Served with love
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna dishes out the philosophy of good cooking
Jasmine Singh

KITCHEN KING: Vikas Khanna Photo: S Chandan
KITCHEN KING: Vikas Khanna Photo: S Chandan

Curiously looking around, smiling ear to ear, replying to every glance, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna probably wants to know if we too are convinced about the fact that Michelle Obama has called his cooking sexy!

Convinced or not, but we could see a crowd of girls and boys swell when Vikas Khanna arrived at The Chandigarh Institute Of Hotel Management-42 to be felicitated by the staff. The crowd only increased with time, and the good looking chef was at ease, enjoying all the adulation, which he is pretty used to. But little did he know he was going to make it this big. From the labyrinth lanes of Amritsar (his home town) to being the owner of the world’s best eating joint Junoon in New York, Vikas Khanna has made cooking an art and the profession, a style statement. Despite all the fame, the man has Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise walking in at the eating joint to catch a bite. Vikas Khanna still carries the flavours of the food from the streets of Amritsar, and the words of Harmandir Sahib in his heart. “I realised I was sad, in a far away land I was missing my home. I met a psychologist who advised me to keep some memorabilia of Amritsar at my home. Now, I have Gurbani relayed from Golden Temple as my ring tone and caller tone both,” Vikas settles down for a chit chat. No, he doesn’t pull out a butcher’s knife, nor does he place any condiments on the table, he just bears open his heart- fresh and served without any seasoning.

With love, from Amritsar

I am often told that I have put Punjabi food on the global map. Whereas I think, the food was always popular; I have just taken my culture there. There is nothing startling about the presentation, the dishes are the same, I just prepare them in a basic fashion adding the right amount of Indian culture to it. I am blessed that god has selected me for this job.

Keep it simple

I often tell women that they don’t have to be master chefs or culinary experts to make food, it should be kept as simple as possible.  Sometimes, just one ingredient can make all the difference. You wouldn’t believe, but the most popular dish at Junoon is aloo wadi. I was planning to remove it from the menu, when an old woman who came to eat at the restaurant told me that the aloo wadi tasted the same that her beji (grandmother) would make. I don’t use any packed food or ingredients. Something as basic as wadi is also prepared in the oven.

Cooking from mind, body and soul

I have made a mediation room at the restaurant where the entire staff and I do breathing exercises inspired by the ancient yoga. The room is called Satsang. I feel that each one of us is so stressed these days and breathing exercises changes the momentum of the heart and sparkles the senses. And cooking is all about using all your senses; it is about the right decision, right timing and right temperature. If you are relaxed, if your mind is in place, you will always cook well.

Yes, I said that

I was to serve president Barack Obama, when a day before that an interviewer asked me that it was matter of pride that I was cooking for the president. I replied, it wasn’t the greatest thing, because nothing could match the food cooked by a mother for her kids. I think this is where no celebrity chef can match up.

No time for acting

I have been flooded with offers, whatever I do on television or documentaries, is good enough for me.

Travel for food

It is important to explore the various dimensions of food. At present I am working on Buddhism and food, which should bring in another character of cooking. I would also be going to various Universities and talk about the art of Sacha Sauda, the art with which Guru Nanak Dev worked.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Big screen, bigger dreams
Sirphire prepares for a red carpet premier this Friday. The cast of the film talks about how it will make a mark in Punjabi cinema
Vasudha Gupta

The popularity of Punjabi cinema can be gauged through the box office collections of Carry On Jatta and Jatt and Juliet. Hoping it to be a hat-trick of sorts, director of Sirphire, Harjit Ricky, is keeping his fingers crossed. Still, there is always something about a press meet and the time schedule, which goes for a toss between the banter and the chit chat.

Walking in fashionably late, the cast and crew of the film, including Harjit Ricky, along with producer Gurpreet Singh Sidhu, Monica Bedi, Preet Harpal and Roshan Prince speak at length about the film and everything that will make it a success story.

