|
|
|
|
|
Digitally diligent
Last fourteen years and fifteen books, Ankit Fadia sure is on a roll. On Friday, when he was about to launch his latest book in Chandigarh, he got an unexpected call, from…Barack Obama!
For once in life, Ankit has written a book not on hacking but on how to maximise what the digital world today has on offer. Faster: 100 Ways to Improve Your Digital Life is a book for starters in the world of technology and on what all they can derive from here. Divided into four sections — Functionality, Look and Feel, Security and Fun Stuff — it has a hundred tips, right from on how to bar annoying callers, fight spam in your Gmail account, download videos from YouTube, search visually, block inappropriate sites and content from kids, wirelessly transfer files from phone to phone and stop wasting time online! "There are plenty of free apps available that help you in day-to-day life. Instead of calling a kid every five minutes while he or she is returning from a late night party, use this app that sends you minute-by-minute account of the location," says Ankit. Busy as ever, he is enjoying doing trainings, writing and shooting for his latest show Geek on the Lose on YouTube. In fact, he is keen on further exploring the immense potential that YouTube offers. Ankit is already writing his next book and it's a fiction this time, a love story set in the backdrop of technology. Addicted to technology he is and using it 24X7 just like everybody else, checking his Facebook and WhatsApp in between sleeping. Ankit answers all questions thrown at him; ask him on the controversial Wikipedia page in his name and he says, "It is a public forum. It carries whosoever updated last. Earlier, I would try to counter all the criticism aimed at me, now I concentrate on my work." He is all cool admitting that his site's been hacked many times, "So have been FBI's and Microsoft's and LinkedIn's; nothing is 100 per cent safe". He is also not against the 'anonymous'. "When one raises social issues by going anonymous it's all ok, but threatening companies with hacking is not what I am for." He is humble, feet on the ground person; reaches on time, keeps the presentation short and to all his critics he has just one answer, "I am neither the first hacker nor the last but those before me never wrote a book, started courses or came out in the open. This also fetches me my share of criticism and challenges, but all I know is that for every criticism there is loads more of those who love you." mona@tribunemail.com
Travel bug Ankit Fadia loves to travel. He has set himself an aim of visiting 100 countries in the
next ten years; he already claims to have visited 104. Here is his top list: North
Korea: Not open to travellers, it is an unusual country. They keep your phone along with your passport and for calls there is one in the hotel lobby, which too could be under the surveillance of authorities. It was a different experience to be cut from the rest of the world for those three-four days. Japan: It's totally high-tech. Every 100 metres you will find a vending machine selling everything from French fries; whatever you wish. In love with technology, I totally enjoyed that. Uzbekistan: It's one country truly beautiful and very rich historically. Iceland: This is the country of active volcanoes; walking on its terrain, one feels as if one has gone back at least a hundred years. Pakistan: I visited it for one of my Stanford friend's wedding. The whole Wagah Border and Lahore experience made me wonder on how similar we are and yet apart.
|
|
RACING ahead
Japtej Singh is only twelve-years-old and he is nothing like his peers, save the fact that he is a little reticent and that at this tender age he has already decided to become an actor. The recent catch in his kitty is Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming directorial venture Bhag Milkha Bhag, based on the life of Milkha Singh, in which he essays the role of the young Milkha Singh. We catch up with this young gun, as he waxes eloquent about the film while giving an insight into his role and the experience of working with Farhan Akhtar as well as Mehra.
