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In the act
Punjabi actor Binnu Dhillon’s kitty is full with roles that he delights in…
He didn’t plan it this way. He had left everything on time and fate. The only thing he had carried all along, and still does, is the spirit to work hard. Binnu Dhillon, Punjabi actor, didn’t realise that he had become a known name in the film industry, till he had scribes calling him up for interviews. In Chandigarh to promote his upcoming film Yaar Pardesi, which has been directed by Gurbir Singh Grewal, for Binnu recognition has come late considering the fact that he has been working for a decade now.
“I started with Punjabi serials and later moved on to films. I was doing all kinds of roles till I realised that I am being hand-picked for comic roles,” says Binnu, a pass-out from the department of theatre and television, Punjabi University in Patiala. From Nalayak, Shaeed-E-Azam, Mitti Wajaan Mardi, Dharti and the recent Carry On Jatta, Binnu is open to all kinds of characters, but it is the negative shades and the comic roles that he likes to play the most. “Even though I am open to all kinds of roles, I see most directors picking me up for the roles of a villain, and off late for comic characters. They think I can fit in such roles well,” he adds. With Carry On Jatta, Binnu is being touted as the next best comedian of Punjabi cinema. “I never thought I was good with comedy. I played a comic character in Jiney Mera Dil Luteya, and ever since I am being offered comedy roles in bulk,” says Binnu, who is thankful to the audiences for giving Punjabi cinema its due. “Our regional cinema is doing amazingly well because of which artists like me are also getting recognition.” Binnu is presently focused on movies, but he still can’t move away from his first love — theatre. “Whenever I get time, I do theatre shows abroad. Theatre has made me an actor; it has taught me how to play different characters. So, now when I do comedy, I try to get into the character rather than throwing unnecessary one-liners. The idea is to understand the character rather than playing on the lines. In comedy sense of timing matters the most,” adds the actor from Dhuri, Patiala, who has a number of projects in his kitty — Yaar Pardesi, Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22; Best of Luck with Gippy Grewal and Jazzy B. “I have never thought of moving out to Mumbai; entertainment industry in Punjab has grown manifold. Bollywood is coming here to shoot films, so why should I pack my bags and go there. I go to Mumbai whenever I have work,” he signs off. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Rocking the ramp
He is just another model on the ramp. But what makes him stand apart from the other models is the turban that he sports. Having completed an engineering course, Karan Singh Chhabra from Chandigarh has taken to the modelling and entertainment industry as a career. Having made his debut a couple of years ago, he has been getting a steady stream of fashion shows and quietly fashioning a change when it comes to modelling. Karan has carved a quick niche. “Turban works to my advantage, as I get instant recognition in the fashion industry,” says the 22-year-old who wants to do something substantial. And he has got a few offers, but wants to do “a role with substance, not just the stereotypes”. “I am doing a Bollywood movie,” he says. He adds, “In fact, I am at an advantage as people notice the outfits all the more, as they remember the model. It is like my USP,” he says. Karan walked the ramp for Kapil & Mmonika and Sonu Gandhi during two events in Ludhiana recently.
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A musical baptism
Chandigarh’s face in the singing reality show Indian Idol Season 6 Poorvi Koutish says she has emerged as a more independent person post the gruelling competition
“How are you feeling?”…to begin with, the question is not right, especially when the one supposed to reply has just been eliminated from a reality show, that too in its last leg. Surprisingly, you don’t get an answer like —“I am sad” or “A bit upset.” Poorvi Koutish from Chandigarh, on the contrary, is feeling relieved from the all the pressure post her exit from Indian Idol Season 6. She is happy that life has come back to normal, but only after it has been enriched with the great experiences of the reality show. “This feeling of the whole nation watching me and voting in my support gave me a high. Even when I am no more competing, the feeling has stayed with me,” says the first-year student of MCM DAV College. Poorvi never thought that she would reach this far in the competition. For her, making it to the top ten is as good as winning the show. “From there on, it’s didn’t depend on how we sang. Even if it did, it wasn’t much; what mattered then was how many people voted for you.” It was indeed tough, considering the fact that all five finalists were from Punjab. “I am sure it must have been tough for the audience to decide the best. All of us are good in different genres; at the end luck played an important role.” She was just out of twelfth standard with 87 per cent marks in the commerce stream when she got selected for the show. “I haven’t attended a single class yet. I love to imagine how people will receive me back home, when they will recognise me on the roads as a finalist from Indian Idol.” Next, she is dropping commerce for arts and learning music is on her priority list. “Besides exposure, the show made me realise the importance of classical music, which was never my genre before. I have come out with clarity