Bye to books?
Mona

In today’s world of the Internet, has the habit of book-reading died a premature death especially amid the youngsters? Read on to find more…

Sitting on that wooden bench surrounded by the tall almirahs full of tomes, the only sound that of the rustle of the pages and the tick-tack of the clock; time just flowing as one digs into distant tales from the world over…is probably a scene that many cannot even imagine in today’s time.

The very feeling of leisurely hours at hand, holding a book that unravels the mysteries of life and the desire to devour it all…is probably something that a large proportion of youngsters don’t have time for. A recent survey pegs that only 25 per cent of the youngsters read for leisure in our country; our quick hunt only confirms the same!

Mannat is a 13-year-old school-goer who spends her leisure time on her mom’s Blackberry or her own laptop. There is a world full of choices out there and the gratification is instant. Sidharth is a final-year computer science student at one of the most prestigious engineering college in Chandigarh. As we catch him one evening to ask if he reads, ‘not exactly’ is the spontaneous reply!

Not losing patience we saunter to Government College for Girls-42. Gagan, second-year microbiology student that we bump into first, hasn’t read anything beyond her regular physics, chemistry and zoology books since the last two years.

But then that’s not true for all. Kartik Kapila, third-year engineering student, although not much of a reader, did read ‘The Witch of Portobello’ by Paulo Coelho and ‘The Man from Earth’ by Jerome Bixby some six months back. Amid the rigorous study schedules, designs and programming that he loves doing in his spare time, he admits, “It took me close to a year to finish both the books.”

With the distractions that technology offers, reading is a dying habit. Satyabrat Sinha, who works at a research institute in Chandigarh, is an exception though. “I read all the time I can,” says Satyabrat, whose house has more books than everything else put together. A fiction fan, who loves Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, Shushako Endo and Rohinton Mistry, he is not oblivious to the fact that reading is not very popular nowadays. “Today youngsters read more of the ‘marketed’ stuff than the classics.”

It’s Professor Shelly Walia from the Department of English & Cultural Studies, Panjab University, who puts things in perspective, “The onslaught of technology has taken over traditional book readers. Youngsters do read today, but they are the ones whose parents have surrounded them with books right from the beginning. The joy of holding, possessing and caressing a book is way richer than reading it on a screen,” says Walia, who always buys his books.

But then not many amongst his graduate and post-graduate students experience this joy. “Today Internet offers an avalanche of information without much applicability. It’s convenient for students to get all they need at the click of a button, so running to the library is not required.”

While majority of us will side with the values of book-reading and against the half-baked information the Internet offers along with its possible perils to health, it’s not that difficult to bring back the books. Parents must start early; give children the atmosphere wherein they make books friends for life. Walia talks of his childhood, his father had told the bookstore-keeper to hand him over the book his son puts his finger on and send him the bill. Are you ready to take charge?

mona@tribunemail.com

Taking the center stage
Manpriya Singh

Sufi singer, Satinder Sartaj, still considers himself a commoner and enjoys performing for the masses

The inspiration could be triggered by a poor man on the streets, a girl crying, someone cutting a tree; as long as the truth and pain reflect in the music. Sufi singer Satinder Sartaj claims to be a man of the masses. Which is why he is worth the parking distance, the unlit passage, even the carnival frenzy. The singer claims to be no farther from the maddening crowd himself. “It’s always nice to be performing at open shows, I enjoy singing at such carnivals more than at ticketed shows, where there’s a limited audience, either in terms of demography or numbers,” he shares, while still in the green room, minutes before being called onto the stage, to regale the crowds at Chandigarh Carnival. He adds, “Moreover, I’m from Chandigarh, it’s my own city, I’ve studied here, so performing here is always special.”

“We chose Satinder Sartaj because he has an aura about him, and since he’s a sufi singer, he appeals to Punjabis unanimously. There’s meaning in his lyrics and music,” shares AK Malhotra, GM, tourism, CITCO.

Cut back to the singer, his black velvet outfit, golden motifs, colour coordinated turban, everything is characteristic Satinder Sartaj style, since he informs, “I design my own outfits.”

Just as his outfits, the lyrics and music too have to have a special touch. “I get inspired by a lot of things. At times, it could be a usual sight on the streets, things ordinary but it has to be something touching. Because music for me is God’s gift, it’s his blessing.”

