Tress de-stress
Does a haircut, especially post a break-up, mark the beginning of
a new course in life? Or does it just help in anger management? We find out from some women in the region...
Mona

Jennifer Aniston has done it, so has Britney Spears. So have Jennifer Love Hewitt, Hilary Swank and Jessica Simpson, to name a few others. No, we are not talking what you probably are expecting! These celebrities have rather taken out some anger. And not on anyone else but on their own luscious, lovely tresses! You must be wondering about the reason? Upshot of a break-up!

So, is ‘post breakup haircut’ a myth or is it for real? We try to figure out. When this feisty girl of twenty-four chose to quit her off-and-on relationship with her gym trainer-turned-boyfriend, she headed to a saloon to get rid of her locks first. New hairdo in, she changed her work profile next! “I wanted to start from somewhere, ‘new look’ seemed so right then,” she confesses. Years down the line, she is happy with her decision. “Things have looked up, not only is she enjoying her work but is also blissfully married. “I have my lovely long hair back. Chopping off that mane was kind of symbolic — an end and another beginning. This little ritual helped me do something different with my life.” The weight loss did take a little longer, but then it was not that big a deal either!

For Nivedita, it wasn’t that conscious a decision. Rumbled in her roles of a professional, wife, mother and more (read daughter, daughter-in-law et al), on the very first break with her baby away from the scene of action she went for lovely layered short hair. “I was looking for a change from the routine,” she says. It was not breaking of relationships for this banker, but getting more of herself into her own life and it has been a year since then. “Yes, there are times I get overwhelmed with all the demands that life makes on you. Off and on, I take out time to blow dry my hair, look at the mirror and give an assuring self talk ‘Girl you have got Jennifer Aniston’s hair, go on’.”

While chopping hair worked for these two women, it meant disaster for Anamika, an intern with a publishing house in Delhi. Making sense of metro life, new work environment and brand new friends, it did get a bit hazy for this Chandigarh girl. When enough was enough, she chose the usual way to a hair-cut. “Even while on the seat seeing my locks fly, I knew I had committed a blunder,” sighs the girl. The following month saw her having a good lecture from all the near, dear and far-fetched acquaintances on messing her look. Sounding optimistic she says, “At least my hair fiasco kept me away from bigger issues for that while.”

mona@tribunemail.com

first-day-first show
A fun ride

Mere Dad Ki Maruti

Directed by Ashima Chibber, Mere Dad Ki Maruti is a comedy film weaved around the life of Sameer (Saqib Saleem). When he lands a date with Jazzleen (Reha Chakraborthy), Sameer takes off in his dad’s car. The drama kicks off then.

Perfect timing

I liked the film to the core. It was hilarious and did not have even a single dull moment. Also, the storyline was incredible.

Pooja Sharma, student

Sheer delight

I loved the movie for the story, the comedy and the rollercoaster ride that it takes you through.

Divya Bhandari, student

Jolly LLB

With Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao and Boman Irani in the lead roles, Jolly LLB revolves around the moralities and ambitions of Jolly (Arshad Warsi), a struggling lawyer from Meerut, who wants to make it big.

Time pass

I thought that it was a comedy film, but it turned out to be something else. I am very disappointed with the film.

Ishan Sharma, student

Predictable plot

Though I liked the storyline, it was exceedingly predictable. I could anticipate the end.

Tushar Kumar Jain, student

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Say yes to yogurt!
Worried about calorie content of ice-creams? Try the healthier yogurts this summer...
Gurvinder Singh

The time for slurps, relishing licks, swirling tongues around the icy dishes is back! The days to enjoy the feast of summer — the ice-creams are ‘thank-god-fully’ back again. There is nothing like downing the scrumptious scoops of various flavours in the searing sun.

But the excited, raised brows quickly morph into frowns the moment you pay attention to these ice-creams gathering ‘around your waist’! To strike a balance between the frozen-deliciousness and calorie-consciousness, flavoured, frozen yogurts are quickly becoming the ‘hot’ picks for summer.

Available in a variety of flavours, including blueberry, hazelnut, tiramisu, mango, lemon, chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, raspberry, apart from others, yogurts are making the drools flow.

“These are a great alternative to ice-creams keeping the taste intact and pounds down,” says Sakshi, a student.

Komal, a homemaker, says despite the taste, she would always avoid having ice-creams for the fear of putting on weight. “But with yogurts, I can pamper my palate without such worries,” she beams.

“I like gelatos and yogurts,” says Swastika Sobti, a food-lover. “I try these yogurts once in a while and like different flavours. These are better than ice-creams,” she says.

