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Classic case
On any given day, most people will pick up comic books and happy endings than tragic works and harrowing literature. Well, generally. Perhaps, some subtle changes in the readers’ preferences could explain the downslide of certain classics. If a recent study is to be believed, literary works by Thomas Hardy, George Eliot and EM Forster have fallen in popularity over the last two decades.
When celebrated classics fall out of fashion, there’s a cause for concern. “The popularity of any book depends on a lot of factors. One of the strong factors being, whether the work has been dramatised and converted on silver screen or not,” shares Christina Singh, deputy manager, British Library. While the popularity of Hardy, Eliot and EM Forster has plummeted over the last two decades, those by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and George Orwell have fared much better. Nods Christina, “Among the classics that have withstood the test of time, Jane Austen remains at the top. In fact, she is the most issued author. But that could also be due to the fact that Jane Austen is included in syllabus in most schools.” She adds, “Next comes Sherlock Holmes series and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.” The study, conducted by Public Lending Right, which monitors date from libraries, involves a comparison of lending data from Britain’s libraries for 50 classics by British and Irish authors. All the works by Dickens (Great Expectations, David Copperfield, and Oliver Twist) and Austen (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma) have also been dramatised at least once in the recent past. The biggest gainer remains Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, which has risen from 49th place in the early nineties to reach 16th. The novel was made into a BBC series five years ago. “It’s more like ‘out of sight, out of mind’ in case of those classic authors who have fallen in popularity. So, except for literary degrees they are hardly ever read,” opines Pankaj P. Singh, chief executive, Browser’s. He adds, “Jane Eyre remains the most popular and Charles Dickens is extremely popular too. That could also be due to the fact that these are curricula-based. Then titles like Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island have a recall value because they keep popping up.” While the work to see the biggest fall in popularity is the Jungle Book, which has sunk from third place in the 1990s to 36th. As per the study, author Rudyard Kipling is now considered unfashionable by many for his views on the empire. These are the books that have erstwhile withstood the test of time and not to mention, the ones we are all supposed to have read. Opines Pankaj, “EM Forster’s Passage to India perhaps, is an exception.” Agrees Ajay Arora, Capital Book Depot, “But that’s not entirely true, Thomas Hardy’s Far From The Madding Crowd still has takers. I can’t fathom why the popularity of these authors should go down.” So can’t we. manpriya@tribunemail.com
The top 20 books lent are:
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen), Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte), The Hobbit (JRR Tolkien), Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell), Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte), Animal Farm (George Orwell), Great Expectations (Charles Dickens), Emma (Jane Austen), Dracula (Bram Stoker), Lord of the Flies (William Golding), Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen), Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier), Oliver Twist (Charles Dickens), Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stephenson), Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Robert Louis Stephenson), Cranford (Elizabeth Gaskell), Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen), The Woman in White (Wilkie Collins), Tess of the d’Urbervilles (Thomas Hardy) and Brideshead Revisited (Evelyn Waugh).
—ANI
The Sherlock Holmes series, Sense & Sensibility and Oliver Twist are popular among youngsters.
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Cold, colour & cut
“Dandyish outfits have been updated, combining the modern and the traditional world to create smart urban wear,” says Abhinav, store manager, Van Heusen. While it’s the patterns characterised by bold and colourful designs that highlight menswear this season; stripes, triangles, diamonds and thigh-length coats see a surge in popularity. “Menswear this season it is all about sleek, bold patterns. Mixed fabrics are also a trend this season. So, don’t shy away from woollens with faux-leather details or if you come across any other such combinations. Keeping with the theme of Gothic that pervades this season, darker tones such as purple, navy and midnight blue, offer a new twist in men’s fashion.” For a while tailoring has taken the centrestage in men’s wear and this season is no different. From slim-fitting to light-hearted elegance, the trend is of fitted and single colour clothes for men. “Single colour is in vogue and it lends the classic silhouettes a refreshing twist. Other than this, collars that zip into hoods, slits on the inner elbows of coats, side cuts, puff sleeves are some of the trends to look out for this season,” says ace designer Abhi from the designer duo Abhi and Rahul. “Polo or the turtle necks, especially under a shirt, are big this season. Chunky knit with cables is another hot trend to watch out for. Coats or jackets now have emphasis on curved strong shoulder. Trousers should be fitted and slim,” says an employee of Westside in Industrial Area-Chandigarh. So, are you ready to dazzle?