Dressed in a pink top and a black blazer, Monica can still give all the young models a run for their money. A desi girl at heart, she occasionally smiles and beams for the shutterbugs. “The movie is about three brats and I play a typical Punjabi girl,” she says. Her character Simran has to deal with the notorious lot, which she manages pretty well. “The most wonderful part of the film is that it comes with a message that has been handled beautifully,” she adds.

The question as to why she chose a Punjabi film as her comeback is pretty obvious. “All this while, I have done all kinds of films, but strangely, I never got a Punjabi film,” she says. Hailing from Hoshiarpur, Monica has worked in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Nepali films. “Just that Sirphire has come in a bit late,” she smiles. Looking at it as a dream project, she is all thumbs up for the movie.

With a lot of films on historical subjects to his credit, it’s quite surprising that Harjit Ricky has come up with this one. He conceived the idea while working on one of his documentaries. Since comedies are busy raking in all the cash, Sirphire too is sprinkled with enough humour and romance. Mixing all the ingredients of a typical Bollywood pot boiler, the film also boasts of a raunchy item number. “It is one of the ways to ensure that the film pulls the crowd,” Harjit says. Happy to rope in Monica Bedi and Priyanshu Chatterjee, the director is already planning to cast more Bollywood actors in his next, which will be a Bollywood venture. “Whenever one gets the opportunity, we all want to move ahead and forward,” he adds.

It is only the trailer of Son of Sardar that is out and it has already created a lot of buzz. Hindi cinema is as always cashing upon the rich culture of Punjab. “When it comes to Bollywood, the actors are known and the territory is large, so Ajay Devgn dressed up as a sardar will contribute in making the movie a hit,” he says. A bit apprehensive of a more mature lot of actors playing younger roles, Harjit had to be pushed to understand that everything was fine. “My friends have been my critics and fortunately gave me a positive feedback,” he adds.

Having worked together like a team for the past few months, the cast is glad to have stuck around well and hopes to come back again to create magical cinema.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Play with words
Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi organised a Katha Goshthi, inviting three local writers to read their short stories and interact with the audience

It was an event dedicated to literature, with writers in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu coming along to share their stories. Starting with some stories about the roots and moving onto the social problems of the day.

Subhash Sharma, former senior audit officer and a well-known Punjabi short story writer, author of three anthologies of fiction Plot Mil Gaya, Mallah and Ashtiyaan, read a story titled Bhatti. A story that effectively recreated a rural scene from the interiors of Punjab, showing the changes that take place with the passage of time.

Rajinder Kanaujia, a medical doctor by profession and having to his credit, more than half a dozen books of poetry and prose in Hindi, spoke about his story titled Jantar Mantar. Based on a very contemporary theme, using irony and a subtle humour, his story that spoke of the movement spear-headed by Anna Hazare, was well received by the audience.

Last but not the least, Urdu writer Renu Behl, author of four collections of short stories, read Kabza. The event was a continuation of the monthly goshthis that CSA has been holding in order to promote literature and creativity in the city. — TNS

stress buster
Are you happy?
Renee Singh

Happiness seems elusive is what probably all of us have learnt from experience. As soon as one problem seems to be over, another one crops up. Happiness feels unreachable because for most people it is the external events that make you happy. A good job, a dream house, a fancy car, designer clothes — all these are great contributors to our happiness. We cannot deny the importance of these things, yet, they do not bring us permanent happiness.

Stress relief like happiness doesn't come from having a perfect life. It comes from appreciating the great stuff that's going on in our lives and coping with the less than great stuff that's happening.

Is your lifestyle stressing you or is it conducive to happiness? We have to train ourselves to be happy and stress free. It must be a conscious decision. Just as physical exercise is a conscious decision to keep the body healthy and fit so also the mind requires a set of a few disciplined thoughts to keep it flowing correctly in the right direction.

There are a few questions you could ask yourselves to check on your own stress levels, challenge your own answers and come to a happy conclusion in your own stress free zone…

Do you feel you have enough love in your life?

Maintaining happy healthy relationships increases happiness and decreases stress. Payoff is more than worth the energy put in.