He’s out with yet another album, Afsaane Sartaj De. “The album has ten songs and all of them I’ve chosen myself and I’ll be announcing the name of the album on stage.” Meanwhile, they’ve announced his arrival on stage, it’s not even been two minutes with the singer and it’s time for the security to take over. “My first greeting is for people who are standing in the back rows. I’m one of you.” It’s time for him to pay back to the crowd; he claims to once have been a part of.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Life of a legend
Manpriya Singh

Sobha Singh Art Gallery showcases a few rare paintings and photographs from legendary artist Sobha Singh’s collection

The event is in sync with the occasion. The art gallery at Punjab Kala Bhawan finds a new identity in Sobha Singh Art Gallery and it couldn’t get apt than the displays on the Works and Life of Sobha Singh.

The 39 photographs speak volumes on the personal life of the artist, while the twelve original paintings bring out the depth of his works.

It’s almost a day in the life of Sobha Singh, as seen through the eyes of photographer Harbhajan S. Bajwa, with most of the photographs taken at his studio in Andretta near Palampur. “I have lived with him and that’s when I clicked several of these photographs,” he shares.

Other than the studio portraits showcasing his cheerful persona, most of the exhibits show the artist at work-while painting in his studio, in a pensive mood or resting in the bedroom. “He had a bed in his studio itself where he rested.”

He adds, “Sobha Singh was a great artist also because he was very sensitive. He never wanted to paint bloodshed, or anything disturbing. He chose his subjects carefully. Anything that takes people towards Sikh teachings and principles.”

Moving on, there are photographs showing him while lighting a candle, reading The Tribune, having his dinner, having tea, not from a cup but saucer, playing with his pets. “He had a lot of pets like rabbits, love birds, dogs. He was also a very social man, very amiable.”

While other photographs depict him with other great personalities like MF Husain, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, BC Sanyal, GS Thakur, Sant Singh Sekhon, Harcharan Singh Longowal and with Amrita Preetam looking at his work Heer Ranjha.

“For Sobha Singh, inspiration came with knowledge. He would read religious books of almost all the religions. He’d finish reading the entire history of Heer Ranjha and then paint on whatever aspect would touch him the most.”

On till November 26

Astro turf 
P Khurrana

ARIES: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. No arguments with elders please. You will get what you expect.  Perhaps you will have a quarrel with your lover. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 36

TAURUS: Keep your spirits up, put forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks and saving certificates you hold. Students: Enjoy cheerful moments in the campus. You are likely to attract people with whom you can have fun. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55

GEMINI: Your card promises many opportunities on the financial front. If working on the commission basis, you will be able to increase your earnings. Overall, day ends very nicely. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 32

CANCER: Tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It would be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: Protect yourself against accident while cooking. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 40

LEO: Secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. Today your boss may promise a salary increase. It is a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 52

VIRGO: “The queen of cups” opens the door for a new job offer.  Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: A good day for introducing your beloved to your parents. Work out your next moves logically and rationally. Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 58

LIBRA: A fine day for starting something new. Businessmen: You can make a secret deal or alliance that could be very lucrative. Discussion behind closed doors could work out well. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and pepare for a mental battle.

Lucky colour: Sea geen.

Magic number: 42

SCORPIO: Your card reveals that your plans for saving are likely to be approved. Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun and live to regret your actions. An emotional mood can interfere with your judgments. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home will need care. Lucky colour: Deep red.

Magic number: 26

SAGITTARIUS: Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. Second half of the day favours social work. Women drivers: Follow all safety rules. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors to oppurtunities.

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 62

CAPRICORN: Venus, lady of love may bring happy news tonight. Do not make snap decisions. The demands of your ego are not likely to be so strong, giving you more sensitivity to the world around you. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place.

Lucky colour: Aqua.

Magic number: 44

AQUARIUS: You may be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Stock brokers take a back seat. Give yourself some breathing space. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 60

PISCES: Argument with your spouse is possible in the afternoon. You will have to watch your temper if harmony is going to maintain. Give a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 30

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 26...

You should neither use aggression nor arrogance to win. You can obtain great things by being calm. Your apparently weak attitude is your strength and nobody can oppose you. Great success will arrive. The stars are favourable, so you'll be able to make some useful business purchases and increase your earnings. Try not to be invasive, don't ask your beloved to do anything and don't make any suggestions. Wait for him or her to act.

