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Model measure
Even as eighty celebrities walked the ramp for Beti, a fashion show by Gitanjali jewellers, Sonali Mukherjee, a commoner, was noticed. An acid attack victim, Sonali spoke about her journey and how she was recuperating, both physically and mentally, from that tormenting event of her life. In the West, earlier this year, Malala Yusufzai, was positioned by Gucci as the role model for their Chime for Change campaign that aims to highlight women's rights.
Bollywood celebrities intruding the domain of models or cricketers walking down the ramp is a norm now. There is nothing unusual about it, as it is simply one glamour industry filling in for the other. But when it comes to commoners like Sonali and Malala, who is now a celebrity in her
own right, it only indicates the new-found courage of the industry.
Applause all around
While Sonali's presence on the ramp got a mixed response from fashion critics, those belonging to the industry have appreciated the cause at large. They look at it as the marriage between glamour and a social cause. Not that fashion industry has remained oblivious to the issues around, it has been promoting and safeguarding interests of the out-of-work craftsmen, reviving dying crafts and handlooms, even supporting NGOs but these developments might start a new chapter altogether — of having show stoppers who can serve as role models. Sonalika Sahay, a renowned model, says, "Ramp shows, especially at the fashion weeks, garner a lot of attention from people as well as the media and if the platform can be utilised to reach out to people for a cause, it serves the purpose better." She adds that such role models in the industry can bridge the gap between the glamour world and the masses internationally, and not keep it limited to classes.
Not so common
At the same time, not always for a cause, a public figure is projected as an icon. Mary Kom, the celebrated Indian woman boxer, walked the ramp for Manish Malhotra's Mizwan collection but she was there as another celebrity amidst a bevy of stars. "At the end of the day, brands or labels want to promote themselves. It needs to be carefully scrutinised if the intention is right and not to earn brownie points," says model Jesse Randhawa. Designer Manish Malhotra didn't even claim a moral reason behind Mary Kom's on-ramp presence. But as cricket and fashion is an accepted combination (not to forget the cosmetics and clothing they sell), Mary Kom and Vijender Singh made for odd choices for shows. Later, Mary Kom also modelled for Tag Heuer, along with actor Abhay Deol, for the brands campaign Time for Labels. "It might also indicate that the fashion industry values achievers; they might be from diverse fields. It also shows how flexible the industry is worldwide, where not just Bollywood and Hollywood stars but people who make a mark in respective fields are also honoured," says Nachiket Barve, a designer very popular in the celebrity circles. Likewise, Fauja Singh, the nonagenarian marathon runner has been the poster boy of Adidas. Sonali is neither a celebrity nor an achiever and her presence on the ramp is indeed debatable. Says Royston Fernandes, GM, Lifestyle Division, Gitanjali Jewellers, which sponsored 45 lakh for her surgery, "We brought her on stage only after her reconstructive surgery and when she was in a position to express herself. It was to send across the message to women to raise a voice against physical abuse." Whether the message reaches out is yet to be observed. ashima@tribunemail.com
Role model Angelina Jolie became a role model for women who are prone to cancer. Her double mastectomy was referred to as a heroic deed by many in the medical and celebrity world. In this case it's a celebrity becoming an example to commoners, so why can't a commoner like Sonali also become one? We need more such people to come out in the open and talk about atrocities against women.
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From a romantic eye
"I was an avid reader of Mills and Boon, and came across this advertisement at the end of the book, which invited Indians to write for Mills and Boon. At the time, medical studies and family life took priority, till very recently when I came across yet another Passions writing contest and decided to send in my entry," 41-year-old, Amritsar-based dental professional Ruchi Vasudeva puts things in place, before elaborating on her protagonist. She adds, "There were as many as two thousand entries, out of which they zeroed-in on my story." The title
The seamless and signature romance has given way to some real relationship issues. Perhaps, it's a measured effort at moving away from the clichés. Women are no more the beautiful vulnerable secretaries and men the rich eligible bachelors. "In my book, she is a working woman. She's also from the medical profession and has a career to take care of. She is her own person," she speaks of her debut novel Bollywood Fiancé For A Day. Zaheer Saxena is everything Vishaka needs to take her mind off the recent humiliation. Being jilted a week before her wedding, she's only too willing to give into the charms of Bollywood heart-throb whom she won a date with, en route a reality show. The narrative borrows from today's rampant reality shows, abridging the gap between the celebrity and the smitten. At the same time, a couple of clichés remain constant.
