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A beautiful mind
The reigning beauty queen Navneet Kaur Dhillon aims at bigger distinctions right now. "I'm going for Miss World competition and need your blessings," she keeps her fingers crossed, while literally putting her best foot forward at Mochi shoes in Chandigarh on Thursday. While the title may not have changed the name, but there's little else that remains the same. "I feel very valuable and cared for after having won the crown." Albeit the recognition came along instantly, it's taking a while to get used to the responsibilities and expectations. "These days, it's the training that keeps me occupied completely. I have to watch my diet, learn the art of make-up, look after my hair, take diction classes and go for gymming." The grooming may have nothing to do with the beauty as the ideas of aesthetics go beyond the surface. "I think real beauty is not something that gets reflected just by the face. You have to be good person to be liked by others." As of now, it's difficult to look beyond the impending crown that she wishes to bring home. After that, "it could be anything Bollywood or Punjabi movies, whatever comes my way." Queries in Punjabi are met with absolute fluency and comfort that only a mother tongue ensures. "When I am Mumbai, I've discovered this theatre where they play all the Punjabi movies. I watched Jatt and Juliet 2. Of course, when I was in Patiala, I would watch all of them." She adds, "I have a lot of memories of Sector 17. I would often come here from Patiala and hang out with my friends while having softy," shares the second-year student of B.Tech in media production. "As a student, I would make documentaries and act in short films. I have made documentaries on female foeticide...I'll definitely get into direction someday since acting is a very shortlived career."
Miss India, so far
It's been a while since any of the beauty queens displayed magic on the international platform. "I wouldn't know why they didn't win! I haven't met them and haven't even asked them. But yes, I'm trying my level best to bring home the crown. I am preparing myself the best way I can." Among the ones who won, very few set a benchmark and remain etched firmly in our minds. "I think among the Miss India title winners that we have, Aishwarya Rai is really beautiful and Priyanka Chopra has been the most successful." She adds, "I don't have an icon or an idol who I would like to follow, but there are a lot of people I get inspired by. At the moment, Mary Kom is a woman anybody can look up to."
The big moment
It was the final countdown for one eternal moment. Finally, it happened. "As I entered the final five in the competition, I was literally hoping to not be in the runners up list. They announced the second runners up, the first and then finally my name. It was unbelievable." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Age no bar
What started as a conversation over a cup of coffee in China, now aims to reinvent the quality of life of senior citizens across the country. "I recently got married and am yet to get used to my new visiting cards," at 26, Tara Vachani, from the Max India Limited, paints a stark picture from the women her age; goes beyond the simple interests of reading as well as theatre and aims at redefining the recreational, educational, wellness and health-related requirements of senior citizens.
Entrepreneurship, perhaps, runs in the genes. "I consider the word entrepreneurship a little grey area. Right now, I'm just starting out." The project Antara Senior Living, a Max enterprise, welcomes people above sixty years and borrows from the Western countries. "Unlike Europe and US, in India the concept of senior living didn't exist." She explains, while carefully avoiding drawing a parallel of any kind with old age homes. "I am very averse to calling it an old age home because it goes way beyond just providing a shelter. We take care of you minute-by-minute." The senior living community boasts of books, cinema and history clubs. The two hundred and seventeen apartments in Dehradun open doors in the first quarter of 2016. "I've spent three years researching and strategising the project. Post Dehradun, we spread in the other parts of the country." Quiz her on a twenty-six-year old getting behind the needs of a senior citizen and she says, "While growing up, I subconsciously noticed the needs of my grandparents. Despite all the affluence in the world, sometimes the social stimulation and hassle-free life is missing…at times, bigger homes become all the more difficult to manage." Brand ambassador
In contrast to the ground realities and the quality of life of senior citizens across the country, a couple of people always set exemplary standards; the ones who are looked up to. "If I could, I'd have Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah as brand ambassadors for the project." As of now, it's too big a mission to pave way for any other. "This is my focus at the moment. It's a 480-crore venture and not just a passion project. It's my life at the moment."
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Serial affair
He doesn't read what is written about him, by choice. He doesn't watch television, by choice and he prefers to call a spade a spade. "Of course by choice," smiles television actor Vikas Sethi, on a visit to Chandigarh on Thursday to promote his show on Zee TV Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se.
