A true Heroine
Actress Kareena Kapoor does not mind admitting that marrying Saif Ali Khan was pretty much tried and tested as the couple lived-in for five-and-a-half years before tying the knot
Jasmine Singh

Kareena Kapoor Photo: Pradeep Tewari The final plot has been shot beautifully, a befitting tribute to a beautiful love story. She has tied the knot, and there she sits right in front of us, looking like a million bucks, all set to answer the questions about her married life!

Kareena Kapoor comes to Chandigrah to meet the winners of Limca Meet and Greet with Kareena Contest, something that she loves to do. "This is the only time I get to meet my fans in person, and they get to know their brand ambassador as well. It is better than shooting for an advertisement," says the brand ambassador for Limca.

It's time to move on to the much-awaited and apprehended question. The obvious one! How does it feel to be married? Given that the couple dilly-dallied with their wedding date for quite sometime! "I guess it was a talked about thing for media and fans. As I have said it many a time, I have lived-in with Saif for five-and-a-half years before marrying him. So, officially I am the first Indian actress to have a live-in relationship and then acknowledge it," she says as a matter of fact.

No, she isn't boisterous, nor she isn't declaring. She just wants her fans and people to know what she stands for. "I have done the tried and tested formula. And I have married a man who has a modern approach in life. In fact, I second what Saif says that we shouldn't be traditional because we want to be that way, we should rather feel it. I tell Saif that he comes across as an international actor and most people wouldn't understand what he is trying to say."

A James Bond film has just come to an end, the chase is finally over, and both Kareena and Saif are glad. She flashes a controlled Heroine like smile. "We are happy, at least we wouldn't have to answer the rigmarole of questions like when and how we are getting married."

The honeymoon phase has just started, but no one is ignoring work here. "Whether I party with Saif in Switzerland or whatever I do in my personal life has nothing to do with my work or what my producers or directors think. I am here to sell my talent, and as long as I look fit and pretty and doing my work nothing else matters," she says.

We are talking about progression. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, we are sure, has something to add to this! Adds Bebo, "We talk about progressive cinema, well films are just part of it, and first it is society and the nation that needs to change its outlook."

So, we shouldn't be asking when the couple is planning a family? Kareena shrugs her shoulders. "First marriage and now family!" Weren't you expecting it Bebo? "I play a journalist in Prakash Jha's Satyagrah, but I wouldn't be asking questions on marriage or family." We get the point!

So we switch over to her upcoming movie with Aamir Khan, Talaash. If it is Aamir, expect the unexpected. "Aamir doesn't want to go overboard with the publicity. In fact we actors have become such slaves to movie promotions that we are like monkeys jumping around in streets, dancing around publicising our films," says Kareena who has a pivotal role in Talaash. "My role is important to the plot," she adds without going into the details. Kareena will be working with Ajay Devgn next and Imraan Khan. "Imraan is young and a good actor. EK Main Aur Ek Tu was very special to me." Like the new phase of her life in which she moves on with her maiden name Kareena Kapoor!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Wonder wrap
When it comes to some wedding do, one can never go wrong with a saree…
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Brush up your bridal diary with some velvet embellished, zardosi lined, gotta embedded to contrasting boarders sarees for this wedding season. An ultimate traditional as well as one of the most glamorous outfits for women sarees have endured the test of time and fashion. And with wedding season again on an upward swing it's the designer sarees that are storming the bridal wear trend.

"It's the designers like Sabyasachi, Shantanu-Nikhil, Ritu Kumar and Manish Malhotra who have given sarees a new lease of life," says Divya Kapoor from Samsaara. She adds, "And this wedding season, it's the sarees in intricate work like jaal embroidery, badla, antique work, mokaish, zardosi embellished with crystals, kundan, sequins and stones that are working well.

For the colours it's an endless choice. White is as much in fashion as is red or yellow."

"Mix and match of fabrics is the most sought-after trend these days. Benarasi borders are as much in fashion as are organzas and tussars. Conceptual sarees (that come with a kamarbandh or broche) and placement sarees too are making waves so are the ikkat silk saris. Fusion of colours is quite in so is the blend of traditional and contemporary designs," says Rajneesh Jain from Meena Bazaar.

With designers giving much attention to fabrics and designs sarees have now become more glitzy and it's the beautiful blend of colours, designs and traditional work and contemporary wrapping style that have made sarees more glamorous than ever. "If we talk about sarees for the wedding season, it's the lehenga style that is selling the most in this part of the country," says Simple from Simple's in Sector 35.

