|
|
|
|
|
Who said only the weekends are for partying? The middle of the week parties for ladies are sometimes a more rocking affair...
To hear it from the horse's mouth, Wednesday nights are to get the ladies inside and once the ladies are in, the guys show up too! It's a promotion spree nobody's complaining about. Middle of the week and in the dim lights of the lounge, the liquor companies are hoping for a better brand recognition, the ladies for drinks on the house, while the accompanying men happily play ushers!
How it all started? "Ten to twelve years back, there was no concept of Wednesday nights. Ten Downing Street is a twenty-one-year-old club franchise. We were the pioneers, because we introduced ladies night concept in India," Surender Vanam, country head, Ten Downing Street, briefs about the culture that's a given in every club. It's the middle of the week and that's the best they can do to bring together both the genders. He adds, "Back then, there was only weekend culture, nobody would party on weekdays. In fact, nobody would think on those lines. And everyday, you can't give them a reason to go clubbing." So, this was it. Middle of the week, exclusively for ladies! Trend to a norm Never mind some touting the concept as unlawful (gender discrimination), the ladies nights are here to stay. "They are more crowded then even Saturdays. In fact, they are a bigger hit than weekends," says Manish Kumar, assistant restaurant manager, Girl In The Café. He adds, "Every Wednesday, we have a DJ night and we serve free Vodka-based cocktails and breezers; there are no entry charges." That's not where the joyride ends. Says Ayushi Mishra, PR and Marketing Head, Kava, "There's an area reserved exclusively for women; we get a lot of footfalls and anyways with more women around, more men walk in too." To get a larger head count, there's no dearth of incentives either. Shares Dheeraj Kumar, bar-incharge, Tao, "We serve champagne to the best dressed lady, apart from announcing the best couple. Then, of course, it's a day dedicated to ladies, so there are free drinks and cocktails. We try to introduce changes every night." Win-win situation Bars wouldn't do anything, that wouldn't make money! After all, it comes out much cheaper than bringing in a celebrity to rope-in similar crowds. Shares an insider, "Every Wednesday night that a club hosts, they have a tie-up with some or the other liquor company. There's no way the club is dishing out those free drinks to the ladies. We can't afford a loss." Like we said, it's an arrangement where nobody's complaining. Shares Meetu Batra, M.Sc, student, CEC, "I prefer Wednesday nights to Saturday nights because with more women around, I feel safer. Saturdays are more crowded as everybody is out. Since we have a day dedicated to us, why not go out on that day?" It's a race to woo the ladies and they are lapping it all up, just as enthusiastically. Adds Surender Vanam, "Even today we impose no restrictions; they are treated whole night on the house. In fact, on International Women's Day, no men are allowed." That's well-served! manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
When was the last time you walked out of a movie midway?
One stands in a long queue, waits patiently to buy the tickets for a movie that has recently been released at the box-office believing that it would be at least 'paisa wasool'. And then the movie turns out to be intolerable! What does one do? We ask movie buffs from Chandigarh if they have ever left any movie mid-way? "I have never left a movie because I like sitting out with my friends, feasting on popcorns and just having a good time," says Mavneet, a student.
