke about everything, even important matters.

Getting caught up in debates about who can be trusted, who is at fault and all the wrong moves recently made will add to the negativity. It may be easier, for some, to point a finger and then lend a hand, but don’t get drawn into pointless arguments. Take the initiative, work on finding a solution and offer help, if it looks like someone needs it.

The number 3 is essentially optimistic, definitely verbal and originally creative. It is astrologically linked to Gemini and is influenced by Jupiter and Venus. The number 3 is ruled by fire and earth. These people have pink, blue and gold auras. March and December are good months for the number 3 people, while Wednesday is a good day for them. You may think you are working behind the scenes, but you are still projecting an image. You’ve got a handle on the interpersonal element that others lack; conversely, a colleague can help you understand some necessary things.

Those born between the years 1980-2000 could go through a difficult time and have to spend more than usual. The stars recommend staying calm and acting prudently. Education: Be ready to make a good first impression. Some of you complain of pain in the back or in the shoulders. Love: So-so in 2012-13.Travel: You might need a little solitude in December-January

Mood: A bit overloaded at times, but good overall. Compatible signs: Libra, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Indigo, Lavender.

Sachin Khedekar (July, 3) is best known for his roles in Astitva, Imtihaan, and as Netaji in Shyam Benegal’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero. He has also directed Kalchakra. Some of his notable films are Imtihaan, Sailaab Thoda hain thode ki zarorat hai, Teacher, Mumbai Cutting, The Desire, The White Land, Dumkata and Singham.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You are awakened and energised by fiery “Knight of Wands”. Your creative abilities will be at their peak. Romantic relationships can benefit from honest communication.

Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 27

TAURUS: “The Ace of Pentacles” leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. You may be restless and could be contemplating making changes to your routine.

Tarot message: Minor official pin-pricks should be ignored.

Lucky colour: Jade.
Magic number: 29

GEMINI: “The Lovers” inspire you with love and creativity today. If you have spent time finalising the details of your pet projects, now is the time. Romantic relationships can be intense. Tarot message: Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Golden yellow.

Magic number: 46

CANCER: You may be in an irritable mood and could react aggressively when faced with dissenting views. Chance encounters could lead to interesting opportunities. 

Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being over-anxious.

Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 55

LEO: You draw “The Ace of Wands”, which puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Caring conversation and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.  Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 26

VIRGO: “The Priestess” infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Applying for a dream job? You might just get in with your track record and qualifications. Networking could lead to new opportunities. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others.

Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 52

LIBRA: “The Wheel of Fortune” spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. You may be unable to concentrate on your tasks at work. Try and avoid making important business decisions.

Tarot message: Lack of caution can leave you in losses.

Lucky colour: Forest-green.
Magic number: 43

SCORPIO: Your card “The Strength” gives you self-esteem and a good feeling about yourself today.  Work will be smooth sailing and your ability to get things done will be appreciated by colleagues.

Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.

Lucky colour: Deep red.
Magic number: 41

SAGITTARIUS: Your card is reversed, so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be enthusiastic about developments at work, but listen to colleagues. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks that normally take up a lot of time.

Lucky colour: Bottle green.
Magic number: 32

CAPRICORN: The card of “The Magician” brings a day of change and mutation, whether you want it or not. You may be feeling irritable and restless and could lose your temper very fast.

Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange.

Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 44

AQUARIUS: “Six of wands” bring a gracious and aesthetic influence in your life.   You are likely to face several disruptions, which will make it difficult for you to stay on schedule. Singles should be cautious about new relationships.

Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 27

PISCES: You draw “Two of wands” to invoke mental power to achieve professional goals. Work will be smooth sailing and your analysis of current projects will be appreciated by colleagues. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 35