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Just another freaky Friday!
Here it comes again - Friday, the 13th - the third to fall in the year 2012 (the first one was on January 13 and the second on April 13). One of the most widespread myths in the Western world, the day called Black Friday has hundreds of superstitions attached to it! How does Chandigarh folks take to the day, we check out.
It's going to be just another day for Dr Swapana Singla ('Thomas' was her maiden name), except that the movie 'Cocktail' releases this Friday and she had been eagerly awaiting that. Is it going to be unlucky? "People think so, I don't. In fact, 13 is my lucky number as I was born on this day (December 13)." Although it's going to be a normal day for her, she has had her share of Friday, the 13th stories. "I had this friend in college who wouldn't come for my birthday if it fell on Friday. We had to go out without her for she wouldn't sit in any vehicle and would rather spend the day well protected within the hostel," says Swapana. In fact, it's one superstition that most Americans observe (researches peg it at 10 per cent of the country's population). Apparently, Friday, the 13th is the day many take leave as they don't want to travel to work! While history links it to the crucifixion of Jesus, Zanobia Dean, a teacher at a city school, elaborates it for us, "It is said that Jesus took his last supper with 12 of his disciples (making them 13 together) on Friday. He was caught and crucified later. Probably that's what leads to the day being termed as unlucky." As for her, 13 has no negative connotations. "Born on January 13, I really can't recall any untoward incident that happened on this day," she says. For Glenda Nunes, director, Bachpan, any Friday is a holy day. "The day might be unlucky for those who believe in it. For me, any Friday, 13th or not, is a holy day as Christ lost his life on this day." If not anywhere else, at least MNCs have their fair share of action around Friday, the 13th for they have to deal with lots of American and European clients. "I love to weave scary stories around the day over coffee in office," says Ravinder Singh, senior programme manager at an MNC. "I came across this urban legend while working at Infosys, Chandigarh. A European client sent an email to be cautious with the order referring to 'friggatriskaidekaphobia' (The fear of Friday the 13th). I Googled the term and we spent almost the entire day trying to pronounce as well decipher the meaning," he says. Well, whether you have friggatriskaidekaphobia or not, be as cautious today as always! mona@tribunemail.com
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In a gift pack
At 8.30 pm, when one can hear most people pull down the shutters of their shops, it seems like the day has just begun for her. She wraps each of the ten cakes in a sheer pink piece of net, decorates it with pearls and pastes a few ribbons. It takes around 15 minutes each, which means she is here for another two-and-a-half hours. But that's what Priyanka Bajaj, a young entrepreneur and a trousseau packing designer, has always wished for — "Lots of work." It's just been a month since she opened her gift and trousseau-packing venture in the name of Wraps n Ribbons in Sector19 and there are ample orders already in store.
Initially, the concept aimed at providing trousseau-packing, but the expansion happened almost immediately once Priyanka realised how much people are into celebrating life. "More than expansion of work, I think it's specialisation of work. We provide gift-packing solutions for baby showers, baby announcements; birthdays and of course wedding-related occasions." The potential in the niche industry was tapped a couple of years back by fashion designer Neeta Lulla who had a tie-up with VIP to design trousseau luggage. "It's a multi-crore industry worldwide, as much attention is being paid to the gift-wrapping as to the gifts. An expensive gift when wrapped casually reduces the appeal; what matters today is the total package." No wonder engagement trays have a showpiece of a girl and a boy as a part of the arrangement; baby shower trays have statues of babies all around! "You name the event; we will make all possible efforts to make it a really special one." While readymade packing solutions, which stand for opulence, are available in her store, Priyanka is ever-ready to customise packing. "From store embellishments, ribbons, pearls, fabric of the cloth to a variety of accessories, there is a lot that can be experimented with," says Priyanka, as she carries on with her craft. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Lillete Dubey is back
Where will you find a powerhouse cast that comprises Kitu Gidwani, Meeta Vashistha, Amar Talwar, Sandhya Mridul, Suchitra Pillai, Nandita Dubey and Lillete Dubey? In August: Osage County, a dramatic rendition of our contemporary times. The 145-minute, two-act English production takes you through a multitude of emotions and situations, most of which even if far removed from your lives, are willy-nilly part of it.