A world of eligible bachelors, sexual innuendoes, beautiful woman and they lived happily ever after conclusions. "The hero is rich because the purpose of the story is not to concentrate on their financial problems. The hero is always rich and the ending happy but it's not a typical love story, it's a relationship story." She adds, "There are no explicit scenes either. It's a simple book with a romantic angle." Sounds like a description apt for a screenplay. "When I was writing the book, I thought Hrithik Roshan and Diana Penty would fit the roles." Coming up
While the full-time job in a dental institute doesn't leave much scope for writing scripts for the silver screen, there is yet another title coming up with B-town as the backdrop. "I guess I am fascinated with Bollywood. The next one is about a scriptwriter in Bollywood who's trying to forget his past." Expect some more imagination, escapism and romanticism; keeping in sync with the core philosophy of the series. She shares, "I love to write about spirited heroines getting hurtled out of their daily life as soon as they cross paths with their rather challenging heroes." We guess there are people who love to read about just that! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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The right mix
Relaxing at the first floor of Hotel Altius, the Delhi-based DJ Gaurav appears to be complacent and unruffled when questioned about how he feels about the hoopla that is associated with the number one DJ title. "These days the new kids have come up with the concept of the so-called number one DJ, and not many of them quite understand the music that they are doing," he says. It is perhaps his association with some of the finest clubs in Delhi, where he served as the resident DJ that makes him care less to earn any title, "I have been a resident DJ at the Steel, Elevate, F Bar and Lounge and Agni," he shares.
Gaurav, who has been Deejaying for over 13 years now, admires DJ Aqeel and he has also played opening sets for various DJs, including Mobb Deep, Chamillionaire, DJ Alchemist (Emnim's official DJ), DJ Fricktion, Sasha, Jhon Digweed, Ferry Corsten. "I mix my tracks on a software called Ableton, which equips you to mix the tracks while you weave sounds and samples into them. It also allows you to shift the beats per minute," he says. "I took to this software courtesy Sasha, who introduced me to it," he adds.
amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Drink of the day
It might not be a novel concept, but it's somewhat new. The only description that finds place under the cocktails column is 'Ask The Bartender.'
"That's because every cocktail and mocktail in our menu will be customised as per the preference of the guest," shares Saurabh Aggarwal, COO, Lemongrass-26, while kick starting the Week of High Spirits. He adds, "Under this concept, we have each day of the week dedicated to a particular drink. For example, Mondays are called Lemongrass Mondays because lemongrass is a soothing herb and that is what people need the most at the beginning of the week." If the concoction of vodka, tequila and litchi juice doesn't sound fun to begin the week with, there's Fruit Martini for Tuesdays. "The fruit part is keeping in sync with the vegetarian spirit of the majority of the population on that day."
Goes without saying, Wednesdays is a ladies night, so the Senorita Wednesday combines tequila, cointreau and Malibu with pineapple juice and topped with strawberry syrup. Retro Thursdays bring forward a wine cooler, a fusion of white wine with a mixture of fruits. There is a bit of trivia on Fridays. "On Fridays, we'll dim the lighting and light candles on each table, so that our guests can enjoy a romantic evening." As for the drinks, with Sangria Fridays, they claim to serve a pure blend of red wine, cointreau with ripe fruits. Moving onto the weekend, there's Cosmopolitan Saturdays that combines vodka and cointreau further splashed with cranberry juice to act as a party mood lifter. Sunday's brunch is served with tequilas. While all the drinks were available before, "this is another way of promoting the concept." Just in case anybody wants to do a Tuesday on a Friday, "any drink can be ordered any day of the week. The concept only makes the choice easier for the customers." He adds, "We will also be coming up with a Chinese food festival but that is in September." Just in case you have had enough of Chinese, he shares, "That'll be different." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Master Chef
Pancakes have been a perennial favourite and can be had in many combinations. Here we have vegetables to enhance the nutritive value, thus making it a dish to tempt the kids to enjoy the vegetables.