That yogurts are curd-based, rather than cream-based, makes them a healthier choice, opine experts. Although frozen yogurts have lesser calories, one should know where to stop. “These are healthier than ice-creams, as yogurts have lesser fat content and contain probiotics, which are good for digestion. But I wouldn’t recommend taking them too frequently as these too have calories,” says Shweta Batta, a dietician.

“As people are getting more aware and health-conscious, frozen yogurts are getting more popular. These are high on protein and low on sugar, so are preferred by people going to gyms and conscious about fitness; apart from those looking for tastier alternative to ice-creams,” says Tanuj Mittal from ‘Hug!’. 

star track
Staying true to telly


In happy space: Sonali Bendre

Sonali Bendre is not ditching her television hosting career for movies. She talks about movies, TV and money…

Guest appearance

I have a small role in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2, it is almost a guest role. It is 
not really a comeback. I am doing this for my friendship with Ekta Kapoor. I am sticking to television.

Fair remuneration

I feel the remuneration is very fair and it has improved tremendously since the time it began. We put in less work than film heroines so we are paid accordingly. I feel the remuneration is as good if not better and we simply have to dress up and play ourselves instead of playing a character so why should I even complain?

No films

When I got pregnant for the first time in 2004, I was done with films. I am very happy in my space in television reality shows. We work like a family on TV sets and there is no cut-throat competition. We care and share a lot. There is no pressure of success or anxiety about Friday release. I can also spend so much time with my son because of TV. I pick him up from school and stuff like that which I could not have done as a Bollywood heroine.

Reality shows

I think television as a medium has opened up many opportunities for older heroines of Bollywood as we can be judges on reality shows and it is fun work. It is glamorous too and you stay in the public eye and still have your own life. I made the first move into reality television as a Bollywood actress and many people have followed in my footsteps. It feels nice to be a trendsetter.

Style file

I dress for comfort and according to my age. I am not someone who takes a lot of chances. I like gowns, dresses, casuals and traditional wear. I do not have to impress or top the style charts. I like my life. I am content and in a good space and that reflects in my outer appearance.

 

Beat it loud


New sound: Team of Mere Dad Ki Maruti

Move aside remixes, Mere Dad Ki Maruti is taking its new version of the title track to a whole new level. Music producer Nucleya energised the track with an Indie twist that gave it a new sound and video!

Stomp is a funky new genre of music created using everyday instruments and body parts for percussion. In this case, Nucleya innovatively uses parts of a Maruti — from doors, bonnets, ignition sounds, hubcaps, power-windows and more to create a groove. Married with Beatboxing — created using mouth, lips, tongue - it's a sound that's been used for the first time ever in Bollywood. Nucleya has been a part of one of India's most popular bands and has also opened for some of the world's biggest DJs like David Guetta.

The MDKM video features some of India's best B-boyers alongside the leads of the film, Saqib Saleem and Rhea Chakraborty. The video is choreographed by Tony Kundu, who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Saturday Night Live, Cirque du Soleil and the famous AR Rahman Jai Ho World Tour.

Saqib said, "The energy of this song and the video hits you like a hurricane… Rhea and I had a blast shooting the video as these incredible dancers started their back flips, trips and more. It's something really trippy to watch out for!"

 

Goa calling

Beach boy: Ali Zafar

Ali Zafar has been charmed by Goa while shooting over there for Chashme Baddoor. It was like a mini-vacation with the cast and crew. He wants to invest in a beach-shack over there. A lot of legalities have to be worked out because he is a foreign national and in the country on a work permit. Goa has its own property laws.





Sallu says…

Salman Khan rejected Chetan Bhagat's first draft of his script for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick because he felt it was not commercial enough. Sajid and Chetan had to re-work the script. The film goes on the floors in August. Salman has previously adapted Chetan Bhagat's call-centre novel into Hello!

Changed track

Salman Khan's next film which is a remake of Telugu film Stalin will have no item number in it. Salman's previous films like Wanted, Dabangg 1 and 2, Ready, Bodyguard all had item songs but this one will not. Sohail Khan is directing this movie.

 

No JLo at IPL 6

American sensational singer Jennifer Lopez has turned down IPL 6. She refused to perform at the inaugural ceremony of the Indian Premiere League and when went deep into the matter to known what is the reason behind her refusal, it came to know that the money which she is demanding is astounding and Shahrukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment failed to meet her hefty demand.

It was reported earlier that Jennifer Lopez will perform at the Salt Lake stadium with our Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Shahrukh Khan. A source reveals, "She (Jennifer) was supposed to come to India with a forty five member team to perform but now she has turned down the offer. It seems the money offered to her did not excite her enough. The only people so far confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony are the Jab Tak Hain Jaan duo - SRK and Katrina Kaif." With or without Jennifer Lopez, the entertainment quotient will not be any way less. Like last year, this year too our Bollywood stars will show their jalwa.

