Cut to style
Glamour is the middle name for cricket today. Here are some quirks that cricketers of Kings XI Punjab support
Jasmine Singh

There are precisely two things these men can’t go wrong with, or rather two things, which are of utmost importance to them - their ‘form’ during the match and their style, on and off the turf. No matter how challenging the situation or how tough the fight is, they hold on to both the must haves. Every player in the Kings XI Punjab’s team nods in approval and flaunts a style (other than of course their cricketing style). It is jazzy hair style for some, others load them up with accessories and the rest of gang, have concocted some stylish fundas.

Manan Vohra

Manan VohraThe young lad is on his way to create smashing records, exquisite back foot punch and perfect timing is what makes him a must watch out for. Not to forget, the style he carries on his sleeves or rather his hair. Spiked hair with two thin lines running from the left profile, Manan from Chandigarh is a treat to watch!

Summer chillers: I love to take a dip in the pool, cold ice baths are the best way to beat the heat.

Movie mania: Pursuit Of Happyness is my all time favourite movie. It is inspiring and touching!

I liked Preity Zinta in: Kya Kehna, she did a great job with it.

Palate pleasure: Chinese, chicken in oyster sauce and fried rice, I can’t resist that.

What’s playing on my ipod: Soft music any kinds, any genre.

Mandeep Singh

Mandeep SinghThe opening batsman from Jalandhar is touted to be seen in the Indian team one day. He is climbing the ladder of success, and he definitely doesn’t forget to upgrade his personal style.

Hair you go: I keep changing my hair style, I like to keep it spiked though. For parties and occasions I like to change the style accordingly.

Comfort first: Tees and denims, nothing can beat that comfort. Formal shirt to a party is what I prefer. I like to accessories with a watch or some real interesting band if I find any.

Manpreet Gony

Manpreet GonyWhen it comes to pure unadulterated style this is the man you should be looking at. Manpreet Gony from Mohali wears tattoos all over. He loves bikes, the thrill of speed and not to forget the stylish hair do he sports as and when he wants to bring in a change!

Filmi buff: I am a total movie buff, Neha Dhupia is a good actress. Bollywood is going places and I am totally tuned with it.

Ink mark: Laughs, yes, I am ink marked all over. I like getting tattoos, I put mind behind how I want to see the tattoo and what difference will it make to my personality.

Speed thrills: I like machines, bikes being something I can relate to. It is about power, the thrill that speed gives.

Gurkeerat Mann

He can live on the diet of kadaai chicken forever, for Gurkeerat style is attitude. If this is in right place everything else follows.

Movie buff: I am a total movie buff, a Die Hard movie fan. Cricket is my first priority, though I do think about movies also! (Laughs).

Preity’s best movie: Janeman, she carried the role very well.

Music Mania: All kinds depending on my mood, soft when I am travelling, Punjabi when I am free.

jasmine@tribunemal.com

Get lucky

Adam GilchristKings XI Punjab presents once in a lifetime opportunity for its ardent fans to get training and tips from the legendary cricketer - Adam Gilchrist on May 10 at PCA Stadium, Mohali. The fans who buy a ticket worth Rs 8,000 or above to watch Kings XI Punjab match to be held in Mohali on May 6 and 9, 2013 can participate in a lucky draw. Through the draw, 15 lucky winners will be selected to attend the workshop where Adam will share his experience and insights about what it takes to be a great wicketkeeper and an outstanding batsman. Says Col Arvinder Singh, COO, Kings XI Punjab, “This initiative will help us further connect with our fans. We hope the fans will enjoy the camaraderie they will share with Adam as part of this workshop.”

Between the lines
Teacher, writer Manju Jaidka is out with her first poetry collection titled For Reasons Unknown. We catch up for more...
Mona

Right notes:Manju Jaidka Having been around for a while with two published novels, a play and close to a dozen academic books, author Manju Jaidka is now out with her first poetry collection - For Reasons Unknown. It was something that she did not consciously attempt, but that just came along the way.

“I wrote as and when I felt like. Once I had a collection together, I decided to take them out,” says Manju. The result is the 200 pages book published by Cyberwit. net priced at Rs 200. Without a particular theme, there are poems on varied subjects; some single page, others running into two or three. You will find plenty on nature — be it our own Sukhna Lake drying up or nearby Shimla losing its natural sheen.