of thought.” Poorvi does not want to shift to Mumbai till she gets a ‘substantial offer’ from Bollywood, but before aspiring to become a playback singer she wants to complete her training. Her role model is Sunidhi Chauhan, who is also one of the judges of the reality show. “Since she herself has made it big by winning a reality show, she realises how much pressure one has to sustain on a platform like this.” She doesn’t deny having butterflies in her stomach before every performance, but that never bothered her once she was on stage. “I always thought that at the most, the judges would give me a bad review, which will again help me increase my knowledge of music.” Now when the pressure and tiring practice sessions have ended, she is able to sum up her journey well. And the best thing that Indian Idol has done to her is, “It has made me more independent.” ashima@tribunemail.com
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Feel, don’t think
Vasudha Gupta Vipin Mohan Sharma is an 18-year-old, who enjoys sports, loves to chat up with friends and misses his Chandigarh life whenever he goes away. The only difference between him and any other normal guy is that he has made it to the Cornell University, USA for his engineering programme and has a fancy Tata scholarship up his sleeve. A recent pass out from the famed Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI), Pune, we find out what makes Vipin a go getter and what his take on academic success. Motivational Factor
Once out of the house, parents are mostly concerned with the welfare of the child. “That’s exactly how my parents are,” Vipin says. His father, Sunny Sharma, a civil engineer, always said to him: “If your name will be written somewhere, ensure it’s a good place.” Vipin’s biggest motivation has come from their encouragement to ask questions. Pretty annoying as a kid, he had a constant urge to know what’s out there. After having a great time in City Beautiful, he moved out after tenth grade to study alongside 200 students from 60 nationalities. His experience at MUWCI brought him in direct contact with some very talented and incredibly supportive people. “For example”, Vipin says, “I tend to be fickle and insanely impractical about certain things, and had it not been for the familial atmosphere and constant support of teachers, like Dr Parag and Kermeen Mehta, I would have been lost.” When it comes to work ethics, he sheepishly says, “I just think that if I have to get a job done, why should it be sloppy?” Vipin has been a national-level skater throughout his life, and does bhangra “any hour of the day”. Before moving to Mahindra United World College, Vipin also cleared the exams for an international school in Singapore that included travel and a handsome stipend, but chose MUWCI instead “due to the energetic and affable ambience.” Vipin’s fascination for technology and artificial intelligence guided him to self-study two computer languages. He also facilitated instruction in one of them at MUWCI. Vipin’s scholarship by Tata Foundation comes in as one of the most significant achievements for him. The Tata Foundation provides a merit scholarship to four or five students each year to study at Cornell. The reason—“Ratan Tata is a passout of Cornell University,” Vipin says. Strengths and weaknesses
“Procrastination perhaps is my greatest weakness,” Vipin confesses. Undoubtedly, it gets him in trouble, but he also thinks the resultant stressful conditions have helped him chisel out his personality. “This February, I started writing a very important 4,000 word paper 15 days before the deadline. I did manage an A, but it was a grind, and my satisfaction quotient was lower than my peers who didn’t extend it till the last second. I’d like to change this habit”. Faithful to his age, Vipin ends up choosing things that are more fun to do, but he also seeks strength from duties. Flipside of being an achiever
For Vipin, it is the problem of words. “See, once you are not a bookworm and end up exceeding academic expectations, it becomes a problem to explain the situation to those around you.” Appreciative of all kinds of aptitudes, he finds it baffling as to why talents other than academic are not appreciated. He also hates stereotypes. “Even if people can’t categorise me either as a bookworm or a carefree student, they try really hard to label, which I feel is rather unnecessary” he adds. Words of wisdom
For Vipin, Dr Mehta’s three word phrase- ‘sleep on it’ —has helped gain confidence about his choices in life:. “Whenever I felt uncomfortable taking some crucial decisions, and sought help, he would never answer it for me. After weighing everything, he’d just smile and advise ‘sleep on it’,” he says. Initially the statement got him agitated, but he realised its value later. “Of course you can’t arbitrarily decide on things. However, after the tedious process of weighing pros and cons, finally you have to choose what you feel would be right for you, not what you think; only then can you be happy with the decisions you have to live with” he says.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of money and budget. See where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them you’re your partner or close associates. Forgive and forget. Do not gamble at all and be patient. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 49
