Blazing blouses
From plunging neckline to bare back, a glam blouse when teamed with a matching saree can lend instant oomph to your look
Mona

This tiny piece can make or mar your saree look; daring deep necks a la Deepika Padukone in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani to full sleeves as Sabyasachi created for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes look, there is a whole range ruling the fashion scene…here’s a peek into what you can choose from!

Bare back

If you have a toned back, go for deep necks. “Summer translates to hair tied up, giving a chance to the designer to play with the back. Tassels, motif and detailing, one can do a lot with this,” says Varija Bajaj, Noida-based designer who showcases her designs in Chandigarh from time to time. “Backs are generally a neglected area for when it comes to blouses we put extra emphasis on the back with detailing, tassels and motifs,” she adds.

Fabric time

Thinking about suitable fabric for the season, Parinita vouches for chiffons, georgettes, nets, dhakai, kota and cotton. If a formal occasion is on your mind, you can opt for a heavy dabka choli. Wanna up you glam quotient? “Go for bustier in nude colours, they will fade away under a saree taking the hotness meter a few notches up.”

Nine yards

Shalini Sharma is a total saree freak with a wardrobe full of blouses right from traditional three-fourth (Nandita Das carried the look with poise in bright orange saree at Cannes) to tiny noodle straps. “Designers around the city will give you the blouse you are looking for, but I bank on Rishi Tailors in Sector 17, Chandigarh,” says the girl who swears by their set in backless numbers. “They don’t charge much either. If you take your fabric, you can get a decent design from Rs 800 onwards.” What’s more, you can buy blouses in various hues at www.kbsonline.com. “We also have the option of cash-on-delivery,” says Parinita. Fancy sleeves, plunging necks or bold backless, go have fun with your nine yards!

head turner
Halters and bikini are for the young! Deepika Padukone rocks the look in YJHD with ultra-deep blouses. “A sequined halter blouse with a simple saree will definitely make heads turn. The bolder can also go for bikini-cut blouse for that ultra-modern sexy look,” says Parinita Saluja, production director, Karol Bagh Saree House. For those who are apprehensive about skin show, they can bend it with the peek-a-boo blouses that have sheer net covering the upper part. “This allows you to be conservative yet stylish,” offers Parinita.
Deepika Padukone

Sleeve show
Aishwarya Rai and Vidya Balan have brought the blouses with sleeves back into trend. “The moment a new look is out on the ramp or big screen, we are inundated with requests for the same. Sabyasachi has made long sleeves trendy,” says Babi Grewal, who runs her studio in Sector 8, Chandigarh. She recommends that you should keep your individual body type in mind. If you want to go full sleeves try sleeves and cuff detailing, which adds certain drama to the ensemble.

Aishwarya Rai

mona@tribunemail.com

Designer touch
Creative collections by students of NIIFT Mohali will be showcased at the ‘Anukama 13’…
Tanya Malhotra

Fashion needs no definition and its sure doesn’t seek any boundaries. While what’s natural has its own charm, fashion simply accentuates the beauty. Have we ever given a thought to what goes behind making a design that delights us? It’s the creativity of the fashion industry at its best! With the industry flourishing and reaching new horizons, the right guidance and a platform is just what the budding talent needs. Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) sure provides one such platform for the students to display their talent at the Annual Design Collections titled Anukama 13.

As many as 41 collections by graduating students of fashion design from Mohali and Ludhiana will be showcased at the event. “Each student has individually worked on a theme and will present five ensembles related to that theme,” says Karan A Singh, chairman, NIIFT, and Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce. He adds, “It’s a great platform for our students to unveil their best creations.” This event will be followed by a fashion show at the Tagore Theatre on June 7.

The show, dedicated to saving the girl child, also includes some fascinating themes like the Russian Mafia and ‘rangeela’ Punjab. Themes like Katputli, Shell treasure, Galaxies, Red lion fish, are a fusion of Indian and Western-wear. The use of fabrics such as cotton, semi-silk, sequence fabric, cotton-satin and lycra make the designs very wearable!

