What a show!
Wedding exhibitions come to Chandigarh every now and then. So what’s the USP as far as pulling the crowds is concerned? We find out
Vasudha Gupta

If you are getting set for a romantic monsoon wedding this year, checking out all the exhibitions must be on your priority list. With a surge in the number of exhibitions in Chandigarh, we wonder what the organisers come up with each time to pull the crowds.
All dressed up: One of the stall owners with her larger than life creations
All dressed up: One of the stall owners with her larger than life creations

The recent Wedding Asia is a perfect example. From stocking up similar stalls every six months to bringing the same handful of names from all across Delhi and Punjab...has the novelty reduced? “Wedding trends tend to change on a regular basis; the idea of a regular exhibition is to provide variety for the bride,” says Anupreet, co-partner, Wedding Asia. Currently in their 15th edition and doing pretty well, they are out to promote creativity. “Creativity is not just with any good brand; it does not even need any talent. It’s about bringing the best for the family,” Maninder, director, Wedding Asia. But brides would hardly walk into an exhibition and pick up the outfit of their dreams? “We give the options. It’s not only the bride but also the family that has to pick up things. So it’s offering something for everyone,” Maninder adds.

Despite the continuous advertisements in papers regarding exhibitions, there are still a few who won’t mind making a foray into the Chandigarh market. Coming for the first time, team Fashion Guru will bring the Grand Asian Wedding exhibition towards the end of August. Says Adhvit Mahajan, an actor and co-partner in the firm, “We are not planning to make it a factory with the same designers.” Brining a few names from Delhi and Mumbai to Chandigarh, the team is certain not to return every six months. “We want to create a better name and come back only on an annual basis,” he adds.

Not focused on revenues, he understands the efforts it takes to bring the exhibition together. “It’s about bringing creativity together, so the task is challenging,” he says. Plus the fact remains that most of the weddings happen in a rush. “Not everyone has the time to run around and travel to gather the trousseau,” he says.

Equipped with enough back-hand support of belonging to an Army background and herself a fashion designer, Rashmi Bindra’s Dreamz Weddings is another chapter all together. “My focus is to bring the manufacturers to Chandigarh,” she beams. Her personal equations with some of the well-known and established names are a helping hand. “There are so many designers who will only come to Chandigarh once the market size increases,” she says. Having introduced the helipad concept, her aim is to bring everything that can look good in a woman’s wardrobe. “If there is a lehanga costing Rs 2 lakh why should a traditional Assamese sari be left out?” she questions.

All that glitters: Jewellery at wedding exhibitions is getting bigger with each passing day
All that glitters: Jewellery at wedding exhibitions is getting bigger with each passing day

It’s also vital to understand how general visitors respond to such exhibitions. A fashion designer herself and a regular at such exhibits, Bhavneet K Ahuja only visits to check out the latest trends. “It’s a good idea to know the latest fabrics, styles, cuts and materials. That’s it,” she says. With no history of picking up things ever at an exhibition, she is aware that the prices are inflated. “There is no doubt that what they sell can be made at less than half the price,” she smiles.

So, has the glitz and glamour of recent exhibitions left you starry-eyed?

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Musical journey
Vasudha Gupta

For any music lover, the joy of playing some soulful music escalates the euphoria. Such is Sanjay Bhatt’s story. It was the sheer love for music and instruments, which guided him to pull together a band. Aptly called Rudraksh, the band interweaves the tradition of music with a bit experimental tunes.

Only eight months old at the moment, the band has been invited by the Sinhgad Institute of Technology, Lonavala for their annual fest. Captivated by music, Sanjay, manager and the lead vocalist of the band shares the story of its inception.

“It was the thought of peace that music brings that led to the band,” Sanjay says. Playing a lot of Indian, Sufi and semi- classical music, the band does not stick to any boundaries. “Earlier, it was a copy and paste for us. We would just listen to a song and do the same thing on stage,” Amit Vashisth, the other lead vocalist with the band says. At 27-years of age, Amit has been a part of a music academy as well. Dreaming to perform at an international platform, the different members of the band come from equally different backgrounds. Still not at the level of their contemporaries, the band agrees that they have a long way to go. Vikram Vishkarma, the lead guitarist with the band is undergoing training in Delhi to polish his skills.