TAURUS: Enjoy friendly gathering in your neighbourhood. Good luck is on your side and good things will come your way. You will be favoured with partners, co-workers and rivals. Try to resolve legal matters satisfactorily. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Baize Magic number: 64 GEMINI: Listen to your heart regardless of what your head tells you. Are you doing something to please somebody else at the expense of your own needs? If the answer is yes; then it might be time for you to reassess your motives. Tarot message: Use your instincts. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 30 CANCER: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Domestic chores could interfere with your plans. Inconsequential encounters can have far-reaching effects on your psyche. Tarot message: Learn from past experiences. Lucky colour: Silver Magic number: 52 LEO: Older people and family commitments take up your time. Don’t try to dodge your commitments. Finish your favourite creative project. Children may need attention, so take them with you. Give your creative talent some space. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 60 VIRGO: A recent training or practice program should pay off big-time today. Enter a competition that will stretch your abilities and offers a fantastic prize. Contract and agreements can be finalised. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 42
LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. Married people will spend an interesting day. Financial gains will increase through relatives and well wishers. No need to worry about your health. Tarot message: Take one thing at a time. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 55 SCORPIO: A misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared. Do not spoil your chance by being rash and untactful. A dream might stay with you and lead you to some kind of introspection. Tarot message: Listen carefully to the words of wisdom even if you do not relish them. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 65 SAGITTARIUS: A slow moving day. Lovers: you are surely going to enjoy today’s meeting. Women will pass through a period of depression. Domestic matters proceed well. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Students are unlikely to face financial problems today. Work prospects improve. Do not argue with elders. Do not push your luck. If you love someone set them free. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in a mood to start new job. The best outlet for pressure is passion and romance, so turn your thoughts to love and everything that’s positive in your life. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 29 PISCES: Look forward to a fulfilling day. Let your imagination go wild. You are likely to be oversensitive to others. Love affairs could easily start as the result of a journey. Pleasure comes through measuring your accomplishment. Tarot message: Try a new off beat style. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 44
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The year ahead
If your birthday is August 22...
Only you know what is best for you- so be strong and take quick decisions and be prepared to live with the results. Explore new investment opportunities that come your way today, but commit only after you have studied the viability of these projects. A friend may seek your advice to sort out his personal problems. Nothing is impossible as long as you have the will to overcome it. Visiting your childhood home will lift your spirits. Go ahead and plan a road trip. You will have a lot of fun exploring your old haunts and discovering what has changed. If you don't have a place you can call home, maybe it's time you found one. Convert the least favourite space in your abode into your personal hideaway. Give careful thought to the kind of light and textures you like the most. The Stars advise those born after 1970 not to count on a deal with a Leo. There could be disadvantageous hidden clauses. Students should control the tendency to change their course at this stage. Do not try to play the game unless you have all the right equipment. Stick to the routine but be willing to break it. Your temper may flame out of control. Blessings from a matured person will steer you towards spirituality. You have money pouring in from all directions. You will be working towards an upcoming big event. Those of you who work in the entertainment industry might find new connections which might prove helpful in your career. Try not to worry too much about a minor psychosomatic disorder. Privacy is the key to being romantically successful now, so it's best to stay away from the crowd. Mood:
A bit overloaded as the week unfolds Compatible signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini Lucky colours: Green, Rose Lucky days: Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 5, 9, 16, 21, 22
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The child within
Divya Dutta
Dil to baccha hai ji! And that’s how it should ideally be. All my childhood friend, and school and college buddies tell me, you have not changed a bit. You are the same! In New York central park, I hired a cycle and cycled to the beautiful lakeside singing away alongside. Then stopped by at an ice-cream parlour, caring two hoots about the diet I am supposed to be on as an actor. After all the heart says, you do deserve to have fun on your holiday. And then all the fun rides! I heard one of my friends saying, “Bacche hain kya hum? Why should we do fun rides…yes right, why should you enjoy? So, I was instructed by my brother not to scream and lose my voice as I had an event coming. But well, who would listen of him once the ride began. As the roller coaster went down, I shrieked! Sometimes just be yourself. The way you truly are! Not what you should be or