Says Vikas Pratap, Director General, NIIFT, Mohali, and Director Industries and Commerce, “In these six months while the students prepared the designs, the emphasis was also on teaching marketing techniques to them; they also worked closely with the industry in Punjab.” Interestingly, many of the designs of these students already have buyers. Every minute detail, right from the lighting, music to the ramp, has been looked after to make the event a big hit. “As many as twenty well-known male and female models will walk the ramp,” says Kaushik Ghosh, choreographer from Mumbai.

Vishav Bandhu, Director, NIIFT, Mohali, says, “To provide maximum exposure we have tied-up with a college in UK under the student exchange programme. This will also encourage fashion tourism.”

(On at Tagore Theatre on June 7)

Striped magic

It's time to stock up your style with bold black and white and colour stripes this season, courtesy Spurting Stripes Collection from 109°F. A favorite from the runways & stores, stripes, 109°F brings to you a season of bold, adventurous and tempting stripes to present the most eminent look of this season.

Whether horizontal, vertical, thin, thick, black and white or in living colour, stripes make a graphic statement. Experience the versatile and timeless Monochrome to Colour stripe collection at 109°F. A range of free-spirited tunics, blouses and dresses that can be teamed with denims, shorts or leggings gives the perfect look of the season to create a unique independent style. So get in line with bold and bright stripes and add a contemporary twist too.

Speaking about the collection, Radhesh Kagzi, president 109°F, said "We believe that stripes never really go out of fashion. Graphic designs, most prominently stripes are a huge trend this season. We took linear approach to pattern, stamping the collections with stripes. Elongated cuts and a largely monochrome and colour palette completes the streamlined sensibility." — TNS

Escape route

Tanishq, the jewellery brand, has announced the launch of Swiss Escape Campaign. On purchase of diamond jewellery worth Rs 35,000 and above, 40 lucky customers stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for two to Switzerland. The offer is on till June 30.

Apart from this, 150 lucky couples can also win trips from Mahindra Holidays and over 2000 customers can win gift vouchers from Taj Hotels worth Rs 4,500 each. The best part about this offer is the higher your value of purchase of studded jewellery, higher are the chances of your winning something. In total 2262 prizes are to be won from this Swiss Escape campaign over a months' time.

Excited at the launch of this campaign, Sandeep Kulhalli, vice president-retail & marketing said, "We are sure that this offer will provide our consumers and patrons an opportunity to win exciting prizes. Reward programmes at a massive scale like this are first of its kind and will build excitement among our patrons and encourage them to not just buy studded jewellery but also push their luck further." — TNS

star track
The new girl in town

Lauren Gottlieb first took the stage on Season 3 of reality series So You Think You Can Dance and made it to final six contestants. Since then there has been no looking back for her. Now, her love for dance has landed her in India. After appearing in Remo D'Souza's Any Body Can Dance, she is currently seen dazzling on the dance floor on celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 6.

We speak to her about the show, moving to India, learning Hindi, her Bollywood plans and more…

So what can we expect from you in Jhalak?

I haven't done much of Bollywood dancing. So, I'm really excited about that. I'm going to push myself and work hard. It's the biggest challenge for me right now.

How different do you think Bollywood dance form is from other dance forms?

When I first heard about Bollywood, I was like 'Wow, why didn't we get to see this before?' It's a structured dance form with cultural heritage. I think Bollywood dance is so wide that you can't limit it to just one style of dancing. It's a blend of different dance forms. It can be hip-hop with contemporary dance or something else.

What do you think of choreographer Punit?

As a dancer, he keeps going. As a choreographer, he's great. And as an artiste, he's original. So far what I've seen is that he is really a creative person who thinks out of the box. It's sign of a true artiste. I'm really happy that I've him as my partner on the show.

Who do you think will be a tough fight to you in the show?

I think whoever has a much bigger fan following. But as the time passes, everybody will have to up their level in dancing. It also depends on who is a trained performer and who is not. So all of them are going to give me a competition and it's too early to just pick one as the toughest competitor.

Who's your favourite dancer in Bollywood and why?

Hrithik Roshan. He is a great actor as well a dancer. He performs really well on the stage. I love him.