There are a number of things he does on 'will'; things that circumstances couldn't change and wouldn't if destiny has it! Love for television is one such thing; Vikas has always loved it. "I never cared too much about anything other than my character on TV. I don't think only two or three faces on a poster drive a serial. In fact, it is the characters that do so," shares Vikas, who takes pride in the fact that he was born in Chandigarh. He explains his love affair and reasons for it getting stronger by the day! "The reach of television actors is far better and more than what it used to be. Bollywood is also taking TV actors seriously, they know how big this platform is," adds Vikas, who has an interesting take on the leaps in television serials. He doesn't loosen up easily; he only passes a measured smile. "I haven't been part of any leaps so far. I haven't thought about how I would react to it, but I am sure at the end of the day it is about how strong your character is. And if it is strong, the story will come back to you." Vikas doesn't mince words. No pretence, take him or leave him! So, how many have left by now. We expect a roaring laughter or a high-five on this joke! He flashes another measured smile, contrary to what he is about to say. "On the sets, I make everyone laugh. My friends know me as a jolly good fellow who cannot be taken for a ride," says Vikas. His character in Kahin To Hoga brought instant fame for Vikas; at the same time it also brought about a realisation that to last longer he needed to do quality work. "I realised the strength of a television character when people would come up to me and say out my lines from the show, which I wouldn't remember. That's when I decided to take the quality route," says Vikas. "I don't enjoy fiction, I can't follow anyone's mind; biographies are more of my kind. I have read most of the biographies written on Bollywood celebrities and other inspiring people," he adds. This again is a choice that he has stuck to. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Free spirit
When trends are followed with caution and suitability is kept in mind, the result is the making of a true fashionista. Everybody needs to step out in style and that's what Lakshita, a student of fashion designing, strives to achieve — Your sense of style? I admire a free style of dressing in which the person expresses her own individuality or rather her own dressing sense. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories. My brown Burberry sling bag. Brand crazy or street pick-up? Brands are of course acceptable but I do like to experiment with street wear. Who would be your style icon? Sonam Kapoor any day. Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity? Oh! Can't think of anybody. Everybody dresses according to their own style. Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous? Glamorous would be just ideal. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension… Piercing and tattoos in odd places don't gel with me. Your take on accessories? I love all types of accessories and like to experiment with them. What gives you a high on the confidence level? When I follow my dressing sense and look good it really gives me confidence. — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Break the monotony
The much waited super day of the week — the lazy Sunday should be enjoyed to the fullest and that's what Bistro226 at Ghumar Mandi has on offer. Bistro 226 has launched their special Sunday Blast for the foodies. Breakfast at Bistro, which goes on till 4 pm, has a menu that keeps the health quotient in mind.
"While planning the menu I tried to maintain the healthy options by incorporating natural herbs and spices and that which enhances the probiotic value," says Chef Kalyan Kumar Jammula. Geoff Radford relishes Huevos Rancheros-- a dish of fried eggs, tortilla, veggies topped with salsa and cheese. He echoes the sentiment of many gourmands, "I was looking for some variety for my Sunday morning meal and here I am." The chicken rice porridge with shallots is another different dish. Eggs have never had it so good as in this breakfast menu. One can team it up with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, chicken sausages, grilled tomato or hash brown potato and not to forget the very English Eggs Benedict with poached eggs on muffin with bacon and Hollandaise sauce. Puneet Bansal, who is mulling over the idea of starting a Breakfast Kitty at this joint, is a regular here and gives his thumbs up to the freshly baked croissants and breakfast rolls along with the very healthy high fibre granola with fresh fruit and yoghurt. Lassi, the traditional drink of the Panjabis, is pepped up with natural herbs and spices. So you can relish a 'classical cumin or 'royal saffron glass. Smoothies made from fresh curd and fruits like mango, banana and plum are also on offer. You can have a hearty breakfast for Rs 300 to 400 per head.
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Akshay, Sonakshi visit Ajmer Sharif
As Balaji Motion Pictures' Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara nears its release, the film's leads Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha travelled to the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah to seek blessings for the film.