Watch out guys!
Olive, purple, rust and ink blue are the colours to look out for. Military patterns are still in fashion. The wearing of coats on shoulders is most definitely a "look". The bomber jacket – it's everywhere, in every guise. Double-breasted suits are here to stay. Astrakhan is big in high-end luxury circles.
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Decoding politics
A five-year stay at the embassy during the days of divided Berlin is no easy matter. But then so is serving as a politician in communist Czechoslovakia and post-communist Slovakia.
“When I left politics, I said to myself, I’ll put all my experiences in books,” which is why, Slovak journalist, diplomat and author Jozef Banas hasn’t run out of matter ever since he took to pen in 2006, criticizing the higher echelons of the Catholic church to weaving a dramatic story of love and friendship. On an invitation by Alliance Francaise in collaboration with Centre for German Studies, he talks about his bestseller Zone of Enthusiasm. “This book was originally written in Slovak (Zona Nadsenia). It’s a story of love and friendship set between 1968 and 2008 with descriptions of real situations that I borrow from my years as a professional diplomat. In fact, it’s eighty per cent real story based on my experiences.” Language no Bar There’s been already as many as five translations into German, Czech, Polish, Ukranian and Hindi. Cuts in Amrit Dutt, editor, Saar Sansaar, the translator for Berlin Ki Diwar Ke Is Aur, “It’s a must read for anybody interested in diplomacy, politics and history. In fact, if you want to know the real communism, you have to read it.” The Serbian and English translations are also in the pipeline. “I’ve been to India before, to Kashmir while researching for Code 9….I’ve read poems by Rabindra Nath Tagore and heard of Girish Karnad,” shares Banas. Post the political satire, Idiots in Politics and Zone of Enthusiasm, Stop Dubcek, Code 9, Rat Season and Last Infidelity (an anthology of short stories) happened. “I’m going to be working on Code 1, a thriller which is based on a very serious topic. I’ll be traveling to South India and Kashmir, searching for evidences of Jesus.” He adds, “In Kashmir you have at least 300 native, traditional names that are identical with the Old Testament. I’ll be researching on How did they come to Kashmir?” Should be interesting!
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Going with the flow
Every person has a sense of style. Yet, there are only a few who’d attract the second glances, who have the power to make the camera go zoom on them. It could be the tousled hair or the torn jeans. Our this week’s face in the crowd Aanchal Goyal, a student of the Government Home Science College, believes in spontaneity when it comes to dressing.
I believe in comfort. Anything I wear any given day or for any occasion, is dictated by comfort. Latest addition in the wardrobe… It’s a sequined copper one-piece dress by French Connection. Brand freak or street smart? Though I’m more of a brand freak but I also like mix and match of both. Basically whatever attracts me, I pick up. Choose one-- sporty, glamorous or chic? Well, I feel glamorous is more of my style. Your style icon? It would be Deepika Padukone. Whatever she wears, she carries really well. Be it a gown or a saree or shorts. Who’s the worst dressed celebrity around? I strongly believe everybody has their own style statement. If they are wearing something, they must have considered it comfortable or appropriate. So I can’t comment on this. One fashion trend you don’t understand… Half sleeves pullovers. They don’t complete your winter wardrobe and do they stop the chill? Your take on accessories… Accessories are meant to dress up any outfit and add a special tinge. My everyday accessory is a watch. Other than that, it could be a belt or just one odd thing. One thing that boosts your confidence? When my dad shops for me. When I’m wearing whatever he has picked up for me, I feel confident. You would love to be dressed up by…. Manish Malhotra. I like the way he uses colours. --As told to Manpriya Singh (If you think you too fit the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com We’ll sift the best from the rest)
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Timely action
