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Being there, doing great
A study says over 65 per cent of youngsters get to spend less than one hour with their parents. But then there are parents who would give up their careers to be there for their children too…
Times today are testing. Life is so rushed that even most normal things like parents spending time with kids is a rarity. When we complain of youngsters being 'aloof, introvert and impatient' today, the reason behind is said to be the little support that families provide them in their formative years. A recent study by the Assocham Ladies League puts to fore the alarming facts. It says, 'Over 65 per cent of youngsters between the age of eight and 24 get to spend less than one hour with their parents." Alarming, isn't it! But it's not true for every parent. So, keeping up the positive front, we talk to families on how they juggle the personal, professional and parental aspects to be present in their children's lives! Set priorities
Shalu, a mother to two, Gyanvi (15) and Anandi (11), balances her work, household chores and parental responsibilities with care. She finishes household chores in the morning, gives maths tuitions till six and the rest of the time belongs to the girls. Her hubby frequently joins them for late evening gossip sessions. "There is no end to batches seeking tuitions, but I have made a conscious decision to finish it by six so that I have enough time for my girls," says Shalu. This mother likes to share and often sees her daughters' Facebook pages to know their new friends and what they are talking about. "It's significant to keep together as a family. Professional lives today intrude on personal space but with some smart priortising one can manage both the worlds."
Family first Samta Sabharwal, however, had to take a tough call. Being in a nuclear family she chose to be home with her four-year-old girl Rozmin rather than trust the helpers. "I gave up my career as a civil engineer to be a homemaker. And, I don't regret my decision. Not only I get to be there for Rozmin, I get plenty of time with my husband too." The Sabharwals enjoy the daily outings as Rozmin loves outdoors. Samta holding on to the domestic front and Vinay outside, have achieved the balance and peace that they value more than anything else. For Kackrias too, this system works. Vikrant has a busy schedule as an advocate and Shilpa holds the home front. "Family time is sacrosanct to us. My son Samarth is 10 and we both realise the importance of being present in his life," says Shilpa, who is fond of socialising but she times it during Samarth's school hours. Weekends are together time and outings are planned every week.
Father figures
What's heartening is that it's not only mothers who are aware of the need of being present in a child's life, a section of fathers are equally involved too. Sachin Malhotra, despite doing the long hours as a banker, makes time for wife Suruchi and daughter Aadya. "If you have to have a family, you need to act responsible," says Sachin who hurries home the day he can wind up work on time and devotes Saturday (lesser hectic day) and Sunday playing cricket and football with Aadya for she loves playing with him. Jaskirat Singh Dhillon, an entrepreneur, and Ramaneek Caur, a teacher, schedule their work timings to be present in their daughter Gurnoor's life. Playing is what Gurnoor loves and her doting dad makes time for that! Share & care "Being together makes a lot of difference," says Punita Singh who speaks from the point of view of a parent and a counsellor. Mother to Akshay (12) and Aashita (16), she agrees together time for parents and kids has gone down drastically but not as low as one hour a day. "Children have adapted today to parents spending less time with them but it is up to parents not to cut them out of their lives completely." If parents only go to kids' room demanding explanations or scolding, obviously kids will not take it. The bond is nurtured over the years by and by. It's not required that you just talk, but sharing meals and activities together cultivate the bond. "The way my son places the glass on the table I can figure out something's amiss. But, sadly, alienation is so acute today that many parents wouldn't even be able to read the warning signals and wouldn't even come to know if their wards have suicidal tendencies." Well, take it as a wake-up call or ignore it, if you like. The done deal is that if so many of the parents can take out time for kids, so can you. It's just a matter of conscious choice! mona@tribunemail.com
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Love & sorrow
Kanth Kaler is all set to launch his latest album Armaan-The Endless Quest for Love
