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A simple voice
There isn’t any dilly-dallying. To every question, a straight, to the point, answer is given. If at all a bit of explaining is needed, it follows without making a request. Whatever happened to the celebrity attitude and tantrums! Soha Ali Khan is simply uncomplicated; unaffected by the star status.
She doesn’t dodge any question, not even the unending queries about Saif–Kareena wedding. “I understand peoples’ curiosity and I don’t mind telling them whatever little I know,” says the actor. She was at Manav Mangal School in Mohali on Friday as part of Follow Your Heart campaign, which encourages students to follow the career of your choice. Soha absolutely supports the cause of Follow Your Heart, but with a condition. “In lieu of choosing a career of their choice, students usually give up studies. It’s important to change the perception that one can’t balance a career in the glam world or sports with studies.” Being an MBA and then having some exposure in the corporate world, she makes sure to highlight the importance of academics. “As the career span of such professions is only a few years, a degree gives you a fallback option.” She emphasises on the fact more in case of girls. The youth-oriented industry doesn’t give them more than a decade. “There is this unending demand for fresh faces. Men can be in their 60s but women have to be young, really young.” She herself was 25 when she entered the industry, which by its measure is pretty old. “My contemporaries have five to seven years of experience more than me. But I don’t regret; knowledge is and will remain power.” As for how her career is shaping up, she is content with it. She is currently shooting for two films, one is the sequel of Sahib Biwi or Gangster and the other one is Char Footiya Chokra. While the subjects of the films are poles apart, the backdrop is the same — rural India. “That’s where the original stories are coming from — the heartland of India, the countryside. The urban tales have been told enough. You pick them up again and it’s a mere repetition. For fresh stories, you have to go deeper into India.” All the more reason, she is happy doing experimental cinema. She lists Khoya Khoya Chand and Tum Mile as her best works. Surprisingly, Rang De Basanti doesn’t feature in the list. “For the simple fact that the latter became a hit because of so many good performances. I am a selfish actor, just like others in the industry. Khoya Khoya Chand and Tum Mile gave me a lot of space to perform.” Selection of films doesn’t depend on the genre of the cinema they belong to. From complete commercial to off-beat, she is open to any form of cinema as long as substance in the storyline is promised. “I wish to do films that people will carry home.” And she, of course, hopes her brother’s Cocktail falls in the league. “It’s written by Imtiaz Ali and that gives a hint on how fresh the film will be. I am eagerly looking forward to it.” But before that, she happily carries on with the questions that pop from here and there! ashima@tribunemail
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Steps to stardom
If you have ever wondered how a radio jockey works, well you can catch RJ Dhanveer on Spark Punjabi’s Top 20. A deferred live show that presents an RJ in action is already garnering a good response within a month of it being aired.
Equally fascinating is its host Dhanveer’s journey in the world of entertainment. The very first graduate from his family, he has come via a circuitous route to his very first movie. “Soon after my masters in journalism, I worked as a news anchor,” he begins. Working in a fixed format, talking of bomb blasts and similar stories, he felt restricted. Then came the switch to being a TV anchor. “It was challenging, but so were the returns. While I worked as a news anchor for Rs 9,000 a month, anchoring got me Rs 14,000 a day,” he adds. Everyday anchoring soon tired him. So came another big switch from TV to radio. Before Dhanveer started as an RJ, he hadn’t listened to radio ever. And it was training on job. “It’s my listeners who taught me what works and what not.” While his Punjabi was appreciated, he also did masters in Urdu to better his Hindi accent. And then came along the break in a film. He debuts as the lead in Punjabi film Yaar Pardesi that’s due to be released in the coming month. Yaar Pardesi is on young guys from Punjab. While every one wants to go abroad and get rich but working hard is something they are not ready to do. The easy way out is a girl who marries them and become their passport to the western world! While acting in the film was fine, more challenging was to adjust to camera angles. “There is a marked difference in the way it functions in radio, TV and movies.” But our new hero is taking all in his stride, though reaching here hasn’t been easy. Having been brought up in Barnala, he has had his fair share of challenges to convince his family to allow him to study and move ahead. “There was a time when my family wanted me to stop studying and then to go for a government job. But it was my mother who stood by me and helped me follow my dreams.” Dhanveer wants to head to Bollywood next. He is moving ahead, but missing his mother whom he lost in a road accident over two years ago. Her blessings are always there! mona@tribunemail.com
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Here comes Amrita
The St. Johns Old Boys Association (SJOBA) Foundation is bringing the play Tumhari Amrita at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, on July 17.
