High on fashion
Amarjot Kaur

It was all glamour, gaiety and glitz as models sashayed down the ramp at the launch of the Fashion Vodka...


Models walk the ramp. Photos: Pradeep Tiwari

At the launch of the Fashion Vodka, sponsored by Fashion TV, Gunjan Nagpal’s fashion show put across a thematic visual diary that detailed elaborately on the style that is essential to party-wear. While most of her collection dwelled heavily on short hemlines and off-shoulder dresses, it drew much influence from the international fashion trends that were typical of FTV fashion collection.

“This is my fourth fashion show in Chandigarh,” says Gunjan, who showcased her collections at the Chandigarh Fashion Week and ISB College fashion show. “The designs as well as colours of my collection are inspired by the Fashion Vodka and the show is being held at the launch of the drink, so I wanted the dresses to be comfortable yet luxurious. More often than not it is extremely difficult to blend the two together,” she smiles.


Designer Gunjan Nagpal (L)

While the international models marched the ramp in peplum dresses bordered at the rims with a cancan, the bling and sequins were the undertones of the swish sheer dresses.

The colours were more subtle, yet bright. As the blacks flirted with the golden sequins, the coy off-whites winked at the shimmers! The conscious effort of blending the blacks with off-whites and teaming them up with the ever-so-favourite golden reminded one of the 80s while the cuts made it look all the more contemporary.

“I have used sequined fabric and raw silk. Through this collection, I wanted to shift the ideology of the masses from the embroideries and stonework to something that is easy,” says Gunjan, who owns the Aura Fashion Studio, Sector 9, Panchkula. “Fashion-wise, this collection suits the sensibilities of a working woman. The dresses are catchy, despite the absence of embroidery work, which is the favourite of every Punjabi.”

The show-stopper was seen in a sheer white dress with a vine of whimsical abstract golden flowers in intricate design creeping from behind her waist to the chest, something which made for a perfect evening cocktail wear.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

chatter box
Playing host

After hosting Star Plus' India's Dancing Superstar, Aishwarya Sakhuja will now do an episodic in Yeh Hai Aashiqui on Bindass. Produced by Vikas Gupta's Lost Boy Productions and BBC Worldwide Productions', she will play a Punjabi girl in this love story that will also star wrestler-turned-actor Sangram Singh. Apparently, actor Ayushman Khurana will host the show with Vikrant Messy.

More the merrier

Star Plus' next show, 24 Frames, based on the American hit series Missing now has additional cast. With Varun Badola already there, now Tanaaz Irani and Jay Kalra of Bade Achhe Lagte Hai fame have been roped in for important roles.

Translation magic

Buzz is that hit sitcom Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai will now be remade in Marathi. Producer JD Majethia will make it for Star Pravah. The makers are working on the cast and get actors for the iconic roles of Rosesh, Indravardhan, Monisha, Sahil and Maya Sarabhai.

Break time for Mandira

Cricket's favourite female anchor, Mandira Bedi, is currently holidaying in Singapore along with hubby Raj Kaushal and son. Mandy is taking some time off from her busy work schedule, which included promoting 24, an Anil Kapoor production, where she plays a government agent and Mandira Bedi with her son also launching her own range of designer saree collection. Mandy has been tweeting all weekend and posting photos of her trip. She's always loved Singapore; now we see why! Mandira Bedi with her son

Kitchen corner

Sony's horror show Anamika will end on September 13 and replacing it will be a cookery show Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi. Produced by SOL, the Sanjeev Kapoor concept of the show is about a family pitted against a celebrated chef. There will be five members of a family with Sanjeev being the ultimate judge.

Recipe time: Sanjeev Kapoor

Back to work

Shamin Mannan, who had to opt out of TV show Sanskaar, now will be seen in an episode of Comedy Nights with Kapil. Now that she's better she wants to get back to work. She had earlier shot for nine months for as many as eighteen hours at times, which took a toll on her health.

In the ring

Kishwar Merchantt, who has been dating boyfriend-actor Suyyash Rai, has got a 'promise ring' from him but as she wears it on her ring finger, people assume it's an engagement ring.Kishwar Merchantt A promise ring is a trend in the West where it is stands for a commitment. The couple plans to get married next year.

LOVE CALLING: Kishwar Merchantt

From pleasantly plump to pleasantly surprised

Weight issue


New Life: Vaani Kapoor

Before getting into modeling, I was 70 kg. I remember when I went to the agency for an interview, the CEO said, “You’re pleasantly plump. But to be a model you need to lose weight and get rid of your braces.” They signed me on and I lost the weight and the braces. I continued as a model for three years, met good people and I was able to pay my bills.

Lucky girl

On the day, the film released, I was off to Chennai to begin shooting for my second film. How many newcomers have such luck? As of now, I am happy that the movie did well. I wish I was in Mumbai celebrating with Parineeti (Chopra) and Sushant (Singh Rajput). I feel I have to do a lot more before I can think of myself as successful.

List of favourites

I loved Rekha in Sisila, Hema Malini in Sita Aur Gita and Sridevi in Chaalbaaz. I never even thought that God would give me an opportunity to perform on 70mm. I love Meryl Streep for her brilliant performances, Sridevi for on-screen charisma and Amitabh Bachchan for his versatility. I want to work with Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor.

Family support

I was born and brought up in Delhi. My family is conservative, and I had a strict upbringing. Never in my life was I allowed to have a sleepover at a friend’s place. To convince my parents that I wanted to move was tough. But, when they heard the name of the production company, they gave me the permission to shift to Mumbai.

Facing challenges

I am not preparing myself for anything. I have and will always take life as it comes. All I am hoping for is to do good work—more performance-oriented roles. There is a lot for me to learn. The biggest challenge is to get into the skin of the character.