A dark and comic play with a taut unwavering script, it traces the lives of the Weston family, who get together at a family funeral. Different relationships come under scrutiny, nuances and layers of complex personas get revealed, and interpersonal bonds within the familial set-up once again come to the fore. Lillete Dubey as director and actor is once again in her element, essaying the role of a complex drug-dependent matriarch. The degeneration of the family at a moment when grief of losing a loved one is palpable has been handled with dexterity, making the play quite an edge-of-the-seat experience. Little wonder that it won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize and as many as seven Tony awards in the USA. The play comes to Chandigarh courtesy the Durga Das Foundation and will be showcased on Sunday, July 15, at the Tagore Theatre. Entry to the play is by
invitation. — TNS
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Fashion on fingertips
Making a fashion statement through nails was never as popular as it is getting these days. More and more women are embellishing their nails with creative, cool and classy designs.
According to a Ludhiana-based fashionista Anvita Chhatwal, who opened a beauty parlour by the name White Lily, there is novelty in nail art not only in terms of materials, but also the colours and designs. "As of now there are three kinds of 'permanent' materials that are popular — acrylics, gels and French nails. Gels have more sheen and acrylics have a matte look whereas French nails have a double tone, which are light pinkish and white at the top. These have a nice natural look and go well with formal wear as well as traditional clothing as well," says Anvita. "Once applied these nails can last up to a couple of months," she says. The good thing is that there are all kinds of accessories and designs that can be created now. There is also the 3-D nail art, which rises above the nail surface like flowers and butterflies. "Intricate designs are also created by using needles," she says. "It is not possible for working women to sport nail art regularly, but it is refreshing and nice if worn once in a while," opines Divya Dhanda, a socialite. Nail piercing to add jewels and studs is also pretty popular nowadays. Says Indira Ahluwalia from Grace Beauty Clinic, "Water design is also the new fashion trend, as this forms a natural pattern that cannot be created with a brush. Crackle designs are also getting quite popular, where a crackle polish is applied on top of a nail polish, which reveals the different colours of the nail polish below. Nail art is getting quite intricate." "While girls generally prefer flowers, butterflies and bolder colours, women like crackle, needle art and subtle colours. Glittering look is preferred for party or ceremonial occasions. Nail stickers are also pretty common these days," says
Anvita.
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On the right track
It's hard to sign business agreements when you dream of scribbling on autograph papers. Post-graduation in business management notwithstanding, he always wanted to strike a couple of chords, pull a lot of strings! Charan Ahuja, an upcoming singer, might be taking baby steps at a snail's pace to stardom but he's got moving nevertheless.