Ingredients 2 cups maida ¼ tsp baking powder 2 cups milk 1 tsp coriander leaves (chopped) 1 tbsp oil 2 carrots (grated) 1 cup cottage cheese (grated) 1 cup green peas (boiled) Salt, to taste Black pepper powder, to taste Method
(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Ethnic offerings
The Mrignayanee chain of emporia is a marketing outlet that displays and sells a wide range of products which comprise chanderi, maheshwari and kosa tussar sarees, dress material, home and office furnishings, handicrafts, jewellery and gift items.
The highly developed skills of weavers, craftsmen, and artisans reflect the glory of Madhya Pradesh is on display at an exhibition at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan-15. The Gaj Lakshmi deep that weighs 35kg from Tikam Garh MP is brought by national awardee Ram Babau Soni. It is available for Rs 80,000.
— TNS On till September 5
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Get fashionable
Fashion Yatra, a lifestyle exhibition, is all set to wow Chandigarh on August 31 and September 1 at Hotel Shivalikview-17. At a preview models presented a fashion walk wearing sophisticated garments with modern jewellery which will be displayed at the stalls.
As many as 30 prominent entrepreneurs from different parts of India will showcase bridal, fashion garments, accessories, apparel, shoes, home décor items, antiques, handicraft items, costume jewellery, gold and diamond jewellery etc.
— TNS
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Living life to the fullest
Parineeti Chopra says whatever is on her mind. She is a motormouth. She talks about her views
on life, love and more.
Status: single I think many girls are single. I'm open to relationships but I don't think I can meet the right kind of person due to my hectic work schedule. I think I will have to find someone on the sets but when you are working with them day in day out, you don't think about it. I think I need to take a holiday. May be I will meet someone special. Live-in: yes I will opt for it if I think it is right and if my man thinks it is right. If our families are okay with it and if we don't have time to get married right away, then may be. It would be more of a practical decision. Normally people say live-in is wrong as people think it involves pre-marital sex. It's all about perception. I would go for it if my parents are okay with it. I'm sure they will say yes. Offers: plenty After Ishaqzaade I got a lot of offers. I was reading a script everyday. But since they were all similar to Ishaqzaade, I didn't want to sign them. Post that I was offered films that boasted of impressive star cast like Thupaki but there wasn't much for me to do. But now I have five films. Friends: only Buzz will always be there about Maneesh since I spend so much time with him. People had also linked me with Uday Chopra but we are simply good friends. We laugh about such things. I became very good friends with Maneesh during Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and today he is my closest friend. He is my go-to person just like Aditya Chopra. Competition: no Priyanka Chopra is my sister. I do not compete with her. If I have already set a benchmark, how do I convince myself to perform even better? I am very happy that she is very busy right now. She has been through a sad and tough time having lost her father. We cannot believe that it has already been a few months since that.
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Fan following
Sidharth Malhotra who rose to popularity with his first film Student of the year recently had to send a legal notice to the creator of a fake website which was selling merchandise like t-shirts, mugs and the like in the name of the actor.
The owners of the website, who pose to be huge fans of the actor are misusing his name in order to earn big by bluffing fans of the actor. Sidharth loves his fans. The only objection he had in this case is the fact that they were selling goods and clothing on his name on this particular website. That's something illegal to do and he asked them not to use his name for selling or any commercial transaction or gain on the site. What triggered the apprehension was companies getting in touch with the actor and informing him about some fans who were approaching the companies on behalf of the actor. In order to check the functioning and responsiveness of this fake portal, someone from the actor's team placed an order for a t-shirt which was acknowledged by the owners. Due to this, the actor was forced to send a legal letter the website owners to immediately stop selling merchandise on his name. The spokesperson of Sidharth said, "There are over 31 Sidharth Malhotra Fan Clubs online and they're genuine Fan Clubs. The reason a legal notice was sent to the fake website is because it was a pirate and selling merchandise without permission".