Inspired by A R Gurney's, Love Letters, Tumhari Amrita is a funny, poignant, melancholic chronicle of two people who neither could not come together nor stay apart. A love story told through the exchange of love letters spanning 35 years between two people from very different backgrounds, a tale of the universal tragedy of lovers, torn apart by destiny, a relationship between two articulate individuals who are engaged in constantly shifting priorities. Tumhari Amrita has been directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and the cast includes Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh. The play was first staged in 1992 by playwright Javed Siddiqui. After its première at the Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, in February 1992, it has been staged at venues across India, Europe, US and Pakistan. The story of unrequited love is read out through reams of love letters between Amrita Nigam and Zulfikar Haider, exchanged over 35 years, starting with Amrita's eighth birthday party in the 1940, when she first wrote to the ten-year-old Zulfi. —
TNS
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One for the road!
Can you guess who she is? Here are a few hints. She wears a gold neckpiece. Has a legacy behind her and is only enjoyed by the rich and famous around the world. Can you guess now? Chances are very bleak though, as she is the exquisite bottle of Louis XIII!
Brought to Chandigarh for an exclusive tasting session hosted by Ganeev Singh Bains and Harpreet Singh Cheema at the Pewter Room, the drink is nothing less than the most memorable experience. Crafted with perfection, the Cognac boasts of everything related to royalty. History, rubbing with the high and the mighty; and of course an unheard of price tag! “The bottle costs Rs 2.5 lakh,” says Vincent Cleme, brand ambassador for Louis XIII, Indian Subcontinent. It goes without saying that the cognac comes with a heritage. “It was in 1874 that Remy Martin decided to use the 100-year-old eaux-de-vie (a clear, colourless grape brandy, produced by fermentation) and made this lovely drink,” says Vincent. The grapes in the bottle come from the finest Terroir, which includes special character of soil, climate and topography, so it’s nothing less the best. Having taken 100 years, 1,200 blends and four generations of experts to create, maintain and retain the same bouquet of 250 different aromas, it sure is an undefined delight! Not only has the cognac, even its prized bottle comes with a story. “It’s made of crystal and has a 24-carat gold neck,” Vincent informs. Eleven people working together for two weeks and fifty operations are involved to put the bottle together. Created by designer Chistophe Pillet, even the empty bottle sells for $500! Not one of the regular cognacs, this high-profile opulence for the lips stays long after it has vanished from its special glass. “Its taste stays for one hour after you have finished it,” Vincent adds. The glass also has been created scientifically so as to ensure it touches the centre of the tongue. “The reason we won’t use a balloon glass for this is because the warmth of the fingers change the aroma and with Louis XIII, you don’t want to change the original flavour,” adds Vincent. Created by the only female cellar master, Peirrette Trichet, the lady sure has the skill and the nose to keep the aroma consistent across all bottles of Louis XIII. And the cognac is mostly enjoyed for sheer craftsmanship, history, legacy and luxury of it. “If nothing else, it makes for a lovely gift to the son when he takes over your years of experience for that soulful conversation,” adds Vincent. However you like, just immerse in the aroma and forget the rest. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Small screen,
big
goals
Varun Badola has had a long inning in the telly world. Presently playing Thakur Vikram Singh on Zee TV’s Phir Subah Hogi, Varun talks on his eventful journey and how entertainment industry has changed over the years.
“Acting is the only thing I know, so I would rather do it well,” says Varun who is rather choosy when it comes to roles. “The character that I play in Phir Subah Hogi is intriguing, which I enjoy the most,” says the actor, who took ten minutes off in between the shots for the interview. Time is a rarity in a TV actor’s life. “Everything is happening in the telly world at a frantic pace. There is no time to sit down or share anything,” says Varun, who started his career in 1997. He has come on screen after two years and isn’t keen on much, least of all reality shows. “There was a time in reality TV as well that only the best would win,” says Varun, who has been part of the show Nach Baliye, as an anchor as well as contestant. “Now, there is too much happening behind the scenes,” he adds. Interestingly, Varun has been assistant director to Tigmanshu Dhulia and has also written dialogues for Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani. He has written and directed his show Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein. In fact, it’s direction that he is heading for now. And he is ready with the first draft of the film that he wishes to direct. “It will take at least two more drafts before I can approach someone with the script.” Meanwhile, watch him play Vikram Singh — wise, learned, brave and a great leader with a fatal flaw — in Phir Subah Hogi. mona@tribunemail.com
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A host of things
They introduce the show, they get things going, they make the audience as well as the contestants laugh and at the end they handle the pressure of eliminations in an encouraging way. They are the anchors or hosts who add the extra zing to reality shows, where talented people compete and experienced names judge! Indian television has been soaring on TRPs with reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Indian Idol, Dance India Dance, India's Got Talent, Comedy Circus and many more. Recently many of the shows have entered their new seasons. We talk to some of these talented people and find out what really goes into being a host. Linguistic perfection
