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Up, close & personal
What if you don't want to go to the gym, but the gym walks up to you? Don't be confused, as the trend of hiring personal trainers is slowly picking up…
No pain no gain — a lesson that has been passed on to us from generations, a lesson our folks engraved on our minds when they wouldn't find us working hard enough for our exams. And of course, a lesson that you remind yourself of whenever you slip into your gymming gear! What if someone could mellow this pain a bit? What if the gains would be the same? If you share the same thought, probably you have viewed the prospects of hiring a personal trainer. The thought of hitting the gym everyday can make you curl-up in the bed a wee bit longer, but this is where a personal trainer can save you. Here's catching up with some people from the region who have hired personal trainers.
Wake up call
You have set the alarm; shoes, track suit, everything neatly laid out… just then you tell yourself — 'I will definitely go tomorrow. I can miss the gym today.' Rimjhim Mahajan, pursuing five-year law course from the Panjab University doesn't have to face this problem anymore. "My personal trainer drops in at 4.30 pm and then there is a one-and-a-half-hour training session at the lake." Cardio, floor exercises; Rimjhim's personal trainer Devender Sheoran ensures she doesn't skip the routine. "He understands that because of my studies I can't make it to the session sometimes, so he trains me accordingly. No excuses work with him when it comes to exercising," Rimjhim shrugs
her shoulders. Personal trainers, a popular concept with celebrities, is finding favour with people who prefer individual attention and also who find hitting the gym the most difficult task on the earth. Angad Cheema, a physician from Mohali, is an exercise freak. "No matter how hard I try, I can never be regular with the gym," he shares. Angad then hired a personal trainer who ensures this. "He gives me a call at sharp 5 and at 5.30 am, he is ringing my door-bell. It is his persistence that has kept me fit till date."
Break code
There is nothing like sweating it out in the gym, if only you have a strong will-power! Gulnoor Mehar, a third-year BBA student, did not have it though. But her yoga instructor Om drops in regularly for classes now. "There is no way I can skip classes," she laughs, listing a few advantages. "My sir understands what exercises I can do and what I need to work upon, so the whole schedule is tailor-made, something you don't find in a gym." Ditto for Prabhdeep Gill, a Ludhiana-based businessman; he has a personal trainer who travels with him almost all the time. "My work requires me to travel frequently and my trainer travels with me whenever he can," he shares. From preparing a diet chart, monitoring his eating habits to maintaining an exercise routine, Prabhdeep's trainer does it all. "Even when there is a gym close by, I don't have the strength to hit it each day. I also find them crowded."
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Goal achievement
A personal trainer helps you define your fitness goals. He or she also helps you assess your progress towards those goals. Planned workout
Personal trainers create a specific workout plan just for you, based on what you want to achieve. The personalised plan typically gives you better results than a general workout plan. Accountability factor
Another common problem is lack of commitment to a regular exercise programme. When you exercise on your own, it is easier to skip a session here and there or fall off the wagon completely since there's no one to hold you accountable for your actions. When you work with a trainer, he or she keeps you accountable; therefore you are more likely to stick to your training
programme.
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B-Town touch
At the music launch of Patiala Dreamz, the cast and crew share how the movie is a sedate comedy and not slapstick
Directed by Abhishek Saxena, Patiala Dreamz stars Zee Cine Star Ki Khoj winner Sarwar Ahuja opposite South-Indian actress Madalasa Sharma, along with Sardar Sohi and BN Sharma. "It was intended to be a small-budget film, but the cost soared later. The film has been shot in Canada, Malaysia and Punjab; it is an action thriller," says Parminder Kapoor, one among the four producers of the film. While talking about the music of the film, Jazz Punjabi and Vickky Agarwal share, "This is the first time that I am giving music for a film; I have directed music for a couple of Punjabi albums before. In this film, I have also written lyrics for six songs and sung one," says Jazz Punjabi. As for the budget, he adds, "We did approach a number of Punjabi singers for this film but they quoted a heavy amount, which was almost as much as the total budget of the film. On the other hand, Bollywood musicians are very accommodating." Sarwar Ahuja, the male lead in the film, says he loved the script and the story, which is why he chose the role. "I am basically a Punjabi and my maternal side hails from Amritsar, so I am very fluent with the language. Also, I chose this film because it is different from the run-of-the-mill slapstick comedy films; the storyline is also very compelling," he shares. Sarwar, who will be seen essaying the role of an NRI, has already been signed by the director of the film for his next venture, which is an action film. The actor remains content with his television projects, including the show Shapat on Life OK, where he plays the role of a cop. As of now, he is keenly awaiting his debut in Punjabi films. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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With a smile
Television actor Gunn Kansara, who will be seen playing Chandani in Big Magic's upcoming show Naadaniyan, says comedy is a tougher genre as compared to others…