Courtesy his innate sense of music and a voice that goes beautifully well with soulful Punjabi poetry, Kanth Kaler has reserved a distinct space for himself in the Punjabi music industry. He has allowed his body of work to speak for itself. Needless to say, he got noticed and he received much recognition from the masses. The musician has come a long way as he is now all set to launch his new album, Armaan—The Endless Quest for Love. "It took me over a year and a half to come up with this album as I was busy looking for good lyricists. I believe in quality work. So, I chose to come up with one album, which is good, rather than coming up with several, which would not have been as sorted," says Kanth. Also, he has tendered his Midas Touch to this album as he has sung a number of sad songs in the album, "I guess I have been gifted with a voice that sits well on sad lyrics and probably that is the reason why I stick to it. Though in this album, I have given my vocals for the songs, which have a fast tempo, I think my forte is sad songs." While talking about the album, Kanth shares, "In this album, the song, Challa, which has many renditions and has been sung by so many artistes in so many ways, has been given a different tune altogether. Most of the times when you hear Challa, you are reminded of the Gurdas Mann's tune, but this song has been sung on a solo violin and drums. Also, I have tried to bring in a lot of meaningful songs, because nowadays, the lyrical value of the albums is deteriorating at a very fast pace." He furthers his statement as he sings a song, Rab tera tere kol jina chir maapay hunde ne, from the album, "I had songs from a number of lyricists, but I chose to bring about only those songs, which were meaningful and had substance. The song, Mapay has been writer by Angrej Chandi," he says. Kanth details on his future pursuits as he says, "The producer of this album, Pinky Dhaliwal, is planning to make a film on the album's namesake, Armaan, so if he decides to make it, I might just act in the film." The album has been recorded in Mumbai, promises to offer a fresh and meaningful perspective with its meaningful lyrics and soulful music.
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Mann of the moment
Sharry Mann is not afraid to be tagged as 'yet another singer turned actor'...
This is his first step towards what is called the burgeoning industry, his first shot towards becoming a star, his first stint in a Punjabi film. Singer turned actor Sharry Mann has informality written all over him. He doesn't come up with thought-provoking answers, or slip into a freshly acquired American accent. Sharry Mann says and does what he wants to. It might sound like trying to be desi, but you soon figure out this is what he is, an informal desi not trying to be modern star in the making. When everyone thought of him as one song wonder (remember his super-hit track Yaar Anmulle), he went on to give another super-hit album Aatey di Chiddi, and now he wants to step up with his soon-to-be released debut Punjabi movie Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya directed by Aditya Sood. He is not fretting about the fate of the movie. "As long as I have done good work, I am not worried about how the movie will do. Though of course, the entire team has put in an effort so we would want it to be accepted by the audiences," shares Sharry. Learning comes with experience and for him it has come far too early. "After Yaar Anmulle I started getting offers for movies, I didn't want to jump into it right away. I took my time, when I heard the script of Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya, I decided that this was the moment." Sharry plays Sharry in his film, a character who falters in whatever he does. Nothing like real life! "It took me a lot of time to reach there. I worked hard without hurting anyone's feelings. I have learnt a lot in the process. For instance, working in a movie has taught me so much about the camera, how to face it and deal with it and of course a little bit of not so good side of movies," adds Sharry. With this learning he plans to move forward in life. "I want to be selective with my work, something like what Aamir Khan does. This way I can handle my singing and acting both." Sharry credits his fans for his success. He places a hand on his heart. "I am here because of the people who have loved my work, and I hope they keep on loving my work." One film old and Sharry already knows what it is to face competition. Even when his fan page is flooded with likes, there is a section which is not very comfortable with his idea of acting. "I am surprised, I have believed in doing my work and leaving rest for the god to decide. Those who feel I can't act, all I can say is let the audience decide. If they liked me as a singer, they will like my acting too. I started from a scratch and I am ready to work hard all over again," shares Sharry who will be seen in Dheeraj Rattan's Ishq Garari next.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Relax with your mate in the evening, it’s just the antidote for the tensions. Someone you are attracted to
feels the same way. It is for you to make the first move.