You have worked with many A-listers in Hollywood. Who are the stars you would like to work with in Bollywood?

I am not really sure. But I think whoever I'd complement perfectly as a co-star on screen.

You're also learning Hindi. How's it going?

It's tough. It's really exciting for me because I grew up in a different country. The culture is different. It's fascinating to learn a new language and get to know a new culture. I'm going to keep learning and hope to speak more and more. I feel like I'm back to school.

People liked you in Any Body Can Dance. Have you signed any new Bollywood films?

It's too early to talk about it right now. I'm in talks for a couple of projects. But I do hope that everyone will get to see me in a Bollywood film again.

What's next for you?

I am a new person in a new country, so I'm slowly discovering. I trust my instincts. Somehow I knew that I have to go to India before I was offered my first film ABCD— Any Body Can Dance. The next day, I told my parents that I'm going to India. I thought it would be great to come down to India and get to know my fans over here. I love dancing and whatever comes next I will talk about it when it does.
dancing diva Lauren Gottlieb

Request for leave

Saif Ali Khan has asked his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan's manager Poonam to plan her schedule in such a way that she gets one day off in a week and she can spend that time with him. Last Bebo took three days off and flew to Jaipur to be with her husband who is shooting a commercial over there.

Kareena Kapoor Khan & Saif Ali Khan

Big B’s new venture

Amitabh Bachchan is likely to star in a television show. It is a fictional show highlighting social issues that plague the society. Amitabh might feature in the initial episodes or become the narrator later on. It is for the same channel that airs Kaun Banega Crorepati which returns with another season soon.

Amitabh Bachchan

Poonam doesn’t disappoint

Poonam Pandey is all set for her debut in Bollywood! The actress has released the film Nasha's first poster which surprisingly doesn't have anything remotely hot or scandalous. So that her fans don't feel cheated Pandey has also posted a sexy teaser shot of hers from the film. If you feel disappointed seeing the poster that has just a translucent curtain, worry not, Poonam Pandey ensures that there is a lot in the trailer.

While the first poster that hardly shows any character, the trailer features many hot scenes. The model-turned actress looks ravishing in the trailer clip and oozes sensuality. Pandey, who was asked to put on a few kilos for the film, seems to have definitely worked hard for this film. Moreover, director Amit Saxena is also impressed with Poonam Pandey and was all praise for the actress. He said Poonam is a powerhouse of talent and her acting was absolutely effortless, leaving them all blown away.

Directed by the Jism director Amit Saxena, the film is loaded with erotic content. Poonam even claims to strip in a couple of scenes in the film. Poonam, on the other hand, said, "Be ready for addiction as it will take the world by storm and sweep you off your feet. The film is so addictive that you would want to watch it again and again." Tall claims, gal! To see Poonam Pandey's sensational debut wait till July 25 when Nasha hits the theatres.

hot chic: Poonam Pande

Work hard, play hard

Akshay Kumar, also known as Khiladi Kumar, is working very hard to finish his schedule for an action film. He is doing action scenes with an injured and bandaged foot. On June 10, he will fly away for a vacation with wife Twinkle and children Aarav and Nitara.

holiday time: Akshay Kumar

Mika loves children

Mika Singh is popular. He is known for hit songs like Subah Hone Na De and Mauja Mauja among many others and does live shows regularly. He will now lend his voice to a children's movie called Pappu Ki Pagdandi made by the Children's Film Society of India. He loves children and was more than happy to help.
No kidding: Mika Singh

Is Esha Deol pregnant?

Rumours are rife that Hema Malini and Dharmendra's daughter and actress Esha Deol is pregnant. The rumour caught fire when Esha was recently spotted wearing loose clothes with a baby bump at a movie theatre in Mumbai.

But Esha cleared the air and said: "Sweet of the media but I'm "NOT PREGNANT". We would let the world know when that happens as it would be a proud moment for us!"

Esha, who is married to businessman Bharat Takhtani, was last seen in her mother's production, Tell Me O Khuda.