 

Copycat in trouble

Yash Raj Films have filed a case against Sri Sai Ganesh Productions because they have unofficially remade their 2010 hit Band Baaja Baarat in Telugu as Jabardashth. For once, BBB was a completely original offering from the production house. It was written by Habib Faisal and directed by Maneesh Sharma.

 

Tezaab again

Second innings: N Chandra




N Chandra, producer of Tezaab, wants to taste success again by making a sequel to the movie. The producer has his finances in place now. He will launch two new faces in place of Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor and everyone hopes that the movie will make their careers too.

 

 

Dream comes true


Well begun: Amrita Puri




Amrita Puri who wowed audiences with her performance in Kai Po Che was taken aback when Hrithik Roshan went up to her and complimented her on her work in the movie and said wonderful things about the movie. She was dumbstruck while he was talking to her. She has been a big fan of his since Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai released and she was in school. It was more than a dream come true to be complimented by him.





Kiss and tell

Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan look good together. They have done a sexy photo shoot for a magazine as part of promotions for their film 3G in which they have thirty kissing scenes. It looks like an erotic thriller.



         
Promotional drive: Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan

chatter box
Bumpy ride

Giant leap: A still from Sasural Simar Ka 

Sasural Simar Ka on Colors is currently going through some interesting twists and turns, especially the fight for justice for Simar (Dipika Samson). While the story is currently focusing on family issues, the creative team of the show is planning something big. The soap will take a five-year leap where things will be different for Simar. At the moment, the makers are looking out for a five year old girl who would play Simar's daughter, Anjali.

However, the leap will happen only after the current track comes to a logical end, which is most likely to happen in a month's time. We also hear that Roli (Avika Gor) will lose her memory post the leap and Naina (Sana Sheikh) will get married to Siddhant (Manish Raisinghania). But, nothing is concrete yet.

Seeking critical acclaim

Praise worthy: A still from Ek Veer Ki Ardaas-Veera 

Ek Veer Ki Ardaas-Veera on Star Plus, which tells the tale of the emotional bonding between a brother and sister has been critically acclaimed by the industry mongers for its unique concept and treatment.

The show recently reached its first major milestone and completed 100 episodes, has been praised by many personalities from both, the big screen and the small screen. Legendary filmmaker, Lekh, says, "Veera is a show of substance and it is a special show!"

 

The Bong connection

Action packed: Yash Pandit

From Haathon Ki Lakeeren to his latest show Savitri, actor Yash Pandit's on-screen persona has changed over the year. We got Yash to talk about his show Savitri, co-star Ridhi Dogra and more…

Your show is based on past lives. Do you believe in them?

Yes, I do. In fact, stories of ghosts and spirits do excite. I firmly believe that as there is an Almighty power there are good and evil forces too. I feel that karma is very important and that we should conduct our life well.

Will we have more of past life or present life sequences in the future episodes of Savitri?

Initially, we will have both of these. Then, depending on what the viewers prefer, we will either have more of the past or the present-day sequences.

This show is set in Kolkata. How was it to shoot in the city?

Kolkata is a beautiful city. We shot on the Howrah bridge, the banks of the Ganges, the British monuments and the outskirts of the Eden Gardens.

Did you get to learn Bengali in the process?

Well, I have just picked up a few Bengali words like sotti (really) and tara tari (quickly). Actually Indrani Halder, who plays my mom in the show, is a Bengali and she often speaks in Bengali.

Do you like wearing charming costumes in the show?

My warrior costume is indeed glamorous and heavy. I had to sport a moustache which camouflaged my chocolate boy looks. I carried a real sword and the very weight of that sword can crack someone's skull.

How did you prepare for the action sequences?

I had to take training in martial arts. Once, I sprained my ankle and injured my foot while shooting. However, when I saw myself on screen, I just forgot all the pain.

How has it been like to star with Ridhi Dogra?

She knows her craft very well and is one of the best actresses I have ever worked with.

 

The drama queen to act?

Ek Thhi Naayka, a show that is telecast on Life Ok, is getting exciting with each passing minute. Designed to promote the forthcoming film Ek Thi Daayan, it is bringing eight television icons under one roof for the first time, including Smriti Malhotra Irani, Sakshi Tanwar, Aamna Sharif, Shweta Tiwari, Mouli Ganguly, Ankita Lokhande, Kritika Kamra and Pooja Gor.