Tarot message: Take limited
risks. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 55 TAURUS: Today is an open day for exciting events. Conquer your fears and take a chance. You will be concerned about family issues
and will need to take out some time to sort it all out. Tarot message: Outline your goals ahead of time. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 28 GEMINI: ‘The Queen of
Pentacles’ blesses you with the finest of the qualities today. Things will happen quickly and
you need to take sharp decisions. Tarot message: Don’t give in to the situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34 CANCER: There is good
news on the cards. You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go
with your instincts. Tarot message: A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36 LEO: The wisdom of ‘The Hermit’ inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being. Tarot message: Do not waste your resources on others. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 46 VIRGO: ‘The Magician’
conjures up travel and business opportunities. Partnership and business problems require your attention today. Stop waiting for the right time to attend to them. Tarot message: Trust your heart. Lucky colour: Sky-blue. Magic number: 54
LIBRA: A fine time to make a public speech or a presentation. Work will progress satisfactorily. By evening you will be in an irritable mood and will be prone to losing your temper. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 62 SCORPIO: It looks like a very busy day ahead. Maintaining a sound relationship will seem difficult. Your chances of success are better today. Don’t depend on others to do an important work. Tarot message: Be firm and stand your
ground. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 59 SAGITTARIUS: The ‘Prince of Wands’ instigates dynamic changes at work. Traveling
will yield valuable information. Try breathing exercise for relaxation. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 CAPRICORN: Mixing with friends will be a tricky business. If you don’t want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don’t get involved in petty arguments. Tarot message: Consolidate
your gains. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: Passionate emotions will make you more impulsive than usual. You will
have a better chance of getting through odd jobs. New ideas and ventures provide scope for expansion. Tarot message: Lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 45 PISCES: ‘The Hanged Man’
helps you to move into a better situation. You are inclined towards spirituality. You
struggle to keep your temper in check today. Tarot message: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 56
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Look who’s here
Gaurav Chopra has got a new look. He has cut his hair short. He is also thrilled about the response to his show Uttaran. We catch up with him. Tell us something about your new hair style? It was a sudden decision. It was too hot and someone told me to try it out. When things fell into place it was great. You recently did a stripping act at the telly awards. Yes, that too was a huge surprise for many. I was signed on for the show few days before the shoot. I hardly had a day to rehearse. And while rehearsing we mimic acts but on stage when the shirt was torn off, the audience went crazy. It wasn’t just fans but colleagues friends I know were also cheering. Your fight scene in Uttaran’s was very interesting. Yes, that was something I really enjoyed. Rathore was fighting someone else’s battle and he is a contained guy anyway. So he had to be restrained. It was fun to do the physical scenes though it was super hot. With the new cast in Uttaran, do you feel left out of the story? I think the earlier generation of Uttaran is the spine of the story. The characters have evolved over the years and today Tapasya looks as good as Mukta. So we are as much part of the story as the new gen.
On a positive note
Angad Hasija who will enter Amrit Manthan is excited about his new role. He will play the role of Karan. His character has a touch of negative and positive shade.
Kanchi Kaul returns
Happily married
Arjun Bijlani, who rose to fame with Star One’s Miley Jab Hum Tum, is no more single now. The handsome lad got married to his girl friend Neha Swami at the Iskcon temple in Juhu on May 20. The actor is happy to be married. “It is a great feeling and I feel so blessed. The wedding took place the way it was planned. From mehendi to sangeet to wedding to reception, everything was celebrated in a grand way,” he says. On his best buddies present during the wedding, Arjun quipped, “Most of my good buddies were present from the television industry namely Mohit Sehgal, Sanaya Irani, Vivian Dsena, Vahbbiz Dorabjee, Mouni Roy, Nandish Sandhu, Rashmi Desai, Rohit Khurana, Tina Dutta and many more.” When quizzed about his honeymoon plans, he replied, “Well, it’s still not planned. We have to decide on the location.”