Satish Narula If you have planted the winter annuals by now you are in time and if it has been too recently then you were just in time. There is not much scope to delay it. When the seedlings are planted late in the winter, the plants though establish, do not grow more due to fall in temperature. They live but not with much growth. When the winter starts receding, the plants become active again and start new growth. The change of weather is so fast that the plants start giving flowers. And the plant is not yet ready to do that. The result is poor quality blooms, less flowering and the beds are also not full. Let us now talk about those who did it at the right time. The plants have already shown good establishing, putting forth reasonably good growth. They can expect to have good beds. However, as the growth commences, with that appear insects and diseases. Like any other fruits and vegetables, the ornamental plants and the winter annuals have their share of insects that in most of the species are specific and these can be controlled. In case of winter annuals it is all the more important to affect a definite control as the life of the plants is very small and in that short span they have to put forth a healthy growth. Otherwise, the health of the plants is impaired and it tells upon the bloom quantity and quality. See the accompanying picture. The insect here is leaf miner. The insect gets its name from the zig-zag lines it makes on the leaves. This is its trail that lies under the parchment like papery protective covering under which the insect thrives and feeds cell sap. It not only devitalises the plant but causes loss in ranking in case the gardeners are competing for a show. The insect is not controlled by contact insecticides as it has protective covering. In this case, systemic insecticides like rogor or metasystox work. This insect is also seen on cineraria, antirrhinum, phlox etc. The one that needs immediately is in case of chrysanthemums. The plants are matured and are on the verge of giving blooms. But the leaf miner gives a bad look. Even when we control it the trail remains but at least one can stop further spread. Spray rogor as mentioned earlier, dissolved at one and a half milliliter to a litre of water. This spray will also take care of jassids, aphids and even thrips. These minute insects feed on the plant cell sap and because of this; the leaves sag or turn yellow. These are again negative points for a competitor. All these insects attack various winter season annuals. Later, when the plants come to seeding, at that time too, may insects, especially borers appear and eat on the seed pods of antirrhinum, lupins, stock etceteras. (Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)
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Road to fashion
India’s first social shopping platform for women LimeRoad.com was launched on Wednesday, bringing a whole new experience online.
Commenting on the launch of LimeRoad.com, founder & CEO, Suchi Mukherjee said, “We are on a journey to build the most extensive and engaging lifestyle platform ever. Our sole objective is to make the shopping experience on LimeRoad so delightful, that we become the online destination for women to find gorgeous yet affordable products. We have gone out and built strong partnerships with a really rich selection of brands. With categories like apparel, accessories, home and food, LimeRoad.com is designed to be a woman’s “me time” online. We’re launching with many brands, nearly half of which are exclusively available with us.” The unique shopping experience allows you to shop-by-city, shop-by-brand, or shop-by-flagship store, where you can browse and connect with shops, brands and retailers of your choice. The eye-candy magazine format lets you effortlessly flip the pages. The proprietary scrapbook not only enables you to organise, share and shop all the beautiful things you find on LimeRoad.com, it also lets you flip through and get inspired by what others have discovered. “We believe that there are varied retailers pan-India, who deserve to be in the spotlight. We are creating a pipeline for these brands to be revived and re-connected with consumers though a new medium, just like a woman shops, combines and creates a distinct style of her own,” said Manish Saksena, president & co-founder. LimeRoad.com provides a unique platform with choices women have never had before.
What’s in store
International and national mega brands in their flagship form. Home-grown brands by exporters of world-class products exclusively launched for
LimeRoad.com. Erstwhile high quality brands that have been revived online. Local landmark products from cities and towns, all at affordable prices.