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Rishi’s adorable habit
Rishi Kapoor who remembers long dialogues easily finds it difficult to remember names of people. He has this very lovable habit of calling everyone with different name each time. On sets of his upcoming film, Shuddh Desi Romance, he would keep calling his co-stars Parineeti, Sushant and people of the crew with different names without
realising.
The younger unit on the sets of Shuddh Desi Romance recently learnt about this habit of Rishi Kapoor and once they were aware about this, they found it very adorable. The people around the star are accustomed to this by now and fun that Rishi Kapoor is he himself laughs about his habit Parineeti Chopra says "Rishi Sir has an adorable habit. He doesn't remember anyone's name. So he would keep calling everyone by different names. And what he will call you next is always a surprise. Best is, that he also laughs the most about this habit of his"
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Home coming
The 44-year-old actor and Jha have previously worked in films like Raajneeti, Apaharan, Gangaajal and Dil Kya Kare and this time the duo is back with a political thriller. "I am happy that all the films that we have worked in have been successful. I am very comfortable with him. It almost feels like I am working in my home production as there is not much difference between his and mine. I hope Satyagraha also works with the audience," Ajay said. The film, about the uprising of the middle class against a corrupt and unjust system, also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Rao. Devgn plays the role of an activist-turned-politician in Satyagraha. "My character Manav Raghvendra obviously has so many shades in the character. He thinks like today's youth. He takes the right decisions at the right time but also commits certain mistakes. He is very real and that is the beauty of the character," Ajay said. The actor said that contrary to reports, his character has no similarity with Arvind
Kejriwal. — PTI
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I’m not a good actor: John
But the man himself is modesty personified. At a recent event when he was asked if he sees fellow actors Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar as his competition, John answered in negative saying there is no competition as they are far ahead of him. "These guys are far better actors. I remember while working with Paresh Rawal in Garam Masala, I was so taken aback by his comic timing." Nana who was John's co-actor in Taxi No 9211 was described by John as a very amazing, the sweetest, the nicest and the loveliest human being in the world. Now that's a bit too much of praise we feel. Did you really mean that John, or was it just a way of staying in Nana's good books? Do we see some acting here as well?
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NEW RELEASE
Film: Satyagraha
Producers: Prakash Jha, Disney UTV Director: Prakash Jha
The master storey-teller and maker of Rajneeti as well Aarakshan is on cloud nine. His issue-based multi-starrer Satyagraha is all set to rock the audience. For this film written by Anjum Rajabali, Prakash Jha has roped in his favourites Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal and Manoj Bajpayee. Amrita Rao also plays a pivotal role. Kareena Kapoor has been first time introduced in Prakash Jha's set-up. She will be seen acting with Big B once again, after having performed in Dev last time around. Shot extensively in Bhopal, Satyagraha is reportedly based on Anna Hazare's movement. This political thriller has already created ripples.
— Dharam Pal
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Celebration time
Being devout: Devoleena Bhattacharjee Talking about the Janmashtami celebrations, Devoleena said, "I am Krishna's biggest devotee and follow his teachings in real life as well. Just like Krishna loves maakhan and mishri, I too enjoy it." In the show, Gopi's birthday falls on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami and the viewers will be treated to a special episode of celebrations with the Modi family. Watch the Janmashtami special on Saath Nibhana Saathiya on Star Plus.
Kapil Nirmal aka Nihaal of Veera has quit the hit Star Plus show. Kapil doesn't want to play an older
character in the upcoming leap in the show.
Moving on: Kapil Nirmal
Nakuul’s surprise
Nakuul Mehta was recently at a suburban hotel with his sister when he saw Hrithik Roshan along with his family. What surprised him was that Hrithik's niece and nephew ran to him for a picture. The actor did not quite believe this, but happily obliged.
Although she has been shooting for the role of Sita in Life OK's Mahadev, Rubina Dilaik managed to get a few days off for her birthday on August 26. She quickly made a brief trip to an undisclosed location abroad.