In the euphoria of freedom/ They carved a niche for me/ Gave me a home/ A spot where I could be…But now I turn dull and sluggish/ My life blood congeals and slows/ I grow old, I am tired, I can’t keep up/ My weariness simply grows…goes her Lament of the Dying Lake. In fact, her sensitivity towards nature even earned her the tag of ‘green’ poet at a recent book reading.

Quiz her on her favourites and prompt comes the reply — Eliot and his The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. “I have been on a staple diet of Yeats and have a bit of Sylvia Plath in my system too,” she confesses. A professor at the Department of English & Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Manju has her fingers crossed on her third novel, which is on the way. She is also giving final touches to another book on narrative and narratology, the field she has been in for the last ten years.

Manju aims to write a self-help book next on taking care of special children, something that she has experienced for more than three decades. “Either you surmount or succumb, it’s up to you. One cannot but be emotional about a special child but as part of survival tactics, one needs to keep moving on mechanically against all the odds.”

The book will take time, she insists, for there are other pressing responsibilities on hand. Her message to readers: “Spend time in nature, see the rising sun or sunset and revel in what the world has to offer.”

Here are few lines from her poem For Reasons Unknown…For reasons unknown/ When passion has flown/ And I have grown/ Into a nagging old drone/ Will you still care?/ Will you still be there?/ Will you still dare/ To acknowledge this crone/ And call her your own?

mona@tribunemail.com

East meets West
Cinematographer Polly Morgan enjoyed her stint in Bollywood and she hopes to comeback for more
Jasmine Singh

She can pep up the fun quotient when she is around, she has numerous jokes to crack, many interesting stories to share. The minute she goes behind that one helluva state-of-art camera she assumes an identity everyone else around can’t help but notice. Polly Morgan, Hollywood cinematographer known for her work in movies Inception, Hairspray, V for Vendetta, Head In The Clouds picks up the camera for two music videos for the upcoming Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi starrer Ghanchakkar. She has had a great time shooting the video and would love to share her side of the story on it.

On board …

I liked the concept of the shoot the moment I was told about it. I have heard about Bollywood, I know it has a huge mass appeal and shooting here seemed like a really nice opportunity. I wanted to experience how it works. It turns out to be a good experience. It was fun to shoot the two music videos of Ghanchakkar. I had seen the work of Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan before I came, and I just say they are professional and awesome to work with. Somehow, I feel I have some insight into Bollywood now. I am surely going back with fond memories.

Bollywood as I know…

Bollywood has already made its presence felt in the West. From song and dance films, to serious stuff, Bollywood has something for everyone. No wonder the films are so successfully in other countries. I would be watching more Bollywood films now.

Difference in working…

There is not much of a difference in the working styles of Bollywood and Hollywood really. This is my first visit to Mumbai and I notice that people in this industry are really professional.

If you are talking about the actors, I found Emraan and Vidya Balan to be thorough professionals just like any Hollywood actor. They were fantastic to work with. I didn’t have any problem shooting with them because they know their work so well. I loved every bit of shooting with these for the two quirky music videos.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

tune in
Song of the sun
Manpriya Singh

Sheryl Crow was in synch with the spirit of the summer in Soak Up The Sun where she wanted to 'tell everyone to lighten up'. Lazy hours, long afternoons, holidays, shining sun, crowded beaches, tanned bodies — there's something about summer that no other weather can offer. Just in case, you are feeling the summer blues there's Bananarama's Cruel Summer. The 1983's hit single for a change highlighted the darker side of the season-the oppressive heat and a lonely soul. About time, someone declared summer's songs as the next big genre.

Hall of fame

Bryan Adams' Summer of 69 remains at the top of the mind. The classic continues to connect with every generation, each summer and it didn't stay restricted to the summer it is dedicated to. There's Summer Love by Justin Timberlake, the electronic-pop chart that paints a flirty picture of the season. Moving on, rather moving back, there's Summer Nights, the 1978 single from one of John Travolta movies. It appealed to one and all and played everywhere, right from the play lists to karaoke bars. Post the Summer Night, Summer Love and Sumer of 69, are we missing on the Summer Girls? The 1999 hit track by LFO is actually a blast from the past and takes us back to happier days. Nat King Cole's 1963 hit single Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer needs a mention, perhaps, not just for the song's theme but for the fact that it sums up the spirit in the title itself. The songs on the summer theme can easily run into hundreds in number. There are many others like Summertime by Billy Stewart that need a mention. How could we not sum up the list with School's Out by Alice Cooper, the song that talks of the last day at school before the summer break, the fantasy of a long summer, the spirit of a school boy riot?