Says the 25-year old, who will soon come out with his second album, "Music was not just sound to my ears, but also a passion and a different world of dreams. Since I was eight, all I wanted to do was sing." It was only a matter of completing his education and he was at it! "As soon as I returned from the US, I started working on my first album Rooh. I looked for lyricists and music directors, though I have given all the music myself and even sung all the songs." The album comes packaged with eight tracks comprising different tones. "The title track is a romantic number. It is a combination of Punjabi and Latin music. I must have worked for eleven months for this album." He adds, "As for its video, we shot in Malaysia. It's a romantic video, almost a story in itself." Then there are the inevitable songs in any Punjabi album, a few dance tracks! "There's also this song Minnie Mickey for which the video is still in process. It's a song where the lovers are compared to the cartoon characters Minnie and Mickey." Keeping in sync with his dreams, it's been seven years of learning music. "I have been learning classical music under the tutelage of my guruji Vinod Sood. I have been not just into singing but also playing a number of instruments like guitar, flute and harmonium." It all started from school shows, went up till college and is now continuing through tour shows. "I have always idolised Gurdaas Mann and among the upcoming singers I really admire Diljit
Dosanjh." There might not be Punjabi singers who take to classical base but he's happy with the way things are progressing. "Punjabi music industry is still progressing. My only complaint is that there should be no copying and more experimentation." He adds, "My second album will be out soon. For it, I'm working with the team Sultans of Bhangra. We have completed two tracks, out of which one is a romantic number and the other a club mix." A remix? He cuts, "I'm not in favour of remixes. I want to make everything new." Three cheers! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Second innings
Riding high on the success of its popular teen-crime show, Channel [V] launched the fresh new season of Gumrah, on July 9. Gumrah – Season 2 now airs daily (Monday – Friday) and each episode will illustrate new spine-chilling stories of crime. The show is co-produced by ALT Entertainment and Lost Boy Productions and will continue to be hosted by Karan Kundra. Gumrah – End of Innocence, was widely appreciated for its disruptive format and unique viewpoint of understanding the psyche of young criminals. The show stood out among a horde of other crime shows with its non- preachy approach and youth appeal. With the introduction of Season 2, Channel [V] takes the plunge again into the mysterious world of crime to explore the different moods and emotions that drive these young minds.
Speaking on the announcement, Prem Kamath, Executive VP and GM, said “Gumrah deals with the issue of teen crime which is connected to the society today. The show’s wide acceptance amongst viewers has proved the importance and relevance of this issue. Through Gumrah, we aim to educate the people on numerous psychological reasons that instigate youngsters towards taking the path of crime. The idea is to educate both the teenagers and their parents.” Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said “Gumrah as a concept has huge potential.”
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New Releases
Producers: Dinesh Vijan, Saif Ali Khan, Andrew Heffernan and Sunill Lulla Director: Homi Adjania After Aarakshan and Love Aaj Kal, the hot jodi of Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan will be seen again for the third time in Homi Adajani’s romantic comedy Cocktail. The film looks like Love Aaj Kal. It is written by Imtiaz Ali. Deepika will be seen sparking a two-piece in the film. The Diana Penty makes her debut in Bollywood. This breezy romantic comic capers tells a story of three close friends caught in the vortex of a complicated relationship. Dimple
Kapadia, Boman Irani and Randeep Hooda also star in this film in which Pritam has come up with a bittersweet mixed tracks. The songs look like an infusion of Love Aaj Kal and Agent Vinod. Hopefully Saif-Deepika chemistry will be crackling this time. Abraham Lincon: Vampire Hunter Producers: Jim Lemley, Tim Burtan, Timur Bekmanbetor Director: Timur Beckmanbetor Benjamin Walker was selected to play the character of Abraham Lincon among seven stars. The film team had unearthed some photographs from the civil was actually shot in 3D. The entire film was also shot in 3D. The film is based on the book by Seth Grahame-Smith and weaves the elements of politics and horror. It also explores the secret life of Abraham Lincon, on of the presidents of America. Get ready to watch this adventure-horror in theatres from today.
—Dharmapal
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star track
Priyanka Chopra, who is presently busy working on her debut music album, explained what music means to her.
"It used to fascinate me when dad would talk about how music is made. But to really experience it is magical. From the melody coming out of nowhere to the words that just spring up, I'm lucky to have this chance," Chopra said. And her family and friends are already proud of her album. "I don't know how the album will end up. All I hope is that my dad and my fans who have always supported me in all the risks I have taken are proud of it," she added.
Dil maange more…
Lately, he has been working with Deepika Padukone.
Imtiaz Ali wrote the script of Cocktail and the first character who was signed on was Deepika Padukone. He gave her a choice between homely Meera and wild Veronica and she took up Veronica as a challenge. Then the rest of the casting followed.
Training hard
He needs to get a chiseled body for Aurangzeb. Kris Gethin and Mike Ryan are training him.