what the world perceives you as. And see how joyous you will feel, without the pressure of trying to be! It’s simply great to be in the company of the real you, even if you feel it is sometimes silly or not that proper, but experience the joy of not being proper sometimes. I love the contrast in my life, a thorough professional at work, the grown up as people perceive me and with my people, the child takes over. To just give the grown up a bit of a break! As I get into dubbing for Heroine, the team gets up with respect to wish me, and I wish them back in an equal prim way, until I see a young recruit treating himself to an ice-cream! Arey you will have it alone? As I say that a choco-scoop is quickly ordered for me. As I wipe the cream off my nose, trying to look proper, I hear that little child laughing within! Yeah, I tell him, I am missing you right now, but you got to balance your life and behave yourself, sometimes. Well yes, just sometimes! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Base basics
Vidya Tikari
In the last few years, foundation recipes have evolved dramatically, offering products which are much more skin-friendly. Foundation products today fulfill an enormous range of skin-care functions – in particular, they protect the skin from outside elements, including UV rays, pollution, dry and frosty winter winds and even the destructive effects of free radicals. Many foundations now contain sunscreen, vitamins and moisturisers. A well-chosen and applied foundation can really make miracles happen, but to achieve the desired effect, you need to select one that suits your skin and the season. You cannot substitute it with powder, which is useful only for fixing the makeup and matting shiny skin. When applied to the face, it should sit smoothly – so that you look as though you have perfect skin, not perfect foundation. Many kinds of makeup foundations are available in various shades, tints, coverage-types and compositions. But, broadly, there are three main categories—liquid, cream and powder. The other varieties are variants of these. In this article, we will cover one of the most popular choices for base – liquid foundations. Liquid foundations
Liquid foundations are lightweight, easy and fast to apply, and great for daily use, which is why they have been so much in demand for decades. Used alone or with a liquid concealer, liquid foundation is great for covering blemishes and other discolourations, as they are high on coverage. They are available in an array of colours to match just about any skin tone. They sit smoothly and evenly, but can look messy if you use the wrong one for your skin type or colour, or apply them incorrectly. There are different kinds made to suit specific skin types. Oil-based liquid foundations work well for women with very dry or wrinkled skin. Being thick and greasy, they blend smoothly with such skin types and capture the moisture within the skin, leaving it supple. If you have oily skin, avoid the oil-based ones. Go for water-based or oil-free liquid foundations. They give you lighter coverage than oil-based ones, and a less shiny finish. Women with normal and combination skin should also pick water-based ones. Go for high quality liquid foundations as they will give you a smoother finish and stay put longer. Plus, a little goes a long way. (Tikari is a beauty expert)
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Cause & effect
Yashpal will bring us a Lakhon Mein Ek Story inspired by Rajendra Kachru whose actions brought about a revolutionary change in the lives of the students. The episode will take us back to Aman Kachru, a medical student, who ended his life because of ragging. Star Plus brings to its viewers a touching story of how a father’s dedication and efforts have resulted in a huge anti ragging movement. Catch this episode on Lakhon Mein Ek on August 26 at 11 am only Star Plus.
With a dash of glitz
From singing, dancing, hand puppetry to introducing a three-year- old child prodigy, this season of India’s Got Talent has many surprises in store for the viewers. Adding a new dash of glamour, this season, sizzling actress Malaika Arora Khan aka Munni will replace Sonali Bendre on the judge’s seat. She is not a new name in the industry and she has played various roles since her start - from a model to a VJ, item girl to an actress, Malaika has proved her mettle and is a brand in herself. While talent exits everywhere, what is needed is a person to put the spotlight on the right talent and give it a direction. In the judge’s role, Malaika will be seen doing that and lot more! She will play a crucial role in identifying talent, help them prepare and package themselves better to move ahead in the show. Unlike Sonali's soft spoken persona, Malaika makes sure that her opinion is loud and clear. Known not to mince words, this Munni will talk as is. Talking about being on the show, Malaika said, “I am honoured to be a part of the judge’s panel on a show like India's Got Talent. I have judged a lot of dance shows but dance is just one aspect of talent. The search for talent has been far and wide this season across all India and I’m looking forward to seeing these multiple talents come together on one stage. I have a feeling that while it’s going to be tough being a judge because talents are different, it’s still going to be a lot of fun.” Malaika is a great example of someone who has grown over the years and made a name in the industry based on sheer talent and grit. In this season of India’s Got Talent, Malaika will be seen oozing oomph and pizzazz onstage while inspiring many lives.