When it comes to bands, the problem ends up being difference of opinion. “Yes, in most cases, we take all the liberty to do voice what we want and finally a common decision is taken,” While each of the band member has distinctive duties in keeping up with their individual skill, a major streak of Hindustani music adds the structure in the band.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Back to the basics

Esha Gupta Esha Gupta made her debut in Jannat 2 and made waves for her stunning face and shapely figure. She talks about beauty tips.

1  I splash my face with cold water as soon as I wake up because it is refreshing. I let it air dry. I don't wear too much make-up if I am not shooting. I don't even style my hair.

2  Once a week, I put a face pack of curd and cucumber and I also use curd to condition my hair because it is natural and has nutrients. I drink about four litres of water everyday.

I carry some make-up with me which includes a good foundation, mascara, lip balm and my favourite lipstick. I don't smoke and drink so that helps me look healthy and glow naturally.

4  I am a vegetarian so I follow a diet which is changed every week. I work out at the gym and also play squash. My work out includes pilates, cardio, and weight training.

5  I love chilling at home whether am in Mumbai or in Delhi with my family and dogs. That is the best stress-buster for me. —HRM

Patriotic spirit

India’s Independence Day is celebrated across the United States—showcasing India’s cultural diversity and rising economic growth.

This year Minissha Lamba will be the grand Marshal of the parade and will represent India by being the flag bearer at the Parade. “Every year the atmosphere is charged with festivity and vibrancy of Indian culture, with many people waving the tricolour and quite a few dressed in the colors of the national flag. It is the best parade I have seen, and I am so very excited about being a flag bearer and representing India at the Independence Day parade at Los Angeles.” says Minissha Lamba August 15 is a very important day in the lives of Indians. This year will be no exception. 

All for entertainment

Salman Khan Salman Khan wants to entertain audiences. He does not feel the pressure of a film doing well. He says the audience is always right because they just want to be entertained.

Audience-oriented
If a film does well, people say all sorts of good things but if it flops, then it gets all sorts of criticism. I just want entertainment. When I read a script, I want to be entertained with twists and turns whether it is action, drama, or romance. I want audiences to be happy when they leave the theatre.

Danger zone
Right now I am in a dangerous place because I do not know what to do next. If I do action or romance, it will be the same and if I do a larger-than-life role, I will seem unbeatable.

Screen presence
People like going to theatres whether multiplex or single screens as long as they are comfortable. Not everyone can afford multiplex tickets so we have single screens as well.

I, me and myself
I am a simple person and people have made me a star. I am thankful for that. I love acting and being out there. It is my hobby, passion, and job and I am lucky to do it.

Work goes on!

Soha Ali Khan While shooting for an evil scene in her latest film, Chaarfutiya Chhokre, Soha Ali Khan didn't allow any still cameraman be on the sets.

"Generally, there's a photographer present on the sets clicking pictures for continuity's sake. But we had to do away with them for this particular scene," revealed a unit source.

In fact, the scene is a crucial part of the film, and required the villain (played by actor Zakir Hussain), rip apart her shirt in a dismayed manner exposing her. The source said, "In the scene, Soha is thrown in front of Zakir who starts to beat her and disgrace her and in the process has to tear off her shirt completely. She felt uncomfortable doing the scene in the presence of the photographers. But once they were off the sets, Soha, like a thorough professional, played the victim and allowed the villains to be their most evil selves."

Soha was manhandled and pushed and in the bargain landed up getting badly bruised. "Despite injuries, she continued to shoot and refused to use a duplicate. The manhandling caused red patches and marks on her arms and the back. There were places she was badly wounded too and had to be given medical aid," concluded the source.

miss handled: Soha Ali Khan

No smoking!

Nana Patekar used to be a chain smoker but managed to kick the alcohol out of his life, nearly four years ago. Now, the actor, who is working closely with director Priyadarshan on Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal, has been successful in influencing director Priyadarshan (fondly called ad Priyan), who used to be a heavy smoker, to give up the habit.

Self-professed teetotaler Nana said, “Priyan is like a little child. He is so energised by his film that he lives and breathes it, and does not take care of his health. I had asked him to quit smoking but when Priyan met me this time and told me he is indeed quitting the addiction, I felt very happy. Smoking kills you."

Asked how he managed to quit smoking and drinking, Nana said, "It happened all of a sudden. One morning, I just got up and said, 'No more cigarettes.'" We do hope Priyan sticks to his decision.

Gang of dreams

Huma Quresh Huma Quresh is all over the place because of the Gangs of Wasseypur movies which premiered at the Cannes film Festival. She says her life is a dream-come-true!