In Saath Nibhana Saathiya after a night in the hospital, Rashi delivers two baby boys. Rashi doesn’t allow anyone to touch the babies without washing hands. Meera is fascinated with the babies and goes to hold them.
Not so real!
A bold step
In Saraswatichandra, an explicit consummation scene has been shot between Jennifer Winget
and Gautam Rode. Apparently Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided to add this sensual scene and even conceptualised it. The show has been doing well and building up.
Veteran actor Dharmendra was on the sets of Bani for his upcoming movie Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. Dharmendra was very happy to meet the new girls on the block and they clicked instantly because of their Punjabi connect.
He interacted with them and during rehearsals gave his vishesh tipni on acting.
Bani and Rajji being new to the industry made good use of this opportunity and got some tips about acting from the veteran actor. He was a part of a sequence where he was playing role of a thief who enters their house on their Sangeet night.
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Out of the grey zone
Nikhil Advani's D Day and Subhash Ghai's Kanchi would be the last of Rishi Kapoor's current crop of grey-black roles. Thereafter the actor says he would be taking a break from being bad. Rishi is currently going through the most fruitful phase of his entire 44-year career as an actor.
Rishi quips, "It's intentional. I wanted to prove myself as an actor. Log bol rahen hain ke Ranbir Kapoor achcha actor hai. Yeh bhool gaye ki Rishi Kapoor bhi actor hai. They say Ranbir is Raj Kapoor's grandson. They've forgotten the one generation that came in-between. Hello, knock knock....I am not going away anywhere yet. I didn't want Ranbir to be called a chip off the old block. I wanted that I should I be known as a chip off the new block. Today loads of work is coming my way. I'm at liberty to pick and choose. Suddenly after Agneepath there is a spate of interesting negative roles for Rishi to play. The excited actor says, "I'm not interested in playing the villain as a loud caricatural uni-dimensional creature. I can't do that. I am trying to humanise the evil. If you see my character in Aurangzeb I am not trying to act evil. My character's thinking is evil. He is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his ambitions and greed for wealth. I try to enter the thought-process of my grey characters. Now in Nikhil Advani's D Day I again play the bad guy. I've again humanised the character. People around my character think him evil. But he's just doing his job." The maverick performer had had his fill of villainous roles for now. "I'll be seen in grey roles in two more films Nikhil Advani's D day and Subhash Ghai's Kanchi. Enough for now. I don't want my grand-daughter to grow up and see me playing too many despicable characters. Whatever I am shooting for are light but not conventional roles. In fact the only father's role I'm shooting for is in Nupur Asthana's film where I get to work with another wonderful young actor Ayushmann Khurrana. But I am not shying away from any kind of roles, negative conventional or anything
else."
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Cannes returned
Nawazuddin Siddique is back from the Cannes Film Festival, his second consecutive visit and he is still as excited as ever because he is up there with the best of the best. He talks about his experience and more. Unforgettable time
It has been amazing with three of my films being screened—Bombay Talkies, Monsoon Shootout and The Lunchbox. The films have got a good reception. The Lunchboz has won the Critics Week Viewers Choice award. What more can I ask for? Birthday wish
I have never celebrated my birthday. The midnight screening of my film Monsoon Shootout took place on May 18 and we left post 12 am. Then one lady came up and asked for a picture and said it was her birthday. So I wished her and said it was my birthday too. My team was around me so they started singing Happy Birthday when they heard that. It was a great feeling. Suit-able job
I had no time in between shooting to pay attention to my wardrobe. My black suit saved the day as it suits most occasions. I bought a new one and packed it for Cannes. I take five minutes to get ready, inclusive of a bath, My co-stars Nirmat Kaur and Tanishtha Chatterjee take longer and even four hours are not enough at times. Red hot Nicole
I have always found Nicole Kidman beautiful and graceful and seeing her closely was a special feeling. She is really hot. My best experience on the red carpet was walking for Monsoon Shootout because it started raining and that fitted in perfectly with our film. We could not have asked for more. Compliments galore
People rolled out the red carpet for Indian cinema, actors, and filmmakers this year. The international media is recognizing us and the fact that we are making films that are different from the usual masala fare. Bombay Talkies got a lot of compliments and that was
heart-warming.
