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The Runaway Bride
Bling and couture in India enjoy a perfect symbiotic relationship. You see them complementing each other even when the next generation designers push for experiments with textures, fabrics and silhouettes. Bling is here for now and ever but this time it's not blinding. It's not subtle either, it's just toned down enough to shift the focus on cuts, shapes and patterns. The first two days of Aamby Valley 2013--India Bridal Fashion Week is a reaffirmation of the change couture is undergoing, where Rina Dhaka'a creation, mirror work bustier with a an extended panel is far more experimental than JJ Valaya's multi-coloured, heavily embellished lehenga that Kangana Ranaut walked down the ramp in. As designers reinvent couture, we pick trends and their masterpieces that might dot the coming wedding season.
Experimental silhouette Jyotsna Tiwary A few creations presented don't even confirm the couture parameters but they are every inch beautiful pieces of craft, meant for the bride who doesn't want to tread the beaten path. Jyotsna Tiwari's ensemble is more about silhouettes and colour choice than work. She has used bright pink and orange to make up for the minimal embellishments. Her creation, beige choli with peplum paired with an orange lehanga defines the right balance of colours. Even the silhouettes are not meant for the bride who wants to stick to the conventional outfits. "Fusion is what I aimed for this season. Even if my dresses are not meant for the wedding day, these would give the apt look on a cocktail or any other wedding function," says the designer. A fusion of corset gown and cape dress that Jacqueline Fernandez wore with trousers was the high point of this collection. In high spirits Rina Dhaka Colours in actual sense are what Rina Dhaka has used to create magic. Her show saw a burst of neon pink, neon orange, yellow contrasted well with nudes and sheers. Titled Free Spirited Bride, the collection stands true to the nomenclature. After a long time, mirror work is seen in the ramp. It is also a comeback of sorts for jharokha work. Done in bright colours, it is not just used in cholis and kurtis, also in bottoms like
shararas. Muted culture Meera Muzaffar Ali Besides setting trends, fashion designers have from time to time revived the ancient crafts and textiles of India. Designer couple, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, brings on the stage this time the craft of Awadh in colours that were never a part of couture before. Off whites, nudes and beiges dominated the colour scheme. The beautifully constructed Anarkalis, long jackets, lehangas and shararas, sarees are a part of the ensemble. The embellishment part is restricted to zardosi and chikankari, signature art of the region. But only time will tell if brides are ready for colours that are too somber. Fit for a king JJ Valaya One expects opulence from the most renowned couturier of India, JJ Valaya, and he doesn't disappoint. The collection, Maharaja of Madrid, is bound to be high on bling and colours, or how else can you portray the royalty? Divided into five parts, the collection is an amalgamation of costumes and practices followed in Spain. The inspiration is derived from laces found in Spanish fans, the shawls of the country, and even what armours and bullfighters of the country wear. Needless to say a lot of metal is used for the embroidery. But it is Valaya's handling of colours that stands out. He makes Kabir Bedi look every bit the king of Madrid in heavily embroidered, full length, deep maroon sherwani. Romancing the Romans Nikhil Shantanu The name of the collection, To Die For, justifies the inspiration behind it--the artists of renaissance period. "Their works were actually meant to die for," says Nikhil of Nikhil Shantanu, the designer duo. A lot has been derived from the roman architecture, be it the texture, interplay of silhouettes and even the gold leaf accessory. Known for their expertise in draping, this time using the same technique, they have incorporated asymmetric cholis so that one can do away with the dupptta with the lehanga. That's again done in a bid to please the modern bride.
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Hide & seek
Let alone a promotion, it's not even a sneak peak. The announcement to upcoming Punjabi film Dil Le Gayi Kudi Punjab Di covers up more than it divulges. Unfortunately, we have to make do with only a couple of revelations. For instance, the cast, some of the crew and the genre.