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Beneath the glitter
Divya Dutta This is one profession which is truly of extremes! If it gives you, it’s the status to be worshipped and if you are rejected, you would not be able to hold yourself up. Scary, but that’s the truth. Everyone wants to look like so and so actor, wear their kind of clothes, have that kind of style statement. Nothing wrong with that. But the point is that unlike any other profession, whether you are a professional or a businessman, nothing depends on your looks, except for this profession. Acting or modelling! Where you are considered a prop, who is marketed depending on your film’s status. In other professions, it’s your skill which gets you dividends, here it is you who is put on a shelf as a commodity. Beautiful, shiny, glitzy and sold for a film or an endorsement at a certain price, and when your heydays are over, when you don't look good enough, you are finished unless you are backed by great talent and of course great luck. Hai na kamaal ki baat? That’s why they say actors are the bravest lot. To be analysed for what you have, how you look, how you dance, how you deliver everyday and then more often than not, get rejected. Being you requires guts. You can’t even say, ‘the business is not picking up or not getting good clients’. Here the onus is on you for not working out. To face that everyday, in an un-predictable line, which doesn't promise any tomorrow, and yet to keep living a dream of being what you want to be with no stability, no secure future, just a desire, a passion, a dream to thrive on! Who knows when you get success? Who knows how long will it last, but one thing that lasts for sure is the zest to look at every new day as a day that will bring in an opportunity! It’s a life of hope! Of an unpredictable future, as opposed to stable secure jobs. It’s a life of rejections everyday, at some level! Where you have not worked, it’s a life of feeling broken, defeated, horrible and fallen! But the beauty is in not giving up! In getting up again and trying, in being brave enough to face all that till you achieve success! Have not we heard so many stories of nobodies having made it big as superstars? And those, who lived with a dream and died with it! So, just salute to this very brave community, which mostly people associate as glamourous icons, idols or mega stars! Yes, they are those, but inside them is a vulnerable soul which has gone through many trials and rejections, to be where they are! So, next time you think of looking like a certain star, give a moment to the beautiful human being within them too…yes, they are brittle and sensitive! They have gone through lots in life. So, handle them as people and not as this shining diamond on the shelf. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Eye for energy
Anil Juneja Yoga postural mudras The postural mudras can be asanas with the contraction technique of the subtle skeletal muscles, mostly in the areas of the pelvis or it can be concentration or focusing techniques utilizing the sense organs of the ears, nose, eyes, tongue and lips. These types of mudra centralise and strengthen the energy in the body. Shambhavi mudra (Eyebrow centre gazing)
Benefits: Shambhavi mudra strengthens the eye muscles and releases accumulated tension in this area. It calms the mind and removes stress. It develops concentration and mental stability. Bhoochari mudra (Gazing into nothingness) Sit in any comfortable meditation asana with the head and spine straight and the left hand in gyana mudra. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Open the eyes and raise the right hand in front of the face. The elbow should point to the side of the body. Hold the palm so that it is flat and so that it faces downwards, with all the fingers together. This side of the thumb should be in contact with the top of the upper lip. Focus the eyes on the tip of the little finger and gaze at it intently for a minute or so without blinking the eyes. Try to maintain continuous awareness of the fingertip. If other thoughts arise let them be but try to keep simultaneous and continuous awareness of the fingertip. Then after a minute or so, remove your hand but continue to gaze at the space where the little finger was situated. Try not to blink. Become fully engrossed in this point of nothingness. Continue the practice for 5 to 10 minutes. This technique can be practised anywhere and in any position. However, it is best performed facing a blank wall or an open space such as the sky or a body of still water. This ensures that there are no visual obstructions to distract the attention. Benefits: Bhoochari mudra develops the power of concentration and memory. It is particularly beneficial for people who have a lot of anger. (Juneja is a yoga expert)
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Fit for a tiger...
Britannia Tiger, one of the biggest brands in the kids segment, has re-invented itself to revolutionise the concept of kids' nutrition in the country. Enriched with growth nutrients across all its variants –Glucose, Krunch Cookies and Creams, Britannia Tiger comes with the credo of Roz Badho.
Britannia Tiger fortifies itself with growth nutrients like iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin A. Packed with 25 per cent of daily growth nutrients (every 100 gm), Tiger is every mother's secret game plan to ensure their child's everyday share of fun and nutrition. Says Anuradha Narsimhan, category director, Health and Wellness, Britannia Industries ltd, “In a highly competitive value biscuit category, Tiger differentiates itself by successfully identifying biscuit's role of being a nutritious snack and not just a filler. With the inclusion of growth nutrients across all formats of Glucose, Krunch and Creams, we have taken the brand to an all new level, where it acts not just as an energy booster but also for delivery of nutrients for daily growth. Britannia Tiger now for that the right nutrients are within the reach of every kid through its highly affordable positioning and wider reach." Says Pallavi Jassal, consultant-nutritionist, Chandigarh, “Children across income and social groups suffer from iron deficiency. Iron plays a critical role in their physical growth and mental development. Additional nutritional benefits can be gained by fortifying food that is consumed every day. The role of nutritional supplements in a kid’s diet is gaining relevance by the day.” To ensure a powerful delivery of the message of being every kid’s partner in nutrition, Tiger has teamed up with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Britannia Tiger is available in six delicious flavours between a range of Rs 2- to Rs 50. —TNS
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Deepika in demand!