In a country that is witnessing a price hike in every sector, how can the entertainment industry be left behind? So why not make the most of every rupee spent on the movie ticket! Says Shagun Sehgal from Chandigarh, "I remember I left the movie Neil and Nikki midway because it was so very boring. Recently I saw Cocktail in which I enjoyed the songs, though the movie wasn't that great. I feel that if you have spent on the tickets, you should rather sit out till the end of the movie." “When you go in a group it really depends on the majority decision. When my circle of friends and I went for Mausam, we left it in between as it was a collective decision," says Vikram Sharma, an MBA student. Then there are some who can just sit through almost anything! Says Pallavi Mohunta, a working woman from Chandigarh, "I generally never leave the movie in the middle because you never know when it gets interesting." After all no one can really force you to stay on if bored! Says Sanjeet Chawla, freelancer with an online firm, "I had left the movie Office Office before the interval as it was very slow. As it is, there were not more than five-to-six people in the theatre in addition to our group" So better think before you buy the tickets for a movie the next time round! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
|
|
Celeb Point Divya Dutta This kind of is hard to believe! Last week was Rustom-e-Hind Dara Singh and this week is the first-ever superstar Rajesh Khanna. The thing with stars and their auras is that you feel they are here forever, immortal. Rajesh Khanna came very close to being above the mortals, a demi-god, who women were crazy about to the extent of sending letters in blood! No one ever saw that kind of craze for any other star. His endearing smile, tilted neck movements and that wink were reason enough for women to go berserk! The superstar in his hey days and a lonely man in his later life! But Rajseh Khanna, popularly known as Kakaji was a very generous and straightforward man. I remember getting a call from him when he was making his TV debut and he asked me if I'd do it! I shared my apprehensions about doing TV and he said 'just come and meet me'. Of course, it was an honour meeting Rajsh Khanna! He met me and we chatted for four hours. I was so glued to his anecdotes, his experience as a superstar and his low days… all. So honest! So endearing! And yes, I did work with the charming superstar in his TV debut called Ittefaq. He taught me the nuances of being a star heroine, the expressions et all. And I did see the change in me. I felt the magic one's eyes could have with just correct timing! Then I saw him at the recent Ashirwad awards, a much weaker version of his self! But the voice as powerful and that ada, his style! I remember the standing ovation he got. That's the magnetism of a superstar! And then you hear he is no more… The one who gave romance a new meaning, the one with the most magical songs, the one with the most heartwarming style, is no more! I knew the nation cried, because an era ended with him…the man who led a lonely life, was given the farewell he deserved by his family and fans. It was so nice to see his family supporting him in his last days! He didn't go away feeling lonely…he went with a smile. Adieus to the most charming superstar of all times. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
|
||||
|
It's happening Hamari Kaksha highlights the problems of a common man through its street theatre project Vasudha Gupta Every common man in India has suffered, ran across pillar to post and stood in those endless queues. Still, no one cares for them. This subject of RK Laxman's story is still the same but is coming to the streets. No, he’s not gone bankrupt from his meagre salary, but Koshish Jari Hai, a street play will be performed by the children of an NGO, Hamari Kakasha, on Wednesday. Talking about the play, Charkesh Kumar, the man behind the play, says, "Working with children has always been a delight. So this is just the icing on the cake." The play focuses on the story of a common man, who initially runs around to get his provident fund, upon rejection, takes his complaint to a minister. "The minister seeks support from him for votes and ignores him as soon as the vote bank is filled up," Chakresh says. Then the common man turns into a farmer who loses all his money and needs to get treated at a hospital. Just like the story of an ordinary man, this farmer finds out about the nexus in the hospital, where his kidney is removed. Going to the court, he files his case but before he gets his dues, the farmer dies. Sounds familiar? "This is the real picture ," Chakresh adds. Converting the stage play into a street play has had its own set of challenges. "In stage plays, the sense of structure is more and mostly lighting, sounds and music are taken care of in a more serious manner," he says. Using dafli as the only instrument, creating the right sounds has been the biggest challenge. (On Wednesday at the plaza in Sector 17)
|
||||
|
Master
Chef Manju Dewan All dieticians advocate the intake of fruits for the variety of vitamins and anti-oxidants they have to offer. Each fruit has its particular goodness. So like the mix of the music medley which is getting very popular, how about a fruit medley dressed up with the even more nutritious corn atta? Do experiment on this yummy fruit medley substituting fruits as available and which blend in the same manner. Fruit medley
For base For topping
Method (Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra
|
||||
|
Happy age
McDonald's celebrates the Ice Age moments with its customers with the launch of much awaited movie Ice Age 4.