This birthday, you will be practical and realistic. You are usually modest and often religious, with a strong sense of morality. You sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties because the outward forms satisfy you, yet you may not hesitate to switch allegiance in. You may find that your energy is better spent on entirely new activities and plans. The old stuff doesn't appeal to you. In 2013, you'll be audacious and won't be afraid of anything, not even an angry boss who has been checking up on you of late. Your loved one will show you the intensity of his or her feelings without asking for anything in exchange.

Don’t waste time wondering, waiting, or wandering in a search of subtle clues.  Instructions will be signaled loud and clear.  You will know the time for the next move.  Finance is fair. Those who are engaged in job and earning should start thinking about their responsibilities now. Be prepared to face a few small difficulties in office. Help from some unexpected source comes as a great and pleasant surprise. You will be in good health. Love will bloom.

Mood: Cheerful and expansive.

Compatible signs: Leo, Taurus.

Lucky colours: Gold, yellow.

Lucky days: Monday and Saturday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 11, 15, 25

Arjun Rampal Arjun Rampal (November26, 1972) has worked steadily in films such as Aankhen, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and played a supporting role in Don - The Chase Begins Again, a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don. Arjun Rampal has done a lot for charity including sponsoring many children in an orphanage. Rampal is goaded by number 8 and 3. The year 2015  will bring him laurels.

Chatter box
Yet another leap!

A still from Pavitra Rishta Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta will take a seven month leap on December 3. Though the story was ready in advance but producer Ekta Kapoor wanted to wait for an auspicious date for the same. The unit will shoot in Kolkata and will show Ovi (Shruti Kanwar) and Purvi (Asha Negi) pregnant with Arjun’s (Rithvik Dhanjani) kid.

A still from Pavitra Rishta

A warm welcome

Anas RashidAnas Rashid aka Suraj of Star Plus’ Diya Aur Baati Hum, recently went home to Kotla, Punjab for Diwali and he was awestruck by the reaction of people in his hometown. Everyone was thrilled to meet him and he was welcomed like a superstar. Many even called him by his screen name, Suraj, which he claims was humbling.
HOMECOMING: Anas Rashid

For neighbour’s cause

Priyal Gor & Melanie DesAfter the Indian version of Fear Factor, now there’s a Pakistani version too, which was shot recently with six Indian TV actresses. Priyal Gor of Dekha Ek Khwaab, Leena Jumani of Punar Vivah, Priyamvada Kant, Hritu Dudhani and Melanie Pais are part of the show, which is being shot in Thailand. The actors will have to perform difficult tasks. It’s yet to be seen how people will like the show.

PLAY ON: Priyal Gor & Melanie Des

A pleasant surprise

Recently when Manasi Parekh Gohil was hosting the kids reality show, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz, the actress ran into an interesting situation. Our source from the sets informs us, “A group of performers who had come from Rajasthan recognised her as Gulaal and were in for a shock.  The children thought what she was doing in Mumbai as they thought she lives in Rajasthan.  It seems that there was confusion in their minds about her onscreen character. WRONG NUMBER: Manasi Parekh

Sana brings in a twist

Sana SheikhSasural Simar Ka is all geared up for more drama. Sana Sheikh will soon enter the show as Siddhant’s (Manish Raisinghani) secretary Naina, who will no doubt trigger the jealousy factor in Roli’s life. The pretty girl Sana will be seen on the show in the next few days.

Game changer: Sana Sheikh

Second time lucky?

A still from Na Bole Tum...The first season of Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha was well received, and it ended with a promise of season 2. Now buzz is that it will replace Bigg Boss 6 which ends in January. The story in season 2 will focus on Megha’s daughter, Nanhi and her love story.

A still from Na Bole Tum...

In teacher’s role

Hema Singh is having a great time in Shashi Sumeet Productions serial Kairi- Rishta Yeh Khatta Meetha and off screen she is busy teaching the finer nuances of emoting drama to Naman Shaw and Vibha Anand. Comments Naman Shaw, “I am observing Hema Mam from the day one. She is amazing and an outstanding actor.”

Bhavesh’s got talent

Ten year old Bhavesh Balchandani plays the responsible Ranvijay in Star Plus’ new show, Veera. The cute Sindhi boy talks about accent, working hard and enjoying on the sets.

How does it feel to act on the show?