The journey Currently pursuing his secondary education from YPS, Mohali, Japtej had already tried his hand at acting in the Punjabi film Lucky Di Unlucky Story, where he essayed the role of Jaswinder Bhalla's son. "For Bhag Milkha Bhag, Rakeysh sir wanted someone who was natural. During the auditions, I was asked to perform a skit on school and from there they took me on for the second auditions, which took place in Delhi, where Rakeysh sir finally selected me," says Japtej, who was accompanied by Jasbir Kaur (mother), Swaran Singh (father) and Vasal Deep Kaur (sister). "The only training that I did take for this role was for running and swimming, one month each. Before I started acting for this film, I did not know anything about Milkha Singh but when I visited his place and met him, he shared his experiences with me and now I know that he won 77 races out of 80," he smiles. Experience wise "Most of my scenes were shot in Ferozepur, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai. Since Milkha Singh would run barefoot, I ran barefoot too and at times on stones. Though it was difficult, I enjoyed it," shares Japtej, who is interrupted by his father as he adds, "Also, the entire team took utmost care that Japtej did not get injured while running, so they would have people standing with slippers from one end to the other. Japtej plays hockey for his school team, so he likes running." On meeting Farhan Akhtar, who Japtej claims is his favourite actor, he says, "I met Farhan Akhtar in Patiala while shooting for a sequence, and he would talk to me about studies and ask me about my favourite subjects." Although he felt the pangs of nervousness initially, Japtej says that the fear faded away eventually, "Thori der baad nervousness apne aap chale gai and Rakeysh sir was very encouraging as he told me how to deliver the dialogues." On the sets of the film, Japtej bonded pretty well with Chinmay, who essays the role of Sampreet, Milkha Singh's best friend. He says, "Chinmay was my age and I bonded with him. I want to become an actor and try my hand in Bollywood, but studies are a priority." Japtej has not yet been able to catch hold of the reaction of his peers. Wondering why? He says, "I started shooting for the film during the summer vacations and the promos have also been released during the vacations, so I would only know how my peers will react once the school reopens." We appreciate his innocence and
honesty! amarjot@tribunemail.com
|
|
Bright & shining
Have you ever set your eyes on that bold, bright family of colours called neons? Guess it's time to give it a try, as neons are ruling everything right from ramp, glossies to the markets. Not everyone can support this colour family with finesse; here is a quick check.
Apparel, accessories, make-up; try buying anything these days and the first thing a salesperson will show you is an assortment of neons. Now if you think there is still time to make up your mind about trying a tangerine dress for the all girls' party, start with accessories. Pick up a cobalt blue necklace to begin with; a bright clutch can follow before you give in to the lure of the dress. "The most appropriate way one can carry the neon colours is in short solid basic shape shift dress or a colour block dress paired with muted belt or bag, which will be bright but not loud," says Jahid Osman, managing director, Aviraté India. Aviraté has introduced a range of apparel and accessories sold in stores countrywide. Or you can start with funky neon-coloured scarfs with your pastel outfits! If run-of-the-mill is not your style, go individual. Malvika's Attire Line at Sector 16, Panchkula, is inundated with orders of kaftans georgette tops, asymmetrical tops — all in neons. "Fashionistas today keep in with the trend and neon tops their chart. We are into tailor-made stuff and doing loads of jobs in neons," says Malvika.
Nothing beats a rainy day than a bright spot! Sanya Dhir, brand director, KBSH says, "Neon dressing is all about eye catchy, funky hues. Lightweight and flowing fabrics work best for uppers. They work well for sarees too and we have plenty on our online portal."
Neons have traditionally been worn with black (like all fashion trends we have had them before). White works good too. "Black forms a great background, while white is a great canvas to show off neon. The best examples are white/cream sarees with thick neon borders and neon work," adds Sandhya. Sandals or clutches brighten your otherwise regular outfit in a big way. Most important is to not over-do stuff; it's either accessory or the dress you pick neon for! "Wear neon colours on the part of your body you want to define the most because it is eye-catcing and will highlight it," says Sandhya. Or bright detailing in a garment in terms of binding and piping could also do the trick! mona@tribunemail.com
Tip talk Neon is as huge a hit in makeup as elsewhere. We ask expert Neha Khanna on what does the trick? "It's the choice between the two, you either do lips or neon or eyes; never both." So if you want neon orange for lips, go for a dusky look for the rest of the face. "It's totally a casual, holiday look. You don't do neon for evenings or formals," she says. Do
it yourself Here is your step-by-step neon make-up guide by
Aakriti Kochar, beauty and make-up Expert, Oriflame India: Bright lips
Sparkling eyes
|
|||||||||
|
Eye candy
If your heart beats for everything that is vintage, it's time to go retro in eye wear with Maui Jim's Kahoma, the latest addition to the sunglass maker's attractive line of retro-inspired sunglasses.