Filmy track

I just got films. They came my way. It couldn't be simpler. Anurag Kashyap met me during a commercial and said he would cast in Gangs of Wasseypur. He actually called me and I signed on. Then I had met Kalki as well and she recommended me to Vishal Bhardwaj for Ek Thi Daayan. Sameer Sharma is a friend of mine and I am doing Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana which is a fun romantic comedy. I have also done an item song in Trishna. So my life feels fabulous!

Cannes craziness

We got a standing ovation at the Cannes! It is not everyday that your debut film opens at Cannes. We were elated after the screening and kept hugging each other. We all went for dinner and then we danced on the streets. I danced barefoot because my heels were killing me.

Commercial talk

I have done about twenty commercials including ones with Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. I have done three with Aamir. When we were dubbing, Aamir said that I had done well. I was so happy to receive praise from him because he is Aamir Khan!

SRK fan

I have been in love with Shah Rukh since I was a child. I did a commercial with him ...I jumped at the opportunity. They said I would not be paid, I had to look pregnant, and also be a mother with a boy. I didn't care. I would have done anything to my appearance to be in an ad with SRK.

Mumbai calling

I am a Delhi-girl and moved to Mumbai only recently when the ads started rolling in and the movie offers came. I didn't think of joining films. My brother moved in after me and got a role in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. The movie was well-received and so was his performance. So life is good here! —HRM

Well deserved: Huma Quresh

Behind the scenes

Katrina Kaif Katrina Kaif is open to working in the sequel to Raajneeti, when it gets made. She also talks about how Salman Khan came on board for Ek Tha Tiger.

On Raajneeti

Prakash Jha has spoken to me about the sequel to Raajneeti and I would love to do it. He has given me a brief one-line story of it and I am yet to read the script. He will have to build the story again because many characters died in the first part. It is a complex movie and it will take me time to prepare for it. Right now, he is busy with Satyagrah and Chakravyuh so we can only discuss and work on this when he is free from these movies. I am also busy with Dhoom 3 and will have promotions to do till the end of the year. I don't know if it will be a woman-oriented movie but I know it is not serious.

Roping in the Tiger

Kabir and I have been friends for a while. He wanted me to do this movie soon after New York was released. He told me about it. He was looking for a cast for the same. I loved the script and agreed to do it. He told me that he wanted Salman to do it and asked me to set him up since I knew him personally. I managed to do that as I really wanted Salman to read this script.

Eyes on Bollywood?

Saeeda Imtiyaz

Pakistani actress Saeeda Imtiyaz met the Indian media for the first time. After doing Pakistani film Kaptan based on the life of cricketer Imran Khan, Saeeda Imtiyaz came to Mumbai to try her luck with Bollywood. She met the media and talked about her plans and wishes. She has also done more than 100 ad films across the globe. She is in India till next week. She also did a photoshoot with Vishal Saxena.

 

 

Planning that perfect day

With wedding season in, Hotel Hometel organised a unique Wedding Fair Day in Chandigarh on Sunday.

The Imperial Ball Room at the hotel, touted as one of the finest available wedding venue in and around city at the best affordable price, also boasts of a professional team full of ideas on themes, décor and seamless planning for functions.

Décor, music, meals everything was at display on Sunday. While one could choose from a variety of themes, the live food counters had some not so usual items on offer. Merath counter had up to 15 varieties of rotis like Kandhari naans, biscuity roti and feni parantha. There is also dishes like Amchoori tava vegetable, Warki paratha, Uppam with stew served with coconut chutney and Chicken shawarma barbequed in Lebanese style served with pita bread.

The beautiful ambience of the Ball Room lends a perfect match to a truly big majestic splendour for a big Punjabi wedding. The day offered plenty of options to plan that perfect day! — TNS 

Decorative step
Let your feet go funky with accessorised slippers this monsoon
Sabia Talwar

Accessories are meant to up your style quotient. The monsoon is here and it’s fun to step in the puddles of water. But not without stepping into a pair of funky slippers if you are a true fashionista! And it’s not only that only girls can have all the fun, guys too have many funkier options.

Says Rahul Sharma, who works at the corporate sector, “I am a shopaholic, and I love filling up my wardrobe with a smart mixture of brands, as well as street stuff. Also, I love collecting slippers because whenever I’m in a casual mood I wear my shorts with slippers. My latest collection is a pair of slippers with Popeye on them and I just love it.” So again cartoons can be your friends till the age you want them to be with you.