Do you constantly learn new things, expand your skills and increase your knowledge base?

Learning and growth are an inherent part of human nature. You can relieve stress by reading a good book, enrolling in a good class, learning skills that give you a new lease to life.

Are you a part of a club or a support group or a religious sect?

Being a part of a group gives a sense of belonging which is very essential to happiness. Feeling a level of identity is an important way of relieving stress.

Do you have friends you can rely on?

Friends add a special dimension to our lives. They help us to celebrate the good times and help us to override tough times.

Do you regularly help others to feel a positive difference you make to the world?

Helping others gives a good feeling to the giver and receiver. It is a great feel to know that you have been of some great value in someone else's life.

Is your home environment stressful or soothing?

Cluttered environment costs in terms of energy, time and money. A clean organised home can be very soothing.

Do you go for activities for fun?

Provide a fun way to sharpen skills, express creativity or just blow off steam. When engaged in joyful activity you get into the flow of things, almost like meditating, benefits mind and body both.

Is your relationship with your family satisfactory?

There are no perfect relationships but we can always work towards making them better.

Do you have personal goals reflecting your values?

Having goals and living your life in tune with your value sand core beliefs is an important aspect of life. Living a life not including these things can be a source of stress for many people Set goals and get going on the path of a stress free life.

How do you rate your self esteem?

The way you feel about makes your life either more stressful or less so. You can see difficult situations as a challenge instead of a threat. When you have a low self esteem everything seems a threat. It is up to you to make your life an exciting, peaceful and happy experience. Work towards this and give yourself the gift of joy.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

Doc Talk
Clean & clear
Dr Vikas Sharma

Having too much oily skin is a problem encountered by many, and the problem increases 2-3 times in the current rainy season. Oily skin appears as shiny, thick and dull coloured. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed

Oily skin makes one prone to a number of skin diseases and infections.

Causes of oily skin

Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is more common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dry with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age.

During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands. 

Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin.

Skin care for oily skin

The one and only great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types. 

  • Oily skin needs special cleansing with lukewarm water and special medicated face wash to prevent the pores from being clogged.
  • Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness because of the loss of natural oils.
  • Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. These cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink. This restricts oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and breakouts. 
  • To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum effectively. Opt for oil-free moisturisers to maintain a shine-free complexion.
  • Choose your cleanser with care. Avoid heavy cleansing creams.
  • Avoid the use of harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a pure soap with no artificial additives.
  • Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturiser to keep the skin supple.
  • When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores.
  • Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
  • Before applying makeup, use a day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions.

Right diet for oily skin

  • Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.
  • Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.
  • Have your blood brought up to par by the suitable administration of necessary vitamins, iron and similar substances.
  • Even a slight deficiency in vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Nutritional yeast, wheat germ and organ meats provide both vitamin B5 and vitamin B2.
  • Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
  • Reduce the amount of fat in your diet.
  • Do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
  • Avoid sugar, chocolates with high glycemic index, and junk food.
  • Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.
  • Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow.

(Dr Sharma is a dermatologist and dermato-laser surgeon)

Vanity Box
Step out in style
Ritu Kolentine

It’s party time and you are all set to go out with your friends. You have your outfit put together and you are so excited to get into them. You just can’t wait to look into the mirror, turn around and see just how cool and fashionable you are looking. Even your accessories are in place. You are prepared to be in the spotlight, but there is one major glitch- You have no idea what kind of party makeup you should use.

Although you may have some expertise when it comes to doing makeup, applying party makeup can still be quite a challenge.

When you put make up for a party, there are a lot of things that you need to consider before you go about colouring your face.

First, you need to consider what kind of theme you would have for the night. Are you going to the party like a rockstar or you are out to attract guys with a sweet and flirty demeanour? The contours of your face will be highlighted by the party makeup you wear, which can totally change the way you look.