Shruti Seth, the young and bubbly anchor who is currently hosting Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki, is very truthful when she says anyone who wants to be a host on Indian television must know Hindi. Says Shruti, "I feel really ashamed when people say with aplomb that they don't know how to speak fluent Hindi. If one does not know Hindi, one has no right to be part of Indian television." What about the talent? "I just do my job well; prepare a little bit and also reflect my true personality for the real effect," says Shruti. Knowledge bank
Narrative impulse
Ragini Khanna, who is currently hosting Jhalak Dikhlaja Season 5, feels being a host requires spontaneity along with wit. And do they really have a script? "We have a script, but we get that only half-an-hour before the show, but if somebody has had a bad performance you have to say something supporting on the spot," says Ragini. We wonder what more goes into being a good host. "A lot of presence of mind is required; be prepared for the unexpected," adds Ragini. Well prepared Manish Paul, who will be hosting India's Got Talent Season 5 along with Cyrus Sahukar, feels that anchoring is not just about talking. "You have to make sense of what you talk. I make it a point to rehearse my script and also put a lot of thought to come up with some original lines," says Manish. So, is your job just about cracking jokes? "I am always myself and love to do comedy stuff, but some situations require seriousness as well," adds Manish. sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Master Chef
Method
(Manju Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) —As told to Poonam Bindra
Cheese mango yoghurt
Ingredients 2 mangoes (peeled and sliced) 1 ½ cup hung curd 1 cup cream 1 ½ tbsp sugar (or sweetener) ½ cup cashew nuts 11/2 tsp rose water ½ cup fresh cottage cheese Almonds and pista (for garnish)
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Count every bite
People who maintain a record of every bite they eat are more successful in losing weight, a new study has found US Researchers discovered women who wrote down what they eat lost six pounds (2.7kg) more than those who did not record, concluding that old-fashioned calorie counting was more important than the type of diet. Scientists also found that skipping meals proves counter-productive, as it made dieters resort to eating unhealthy snacks instead. Those who skipped meals lost eight pounds less (3.6kg) than those who did not. The study team looked at dieting methods among 123 overweight women aged between 50 to 75.
"For individuals who are trying to lose weight, the number one piece of advice based on these study results would be to keep a food journal to help meet daily calorie goals," Dr Anne McTiernan, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, said. —
PTI
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Mane and monsoon
Dr Vikas Sharma After the scorching heat, the rain brings some relief. But they also signal the need for extra protection, especially for skin and hair. The monsoon humidity robs the hair of its bounce often leaving it limp and lifeless. The scalp constantly sweats, leading to itching, scratching and hair loss. Along with rainwater, another danger in the monsoon is the highly concentrated chlorine-treated water. During the monsoon, the municipality guards against bacteria with additional chlorine in the water. This concentrated chlorine compound may kill the bacteria but can also be harmful to your skin and hair. Chlorine can cause dry skin, dry hair, itching, flaking and hair loss. This is why the monsoon is the time for the normal microfloral proliferation. Avoid hot hair-treatments such as perming, straightening or colouring in the rainy season. When combined with wet weather, these treatments further tend to weaken the hair shaft and promote breakage and hair fall. Ironing the hair is not advisable either as the repeated flow of hot air can cause breakage and split ends. Reduce the heat Avoid using your blow dryer every day. By giving your hair a break from the heat, you are reducing the potential damage it can do to your hair. Remember, the hotter the blow dryer, the more breakage it can cause, so try the low setting or air dry your hair. If you use heating tongs on damp hair or hold the hair dryer too close to your head, you can actually boil the water in the hair shaft, which will cause the hair to break near the scalp. Keep hair dryers at least 12 inches from your hair and use heating tongs on dry hair only. Say no to crash diets Besides the fact that they don't work in the long run, here's another reason to avoid crash diets, they can lead to significant hair loss. The most sensible approach to weight reduction is to simply increase your exercise levels while reducing your calorie intake. Preventing pimples Prevent breakouts on your scalp and hairline by keeping hair products away from your scalp. Wearing clean hats or baseball caps that aren't so tight that they trap dirt and sweat also help. Dealing with dandruff Most people with dandruff have an increase in Pityrosporum yeasts, yeast that is a normal inhabitant of the skin. There is a tendency of this normal microflora to overgrow in this rainy season. Other causes include having an increase in oiliness of your skin, having stress, heavy drinking, and certain drugs may be risk factors. Water content Did you know that as much of 13 per cent of your hair is made up of water? When your hair is dry, it looses its ability to stretch so it breaks off. Try moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, go gentle with hair appliances like curling irons and blow dryers. Trim off damaged and split ends frequently, as they obstruct the hair growth process and make the edges of your hair strands weak. What to do