It feels great to do serious and comedy scenes in the show. Everyone keeps the atmosphere fun and energetic on the sets. I also enjoy playing with the other kids on the sets.

How do you manage school and shooting together?

I study in the sixth standard and though it is tough, my school friends and teachers help me out.

Is this your first serial?

No. My first serial was Phulwa where Jannat played the lead and I had fun as both of us would play and work together. Here I am the main character, so I get tired too.

It must be tough to learn dialogues as your character talks a lot?

Well it is, but I think of them as school syllabus and mug up the dialogues. The director of the show helps me with the Punjabi accent.

Will you continue to act in the future too?

Haven’t decided anything yet. Will decide about my future when I grow up.

Stress buster
Know yourself
Renee Singh

Each one of us is a unique personality. Each one of us faces unique stressors and responds to them in our own way. Every personality type has its own challenges to deal with. Many times we are sitting alone without our masquerading selves, thinking deep within and wondering ‘Am I stressed…none of my colleagues show any such traits… then why me’. We have to then remind ourselves that it is different factors that create stress for each of us, we have to assess our own personality type and then decide on how our unique traits are influencing our behaviour all the time. Knowing that different personality traits can impact stress levels many of us often ask of ourselves ‘Who am I’ or ‘What type of a personality do I have’. Well in answer to our inner queries about ourselves I think it is important that we think along the following lines…

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Do you tend to see opportunities or road blocks? It is all about the life you experience and how you tend to see and interpret these experiences. There are only subtle differences between how optimists and pessimists perceive the world.

Are you a perfectionist?

Perfectionists take excellence to a more stressful level than high achievers. They stress more, enjoy life less and cause stress in those around them. Do check into yourself and see if you are carrying any of the symptoms of perfectionism.

Are you an adrenalin junkie?

Do you feel addicted to the rush of adrenalin which comes with stress and drama? You must actually try and maintain an exciting lifestyle without stress involved in it.

Do you have a resilient personality?

This is a quality that carries us through major stresses in life. Some of the resilience within us is the level we are born with, yet on another level it can even be cultivated. You must measure your habits, attitudes and traits associated with resilience and work on yourself to build it up.

Do you worry too much?

You should carry a level of stress just enough to motivate you to make positive changes in your life. See to it that your stress doesn't build up to a level that it creates an anxiety disorder within you.

Are you an emotional eater?

Stress contributes greatly towards weight gain in several ways. If you are having trouble with your weight, check your eating habits, they are a good give away to your stress levels.

Are you an assertive communicator?

Do you relate to others assertively or are you creating unnecessary conflict and stress in your life with an aggressive style of relating with others.

Is your social life an asset or a liability?

If you are involved in relationships that are abusive, they are definitely a threat to your emotional well being. Positive social support is essential to a healthy mind and body. Negative and ambivalent relationships bring about more harm than good.

Frankly once we have assessed ourselves on various levels it is easy for us to fathom which are the factors causing stress in our persona and also it is easy to find recourses for adequate and effective stress management.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

Nargis opens up

On the move: Nargis Fakhri
On the move: Nargis Fakhri

Nargis Fakhri has been seen all over the place even though she has not had any release since Rockstar! She talks about her beauty, sex appeal and more.

Year gone by

I have been busy attending events, going to New York and flying back, doing charity, endorsements, reading scripts, learning Hindi and Kathak. I am hoping something good comes my way. I would love to do an action comedy because I am quite funny and I would love to kick ass on screen! I was not part of Khiladi 786 because they changed the script at the last minute and I was too sexy for it. So I take it as a compliment.

Link ups

I have been linked to everyone and with their mothers because I am new! Let me clarify that Ranbir and I are friends and he and Imtiaz Ali helped me a lot when I came here. I have obviously not lived-in with Shahid Kapoor or whoever else. I am friends with him or we are more like acquaintances. Ditto with Uday Chopra. We hang out. My mother has not even come to India.

Giving my best

It was so funny that everyone was talking about my lips after Rockstar. I am happy they did not talk about my nose because I have a complex about it. My butt was covered in all the clothes in the movie otherwise they would talk about how big my butt is! So now I do not get too bothered with the opinions people have about me. They can criticise me, my clothes, shoes, whatever. I know I am doing my best.

First act

I know I received a lot of criticism for Rockstar. Now when I see the movie I see where I could have done better. But I understand and realise that I was totally new at that time and hardly knew anything about Hindi films and acting and the language so I feel I was not that bad also. And people have opinions on everything.