If you apply it too strongly, you should be able to back it up with an attitude. You should also feel comfortable to wear it throughout the night. So, if you have a particular mood you feel like getting into for a night out, consider that as a guideline before you apply your makeup. Another thing you need to consider is your attire. Your party makeup should be able to highlight your outfit for the night. You wouldn’t want to wear light makeup if you are going out wearing some leather jeans paired with a tank top. Your makeup should accentuate everything on your body. You should also wear makeup which closely matches the colour of your clothes. Mix and match also happens between makeup and your clothes.

Next is how to apply the right kind of makeup. If you decide to use a concealer then you should definitely go for a green one. This is because a green concealer would reflect perfectly on the pictures you would take at the party. It would conceal those unwanted blemishes and other unsightly features effectively without being too obvious. The only other thing you need to be conscious about, when using green concealer is to apply it in moderation.

Then of course you should be good with another thing- how to apply foundation. Never ever try to apply foundation in left and right motion if you have used a green concealer on your face. If you do this kind, the concealer you have placed on your face will get displaced and the green blending can be entirely ruined. When you apply foundation, make sure you use a wet sponge. You should apply the foundation on your skin by gently pressing it on the spot you need to place it, moving it slowly to one side. Just repeat this process until everything you need to cover up finally gets covered.

Eye make up and lip colour are the essential part of party make up. Make your eyeshadow and lipstick complement each others creating a balanced look. Do not make both of them appear too strong. If you have heavy eyeshadow on, you can proceed with lighter lipstick and vice versa. If you apply both heavily, your face will look too made up.

(Kolentine is a Chandigarh-based make up expert)

TREND SETTER
Street smart

Photo: Parvesh Chauhan She is not just another ordinary working girl. At 23, she dresses up and does it flawlessly well. Ritika Bhandari shares her fashion mantras with us. All dressed up like a glam doll, here is what she has to say.

Your sense of style is…

Everything magazines and television talks about. It just has to be in trend.

Latest addition in your wardrobe...

These ultra hip trousers from Lifestyle.

Brand freak or street junkie?

A street junkie, for sure. Brands are just too stereotypical.

Choose a look— sporty, glamorous or chic?

Depends on my mood. From a simpleton to a glamorous diva in no time.

Your style icon would be…

Sonam Kapoor. She is trendy and has a distinct appeal of her own.

So who’s the worst dressed celebrity around?

Amisha Patel. She needs to wear clothes for her body type rather than just following trends blindly.

One fashion trend you just don't understand…

An overload of accessories in a daily life.

Your take on accessories?

Keeping it simple works for me. So, a chain or just one bangle would be perfect.

One thing that boosts your confidence…

A good sense of dressing. The day I am dressed well, everything just goes right.

Who would you like to be dressed up by?

Manish Malhotra. He is undoubtedly the best designer India has.

(As told to Vasudha Gupta)

If you think you fit in the profile, get in touch

with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com.

We’ll sift the best from the rest.

indulge
Royal treat
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

With rains dipping down the temperature to a comfortable level, it’s time we gave some thought to shahi khaana. Bringing the delicacies of Nizam to your table is Hotel JW Marriott’s restaurant Saffron with its Nizam Food festival.

While the chefs bring forth the Hyderabadi food heritage to your table; there is also a unique initiative to recapture the 400-year-old culinary history of Hyderabad in a unique way. As you are engrossed in capturing the age-old legacy, the shahi dastarkhan has attendants moving around in crisp black pathani suits with bright red jackets and caps and a faint hum of Indian music, lending a complete feel of a bygone era.

Moving to the food, the festival promises delicacies from the courtly kitchens of Hyderabad that are rich in taste, high on authenticity, and of course pleasing to the eye.

Starting with soups to sweet dishes the menu is interesting as it captures the delicacies of the Nizami fare in an elaborate way.

Appetisers: Nizami shorbas flavoured with spices andherbs can be a good beginning pick. Tandoori nazaakats or the assortment of kebabs, grilled, marinated or deep fried there is a variety to tickle the taste buds. You can try the Lazzat-E- Haleeb, Murgh Taazdar, Hyderabadi Talli Macchli, Shirazi Gulistan, Kutti Mirch ka Jhinga and Pathar ka Gosht. And we bet these are a fine blend of spices that leaves a fine aftertaste in the mouth.