Talking about his experience says Akshay, "I am happy to have visited the shrine and I hope to return soon. It was my first time. Embracing divinity and praying for the well-being of my dear ones and my film was a beautiful experience". The trip to Jaipur flagged off the multiple city promotional tour across the country. The actors are due to visit Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chandigarh, Indore and Dubai. Balaji Motion Pictures' Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha is scheduled to release on August 15. Bite worthy Chennai Express to bring Kolkata jhaal muri, Delhi chaat and Mumbai bhel As Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express rolls in this week, select cinema halls in the country will have audiences getting a taste of some delicious snacks from different Indian states. If you are wondering how, we can let you in on a little secret. The exhibitor chain, Rathi Group of Cinemas, has tied up with the 60-year-old Kolkata-based company Mukharochak Foods to offer popular snacks like jhaal muri from Kolkata, kabuli chana chaat from Delhi and bhel from Mumbai at some of their theaters in their cinema hall chain. Starting with Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express starring SRK and Deepika Padukone with a special song dedicated to none other than Rajnikanth, the mouth-watering experience will extend to Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (OUATIMD) starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha; closely followed by Prakash Jha's Satyagraha starring Amitabh Bachchan with Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor. OUATIMD producer Ekta Kapoor is excited about the idea! "It's a novel initiative in elevating the viewer's movie-watching experience," she quips. Akshaye Rathi, the brain behind the association with the Kolkata-based company, sums it up saying, "Indians are passionate about films and food, so it can't get better than offering the best of both the worlds". Indeed, with path-breaking marketing concepts such as these, Bollywood sure is on a fun ride.
From actor to author
She may be on the wrong side of 30 but she looks fabulous and is super stylish. No wonder, she has written about things that interest women.
The rescue rangers
Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shaad Randhawa were dining at a restaurant in Bandra, suburban Mumbai. One of the diners misbehaved with one of the girls in their group. Aditya and Shaad slapped the guy and he fled the scene before he could be handed over to the cops.
In the league of Rs 100 crore club
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has caught the momentum like no other movie has so far and still going strong in its 5th week. Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures says, "This milestone is extraordinary. It validates our belief that cinema is a force of good. And at its best, it can engage an entire nation in an inspiring and uplifting conversation." The movie has gone tax free in a lot of cities across India. "That brands, state governments, celebrities, and most importantly, people at large, found resonance with this film that gives us hope about our future as a nation and society," said Ajit Andhare. With the very best talents like Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Yograj Singh, Art Malik, Divya Dutta, Pawan Malothra, Prakash Raj, Dalip Tahil and endorsement of Milkha Singh, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has earned Rs 103.2 crores (net India Box-office) till the fourth weekend. It has also got a great response overseas with a total of Rs 20 crores approx.
When Shah Rukh plays a host
…
Shah Rukh Khan is known to be very good to the media. Instead of having a party just for his friends, as is the norm, he is having an Eid party for the media on Saturday. Along with biryani and sheer korma, there will be other delicacies like dahi vada, tikkas, bhajiyas and pakoras. SRK will be riding high on the huge opening for Chennai Express.
Commando actress Pooja Chopra has bagged an endorsement deal with a jewellery brand. Earlier, she lost an earring of a brand she endorsed so she better be careful this time. She is doing the sequel to Commando as well.
It will not be long before Priyanka Chopra signs a full-fledged Hollywood film. After promoting her song with Pitbull, launching her own milkshake, she was on the red carpet for the premiere of animated Disney film Planes. She has lent her voice in the movie.
The art of replicating
No sleaze policy
Well-intended
My intention was never to capitalise on sleaze but rather create a dark human drama. It never even crossed my mind that the film could be perceived in that manner and thankfully it has steered clear of that image.
Dark side of Delhi
Well, I certainly haven't had any bad experiences in Delhi. But you look at any housing society, I can assure you that there are women like that. And it isn't only restricted to Delhi, even in other cities, women using boys is common.
The grey areas
I know the film is dark and hopeless but isn't there hopelessness all around us? I wanted to make a noir without compromising on the intricacies of the genre. An audience-friendly approach would have diluted the idea of the film. It would also be very manipulative of me to do that.
The difficult part
We shot all the sex scenes in one go. Also, Shilpa's husband, who was an associate director of the film, wasn't present as it was quite natural for him to feel uncomfortable. We also chose to take long shots to let the characters breathe easy. It was a closed set with only a handful of people present.