Named after Kahoma Valley on West Maui in Hawaii, the style gives you ample reasons to head to outdoor lush locations with the comfort and assurance of protected eyes with a classic ever green eye gear. Kahoma is the land of lush, tropical landscapes, and its namesake sunglass is a modern take on a classic wayfarer that believes roaming around with élan.
Kahoma, the sunglasses come in a high grade nylon frame, unique colors, and Maui Jim's patented PolarizedPlus2 technology. With lens treatments and frames that are saltwater safe, the sunglasses are perfect for driving or relaxing on the beach. It comes with a mid-sized wrap with wider temples for extra coverage and protection against wind, debris and the sun's harmful rays. Its modified wayfarer frame complement smaller oval or heart face shapes a lot.
"The retro classic style in fashion never quite loses its charm and keeps returning on the fashion circles. We have observed that vintage style in eye wear is just loved by many people. We try to bring out an interesting mix of products for our consumers and Kahoma is the one for those who love the classic look," said I Rahumathullah, managing director, Maui Jim India.
—TNS
|
|||||||||
Her Hotness Chitrangda Sing
Chitrangda Singh maybe a married woman and a mother of a child but she is scorching hot and stylish. She makes women envy her and men of all ages swoon over her. She has an amazing body, gorgeous looks, and acting prowess too. Her oomph is hard to match. She talks about maintaining herself and her lifestyle. Loving it As actors we love and want attention and acknowledgement from our audiences. That feels great. If the audience calls me a 'goddess' they are appreciating my presence on the screen and when they see me socially. We would be nowhere without our audience. They make us stars. Body beautiful I have tried different forms of exercise such as yoga, cardio, strength training, and muscle workout and now kickboxing. I swear by it and it is doing wonders for me. It is so much fun as it involves so much activity and is way more engaging than running on a treadmill. I feel it is the best and most effective workout which gives you results fast! Get glowing I think my skin looks the best and it glows naturally when I have just finished my workout and I am still sweating. This is the best beauty regime and tip I could suggest to anyone. I remove my make-up before going to bed and cleanse, tone, and moisturise. We should allow our skin to breathe at night. Handling gossip Stories and gossip about our lives is part and parcel of our profession and we must take it with a pinch of salt. Even the media is just doing their job, like we are. People have the right to make their own opinions but I do not like people passing judgments without knowing both sides of the story. Of course, the best thing to do is ignore such stuff. Dream role I aspire to play the role of Francesca Johnson essayed by Meryl Streep in The Bridges of Madison County. I saw the movie a few years ago and it is just stuck in my head.
Kalki to romance Saif
Kalki Koechlin will romance Saif Ali Khan in his next production to be directed by Raj and DK of Go Goa Gone fame. The movie is a romantic comedy set in Los Angeles and Kalki loved the humour in the script.
Ranbir to play superhero?
If the latest buzz to be believed then Ranbir Kapoor is going to follow the footsteps of Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan who tried their hands enacting superhero characters.
Rumour has it that Ranbir has given his nod to play a superhero in Ayan Mukerji's next. While both Hrithik and Shah Rukh managed to pull off the superhero characters with aplomb that resulted in their respective films to be a rage amongst the masses, Ayan is supposedly ready to take on the challenge to match up to their level. The director is confident that the actor could carry out the role well.
New it-girl!
Shraddha Kapoor's fortunes have turned around post Aashiqui 2 and she has been signed as the ambassador of a skin care brand and even shot a commercial for the same. Way to go, girl! More endorsements are coming her way now and life is like a bed of roses!
Evelyn has it all!