Main course: The next stair to the culinary path is the main course that includes some signature dishes of Hyderabadi food.

While on one hand you have aromatic curries that bring out the true richness of Nawabi khanna, dishes like Paneer Dilkush, Deewani Subz Handi, Murgh 'Begamwati Do Pyaza add to the palate pleasure.

If this is not enough, there is another option in a pre-set menu that includes three course set menu such as Shakahari menu priced at Rs 950, Masaahari menu priced at Rs 1,250, Nawabi Kebab Shakahari priced at Rs 1,500, and Nawabi Kebab Masaahari priced at Rs 1,700 to choose from. (On till Aug 15)

Three cheers!

Those who love their drinks surely don’t need a reason to raise their glasses. Anyway, with International Beer Day falling on the 5th August, Hops n Grains, a microbrewery, celebrates Beery Food Festival, starting at noon each day.

Apart from the special discounts, on offer would be beer cocktails and matching beer based food. Which would include duplex mushroom, cottage cheese, pancake, quesadilla, falafel, methi corn coin, paneer kathi roll and jalapenos bruschetta. — TNS

Stars throwing weight around
Karan Johar is excellent at making his heroines lose weight but he is not the only one who makes the female leads lose flab. We take a look at heroines who have lost weight recently for their movie roles.

No more weight-ing

She always had the acting streak in her but was not inclined towards showbiz. She lost fifteen-twenty kilos before she landed her first role in Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl and has lost some more weight since. She has said she has given up her chicken pizzas to maintain a healthy weight. She knows she is plump and has made that her USP. She is okay not being skinny. There is no confirmation on her next role as yet.

Stunt woman

She has a shapely figure that dreams are made of but for Dhoom 3, she has to trim her curves. She has been training hard for action sequences for the third movie and has to fit into skin-tight outfits. We are sure she will look stunning anyway!

Smoking hot

Her body is envied and coveted. She wowed audiences with her red bikini shot in Cocktail. While she maintains herself through Yoga and sport, she monitored her diet for the bikini scene. For a week or two, DP ate light meals, didn't go for cast and crew dinners, and had no desserts. Once the scene was shot, she ate as if she had been starving for weeks!

Obedient student

She was a plump school girl and Karan wasn't keen on casting her in Student of The Year. She breezed through the auditions so Karan asked her to lose sixteen kilograms! And she did it! So now she is svelte, sexy, and pretty heroine in his teenage musical drama which releases in October. This is Karan's first directorial venture that does not star SRK.

Perfect score

She has been amazingly skinny and shapely in most of her movies but we know she worked extra hard to look toned and trim for her black bikini sequence in Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl. Like Ricky Bahl, we were floored too. The girl is hot and she knows it and makes no qualms about it! — HRM

Fallen apart?

According to the latest buzz, actress Amy Jackson, who could no longer keep up with her boyfriend Prateik Babbar's over-possessive nature, has called it quits with him. However, sources close to the actress inform that the two are on a break and are focusing on their work.

Amy, who's currently shooting for Shankar's I, refused to comment. But, her spokesperson rubbished the media reports, claiming, “Amy and Prateik are very much together, and stay in touch. The two are concentrating on their respective careers, and are shooting for their films in Tamil and Hindi. So, it's not possible for them to meet up every other day. But they do make it a point to chat with each other during breaks. Moreover, Prateik is not a possessive person and Amy genuinely likes him for what he is. The two of them haven't fallen apart. They are now on a break.”

Amy and Prateik grew close while shooting Gautham Menon's Ekk Deewana Tha. In fact, Prateik was the one who took the actress around B-Town, helping her in knowing the industry. The two have been public about their relationship, and don't even shy away from making appearances together. They had even gone to the extent of tattooing each other's name. Moreover, Prateik had met Amy's parents and had stated in an interview that he was a possessive lover. Nonetheless, the different accounts leave us wondering whether the relationship will weather the storm or just bite the dust.