(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)
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In bloom
Satish narula
One of the least exploited plants to fall in this category is Clerodendron thomsonii. Mostly it is known as cleordendron. If you go to the nursery and ask for the plant you will get it. Only you have to remove the confusion as there are other clerodendrons like the one used for growing a hedge or even the climber that is grown for flowering in shade. The flower is amazing as there is a perfect contrast of deep red coming out of sparkling white enclosure. The flowers are borne in numbers at the terminals. The plant can be trained on any structure or grown in a pot. It is easily multiplied by cuttings. It is not always the type and form of the plant or bloom that attracts. When a plant is in profuse flowering, it also draws attention towards it. One of the best flowers for such a magnanimous display of blooms is allamanda. The plant is weak stemmed and gardeners normally train this plant as they do with climbers. The flowers are very bold and it is sight to see this shrub in flowering. The flowers are pure and deep yellow. Now it is also available in another colour that is deep pink with deeper shade throat. This plant is also multiplied by cuttings. This is the right time to do so. We do not expect you to be botanists to know that both the above mentioned plants fall in the category of shrubs and not a climber. As they are weak-stemmed, they need support to grow upward. Whatever category you put them in; it is a matter of pride for gardeners to have such plants. Such plants are good for planning in small spaces but when space is not the concern, nothing can beat Erythrina crista galli, another plant with a tongue twisting name. But then good things do not come easily. Remember the name, get it from the nursery and enjoy the sight. It is a short stature tree that hardly grows to 10 to 12 feet height. The spreading tree not only gives unusual type of brick red flowers but also has main trunk and limbs valued for their architectural beauty.
(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)
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Need for speed
Simranjeet Gill “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” – Paulo Coelho. One of those rare network site updates which make sense and appeal to you – could not have been more befitting as the title line when you get back, adjust yourself in the finest and the fastest machines- an AMG or for that matter a Bugatti Veyron or even an Aston Martin V12 Vantage.There is something about speed that the racing arms of various car models entice to no end. Definitely, cars that touch a speed of 0-100kmh in only a 4.4 second event, you have to be super alert and in sync with the machine. Here is what the super cool cars are made of. Power packed C63 AMG is one among few sedans offered under the AMG umbrella. AMG engineering success went to the extent that Mercedes Benz eventually took over and AMG now is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Chrysler. C63 AMG has a V8 power plant developing 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm, delivering an impressive torque of 600Nm at 5000 rpm. AMG has been able to moderate fuel consumption down to 12.1-lt/100km and with the performance pack; the 0-100kmh sprint is only a 4.4 second event. The interiors are something all Indians would adore. That’s one reason why cars are bought. The loud red rally seats, oval shaped performance steering wheel gives a rally feel. Headroom can get a bit tight for those longer of torso and rear seat occupants don't have the best view of the world. Boot space of 475 lt is quite impressive for this sports saloon. Dream Come true A sports version with speed, Bugati Veyron 16.4, is a dream come true. Manufactured by French Marque Bugatti, we could see it in 2005. For those of you who think why it is such a rage, Veyron is the fastest street legal production car with a top speed of 431 km/hr. A 8.0 litre, W16 cylinder, Veyron can be driven in either semi- or fully automatic mode. Bring out the beast Certain cars can get the adrenaline pumping. The Jaguar XKR S is one such model that offers speed and style both. A super charged 5 lt engines with 8 cylinders has a torque of 680. And if speed has to be seen, 0-100 in 4.4 seconds is a marvel in performance. Driving can be rewarding and exciting in an aero space inspired aluminum body. It also has a unique roof that can be raised or lowered in less than 18 seconds automatically. Priced: 1 crore (approx). Get sporty A new addition in the sports model is Skoda Laura RS, which carries sports model legacy. A 1.8 turbo charged fuel engine and electronic aid makes it a speedy experience. Interiors are something all sports model vouch for along with speed. (Gill is a Chandigarh-based HOG rider)
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Route to beauty
The era of the neighbourhood beauty parlour to now, when every third college girl sports streaks. Almost everybody has treated, dyed, blow dried their hair at some point of time. The six months advanced diploma course promises to make a hairdresser out of anybody walking in Rs 90, 000. Shares Aseem Kuashik, “The ARTH course is for everyone. Anybody can come and enroll because we’ll be teaching them from zero.” —Manpriya Singh
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First Day First Show
Full on fun “It’s a typical love triangle, very predictable, but still a fun and fresh film. It is a little dragging towards the end. On the whole it is an entertaining film for the younger generation,” —Varun Makhani, student, Khalsa College Music scores “I just loved the music. Jugni has always been a favourite the other songs add a lot of flavour to the film.” — Sanya Sobti, homemaker. Watch out “The film has several fun moments and good music. It is predictable yet a completely watchable movie.” — Karan Singh, IT employee.