Visit the nearest McDonald's restaurant and enjoy your favourite Happy Meal with the new Ice Age McFloat that has been especially designed from the Ice Age movie characters. The Ice Age McFloat is a refreshing symphony of flavours that includes a medley
of sprite, mojito mint, blue curacao, ice cubes and soft serve that is available as ala-carte as well as Happy Meals. — TNS
|
||||
|
star track Your favourite stars have a lot you need to be acquainted with. Here are a few things you should know PZ's formula on relationships Preity Zinta has never cheated or been cheated upon in a relationship. She believes cheating rises from low self-esteem. She is friends with a lot of star wives. She does not want to be a single mother. She wants to get married. But who is going to be the lucky one, it is yet to be deicided. Shraddha's bohemian and chic Shraddha Kapoor loves being bohemian and comfortable. She loves colour and dresses according to her mood. She likes fashion but doesn't follow trends. She loves to shop everywhere whether it is at Colaba Causeway or at the high street boutiques in London. She loves shoes from Gucci and bags from Miu Miu. All things Kangna's man should have Kangna Ranaut wants her ideal man to be more intelligent than she is and be more successful than she is! She also wants a man who is better looking than her! She does not find too many actors hot. She would rather date investment bankers, painters, or doctors. And her boyfriend Nicholas is a scientist doctor. Genelia is a friendly chick Genelia D'souza would love working with Priyanka Chopra. She thinks the latter is a lot of fun. She is a huge fan of Tom Cruise. She gets along with Shahid Kapoor and thinks he is misunderstood because he is reserved. She is addicted to her mobile phone. Sonam loves Hrithik's dance Sonam Kapoor loves Hrithik Roshan and especially the way he dances. She doesn't watch television but absolutely adores the dance show that Hrithik Roshan judged. She loves watching American television serials. She loves chocolates and she loves Kareena Kapoor. — HRM
Blessed to be Mukesh Ji's grandson: Neil Nitin Mukesh
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh remembered legendary singer and grandfather Mukesh on his birth anniversary recently. The actor said that he feels blessed to be his grandson.
"Today is my grandfather Mukesh ji's birth anniversary. Cannot tell you how blessed I am to be his grandson and my father's son. I pray to almighty that he blesses me this way all my lives, to be born as their creation and shoulder the responsibility of being called Neil Nitin Mukesh. My surname is Mathur. But I choose to call myself by this name," he said. He also explained why his family uses Mukesh as their last name. "My father started the tradition by keeping his name Nitin Mukesh. So that with him his father's, Mukesh ji's, memories are kept alive. I follow the footsteps, for my father and grandfather and to keep their memories alive through me. So I call myself Neil Nitin Mukesh... The weight on my shoulders is heavy, for their goodness, kindness and creativity is hard to match. I walk slow and steady to make sure they smile," he added.
The last memoir
The last released film of Kakaji (Rajesh Khanna) was—Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein. The film was released on May 10 2010 and had Kakaji playing the central character of Joginder Singh, the Punjabi father of Rohit.
The story is about the clash between Joginder Singh and Goginder Singh (Anu Kapoor), who had been long lost friends and meet after a long time. But their children create some problems for them, causing a clash of interests and the decade old friendship turns sour. Eventually, their kids Rohit and Isha, try to undo the harm they have done and make them become friends again. The film has been given a 'U' certificate by the Censor board. Rajesh Khanna has also left another film incomplete which will be released anyway. He was also going to do another film which would have given him a makeover altogether but that film will now have to find another actor to play the pivotal character which he was supposed to do.
A fan or a thief?
The Bachchans were recently shocked and shaken when a man who claimed to be a fan of Amitabh Bachchan broke inside their Juhu house and took more than just an autograph.
Recently a man named Deepak Kewat climbed the gulmohar tree next to the Bachchan bungalow Jalsa and broke into the house, stole cash worth Rs. 8000, but he was caught as he tried to run away. The accused was handed over to Juhu police. Abhishek Bachchan confirmed the incident and tweeted: "Yes, yes. For all asking. There was a thief caught in my house on Friday. He broke in and stole some money- was handed over to the police. Thankfully nobody was harmed or hurt. Thank you all for your concern." He added that a fan would not steal: "He claimed to be a fan wanting to meet dad. Find that very hard to believe. He's in police custody now and they are investigating. A fan would not break into a house and steal money!"