It is believed that Ekta Kapoor will also make a brief appearance in one of the 16 episodes. Nervous about of making her acting debut, Ekta laughs, "Don't expect me to act because I am a very bad actress. I did it first for Ragini MMS years back. 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will be focused and alert. Working with colleagues and gaining their support will lead to faster progress on assignments. Don't make impulsive decisions regarding your finances. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 63

TAURUS:You're not undecided, but just trying to understand what others around you are thinking so that you can plan ahead. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Loved ones will not fully understand your daily needs. Tarot message: Take thing one at a time. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Lucky number: 48

GEMINI: Do not overlook a chance meeting that can lead to a future romance. Kick old habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle with more time for meditation as well as relaxation. A brief business-cum-pleasure trip is just on the cards. Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 43

CANCER: You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold and speak out your mind. Delays can be expected today. Relax; things will clear up. A happy surprise awaits you. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 38

LEO: You will be able to enjoy interaction with people who share your views and thoughts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you enhance your reputation. Today loved ones will be more demanding. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 55

VIRGO: You find ways to express your creativity and emotions. This should be a pleasantly sociable day. Activities with your mate or partner or friends are likely to be cheerful. A Taurean person will support you. Tarot message: At work, a setback would be followed by rapid advance. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Lucky number: 49

LIBRA: Today, a long-cherished dream will come true. A date with your lover will at last come up. Do not try any shortcuts as they can misfire. Be understanding about your partner's needs. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 29

SCORPIO: Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves and will be the happiest if left alone to their own pleasures. Provide support and maintain a cheerful attitude. Your efforts will be appreciated. Tarot message: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling. Lucky colour: Sky-blue. Lucky number: 44

SAGITTARIUS: Inception of a new business venture is on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. Tonight, plan creative distractions or group events. You tend to be lazy and laid back today. Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 37

CAPRICORN: A close friend needs delicate advice concerning strained relationships. Past disappointments and old memories will now provide valuable social wisdom. Tarot message: If you insist on leading a fast life, you will aggravate your problems. Lucky colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 54

AQUARIUS: This is a good time for shared enjoyment with family. Tonight, review financial records for forgotten payments. Avoid acting as mediator and wait for obvious cues from loved ones. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 61

PISCES: Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines, foster friendships and develop unique hobbies. Over the next few days, a potential friend will surprise you. Tarot message: Do not get tied down by any promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 46

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 16...

Some shocking revelations will be shattering, yet providing you with valuable lessons when it comes to trust. Be vigilant in analysing people and their behaviour as deceptions can mislead you. Hauling in a course will be adding on your expenses, but ultimately increase your income. Work on your writing, research and technical skills. Your opinions will widen the perspective of people around you provided you present them in a balanced manner. You'll unintentionally irritate your colleagues and invite arguments even though you adopt a scrupulous and careful approach.

Governed by Number 7 and the planet Neptune, you are independent, creative, confident, practical and a systematic person. You are brimming with ideas presently, so do not let any opportunity slip. It is not the right time to look for a new job.

Recapitulating on the work front will be refreshing. Incorporate changes in work so as to avoid making things cumbersome. The year will pass smoothly provided you demarcate the responsibilities and exercise your authority wisely. Wedding bells will ring for the eligible ones and singles will kindle romance. Your preoccupied nature at work will cause personal problems. Time management and planning will be of immense importance. You will take a big chance and it will prove to be a blessing in disguise. Planets favour recovery from past troubles and depressing situations. This year will bring financial gains from various sources. Invitations from friends provide immense opportunities to socialize and extend connections.

Patients suffering from kidney problems will notice improvement in their conditions. These astral benefits also extend to joint and knee pains, providing relief. Your ambitious streak widens your horizon and inspires you to become rich as well as famous. In order to succeed, you need to check your stubborn tendencies and keep judgmental people at bay. There is always light at the end of tunnel and this period will be an end to strenuous situations. No one can stop you from reaching the zenith. Confidence will stand you out from the ordinary. Keep a tab on your expenses. Don't be negligent towards your health. On the whole, it is a moderate year.

Mood: Clear, insightful and easily excitable.

Compatible signs: Virgo, Gemini.

Lucky colours: Grey, Pink.

Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 10, 12, 15

Lucky gem: Pearl, Red Coral and Yellow Sapphire

You share your birthday with Ranvijay Singh [March 16, 1983, Jalandhar), winner of the first season of MTV Roadies (2003) and now working as a host. He works as a VJ for MTV India. He has acted in London Dreams, Action Replayy and Dharti. His movie Ekaant with Mahesh Manjrekar has been a success. Ranvijay also became a part of the judging panel for MTV Roadies 8. Besides Roadies, Ranvijay has hosted many other MTV shows, including MTV Stuntmania, MTV Force India, The Fast and The Gorgeous and MTV Scooty Pep Teen Diva.





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