Youngster's take

The candy flavoured Katy Perry finds a favour for her California Gurls, while talking of a place where the grass is not only greener, but warm and wet.

"Among the recent set of songs, Katy Perry's California Gurls is quite infectious. The lyrics talk of everything celebratory a summer stands for. For example, the Gold Coast, bikinis, popsicles, sun kissed skin," shrugs Devina Minhas, a hospitality student. She adds, "While Summer of 69, though one of my favourite tracks, doesn't typically talk of summer time." To many, the long vacations stand synonymous to the season. "I think the song by Venga Boys, We are Going To Ibiza, captures the holiday and summer spirit like no other song," opines Jasjyot Matharu, B Tech student, Panjab University. She adds, "Among the older tracks, Sun Is Shining by Bob Marley can't fail to conjure up the summer feel. It talks of everything, the shining sun, the weather sweet and the dancing feet."

While you might not recall what you did last summer, you can certainly remember to what to listen to, this summer.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

GET PHYSICAL
Variety is the key
Sachin Kalra

According to experts to enjoy improvements in strength and functional capacity, it is important to incorporate progression and variation into an exercise programme. Adding variety to an exercise programme can improve adherence and can also help you stay physically and mentally stimulated.

The benefits of varying your exercise routine:

Break through the plateau: One of the top reasons people stop working out is that they are no longer seeing results fast enough. The main reason is that your body gets used to the routine and that what you are doing is no longer challenging enough to yield any positive progress. Basically your progress has hit a plateau. Variation plays a crucial role in getting off this plateau. Challenge your body in a way that it's not used to. This will keep your muscles challenged, your body guessing, and the results coming!

Add excitement: Prevent boredom from effecting your motivation to train. Change can help to keep your workouts interesting, giving you something to look forward to. And that is exactly what will keep you coming back for more. Venture into a piloxing class for a total change of pace, or just try tweaking your usual activity. For instance, instead of running the same distance at your customary pace, add some speed intervals.

Build new muscles: Your muscles get the benefit when you keep them guessing and they also develop more evenly when they're developed from all angles. For recreational exercisers, the best approach is to do a little of everything. That way you'll build a strong heart (for endurance), muscular legs and a powerful upper body.

Keep your brain healthy: Exercise is essential for keeping your brain sharp and helping to prevent memory loss. And learning new skills also helps keep your neurons firing better. So learning a new exercise activity goes a long way in keeping your brain active. The key is to choose activities that keep you engaged; don't pick things that you can do on autopilot. You can tweak your workouts every four to six weeks and here is how:

  • Change the order in which you do your exercises. For example, if you are used to doing cardio first and weights second, do your weights first and then your cardio.
  • Change the number of repetitions you do. If you are used to doing 15 repetitions, try using a bit more weight and only doing 12 reps.
  • Consider cross-training. Determine the different muscle groups you're working in each of your exercises and replace these with alternate exercises that target the same groups. For example, replace push-ups with bench presses or dumbbell presses.
  • Try something new like a new fitness class or sport.
  • Diversify your cardio workout. Cardio workouts are a crucial aspect of maintaining a strong and healthy lifestyle. If you typically jog to satisfy your cardio needs, try a step training or kickboxing class.
  • Practice interval training. Interval training helps vary the monotony of a straight jog or weight training routine by alternating short bursts of intense activity with less intense periods of the exercise.

However keep in mind that doing the exact same workout, day after day is not necessarily a bad thing. Some people enjoy a predictable, consistent routine. They don't mind the possibility of experiencing a training plateau and are content to maintain their health and fitness levels with a comfortable exercise habit. The key is to pay close attention to how you're feeling both physically and mentally. Exercise shouldn't be a chore that you dread, but something that makes you feel good about yourself!