Everyone has loved her performance and she has been flooded with complements for her acting and her sexy look in the movie. She played a big part in the movie's success. Deepika Padukone's smashing entry in the film was most talked about and now she is being hounded by award shows to dance on her hit track Angrezi Beat. Her other hit party song in the movie is Main Sharabi. It's the year end, and a number of award functions are around the corner, Deepika is a lot in demand for the same! A source tells us, "Many organisers are in talks with her as they want her to perform to the songs from Cocktail and some more from her previous movies. Some of them want to recreate the setting of the film on stage, she may also wear the same look from the film." However, Dippy is very busy with her tight schedule. Her back to back films are Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Ram Leela, Kochadaiyaan and Chennai Express and they are all set to release in 2013. With the back-to-back releases, the news about her having finalised any deal with the organisers is yet undecided." Deepika's spokesperson confirms, "She has been approached to perform to Angrezi beat However, Deepika still has to work out her dates as she is busy with Raam Leela, Race 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani."
Congratulations and celebrations
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted: "Well done chuckmasta @rohansippy here's welcoming the latest and most beautiful Sippy. Welcome to parenthood." Priyanka Chopra wrote: "OMFG @rohansippy !!!! Congraaaaats!!! That I the best news!! Chuck master sippy is a baby daddy!!!" Bipasha Basu tweeted: "Congratssssss @rohansippy n Roopa for the birth of the lil bundle of love!After all u guys had a Saggi Baby!Ha ha ha!" Mini Mathur wrote: "It's a day full of wonderful news!!! Congratulations to @rohansippy for turning into Mistaaa daddy!! Yayyyyyy!!"
Training ground
Priyanka Chopra is on a roll once again with some power-packed performances coming her way. She has been signed on to play Olympic Champion Boxer Mary Kom in director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film. A source says, "Four months is little time but Priyanka is a hard-worker and quick learner. Plus she is going to be in Manipur and all her attention will be on this. Mary Kom and PeeCee have both cut down other assignments to spend time with each other. For the first two months, she will learn the basics of boxing and then she will learn Mary Kom's style and art of boxing, to box like her. It is the first time PeeCee is learning boxing and she aims on fighting like a pro in four months!" The source continues, "Priyanka is also staying with Mary to learn and pick up nuances of body language from her and to know stories about her and her life. Mary is a wife and mother and she struggled to establish herself as boxer and even had to overcome opposition so these will be wonderful to incorporate in the movie about Mary Kom. The fighter will make an appearance in the movie, probably in the climax as an opponent to PeeCee's character." The movie rolls around mid-2013 and we think it will be fantastic! Mary Kom confirmed that she is working closely with the unit of the movie.
Gift exchange
Debut time
Sophie Choudry loves singing and dancing. Her new song Hungama Ho Gaya has been launched. She has an international look and appeal and she has been approached by international singers for collaborations! Way to go, this is Priyanka Chopra's way! Sophie can sing in at least three languages, including French.
Diana Penty turned down her first stage performance and rupees 40 lakh because of prior commitments. She was slated to dance to some songs from Cocktail but she turned down as she had already committed to another brand and did not have time to rehearse for her stage debut.