Brad Pitt turns a wedding planner

All set: Brad Pitt Hollywood star Brad Pitt is reportedly utilising his free time to plan his wedding with Angelina Jolie. The 48-year-old actor has taken charge of preparations for the wedding that is expected to take place end of September.

He has flown in a team of builders to renovate the home he shares with Jolie in southern France, reported a website. "Angelina isn't so bothered about when they tie the knot, it's Brad who is piling on the pressure," a source said.

"He wants the main house to be finished when the event takes place, even though the close friends and relatives who are invited aren't the types to care. He wants everything to be absolutely perfect," the source added. — PTI

Katrina, more than just a pretty face

Katrina Kaif will be seen in Ek Tha Tiger with Salman Khan, Yash Chopra's romantic film with Shah Rukh Khan, and Dhoom 3 with Aamir Khan. These projects are keeping her busy at the moment. She talks about ruling Bollywood, working with the Khans, and more.

Uncrowned queen

If people call me the "uncrowned queen" of Bollywood, then I will do better work so I officially become the queen! (That's a joke!) I am very thankful to my fans because they have made me who I am today and I love the movie offers that are coming my way.

Khan company

I love that I am working with the three Khans and I waited for the right roles and films to come my way where I had more than two songs. The Khans are phenomenal because they have been ruling the industry since two decades! People still love them and that is no easy feat! Aamir is very organised and likes things a certain way. SRK and Salman have their own style and way on the sets and people know that. They are more easy-going.

No cash to success

Money is important but I don't have a fancy bank account because I have turned down films in which I did not like my part. I choose creative satisfaction and acclaim over money. Yes, I have had to turn down films to work with the three Khans in succession.

Hindi lessons

I speak Hindi though not spontaneously. I speak in Hindi with my staff members because they do not know English. I deliver my lines in Hindi and dub them too. My Hindi has improved over time. I can speak Hindi and find my way around anywhere in India.

CHATTER BOX

Bag packer: Shivaji Satam Get set go

Famous for his character ACP Pradyuman in Sony TV’s popular serial C.I.D., Shivaji Satam is a travel junkie. The veteran actor is a foodie and loves to have various Indian cuisines. The actor talks about his favourite travel destinations.

Bag packer: Shivaji Satam

Kolhapur

It’s my native place. Every time I’m in Kolhapur, I feel really happy. I get home-baked food and I love the local dishes too. I’ve spent most of the time in there, so I have so many memories of the place. Also, it’s a place where I have done most of my Marathi plays. A place of great importance for Marathi theatre.

Goa

It’s closer to Mumbai and Kolhapur. But that isn’t the reason why I really like it. I am not much of a beach person. But I love Goa for its food and culture. The culture of Goa is very rich and fascinating.

Manali

It has a lot of beautiful valleys. It’s cool, very green and calm. I find solace in there because of its wonderful atmosphere.

Kutch, Gujurat

The Rann of Kutch is amazing. It’s very different than most of the places. The dessert is extremely hot during the daytime but at the night, it’s so cool. The landscape of dessert in the night is so stunning that there are no words to describe it.

London

I always keep going there. I have some friends there. Now that I have been there so many times, the place attracts me even more.

From impossible to possible

Invisibility, time travel, teleportation, mind control and extended life spans - as strange as they seem, history's most impossible inventions and hard-to-believe hypotheses may soon be reality. On History TV 18’s,  new show That’s Impossible, cutting-edge technologies and revolutionary studies that are making the impossible possible by examining history's most mysterious stories and then evaluating the evidence behind them will be covered. Did the United States Navy really teleport a ship, and how did a group of Buddhist monks disappear without explanation? Prominent physicists are uncovering evidence that says that time travel is likely. Duke University unveiled a new material that has light absorbing qualities that could be the first step to a true "invisibility cloak" straight out of Harry Potter; and scientists now say they can teleport atomic particles from one place to another.