(Kalra is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)

pet passion
Romancing Romeo
Tanya Malhotra

They love, they fight, they get jealous of each other and then they apologise. They share a special bond to the extent that they swear they can die for each other. While one expresses it with his words, the other by action. It's a curious story of Deepinder Singh, 25, businessman and his pet Romeo, a German Shepherd.

"It started when I brought him home. My family never liked pets and I had to defend him," says Deepinder. We can see the gleam in his eyes as he talks about Romeo. The enthusiasm in his tone is quite familiar too, just like all loyal pet owners. "It was February 13. I distinctly remember and now this is the day we celebrate as his birthday," he says. "He was so adorable that I named him Romeo. My day gets so much better when I look at him. He is six now."

Love me, love my dog

Once started, there is no stopping Deepinder about Romeo, "Once when he was really young, he was hit by a car. With blood spilling out of his head, he ran to me. For a second I thought I would lose him! Even when the doctor advised stitches, I opted to take care of him myself; it did give us even more time to bond. I remember I got a pizza for him on the day he recovered completely, since he is really fond of pizza." He adds, "He also loves to play 'fetch' in the evening, break all his toys and give me the puppy face, follow me everywhere, lie on my lap and watch TV." Well, we all can relate to that!

Yours faithfully

They say that some pets only tender to one master. "True! Romeo only listens to me and nobody else. Not even my family. For instance, even if the food is lying in front of him, he won't eat until I say it. However, he was particularly difficult to tame. He is highly aggressive. Romeo has strictly marked his territory which no one can trespass," says Deepinder.

Have you ever heard a pet getting jealous? Well, read on. "He is observant and intuitive too, if I am gone somewhere, he waits for me on the gate. If I go on the roof, he literally has a five minute routine to keep an eye on me (he laughs). He is also jealous and he needs all the attention." Deepinder gets up and so does Romeo, ready to go back, but then he stops, turns around and says, "You know pets are more faithful than any human being. I just know Romeo will never let me down," he smiles and walks away.

It's Happening
Summer style

Simar Dugal The Vanity Box in continuance with hosting exclusive trunk shows in the store brings designer Simar Dugal who exhibits at The Vanity Box - 9. It is an exclusive limited summer collection of cottons, lace and net by the designer who is showcasing in Chandigarh for the first time.

Simar Dugal, a model who walked the ramp for the likes of Tarun Tahiliani to JJ Valaya, Rina Dhaka and Ritu Kumar has been part of fashion shows across the world from Paris, London to Tel Aviv, Hong Kong and Singapore till she decided to stop in the year 2000 to explore different ventures.

She started with exporting high end resort wear through her company Basta to the Europe and America. In 2009 she started designing for the domestic market and retails under her own name in outlets such as Good Earth , Ogaan, Carma. She travels to different cities for trunk shows, this being the first time to Chandigarh.

On till May 8.

stress buster
Cause and effect
Renee Singh

There is no one particular symptom that can identify stress. Stressed and unstressed people can equally well have heart disease, drink excessively or be any kind of addicts. There are no hard and fast rules to describe stressed individuals. A common factor among stressed individuals is the presence of a number of symptoms.

Physical signs

Some physical symptoms of stress can be life threatening of course like high blood pressure and heart disease, but there are other less life threatening physical signs, these include insomnia, constant fatigue, headaches, skin rashes, digestive disorders, ulcers, loss of appetite and cramps. There are some other immediate symptoms also, like nausea, breathlessness, dry mouth. Of course factors other than stress are also responsible for various physical symptoms, but in most cases stress is the main culprit.

Emotional signs

They can include a huge category of things related to a persons emotional well being

  • General irritability
  • Acute anxiety attacks
  • Depression
  • Loss of a sense of humour
  • Inability to concentrate

Recognising stress

It is quite easy to spot the signs of stress in people you interact with. Some of the most commonly noticed symptom is

  • A quick and fiery temper
  • Changes in eating habits
  • General withdrawal from social activity

Understanding unusual emotional responses and related changes in behaviour is the key to recognising stress in yourself and others

Indications of stress

  • Becoming unnecessarily over emotional or aggressive in conflict situations
  • Loss of interest in oneself and other people
  • No interest in social events, favourite sports or earlier enjoyed activities
  • Difficulty in remembering due to poor concentration
  • Inability to make decisions
  • Feeling of helplessness or failure
  • Sadness and guilt
  • Loss of confidence in personal ability

Behavioural symptoms

As a temporary relief from stress people indulge in excessive drinking, smoking or spending. Many a smoker will turn into a chain smoker other times a social drinker can turn into an alcoholic.