She adds, "Easy to wear, it's the style of the saree that is setting it apart and other than that it's the bright hues that are making a style statement. Colours like gold, ruby and orange are the best suited."

Well, talk of velvet and it's the best blend with fabrics for sarees. "Velvet is quite in and so are chiffon and georgette. But if we talk of work than it is the traditional dabka and patti work that has made a come back this wedding season," says duo Armaan and Indeep from, The Closet.

Check it out

  • Ikkat silk sarees have made a beautiful entry this wedding season.
  • If you are looking for some style then it's the blend of fabrics that is making the sarees more glamorous.
  • Dabka and patti work have made a come back this season.
  • Placement and conceptual sarees too are a hit in bridal wear.
  • In fabrics it's the velvet that is the most sought after.

Dinner date

The PFA-Chandigarh presents Dinner with Friends, a play by Feroz Khan. This Pulitzer award winning play is about four friends, two married couples. The play captures both the couples at different ages and stages of their lives, and we witness the effects of the breakup of one couple on the other, who first feel compelled to choose sides, and then begin to question the strength of their own seemingly tranquil marriage.

Dinner with Friends was written by Donald Margulies. It premiered at the 1998 Humana Festival of New American Plays. The play received the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Credited as one of the finest dramatists to emerge from India, the award-winning director is known for plays like Tumhari Amrita, featuring Bollywood veteran Shabana Azmi, and Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, a one-man play starring Anupam Kher. However, his latest production does not boast thespians such as Azmi or Kher. For Dinner with Friends, he has brought on board a quartet of artists with a rich but lean body of work under their belts. The cast includes actress Tisca Chopra of Taare Zameen Par fame, and Perizaad Zorabian from Joggers Park. Joy Sengupta and Vinay Jain complete the acting circle.

The duration of the play is 90 minutes.

The passes for the play, will be available at the PFA Chandigarh Centre, H No. 1522, Sector- 11 / C, Chandigarh. On November 21 at Tagore Theatre. — TNS

Hot picks
Ornate fabrics and jewel tones — it's time to jazz up your winter wardrobe
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

It's the beginning of winter and what better way to start the season than with some new additions in the wardrobe? In short, we get for you some latest trends for the winter wardrobe. While you can play safe with shapes--utilitarian, military-inspired and covered up, this winter is all about tone-on-tone, ornate fabrics, velvet, jacquard, lace, damask and embellishments; so don't hold back.

"This winter, tops are on the soft feminine side. They are being fashioned from soft materials. Silk blouses are also in and so are the belted waists," says designer Sabah Kahan. She adds, "Polished sophistication along with bling are in fashion. Rich jewel tones dominate, making fashion more elegant this winter."

While the season is already spilling a bounty of colours, cozy knits, bright hues, refined accessories, work appropriate leather pants, equestrian jackets, quilting, baroque embellishments and long sleeves that are making for a perfect winter wear.

"Chunky knit is another trend that is going to be hot this season. In short, it is the hand-knitted look that is going to be a hit this season. But the wool has to be quite soft," says designer Amit Kashyap from Diva Enlivens. Decoding the colour trend, the winter is all about jewel tones this time. "Fall/winter 2012/2013 collections are abound in brighter hues like purple, blue, green, neon orange and canary yellow. Besides, these eye-popping tones have come in daring combinations," Amit adds.

"Though fashion is all about being versatile, winter wear is often repetitive and this year too we see some carry-over trends. Where we have the biker and bomber jackets in fashion, collars and fur too is in. Tone-on-tone is big this season so are the coloured pants," says Geet Sethi, consultant head training, Espirit. Talk of styles and she says, "The cuts are sleeker but volume is also there. And when we say volume, it is defined either on the sleeves, collar or below the waist. Belts too are making a statement and they are being used on the outside then inside." Well, belted blazers are a big trend this winter.

Last but not the least--leather, fake fur, plaid, tweed fabrics-all are there to make this winter more stylish and chic.

In style

  • Slim belts are a fashion statement this winter.
  • Look out for those belted blazers as they are big this season.
  • Canary yellow, blue, ruby and olive green are the colours for the winter.
  • Biker and bomber jackets are a must have in the wardrobe and so are the fur collars.
  • Cuts are sleeker but we have volume either on the sleeves, collar or below the waist.