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trendsetter Your sense of style is…
Is very individualistic. Don’t believe in following anybody since fashion is how you perceive it. It has to be your own unique statement and that’s when the style evolves. Latest addition in your wardrobe… A pink coloured A-line ankle length skirt in linen. I plan to wear this skirt with a skin tight lace top in pearl colour. Brand freak or street smart? I am surely a brand freak but sometimes being street smart does wonders. It’s about how you choose the best from rags. It feels like an accomplishment. Choose one—sporty, glamorous or chic Any day, chic. It is just the way it sounds, so ‘she’ and makes me feel very feminine. Your style icon … That would have to be Diane Kruger Who’s the worst dressed celebrity around? Vidya Balan, for she doesn’t know much about styling. One fashion trend you don’t understand… I wonder why people follow others in fashion. One should be a fashion leader rather than being a mere follower. Your take on accessories Accessories should be a woman’s best friend. They always help us jazz up even if our attire is boring and simple. So go for them. One thing that boosts your confidence – Kajal is undoubtedly the most important thing that boosts my confidence. This makes my entire look complete. You would love to be dressed up by…. Robertto Cavalli. He is one Italian fashion designer who mainly plays around with detailed exotic prints. (As told to Manpriya Singh)
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The lucky one
Actress Amrita Puri, the only female actor in Kai Po Che!, says that director Abhishek Kapoor is the USP of the film. Kai Po..., the big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's book The 3 Mistakes of My Life, also features TV actors Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Rajkumar Yadav. “I was a little nervous earlier but Abhishek is such a nice person. In the beginning of the film, he had a one on one chat with me, where he wanted me to get completely comfortable. That chat actually set the path for the rest of the film." “During our chat he talked to me as a person and not as the director of the film or as a professional. He made me understand the fact that he has chosen me because I am the best person for his role. If your director believes in you, it gives an actor a lot of security. He is the star of Kai Po...,” Amrita said. Not many newcomers get a chance to do something new film after film. But the 28-year-old got to play a small town girl in her debut film Aisha followed by a housewife in Blood Money, and in Kai Po... she will be seen as a vivacious girl. Amrita considers herself very lucky. “My character in Kai Po Che is very different from that in Aisha and Blood Money. Vidya is very naughty and a fun loving person. She is very mischievous. She is not the traditional types. She is very strong and a go getter," she said. “The three characters that I have played are completely different from each other. I think I am a lucky one.” Recalling the shooting schedule Amrita says she loved being pampered by the male co-actors on the sets. “Working with three actors was a fabulous experience. I was thoroughly pampered. They have been very sweet to me and I just loved it,” she said. — IANS
Cat fight over Twitter
It’s time for meow action! Strip-queen Poonam Pandey took a dig at Bipasha Basu for her comments on men.
In a recent interview, Basu said that men today are only looking for mothers and they’re all losers. Bipasha also said that she isn’t satisfied with her career. Priyanka clarifies, “This is fr all Men! I Love Men! I have max. no. of male friends! Its sad tht I hve to justify this! It ws nt a generalised statement!” she tweeted.
Biebers’ concert rocks
Teen pop star Justin Bieber is being sued by one of his fan's mother, who claims that the singer is the reason her hearing has been damaged.
Stacey Wilson Betts is claiming her hearing has been permanently damaged after she took her daughter to the Baby hitmaker's concert on July 14, 2010. The woman, who hails from Oregon, is suing Bieber, his label Island Def Jam Records, the concert promoter and the arena for a whopping USD 9.23million in damages. Betts claims in the lawsuit, "I was injured by a sound blast that exceeded safe decibel levels. I suffer hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis in both ears." She cites that while the initial screaming in the arena was bad enough, Bieber made it much worse when he was pulled into the crowd in a "heart-shaped aluminum/steel gondola" as part of the show. Her lawsuit alleges that Bieber "created a wave like effect of screaming by pointing into various sections of the arena and then enticed the crowd into a frenzy of screams by continuously waving his arms in a quick and upward motion." —
PTI
Penelope Cruz pregnant?
Actress Penelope Cruz is reportedly three months pregnant and expecting her second child with husband Javier
Bardem. A source close to the couple confirmed the brunette beauty is pregnant. "I am 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 she worries less since becoming a mother as before when she always loved to be concerned about everything in her life. —
IANS Happy mum: Penelope Cruz
Adele on spending spree
Singer Adele, expecting her first baby with boyfriend Simon Konecki, has spent $54,000 on sound and lights for her baby's nurseries and $7,500 on clothes and accessories.