Behaviour can become self destructive and short term highs can prove to be destructive.

Family friends and colleagues often spot the symptoms of stress much before the individual is actually affected.

Mood enhancers

The best way to stop the onslaught of stress on oneself is by cultivating healthy hobbies and interests. If we continuously try to keep ourselves happy and joyful by indulging ourselves in our hobbies then we definitely keep stress at bay.

Every one has one or two particular pursuits that they enjoy like cooking, watching TV or a sport. Just go ahead and do it.

Make time to relax. When you are under stress your entire body becomes tense and even your posture changes. Make a conscious effort to relax your body so that you can reduce tension and alleviate the damaging effects of stress.

Sitting for several hours at work can give tension. This can cause muscle aches and pains. Follow a simple routine to relieve tension and renew energy. Loosen collars, scarves and shoelaces or take off your shoes…

  • Listen to good music
  • Spend time in a park
  • See a happy film

Spending time close to nature, the greenery, the colourful flowers will naturally de stress your frayed nerves.

Modern day living has put heavy demands on our lives and personalities. It is up to us to realise this and help ourselves in finding ways and means to stay unaffected by stress and stay happy. We owe this to ourselves and those around us.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

Fresh faced: Katy Perry Katy Perry launches third fragrance

Pop star Katy Perry launched her third fragrance and named it Killer Queen.

The 28-year-old singing sensation posted a shot of the bottle on her Facebook page, and said it is a follow up to her previous perfumes - Purr and Meow, reported a publication.

She held a fragrance launch party in New York on May 2, when she greeted friends and fans while perched on a throne at the James B Duke Mansion.

"Just had an elegant unveiling of my new fragrance Killer Queen at the Duke! Can't wait to share the royal juice! so sophisticated," she posted on Twitter. — PTI

 

The brave heart

Pop star Kylie Minogue has been honoured with Courage Award for her battle with breast cancer by the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund. Minogue, 44, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, said she found it hard to feel positive while battling the disease, reported a publication.

"Sometimes when people say 'Be positive' you can't be positive all the time," she said.

Later, on micro-blogging site, the singer wrote, "Thank you for an unforgettable evening." — PTI

Blessing in disguise

Being positive: Halle Berry Actress Halle Berry sees her diabetes as a good thing as it has meant that she always takes care of herself. Berry, 46, who is currently expecting a son with fiancé Olivier Martinez, credits her youthful looks to years of taking care of herself, reported a website.

"Yes (I look after myself), but that's also because I've been a diabetic since I was 19. I learned to see this illness as a blessing. Thanks to a healthy diet and daily exercise, I can control it. I think that it's because I'm so healthy that I've been able to get pregnant at 46," she said.

The Oscar winning actress has frequently been named one of the sexiest women on the planet and although she is flattered by the achievement, she remains confused as to how it came about because she believes attractiveness is "subjective".

"I've never understood that title. Beauty is totally subjective - what's attractive and what isn't, depends on each person. I try and focus on the sort of woman I want to be. Beauty is fleeting; it's lovely to be admired, but we all know that it fades over time," she added. — PTI

Of rumours and rage

Candid confessions: Rashmi Desai
Candid confessions: Rashmi Desai

Rashmi Desai is angry over the reports, which revealed that she had misbehaved with some fans while she was in Goa for a holiday. She talks about the same while justifying her stance.

What happened in Goa?

I was chilling with a few of my girlfriends in Goa when a man came posing as a fan. He wanted to click pictures of me but I refused. Meanwhile, he persisted and continued to click me without my consent. At one point, he came very close to me and then I lost it and took away his camera. It was very upsetting to read false reports later.

How did your husband Nandish Sandhu react?

He was supportive and was also very concerned about our safety. From the next day onwards, we had to take bodyguards everywhere.

How is Uttaran going? Will Tapasya's track get prominence again?