And if you want to get carried away with funky slippers then there are plenty of options—slippers with grapes to hearts to pom-poms to angry birds to stuff toys.

Says Sonia Vashisht, a student from GGDSD College, “When I first saw these slippers, I was wondering if I would be able to carry them. But once I saw girls wearing those at college, I also bought a pair and I love them.”

Right from the comfort level of the base to the wide variety of colours and designs, the markets are offering what one cannot even imagine!

“There are so many options available in the market that one gets confused. The platform slippers give a height and are comfortable when you are shopping or chilling out with your girlfriends. I have one pair with a black base and red hearts on them and another with orange hearts on a white base,” chips in Nandini Thakur, a fashion designing student from Chandigarh.

Fashion has a ripple effect, so if you see someone wearing something different and fashionable you would definitely take note of it. Says Shivani Singh from Las Vegas, Sector-8, Chandigarh, “I have been lately getting a lot of demands for such kind of slippers from my clients and I’m planning to include something unusual in my collection.”

And don’t forget that it’s not only the clothes that matter, the kind of footwear you sport, completes your overall look. “Such slippers are casual, trendy, and affordable and most of all they are super comfortable. Young girls can flaunt them with shorts, short skirts, jeans and even single-piece dresses,” adds Shivani.

And even the rains can’t spoil the fun. Says Gagan Giri from Sparkles, Sector-35, Chandigarh, “These slippers come in materials like soft plastics and rubber. They are waterproof and appropriate for the rainy season. I’m almost sold out with this collection. I also have jute chappals with hand-woven beads on them which look stylish.”

So slip on some funky slippers. What are you waiting for?

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

stress buster
Pursuit of Happiness
renee singh

Stress is a part of our daily existence and combating stress is a daily battle we fight. Stress hits us at all levels and we have to learn to deal with it at these very levels to emerge as happy individuals. There is always a way to create more happiness and less stress. There are specific things that make different people happy.

Conflicts are a major source of stress for most people and even when handled well they catapult us into a stressful spiral. Keeping healthy relationships is an art and needs to be worked upon constantly. July officially known as the Social Wellness month is just behind us and we have stepped into August which is the Happiness Happens month. What it means for stress relief is that people are more productive and happier and basically less stressed.

When we are in the thick of stressors, sometimes we just look for instant happiness. It is the 'feel good' factor in our lives that is important. We might think that happiness is round the corner with a new job, better relationship, better house etc. But the happiness coming from these acquisitions is fleeting, we need a constant flow and for this level of permanence we need to use a few strategies for maintaining that instant and continuous flow of happy feelings.

Success brings happiness but happiness actually brings success too. Research in the University of California has proved that happiness is associated with several successful behaviours that go along with success.

Rather than being strongly linked to external characteristics like socio economic status, gender or age happiness is more associated with having a philosophical view of life. We can devise our own ways of eliminating stress and stepping into the happiness zone by following a few simple practices.

Music moves

It has the ability to change our moods. It is an excellent stress reliever. It is also used therapeutically for patients. Research in Japan shows music related to stress relief gives higher levels of happiness.

Laugh along

'Laughter is the best medicine'… may sound like a cliché but it has benefits beyond mood enhancing. It also enhances the immunity and prolongs life. Long term sense of humour can bring about continual happiness as well as less stress.

Perspective change

Many times satisfaction in life is tied to a frame of reference. If you are the type who is living up to the Jones's, then you can never be really happy. If they are millionaires it will be difficult to be happy and satisfied with less.

Good deed

Helping others gives a happy feel and a better level of emotional well being. In doing something for someone you take the focus away from yourself and your problems. You are busy making someone happy.

Choose joy

Happiness expert Robert Holden has said ‘You don't need to work towards happiness, just be happy’. We all know what activities keep us happy, it's the best way to de stress and just do what makes you happy.

Act now

We are constantly living in the future or the past. While building a stress free life, you don't have to wait to register yourself into a curriculum, just choose to do it.

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)

Master Chef
Palak to pie
Kalyan Kumar Jammula

The foodie world has opened new vistas and now we are experimenting with new cuisine. The gourmand too is all for experiencing new tastes. Cheese and spinach combination is a favourite combo as palak paneer. Let us try this combination in a new avatar.