Prabhudeva, Sonakshi hurt
Prabhudeva and Sonakshi Sinha were injured while shooting for a song called Go Govinda. Both sprained their wrists while doing the high energy movements in the colourful song. And, who said acting was easy?
Learn it
from Lara
Lara Dutta wowed us with a va-va voom figure in Blue. She has even lost her post-pregnancy weight and is a big crusader for yoga. The former beauty queen with a great body, skin and hair shares some beauty and fitness tips with us.
1 I think it is very important to eat carbohydrates. I cannot starve myself. While going out, I make a deal to have salad or soup first and then indulge in a heavy main course. Fortunately, I don't have a sweet tooth, so I am satisfied after a few bites of a dessert. So, don't starve yourself and indulge once in a way. You can also eat something healthy before going out to eat so you will eat less. 2 It is important to drink lots of water, four litres to be precise to stay hydrated, lose weight and to keep your hair and skin looking good. Sometimes, you feel hungry but actually you are just thirsty. Nothing beats water! Say no to fizz! 3 I like drinking a green juice made of celery, mint, amla, spinach and cucumber. Anything green is good for you. Fruits, nuts and dry fruits are great too and going vegetarian is a great idea. Eat five to six small meals a day, every two hours. 4 Losing weight is a task but you must make it fun. Try whatever you like because if you like it, only then you will stick to it. I tried everything from swimming, jogging, cycling, and walking to standing on my head to tone up. 5Be very clear about the shape you want to be in. Imagine yourself having lost weight, looking fabulous and receiving compliments. You need to imagine having achieved your goal mentally and you will go there in reality.
Who is the new Gujarati Juliet?
Kareena Kapoor is not doing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Raas Leela opposite Ranveer Singh. So which heroine will do it? Here are the options!
Anushka Sharma She is shooting Yash Chopra's film with Shah Rukh, Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and will then get busy with Rajkumar Hirani's Peekay with Aamir Khan. So she does not have time. Deepika Padukone She is busy with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Race 2. So she has no time for the movie. Sonam Kapoor She is busy with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and then Ranjhana with Dhanush so she has no dates either. Katrina Kaif Her kitty is full with Dhoom 3, YRF's film with Shah Rukh Khan, and promoting Ek The Tiger with Salman Khan. Priyanka Chopra Priyanka Chopra is SLB's only hope and the only likely candidate. Apparently she is even talking to him about the movie. Her only movie is the remake of
Zanjeer.
Scary spoof is on…
Mean Girls star Lindsay Lohan is reportedly in talks to join horror-film spoof Scary Movie 5. The 26-year-old troubled actress will star opposite Ashley Tisdale in the fifth installment of the franchise.
Details of the character that Lohan will play are still unclear. Representatives for the production are yet to confirm her casting. The film will also stars Anthony Anderson, Regina Hall, Craig Bierko and Erica Ash. The film is planned to kick off the production this September with director duo Malcolm Lee and David Zucker.
— PTI
Where is the right man?
Actress Kirsten Dunst fears she will never find the right man with whom she can settle down and have children.
The 30-year-old is scared of the immature behaviour shown by men. "Until you have a kid, you're just looking for your partner. And guys have a Peter Pan vibe. They're 35 and they behave like they're 25. That's what scares me about being in my 30s and not finding someone to have kids with," Dunst said. Dunst is currently dating actor Garrett Hedlund, and says for a long term relationship, she would prefer to be good friends with someone before dating them. "My experience is that as you get older you try to pick a partner who you're friends with. It's hard to find balance and that's not going to come with the instant chemistry kind of people," she said. —
IANS
Ek Tha Tiger is not anti-Pak
Pakistan may restrained its cable operators from screening promos and reviews of the upcoming Salman Khan starrer Ek Tha Tiger, but director Kabir Khan once again clarified that the film isn't anti-Pakistan.