True blue art
Mona

Government College of Art-10 wears a gala look any time of the year, but, the atmosphere was even more colourful on Monday morning as a certain groups of students got busy learning the intricate Jaipur blue pottery.

An entirely handmade process, the inquisitive students were guided by their teacher Sanjeev Kumar and expert in the field, Gopal Saini. Student of Padamashri Kripal Singh Shekhawat, who is credited with introducing the lost art of blue pottery back to the mainstream, Gopal has perfected the art over years of hard work. "Any art requires patience, this one needs extra patience," warns Gopal.

Having held workshops for this art not only in India, but also in Italy, Switzerland, Australia and England, Gopal's last two trips abroad have been to Iceland and Turkey. "Not only was blue pottery appreciated but our traditional designs have been a rage at the workshop in Margarita," he shares.

Gopal, a national award winner for handicrafts, has gone beyond the conventional geometric and flower patterns as well the blue colour. In his works, you will find Ganesha, Hanuman Chalisa and mesh work. And, not just pottery, he also makes statues of lords, animals and birds, door knobs, lamps, murals and many more at his unit at Jaipur.

"Blue pottery is an age-old art that I want to move beyond Jaipur. Training art students in this gives me immense satisfaction, for it's the artists only who can further take it to common man," opines Gopal. Not only is he keen on this, so were the students at the workshop. Gagan Deep Kaur shared, "It's pretty interesting. We worked with moulds earlier in this class. Having got the first hand knowledge of how it goes, I am looking forward to some independent work."

As for Gopal, he moves to another workshop post this one, to spread the art that is close to his heart!

mona@tribunemail.com

Chemical reaction

Blue pottery that owes his origin to Persia has flourished in Jaipur over the years. Made by quartz powder, indigenous glass powder, katira, saji and multani mitti, all these mixed in a certain proportion is used to make pots and dried in the sun. Next, a coat of quartz and glass powder is applied to the dried utensils. With cobalt oxide the figures are drawn and later coloured with metallic oxide colours. A quote of glaze and the pots are put in wooden fire kilns. Traditionally the colours are cobalt blue and aquamarine justifying the name blue pottery.

Rocking time!

For Anita Shanti, the ability to read the energy of the crowd is a must for a DJ
The young and hip crowd of Tricity gyrated to heavy music belted out by famous DJ Anita Shanti from Kazakhstan at the rocking annual Kingfisher Blue Global Fusion party hosted by Kingfisher Blue at Blue Blazer lounge in Sector 26 recently. The atmosphere was electrifying as Anita, with her exceptional ability to mix different styles of music, unplugged the energy of the young and excited girls, boys and couples.

Anita feels to be a good DJ you need to be able to read the energy of people, so you are able to go with the flow, take them on a journey, create beautiful moments.

DJ Anita started performing since 1999 and in the last few years has focused her energy into being a full time DJ. Since 2011 Anita is part of Digital Om Productions. She performed in many parties in her native country Kazakhstan, including open-air festivals at Sicily (Italy) and Nepal and across cities in India like Goa, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pondicherry and Mumbai.

She plays house, minimal, electro, techno, prog/psyprog, full on and psy trance.

Anita mixes different styles of music together and has a new trick up her sleeve every time. She has performed with artistes and DJs like Zen-Mechanics, Robbie Romero, Ajja, Ital, Chicago, Ma Faiza and many more. — TNS

GET PHYSICAL
Power-packed moves
Anil Juneja

What is the difference between power yoga and other forms of exercise?

Power yoga works on all the four aspects of fitness, flexibility, strength, stamina and stability, and provides the required elements of a complete exercise programme. Power yoga positively affects the internal organs and endocrine glands. Power yoga poses with breathing and pranayama helps to re-charge the cells in the body and re-energizes the brain cells; thus, the body is rejuvenated. It is more than just physical exercise which not only helps us to overcome diseases but it also develops inner awareness and self-control.

Other forms of exercises provide limited movement of a few joints and does not really work on the all aspects of fitness. Most of the other exercises benefit the physical body only. There is no such positive effect on the internal organs and endocrine glands. Other exercises are only physical exercises which do not really help us to overcome diseases. These exercises do not have therapeutic values like yoga. Most importantly these exercises do not develop the feeling of inner awareness, self control, discipline and spiritual growth.

How does power yoga affect metabolism?