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The toe touch test
The toe touch test is important for the golf swing as it shows the ability to bend from the hips which helps us to get into a good posture and be able to maintain it through the golf swing. When done correctly we should be able to touch our toes by bending from the hips while keeping the back and knees straight (picture 1).
In an incorrect bend we would have a slumped or arched back (picture 2) or bent knees. The back would become slumped forward due to the lack of forward flexibility of the hips and the knees would tend to bend when the hamstring muscles are too tight. While doing the test make sure that your knees touch each other and do not separate. If you fail to touch your toes correctly there would be issues of maintaining the dynamic balance and spine angles through the golf swing. In case you are unable to correctly perform the toe touch test, the following exercises would help. Place your heels on a bar or rolled up carpet thereby elevating the back of your foot and also place a towel or a foam roller between your knees. Now try and touch your toes (picture 3). This would release the hamstring muscles and make it easier to bend more without bending your knees. Then try the same exercise by placing the bar under the balls of the feet, elevating the toes (picture 4). Another exercise is to get into a push up position and then move your legs closer to your hands while keeping the knees straight and the heels on the ground (picture 5). This stretches the calves and the hamstrings releasing the tightness in these muscles and helps in improving the ability to touch the toes. This also helps in improving the forward flexibility of the hips. (Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)
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Come back Chi Chi
Divya Dutta He completes 30 years in the industry! The quintessential entertainer of Hindi films. An endearing hero, they fondly call him Chi Chi. Govinda, the multi-talented actor, dancer and yes, a star! I remember back in Punjab, I used to have a huge crush on him. His Ankhein days! There was this childlike innocence in him and his dancing and that comic timing. Nobody can match that even today! When I came to Mumbai, he was one of the most encouraging co-actors. I remember I did an item number with him in a film called Chote Sarkar. I was so excited to work with my favourite hero that I reached the set before time. I was nervous too, to match steps with the brilliant dancer who I'd say enjoyed his dancing and it showed. I was ready with make-up and my rehearsals. All set and waiting. Govinda was known for coming late. His only vice as an actor! It was lunch time and I was tired of waiting in my costume. Slowly my enthusiasm and excitement gave way to tiredness. Everyone was quiet and waiting. Suddenly, everyone buzzed with activity, "Chi Chi bhaiya aa gaye," they all shouted. The energy on the set was back. The warmly smiling Govinda entered the sets, gave me a big hug and asked, "All set to dance? I believe you are a very good dancer." I got more nervous. Along with matching his steps I had to match his ada, his enjoyment. I told him, "I am very tense to dance with you." His bright smile took away all my tiredness and worries, "Areyy don't worry, dhamaal karenge," he assured! As the music played, the choreographer taught the difficult steps again. When Govinda did it in his style, those looked easy. When I started dancing with him in his arms, being lifted, matching his steps, I was having fun, enjoying every bit of it! He enthused energy in everyone on the set. We wrapped the song much before time even though we started late. That was Govinda, the awesome performer! I was happy. Truly happy! The song had turned out beautifully. And then he came up to me and said, "Sorry yaar, I got late and kept you waiting. Let's have chai together." He didn't have to, but he sat and we chatted and he made me feel so comfortable. That was Govinda, the person and we became great buddies. Now, in his not so active days, in an industry which only worships stardom and stars, I wait everyday for him to weave his magic again on screen. Bring back his brand of humour and dancing which no one else can! On completing 30 years, congratulations Govinda or Chi Chi as they call you, come and surprise everyone real soon and get your much deserved place. May you keep entertaining, always! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Fighting spirit
Extreme Martial Arts promises to teach martial arts starting with aikido which is the basic self-defence method to kyurogi, the international fighting technique displayed in the Olympics