Enjoying independence

I used to be broke as a child and I started taking care of myself since a very early age. I have travelled the world at my own expense, and I am really self-secure and confident. I even support my mother in all ways. I have learnt and come up on my own and I love my independence. I know how important it is to be free and happy.

Doc Talk
Say good bye to yellow teeth
Dr Rajan Bir Singh Thind

We call our teeth ‘pearly whites’, and that is the way we love to see them too – white and gleaming like pearls. The lucky ones among us are born with pearly teeth, but those who have yellowish teeth need not despair. Laser dental whitening is a modern technique in dentistry by which one can get gleaming white teeth.

Laser dental whitening

Laser dental whitening is a safe medical practice, and is now being adopted world-wide to ensure fantastic, camera-ready smiles. This process is a part of cosmetic dentistry and has nothing to do with being a ‘patient’. Dental whitening is a practice preferred purely for increasing the beauty of the teeth. Laser dental bleaching effectively lightens the natural colour of teeth without damaging the precious tooth enamel. The process can be combined with scaling and polishing. With this, the teeth will be cleaned and removed of all plaque, which will ensure healthy teeth and increase their life span.

How is it done?

To begin with, the dentist uses a shade guide, with which the individual's teeth are matched. Teeth whitening is possible two to three shades above the existing colour of the individual's teeth. The whole process takes three cycles of about eight minutes each. In this way, the entire process is wrapped up within about half an hour. People who undergo dental whitening often find the results dramatic.

Is dental whitening safe?

The laser technology for dental whitening is a highly safe practice. It is totally painless and does not cause any sensitivity in the teeth afterwards. Also, the teeth remain white for a longer duration after whitening through laser technique. These days, laser technology is also being used for a range of dental treatments and surgeries. With the use of laser, dental surgery takes much lesser time. It is highly comforting for the patient, since no cuts or stitches are required for the dental process.

How long do results last?

The results of dental bleaching can last up to one year, depending on a person’s eating habits. Heavy consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol, heavy food or foods rich in turmeric (haldi) will cause the teeth to darken. The dental whitening process can then be repeated.

(Dr Thind is a dentist based at Jamalpur in Ludhiana)

Gerard is still single


Yes or no: Priyanka Chopra

Gerard Butler
Decent proposal: Gerard Butler

If we brush up our memory, we will remember that Hollywood star Gerard Butler's tryst with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is long back. When Gerard Butler visited India in 2009, Priyanka threw a party in his honour. At the party, Gerard showed his hilarious side and quipped, "I don't mind marrying an Indian girl...too bad Priyanka already has a boyfriend."

Gerard did not mind declaring his soft corner for Priyanka at the party. He was very vocal about his affection for Piggy Chops. He proposes but the actress disposes then.

Times passed by but Gerard's love for Priyanka did not die down. He recently revealed in an interview that he once planned to skip his flight just to meet his good friend and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra while she was in the US.

He said: "Last year, Priyanka was here (US) and I was going out of town to a wedding. I stay in Malibu and she was coming to party at Malibu and I couldn't meet."

"I was even thinking of missing the plane and going and saying hello because I hadn't seen her in a long time. But we are in touch all the time," he added.

The 43-year-old Butler quips, "I am still single because I am waiting for Priyanka Chopra."

The actor who is looking forward to the release of his new film Playing For Keeps has yet again opened up his feeling for Priyanka. Wait and watch to see how Priyanka reacts!

Rani rules her world

Rani Mukerji says that she is egoistic about her work. She did not want to swap her role with Kareena Kapoor and was happy to do a de-glam role.

Role call

I'm a bit egoistic about my work. When a director comes to me with a part, I want to play only that particular role. The question of me wanting to play another character would arise only if the director tells me to choose between two roles. But when Reema (Kagti, director) came to me, she had this particular role for me etched in her mind.

On Kareena Kapoor

Kareena and I have mutual love and understanding for each other. We had a lot of fun while shooting Mujhse Dosti Karoge and even after that, whenever we have met at social dos or parties there has always been a lot of love and warmth. In fact, when I was told that Kareena would be a part of the film, I was looking forward to working with her. Unfortunately, there was no such possibility for us in the script to meet.