On the cast and crew
I knew that no established star would touch that role. I had thought of casting Richa Chadda but she did Gangs of Wasseypur and Shilpa Shukla just fit in so well. Shilpa was perfect for the role and she was extremely forthcoming. I hope the film gives her the credit she deserves. For the boy, we needed a fresh face and Shadab Kamal has done a commendable job.
Bite worthy
As Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express rolls in this week, select cinema halls in the country will have audiences getting a taste of some delicious snacks from different Indian states.
If you are wondering how, we can let you in on a little secret. The exhibitor chain, Rathi Group of Cinemas, has tied up with the 60-year-old Kolkata-based company Mukharochak Foods to offer popular snacks like jhaal muri from Kolkata, kabuli chana chaat from Delhi and bhel from Mumbai at some of their theaters in their cinema hall chain.
Starting with Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express starring SRK and Deepika Padukone with a special song dedicated to none other than Rajnikanth, the mouth-watering experience will extend to Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara! (OUATIMD) starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha; closely followed by Prakash Jha's Satyagraha starring Amitabh Bachchan with Ajay Devgn and Kareena
Kapoor.
OUATIMD producer Ekta Kapoor is excited about the idea! "It's a novel initiative in elevating the viewer's movie-watching experience," she quips.
Akshaye Rathi, the brain behind the association with the Kolkata-based company, sums it up saying, "Indians are passionate about films and food, so it can't get better than offering the best of both the worlds". Indeed, with path-breaking marketing concepts such as these, Bollywood sure is on a
fun ride.
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Salman Khan fiesta
Missing a Salman Khan movie release this Eid? Star Gold is sure not to disappoint you as it offers a special bonanza this year. 'Lambi Chutti Salman Ke Saath' on Star Gold will be screening the best of Salman's blockbuster hits from August 9-11, 2013, from 12 pm onwards.
Star Gold gives all the eager fans a splendid chance to spend three days, with four movies each, with their 'Bhai'. The channel will screen the Dabangg series, Ready, Biwi No 1, Bodyguard, Partner, Wanted and many more Salman hits. Said Hemal Jhaveri, Executive Vice President, Star Gold, "As a hindi movie channel 'entertaining the viewers' has constantly been our focus. Salman Khan's movies have always had a great demand among the television viewers due to their high entertainment value. This Eid, audiences can enjoy the best of Salman's movies from the comfort of their own homes. We are confident that audiences will appreciate the thought we have put into providing non-stop entertainment." — HRM
Sonakshi surprises all
Sonakshi, who couldn't stop smiling, remarked, "Main waha neeche pichle aadhe ghante se kadhi hoon…aur mera mooh dookh raha hai has has ke. Since main pehle bhi aa chuki hun, mujhey bulaya nahi gaya tha. Lekin main phir bhi yaha aayi, dobaara!" Tune into Comedy Nights with Kapil this Sunday at 10 pm only on COLORS to catch all the action.
Eid mubarak!
I love to celebrate Eid at home. My mom makes the best sheer kurma and I love eating it. During my childhood, Eid was a big occasion. We used to really enjoy with cousins and friends.
For me, Eid is a time to bond with people who matter to me. I usually, along with a few friends, go to Town Mohd Ali Road to a popular joint to feast. Celebrate this festival by giving lots of love to humanity.
Khalid Siddhiqui
As a kid, I was very excited about Eid and shopped a lot. Sheer kurma, chicken kabab and mutton biryani were a must in our house. I also loved eating sweet puri and gulgula. Before namaaz, we ate sheer kurma and then began the feast.
As a kid, I used to wait for this festival as I would get to wear new clothes. Sheer Kurma was the next big thing on my list.