"Adele might have a reputation for being a bit of a spendthrift, but when it comes to her baby she's sparing no expense. She is building state-of-the-art nurseries in all her homes," said a source. "She's having bespoke wallpaper made and it's costing a fortune with climate control and cameras so she can see everything on her laptop. She's spending $54,000 on the lighting and sound system alone," the source added. The 24-year-old singer, due to give birth in September, has also been splurging on clothes and accessories for the baby. "She's pre-ordered Bon Point unisex baby clothes and they don't come cheap. And she's already bought three Bugaboo pushchairs and a $900 Moses basket." "Not to mention the small fortune she's spent in Tiffany's on picture frames and trinkets. She even bought an antique bear for $7,500," said the source. — IANS
Follow your dreams
Singer Cheryl Cole says she can relate to today's youth and wants to show disadvantaged kids that they can follow their dreams and escape their surroundings.
"I had a tough upbringing and didn't have many privileges as a child. I classed that as normal because it was all I'd ever known. I know what disadvantaged young people go through. I understand it. I get it," she said. The 29-year-old Cole thinks she is a positive role model for teenagers because she fought the odds to make a success of her singing career, and now wants to encourage young people to stay in school and develop their passions. "A lot of young people don't have focus and they don't know what they are going to do with their lives. If I hadn't had a dream, I could have gone off the rails and I could have had a very, very different life." "I had a horrible time as a teenager and wasn't very confident. Between the ages of 16 and 18, I was also in a horrible relationship. If I hadn't had a love for music, I could have gone down a different path and become lost," she said. — IANS
The Woman In Black irks viewers
Actor Daniel Radcliffe's movie The Woman In Black has been the most complained about movie in Britain this year. The complaints are primarily about Radcliffe's role as a young lawyer in a haunted village — a portrayal not suitable for young viewers.
Time to move ahead
R&B singer Rihanna wanted to duet with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown on her hit single Birthday Cake because she feels he is dirty and shocking.
The 24-year-old's collaboration with Brown, who was convicted of assaulting her three years ago, on the song had been criticised widely by her fans. "I thought it would be cute to do it with a guy. I wondered, who can be dirty, someone who people will really believe?," she said. But the brunette beauty insists her fans are keen for she and Brown to collaborate again, as they have made peace since 2009's altercation. "Look, I understand that people had every right to be concerned. But I didn't see it that way because I'm in a different place. My fans have been asking me to record with him. — PTI
Prabhu Deva on a roll
The multi-faceted Prabhu Deva shot his first ad film with cricketer Virat Kohli in Bangkok recently.
"I am excited because a story has to be told within less than a minute. That's a challenge because I've never shot an ad before, and that too with someone as well known as Virat, who is not from cinema," said Prabhu Deva.
The dancer, choreographer, actor and director did not divulge any more details on the ad, but according to a source, it is for a shoe company.
— IANS
Anne inconsolable after the cut New look
Actress Anne Hathaway, who sports a boyish haircut after cutting her long brunette tresses for a new role, says she was inconsolable when she saw herself after the cut.
The 29-year-old had the haircut for her role as a prostitute in upcoming film Les Miserables and she says she was reduced to a mental patient level of tears when she saw her new cut. "I was reduced to a mental patient level of crying. I was inconsolable. I wasn't expecting cutting my hair to be a big deal. It was my idea to do it, since it was something the character did. Then I realized I couldn't take it back," she added. However, the actress says she now quite likes having short hair. "I'm just so pleased with how I look, so I now quite like having short hair. I did it for a film, so it really wasn't about me and my security," she added. —
PTI Go short: Anne Hathaway
Follow excellence, not success
Aamir Khan has never tried to fit into the mould of conventional Bollywood actors. He has lived life on his own terms and is one of the biggest superstars in the country. The versatile actor does whatever it takes and gets into the skin of the character. He has done movies that have pleased him, worked with new people and delighted us with marvelous performances each time in movies that have redefined cinema and impacted our lives, be it Qayamat se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Sarfarosh, Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Ghajini, 3 Idiots or Taare Zameen Par. He has actually changed the law with his show Satyameva Jayate. So he talks about excellence and how he does it.
Who is better than him to tell us about what one needs to be successful and happy…
Modest girl
Minissha Lamba is not a big star but she does not throw tantrums either. She happily sat on a wet stone to have some photographs clicked and did not insist on the stone being cleaned. She said that the dress would be washed anyway!
Hero feels the pinch
Promises to keep
Well-deserved break
Priyanka Chopra is on a well-deserved break. She wrapped up shooting in Spain for a movie and is currently holidaying for a week on her own on the isle of Ibiza. She loves being by the sea. She has been busy with Don 2, Krrishh 3, Teri Meri Kahani, and Barfi for more than a
year.