"In this film, we promise to get you a song by a lead playback singer from Bollywood whose name I can't reveal right now. There will also be an item number by Veena Malik," shares the producer Angad Singh during the announcement of the film at Buzz, while forbidding any advanced queries about the project. Joining him is the director J Cee Dhanoa, actors Navraj Hans, Ashok Masti and actress Jividha. The romantic comedy holds a promise and a certain place for each of them. Star material Over to the star of the moment. The spotlight on Navraj Hans might not be due to his body of work but the powerful lineage that he represents. Son of Hans Raj Hans and son-in-law of Daler Mehendi debuts in the movie and as a star. He laughs, "I play a star singer in the movie and that really suits me. They told me that all I have to do was look good and act like a star." It was almost a decade-long weight to get ready and wait for the right script. "I must have been practicing for the past nine years and only then did I decide to come with my debut song." He adds, "It was ditto with acting. I was waiting for the right project and getting ready to act." While, "music excites me more than anything else. I've signed a couple of Hindi films including one titled Band of Maharajas." Yet another romantic comedy but the one in which he has four songs. As for the current film, "there's one promotional song, one romantic track and one bhangra number." Brother Yuvraj Hans is already a couple of films old and even made a mark with Yaar Anmulle, while he enters the industry much later and as a married man. "I am not married yet, am going to get married in November. Moreover, I don't think these things affect your career. If at all, they only help." Little masti, big hope Even years down the line, the 'glassy' tag refuses to part with Ashok Masti. What we look forward to is his role in the film. He laughs, "I have a lead role in the film and beyond this if I divulge anything, my director will beat me up." He adds, "I never really liked any script till this movie happened." Thereby, he follows in the bandwagon of singers turned actors. Actress Jividha has her fingers crossed for the project as also the upcoming Dil Sada Lutteya Gaya. Having played the character of Aishwarya Rai's sister in Taal and Punjabi feature film Mini Punjab, it was time to move onto commercial roles. She plays what is expected of a Punjabi film heroine. "I play a Punjabi girl to the core. While I may have done that before but this is exciting." Hope the excitement translates into expectations. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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The Frog gets talli
What a better way to kick-start a 'happening' weekend than a musical feast along with yummy food? Frog Prince, the café cum pub, is striving to do just that by launching Talli Frog Fridays from July 26 onwards to give something new to the folks of Ludhiana.
Frog Prince will be dedicating each Friday evening to bring forth some unique blends of music and of course loads of fun. The catch line is "Let the weekend start on a talli note. As Palak the spokesperson puts it, "We at the Frog Prince promise to give the frog in you a 'talli' start of the weekend." However, she adds, "Talli is not about alcohol alone but about experiencing fun along with friends, unique cocktails from our signature range and great music." Away from celebrity DJs and loud musicians, the plan for now is to unearth the hidden jewels from the world of music and give them a plat form to perform and entertain while treating their customers to different genres of music. The vistas of music will largely be centered around Sufi, Indian fusion and folk. This Talli Friday, we will be entertained by Aayat, a unique fusion band playing a blend of the Sufiana strains with Indian classical beats, Punjabl folk tunes and of course the ever loved Bollywood songs to round off the evening. Aayat is a five member band, including two percussionists, two vocalists and a guitarist. This five-member band promises to "give a new definition to music which will stay in the hearts and mind of the listener forever". The members include Nadeem Khan and Rizman on vocals, Arnab Bhattacharya on the drums, Rasheed on tabla and Deepan on bass guitar.
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Making sense of history
A beautiful temple, destroyed the very day it was it made…makes for the plot of
Konark, a play brought by Collegiate Drama Society, New Delhi. Directed by Ravi
Taneja, it is one of the first few successful plays of modern India, written by Indian Civil Service officer Jagdish Chandra
Mathur. Presented in the classical style along with Odissi dance, Konark aims to take you straight to the temple and the political milieu that became the cause of rise and fall of it. The play's director,
Ravi, has been in this field for three decades now. He is the one who strongly believes in theatre being a powerful, dual medium of entertainment and message. So you wouldn't find him watching or directing the plays that evoke just a few guffaws.