The best so far
Avinash Sachdev will be seen this weekend on Star Plus show Teri Meri Love Stories. When asked about his role in the show, excited Avinash said, “This show will mark my best career break after Choti Bahu. My character Ishaan is a dream role for every young boy. We shot at the two beautiful locations Mahabaleshawar and Panchagani, while we were at work it seemed more like a pleasant holiday with my friend and show director Waseem.” While for Avinash who believed he couldn’t have received a better comeback, the creative unit believes and testified that after reading the script Avinash was the perfect option for Ishaan. Star Plus' show Teri Meri Love Stories portrays gripping stories of people who knowingly or unknowingly surrender to the pressures of life and can’t help but let love take a back seat, and the realisation that comes with small incidents that help rekindle them.
Well done Aamir!
"Satyamev Jayate has transformed the way television as a medium is viewed. It has contributed to the good of society. At Maya, we have pioneered the art and technology for animation and visual effects in India; and Satyamev Jayate provided us with the opportunity to use visual effects technology to convey the essence and the impact of the show. It was our tribute to the show, which has sparked off a revolution and we at Maya are proud to be associated with this phenomenon in the history of the Indian Entertainment Industry," said Ketan Mehta, chairman and managing director, Maya Digital Studios Pvt Ltd.
Act II
Kamalika is visibly excited to essay Kalyani Devi, a character that is strong willed, control freak and dominating but at the same time incredibly urbane. Nursing ahead the tradition of ghar jamai that has been running strong through the generations, Kalyani Devi’s ultimate aim of finding an ideal ghar jamai for her youngest daughter Angana likewise her other two daughters faces a rebellion in the form of Aakash eventually being supported by her own daughter. The all out confrontation between Kalyani Devi and Aakash will be carried forward by Kamalika as she steps in to Kalyani’s character right at the point where Sudha steps out of it. Commenting on this change, Sooraj
Barjatya, Rajshri Productions, says, “Sudhaji is one of the very respectable and seasoned actress in the entertainment arena and has the capability to essay any character flawlessly. A through professional, from the inception she was the chosen one for the role of Kalyani
Devi. Initially the role didn’t demand much of her time but as the show progressed and her character got recognised all across and the script demanded her to be in almost all the scenes. But with prior commitments to her other ongoing projects it was difficult for her to devote more time for our show. That’s when she approached us and the channel, Sahara One to mediate and find a solution. With much required help from Sahara One to resolve this issue the team decided to cast someone else to essay the role of Kalyani
Devi”.
King of Romance
Recently on the sets of popular singing reality show Indian Idol 6 – Dream Girl Hema Malini spoke about matters close to her heart. Hema Malini was accompanied by the He – Man of Indian cinema, Dharmendra. During the shoot Hema Malini revealed that she first saw Dharmendra when he was shooting for the movie Bharein Phir Bhi Aayengi and immediately fell for him. She also revealed that she loves the song Aapke Husn Mein Aaj Naya Noor Hai from that movie and requested if one of the contestants could sing that song. Vipul decided to charm all by taking onto the stage immediately and singing that song.
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Inert circle
Anil Juneja Yoga nidra
Yoga nidra means sleep with a state of inner awareness. There is a big difference between ordinary sleep and psychic sleep in yoga nidra. Yoga nidra has two implications—complete relaxations of the body and self-awareness. For achieving complete relaxation of body, mentally divide it into several parts and concentrate your mind on each part of the body one by one, from feet to head. How to do
To start with, lie flat on your back in shavasana. Close your eyes and keep them closed throughout the practice. Place your arms beside your body with the palms upwards. Adjust your legs so that they are straight and slightly apart. Make yourself so comfortable that you will feel no urge to move your body during the practice of yoga nidra. From now onwards the practice is entirely mental. Starting with the big toe of your right foot, concentrate your mind on it. Allow your mind to spread throughout the big toe. Suggest to the muscles and nerves to relax. Experience that they are relaxing. Experience that they have become relaxed. In the same way, attain relaxation of the other parts of the right limb—the other toes, sole, heel, ankle, upper part of the foot, calf-muscles, knee, thigh, up to the hip-joint. In the same way relax the left limb up