Power yoga increases your metabolism. Power yoga helps building lean muscles which increase your basal metabolic rate (the amount of calories your body burns even if you are doing nothing). This means your body will burn more calories than it did previously, making weight loss more easy. Power yoga poses also improve metabolism by balancing the endocrine system and improving blood circulation.

What are partner stretches in power yoga?

Partner stretches are the part of power yoga sessions which helps in getting more flexibility where body passively works. While practicing partner stretches, one practitioner helps the other in performing yoga postures. In certain positions, stretching with a partner can be more effective than stretching alone.

I am already thin. Why should I practice power yoga?

Practicing power yoga is not just for people who wish to lose weight. Power yoga gives plenty of other health benefits also. It improves flexibility, stamina, strength and stability. It also helps you to achieve your fitness goals which are for your good health, not just for your good looks only. Thin does not necessarily mean healthy because someone who is thin and unfit is actually less healthy than someone who has a few extra pounds and is fit.

Does power yoga practice help to reduce stress level?

Of course, power yoga practice helps to reduce the feeling of stress without having to spend years visiting the doctor, taking harmful prescription drugs. The benefits of power yoga postures, breathing and meditation include better respiration, release of muscular tension and increased coordination between mind and body. All of this will contribute to reducing stress. Power yoga builds greater inner calm, enabling you to deal with pressures and tension in a more constructive way.

(Juneja is a yoga expert)

Aamir has the enthusiasm of a first timer: Kagti

Mr Perfectionist: Aamir Khan Aamir is often tagged as Mr Perfectionist in Bollywood but Reema Kagti, the director of his upcoming film Talaash, says the actor's enthusiasm and sincerity are that of a first timer. The film, slated to hit theatres on November 30, also stars Rani Mukherji, Kareena Kapoor and Nawazzudin Siddiqui in pivotal roles. Aamir is playing a cop for the third time in the film after Baazi and Sarfarosh.

There were reports that Aamir and Kagti had differences over some scenes that he wanted re-shot but both of them have denied it.

Kagti, who made her debut with Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, admits that the actor was very involved with the project but without interfering with her vision.

"The kind of enthusiasm and sincerity that he shows are that of a first timer. He is very involved and really obsessed with getting the best possible thing for a product. He puts in a lot of effort and I could see that he took a lot of trouble to understand what I was trying to do on the film," Kagti said.

"What is really notable about him is that even though he had a lot of inputs, he was honest to my vision and went along with that," she said, quashing reports of any differences with her lead actor. — PTI

Don't get typecast, Farhan warns Priyanka

Friendly advice: Farhan Akhtar Bollywood's desi girl Priyanka Chopra has reached Hyderabad for the shooting of the Zanjeer remake and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has warned her against doing too many remakes and getting typecast. "In Hydrabad for Zanjeer. Starting a new film always makes me nervous," Priyanka tweeted.

Amit Mehra is producing the film, which was originally made by his late father Prakash Mehra in 1973 with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya in the lead roles.

In the remake, being directed by Apoorva Lakhia, southern star Ram Charan Teja and Priyanka are playing Vijay and Mala, respectively.

Farhan tweeted: "Priyanka Chopra, do you realise that this is the third official remake of Amitabh Bachchan you are in? Be careful you don't get typecast." Earlier Priyanka had featured in the remakes of 1978 film Don and 1990 Agneepath. — IANS

Paris praises Silver Linings Playbook

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton has praised veteran actor Anupam Kher starrer Hollywood movie Silver Linings Playbook. The film, directed by David O Russell, opened the recent 14th Mumbai Film Festival. Hangover star Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence of Hunger Games play the lead in the movie while Robert De Niro and Kher are in pivotal roles.

"Just saw the movie Silver Linings Playbook. Really enjoyed it, such a funny and well written romantic comedy," Hilton tweeted.

Kher, who plays a doctor in the film, later retweeted Hilton's post, adding, Jai Ho. Hilton, 30, had visited Mumbai last year to launch her exclusive handbags and accessories range under the label Paris Hilton Entertainment. — PTI

No birthday celebration

Sad phase: Dilip Kumar Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who will turn 90 on December 11, has shot down reports that he will have a grand birthday bash, insisting he and wife Saira Banu are yet to recover from the demise of Balasaheb Thackeray, Yash Chopra and Rajesh Khanna.