Oops! It's not her fault
Shenaz Treasurywala is doing a film with television actor Barun Sobti. She has been receiving hate mails from his female fans because they think he will leave the show for the movie. As for now the show is still on.
Salman Khan has become a teetotaler and that is a big deal for him. He turns up on the sets on time,
completes his assignments as per schedule and has started living a healthy lifestyle because of his recent surgery and health scare.
The movie Maximum bombed but the item song Aa Ante Amalapuram featuring Hazel Keech has become a big hit. So the newbie is in demand to perform at weddings and stage shows in India and abroad. How cool is that! Item high: Hazel Keech
Ali Zafar is currently in his hometown, Lahore. He found a comic book he had drawn when he was young and an audio cassette of his first recording. He thought he had lost these things and was delighted to find them. |
||||
|
chatter box
The Life OK channel would have never expected this in their wildest of dreams! In a big surprise coming their way, spiritual leader Paramahamsa Nithyananda, popularly known as Swami Nithyananda, showered praises on the mythological daily soap, Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev. In his discourse titled Inner Awakening at the lush green hill station of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, he told his devotees that the daily soap, which revolves around the life of Lord Shiva; the most powerful God within the Hindu culture is one of the best things to have happened to the Vedic tradition in recent times. "Bringing a mythological story to life is not a joke. If I put all my intelligence, philosophical strength, understanding and abilities to try and make a serial on Shiva it will not be better than Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev," said Swami Nithyananda, recommending the serial to everyone. "There are a lot of subtle points it portrays; like what happens when Devi assumes a human body, concepts of incarnation, why tapas (tapasya) is needed, and lots of such aspects, which the program is presenting beautifully," he said. Praising the show's production values, set designs and costumes, the Swami remarked that the makers, writers and actors are doing an amazing job, bringing the story of Shiva alive with beautiful visuals and concepts which can be understood by the common man. "This correct depiction and representation of facts is the true service to the Vedic tradition," said the Paramahamsa.
It is rumoured that Aishwarya Sakhuja aka Toasty from Saas Bina Sasural on Sony is quitting the show. Mahhi Vij was suppose to enter the show which fired these rumours but Aishwarya claims that she has no plans of leaving SBS. Later it was revealed that Rubina Dilaik has been signed by the makers for a new role.
Far & wide
With Aamir Khan's show Satyamev Jayate ending next week, buzz is that Star India is planning its next season. The channel is very happy with the reviews, TRP and involvement of Aamir on the show that has made it popular among the audiences.
Sob story
Niaa Sharma aka Maanvi of Star Plus' Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai has been working on the emotional scenes. But all the crying seems to have hit Niaa. She claims that she is tired of crying all the time and the bandana that she sports hurts her head as it is tied tight to hide her real hair.
Manish Goel will soon return to TV as the host of a talent hunt show on married women called Big Memsaab on Big Magic. It is the Season 5 of this show and it will be aired in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand. The show will give women a chance to prove their talent after marriage.
In search of fresh pastures
Manish Paul famous for his anchoring skills and comic timing has been garnering applause for hosting Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. He has been signed as the lead hero for an upcoming movie and couldn't be more excited.