The irony with the concept of gender equality is that even though everybody stresses on women empowerment, nobody really thinks that they are strong enough to be considered equal. Maybe that's why we see so much violence around. Times like these call for a solution, so that a woman can feel safe. Although by and large it depends on changing the perspective of the world, which is a long-term goal, what we can do now is to take up some basic measures, like self-defence. Extreme Martial Arts launches a centre at Guru Gobind Singh Bhawan, Sector 15, Chandigarh introducing a Korean martial art dance form for the city to become a home of strong, confident citizens. Family fitness time "We fight without fighting!" says B S Handa, co-promoter with over 40 years of experience in martial arts while adding, "Why consider it's as a task, rather we can simply take it as a family time wherein you can learn martial arts through a traditional approach which teaches much more than just self defence; an overall personality grooming and moral etiquettes." Ekjot Kaur, another co-promoter says, "The dance (taekwando jejo) has been introduced for the first time to enhance a complete control on your body and mind in a rhythmic way. "The confidence reflects on your behaviour and creates a psychological awareness. So, when you feel like you are about to get into trouble instead of panicking you will be all ready to fight and that makes all the difference." Ekjot holds a diploma in sports science and a major in taekwando from Taekyeung University, Korea bagging 11gold, two silver and two bronze medals in both state and national level. She is also a black belt adjudged by the world Taekwandi Federation, Korea. Starting with the basics "We start with aikido (basic self defence) going up to kyurogi (international fighting technique displayed in the Olympics) for the city. To make the most of the summer holidays, we will be organising summer camps from June 3 to15 and a second batch from June 17 to 29 for children. Coming back to the more important part, the safety of women, Ekjot says, "For woman and elderly we will be organising free self-defence seminar from June 1for teaching the basic self-defence techniques. Also, keeping in view the recent events in the country, we will also be offering one month free self-defence classes for women and senior citizens."
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Cat fight
Salman's sister Arpita caught in a brawl at Kunal's party
When Soha Ali Khan decided to ring in boyfriend Kunal Kemmu's birthday by organising a party, little did she know that the entire do would turn into a battle ground of (cat) fighting female celebrities. As the celebration was on in full swing, a 'friend' accompanying Yuvraj Singh, a small time model and actor Lisa Bocarro who starred in Sohail Khan's Fight Club(2005), got into a nasty brawl with Salman Khan's younger sister Arpita. According to the grapevine, it was Lisa who started it. She bad mouthed Arpita, which the latter overheard, and thus began a very heated argument. Word has it that Arpita was already miffed with Lisa for spoiling her friendship with Yuvraj. As the argument reached its peak, the guests tried their best to cool it down, but in vain. Finally, Arpita's brother Sohail Khan arrived on the spot to take her away. Both the ladies were refusing to give up. But thanks to actor Angad Bedi who convinced Yuvraj and Lisa to leave the scene or the fight would have been worse. Other guests present at the bash were Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan, Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Abhay Deol, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Arshad Warsi and Angad Bedi.
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No time for love
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan are happily married but they are finding it difficult to spend time with each other. She talks about the summer and quality time with her special person. Beating the heat
It is so hot and I am shooting in Bhopal where the temperature is 43 degrees! I keep myself superbly hydrated with lemon water, coconut water, plain water, and eats lots of fruits and fresh vegetables. I stay indoors as much as possible as that is the best way to beat the heat. Holiday plans
I have no holiday plans at the moment because Saif and I are neck-deep in work. We will plan a mountain vacation when we are relatively free. We love Europe and the mountains and quaint streets where we can walk freely. Our vacation will have to wait. Happily ever after
My life has not changed after marriage and Saif and I love each other just as much. Marriage was a formality. We are both very happy. We find it difficult to spend time together sometimes because of our schedules. We like going for dinners, movies, and vacations together and we love shopping and walking in scenic places too. We are not party people anymore.