to the hip-joint. Now achieve the relaxation of the middle portion of the body from the waist up to the neck. Concentrate your mind on each part one by one starting with the lower abdomen, relax the front, the back, the right side, the outside and the inside of your lower abdomen. Similarly relax the upper abdomen- the front, the back, the right side, the left side, the outside and the inside of your lower abdomen. Now through your navel enter the abdominal cavity and relax the large intestine, the small intestine, the kidneys, the spleen, the liver, the pancreas, the stomach and the diaphragm. Use auto-suggestion and achieve relaxation. Then concentrate your mind on the chest and relax the entire rib-cage. Beginning with the lowest rib, relax each and every rib in turn. Relax the front ribs, the back ribs, the right ribs and left ribs. Now enter the chest and relax the right lung, the left lung and the heart by auto-suggestion. (Those who have got any heart trouble should pause here for a few minutes and by auto-suggestion slow down the heart to remove stress.) Now achieve the relaxation of the neck muscles in the front and in the back. Then concentrate your mind on both the hands and arms one by one; starting from the thumb, relax the fingers, the palm, the wrist, the lower arm, the elbow, the upper arm and the shoulder. Experience that the whole of the middle portion of your body has become completely relaxed. Now achieve the relaxation of the upper portion of body from throat up to the head. Here we have come to a bit more difficult part of the exercise. So far you were relaxing large muscles which respond quickly to your suggestion. But now we have to relax a large number of small and tiny muscles which are difficult to relax. First unclench your teeth and unlock your jaws and let your tongue go limp. Keep your lips softly closed. Now relax all the facial muscles; beginning with the chin, relax the lips, the inner portion of the mouth including the teeth, the gums, the palate and the tongue; thin relax the cheeks, the nose, the ears and the temples, both the eyes, the forehead and the scalp, through auto-suggestion. Experience that the whole of your upper portion of the body has become completely relaxed. Again allow your mind to travel from the head up to the feet and from the feet up to the head. Now practice inner silence at least for five minutes through relaxation of the vocal cords. Become aware of your breath and your whole body. Become aware of outer sense perceptions. But the process should be gradual so that your mind fully adjusts to the outside surroundings. Slowly move your body. This is the end of yoga nidra. (Juneja is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)
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Juhi’s laughter ride
Actress Juhi Chawla, who would be seen opposite Sanjay Dutt in the light-hearted film Son of Sardar, is ecstatic to be back in a bubbly and funny avatar.
"After quite sometime I am back with a good role in a big budget Bollywood film. It is very humorous. When Ajay Devgn (actor and producer of the film) called me up for this movie, he said it is something I am good at," said Juhi. "This character in SOS somewhere takes me back in time, when I used to do light hearted movies. I am happy and excited about this movie. I hope the audience likes it," she said. Juhi says she is open to doing both kinds of roles, be it serious or light ones. "As an actor I am happy doing good roles. It all depends what kind of script and role I am offered, I am open to anything be it serious or off beat or a Bollywood masala entertainer. All I look for is that the story and my character should be engaging," she said. The romantic drama, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha and Juhi Chawla in pivotal roles, promises to be a complete entertainer with never-seen-before fun. Directed by Ashwani Dhir, SOS is reportedly inspired from the Telugu film Maryada Ramanna. "It is a very colourful film. As it is based in Punjab and the title is Sardar so there are bound to be jokes on them. There is going to be a lot of laughter," Juhi said. "I play a cute, funny character. They (Sanjay and I) were supposed to get married 25 years ago but it did not happen. There is a reason for all this. There is lot of fun in the film and it has a happy ending," she said. The film will release on November 13, alongside Juhi's good friend Shah Rukh's untitled romantic film by Yash Chopra. "Diwali is the time when big films release every year. It is an auspicious occasion and there are holidays so producers look at releasing films during Diwali," she said. "I am not aware that his (SRK) film is releasing around the same time. It is not in my hands, it is for the producers to decide when to release the film," she added. On doing a film with Shah Rukh, her friend and co-star in films such as Darr, Duplicate and Yes Boss, Juhi said, "I would love to do a film with him.”