Hot new pairs
The hottest talent in the industry is finally working together for the first time. They are popular and they can act! Read on to find out more! Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor: The PYT always wanted to act with Ranbir Kapoor and she got her wish very soon! She is acting opposite the Kapoor powerhouse in Anurag Kashyap's ambitious Bombay Velvet which rolls next year and is a period film. They are fabulous actors and dancers and we will not be surprised if they will get romantically linked! Anushka Sharma and Aamir Khan: The newcomer has been really fortunate to work with the likes of Aamir Khan and Raju Hirani so soon in her career. She is tight-lipped about her role but it will be something to see her hold her own opposite Khan. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone: They are young, hot, happening and appealing! They have been paired as star-crossed passionate lovers in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Raam Leela and we are sure they will give phenomenal performances in this movie. Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha: We aren't fans of Sonakshi Sinha but we like Ranveer Singh. This Vikramaditya Motwane film is the first normal movie Sonakshi is doing (she plays a doll in those mindless blockbusters). Sonakshi and Ranveer both looked good in their Bengali avatars.
Cinema rocks
Son of Sardaar and Jab Tak Hai Jaan continue to do well at cinemas across the country. SOS is touching Rs 100 crore while JTHJ has crossed the 100 crore mark already. Life Of Pi got good reviews and people are liking it too and has had very good occupancy at cinemas nationwide.
Right start
Shahana Goswami plays Amina Sinai in Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children and Canadian actor Zaib Shaikh plays her husband Nadir Khan. Deepa made them shoot an intense love-making scene on the first day of their shooting itself. Everybody ended up giggling as it was the perfect ice-breaker!
Ameesha Patel has been holidaying and shooting all over the globe. From next year, GlamStar glares will be available in 200 stores across India. Her sexy campaigns for it have caused shock and awe among many while others have loved it. We just think she needs to dress a little classy. Just because you are physically blessed, does not mean you flaunt it in a tacky way.
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Bharti’s eager for Bigg Boss
Are you entering the Bigg Boss house to change the atmosphere? Yes. I have been told to irritate the contestants and get reactions from them. I haven’t been able to watch Bigg Boss recently though. What will you do? I will be in the house for a few hours and basically be part of a task wherein I have to tickle the contestants so much that they react. However, they will be told not to react to me. It should be fun. Who do you like in the show? I haven’t seen much to have that opinion, but I would love to tease Rajiv Paul as he flirts a lot. Would you like to be a contestant in the show? No; never. I can never stay in the house for days and I am very emotional, so if someone fights with me I would probably cry. What else is happening with you? I recently shot for the Punjabi film Jatt and Juliet and also looking forward to the release of Khiladi 786, where I play two roles.
All set for Anandi’s Sangeet...
Anandi's wedding is one of the most awaited wedding of small screen and everyone on the sets of Balika Vadhu is adding their own touch just the way one does for a wedding in their family. This is an exclusive piece that brings the family together and will be seen as part of the grand celebrations in the next few days. The lyrics of this song have been written by Raghuveer Shekhawat who has been associated with the Balika Vadhu team as the writer. The lyrics are written keeping in mind the relationship the family members share with the bride to be—Anandi. We have seen film stars like Amitabh Bachhan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan lend their voice for their movies but for the first time television actors will sing for a show. Talking about her experience, Smitha Bansal said, "I am really nervous as I have never tried singing ever in my life. I am not even a bathroom singer. In fact, the day we had to record the song I was restless since the time I got up as I was really scared about recording the song professionally. But now the song is complete and it's sounding really melodious and beautiful. I am glad I chose to be part of this special song that captures the emotions that are attached to a wedding.” Adding further Anoop Soni said “This song has been beautifully crafted. Music is the language of heart and there could not have been a better way to portray the feelings when a daughter gets married. Also it was a great experience shooting the song in a professional set up for the first time." Don’t miss this grand Sangeet celebration on November 2 on Colors.
Inspiring husband
We hear that Kinshuk and Divya work out together, and his health consciousness has rubbed on to Divya too. After his pack-up from shoot, Kinshuk makes it a point to go to the gym in Malad daily with his wife. It is also heard that they both motivate each other and bring the best out of each other. Kinshuk and Divya recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
For a perfect holiday
“Holiday Heaven on Earth outlines the most imaginative and cost-effective holiday destinations, whether it is relaxing on tranquil beaches or roughing it out in the mountains or exploring different cultures. From polar bear-watching in the Arctic to camel-riding in exotic Oman and snowboarding in Switzerland, each episode promises a lot. The team indulges in ethereal luxuries, explores ancient historical sites and cultures, and samples scrumptious local delicacies. Catch up with Holiday Heaven on Earth from December 1, every Saturday at 8:30 pm .and Sunday at 9:30 pm.