When actress and fashionista Evelyn Sharma made her foray into Bollywood a year ago, not many expected the newbie from Germany to make her mark in Indian films! But the sexy babe improved her Hindi and bagged five films within a few months. Now, two of her movies Ayan Mukherji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD) and Rohan Sippy's Nautanki Saala, have emerged runaway hits. What's more! YJHD, where Evelyn was seen in the key role of a hottie alongside Ranbir Kapoor, is the biggest blockbuster of the year. Last year, Bollywood saw Rowdy Rathore, Housefull 2 and Agneepath cross the 100 crore mark. But this year, that honour has belonged only to YJHD until now.
Reveling in the success, Evelyn has been receiving meatier and more glamourous offers for movies, endorsements and fashion events. "Brand Evelyn has managed a sort of balancing act between being an actress, model and a fashionista," quips her publicist. Her next release is Issaq with Prateik Babbar, followed by Yaariyaan; the directorial debut of T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar's wife Divya Kumar. A super-packed year indeed! What shall we say, but that luck, talent and success make an unbeatable combination. And Evelyn's got it all neatly tucked in her kitty! going good: Evelyn Sharma
Foodies’ delight
Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor relished Jaaved Jaaferi's home food on the sets of Besharam. Jaaved carried pulao and keema and Rishi also got Bengali food for the unit on.
Sallu takes care of Luila
Salman Khan has more or less gone public with his Romanian girlfriend Lulia Vantur. He had put her up at his farmhouse in Panvel and is also looking for a place for her in Mumbai. A few years ago, she helped him use a Romanian tune for one of his hit movies without buying the copyright for it.
Aamir’s treat
Bonding with the rest
Holiday package
|
|||||||||
|
Taking things forward
TV producers do a lot to keep the TRPs high and audiences hooked. We take a look at some of the time leaps taken in shows recently and few others who plan to take it soon. Pavitra Rishta This is one show that has been most affected by the leap. Apparently, Ankita Lokhande returned to the show on the condition that she would play a younger role. So now she will be seen as a grandmother and granddaughter in the same show once it takes a leap of twenty years.
Bade Acche Lagte Hain This show had taken a leap of eight years earlier as well and is now gearing for a fifteen-twenty year leap; post that, of course, Pihu will grow up with new characters and old villains.
Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera Although the makers had planned to take a leap within one or two months of the show once it was established, people loved the kids so much that the story is stuck in the same time period. Soon, they plan to take a leap but that's months away.
Devon Ke Dev Mahadev This mythological show took a leap of fifteen years and we saw the young Ganesh grow up. The child actor Sadhil Kapoor will surely be missed as he was not only cute but a wonderful actor. Now let's see what's in store with all grown-ups in the show.
Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat The show wasn't doing well before the leap and so they had to kill Madhav. Then to help matters, the makers decided to take a five year leap with Aaradhya turning into a young mom and a successful RJ. Soon, she will fall for Dr Shekhar (Sachin Shroff).
Lata is all praise for children
After Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar praising the talent of Indian Idol Junior Kids on social media platform, India's nightingale Lata Mangeshkar too could not hold back her emotions and expressed her love for the contestants.