Aamir's villainous look
Aamir Khan has a simple look in Dhoom 3 in which he plays the villain. He also addressed a press conference at YRF Studios in his look for the movie. He even showed his hairstyle for the movie which is simple.
Are you ready for Joker?
The first look of Joker is out in full swing. The comic alien caper is directed by Shirish Kunder and stars Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar and the lead actors become aliens in it! Print and Internet campaigns have started in full swing. The film has an item number by Chitrangda Singh. |
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Reading young minds
The popular teenage crime show, [V] Gumrah Season 2 will deal with various aspects of teenage mentality in the forthcoming episodes. As the core theme suggests this week, the series will bring into fore detailed perspective of youngsters. In one of the episodes, Gumrah will reveal attitude of guys toward girls who dress up a in a certain way. It is an intimidating fact that many boys think that girls dressed in some particular way are more approachable, while another episode will focus on attitude towards gay people. Watch the mentality special episodes for some rude shocks; one episode will show how an NRI girl met with a devastating consequence because her brother’s friend from a small town interpreted her character as she dressed in certain way. Another episode will show the society’s approach towards the gay community.
Monsoon Dance
With monsoon here, what could have been the best way to celebrate the season than dance? Channel [V]’s popular property Dil Dostii Dance, will showcase a one hour long episode dedicated to rejoice Monsoon. The entire D3 gang will bring in the true essence of the season by grooving in to Bollywood rain songs like Tip tip barsa pani, Taal se taal mila and Kambakht Ishq among others. Watch and soak into the real feel of the rainy season with your favorite stars.
Fashion confessions
Bollywood’s blue eyed boy Imran Khan is a rare combination of cuteness, hotness and sexiness. The handsome actor got candid on the BIG CBS Prime as the channel brings to you GQ Best Dressed Men. The heart-stealing actor and one of the most stylish men in Bollywood, Imran Khan was recently selected as one of the best dressed men at GQ Best Dressed Men 2012. He impressed everyone with the stunning black suit he wore at the event. The chocolate boy chatted with the gorgeous host Supreet Bedi and talked to her about his world of style and his eccentric style statement. When asked about his fashion faux pas, he immediately reveals that once he used to wear colorful low waist baggy pants.
Supriya’s new innings
Hansaben aka talented senior actor Supriya Pathak is back on TV in a new avatar. She plays the dead wife in Life Ok’s new show Alaxmi who connects with her husband via a photoframe. Excited about this new role, Supriya talks about this new challenge and her career. Your return to TV was quite sudden, Why? Yes, it was but I have got a lot of positive feedback for the role so I am glad to do TV again after a long hiatus. I was looking for some good role and now I am enjoying the role and the story of Alaxmi. What do you like most about your role in Alaxmi? I like that my character supports her husband and boosts his morale. She still guides him though she’s dead and ‘living’ in a photo-frame now. The bond between the couple is what I love the most. What about your bond with JD Majethia and Aatish Kapadia? Well they are the producers of the show and have been my friends for years now. They have always given me roles that excite and challenge me. We work well together which is why I enjoy our professional rapport. When I work with them I don’t have to worry about anything as we are all on the same page. Do you feel typecast in comedy roles post Hansa? Well Hansa is the most popular role I have done to date on TV and people do remember me as Hansa but I don’t think I am typecast as I have done so much work on TV and films. I remember post Khichdi, I did a show called Remote Control which wasn’t like Hansa at all and was appreciated but the channel 9X shut so the show didn’t get its due. What do you think about the TV scenario today? It is competitive and tough. Now shows have to work fast and deliver quickly which is sad. These days I have heard shows are pulled off air within 3-4 months if they don’t deliever expected TRPs. I think channels should give them time to evolve. Which shows do you like? I like Balika Vadhu a lot. I used to watch it when it started and catch it when I can. The actors, the characters and story all work wonderfully.
Some laughing matter this
Trending on twitter is not an easy task and Anu Malik has managed to clinch that title too. During the Bol Bachchan promotional episode on Indian Idol 6; Abhishek Bachchan was in the mood to have fun and at the receiving end was none other than show judge Anu Malik.
Abhishek pointed out that Anu Malik was on Twitter and even voiced out the exact lines, “Please avoid Juhu Tara road.”