Method Pie

In a sauce pan heat the water, add the salt and let it boil. Blanch the spinach. Strain and cool it in ice-water to avoid discoloration. Chop the spinach and squeeze the water completely. In a nonstick pan add the olive oil, heat it. Add the garlic and sauté. Now add the onion, sauté and then the spinach. Add the rest of the ingredients including the seasonings. Cool it. Roll the puff pastry and assemble in the mould. Put the spinach mixture. Cover with the puff pastry in the shape of a lattice. Bake in 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Provencal sauce

For the sauce blanch the tomatoes, remove the skin, deseed & cut into brunoise. In a pan add the olive oil, heat it. Now add the garlic & the onions. Sauté. Now add the herbs & the tomatoes. Cook for few minutes. Add the stock & cook it further to get the consistency of a sauce. Add the rest of the ingredients & finish off with the seasoning.

House salad

Make the dressing with mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt & pepper. Mix the dressing with the lettuce & the rest of the ingredients.

Presentation

Drizzle the sauce on the plate. And place the pie along with the salad.

(Jammula is a Ludhiana-based chef) —As told to Poonam Bindra

Spinach & ricotta pie

Pie Ingredients

* Spinach 200 gm

* Ricotta cheese 50 gm

* Onion, chopped 50 gm

* Garlic, chopped 20 gm

* Nutmeg powder 1gm

* Cream 15 ml

* Salt 2 gm

* Black pepper crushed 2 gm

* Olive oil 50 ml

* Puff pastry 100 gm

Provencal sauce

* Tomatoes 100 gm

* Garlic, chopped 15 gm

* Onion, chopped 30 gm

* Capers 10 gm

* Olives, chopped 15 gm

* Basil, chiffonade 2 gm

* Thyme, chopped 1 gm

* Tarragon, chopped 1 gm

*Salt 3 gm

* Black pepper crushed 1 gm

* Vegetable stock 150 ml

House salad

* Lolorosso lettuce 50 gm

* Spanish queen olives 2 pcs

* Kalamata olives 2 pcs

* Tomato, paysanne cut 20 gm

* Cucumber, paysanne cut 20 gm

* Lemon Juice 5 ml

* Olive oil 5 ml

* Mustard paste 2 gm

* Salt 1 gm

* Black pepper crushed 1 gm

* Oregano 1 gm

Indulge
Lick, shoot, bite

Buzzczar at Hotel Maya, Chandigarh has been transformed into the culinary gateway to Mexico. Executive Chef, Debosish Guha says, “We are presenting some of the best dishes from Mexico to go with beer, tequila and cocktails.”

The tastefully crafted menu includes nachos laced with jalapeno, flavoured tortilla, tacos filled with re-fried beans and veggies topped with cheese quesadilla. Apart from these there are Mexican cocktail made with tequila and corona, Fajitas garcia and apple enchilada, a dessert made with apple, raisins, cheese and chocolate. Mexican food is best paired with tequila shots downed with the traditional “Lick, shoot and bite” ritual.

On till August 26 — TNS

Musical journey
Vasudha Gupta

For any music lover, the joy of playing some soulful music escalates the euphoria. Such is Sanjay Bhatt’s story. It was the sheer love for music and instruments, which guided him to pull together a band. Aptly called Rudraksh, the band interweaves the tradition of music with a bit of experiment. Only eight months old at the moment, the band has been invited by the Sinhgad Institute of Technology, Lonavala for their annual fest. Captivated by music, Sanjay, manager and the lead vocalist of the band shares the story of its inception.

“It was the thought of peace that music brings that led to the band,” Sanjay says. Playing a lot of Indian, Sufi and semi- classical music, the band does not stick to any boundaries. “Earlier, it was a copy and paste for us. We would just listen to a song and do the same thing on stage,” Amit Vashisth, the other lead vocalist with the band says. At 27-years of age, Amit has been a part of a music academy as well. “My friend Vikram and I ran a music academy when Sanjay got in touch with me,” he adds. Initially battling stage fright, Amit has pretty much overcome everything to give some great performances.

Dreaming to perform at an international platform, the different members of the band come from equally different backgrounds. “Some of us are attached to music but the band has a freelance anchor and a stock broker as well,” Sanjay says.

Still not at the level of their contemporaries, the band agrees that they have a long way to go. Vikram Vishkarma, the lead guitarist with the band is undergoing training in Delhi to polish his skills. Shuttling on Monday’s and Friday’s the lad is busy doing his bit in taking the band ahead. Also associated with another local band, White Harvest, he will soon get a degree through his academy.