"The political scenario is uncertain today as it was eight hundred years back where Konark is set. How the state plays havoc with the common man is what bothers me," says
Ravi, who also depicts the artistes' plight and wrongs they have to suffer in such a scenario! While writing has become experimental and one has the aid of technology, acting and directing has remained more or less same ever since Ravi started theatre. "Today technology has added another dimension to the medium. One can create whatever one wishes today, night, rain or storm on the stage, apart from that the basic of theatre has remained the same," says Ravi who is out and out Bernard Shaw and Ibsen lover. "I go for plays with a message. I am a subjective person and go for subjective scripts. Mohan
Rakesh, Ajmer Singh Aulukh and Vijay Tendulkar are some writers I have worked and read on." Collegiate Drama Society is in fact one of the few theatre groups who present plays in English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Konark has had four shows so far in New Delhi,
Gaya, Ujjain and Bhopal. "We will take you inside the temple during the play," offers the director who is next working on Ashoka Ki
Haar, how this mighty ruler's hope of turning India into a land of equals come to a
nought. The play is on Friday, Tagore Theatre-18, at 6:30 pm. mona@tribunemail.com
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A drive with Sachin Tendulkar
Though the launch of all-new BMW Dynamic 1 Series is still underway, Amritsar-lad Vishal Chauhan has already shifted the gears of his life and raced towards popularity by the virtue of being one of the eight contestants to drive the swanky car with Sachin Tendulkar.
"I am a huge fan of BMW and while browsing randomly about its features on its web page, an advertisement about the Dynamic 1 Series contest kept popping up. It was utter curiosity, which prompted me to click on the link and fill the form, but little did I know that a couple of days later, I would receive a call from their end," says Vishal, who was one of the eight winners, who went to Germany for the drive. "When they told me that I was chosen as one of the lucky winners, who will get a chance to drive the BMW Dynamic 1 Series with Sachin Tendulkar, I could not quite believe
my luck," he shares while adding, "However, when reality struck me, I realised that I did not have the visa. It was then time for me to do my rounds at the embassy and I impressed them with my wit and humour," he laughs. The all-expenses-paid experience for all the winners, including Vishal, was not as exhilarating as it was for him to meet the legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar and the FIA GT1 World Championship race driver from India, Armaan Ebrahim. "Going to Germany was not the big deal, the plus here was to meet Sachin Tendulkar and drive the car with him at the BMW Driving Circuit at Maisach near Munich, Germany. We had decided that once we see Sachin, we'll hoot, shout and cheer for him, but as he entered the hotel, there was a pin-drop silence and none of us (contest winners) uttered a word," he shares. "Sachin is indeed a very humble man and he does not have the starry attitude. In fact, we acted all high and mighty about staying with Sachin in the same hotel and spending time with him," he quips. Vishal signs off while adding, "It was a great opportunity and that Germans are good with cars and motors, they are also great hosts. I enjoyed every bit of it."
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star track Alia Bhatt is a lot like her father Mahesh Bhatt and her sister Pooja Bhatt in the sense that she is candid. The pretty girl talks about her co-star Arjun Kapoor, fashion, style, competition and more. Killer smile He comes across as boring, arrogant and cold because of his face. I feel bad for him because that's how his face is. His eyes are droopy and he has a droopy mouth. I call him the grumpy cat. But, he is an amazing person. He's funny, intelligent and warm. He's one of the nicest guys I've met. I love his sense of humour, which I never knew existed. I believe in the phrase 'do not judge a book by its cover' because Arjun is nothing like what he comes across as. What saves him though is his killer smile. Good competition Parineeti Chopra. When I watched her in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, I remember telling myself 'I am in for a roller-coaster ride'. The kind of command she has over the language, I wish I had. I spoke to her after Ishaqzaade and told her, 'You have to teach me how to cry'. But there's nothing negative about the competition. I'll always be happy for her as I'm very fond of her. She's sweet to me whenever we meet.