I don’t have a bikini body: Ileana

The amazingly beautiful Ileana D’cruz who is blessed with a slim and svelte body feels that she doesn’t really have the body to carry off a two-piece bikini on-screen.

“I wish I could wear one but I really don’t have the hot body needed for a bikini,” said Ileana.

The pretty actress who will be seen romancing Shahid Kapoor in Phata Poster Nikla Hero said she has been training hard in the gym to attain the perfect body and would wear a bikini only when she feels she is ready.

Now, this bit surprised us because we thought this lissome lass had the oh-so-perfect bikini body. We could therefore not resist asking her on who she thought possessed the hottest body in the industry. “Deepika Padukone,” pat came Ileana’s reply.

Now we can’t disagree on that one. But what deserves appreciation is Ileana’s honesty. In an industry replete with cat fights and bitchy talks, we find Ileana’s frank admission extremely refreshing.

Real touch

Hansal Mehta started the shooting of Shahid at lawyer Shahid Azmi's actual office in Kurla in Mumbai. The film is a biopic and Shahid’s mother was very keen to know the look of his son and the actor who would be enacting her son’s role.

Raj Kumar Yadav, the actor who went through the look test by the director, Hansal Mehta, felt he understood the attitude and the motivation of the character, also it was more important that Shahid’s character came through.

However, when Shahid Azmi’s mother visited the first day of the shoot to check if Raj Kumar’s look was similar to her son, she had misty eyes to see Raj Kumar in the lawyer’s attire. She helped the director with some finishing touches.

Hansal Mehta, director of Shahid, says “The first days of the shooting was at the Shahid’s office where Raj Kumar was dressed in a lawyer’s uniform and Shahid’s mother came to visit us and she looked at Raj Kumar and she kept looking at him, she said the pen is missing, she made him put a pen.

Desi Romance in foreign shore

When the three film old, young and rising star Parineeti Chopra landed at the Toronto International Film Festival to present her latest film Shuddh Desi Romance on September 9, along with director Maneesh Sharma and screenwriter Jaideep Sahni, none of them were quite prepared for the kind of warm reception they received from the fans in Canada.

The trio had a hectic, though, eventful day to say the least, with the official TIFF photo call kicking off the proceedings early morning, press conferences, press junkets, more photoshoots, the day ended with a bang when the three walked the red carpet for the Canadian premiere of Shuddh Desi Romance at the prestigious Roy Thomson Hall, to loyal fans who waited to catch a glimpse of the Desi team, despite the rainfall.

Maneesh Sharma, Jaideep Sahni and Parineeti Chopra reciprocated the love by coming back from the press interviews for round two of screams, autographs and photographs with the fans.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: It is a hazardous day. Keep your mind on the job throughout. Do not be tempted to day-dream about what lies ahead. Be tactful in your criticism though emotions will be easily aroused.

Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home needs care.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 32

TAURUS: Old acquaintances are likely to meet you. Do not make any important move today. Keep the law-breakers at bay. Take care of your stomach today.

Tarot message: Feel good about yourself.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 28

GEMINI: A call or a visit from a relative you have not seen for ages brings an opportunity to remember the past and catch up on more recent family happenings. Regular employment affairs will run smoothly. Tarot message: You can encounter some financial difficulties. Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 30

CANCER: This is a fantastic time to contact people and keep up with the latest gossip. Complete errands, socialise and catch up with outstanding paper-work and correspondence. Tarot message: Open up new doors that can lead you in a more lucrative direction.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 31

LEO: The card "King of Wands" reveals best moments to socialise with friends and loved ones. This is a good day for household repairs. Be sure to grasp a job opportunity.

Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the work-place.

Lucky colour: Fuchsia.

Magic number: 64

VIRGO: Discussions and chit-chat with those in close proximity increase, but you will instinctively know when to talk and when to put your head down and work. A nagging issue at home is amicably resolved. Tarot message: Investments in property will be beneficial. Lucky colour: Burgundy.

Magic number: 42

LIBRA: Catching up on jobs you have been putting off for a while seems a wise idea. You will shine in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you. Romance is unexciting.

Tarot message: Over-optimism can lead to mistakes.

Lucky colour: Beige.

Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: Do not miss the opportunity to complete all unfinished business that seems to be weighing on your mind and spirit. You will be amazed how much lighter you feel when you have shed those concerns.

Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 60

SAGITTARIUS: Use your status of communication boldly with a creative expression. Patronage from powerful individuals can validate your efforts. Share problems with loved ones.

Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Be positive in your approach. You will be better able to cope with jobs that require team effort. Be wary of a situation where it is easy to make a mistake in haste.

Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.

Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 57

AQUARIUS: Where you go and whatever you do the focus of everyone's attention is likely to be firmly on you. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 52

PISCES: Do not get involved in any land deal. A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Make your boss aware of all the hardwork that you have been putting in.

Tarot message: Be creative to retain a grip over your business.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 63

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 15...

The 1 and 5 equaling 6 provides the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent or teacher. Investment made now will enhance your prosperity and financial security. Travel will be favorable for your career. Be wary of your financial transactions as expenses are foreseen. There can be mixed trends in personal relationships. An adjusting attitude is required to eliminate misunderstandings. Take care of your health. The year is filled with joy and happiness.

Positive colours: Turquoise, Sea-green and Blue.

Gems Recommended: American Zircon, Diamond and Solitaire

Charity on birthday: Donate medicines for eyes and sweet edible items to the needy or at any religious place.

Select days: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Neha Uberoi You share your birthday with Neha Uberoi (September 15, 1985, Mumbai), who appeared in Bollywood films Dus Kahaniyaan and Woodstock Villa. The number 6 and 2 representing Venus and Moon ensure a good career in the world of glamour.





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