Also he was standing at his window and singing Dekho baarish ho rahi hai. The whole crowd along with the judges and special guests burst out into a laughter riot. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Talk to your counselor before confronting with your partner over joint resources. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44 TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly-held funds. A romantic and passionate attraction might lure you into dangerous waters. Keep your mind and your heart in balance and you won't overstep the mark. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28 GEMINI: Be more discriminating in the choice of your company. Pace yourself, since your energy level can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage from the negative thoughts. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33 CANCER: Get all of your affairs in better order. Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibilities. Problems can be resolved without any major stress.Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36 LEO: Seek publicity for business plans. Stars favour import and export. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening. You may feel restricted by your family circumstances or your partner's expectations. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54 VIRGO: Your card The Magician casts smiles on health. Useful day for discussing long-term plans. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening. A wealth of opportunity and ideas could keep you busy all day, so make sure you do not overdo it. Tarot message: Spend time meeting people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37 LIBRA: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Life at home is much easier to cope with. Spend time in the company of your loved ones. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56 SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Lovers: avoid meeting today. Today's new moon is in solar ninth house. Any project connected with study and travel will be very satisfying. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: You may find the day quite tiring. Businessmen: avoid making any important business move. A new romance is on the offing. Your expectations CAPRICORN: Today, no speculation please. A relative may behave in a rather unpredictable way. Set your priorities. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green.Magic number: 32 AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. Businessmen: it is advisable not to take new starts. This is also a positive time for business partnerships and joint ventures. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43 PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Emotionally you will be easily disturbed. Today you are likely to come into contact with people who have a different take on your situation. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 14...
Spend your birthday at a place where you've never been before, exploring the terrain and meeting new people. If there is no way for you to get out of your obligations today, try watching the Travel Channel or reading a book about somewhere far away. You need to expand your horizons, so use your imagination. Seek harmony and cooperation as the Saturn glides to a better position on August 4. Some of you will be swept away by romantic feelings for someone close, and others will get down to business with close associates. Talking through a problem will provide the solution you're seeking. A sympathetic response can heal a rift. Expect to enjoy good company as everyone should be exceptionally good humoured. The stars are on your side but by the middle of the 2012-13, you will have to deal with a political problem. You'll find it hard to concentrate at work. This won't be because of lack of energy but due to distractions. It is advisable to postpone important decisions. You'll meet important people who'll propose interesting business deals. You can walk the walk; but can you talk the talk? Do you know what you will do once you finally get what you thought you could never have? You need to have all the right equipment if you want to win your game. If you cut corners, you will cut your chances. Demands on your pocket may feel like they are 'skyrocketing' but appear 'necessary' like it or not, especially for children's needs, transportation, visitors, gatherings and 'appeasement of a partner,'especially if you are paired to Leo, Capricorn or Scorpio. This year you may gain in speculation and shares but you'll have to be very careful what you spend your money on. Friends will be supportive and helpful when it comes to love and career connections. Sniff out invitations, even low level or impromptu ones. Mood: Enthusiastic most of the times. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Leo. Lucky Colours: Cyan, dark golden red. Lucky days: Tuesday and Thursday. Lucky
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The king of fruits is here and we all lust for this delectable offering of nature in its various forms. We have yet to find a person who does not relish mangoes and this is one thing which makes us bear the heat with a smile. In this dessert we have combined the goodness of cheese with the fleshy fruit to give a sweet dish worth its while.
Looking for a new and unusual plant for your garden? It means you have real interest in gardening. Those who are curious are always on look out for something different. And at a time when the ‘new introduction’ puts forth its best, they become the proud owner. Vibrancy is a must for a good garden.
To cut the long story short, The Tress Lounge Hair and Beauty Academy is now affiliated to The L’Oreal Professional Absolute Route to Hairdressing (ARTH). “This means the company themselves will train the trainers to impart this course,” Aseem Kaushik, director, professional products division, shares.
Cocktail has three interesting and pivotal characters. It revolves around three friends — Gautam (Saif), Veronica (Deepika) and Meera (Diana Penty, who debuts with this film). The film is about the dynamics between them and what makes theirs a beautiful relationship. All three of them make an ideal couple — instead of two! The relationship between Meera and Veronica is friendship, while that between Gautam and Meera and Gautam and Veronica is based on love. But when all three of them come together, they share an ideal relationship.
Her statement irked Pandey and she slammed the actress on Twitter. “If today's "guys are losers," will you settle with a filthy, old rich man? tsk tsk For an actor who is "unsatisfied" with her career after a decade in Bollywood, clearly, Who is the "loser" here? If you have been "mothering" your men, seriously, I got two words for you. Grow Up! "I'm quite thick skinned," she says. We already know that, don't we ;-)” she tweeted.
You share your birthday with Vicky Ahuja (July 14) who started his career with film Pratha in 2002. He played the role of Raj Guru in Shaheed. He was seen in Gangster too where he did a small role of Usmaan. Life in Metro portrayed him as the boss. Paathshala was his latest contribution as character actor. His career will pick up this year.