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Follow your dream
Parvesh Rana I am a 25 year-old-girl and I wish to join Bollywood but my friends discourage me from doing so. Do you think I should listen to them or follow my dream? Sangeeta, Chandigrah You should always follow your heart, at the same time why don't you try to know why your friends are against Bollywood. I suggest, you first finish your studies, get your portfolio done and start meeting the right kind of people. You must give it a shot once. I am a 42 year-old-bachelor. I decided to stay single, and I am pretty much enjoying my life. Off late a female friend of mine came over to stay with me for a couple of days. After she left I have started missing company, what do you think this could be? Pratik, Mohali I am sure if you have taken a decision, you must be prepared for it. It is natural for anyone staying alone to crave for company after a while. If you feel you need to, let someone in your life do that. But don't rush into things. (Rana is a Bollywood actor)
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Light up your decor
Whysoserious.co.in brings to you quirky light fixtures that, when placed in your room will completely change the entire decor. This night light collection includes moon light lamp, LED batman and Spiderman lamps, butterfyl and firefly jar and tray lamps. The lamps are super cute, small and trendy.
If you are a superhero fan then you must have Spiderman and Batman lamps. You will be proud to have them in your super hero collection. The magic light tray lamp lights up, like a sheet of white paper floating in darkness. Just touch the side of the tray itself and it turns on. Electronic firefly and butterfly jars takes you back to your childhood days, just tap the jar and your flies will flutter around. Other options available are Mario lamps and glow bulbs. Grab some from our online store and give your home a trendy look. Price range:
Rs 899 to 2299 — TNS
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Tangy temptation!
Kandla Nijhowne The blast furnace is full-on! The lucky ones are toying with sun block on balmy beaches, while others like me are desperately trying to block the sun from our lives! Readers, make sure you don't run out of diesel in your generators and cool drinks in your fridges, for these two now, are your sole saviors and soul saviors! Nothing beats a mango panna to beat the heat. It's not just amazing in taste, it's actually beneficial in cooling the body and flushing out toxins. Make a large batch of this heavenly stuff and bottle it! Push away those shop bought drinks for later, when raw mango bids farewell to us! A storage tip
The less moisture in your concentrated drink, the longer it's shelf life. So thicken the mixture sufficiently. Later you just need to add that much more water to reconstitute your tangy tumblers!
Method
Peel and roughly chop the mangoes, place in a pan, add the water and cook till tender. Puree till smooth, adding more water if needed. If you live in an ideal world with lots of time, roast the mangoes, skin on, over the gas burner, then peel and puree. Return to the pan and add a cup of sugar, black salt, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Remove from fire. Coarsely grind and add jeera. When cooled, add crushed mint leaves, saving a few for garnishing. Make a sampler by diluting the mixture with water. Check for sweet, salt and tang. At this stage you can add whatever is deficient. Ladle into jars and store in the fridge till needed. To serve, mix in cold water, pour into glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint. Your heat-buster is ready! Cheers! (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Kanchi Kaul will return to television after a long time. She will be seen in Star Plus’s show Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi- Meri Bhabhi. The story revolves around the relationship between a sister-in-law and daughter-in-law. The show will also star Kanwaljeet Singh, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Vipul Gupta, Esha Kansara among others. The buzz is that it will soon replace Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai.
Handle with care
Reality shows haven’t been faring very well this season. With India’s Dancing Superstar on Star Plus garnering an average 2.8TRPs last week, Masterchef 3 on Star Plus got only 2.0 ratings. Zee TV’s India’s Best Dramebaaz was lower at 1.9 while the comedy shows Comedy Circus on Sony rated at 1.6 and Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai Sab TV 0.7.
Star visit