Shakti Arora, last seen in Tere Liye, will soon be back on television with Balaji’s Zee TV show Pavitra Rishta. He will be seen post the seven-month leap and play the role of a doctor who helps Arjun’s (Rithvik Dhanjani) Ovi (Shruti Kanwar) during her pregnancy. He will also end up marrying Purvi
(Asha Negi).
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 29...
After a good deal of research and deliberation, you will be ready to enter into a new alliance. Whether this is for business or personal, this partnership will open doors that have been closed to you in the past. A devious colleague or neighbour could be spreading rumours about you. Go for an image makeover. Socially, since November, you may have become concerned about the welfare of a friend who has been going through a rough patch. Saturn's position is very favourable till next November. In matters of love, Venus will make it possible for single Sagittarians to mix and mingle, for your charm will be hitting all-time high! If you have applied for a draw of house, you can expect a house. If unmarried, start designing invitation cards and engage a wedding planner in advance. Appointment letter will be in your inbox if you have already applied. For those already working, promotions are expected. Beloved is awaiting your green signal. All other signals which had sopped blinking, will turn green very soon in 2013.A brilliant time with fantastic rewards! Expect favourable opportunities for purchasing cars, work tools etc. Employees can expect a step forward for the progress of their career or personal affirmation. Fill the most 'practical need' first. Financial position would be comfortable. Invest in gold. You may have to toughen up a little to get full benefit of the pleasure available to you in December. Mood: Dedicated and highly insightful. Compatible signs: Gemini, Taurus. Lucky colours: Green, violet. Lucky days: Thursday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 1, 9, 11, 14, 32.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Talk to your counselor before confronting your partner over joint resources. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44
TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Women: do not go in for idle gossip. A new project can get the go-ahead and engage your attention single mindedly. A female colleague could push your buttons. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28 GEMINI: This is a hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself, since your energy level can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage yourself from the thoughts that keep churning over the past. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33 CANCER:
Get all your affairs in order. Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Take up a subject that inspires your personal and spiritual growth. 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. Stars favour import/export. Women: beware of deception. 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 casts smiles on your health. Useful day for discussing long- term plans. A telephone call or a friend brings pleasure in the evening. Your energy level is at the peak. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37
LIBRA: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Businessmen: spend your spare time in the company of your loved ones. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56 SCORPIO:
A day of mixed luck. Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Today’s new moon is in solar ninth house. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be satisfying. Tarot message: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS:
You may find the day quite tiring. A new romance is in the offing. Your expectations could lead you down the garden path. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now. Tarot message: Do not allow trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Today, no speculation please. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Take a lunch break and forget the million and one things you have to do. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32 AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. An interest in alternative lifestyle will give you the impetus to attend a festival or alternative workshop in personal development. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. 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 is a time of sweeping changes. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47
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All-time hit:
For a while now, men are an equal contender on fashion front. And when the talks are all about winter dressing, winter 2012-13 in men’s wear is all about striking, eye-catching solid colours, slim fits and minimal lines that accentuate the silhouette rather than hide.
Leather is everywhere, be it as a complete apparel or as an accessory on the shoulder or for the lapel. Narrow coats, oversized belted leather coats over suits, double-breasted jackets in leather, leather long-sleeved tops; leather is omnipresent.