—PTI
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Deepika Padukone, who has starred in two films with Saif Ali Khan, says the actor has been a huge support and encouragement for her and she is keen on taking the association forward. They have paired up in Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail and Deepika terms the two films her best love stories. "When you are performing for screen, you get a lot of energy from your co-star as well. Saif is one of the most spontaneous actors I have worked with and I wouldn't have been as convincing on screen if not for him. "He has always been a huge support and encouragement right from Love Aaj Kal. His production house has given me two of my best love stories. It is time now to take the association forward," Deepika said. Saif and Deepika will be seen together again in Race 2 which releases early next year. The 26-year-old actress is happy that amidst a barrage of sequels and South remakes that have been the trend in Bollywood lately, Cocktail has made its mark as an original story and earned its fair share of profits. "There is no formula to a successful film. In the recent past the only films to have done tremendous business are South remakes or sequels. However, Cocktail has made its presence felt as an original tale," said Deepika, whose last big success was Housefull. The actress said she is particularly happy about the film as she has an inclination towards romantic comedies and love stories. "Not just because I am a part of the film but also because I truly enjoy doing love stories. I am partial towards such films and it's nice to know that today not only comedy, drama or action films are doing well but there is a definite place for a pure love story to do good business as well," she said. — PTI
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The life of round-the-world teenage sailor Jessica Watson is to be turned into a major movie that will be filmed in Sydney and the Gold Coast next year. The director of the Hollywood movies Soul Surfer and Bratz: The Movie, Sean McNamara, will shoot what's described as an ''inspiring drama'' called True Spirit in Australia next year. The film, due for release late 2013, will be based on Watson's book of the same name about sailing around the world solo and unassisted as a 16-year-old. She was at sea for 210 days before arriving in Sydney Harbour in May 2010. Watson, 19, said the prospect of someone else playing her was “a very strange idea” and says she was uncertain as to whether she wanted to be involved when first approached. But she said she had been inspired by their earlier film on Hamilton and agreed to come on board as a consultant. “It’s quite surreal but I’m really looking forward to doing my part to make it as accurate as possible,” a publication quoted Watson as saying at the Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast. “I want to share it all with whoever they choose because that will help get the story across. It’s not stuff that you openly talk about all the time. It’s been a couple of years so I have closed a lot of those emotions up and I am looking forward to opening them again.” Watson admitted the movie would bring back both good and bad memories as well as bringing to light as-yet untold elements of the journey. “It’s going to be looking at it in quite a different way as well. All those memories are part of it but there are so many more.” — ANI
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Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow, who raises two children with rocker husband Chris Martin, says she has no plans to add to her brood. The 39-year-old actress, who has a busy Hollywood career, is happy to have Apple, eight, and Moses, six in her life, a publication reported. Asked if she would have more children, Paltrow said, "I don't think so. I would love to, but I sort of feel like I don't know if I can go back to diapers and things like that. I'm so past that, I think I may have missed the window." But the Shakespeare in Love star does not rule out the possibility completely. "I think if maybe when Moses was three, I would have done it, or four even, but now he's six and such a guy, I feel like I'm out of the baby phase. If it happens, it happens." Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Martin divide their time between homes in London, New York and Los Angeles. The actress says being a parent gave her "real happiness". "I feel like motherhood has given me all my happiness and a real life: a husband, my children and everything that's invested in that. Every woman is different, but for me that's where I've gotten my real happiness." — PTI
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Voice for the best
Popular singer Sonu Nigam, who has sung several hit tracks in Bollywood, says he has become choosy with the kind of songs he wants to sing and doesn't like giving voice to every other song. "For the last five years, I have controlled myself completely and I think one should work with only such people where there is a bonding and good work," said Sonu, who has recently sung the title track of Shirish Kunder's Joker.
"So I do good work with good people, who gel with me. I have simplified my life a bit too and put aside the kind of insecurity I had in the initial phase of struggle in my career. Now I live a good, peaceful and secure life," he added. Sonu ventured into playback singing when he was 19 and since then he has given hit songs like Sandese aate hain, Suraj hua maddham, Kal ho naa ho and Main hoon na, among others. The current scenario has double-meaning songs gaining lot of popularity, but Sonu insists that the trend is not new. "Even I have sung such (double meaning) songs but that was in the initial phase of my struggle. That time there was no channel, no music album to move on, except that you get anything to sing and move on, so had to opt for playback singing.” The singer is currently working on an English album called Spirit Unfolding.
—IANS
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Tom Cruise, who shot to Hollywood superstardom with Tony Scott's Top Gun, has paid tribute to the tragic director. Scott, 68, jumped to his death from the Vincent Thomas Bridge on Sunday. "Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time," Cruise, 50 said. The actor, who teamed up with the director on Top Gun and Days of Thunder, described Scott as "a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable". The actor-director was reportedly planning to team up again for a sequel of Top Gun. They were in Nevada late last week touring a Naval air station as part of their research for the movie, a publication reported. Top Gun 2 was one of three directing projects on Scott's plate that were in advanced development before the director killed himself. Meanwhile, conflicting reports are emerging about inoperable brain cancer that could have prompted the suicide. LA County chief coroner investigator Craig Harvey said that Scott's family has disputed the report that he had inoperable brain cancer. — PTI
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Angelina Jolie, whose impending marriage to Brad Pitt has been generating buzz around the world, has laughed off the hype surrounding the nuptials. The Hollywood A-list couple is vacationing in Greece, and was spotted at a restaurant in Halkidiki a week ago. “Angelina was in white, but she laughed and said ‘not yet’ when the restaurant owner asked if she was getting ready to tie the knot,” a publication quoted a source as saying. “We love Greece too much to leave . . . we have other islands to go to before heading back to France,” the source said. The source also added that Jolie, Pitt and their kids were travelling on a super-yacht and had visited islands including Mykonos and also hoped to visit Santorini. Guests in the local restaurant were stunned to see them, but were banned from snapping the power-couple. — ANI
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Worthy cause
A screening of a documentary film The Life I Left Behind made by Sumeer Walia was held at The British School, Sector 44. The British School, Chandigarh runs an after school for poor and underprivileged children in association Global Environment Concern, a volunatary organisation. The screening was part of the school’s efforts at raising awareness about the need for society to think about the underprivileged children.