When it comes to bands, the problem ends up being difference of opinion. “Yes, in most cases, we take all the liberty to do voice what we want and finally a common decision is taken,” While each of the band member has distinctive duties in keeping up with their individual skill, a major streak of Hindustani music adds the structure in the band.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

In search of a lead

Dishank Arora would love to essay a lead role on TV, but unfortunately for him, he has been offered roles where he plays the younger sibling of the male lead.

“Yes, I play the role of Pratik in Shashi-Sumeet Mittal Productions Pvt Ltd’s Punar Vivah on Zee TV where I am the younger brother of Yash, played by Gurmeet Choudhary. I would love to do a lead role, but guess I look quite young when it comes to my look,” says Dishank. Let’s hope Dishank soon gets the role he has been waiting for.

Judging the new singing talent

Asha BhonsleSur-Kshetra, the eagerly awaited singing reality show produced by Gajendra Singh, will soon air on Sahara One and Colors channel. This show will be judged by three legends Asha Bhonsle, Abida Parveen and Runa Laila. We spoke about Sur-Kshetra to Padma Vibhushan awarded and Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winner Asha Bhonsle, a great singer renowned for voice range and versatility. She has a wider repertoire and her career has spanned over sixty years. Asha ji gets talking about her role as a judge for this show.

What made you say yes to Sur-Kshetra?

It is a big show produced by Gajendra Singh. I liked the concept and format of this show. I was offered it and I immediately took it up. I am really excited to judge this singing reality show.

What qualities are you looking at in a contestant to be good singer?

The first quality I will look in a contestant is his Sur. My focus will be on sur because it is the most important part of singing. The contestant must be so powerful, that a person should be able to see the passion in the eyes.

Tell us about other judges of the show?

Abida Parveen (Pakistan) and Runa Laila (Bangladesh) are reputed and talented personalities of music industry. We three are one big family and quality judges for Sur-Kshetra.

How is the show different from other shows?

The producer of this show is making an attempt to revive the golden era and to bring for the best of talent. The show has a different format and will also have musical stalwarts from India and Pakistan.

Won’t it be tough judging the singer from India and Pakistan?

No really, the singers from both countries will have to put up extraordinary and would be judged on the basis of their excellent performances.

Your voice is still so young. Comments…?

I do riyaaz for 45 minutes daily.

What is your mantra for success?

Never say die. Take risks in life.

How different are you from Lata Mangeshkar?

She is my sister. She is like my mother also. I keep my profession separate from family life.

Who do you give credit for your fame?

God and my parents. I believe in destiny.

Dharam Pal

Tweetie Pie
Vasudha Gupta




Chatter Box
Leaping ahead

Tapeshwari Sharma After the nine year leap in Colors’ Parichay, Tapeshwari Sharma will be the new face of Seema’s (Aarti Singh) daughter Anokhi. Earlier Megha Israni was signed but then she was replaced by Tapeshwari who was earlier seen in Sasuraal Genda Phool. The other sister Ishani will be played by newbie Richa Srivastava.

New face in the crowd: Tapeshwari Sharma

Eijaz Khan

Education over showbiz
Eijaz Khan who returned to TV with Shubh Vivah a show that didn’t work, says he isn’t insecure about work. Being a civil engineer by qualification, he says he can always earn money but acting is his first love.




Engineered passion: Eijaz Khan

Dolly Sohi Dhanowa Homecoming queen


Dolly Sohi Dhanowa, famous with her show Bhabhi, had married and left for Canada. But now she is back. She was seen at a party recently and claimed she had planned to return to India as she wants her kids to grow up here.


Back in action: Dolly Sohi Dhanowa

Anas Rashid Get well soon

While his show is doing very well, Anas Rashid is going through illness. He is suffering from malaria and has been hospitalised. His fans have kept in touch and keep asking him about his health. His doctors have advised him to rest and not shoot.

Resting time: Anas Rashid

Tina Dutta Looking for love
Tina Dutta aka Meethi and Ichcha of Colors’ Uttaran, is having fun playing the double role of mother and daughter on the show but is feeling a bit low these days.  She broke up with her ex-flame Mahesh Kuwar Jaiswal who she was dating since one-and-a-half year.

Heartache: Tina Dutta

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 13...