Congratulations, you have signed a film. Yes, I have signed Oye Mickey written and directed by debutant Saurabh Varma. I play the lead role of a conman in Delhi. But I have to wait for a while before I divulge the details. I was busy with my TV project Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and other stage shows. The director found me perfect for the role. Films seem to be the ultimate destination for television actors. There are many TV actors who don't want to do films, but I always wanted to do movies. I knew I had to wait for the right break. I did not want to force myself to do just about any film. Thankfully, people do have faith in me and cast me in shows. Right now I am in no position to take a call on my roles but I wouldn't like to do stuff I am comfortable in. How is JDJ working out for you? The response for JDJ has been phenomenal. It seems as if I am anchoring a show for the first time. It was a conscious decision to be off air and 2011 was low for me. I had turned down many shows, I felt I was risking my career but thankfully things have paid off. People are talking about JDJ. All the contestants are cool and we all have loads of fun on the sets. You will be hosting the second season of India's Got Talent. Of course, the channel offered me the show and I couldn't refuse because it is one of the biggest shows on TV. I have done all big shows on TV till date. Don't you worry about over exposure on TV with so many shows that you host? There is nothing like 'over exposure' because no one will give you work sitting at home. You have to be in circulation to get good work. I wanted to do selected work. I wanted to be off air to think creatively on the punches and timings, which if you over work gets monotonous. What are the projects in the pipeline? It depends how things shape up. I get up everyday and think what next I have to do. I am not a planner. Whenever I have planned things haven't worked out for me. I try to do something extraordinary out of whatever is offered to me.
The show goes on
Deepika Singh, who plays the character of Sandhya in Shashi-Sumeet Production's daily soap Diya Aur Batti Hum, fell unconscious while shooting in Singapore. Since the schedules were tight, the entire team had to shoot at a fast pace to finish on time. "The temperature in Singapore was very high. Due to this my blood pressure fell and I fainted. But it was really sweet of my producer Sumeetji who kept giving me glucose frequently and at the same time saying the show must go on", laughs Deepika.
|
||||
|
Living a dream
By his own admission, he is impulsive to the core and speaks out the first thing that comes to his mind. The media calls him controversy's child and the local media thrives on the faux pas he makes, the suggestive use of a woman's anatomy in his recent Bihu song or the wrong attire he wore for Bhupen Hazarika's funeral are a few cases in point. But he is still the youth icon, who can get young boys and girls drooling not just with his voice but his cute looks and unassuming nature. He is Zubeen Ali…oops, Zubeen Garg of Ya Ali fame.
"I am okay with the Zubeen Ali tag. In fact, many in my fraternity nicknamed me as Zubeen Ali because I have sung a lot of Sufi songs," he makes us feel welcome with his easy-going nature as makes a place for us at his studio Gyanam in Guwahati. Zubeen Garg, the man who dreams a lot, conceptualises more and concretises the most has now primarily focused his attention on Assamese music and movies. "Yes. Acting is one thing that is keeping me busy these days and I am enjoying it," says Zubeen, whose last Assamese film Man Jai was a huge success. "I am doing a film You Are Not My Julie." And in between he is recording three albums, one in Hindi and two in Assamese. How difficult is it for an Assamese singer to get the Hindi diction right, we ask him, knowing how difficult it is for anyone from this belt to even carry out a simple conversation in Hindi. "My father speaks six languages and I was lucky to have learnt them from him and also practice my skill as I had to move from one place to another like my father, who was a magistrate and kept getting transferred. I did my schooling from English, Assamese and Bengali medium schools." Well, this moving from place to place not just honed his linguistic skills but also made him the bohemian and restless Zubeen that he is today. Coming to music, his first guru was his mother and then he learnt tabla from Pandit Robin Benerjee. Guru Ramani Rai acquainted him with Assamese folk. And when he came out with Anamika, his first album in 1993, it became a super hit for he blended the modern music and folk elements and became a pioneer of sorts. And it was Anamika and the subsequent albums that made his entry into Bollywood a smooth one. So the break in Kaante happened without much struggle, which eventually led to the phenomenal Ya Ali. So, who is the real Zubeen? "The eternal dreamer," he answers without a second thought. parbina@tribunemail.com
|
||||
|
Astro turf