After working for a few years in the television industry, actors get used to slogging for fourteen hours a day. They crib about the unrealistic shoot schedules but then how many of them quit television for easier jobs? Isn't fame really addictive? At the most, actors will hop shows or shift to reality show genre but quitting doesn't feature in the scheme of things. Gunn Kansara, who will be seen playing Chandani in Big Magic's new show Naadaniyan can't agree more. After doing daily family soaps such as Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai and Sindoor Tere Naam Ka, signing up for a comedy, she feels, is the best thing that could have happened to her. Gunn will be playing the female lead in Nadaanyian. An adaptation of a popular Pakistani sitcom, the show is about a woman who supports her out-of-job husband and brother-in-law. "Chandani resides in a metropolitan city. She gets agitated each time she realises that she has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. She loves her husband, but can't tolerate him sitting idle," she says. The character she is playing this time might be different from the vulnerable daughter-in-law she has enacted in her previous shows, but that hasn't changed her approach. "The difference between doing a comedy show and a family show is that by the end of the day, you laugh your stress out." The show, she says, will retain the comedy elements that the original version was popular for. "The comedy will be tongue-in-cheek and not direct, like the way we have in Comedy Nights with Kapil. Every episode will have a new theme, something we saw in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai." Post the response that 24 received from the Indian audience, picking another foreign hit show makes a lot of sense. "It will only add to the variety of content offered on television. Women are the target audience of most of production houses, but they won't mind watching comedy shows as well." As for emotions, she finds comedy more difficult than the sob-some, cry-out-loud, smile-less sequences. "It gets all the more challenging when you have to do comedy with a straight face, without expressing what you feel about a situation." Gunn hasn't been offered any reality show as yet but if she ever gets a chance, she would love to be in the Bigg Boss house. As for this season, she likes the way Tanisha and Gauhar are playing their game. Being a workaholic, which she claims to be, Gunn won't be a bad choice as an inmate of the house where one has to work on one's own! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Green
thumb
It's time to plant saplings of deciduous fruit trees like peach, plum, pear, grapes and mulberry
In the previous column we had discussed about the fruit trees that can be
planted in home garden. We will talk about various fruit trees but since this is
winter time and this is the only time when deciduous fruit trees can be planted,
let us talk about these first. The deciduous plants like peach, plum, pear, grapes, mulberry, fig etc are some of the fruit trees that shed leaves during the winter. This is the time when such tree samplings are planted. For the rest of the year, they are in active stage of growth. But probably you thought growing such plants, except for mulberry and fig, was the only privilege of those living in hills. It was, till a few years back. But such cultivars were found that had low chilling requirement and suited for growing in the plains of Punjab, Haryana and lower hills of Himachal Pradesh. But then what is the source of availability of such cultivars? You don't have to go to the hills to get such plants. The best source to get such plants is the nurseries of agriculture universities, nurseries of state government department of horticulture or even government approved nurseries. Such nurseries sell only those cultivars that are recommended for plains. Another big advantage of planting such trees in the limited space of home gardens is that these can be pruned. In fact, it is necessary to prune such plants during the winter to maintain quality and yield. If your family has preference for peach you can do with one cultivar but if you want to have plum then you will have to grow two cultivars one for fruit and other as pollinizer, though the latter can also be used for making products. In case you want to grow peaches then go in for Early Grande, Flordasun, Shan-i-Punjab and for plum, go in for Satluj Purple and Kala Amritsari. Here Kala Amritsari is the pollinizer. The deciduous plants are planted before they start sprouting. The time left is short so act fast and procure plants. (Narula is a Chandigarh-based
horticulturist)
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Classy & quirky
Describe your sense of style … Well, my style is different everyday. The way I dress depends on my mood. I keep experimenting with different kind of styles, but most of the times I like being classy and quirky. Latest addition in the wardrobe… An ultra glamorous sweater dress from Pull & Bear. Brand freak or street smart? A combination of both. Choose one--sporty, glam or chic Glamorous! My style icon Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor because they think out of the box and are not afraid of taking risks. Who's the worst-dressed celebrity around and why? All of us commit fashion blunders, but the worst-dressed celebrity of all time is Nicki Minaj. Her style is way too wild for anyone to understand. One fashion trend you don't understand… Sport shoes (jogger) paired with jeans, Floaters and jeans and galaxy tights. Your take on accessories… Accessories are a significant part of an outfit. They can jazz up a simple outfit. Also, you can take your dress from day to night by just including a few accessories to your looks. I have a huge collection of bags, footwear, scarves, neckpieces, bracelets, hair bands and so on. I love to mix and match them with my outfits. One thing that boosts your confidence… Heels! They help you stand tall and walk gracefully. A good pair of heels helps boosting confidence even when they are low-spirited. You would love to be dressed up by…. Anaita Shroff Adajania — As told to Amarjot Kaur amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Kashmir connection
Rituals connect one with the age-old tradition. For Tikoo family, celebrations revive the connect they with their land that they hardly get to visit.