Yes, very soon there will be a development in the track as now Tapasya is back on her feet. She will find out few things, which will take the story forward.

What happened to the production company you were planning to start?

It was all a rumour. We were offered a proposal but we did not do it.

Are you planning to start a family soon?

Well, it will happen when it happens.

A shot of Coke!

Great expectations: A still from Coke Studio @MTV
Great expectations: A still from Coke Studio @MTV

When the makers of Coke Studio @MTV put the Season 1 debacle (it was dominated by Bollywood tunes and lacked any freshness) behind them to give the Indian audiences a phenomenal Season 2, reintroducing the much-maligned Indian avatar of the popular Pakistani series, the expectations for the third series went off the roof.

This year, the creators of the show are not leaving any stone unturned to design a more interesting Season 3 with "Blue Frog to Coke Studio @MTV". As a precursor to Season 3, the show will collaborate with Blue Frog to select bands playing independent music. The show is inviting entries of original compositions from various bands in the coming month, out of which 24 will be chosen by a selected panel. The top 24 bands will then battle it out at Blue Frog in Delhi and Mumbai. The ones selected will be a part of the final series. Amit Trivedi, Clinton Cerejo and Hitesh Sonik, who were the main music producers last year, will continue their run this year as well, while popular singer Papon, the lead vocalist of Papon and the East India Company, will join in as one of the producers. The complete line-up of the producers will be announced soon.

CHATTER BOX

Role call

Playing grandpa: Puneet Issar After confirming his role in the new Mahabharat, Puneet Issar is glad to be featured on yet another show, Bani-Ishq Da Kalma that is telecast on Colors. He plays the role of Parmeet's (Gaurav Chaudhary's) grandfather. Meanwhile, Parmeet essays the role of an NRI whose wedding proposal for Bani (Shefali Sharma) gets fixed. Guess his fans will be able to enjoy him on screen, as Mahabharat is still underway.

Playing grandpa: Puneet Issar

500 and still going

Good show: A still from Jai Jai Jai Bajrang Bali Jai Jai Jai Bajrang Bali on Sahara One which is based on the life of Hindu god, Hanuman, completed 500 episodes last week. The show that features the very cute and adorable child artist, Raj Mange as Bal Hanuman, has been a favourite among the masses. Interestingly, Raj returned to Mumbai for a small well-deserved vacation from Baroda, where the rest of the team has been shooting. When contacted, his mother said, "We are very happy on the completion of 500 episodes. We just hope that the show continues to fair well."
Good show: A still from Jai Jai Jai Bajrang Bali

Play time: Mouli Ganguly Touring around

Mouli Ganguly, aka Anushka of Kya Huaa Tera Vaada will soon go on a tour along with her husband Mazhar Syed to take the comedy play, Pritam Pyare Pappuji, outside India. The play is a remake of a super hit Gujarati play. Also, the play will feature Rakesh Bedi.

Play time: Mouli Ganguly

Happy holiday: Kritika Kamra The European retreat

Kritika Kamra, who recently returned from Europe after a 15-day long holiday, cannot stop gushing about it. She went with a few of her friends, including Hussain Kuwajerwala and his wife Tina Darira, Sharad Kelkar and his wife, Keerti Kelkar. Also, She travelled across Belgium, Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, France, Spain and Barcelona and of course, they shopped till they dropped!

Happy holiday: Kritika Kamra

Kavita Kapoor On a serious note...

Actor Kavita Kapoor, famous for her role in the show, Saans that was telecast many years ago, is now flourishing in a business. She felt that the TV industry did not suit her, and considered it best to become an entrepreneur.

Close encounter: Arjun Kapoor Been there, done that

Arjun Kapoor is quite an expert in intimate scenes now. He already had one with Parineeti Chopra in Ishaqzaade and now he has sizzling scenes with newbie Sasha Agha in Aurangzeb. The scenes were shot with only a few crew members as Sasha is a newcomer.

Close encounter: Arjun Kapoor

Step up: Prateik The family tree

Prateik is keen on spending more time with his father Raj Babber and his step-siblings Arya Babber and Juhi Babber. He grew up with them but has been spending more time with his mother's side of the family lately. His aunt Manya is protective of him and does not want him to get too close to the other family. He also lives alone in a flat in Bandra, Mumbai.