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New release
Producer: Gauri Khan, Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur Director: Rohit Shetty The keenly awaited film Chennai Express, shot extensively in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Wai, Goa and Mannar, is slated for a release this Eid on Friday. The viewers are expected to like this typical Rohit Shetty movie. The promos have already created a tremendous interest among the cine-goers. Chennai Express brings together Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone after Om Shanti Om. The movie is about the journey of Shah Rukh Khan from Mumbai to Rameshwaram. And it is during this journey that he meets Deepika Padukone. An action-packed love story, the movie has top-class action, beautiful outdoor locations, Vishal-Shekhar's music and much more to offer. — Dharam Pal
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Your card "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be much on your mind. Independent efforts are unlikely to bring spectacular gains. You will have to cancel a proposed trip to avoid friction tonight. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 57 TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. Taxation matters get adjourned. The personal and professional areas of your life will be at odds. Stop compromising your values for anything. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 65 GEMINI: Social activities accelerate. Co-workers are helpful. Professionals: your clientele increases. A love relationship is revitalised. A proposal of marriage or a decision to start a family is high on the list now. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 30 CANCER: Your card "The King" brings joyous news. Share your interests with your family members. Legal matters come to the fore. It is a good day for purchasing a vehicle. Tarot message: Try to rid out of negative feelings through love. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33 LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning, so that you don't miss anything important. Give a friend in need a call. Your care and interest can make all the difference. Tarot message: Follow your own course. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 61 VIRGO: Bring routine matters up to date. You need to be alert and responsive. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Read a good book at bed-time. Group efforts and projects will inspire you. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 44
LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. A journey undertaken now can be delayed. Avoid a social gathering in the evening. Students: enjoy on the campus. Messages you receive can contain hidden meanings. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 29 SCORPIO: Work and domestic chores follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick-tempered and only too willing to criticise you. Tarot message: Delays impede your way to success. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 63 SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs can be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Factory owners: you will not be able to get co-operation from labour. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Tarot message: Leave the past. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52 CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating today. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. Women: beware of strangers. Early memories can surface, arousing nasty emotions. Tarot message: Don't antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed smoothly like you hoped. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. Tension builds and tempers can fray. An irritating coworker can push you to your limits. Tarot message: Don't give up your rights. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40 PISCES: It will be wise to keep work and domestic matters separate. Students: time spent on studying will not go waste. Retrenchment or loss of a job can release you from the bonds of commitment. Tarot message: Don't allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26
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Even with the Miss India World crown secured forever in her resume and probably tucked in the most shielded of places, it's impossible to miss the invisible halo of the title. The aura of the crown reflects in the gleam of her eyes, spring in her step and new-found confidence that she exudes.
It was Akshay and Sonakshi's first ever visit to the dargah. A chopper was arranged for the celebrities to fly from Jaipur to Kishangarh, which is close to the dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti. The stars were greeted by a sea of people and were hastily ushered in to the dargah amid heavy security.
Karisma Kapoor's book titled My Yummy Mummy Guide will be launched next month. She shares tips on losing weight post pregnancy, raising children and being a yummy mummy.
After the tremendous success across the nation, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has entered the Rs 100 crore club. It is Bollywood's first movie which has crossed Rs100 crores in the month of Ramadan.
The promo of Krrish 3 is available online and it is being appreciated. Hrithik Roshan looks like a Hollywood superstar and Kangna Ranaut looks like Mystique from X-Men. The movie replicates the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster.
Ajay Bahl is happy riding on the success of BA Pass. He said he is very thankful that his movie has not been considered sleazy and has been appreciated and is doing well. He wanted to make a dark film. 
For the first time in so many years, the Bollywood superstar does not have a theatre release on Eid. Therefore, Star Gold has taken this opportunity and set to showcase Salman's best hits from action, romance and comedy genres.
This time, Colors' hugely popular Comedy Nights with Kapil saw Khiladi Kumar aka Akshay Kumar and chocolate boy Imraan Khan on the sets. However, what was not expected was the surprise visit by the gorgeous Sonakshi Sinha, who could not stop herself from being a part of the show for the second time. Playing the role of a silent spectator backstage this time, Sonaskhi had earlier appeared on the show with Ranveer Singh and was seen laughing hysterically at Kapil's gags. But looks like Akki had other plans for her this time. He was seen running down the stage in between the show to pull up a startled Sonakshi on to the floor and dance with him!
Sana Sheikh
Eijaz Khan
Eid for me begins with an early morning namaaz and greeting family members; spending time with them and eating yummy biryani and sheer kurma.
Alaika Sheikh
Tabrez Khan
Chennai Express