"It is appalling how few in the print media take the liberty nowadays to print quotes that spring from the imagination of the scribe. It shocked me and Saira to read newspaper reports with imaginary quotes from Saira about plans to celebrate my birthday!

"We have yet to recover from the shock of the passing away of my dear friend Yash Chopra who was by my side when I blew away the candles on my birthday cake last year and stayed on till the wee hours, sharing the family's happiness," the 89-year-old cinema legend wrote on his blog.

Last year Dilip Kumar had a lavish birthday bash at his Pali Hill residence in Bandra. Apart from three Khans, Rajesh Khanna and Dara Singh had also attended the party.

"We are deeply grieving the passing of Balasaheb Thackeray who I always thought was not a Tiger but a Lion...

Rajesh Khanna who was with us at our party last year is no more with us. And Dara Singh who wished me so warmly on my birthday last year is not with us anymore,” he added. — PTI

Protective dad...

Father figure: Matt Damon Actor Matt Damon hopes his daughters never follow him into acting because Hollywood is so unfair to women. The 41-year-old, who raises Alexia, 14, Isabella, six, Gia, four and 23-month-old Stella with wife Luciana, is horrified by how Hollywood treats women and would never want that for his own kids.

"I would try to steer my daughters away from acting. Women are in a different business than we are. It is just brutal for women. For men, the roles get really good at 40 and beyond. And that's when you really start doing your best work," he said.

Damon also thinks fame has changed how other people treat him.

"When we started writing Good Will Hunting, I was 22 and Ben Affleck was 20 and it came out when I was 27 and he was 25. I always had this theory that you kind of retard emotionally at the moment you become famous.

"It's not that you change, the world changes its relationship with you. So your entire reality shifts and that's a jarring experience and hard to prepare for," he added. — PTI

Couple of problems
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez fight on patch up dinner date

Teen pop star Justin Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez's reunion is getting rocky. Two days after Bieber, 18, and Gomez, 20, reunited, they had a public showdown at Yamato, a Japanese restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, California, Just five minutes after entering the restaurant, the pair who split earlier this month after two years of dating, emerged again – with Gomez looking visibly "mad".

Bieber and Gomez left the restaurant together but their faces looked glum. Gomez then drove herself home while Bieber followed her a few minutes behind.

Once inside her house, she did not open the gate for him. The Baby singer was photographed telling Gomez to let him in through the intercom but to no avail. He later drove off.

The estranged lovers had been in Gomez's home trying to work things out and a suite at the Beverley Hills Hotel hours before the dinner.

But this was not their first reunion since the breakup rumour spread. Earlier this week, Bieber picked her up in LAX and reportedly stayed over at her house before hanging out at The Laugh Factory comedy club together.

Gomez is reportedly furious with Bieber for taking a Victoria's Secret model to see The Lion King last week. She re-tweeted a photo of Bieber hanging out with Lil Twist and lingerie model Barbara Palvin.

Bieber has chosen to neither confirm or deny the split, saying, "I don't know what's going on in my life. To even assess that it doesn't make sense 'cause I have not made any comment." His latest tweet was rather cryptic, "Things aren't always easy. There is a lot of pressure. I am figuring it all out. I am trying. But I care, I notice, I still hear you." — PTI

Career shift

Kunal Kapoor Right from its inception, Kunal Kapoor was actively involved in the writing process of his recently released film Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana and the actor says he wants to take his new found interest forward. Kunal, 35, is currently busy putting together few scripts for films.

"I have been working on something like I did in Luv Shuv..., to put together a project that I believe in. I am writing and there are three to four stories that I have been working on. I am not writing a whole script, I am somebody who is more like a bouncing board, who ideates and puts together things. So, hopefully things will fall into place soon," Kunal said.

When asked if he plans to turn director any time soon, the actor said, "Directors have to pamper egos and actors get their egos pampered. Right now I am happy being pampered and have no plans to direct a film."

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and UTV Motion Pictures and directed by newcomer Sameer Sharma, was made within a budget of Rs three crore but managed to set the cash registers ringing. The film set around a chicken recipe, also starred Gangs of Wasseypur girl Huma Qureshi.

"It is a film I believed in very strongly. Sameer and I have known each other for a while. We used to keep talking about the sort of films we'd like to do. We started the process two years back, we took it to lot of people," said Kunal, who was in NCR recently to launch the new men's soap series by Fiama Di Wills.