Your sense of style is…
Sit in any comfortable meditation asana. Keep the head and spine straight, and place the hands on the knees. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Relax all the muscles of the face, including the forehead, the eyes. Keep the whole body absolutely still. Next, look upward and inward, focusing the eyes at the eyebrow centre. The head should not move. When performed correctly, the two curved eyebrows will form a V-shaped image at the root of the nose. This point is the location of the eyebrow centre. If the V-formation cannot be seen, the eyes are not converging as they should. Hold the gaze for only a few seconds at first. Release at the slightest sensation of strain. Close the eyes and relax them. Try to suspend the thought process and meditate on the stillness in the dark space in front of the closed eyes. Make sure that you do not strain your eyes. Practise only as long as you do not feel discomfort. If you feel discomfort, relax your eyes for few seconds and continue the practice again. After mastering the eye movement, coordinate it with the breath. Breathe in slowly as the eyes are raised. Hold the breath while maintaining the mudra. Breathe out slowly as the gaze is lowered. This practice can be started with five rounds and gradually increased to 10 over a period of time. This technique should not be practiced by those who have just had cataract surgery, lens implant or other eye operations.
Actor Deepika Padukone is riding high! The year 2012 has certainly been an amazing year for DP! With her superb performance in Homi Adajania's Cocktail, where she played sexy Veronica, the actor got appreciated. 
Filmmaker Rohan Sippy and his wife Roopa De Choudhury welcomed their first child - a baby girl Tuesday afternoon and Bollywood stars congratulated the couple.
Priyanka is currently busy with Zanjeer and her music album. Beginning next year, she will go and stay with Mary Kom and her family in Manipur to learn boxing from the champion herself for four months! This is like PeeCee's Million Dollar Baby. PC tipped Deepika Padukone to bag this role because Mary and PC's body structure and stature is similar and they both have big lips too! Priyanka will also do a couple of acting workshops for this grand role.
Shah Rukh Khan is good friends with singer Mika Singh. The singer gifted the actor a ring and the actor gifted him an expensive computer game because Mika and SRK love fancy computer games. SRK met Mika backstage at a stage show and even suggested that he go international with singing and performances.
Anupam Kher's niece Vrinda Kher is making her film debut in a comedy film by Ravi Rai. She was given the green signal after three months. She has wanted to make her debut since a long time and is a trained dancer and dance trainer as well. Anupam Kher never recommended her anywhere. We wish her luck.
International appeal
Stage can wait
Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif: Aamir Khan is playing the villain in Dhoom 3 and Katrina finally got her wish to act with dynamite of an actor! Katrina cannot really act but she pulls off action roles and Western ones and no one needs to act in the Dhoom movies. 
Campaign clamour
Comedienne Bharti Singh will go into the Bigg Boss house as a guest and she’s elated about the fact. Talking to us about her new venture, she reveals all.
This wedding is as much a real affair and every preparation is an extraordinary one and the sangeet ceremony will be extra special for Anandi. Anoop Soni aka Bhairon sa, Smitha Bansal aka Sumitra, Surekha Sikhri aka Kalyani Devi, Janhavi Chheda aka Sugna and a few other actors from the show recorded an original music composition by music director Lalit Sen for Shiv-Anandi’s sangeet ceremony in Balika Vadhu. 
Kinshuk Mahajan is an inspiring husband, and his wife Divya will accept this unconditionally. Kinshuk, who essays the lead role of Pintoo Singh in Afsar Bitiya, has always been a fitness freak and has this habit of hitting the gym on a regular basis. Now, he has made sure that his wife joins him in action.
CNBC-TV18 is set to present Holiday Heaven on Earth, an entertaining and invigorating travel show, as part of its new weekend programming band, International Inc. Whether your perfect dream holiday element is luxury, romantic, idyllic or adventure, the show discloses the world's best travel experiences. This ten-part series helps you discover incredible locations, thrilling adventures and greatest pocket-friendly holiday destinations. Hosts Emma Wilson, Darren Kennedy and a celebrity guest will visit diverse and exotic locations every week to give viewers insider tips on hotels, restaurants and off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions. Join the travel enthusiasts to know about some of the unconventional yet pocket-friendly locations for family trips and adventure escapades to romantic getaways.
After the break
Priyanka Kothari (November 29,1983, Kolkata) actress and model, got her break through actor Madhavan, who recommended her for an audition after viewing her photographs. She made her Bollywood debut in the films James and Sarkar, both by Ram Gopal Varma. She then went on to do The Killer with Emraan Hashmi and the Bhatts. Kothari is known mainly for her daring costumes and sexy item songs that have been popular. She has a bright career ahead.