The music of the film has been composed by Braj Raj, Anmol and Dean Evans. The story is by Dr Vibha Taluja while the screenplay is by Ankit Khanna. According to Sumeer Walia, producer and director of The Life I Left Behind, “Society needs to come forward, spread awareness, identify such innocent children and save them from the menace of drug abuse by reporting to the nearest authorities or
NGOs.” — TNS
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Celebrating fashion
Among those present at the event were Bollywood star and brand ambassador of the Fashion Week Arjun Bajwa and supermodel Amrit Maghera — actor, dancer, musician and model. Premier fashion designer Jattinn Kochhar was also present. The event marked the beginning of The Bella Vista’s tryst with the hi-fashion industry. The Boutique will have three floors of luxury retail opening soon, for fashion, retail and hospitality.
— TNS
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US President Barack Obama has described Hollywood actor George Clooney as a "wonderful guy", while First Lady Michelle said she finds him "cute". The president and his wife opened up about their relationship with Clooney in an interview with a publication. Obama said he got to know Clooney, 51, through the actor's work on behalf of the people in Darfur while he was in the US Senate. "He is a terrific advocate on behalf of the people of Darfur and to the people of Sudan who've been brutalised for a long time. "And so when I was a senator - this was well before I was president - that was an issue that I was working together on a bipartisan basis, and George, who had travelled there, and was very well-informed, came to testify in Congress. And so we got to know each other," he said. — PTI
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Deepti Naval [August 22,1957 Amritsar] started her film career with Ek Baar Phir in 1980. She married director Prakash Jha, but later divorced him. Saath Saath , Chashme Buddoor and Mirch Masala are some of her hit films. Apart from Punjabi film Marhi Da Diva, she was often cast opposite Farooq Shaikh. She is a good painter and a sensitive theatre personality. Stars suggest Deepti’s long stay in the film industry.
A good quality foundation can help the skin look healthy, clean and smooth. It evens out the skin tone and texture by covering small flaws. Also, using foundation ensures that the makeup will maintain its freshness for much longer. However, it is the one product which is most difficult to match with the particular needs of the skin. Not only is the colour chosen of great importance, but also skin care and covering properties, and consistency. After all, this product can be on your skin daily, for up to 12 hours at a time!
Yashpal Sharam will play a very important role in Lakhon Mein Ek episode on Star Plus. Ragging, which started as a tradition to make the students comfortable in professional institutions later became so outrageous that it has caused many scars on a lot of young innocent lives.
Appreciating Star Plus' and Aamir Khan's efforts on the show that brought about social revolution, Ketan Mehta presented the Satyamev Jayate team with an elaborate film that highlights the overwhelming response generated by the show on twitter. The seven minute film is uploaded across social media
platforms.
Who doesn’t remember Gaytari chachi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her authoritativeness and shrill expressions, sent shivers down the spine. Post this stint there was no stopping her. She is back on the small screen with another graceful role in Sahara One’s Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan
Hooga. 
Yoga nidra is a practice which can be widely applied in the modern world to improve the quality and happiness of human life. In the modern, competitive and industrial world many ailments are caused by deep-rooted subconscious tensions. Yoga nidra is the best and most permanent method of inducing deep relaxation of the entire human structure and personality. Yoga nidra removes and prevents psychosomatic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, rheumatism, neurasthenia, allergies and so forth. It induces sleep in cases of insomnia. It also removes psychological blocks, fears, phobias, conflicts and complexes.
The Bella Vista Boutique hotel was host to well known designers, models and other personalities in the field of fashion at a gala evening organised to celebrate the success of the Punjab International Fashion Week, which concluded recently in
Ludhiana.