Being born on the 13th day of August you may have certain issues with a rival at work. You'll treat your partner with great tenderness and will want to spend as much time as possible together. This will get you in touch with your feelings. Sincere and honest, you are a serious, hard working individual. Limitations may be imposed by the energy of number four. Your feelings are somewhat repressed at times. Your intolerance and insistence on achieving accuracy can be irritating to some.

Domestic worries may make you anxious. Sudden inflow of funds takes care of your bills and immediate expenses. Love, companionship and bonding on the rise. You will meet a caring and understanding friend. New assignments undertaken will fall short of expectations. Efforts made to improve your looks and personality will turn out to your satisfaction. Finances may need proper handling. You will try to find a different perspective towards personal life. Health will be good.

Planning is favored, so put in enough time and lay the foundation. Then you may be eager to get into the building phase, but a certain issue or party stands in your way. Don't get exasperated with your anxieties. This year you will learn how to be calm. Get back a little faith in yourself. Those born after the 1980s, will be independent and have high possibilities of increased earnings. This is a very good period to broaden your horizons on a mental and spiritual level. You have a clear mind and all important matters will be well taken care of.

Don't press an issue, especially with a parent. Spending may go 'up' a tad due to practical demands, food, entertainment, travel and giving expensive gifts. A family discussion will go very well. Financial matters are average for you. Domestic and career matters are making their way. You are passionately working for improvement on both sides. You will have sufficient gains through your job. Investment may also bring profits. Regular exercise and a proper diet will help you to feel more relaxed and fit.

Mood: Keep your ear to the ground. Compatible signs: Taurus, Cancer. Lucky colours: Blue and Lavender. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 14, 21, 22

Sridevi Sridevi (August 13, 1963, Sivakasi) starred in hundreds of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam language films. She started acting at the age of four, and starred in her first Hindi film, Solva Saal but Himmatwala, was a big success to establish her status in Bollywood. The film made Jeetendra and Sridevi a popular pair and the duo went on to star in several hits like Tohfa, Mawaali and Justice Chaudhry. Later Chandni, earned her another nomination at the Filmfare Awards. Sridevi married film producer Boney Kapoor on June 2, 1996. Her father died while she was filming Lamhe, her mother while she was making Judaai. Although it is the Hindu custom that the son lights the funeral pyre, Sridevi lit the pyre for her mother's last rites. 

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You won't be able to count on anyone, so if you are going out prepare to walk or have friends visit you. It's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens that you have been carrying on your shoulders. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Lucky number: 51

TAURUS: Love can take a wrong turn if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Be attentive toward the ones you love. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to anyone. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 50

GEMINI: A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people for making their own conclusion. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 40

CANCER: Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. This is a good time to reflect on days gone by.  Plan a romantic evening with your loved one. Keep a practical attitude towards your finances. Tarot message: There is price to pay for over indulgence. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 34

LEO: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. A chance to do things differently will lead to changes.  You may be in a laidback mood and will prefer to spend time daydreaming. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Tomato red. Lucky number: 40

VIRGO: You will be in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind and will want to spend time with family and close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment and moments of tenderness. Social life will keep you busy. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 60

LIBRA: You will be enthusiastic about your personal life. Those in a relationship look for lasting commitment. Romantic relationships are enhanced by spending quality time. Tarot message: You will prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Orchid.

Lucky number: 66

SCORPIO: You will be in a very creative frame of mind and will come up with interesting ideas. Romantic life will bring happiness and fulfillment. You will be inundated with social invitations and will be the toast of the party circuit. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 49

SAGITTARIUS: You will want your space as you mull over recent events. Don’t make financial decisions impulsively. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. You will be in a relaxed state of mind. Tarot message: Be on guard against, duplicity, fraud or trickery. Lucky colour: Forest green.

Lucky number: 62

CAPRICORN: You will be inspired to make some changes to your lifestyle. Don’t make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Travel is just on the cards. Watch out for your health today. Go out for a walk or just go to the gym. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Silver. Lucky number: 32

AQUARIUS: You will be optimistic about developments on the career front. Chance encounters will help you clarify some of your reservations about new business ventures. You enjoy best moments with your lover. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Lucky number: 49

PISCES: You may have sudden insights into vexing issues and this will help put you in a cheerful frame of mind. Avoid getting into arguments with family members as things could spiral out of control. Spend some quality time with your family. Tarot message: Emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Deep red. Lucky number: 37





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