Making the simple Ramayana

The magic of mythological epic Ramayana is set to be recreated on Zee TV, and the new version promises to be a state-of-art affair with simplified dialogues to create a youth connect. "Our Ramayana is based on Ramcharitmanas, which is rich in core values and principles that form the crux of our society and are the core of our upbringing," Ajay Bhalwankar, head-content, at Zee says. But viewers will be treated to a new presentation. “There no change in the story, but the presentation is different. If we try to tell the story in a different way, we would fail as the core of Ramayana cannot be changed,” he adds.

Revenge time: Shivshakti Sachdev (L) and Mitali Nag Taking a U-turn

Shivshakti Sachdev aka Pinky Bihari Raj in Raakesh Paswan's Afsar Bitiya who had quit the show a while ago due to not much scope in the role is making a comeback. She now will give the protagonist Krishna (Mitali Nag) a run for her money literally. Now as she has become the BDO officer, she will ensure Krishna pays for all wrongs done to her.

Revenge time: Shivshakti Sachdev (L) and Mitali Nag

Closed chapter: Priyal GorLove gone for a toss

Romance on the TV show is common. And Ashish Kapoor and Priyal Gor too fell in love while shooting their show, Dekha Ek Khwaab. But now the buzz is that they have broken up. The show is also ending and Ashish has bagged a new one. Priyal and Ashish refused to comment.

Closed chapter: Priyal Gor

Village Belle: Mouni RoyOn a high

After making a mark in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev as the beautiful Sati, Mouni Roy has signed Yash Patnaik’s new show Apne Toh Apne Hote Hain on Life OK. She will play an ambitious city girl who falls in love with a villager.

Village Belle: Mouni Roy

New take: Sunny LeoneSequel queen

Sunny Leone has a good business sense. She owns all the adult movies she has starred in. She is also doing Ekta Kapoor's sequel to Ragini MMS and she signed this before the release of Jism 2. Ekta has a knack for creating controversies and we can only imagine the campaign around yet another erotic/horror sequel.
New take: Sunny Leone

Bold in boredom

Jism 2 has received terrible reviews across the board. Mostly it has been described as boring with no sensuality even though Sunny roams around in tiny clothes throughout the film. The film is nothing compared to the original bold thriller and is quite a shame!

Please don’t stop the music

Shahid Kapoor has said he is a fan of Kishore Kumar and has many of his songs on his play list. He is thankful to the singer for the treasures he has left behind for generations to enjoy. He is a big music buff and listens to music from across the world.

All praise for Deepika

Deepika Padukone has a new admirer in Ramesh Taurani of Tips. He is all praise for her professionalism, punctuality, and acting prowess. He said she also rehearses very well for her parts. Phew! This relationship is sorted though he was miffed with her when she walked out of Race 2. All is well now!

Same stuff: A still from Ek Tha TigerCopy cat

The song Laapata from Ek Tha Tiger shows Katrina and Salman playing in the sea and has been shot in Turkey. The video bears a resemblance to Bachna Ae Haseeno's song Khuda Jaane which featured Deepika and Ranbir. Even the choreography is similar.

Same stuff: A still from Ek Tha Tiger

Bebo’s fashionable entry

Kareena Kapoor will be the showstopper at the Grand Finale of the Lakme Fashion Week. Sold out: Rohit Shetty She was spotted recently with best buddy Karan Johar and his mom Hiroo. Bebo gets along fabulously with both of them. It was cool to see Kareena with her hair tied up and in a shirt. The pants should have had a better fit, though.

Well begun is half done

Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express has not even gone on the floors but the hit director's film has already been sold for an astounding amount which is INR 105 crore! The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Sold out: Rohit Shetty

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: The card Nine of Wards can make this a day full of enjoyment. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Serious quarrels are on the cards. Your child’s performance will make you happy. Tarot message: Don’t be bullied into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 41.

TAURUS: Sensual pleasures are worthy of indulgence. You will have no problem getting along with members of the family. Routine attendance at groups or meetings may be re-scheduled. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don’t postpone your long term plans. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 62.