He has to be tall. I like guys with stubble and a big Adam's apple. He has to have a personality and be funny. If he's not funny then it's going be really sad. And he must smell nice. Smell is something that attracts me instantly. I use only men's perfumes. I change my perfumes every month. Style mantra I am just 20. So my style is changing. Every month, every week, something new excites me. I'm finding my niche as to what suits me the best. I am a young girl and if I am just running around in a jeans and a T-shirt. So, now is the time for me to have fun. If I go wrong sometimes, big deal. At least, I am not scared to take risks. Ideal date It'd be watching a great movie, having a burger, going for a drive and having fun that's very effortless. A romantic date for me is sitting in pajamas and being with a guy with whom I can be myself. Somebody told me that I look beautiful when I wake up in the morning. My idea of beauty has always been what you look like when you wake up. If you are beautiful, then you are actually beautiful, minus the makeup, clothes and hairdos.
Sunny Leone is in Goa shooting for Kaizad Gustad's movie after which she will head to Georgia to shoot for Devang Dholakia's movie. The pin-up girl has busy days ahead and lots of packing to do.
The actor has been defying all warnings about his health and working for 18 hours a day. Shah Rukh Khan has been juggling with multiple tasks and has Chennai Express on priority. The King Khan is pushing the envelope and defying his medical team's warnings. To start with, he had been advised at least 10 hours of sleep to help his weak shoulder recuperate faster. A close source informs, "Last week, Shah Rukh shot a tough song with Deepika for 18 hours a day over two days. Later, he shot an
"He is also planning to cover two cities every day on his promotional tour. Also, a video game based on the film is being launched and he plans to perform live stunts to launch the same. His team is worried with his plans and concerned about his health," adds the source. Chennai Express releases on August 9. Workaholic star: Shah Rukh Khan
Diana Penty is said to be dating diamond merchant Harsh Sagar who is filmmaker Chandra Barot's sister's son. It seems that her boyfriend only wants her to pick the best projects that come her way so she has agreed to do Sooraj Barjatya's film opposite Salman Khan. Director Milan Luthria is mighty impressed with Imran Khan. So much so that the filmmaker has paid him a huge compliment — by comparing his commitment towards work with that of his uncle Aamir Khan. While shooting a fight sequence for Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara (OUATIMD), Imran suffered a bad neck injury. But instead of asking for a break, he continued to shoot. Milan says, "We were shooting a scene where he (Imran) had to fall and tumble Milan adds, "Imran has impressed me with his dedication and sincerity. Despite multiple changes in schedules, he was co-operative and willing. He is going to surprise everyone with his exemplary performance in this film."
Bonding time: Kareena Kapoor Khan and Priyanka Chopra (L)
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chatter box
Priya tells us, "In November I had been shortlisted for a television show when suddenly I got a call for this film. The producer and director couldn't believe that I was actually considering TV when I had a film offer in my hand. However, I left it to destiny and told myself that I would go with whatever started first and the film luckily started within four days, while there was a delay in the show." Looks like Priya's Bollywood debut was meant to be!
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Bajatey Raho
Producer: Krishika Lulla Isaaq
Producer: Shailesh R Singh. Dhaval Gada Isaaq is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and is set in Varanasi. Presented by Jayantilal Gada's Pen India Pvt Ltd, this film is in the news for Prateik Babbar romancing a newbie Amyra Dastur. Ravi's Kissen plays the uncle of Amyra Dastur and is one of the main characters with grey shades. Directed by Manish Tiwary Isaaq releases today. Luv U Soniyo
Producer: ViaCom 18 Media Pvt Ltd Director Joe Ranjan is all set to treat the viewers with his romantic flick Luv U Soniyo. This romantic film boasts of a fresh star cast with modern sensibilities bringing their youthful exuberance to the film. Rati Agnihotri's son Tanuj Virwani, Neha Hinge (Miss India 2010) play lead roles along with Vivek Vaswani and Suresh Menon. Catch this ultimate romantic film from today at theatres near you. The Wolverine
Producer: Hugh Jackman Hollywood's most influential actor Hugh Jackman starrer: The Wolverine with dare devil action, breathtaking stunts and a riveting, gritty storyline releases today. During this course of a dark and ominous journey, this 3D drama directed by James Mangold is a keenly awaited chapter in Hugh Jackman's life. Nasha
Producer: Aditya Bhatia, Surender Suneja Jism, fame director is back with a new movie "Nasha". The script of this adult movie is written by Ajit Rajpal. The film introduces Poonam Pandey in a lead role. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: Be true to your ideals and don't sell yourself for money or glamour. Money issues could dictate what you need to concentrate on. A secret arrangement comes to light.