QUICK BREAK: Rubina Dilaik
Priyanka Chopra is a thorough professional. She reached on time for interviews for Zanjeer but her new co-star Ram Charan Teja made her wait for more than an hour and she got very upset because she was on time and she has a lot of assignments to
complete.
Long wait: Priyanka Chopra
Gauri Khan was spotted waiting at the passport office in Mumbai to renew her passport and also get a new one for
AbRam. Looks like his first foreign trip is not too far away.
Travel time: Gauri Khan
A different take
Ranbir Kapoor is wooing Pallavi Sharda in the movie Besharam but the co-stars did not get along on the sets at all. They did not interact after shots or in-between shots and just retired to their respective vans.
Apparently, Nawazzuddin Siddique and Irrfan Khan do not get along at all. Irrfan is supervising the international promotions of the movie Lunchbox and Nawaz feels sidelined in them. We have heard that the duo does not even talk to each
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Make sure you are doing your best. You can be in line for a promotion or recognition in the form of an award. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Your interest in overseas affairs is likely to stimulate. Tarot message: Competition will push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Beige.
Magic number: 52
TAURUS: Friction at the workplace can slow down production and frazzle everyone's nerves. Try to stay balanced. You will have more time to see to the needs of others.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 25 GEMINI: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting but frivolous mix. Take it easy today. It will be pointless to attempt to force the pace. Deal with a routine job.
Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 40 CANCER: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into operation. An illness can mean having to take the day off from work. Putting energy into your domestic life can give you the lift you need now. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurances of people. Lucky colour: Golden.
Magic number: 61 LEO: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place for the future. Bring a breath of fresh air into your life by rearranging your environment. Go shopping for some interesting artwork.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Brown. Magic number: 24 VIRGO: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss, you will also feel an immediate sense of achievement. Make every effort to further your ambitions. Tarot message: A positive attitude heals old wounds.
Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 33
LIBRA: Problems of others need to be attended. There is little you can do to advance your own affairs. This will be a difficult day for dealing with business partners. Avoid going out tonight.
Tarot message: A penny saved
is a penny earned. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 62 SCORPIO: The advice of elders, professionals and people with greater experience than yours can make all the difference. Your love life will be active. Using your imagination will help create the outcome you want.
Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 59 SAGITTARIUS: Excitement is on the cards. An increase in income means more luxuries of life to enjoy. Socialising and attending gala events can be costly.
You will have much energy. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: If possible, make this a day of retreat and solo activity. Someone you meet today can give you a useful business tip. Go over accounts. It is best to stay at home during leisure time.
Tarot message: Involve yourself
in a new project. Lucky colour: Golden-yellow. Magic number: 57 AQUARIUS: The early part of the day is most exciting. The longest journeys start with the first steps. Many policies that you have been following bear fruits today. Do not allow friends or family to distract you during study hours.
Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50 PISCES: Finance is in the spotlight. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining. Be sure to grasp any opportunity that comes your way today. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance.
Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 41
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Who hasn't, at some point or the other, given into the romanticised escape route of Harlequin's Mills and Boon? As an adolescent, romance fiction would jostle for space with medical titles and when she was qualified enough to write prescriptions, she chose to pen her imagination. Save for the iconic Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, save for a few examples, we haven't really heard of those from the medical profession switching to fiction.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has reunited with his frequent collaborator Prakash Jha in the director's upcoming Satyagraha and hopes the film does as good as their previous ventures.
John Abraham is known more for his good looks than his acting abilities. But with Madras Café garnering rave reviews and everyone tom-toming about John's brilliant yet measured performance, looks like the actor in John is finally getting his due.
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan also showered praises on him for his acting in Madras Cafe.
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who plays the sweet and simple Gopi in Star Plus' Saath Nibhana Saathiya, decided to celebrate Janmashtami with gusto. From dressing her little Bal Krishna to ensuring his favourite delicacies were made, singing Krishna bhajans and performing all the rituals in true traditional style, she ensured that the preparations were perfect for her favourite
Kanha!
Calling it quits
A day off
What made PC angry?
New entry
Not on talking terms