Lata Mangeshkar tweeted, "Namaskar. Main Indian Idol Junior dekh rahi hu aur sab bacche ek se badhkar ek gaa rahe hain, khas taur pe Anmol bohot hi samajh ke gaata hai . Aise karyakram mein sirf ek ladka ya ladki ka first aana aur bakiyon ko mauka nahi milna ye bohot afsos ki baat hai. main Indian Idol Junior team ko request karna chahti hu ki top five ko award rakhiye, usse baccho ko bhi khushi hogi aur gaayak banne ki unki iccha aur badh sakti hai. main puri Indian Idol Junior team ko badhai deti hu aur in sab baccho ko bohot bohot pyar" Looks like the fan base of these Junior idols is increasing day by day! — HRM
Vishal goes to Macau
|
|||||||||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: Your card Eight of Wands suggests that extra money is likely to come from somewhere. You will start off in a confident mood. Life is not likely to run according
to plan. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. TAURUS: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Stay with a focus on business because that's what will pay dividends. Family members are co-operative. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Magic number: 29 GEMINI: You will regret reckless spending. You need to spend more time on repair work around home. Vitality may be a little low. You will get satisfaction from new work. CANCER: Though you have sufficient funds but stick to window shopping. Arrangements you made to meet with friends can change at the last moment. Pay bills so that you can work out exactly where you stand financially. Tarot message:
Minor official pin-pricks are better ignored. Lucky colour: Ebony. LEO: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting all your paper works. Check your bank account. It's time for romance. Look up an old flame, who now lives away from you. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely
circumstances. VIRGO: Do not bottle up emotions and become agitated. Plan some fun and relaxation with loved ones and leave stress behind. Influential people will like your
style. Health issues should be treated right away and not put off until other day. LIBRA: Your personal skills and style of working will be noticed. A financial matter that has been delayed should move forward now. You will receive a romantic proposition. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youthful origin.Lucky
colour: Peach. SCORPIO: Stimulating and thought- provoking ideas will be in abundance today. Your partner will talk you into taking a vocation together or indulging in some gym or dance classes for fun. SAGITTARIUS: Smile! It's a day when dreams come true. That may seem a little exaggerated but if you believe in something, it will just happen. You are in a position to motivate others. Tarot message: You will not get away with wrongful doings, so don't even try. CAPRICORN: Career affairs can be reaching a triumphant climax. You are in an ideal job, doing what you have and showing the world just how capable you are. Health problems improves. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: The Page of Swords reveals that you are noted for your resiliency. You are refused to give up even when the odds are
against you. Romance takes a turn for the better. PISCES: You need clarity in financial or business matters. Get expert advice to help you sort out a problem. Teenagers: you may meet someone today who set your heart aflutter. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51
|
|||||||||
|
first-day-first show
Lootera
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Lootera is a period-romance drama film and stars Ranveer Singh opposite Sonakshi Sinha. Set in the year 1953, the story revolves around Pakhi, an aristocratic Zamindar and Varun, an archaeologist, who seeks help from the Zamindar with a letter from the Archaeological Society of India. With his remarkable knowledge of books and music, and expertise in his own field, Varun impresses the Zamindar, stealing his way into the life and heart of the family; especially Pakhi's. Pakhi falls in love with Varun and what follows is a series of inevitable uncertainties and misunderstandings. Finally, she comes to terms with her feelings for Varun on the eve of his departure and Varun agrees to marry her. However, strangely, a shocking realisation about Varun shatters Pakhi's life. She turns reclusive. Pakhi struggles to move on with her life, determined to forget him and their relationship. Until one day, he lands up at her doorstep under the most extraordinary circumstances.
Couldn't get better It's a masterpiece. There's nothing in the film that could be added or subtracted, to make it look better. I loved the film for not only the story, but also for the music and the acting, especially the concept. Loveleen Kaur, student
Cinematic excellence Lootera floors you with its subtle yet intense capacity to feel love and the characters in the film are an extension of the director's creativity. I really like the film, it has the way of being mellow yet strong. Kanika Sharma, student
Yesteryear charm I like the idea of engaging in the era-oriented romance. Not only does it give an insight into history, but it also highlights the lifestyle of people of that era. Such films initiate a compelling bond between the old and new generations, while giving us a common chord to talk
about. Nevidita Vaishisht, student
Policegiri Produced by T P Aggarwal and Rahul Aggarwal and a Bollywood directorial of popular Tamil director K.S. Ravikumar, Policegiri features Sanjay Dutt, Prachi Desai and Prakash Raj in the lead roles. Role calling Considering that so many actors have attempted to essay the role of a headstrong cop, I believe that no other actor could ever have done justice to the role other than Sanjay Dutt. I really like his boisterous look and the way he has acted in the film. Sangmeet Randhawa, businesswoman Just for laughs I like the film because of the comedy that there is in the film. It's commercially acceptable and though films on the police, including Dabangg and Singham, have been done to death, Pilocegiri is refreshing and interesting. Harpreet Sandhu, student — As told to Amarjot Kaur
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