Tarot message: Allow a situation to blow over before starting anew. Lucky colour: Olive
Magic number: 58
TAURUS: Simple things in life will bring you joy today. Do not take on too much but enjoy working through your chores one by one. Health issue could be a matter of concern. Do not be rash or impulsive today.
Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Pale green. Magic number: 46 GEMINI: A tough day, be alert, aware and dynamic. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Step back and take several deep breaths before you say something you will regret. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else.
Lucky colour: Ivory Magic number: 36 CANCER: Satisfactory day for working mothers. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. A strong need to please might also make you vulnerable. Think twice before giving in. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of your health.
Lucky colour: Lavender Magic number: 55 LEO: You should not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. A word of caution for those suffering from any abdominal complaint. Those who are employed will be given special assignment. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: Double check appointment time so that they are arranged. If you are travelling give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Not a day for property deals or legal proceedings. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Red
Magic number: 45
LIBRA: Make sure you have your purse or wallet before leaving home. A friend may need your support and you may need to put off your engagement to help them through a period of heartache or anguish. No pain no gain.
Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Do not be concerned about your business deals. They probably won't be finalised right away. Should a friend ask you for a loan, be cautions. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Politicians or bureaucrats will get all the limelight. Today is a good opportunity to increase your earnings. Keep your celebrations moderate. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.
Lucky colour: White Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: Strange under currents at home can give rise to all sorts of drama. The card "The Night Princess" infuses a fairly active morning for the children. Students: park your vehicle carefully. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully.
Lucky colour: Pink
Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: You definitely do not appreciate your friend interfering. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone. Health will give no worry to you.
Tarot message: Watch your action at work.Lucky colour: Sandy brown Magic number: 57 PISCES: You could wake up with a headache. Do not fear bad luck. Steer clear of business. Working women: take proper care of your child's health. A re-union or welcome home party will be fun and revealing.
Tarot message: Don't let opposition faze you. Lucky colour: Lime green Magic number: 31
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Dream guy
advertisement for the entire day. Also, he is dubbing for Chennai Express till at least three in the morning. He reaches Mannat by four in the morning and is up by eight. Post which he moves on to his important meetings for the day. He hardly has time to sleep. He had also been advised to avoid crowded public places but he seems unmindful of the same."
three-four times on the pavement and roads. No matter how you do it, it's going to hurt. It was only two-three days after shooting the scene that Sonakshi (Sinha) mentioned that Imran was in a lot of pain. That's when I realised that he was trying his best to hide it." 
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Priyanka Chopra were shooting at the same suburban studio so KKK went up to meet PeeCee in her vanity van after she wrapped up her shoot. They chatted for a while. KKK also attended PeeCee's dad's funeral last month with her sister Karisma. Once upon a time, Kareena and PeeCee were best friends but obviously things became awkward when Priyanka started dating Shahid.
Priya Bathija who is making her Bollywood debut with Chor Chor Superchor had never thought that her Bollywood debut would happen so suddenly. The actress was shooting four days after she auditioned for the film.
Eros International and Multi Screen Media's (Sony Entertainment) Bajatey Raho is a 'revenge' comedy directed by Shashant Shah. The much-awaited film has Tusshar Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, Ravi Kissen, Vishaka Singh and Dolly Ahluwalia in important roles. Watch Bajatey Raho, a thumping film with powerful comedy sequences.