"I will say it once more... Ek Tha Tiger is NOT anti-Pakistan," he said. "This is the price we have to pay because unfortunately our industry has made insensitive and jingoistic films in the past. I am absolutely sure that once the censor board of Pakistan sees Ek Tha Tiger, they will be more than happy to show the film in Pakistan," he added. The director also assured the fans of Salman in Pakistan that the film will release in their country. "I can assure the millions of fans of Salman in Pakistan that Ek Tha Tiger will release in theatres in their country. I'm still a newcomer in the industry but see the vast filmography of Yash Chopra and Salman Khan... and you will realise what I'm saying. In this day and age... it's stupid to make films that are insensitive or derogatory to any country or community," he added further.
Katie Holmes signed a confidentiality agreement? Actress Katie Holmes has reportedly signed a confidentiality agreement as part of her divorce settlement with Tom Cruise. The couple, who split last month after five years of marriage, agreed to conditions to end their union, with the terms that the actress will not speak about her estranged spouse's personal life or his religion, Scientology. "Confidentiality was the key. If Katie hadn't signed up to remain silent it could have become a messy legal battle," said a source. —
IANS
For Usher, son matters a lot
American singer Usher has put aside his messy divorce with Tameka Raymond and has been praying for his stepson Kyle Glover who was hit by a jet ski and labelled brain dead.
"The situation is terrible, the praying is plentiful and Usher is there for Kyle and is being an adult in the situation dealing with Tameka. He is separating things for the benefit and respect of Kyle," said a source. "Usher is completely devastated. He is emotionally drained from the accident. He feels incredibly awful... it's been a complete roller-coaster of emotions," the source added.
—IANS
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Astro turf
ARIES: Conquer your fear today and take a chance. You may be concerned about certain family issues and need to take out time to sort things out. There could be delays in certain business ventures or personal projects. TAURUS: 'The Queen of Pentacles' blesses you with the finest of qualities today. Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. Children will be a source of joy and their progress will make you proud.Tarot message: Don’t accept situations you dislike. GEMINI: You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your instinct. Romance will lead to happy moments and singles can meet someone special. CANCER: The wisdom of “The Hermit” inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being. Gains from past investments are likely. LEO: “The Magician” conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Partnership, business problems, past disappointments - all need your attention today. You will be hearing from someone unexpected, like a voice from your past. VIRGO: You are articulate and others are ready to tune in to what you are offering. Business deals are on the boil, but still inconclusive. By the evening you can be in an irritable mood and will be prone to losing your temper with friends and family. LIBRA: It looks like a very busy day ahead, but your chances of success are better today than ever before. Take the yogic help to relax and overcome your anxiety disorder to live happily. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. SCORPIO: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work. Travelling will yield valuable information. Don’t depend on others to do your important work. You should take some advice from the people whom you see as your ideal. Tarot message: Don’t be enthusiastic in finalising a deal. SAGITTARIUS: Today mixing with friends could be a tricky business. If you don’t want to be alone, choose a companion who is
lest likely to irritate you. Don’t get involved in petty arguments with your mate or partner. CAPRICORN: Emotions are likely to accompany your actions and you might be more impulsive than usual. You will have a better chance of getting through odd AQUARIUS: “The Hanged Man” helps you move into a new and better situation. You will struggle to keep your temper in check today. Take your partner or a friend to the movies this afternoon and enjoy the time. PISCES: This is a fine day to plan for future business expansion. Relax with your mate in the evening; it’s just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Someone you are attracted to at work feels the same way.
The year ahead
If your birthday is July 12...
Keep yourself involved in activities that will help you maintain your cool. Investment concerning your residence will be profitable. Good time for entering a matrimonial alliance. Romance rules your heart and mind. Adapt to new techniques to increase your work efficiency - your style and unique ways of doing things will interest people who are watching you closely. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention. It will be a difficult period for finances, health and relationships. A change in schedule might make your year hectic at the work front. Overall, you will have to work hard to make some progress. Mood: Good for investing. Compatible signs: Leo, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Crimson, black. Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 3, 14, 22, 23, 42.
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Cocktail