"We were doing something different from what Punjab is perceived as and nobody wanted to take a chance with it. But Anurag did and now to see the film having the effect that we wanted, is absolutely amazing," he added. — PTI

Beating the odds

Finding success: Ben Affleck Hollywood star Ben Affleck says his actor father's failures motivated him to succeed at an early age. The 40-year-old Argo star landed his first role in US educational science series The Voyage of the Mimi when he was 12, around the same time his father Timothy was trying to make it big.

Affleck says he was so determined to avoid walking in his father's footsteps, he worked harder than ever to beat the family curse.

"I lived with this tremendous fear of failure because my father was a playwright and a director, and I think he did a couple of things as a child as an actor as well, and... he failed, basically.

"And that wasn't going to be me. That definitely drove me," he added. — PTI

Guidelines for friendship

Actor Taylor Lautner says he does not want to be too difficult to get to know . The Twilight Saga star, who has been romantically linked to Taylor Swift and Lily Collins in the past, is often on guard when he makes new female friends.

"I do have to be more careful. I would be lying if I said that I don't guard myself more than I used to, but I don't want to be too guarded. If you have so many walls up that you can't even make new friends or find new relationships, that would be a bummer," he said.

Lautner, 20, is also unsure if he believes in love at first sight, and constantly changes his mind about it.

"I'm still figuring that one out. I go back and forth on that. Sometimes I say I do and sometimes I'm not sure. I definitely think I need a few more years under my belt to fully know if I believe that or not." — PTI

The second shift

Model and Bigg Boss house contestant Karishma Kotak left the house when she heard the sad news of her father passing away. Now, she is back in the house with new energy and promise. Here she talks about the same.

How does it feel to be back in the Bigg Boss house?

I am glad to get this second chance and I hope to win the show.

Why did you choose to return?

When I left, it was not due to being voted out by the public but because my dad passed away. I had to be with him and the channel was nice to let me go. Now I am back as my dad would have wanted me here.

Reports were that you were doing the show for money to help you dad’s illness. Is that true?

Yes, I did and now I am doing it also for the responsibilities towards my family. I have a younger brother who is studying and I have my mom. So now, I am back to work.

What do you think of things that are happening in the house?

The true colours of people are coming out which is natural too. You can’t keep pretending. Everyone has a breaking point.

How do you think it will affect your career?

Bigg Boss has got me lot of attention and I have got offers for ads among other things. And I think being on the show will add to my career.

CHATTER BOX

No comparison please!

Actress-cum-singer Sophie Choudry, who is on cloud nine with the super success of her new digital single Hungama Ho Gaya, will soon return to films. “I have started shooting for the project but can’t talk about it yet. I might sign one more film,” she avers.

Having been in Bollywood since 2005, Sophie has done films such as Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Heyy Babyy and Speed among others. “I wish I had done much more work. But I never got my due for everybody took me to be just another Western VJ and therefore was only used as a decorative piece. Why can’t people accept that sexy and glamorous girls can act as well?” she asks.

When quizzed whether Katrina Kaif has opened the doors for women from the West to rock in Hindi films, Sophie replies with a strict ‘No’. “I don’t want to be compared with her for she can’t even speak Hindi. Though like her, I am too of Britain origin, I am a full-on desi gal who can converse fluently both In Hindi. Katrina’s success, on the contrary, gives hope to people that you don’t need mastery over the language to click here.

Rahul's style file

The lead vocalist of the band, Indian Ocean and currently mentor on Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012, Rahul Ram is inundated with compliments for his eclectic sense of style on the show. Loyal Sa Re Ga Ma Pa viewers have noticed that while the other mentors, Sajid - Wajid and Shankar Mahadevan, are always in their suits and boots, Rahul Ram is the only one who is colourfully dressed up in raw silk kurtas and a head gear. Said celebrated designers, Rajesh and Anirban, who are styling Rahul's clothes for the season, "Rahul is very fond of Indian textiles. So we have given him kurta's made of interesting fabrics like Varanasi brocades, Ikat from Odisha and silks from Bhagalpur.

The costume that he is wearing for the Diwali special episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is inspired by the famous Warli paintings. Throughout the season, we will experiment with many textiles from all parts of India.

Every corner of our country has such wonderful fabrics to offer… we feel privileged that we can showcase it to the television audience through Rahul Ram and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

Action packed: Shashank Vyas For the love of stage

Shashank Vyas aka Jagya of Balika Vadhu is a fan of theatre and loves to watch plays. He began enjoying the same after he went for his first play recently. Though as an actor, he feels scared of the medium as it is tougher without the support of cuts and retakes.