Buzz is also that she is now planning to venture into television production.
guessing game: Esha Deol

Parting ways

Sonakshi Sinha's career is going places. She has parted ways with her secretary Zahid Khan who is also secretary to Kareena and Saif Ali Khan. Their thinking processes did not match anymore so they parted ways amicably. He was with her since Dabangg and has seen and even orchestrated most of her professional highs.

Sonakshi Sinha

KJo to debut in Bombay Velvet!

Fox Star Studios and Phantom Films' Bombay Velvet, directed by Anurag Kashyap, will feature leading film-maker Karan Johar in a stellar role of an antagonist. Marking his debut as one of the main leads in a feature film, Karan will essay the role of a rich businessman who plays a crucial role in the life of Ranbir Kapoor's onscreen character.

Incidentally, Bombay Velvet will also see Ranbir and Anushka together for the first time. The duo will play lovers whose lives intermingle with the evolution of the city of Bombay, through the 50s to early 70s.

Vikas Bahl of Phantom Films said, "I think there is a beautiful actor hidden in Karan. I simply love his ads. He is an excellent dancer too though he won't need to dance in this movie. I'm sure he'll make the character bigger than the actor."

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, added, "Karan is such a casting coup! He is not only one of the most talented and versatile minds in the industry, he also has the ability to surprise. I believe he will do great justice to his role."

Bombay Velvet will go on floors in July 2013 and will release worldwide on December 25, 2014. The first film of a trilogy, as planned by Anurag Kashyap, Bombay Velvet is the story of how the city became a metropolis, set against the backdrop of love, greed and violence.

Karan Johar

chatter BOX
Rumour mill

Buzz is that Sony’s show Khoobsurat might go off air soon, as the TRPs are dismal although the unit as well as the cast keep saying that it’s not true and all is well with their show. Even the producers maintain that such rumours have been going on since a while, but they are not true. Well, we will know in a few weeks if that is true or not!

Exit point: Soumya Seth in Khoobsurat

Finally, honeymoon time

Karan Mehra

Young masters

The show promises to showcase some outstanding talent and this is the first time kids in India who are barely in their teens will get a chance to participate in Junior Masterchef. The competition is going to be as intense, challenging and demanding as seen in Masterchef India. The format of the show will remain same as Masterchef India – nothing will be made easier!  The celebrity judges on the show will expect nothing less than perfect, well-executed and delicious dishes. So expect lots of energy, innocent battles and be prepared to witness some spectacular skills of these young kids.

A still from Junior MasterChef

Replacement theory

After rumours of lead actor and newcomer Farhan Khan being replaced in Sony’s Chhanchhan, the news is final now. Anuj Sachdeva of Bebo fame will be replacing him and starring in the show opposite Sanaya Irani. Hopefully, now the show’s TRP will pick up.

Sanaya Irani

Angad’s back with Amrit Manthan

Angad Hasija is back with his mentor Rajan Shahi in Amrit Manthan. We talk to the actor who returns to the same channel after an altercation. Read on.

You are back on TV with a role in Amrit Manthan; right?

Yes. I play the role of Karan Chhabra, which is a very interesting character. Being from Punjab, I always wanted to play a Punjabi character and now I am glad to have got this opportunity. My entry has brought about many changes in the show.

After quitting Savitri over issues with the production house and channel, is it odd that you have come back on the same channel?

I have put my exit from Savitri behind me and moved on. I am here to work and whoever gives me good work, I am open to them.

What kind of rapport do you have with Rajan Shahi?

Rajanji is my guide and mentor. He is someone who I have lot of respect for. He gave me my first break and I am there for him whenever he wants me. In fact we spoke about a role in Amrit Manthan earlier, but due to some factors things didn’t work out. I am glad they did this time.

What is your criterion for choosing a role?

When I came here I knew I wanted to do unconventional roles and I began with the schizophrenic role of Alekh in Bidaai. Since then be it Phulwa or fI have had roles that stand out. I look for something new in every show that I do.

Speaking of which, we heard you are a shopaholic. Correct?