TAURUS: With the presence of Saturn in your money sector, you would need to work out your plans for investing and saving as much as possible. Your love life would be quite interesting and some of you might come in contact with an old love. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise others. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 46 GEMINI: Relationships are essential and vital to our existence therefore, you must be patient with people around you. There may be times when you feel unloved and neglected. Both at home and with friends exercise affection. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 57 CANCER: Be attentive and careful of everything that you do at work. Business people may plan to diversify or expand in order to increase profits. Socially, you may have some problems with the loved one. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Lucky number: 26 LEO: There would be an increase in confidence and energy as you go about your work. Most of you would also start planning career moves and would get a good response from employers. Some of you might undergo skill enhancement. Tarot message: Try not to give money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 41 VIRGO: Finances will be your focus today along with other things. There may be some splurging due to the festive air and some of you may also be surprised by a sudden windfall. You would be feeling stronger and more capable at work. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 62
LIBRA: The focus of the day will be on your ability to deal with more than one thing at a time. It is vital that you plan everything and deal with hurdles that come your way, either at work or in your personal life. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Lucky number: 60 SCORPIO: This would be quite an uplifting day. You would be able to realise your goals for the future and would start working towards them. Social bonds would become stronger as you start to see family from a new perspective. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 28 SAGITTARIUS: Take care of your health. Exercise caution when driving since you may be prone to mishaps. Take some concrete action in order to improve personal life. Teamwork would bring results. Tarot message: Don’t allow a sick situation to blow over. Lucky colour: Forest green. Lucky number: 33 CAPRICORN: Some of you may have overshot your budget due to celebrations, so now is the time to be prudent. Domestic affairs would be calm. You may have to resolve an old problem with a friend or colleague. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Lucky number: 36 AQUARIUS: Your instincts will be relatively fast today, so you will be able to make the most of situations. Deal with any pending tasks at work and delegate some of it since doing too much work will burn you out. Keep an eye on your health. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 47 PISCES: It is also important that you avoid being controlling and critical of team members. By being understanding in professional and personal relationships, you would be able to succeed and accomplish a lot more. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Grey. Lucky number: 58
|
||||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is July 25...
Outdoor activities will be tiring and stressful. Investment made will enhance your prosperity and financial security. Do not rush after fantasies and try being more realistic. Spend some time with your friends as it will do a world of good. Problems could arise at home but avoid criticising your mate over small issues. Although some opposition will arise from people who are working at the senior level, still, it will be important for you to keep a cool head. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. The year can be expensive and simultaneously can involve financial gains and expenses. Headache may be a cause for concern. Improve your health as a feeble body weakens the mind. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented. Travel program made well in advanced might get postponed due to health problems in the family. Resolve your long-standing quarrel as tomorrow may be very late. Not a good time to invite your boss and seniors over to your place. If you run from a situation, it will follow you in the worst possible way.Feeling serene, nothing can worry or distract you in this peaceful time. Those born after 1970 are prone to excellent professional opportunities like new responsibilities and prestigious activities. As fine wine improves with age; but there comes a time when one must finally uncork the bottle. Step forward, and extend your hand to the person you want to talk to even though you risk being intrusive! It is counter productive to keep a low profile. While you appear to be in good humour and show excellent planning skills, you may find you are 'played out'. There will be an increase in work load and your work hours are likely to go up significantly. There are indications of purchase of a new vehicle. Matters related to land and property will be taken forward rapidly. You will have more physical and mental energy and will be motivated. You may be happier staying in the shadows than being in the spotlight. Mood : Cheerful overall Compatible signs: Cancer, Scorpio Lucky colours: Dark Magenta, Cornsilk Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 13, 16,
101
Amy Adams (full name Amy Lou Adams) was born on August 20, 1974 in Vicenza, Italy. In 1999 she got a role in Drop Dead Gorgeous. Some of the other movies in which she was seen are Cruel Intentions 2, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Office, Catch Me If You Can, Talladega Nights, The West Wing, Dr. Vegas, Charmed and Smallville. She received the Special Jury Prize for Best Supporting Female, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress Motion Picture for her appearance in Junebug in the role of Ashley.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Ingredients
ARIES: There will be a problem in your relationship that you would have to deal with. Your intuitive and perceptive skills would be especially sharp making you sensitive to the vibrations you receive. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Deep red. Lucky number: 25