Action packed: Shashank Vyas

NEED FOR CHANGE: Ashish SharmaAll isn’t well

Rumours are that Ashish Sharma aka Ranveer in Zee TV’s Rab Se Sona Isshq is not happy with the way the story of his show is progressing. He feels the story line has become dull and ego clashes on the sets aren’t helping. He spoke to the makers that if something is not done soon enough, he will quit. But the makers refute the rumours.Wait and watch: Anil Kapoor

NEED FOR CHANGE: Ashish Sharma

24 on hold!

Buzz is that Anil Kapoor’s adaptation of American thriller series 24 has been postponed. They were supposed to start shooting in October but Anil wasn’t free to play the lead and therefore he wants to wrap up his film assignments before dedicating all the time to the show.

Wait and watch: Anil Kapoor

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Sportsmen should Put problems aside for an evening of cheer. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44.

TAURUS: Check all figures related to joint ventures. Women should not go in for idle gossips. A new project can get the go-ahead and engage your attention single-mindedly. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28.

GEMINI: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself since your energy levels can be low. You will find that many of your negative emotions are coming from external sources. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33.

CANCER: Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems can be resolved without any major stress from you. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36.

LEO: Good day for negotiating contracts. Seek publicity for business plans. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening. As the day progresses, things will be sorted out if you are willing to be honest. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54.

VIRGO: Your card “The Magician” castes smiles on health. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening. Some might be busy packing for a journey, so be prepared for well-wishers. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37.

LIBRA: Your card reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Life at home is much easier to cope with. Businessmen should spend their spare time in the company of their loved ones. Tarot message: Be positive about whatever you do. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56.

SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be very satisfying. You have the ability to work hard and overcome the obstacles in your path. Tarot message: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25 

SAGITTARIUS: Businessmen: Avoid making any important business move. Try not to rely on anybody else. Legal matters could take an expected turn and surprise you with a positive twist. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28

CAPRICORN: A relative may behave in a rather unpredictable way. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Take a lunch break and forget everything. Just enjoy your food for a while. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32

AQUARIUS: Your health could be worrying you a little, so it would be wise to see a health professional for the best treatment. An interest in alternative lifestyles may give you the impetus to attend a festival. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43.

PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates may be rather aggressive. Emotionally you could be easily disturbed. This could be a time of sweeping changes. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 20...

You'll have to fight over limited resources. A selfish person who is always expecting special treatment needs to be challenged. Normally, you're willing to work with what you have. This situation is a little different. You're tired of being forced to accept second best. Don't worry about looking like a bully. People who witness this argument will rally to your side. Everybody knows you're not greedy.

On this birthday, you'll be extremely inspirational. Ask colleagues for help. Don't be late for an appointment as you risk compromising a new, valid relationship. Try to organise yourself in advance. Now is the time to try for big, crazy ideas and plans, you never know what might be right. It's a good

time for you to make sure that your energy is spent on whatever is important. You are very prone to become depressed and moody and that can cause anxiety and mental turmoil. It can be hard for you to bounce back to reality when depression sets in.

Once you get going, you're unstoppable. The stars advise to reflect well before acting and to be lucid. Try not to use all your energy at work, use it in small doses as this will be more useful. If you address the emotional appeal, a once-damaged relationship can once again flourish, even among the ashes.  Better wisdom directs you to construct an open doorway instead of a barricade. However you might be required to take care of the health of your mother. Your social life should be lively.

Tusshar KapoorHooking up with a high-spirited person allows you to push the romantic envelope without feeling smothered. Exploring a different kind of person or experience will fill your emotional sails with plenty of wind.

Mood: Growing almost frightfully. Compatible signs: Virgo, Capricorn. Lucky Colors: Rose Pink, Blue. Lucky Days:  Friday and Sunday. Lucky Numbers: 1, 11, 21, 31, 50.

Tusshar Kapoor (November 20, 1976, Mumbai) is the son of actor Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor and brother of Ekta Kapoor. He made his debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai opposite Kareena Kapoor.  Shootout at Lokhandwala did well at the box office. He has also acted in Golmaal Returns which is the sequel to the 2006 film. Saturn will give his career a boost in coming years.





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