Yes, I love shopping. I end up buying stuff for family and friends.
Angad Hasija

Splitsvilla hots up

This is not all. The Splitsvillians take greed to a new level by forming groups within themselves to secure their position in Splitsvilla. The King and Queen show their mean side to the fellow Splitsvillians by taking their powers too literally and churning loads of gossip against them. The last few minutes will take everyone by surprise as Nikhil will introduce two new contestants. What will happen next? Who will be sent to the dumping ground? Will the King and Queen lose their throne? Will their conspiracy fail after hearing who the new entrants are?  To know more, tune in to MTV Splitsvilla 6 every Saturday at 7pm only on MTV.
Nikhil in Splitsvilla

More drama

Return to small screen

The son of an Army officer, Rajeev usually undertakes trips annually wherein he takes on a pleasure road trip. His zeal to travel has taken him to various exotic locations. This particular episode on National Geographic will be aired on June 9.
Rajeev Khandelwal

New Releases

Film: Yamla Pagla Deewana 2
Producer: Dharmendra
Director: Sangeeth Sivan

A still from YPD2

Critics opine that sequels are an easy way out for filmmakers in Bollywood because it is a good ploy to draw audiences to the theatres. So, viewers can expect an impressive sequel in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 this week.

After the spectacular success of Yamla Pagla Deewana the Deol family, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, are aiming to provide all one can expect from a complete family flick - comedy, action, romance and music.

While Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol will carry on with their roles from the previous film, the sequel also has Neha Sharma and newbie Kristina Akheeva in key roles. Anupam Kher and Johny Lever also star in this ‘triple dhamaka’ comedy. YPD2 has been directed by Sangeeth Sivan, and produced by YPD Films Ltd (UK) and Sunny Sounds Pvt. Ltd.

Film: After Earth
Producers: Manoj Night Shyamalan, Caleeb Pinkett, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, James Lassiter
Director: Manoj Night Shyamalan

It is father-son all the way, as the Indian-origin director Manoj Night Shyamalan brings together popular superstar Will Smith and his multi-talented son Jaden Smith back on screen with After Earth. Both showcase their thrilling and emotional journey after being stranded on Earth, which has been portrayed years from now.

Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You draw Two of Cups. Relationships will be in the limelight today. There can be some conflicts due to stubbornness, ego, pride, envy or self-centeredness. Work hard to retain the integrity. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 25

TAURUS: Focusing on your budget and planning a long-term savings strategy will be the highlight of the day. With the festival season close at hand, you will need to watch your sleep. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 42

GEMINI: Love and romance will be highlighted today. The situation at home will be peaceful and calm. Investments and savings will grow at a steady rate, and your future plans will look realistic. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 52

CANCER: The Queen of Cups says that communication will continue to be vital today. Finances and health will remain stable. At work, take care of current projects. Avoid taking on more than you can handle. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans. Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Lucky number: 29

LEO: Work and professional endeavours will be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything will be possible. Pay attention to your health and do not let the festive season take its toll on your budget. Tarot message: Be creative. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: Many of you will form new relationships and associations that will benefit both personally as well as professionally. Health will improve and give you additional strength. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Lucky number: 65

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners will be quite aggressive and demanding, wanting to know your whereabouts as well as the reasons for your behaviour. Be vigilant about the latest developments. Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 60

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional states will be in equilibrium and endow you with a sense of peace. Your confidence will be on a high and at work; you will be open to taking on more challenges. Tarot message: Strive for perfection. Lucky colour: Golden-brown. Lucky number: 36

SAGITTARIUS: The increase in the flow of money will continue, especially since Venus will enter your sign. Emotions will be particularly high. You will be able to come up with some creative ideas. Tarot message: Involve yourself with a project. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 50

CAPRICORN: The time is just right to put everything in perspective and remove the element of chaos that has been prevalent for some time. Splurging should be avoided. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Lucky number: 57

AQUARIUS:There will be a flow of ideas, communication and emotions today. You will be able to come closer to your spouse or partner as well as other family members. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 63

PISCES: Business people will face some conflict of interest with partners. At home, you will have to help out a younger relation with some work and also be supportive towards others. Avoid speculation. Tarot message: Think more. Lucky colour: Silver-grey Lucky number: 4