Learning from Aamir

He supported me a lot at the beginning of my career, like Shah Rukh did. I love his work ethic and his security and self-confidence. There is so much to learn from him even today. He is so involved in everything and that is inspiring. He makes people laugh and makes sure everyone is taken care of.

Family man

We all know that Shahrukh Khan is a doting father to his two children Aryan and Suhana Khan and he loves his children very much. But another hidden fact is that Shahrukh scared his 12-year-old daughter Suhana very much.

Whenever he does anything wrong, Suhana scolds her father and like a true father the actor bows down before her. "I never feel bad about any scolding that I get from kids. Even my kids at home keep scolding me. I feel bad when I break rules in India and my elders scold me. But at home, if I stay up really late at night or do a couple of things which irritates them, my daughter Suhana scolds me a lot and quite loudly at that," Shah Rukh said on the TV show.

He is scared of his daughter because though she is youngest, she has a strong voice. "It is kind of scary because she is quite little, but her voice is very powerful when she is scolding me," he added.

Shahrukh and Gauri have two children, Aryan and Suhana. Recently, SRK and Gauri send Aryan to London to study. "It was a difficult decision. But I want my kids to have a great education. I realised that in film households, we only talk about box office, casting, scripts and trailers", he said.

London is also the favourite gateway of both SRK and Gauri and they makes it a point to travel to London to meet their son on weekends and in vacations. "On weekends, Gauri and I take turns to be in London with him. Somehow I feel I spend more quality time with Aryan over these three days."

Long-lasting effect

Chetan Sharma
Chetan Sharma

Fashion means different things to different people. For Chetan Sharma, being fashionable equals to taking good care of your body. Currently president, PFA raiding team, Chetan dabbles in modelling, acting and more. Here is what this man who stands 85 kg at 6 feet feels about fashion…

Your sense of style

Wearing clothes that gel with your body type and dressing according to the occasion.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories?

Two leather jackets in grey and brown from Ed Hardy.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Brands. They look great and last long!

Who would be your style icon?

John Abraham. His has the perfect physique.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Divya Dutta.

Which look would you prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous?

Glamorous.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Sporting sunglasses at night.

Your take on accessories?

I go for watches and sunglasses. No gaudy gold ornaments for me.

Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Rohit Bal. If only Neeta Lulla designed for men, I would be a happy man.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

My toned physique and being natural.

— As told to Mona

Swift wants a bad boy!

Country singer Taylor Swift, who is known for jumping from one relationship to another, wants her next flame to be a "bad boy".

The 22-year-old is currently rumoured to be dating One Direction charmer Harry Styles, but in a recent interview Taylor confessed her obsession for finding herself a bad boy, reported a publication.

"There's a really interesting charisma involved. They usually have a lot to say, and even if they don't, they know how to look at you to say it all.

"I think every girl's dream is to find a bad boy at the right time, when he wants to not be bad anymore," said Swift.

Swift split from boyfriend Connor Kennedy, 18, before swiftly moving on to Harry, according to reports.

While it might seem like she's hopping between handsome men in showbiz, Swift admitted to struggling with "taking things slow" when it comes to love.

"I don't think there's an option for me to fall in love slowly or at medium speed. I either do or I don't. I don't think it through, really, which is a good thing and a bad thing. — PTI

Spoonful of health

Broccoli is the new buzzword in the world of nutrition for its high quotient of anti- oxidants and vitamins. It may also be termed as the ‘fashionable and smart’ veggie taking a superior place vis-a-vis our humble cauliflower! And when we combine it with the all-purpose almonds to make a yummy soup you can be sure you’re drinking in spoonfuls of health. Soups are the best appetisers, excellent for winter evenings. A healthy start to a meal, they can be made to suit every taste and preference. Try this out!

Broccoli & almond soup

Ingredients

½ cup almonds (ground)

475 gm broccoli

3 ¾ cups vegetable stock or water

1¼ cup milk

Salt to taste

Black pepper powder to taste

Method

  • Toast the ground almond in the pre-heated oven till golden. Keep aside 1 tbsp for garnishing.
  • Cut broccoli into small florets and steam for 6-7 minutes until tender.
  • Blend together toasted almonds, broccoli, stock/ water and milk until smooth.
  • Season with salt and black pepper powder.
  • Boil the soup. Garnish with toasted almonds and serve.

(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culniary expert)

— As told to Poonam Bindra





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