Kashmiri
pandits, Tikoos had the wedding ceremony of their son Ujwal, the traditional way in Chandigarh this weekend. Kahnether and devgoan marked the pre-wedding
ceremony. Kahnether is the formal initiation of newborns into the family gotra. For Ravinder and Renuka
Tikoo, it was kahnether for their two infant grandsons - one settled in England and other in Chandigarh. "It's only after the kahnether that we start the wedding celebrations," says pleased
Ravinder, father to the groom. Purohit Razdan who conducted the rituals shares proudly that wherever the Kashmiris are, they have kept in touch with the tradition.
"Kahnether, devgoan, sapatpadi, daibat and pushpanjali are significant steps of a wedding in our culture. In
devgoan, we seek blessings of the goddesses, in spatpadi father-in-law of the bride welcomes the bride as Goddess Lakshmi as she steps on silver coins and currency notes. Daibat is where groom and bride eat together; it's to familiarise them with each others' tastes. In the final leg
pushpanjali, the relatives shower the couple with flowers considering them to Shiva
Parvati." The Tikoo family made the most of the wedding. Women of the house wore
'dejahoru', a special ear ornament to mark the occasion!
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Rock ‘n’ roll
These mouth-watering delights consist of a spicy vegetarian or juicy chicken roll wrapped into a soft crust with a flavourful Lebanese seasoning-making each bite a delicious fusion of tantalising tastes. Commenting on the new offering, Harneet Singh
Rajpal, VP Marketing, Domino's Pizza India, says, "We are committed to offer a product that finds mass acceptance and recognition. While old favourites continue to charm consumers, adding new tastes to the menu helps in diversifying the same and also gives our customers a new exciting reason to eat out at Domino's. The authentic Lebanese roll is the first ever offering in the Quick Service Restaurants
(QSRs) in India. We are confident that this new addition to our menu will be a hit with our consumers and keep them asking for more." The vegetarian Lebanese rolls are priced at Rs 95 and the non-vegetarian rolls are priced at Rs 105 per roll. Domino's has also announced a special introductory offer where consumers can buy a medium pizza with a coke and enjoy a scrumptious roll for only Rs 70.
— TNS
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Lock the moisture
Dr Vikas Sharma Since the cold weather tends to dry your hair, it takes a special effort to keep your hair healthy in winter The winter brings along cold and fog as well as dry and luster-less hair too. Hair is an important part of who we are and how we are perceived by others. Winter is the time to change your hair-care routine. The cold winter robs the hair of its bounce often leaving it limp and lifeless. The scalp constantly flakes, leading to itching, scratching and aggravated hair loss. Before the winter winds can work havoc on your hair, treat your hair to deep conditioning. Increase the amount of time you leave your conditioners in your hair when you shampoo. Deep conditioning also will replace and maintain moisture and prevent dryness. Regular trims to prevent split ends will also keep your hair healthy. Since the cold weather tends to dry your hair, a gentle oil massage will help your hair restore its softness but it should not be vigorous and should be done only once or maximum twice a week. Continue to pre-shampoo your hair with essential oils like coconut, jojoba and olive. Olive oil can work wonders in reinforcing moisture to hair. Heat the oil before using and allow it to soak for a while. Style your hair in a braid, twist or a knot. If you keep your hair loose, it will be exposed to cold winds and environmental damage. Avoid exposing your hair to frequent colouring, streaking, or ironing as they can rob off its moisture and it is advisable to avoid using heating appliances on your hair, especially in this winter season. Expose your hair to natural drying. If you insist on washing hair every day, try switching showers to the evenings, allowing your hair to air-dry indoors. This will eliminate the need for using the blow dryers which can worsen dry scalps. If you have to use, use one with a hood. About 13 per cent of our hair is made up of water. When hair is dry, it loses its ability to stretch, so it breaks off. Go gentle with hair appliances like curling irons and blow dryers.
Also try switching to a moisturizing, dry-scalp-nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Be gentle when shampooing. Don't use excessive force for rubbing your hair; remember hair is most vulnerable when wet. