Get trendy, officially
Dressing for the office is an art. And those who have the gift sure set the eyes rolling…
Jasmine Singh

The author of Seeing Through Clothes Anne Hollander can spin a tale on the functions of clothes - they suggest, they persuade, they connote, they insinuate and they can indeed lie, she says. Now with the stakes being so high, you don't want to go wrong with anything remotely related to 'clothes', especially when you are quickly going through the unmindful process of selecting the ones you want to wear to work.

This is where you need to put a triple caution sign. Step back for a moment, open your closet and scan your office-wear. Black and beige formal pants, crisp white and black shirts, a thin leather belt, a 'dignified' churidaar… is that all? Reminding you of the stakes and importance of clothes, you can do better. We understand you mean business at work, but who said smart clothing interferes? Bring casualness with a good layer of sophistication in your office dressing, pick some bright colours…a pantsuit is not for everyone and so are pencil skirts!

Dress circle

How you are perceived to a large extent depends on what you are wearing! "We are not very rigid or outrightly neat with our office dressing. We have a bit of casualness in office-wear as well," shares Prabhdip Brar, assistant professor UIFT, Punjab University, who zeroes on accessorisation as the key to smart dressing.

It, however, starts with the hair being in place. "If you have long hair, iron them or tie them neatly. A thin layer of make-up on your face, smart office-wear and you are ready to communicate your ideas," she adds.

Instead of a pencil skirt, Prabhdip suggests a shirt and a trouser for a corporate dressing. If you have to stick by the colour code, throw in style and brightness through accessories. A black shirt could go with a fuschia pink or green neck piece. Tuck in the shirt if you have the figure and avoid if you don't. "A bright scarf draped nicely around the neck ups the style quotient. Sari looks elegant; at the workplace if you don't want less of a skin show substitute the blouse with a short kurti with slits. A bandhgala red kurta with a black and white sari can make for a stylish wear," shares Prabhdip.

For those who don't have to slip into the 'formality' of dressing, she adds, "Linen pyjamas with kurtas according to body shape are pretty ideal. Not everyone can carry a suit and look good in it."

Traditionally yours

Freshen up your office-wear with some colour. Renu Tandon, a Delhi-based fashion designer, says to work in an office you have to bring in the right kind of energy as well. "I can't imagine a high-up in a company packed in a suit in this kind of weather," she laughs. Churidaars are her pick for office work. "A khadi white churidaar with a yellow dupatta brings in freshness, style and maintains the sophistication of the office."

Even if you are hell-bent on wearing a trouser, replace it the shirt with a kurta. "This is where you can create a faux pas, the kurta should not be embellished like that for a party; keep it simple." For Renu, a small thing like a rubber band in floral design can bring in casualness and smartness to the office-wear.

Colour code

Of course, you don't need to look like you are handling the entire office on your own or pep up your office dressing with jarring colours. Adds fashion designer Salim Asgar Ally, "Even in office you need to be in control of colours; opt for more muted ones but at the same time you can throw in a bright element, maybe something like a bright shrug." Salim opines that formal can be made to look stylish. "If you are wearing long sleeves, you can up-turn the cuff with lace; instead of a pencil skirt, choose a skirt which tapers from the knee. And to top it up, branded shoes can set you apart.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

get it right

Don'ts

  • Excessive cleavage
  • Super-short skirts
  • Flip-flops
  • Tube-tops and strapless dresses
  • Fabrics that crease easily (rayon, linen)
  • Visible lingerie under sheer clothing

Do's

  • Pick airy, diaphanous fabrics-voile, eyelet lace, chiffon.
  • Avoid high collars.
  • Relax with accessories in natural textures like wood and leather.
  • Try a graphic combination of black and white or khaki.

Social angle
Mona

Whatever the men say or do, women have the power, they are the creators and the society must respect that…is the theme of Naari Chakra, the first feature film by twenty-four-year-old Dipanshu Dang.

A mechanical engineer, Dipanshu held the first screening of his ambitious project at his alma mater Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab. He juggles many roles for this film — an actor, director, producer as well writer all rolled into one. With three documentaries and a music video, Dipanshu spent two years in Mumbai restoring vintage cars and saved money to fund his film.

Why forced prostitution for a theme? “Social causes are a theme I feel responsible towards. I have earlier worked on Kalpana: Save the Girl Child and what happened in December shook me as any Indian. I want to pass this strong message to society that it’s time we respect and value our women.”

Sandhya (played by Nivvy Randhawa) is forced into prostitution, how his Army officer brother (played by Dipanshu Dang) rescues her and the healing on mental as well as spiritual level makes for the plot of the film. Rajesh Sharma, an NSD-pass-out plays Zarfan Raushi, the negative lead. “How she fights back and gets back at society is Sandhya’s story,” says Dipanshu.

This young filmmaker is a keen follower of Anurag Kashyap, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, and he has learnt the art seeing his films. “I am a learner still and hoping to join a course to get that professional edge,” says Dipanshu who dreams of working with them one day. “I would love to make a film on the lines of Inception, I wrote my first story after watching this film; The Dark Knight, I absolutely adore Joker, have made a spoof video on him; Gangs of Wasseypur, Koi Mil Gaya and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction are also my favourite.”

Before being able to approach the big names in the film world, it’s important to showcase talent and through his limited budget and knowhow Dipanshu is out to do that. Films are the passion with this young guy and he is fortunate that his mother, a lawyer, stands by him in his endeavour. Independent filmmaking rather lies low in India but with Bollywood giving a chance to young filmmakers, Dipanshu is looking forward to being part of the bandwagon.

mona@tribunemail.com

Beautiful Beat
DJ, actor Shilpi Sharma loves to make people dance to her tunes
Mona

Playing music at hip parties in different cities and acting in commercial films, Shilpi Sharma is leading a life that many just dream of. The best part is that she didn’t have to struggle for it at all!

In Chandigarh, to make the party-goers dance to her tunes this weekend at Buzz-17, Shilpi admits that she never thought of turning a DJ ever.

“I went to Mumbai for college and had these friends at night clubs. I would stand at the DJ’s console and dance like crazy, which is when people asked me to give DJing a try. I duly did and here I am,” Shilpi opens up the conversation.

She loves DJ Clement and learnt the tricks of the trade from him. “I play his style,” says the glamorous girl who finds that being a female is a positive in this profession. “You know I can play a little raw sometimes; no need for me to be perfect, for half of the time people are more focused on looking at me rather than listening to my music,” she giggles.

What made her foray into acting? “Well, I was into modeling; the director saw my pictures and the very next day I was flown to Switzerland for shooting,” she says. Some South Indian flicks and having worked in Style, Jo Bole SO Nihaal and some more movies, Shilpi is happy dividing her time between music and movies.

mona@tribunemail.com

Her favourites list

If you are fond of Bollywood numbers, you are sure to find these five songs when Shilpi Sharma is at the console these days:

  • Lat lag gayi
  • Balma
  • Radha teri chunri
  • Honey Singh mash ups
  • Hookah bar

Go-getter
When learning is motivation…
Amarjot Kaur

For those who challenge their limits and push the boundaries of various possibilities, life brings a gamut of choices. Born and brought up in Chandigarh, Harjasleen Malvai studied in Carmel Convent School until tenth, after which she moved on to do the International Baccalaureate Program at the Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI). A residential school for Classes 11 and 12 with about 250 students from over 50 different countries, this place is not just an academic institution, but also a bio-reserve. MUWCI is one of the 12 schools, initiated by United World College movement, to promote peace and sustainability through a group of motivated young people. This intense program challenged her in many ways, which included, living on her own amidst nature and all its creatures that there were in the bio-reserve.

"Community engagement is a vital part of my life and I used to teach science to the village kids every week at UWC. Also, I was part of an NGO called Saathi," says Harjasleen, who loves to read, especially philosophy and mathematics, exercise, listen to music and has started learning sitar lately.

"I will now be going to Brown University (most probably, because I am open to all possibilities) to pursue my bachelors degree in mathematics, for which I am receiving a scholarship from the university as well as the Davis UWC Scholars Program," she gushes.

We catch up with her for a conversation and the pretty damsel talks about her academic career and more…

Motivational factor

"Scoring an edge over my peers has never been a motivational factor for me. I want to learn for the sake of learning," says Harjeasleen while adding, "We all have our own way of making sense of the world, and I like to do that through learning. I thrive on pushing myself and this is what inspires me. It is difficult at times, but my parents and teachers help me to overcome even the most difficult challenges."

Feathers in the cap

Recently, Harjasleen received the Tata Scholarship offer from Cornell University, which was awarded to her by Rattan Tata himself. She is one among the seven Indian students in the undergraduate program at Cornell. Also, Northwestern University offered her a scholarship in their Integrated Science Program, which takes 25-30 students every year. The varsity made an exception of making this scholarship offer valid to her until next year too. Harjasleen has also won two national-level bronze medals and various state-level medals in table tennis. She also had a design patent published in the Indian Journal of Patents and was awarded with the National Talent Search Scholarship in a brief stint at Infosys in their "Catch Them Young" programme. She has also won various prizes in quiz and science congress competitions.

Flipside of being an achiever

"My parents acknowledge my effort as my reward and my peers are supportive too. I am lucky to have received the right kind of guidance and advice. What often happens, however, is that the standards I set for myself are too high, and when I do not meet them, it leads to personal disappointment. Then again, what is life without a bit of challenge?" she smiles.

Words of wisdom

Passivity bogs us down. If you learn to question what is told to you and your own self in a constructive way, it will inevitably lead you to positive action. This action is the key to any achievement, both for an individual and for a community.

A delightful bowl
Amarjot Kaur

Innovation is the name of the game when it comes to the hospitality sector. Though most of the eateries in Chandigarh chase the idea of inventing and reinventing, they are barely able to click with the masses. However, with Peddlers re-launching Purple Rice, there is much avenue for interaction. Its new quick bowl concept accommodates customised dishes that the customers can choose from.

"Considering that Purple Rice has always been associated with the idea of a fine dining restaurant, it has always attracted the elites. Now that we have re-launched the restaurant, our target is not just the corporate elites, but also the masses and the students," begins Vipul Dua as he attempts to define the concept.

The deep lavender hue dominates the ambiance, but the wooden shelf, that marked the interiors of the Purple Rice then, still holds the sentiments of the past, as it rests at the entrance of its new, renovated avatar.

"The quick service restaurant offers a quick bowl menu, where a customer can choose the ingredients of their dish and all they need to do is tick mark the options given in the quick bowl menu. The bowl includes prawn (Rs 299), fish (Rs 279), lamb, chicken (Rs 239) and vegetarian (Rs 199) palette," informs Vipul. Apart from this, the restaurant also offers a la carte menu. "In non-vegetarian, our specialties are chilli pepper fish, hot chilli prawns and spice lamb and in vegetarian, stir fried Chinese greens and exotic vegetables in black pepper sauce. Also, the chocolate spring rolls, litchi wontons and darsan cake are a must try," he adds.

The walls of the restaurant don as many as five double meaning graphic illustrations, which read, "Fork you" and "What did the spoon say to the fork? "If we fork now, we'll spoon later", to quote a few. The restaurant remains open until 12 midnight and a table for two will cost you Rs 400-Rs 500.

Doc Talk
Splash with care
Swimming takes a toll on the skin and hair. Here is what you should do before and after you take a dip
Dr Vikas Sharma

The increasing popularity of aquatic leisure activities has brought into prominence a wide variety of water related dermatoses. People in general, especially school-going kids, are not always conversant with the hazards associated with swimming. The health benefits of swimming are wonderful. However, the very things put in water to protect us from infection are responsible for some adverse effects on our skin, hair and even teeth.

Our skin is very vulnerable. Water by itself can dehydrate the skin - excessive contact with water removes the thin oily film on the skin called sebum making it to lose precious moisture. And as far as soaking for long hours in hyper-chlorinated waters of a pool is concerned, the skin is subjected to the worst kind of abuse. Chlorine gets absorbed in the skin causing dryness, and even rashes, eczema and other allergies and skin diseases. If at all, body lotions or ordinary sunscreens are applied to the skin prior to swimming, it can bond with these substances and cause undesirable and untoward reactions. Skin also tends to become sensitive and the possibility of getting early wrinkles, freckles, acne and other spots and blemishes cannot be ruled out.

Chlorine wreaks havoc on hair. Chlorine forms a bond with the protein in our hair and causes lot of damage. The bonding of chlorine causes the protein in the hair to breakdown making it dry, coarse, brittle and unmanageable.

Don'ts

  • Do not enter water if you have any skin infection.
  • Do not swallow the water.

Do's

  • Shower with warm water and anti-bacterial soap before entering the water and after leaving the swimming pool, hot tub, or whirlpool. After swimming, wash the chlorine off your body as soon as possible. If the shower you're using is at the pool and also has chlorinated water, shower again when you get home.
  • Remove all make-up, body lotion, sun cream and hair products before entering the water.
  • Always remember to shower before and after swimming in a pool using specially formulated shampoos used for that purpose. Hair is like sponge absorbing water. So before you get in the pool, wet your hair with fresh water. That way, your hair won't absorb as much chlorine while you swim. All these precautions greatly help in minimizing the effects of chlorine damage on your skin and hair.
  • Water itself ironically removes moisture from the skin. There is a layer of oil present on all of our bodies, but once immersed in water, it disappears. This allows for the dryness to set in. To combat this, after showering (following the swim), apply a moisturiser—either a lotion or cream.
  • Remember to wear swimming caps to cover your hair.
  • Be cautious of a pool that has a strong chemical smell.
  • Swallow as little water as possible.
  • Be aware of any irritation to your skin or eyes.
  • Watch for any irritation, wheezing or any other respiratory problem that you may experience soon after swimming.
  • Last but not the least use good skin care products. Unfortunately, many of the skin care products in the market further dry the skin. To be safe, your best choice is a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps chemicals out. In fact, many professional swimmers use it before they get into the pool to protect their skin while swimming.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Sculpt your body

Keeping its commitment to bring the latest and the best in healthcare, Aura Skin Institute, Chandigarh has launched the most innovative and technologically advanced body contouring and skin tightening device—Exilis. It is US FDA approved and has recently won The Best Skin Tightening Device award at The Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, USA.

Exilis is a precise, effective and a versatile device which offers you a unique blend of ultrasound, monopolar radio frequency and cooling in a single applicator. It is safe and non-invasive method to tackle mild to moderate fat deposits and provides effective body contouring via fat volume reduction and skin tightening. Exilis treatment also results in cellulite reduction, and marked improvement in tone and elasticity of skin.

Giving details, Dr Suruchi Gupta, director of Aura Skin Institute, said, "It is the only machine that promises non-surgical fat reduction and causes actual circumferential reductions ranging from 4 cm to 15 cm after four treatment sessions spaced at two week intervals. All of this occurs in a painless and quick 20 minute office procedure with no downtime or limitations on your activities. No anesthesia, numbing gels or injections are required. Exilis can be used virtually anywhere on the face and body, including around the eye, jaw line, jowls, around the mouth, inner thighs, arms, abdomen, back and ankles.

The clinic is offering 30 per cent discount for the same treatment as a part of its introductory offer. — TNS

Con & comic
Tusshar Kapoor plays a realistic and unconventional role in the film Bajatey Raho

Comedy has no limitations and this time, its horizon has been well explored by Shashant A Shah who presents the first revenge comedy Bajatey Raho. This movie is not only a perfect amalgamation of comedy and reality but also brings to you an array of brilliant actors who are forced to believe in the concept of con v/s con in order to win over evil. Know a little more about the movie as we get candid with Tusshar Kapoor aka Sukhi:

How was your experience working with Shashant A Shah?

I had seen Chalo Dilli and wanted to work with Shashant since then. I feel Shashant is a very involved and sincerer director. He is completely a producer’s director and in my career so far, I have never seen a director so incorrupt and economical. Shashant eats drinks and sleeps his film. He is one of the hardest working directors I have known so far. I just hope that all his hard work translates well on screen.

You have always preferred comedies over other genres. Is that true?

Not at all! In fact, if you see my last film Shoot Out at Wadala, I have played a completely different role. Be it The Dirty Picture, Shor in the City, C Kkompany or Gayab, I have always done more serious cinema. I think it was my role in the Golmaal series that has started stereotyping my work. Today even if you see my role in Bajatey Raho, it is so much more realistic and unconventional just like the film. For me, it is more about selecting a film with a good script, a good director, a good producer and a good co-star rather than the genre (laughs). In other words, I am always looking for the perfect combinations!!

Tell us a little bit about your character in the film.

I play the role of Sukhi who is very emotional yet comical. The story starts by showing a drift between my father and me. So it’s a complex character. He’s mature and wants to look at life in his own way. I have had intense meetings and discussions with Shashant in order to understand the mindset of the character. I even learnt Punjabi as I feel it is very important to get under the skin of the character so that one can do complete justice to the role. I used to watch Punjabi movies, talk to my workers who were Punjabi and ask them to correct me wherever required.

Tell us more about Bajatey Raho.

It’s a rib-tickling, mad, light hearted journey of four people who are close to each other and have come together to get the right thing done the wrong way.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Right now I am in talks with Satish Kaushik for his next project. Simultaneously, I am also working on my first production and am on a lookout for a good script for the same.

Back to the past

Actor Abhishek Bachchan took a ride down the memory lane and recalled his first release Refugee, the buzz around his debut movie and the nervousness that he felt at its premiere 13 years ago.

The 37-year-old made his debut with JP Dutta’s 2000 movie Refugee, which also marked Kareena Kapoor’s entry into filmdom.

“So, it’s been 13 years to the day since my 1st film ‘Refugee’ released - 30th June, 2000. It’s been a fun ride so far... Thank you all for the immense love, faith, belief, support and tolerance. I would not be here without you! Big love,” Abhishek posted on Twitter.

“Memories of the premiere of the film are still so vivid. The great Liberty cinema, almost the entire film industry, the media,

and amidst all this pageantry and excitement, two very scared, nervous and hopeful debutants, Kareena and myself. Great memories,” he added.

So far the actor has been part of 50 movies, including hits like Yuva, Dhoom, Bunty Aur Bubli and Bol Bachchan.

“13 years and just about 50 films, not bad! It’s been a lot of fun. But not as much fun and promise that the coming year holds,” he posted.

Last seen in Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan, Abhishek will soon be seen reprising his role of ACP Jai Dixit in the third installment of Dhoom franchise, which also features Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. — IANS

What a let down!
Pankaj walks out of a film at the last minute

The super-choosy Pankaj Kapoor has not been seen in any film after the ill-fated Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. He is unlikely to be seen in any film in the coming years. Apparently Pankaj backed out of Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s film at the last minute.

Chauhan says, “Pankajji backed out the night before shooting. We had to replace him with Pavan Malhotra when the set was ready at Film City. And since the actor Ashwath Bhatt, who was to co-star with Pankajji did not match Pawan age-wise, we had to replace him as well.”

Chauhan is baffled about why Pankaj Kapoor chose to exit so late in the day. “It’s still a mystery to me as to why this happened. Pankajji signed the deal. Just 16 hours before shooting he said he wasn’t ready for this movie at this point of time in his career.”

Shocked and betrayed, Chauhan adds, “But I still have the highest regard for Pankaj saab and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Cheat to be happy!

After winning the national award for the film, 1971, Amrit Sagar is back with his next film Rabba Main Kya Karoon starring Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raj Babbar, Akash Chopra, Tahira Kochhar, Riya Sen, Himani Shivpuri, Tinnu Anand, Sushmita Mukherjee and Shakti Kapoor.

The story revolves around two brothers Arshad Warsi and his younger cousin brother Akash Chopra who is getting married in the typical lavish Indian style in Delhi.

Before the wedding, Akash’s elder brother Arshad Warsi and his three uncles, played by Paresh Rawal, Tinnu Anand and Shakti Kapoor, teach him the key to a happy married life and according to them that is, ‘in order to live a happy married life, one must cheat on his wife!’.

This film is a satire rom-com set in the backdrop of a great Indian Punjabi wedding. The film is entirely shot in Delhi. It is a wholesome film which is all set to capture the hearts of his audiences.

Rabba Main Kya Karoon is produced by Moti Sagar and the creative producer of the film is Meenakshi Sagar. Music of the film is given by Salim Suleman and lyrics are by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

The film releases on August 2.

Not just another Tom, Dick or Harry
Cher rates Tom Cruise as one of her top five lovers

Singer Cher, who dated Tom Cruise for a brief period, describes him as a great guy and says he was one of her best lovers. The duo dated each other briefly for a while in the 1990s and Cher, 67, has only good things to say about Cruise, 50.

She said of their relationship, “It was pretty hot and heavy for a little while. He’s a great guy. The person that I knew was a great and lovable guy.”

Asked where he ranked in her long list of lovers, she said: “He was in the top five! I just had the greatest lovers ever.”

Cher has also dated celebrities like Val Kilmer and Gene Simmons in the past. — IANS

Desi detective
Sushant to play the role of Byomkesh Bakshi

The Pavitra Rishta (Zee TV) actor stormed into the hearts of millions of movie lovers playing Ishaan in Kai Po Che. Sushant Singh Rajput will soon be seen in YRF’s Shudh Desi Romance. And it seems he is flying really high in his 70mm career as he has been signed again for a major YRF project to be helmed by critically acclaimed director Dibakar Banerjee.

Yes, the Love Sex Aur Dhoka director is making a Hindi film based on Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s famous fictional detective, Byomkesh Bakshi. And Sushant has been roped in to play the role of the sleuth.

The story will showcase Byomkesh’s young age and how he evolved as a detective in the backdrop of the early 40s.

The film is expected to go on the floors in January and is expected by the end of 2014.

Now, Irrfan on Nat Geo

At some point in our lives, we have witnessed situations that are life-threatening to us, our loved ones or complete strangers. But are we really prepared to face such critical situations and ensure that we play our part in saving a life? Recognising the need to sensitise people and taking the lead in making them ready for an emergency, the National Geographic Channel, in association with Medanta Hospital, launches the Be Emergency Ready! initiative. Supporting the social campaign would be national award-winning actor Irrfan Khan. He would reinforce the urgency of being emergency-sensitive and urge people to do their bit during difficult situations.

The campaign will kick-start with TV films featuring Irrfan Khan wherein he talks about the three important aspects of handling emergencies — knowledge, value of time and action — which can help save precious lives. It would then move on ground with special emergency workshops designed by seasoned Medanta doctors across corporate houses in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Engaging with the tech-savvy online audience, the campaign will encourage people to share their inspirational stories related to emergency situations.

Talking about his association with Nat Geo's Be Emergency Ready campaign, actor Irrfan Khan said, "There is a certain negligence and dehumanisation that plagues the society today. I am glad that a credible entity like National Geographic Channel has come forth to take forward this cause. I am happy and proud to be a part of this campaign and will do my bit in educating audiences. It will also be insightful for the viewers to watch the show Emergency Room and recognise real-life tensions and how it affects those who are dealing with it."

The campaign focuses on sensitising a society that displays marked indifference and educating them on emergency etiquettes. Spanning across on ground and online mediums, the campaign culminates into a TV series — Emergency Room on National Geographic Channel that will showcase the realities that unfold within the four walls of an emergency ward of a hospital. To become a part of this change, log on to - www.facebook.com/BeEmergencyReady and share your story or learn how to be emergency ready!

Supernatural twist in Adaalat

Sony Entertainment Television's investigative legal drama Adaalat is all set for a mystic twist. Khauff Ki Adaalat - a four-week long supernatural series will showcase stories that will make chills run down your spine! And that's not all; the witty and sharp KD Pathak will be joined by two new subordinates to help him unravel the cases.

Prerna Wanvari and Srman Jain have been roped in to assist Pathak in his cases. Ronit Roy alias Pathak along with two bright minds will be seen combating the supernatural forces, not to forget his courtroom acumen. First to join forces with Pathak is the beautiful Prerna Wanwari who essays the role of Sunaina, a law graduate who comes to assist him. Sunaina is completely in awe of KD and always wants to do things right to impress him. On the other hand, Samar played by Srman Jain is a history-sheeter, street smart and a complete charmer.

Inspired by KD Pathak, Samar joins him to fight against crime. Samar doesn't mind bending a few rules to get things done, as long as the end result is achieved. Samar and Sunaina form an interesting combination as they are different like chalk and cheese. These thrilling and exciting episodes will be packed with suspense, research and investigation — all set to make your weekends eerie and unnerving. An excited Ronit Roy says, "I am very excited for this supernatural series and I'm sure the audiences will love it too. These cases will surely spook the audience but in an entertaining way."

Get ready for junior Shaktimaan!

We have all grown up watching Shaktimaan fighting evil forces to save the world. The franchise, which had been started by Mukesh Khanna, also diversified into cartoon and comic books. Well, there is some splendid news for all the fans of Shaktimaan. The very famous and popular super-hero is back in a tele-film. It will mark the return of actor Mukesh Khanna in the role of Shaktimaan and this time he will also be introducing a Junior Shaktimaan, Uday Sachdeva, on screen.

Mukesh Khanna is quite excited about the telefilm, "It's been more than ten years for Shaktimaan, still the popularity remains the same and kids ask me when Kilwish will die!” — HRM

CHATTER BOX

High five
While many newcomers join television every year, only a few stand out. We take a look at five new faces that made an impact

Shefali Sharma
Bani-Ishq Da Kalma is about girls who are married to NRI husbands; Shefali Sharma delivers in the role of the dutiful daughter who unites her family and turns down her lover to marry the groom of her parents' choice.

Charlie Chauhan
She might have done Roadies 7 and the glamorous girl Ela in Best Friends Forever, but it was Nach Baliye 5 that got her into the limelight. Suited to delicate roles, this girl sure works in youth-oriented shows.

Aanchal Khurrana
She plays the role of vamp Charu in Zee's Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke. Aanchal’s transformation from a love-sick puppy to a manipulative woman was highly commendable and appreciated by the audiences. Her contrast of switching from the goody-goody bahu to a venom-dripping villain was perhaps the best selling point and she has made a real mark with it.

Chandni Bhagwanani
She was seen playing a kid's role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Karishma Ka Karishma; she is cast perfectly in the role of a girl-next-door Amita Ka Amit.

Kanwar Dhillon
After playing the antagonist in The Buddy Project, Kanwar is doing a good job in the grey role of Munna/Addu in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. He brings out the angst; anger and pathos equally well while handling his emotions and not overdoing it.

 

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Don't trust a stranger. You will have some problems with a loved one. However, it will not be serious. Do not let friends and family get in the way of romantic relationships. Tarot message: Be creative to retain a grip over business. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Lucky number: 60

TAURUS: You will be in the mood to socialise and meet new people. Make it a point to rest and relax. An Aquarius person is attracted to you. Meditation will keep you calm. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Violet. Lucky number: 27

GEMINI: Be cautious while signing legal papers, as there could be more to the situation than meets the eye. Socialising keeps you busy. Spend time with your partner. Tarot message: Do not try to end all the deadlocks in one go. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 39

CANCER: You need to take frequent breaks and watch out your diet as well as fitness routine. Travel plans for business or pleasure are possible. Monetary gains are indicated. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your path of success. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Lucky number: 40

LEO: If there are important meetings today, you need to be focused and prepared as seniors as well as business associates will take note of your ability to handle last-minute changes. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Act righteously. Lucky colour: Navy-blue. Lucky number: 61

VIRGO: You will be unable to make up your mind about an important decision. Don't hesitate to discuss things with close associates as this will help you gain a better perspective. Tarot message: Avoid confrontation and making personal remarks. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 37

LIBRA: Spending time with loved ones will be a priority. Money-related issues will be on your mind. Going out of your way to help colleagues or loved ones will earn you appreciation. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 31

SCORPIO: You are in a restless mood and will feel agitated about matters concerning your personal life. Don't give in to uncertainties as this is a temporary phase. Tarot message: Do not delegate your tasks to anyone, do them yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 29

SAGITTARIUS: Focus on health, diet and exercise. Business projects will run successfully. Drive carefully. A raise in interest can hit your bank balance hard. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Lucky number: 65

CAPRICORN: Avoid a Scorpio person, who will drag you down with cautious advice. You will learn from practical experience. There is a blossoming of consciousness. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 27

AQUARIUS: Just knuckle down to doing what is good for you. Don't ramp on over-sensitive corns. Today's influences boost your optimism. There is a good deal of success coming your way soon. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Lucky number: 42

PISCES: Just proceed slowly and double-check everything. Don't let feelings of inadequacy bring you down. Yoga and swimming are great fitness routines for you. Today is a good day for romance. Tarot message: Avoid gossip-sessions at the workplace. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 63





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