GEMINI: Watch out for the unexpected. Business matters may not turn out to be as straight forward as they appear at first. Discuss the moves that you wish to make with influential people. Watch your stomach. Tarot message: Balance will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57.

CANCER: “The King of Swords” suggests that you make a real effort on the job because laziness won’t be tolerated by bosses. Today you will meet someone who sets your heart aflutter. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that comes your way. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26.

LEO: “Ace of Cups” will set your mood for completing tedious chores. Thoroughly check your to do list and clear as many items as possible. You will be surprised how good you feel once a day’s work is under your belt. Tarot message: Try making smart choices. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63.

VIRGO: Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Success comes only with hard work. Postpone decisions on deals. People might appear to be what so be cautions and discriminating in your dealing. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27.

LIBRA: Tips by an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learn. Health wise; cut down on salt and increase your liquid intake. You are not likely to be taken aback by surprise happenings. Tarot message: Concentrate on what is important. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 28.

SCORPIO: Personal plans will have to be put aside again. Try your luck and reap the rewards. Learn to be optimistic. This evening is ideal for serious discussion with your partner if something is important. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 30.

SAGITTARIUS: Better day for dealing with accounts than trying to start anything afresh. Time spent alone on reading and studying will not be wasted. Housewives should seek ways to cut on unnecessary expenditure. Tarot message: Try not to get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 43.

CAPRICORN: Sign new documents later in the evening. Health will be good. Watch out for arguments or ill-temper especially if alcohol is part of the scene. You are sure the host with the most. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55.

AQUARIUS: After a busy period of seasonal celebration you will be glad to kick back and take it easy. Frank discussions could clear the air. Do not be too demanding. Tarot message: Do not let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 57

PISCES: Your situation will improve. Students will get much job satisfaction from creative work. Superiors will be co-operative, offering you financial backing. Luck favours you throughout the day. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 37.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 6...

For you, this is the year of great fortune and prosperity. You can reach your goals easily. Make the most of this lucky situation. Remember that great opportunities only come around once and you must not let them slip away.

Number Six is the peace lover. Ruled by Venus, you will be compassionate, stable, family-loving, trustworthy, domesticated. If expressed negatively- superficial, jealous, possessive, unwilling to change.

You may be prone to mood swings. Try to accept things as they are in order to avoid arguments with co-workers or superiors Your partner will flatter you and you'll want to go along with his or her new initiatives but make sure you communicate clearly what you really want.

You will be able to meet the expectations and maintain positive outlook at the work front. Financially, both gains and losses can be expected. Regarding relationships, the day will be a mixed one.

Healthwise, this period will be dull therefore be careful of what you consume. Use what you already have before rushing out to buy more. Your erratic behaviour will cause differences with your beloved. Some of you will undertake a distant journey, which will be hectic, but highly rewarding. Avoid travelling as it would only lead to stress and anxiety. Simply ignore those who approach you for temporary loans. Being revengeful towards your lover will not bring any result, rather you should keep a cool head and explain your true feelings to your lover. Co-workers and subordinates will bring moments of worry and stress. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention.

Multitasking leads to mistakes. Tackle one thing at a time and double-check your work for good measure. Respect others' agendas and work towards situations that all parties can benefit from. However, evaluate everything carefully. Your determination and drive to succeed is very strong during this period and as a result you might find yourself moving up in the social standings.

Vishal BhardwajYour independence, originality and down right eccentricity is shining during this period, making your qualities easily noticeable and placing them in a positive light.

Mood: Cheerful. Compatible signs: Pisces, Capricorn

Lucky colours: Electric blue and white Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday. Lucky numbers: 4, 9, 12, 15, 41

Vishal Bhardwaj (August 6, 1960, Bijnor) is screenwriter and music composer. He is considered to be one of India's leading film makers. His music and compositions have been regarded as path breaking in Indian cinema. Vishal composed the music for Maachis, a film directed by Gulzar plus Satya, Chachi 420, Omkara and a host of other popular projects like Francis Ford Coppola, Youth Without Youth etc. Vishal’s number 6 is enough to establish him in filmdom like any big showmen of industry.





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