Step up: Prateik

Team player: Neha Dhupia When the going gets tough…

Neha Dhupia was down with fever and food poisoning but she kept her commitments. She shot for an episode of Nautanki Saala, in which she plays a judge and then went to Hyderabad for an event. That is not all. She even went to Chandigarh for promotions of her Punjabi film. She was on pills and had a doctor on call. Bravo!

Team player: Neha Dhupia

Full stop: Aamir Khan End of the story?

Rumour has it that Aamir Khan has put a clause, in his contract of Dhoom 3, that there will be no more Dhoom films after this. YRF decided to make Dhoom a franchise because it has been quite successful. However, YRF denies that Aamir Khan has put in such a clause.

Full stop: Aamir Khan

Finishing line: Ranbir Kapoor with Madhuri Dixit Slow but steady

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani's item number with Madhuri Dixit called Ghaghra, featuring her and Ranbir, was shot only last week because Pritam was too busy to compose a track for the movie. He gave one-one line on the sets and the song was completed in nearly five days. Now the shooting is totally complete.

Finishing line: Ranbir Kapoor with Madhuri Dixit

Sense and simplicity

British actress Keira Knightley tied the knot with rocker James Righton in a simple ceremony in the south of France. The couple exchanged vows in front of a group of 11 family friends at the town hall in Mazan, near the city of Marseille, a magazine reported.

Carry forward: Aditi Rao HydariThe pair struck up a friendship after starring alongside each other in 2008 flick, The Edge of Love, written by Keira's mother. Keira, 28, and James, 29, have been dating since February 2011, after being introduced by their friend Alexa Chung.

Too cool to be hot

Aditi Rao Hydari shot for a winter-clothing brand in the middle of summer. She had seven changes and wore layers and layers of clothes without complaining. We would like to see the campaign pictures!

Carry forward: Aditi Rao Hydari

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Tying up all the loose ends will be your priority today and only then, you will be able to relax. Work will take up quite a bit of your time and attention. It will be an exciting day overall. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 44

TAURUS: The day will lead to a change. Go for the practical approach to receive a far-fetching result. Start by mending strained relationships. Reach out and let that person know you still care. Tarot message: Don't be emotional and be calm. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 35

GEMINI: The day begins on a favourable note. It's a good time to bring some changes in your life to enjoy the element of freshness. You need to ensure that you spend wisely. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 28

CANCER: The day will be more challenging than usual. At work, efficient and organized work will bring good results. Personal relationships will also become stronger as long as you learn to be more understanding. Tarot message: Your hardwork will pay off. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 32

LEO: Expressing what you feel is important. Showing your love and support will be your key behavior. The presence of the full moon will lead you to speak your heart out. Be possitive. Tarot message: Take a step and then stick to it. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 49

VIRGO: It is important to concentrate on your core beliefs, values and morals. Relaxing and spending time with friends and family today will keep your physical and mental health in great shape. Tarot message: Be practical and patient. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 26

LIBRA: Business people will be able to rely on influential friends. If somebody owes you money, it's time to confront them. Financial matters will not pose a huge concern. Tarot message: Stay positive and be calm. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Lucky number: 62

SCORPIO: Decision making should be quicker if you know you're your heart really wants. Your partner will be willing to adjust, co-operate and co-exist with love, joy and contentment. Tarot message: Believe in yourself and stay calm. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 57

SAGITTARIUS: You will receive surprising news. It is important that you don't worry about minor issues. Double check everything before investing in risky venture. In relationships, don't become too controlling. Tarot message: Your own aimsand opinions matter a lot. Lucky colour: Grey. Lucky number: 38

CAPRICORN: Finances and health will not be a major concern, but this will be a good time to go through a routine test. Relationships, marriage and friendships will be the highlight of the day. Tarot message: Act righteously. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 41

AQUARIUS: This will be a day for love and romance and singles will form special and lasting relationships. Communication will be vital in your personal and professional life. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Pale-yellow. Lucky number: 52

PISCES: The presence of Mercury will give you enough strength to handle any disappointment that comes your way either at work or in personal relationships. Your financial security will increase. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Lucky number: 63





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |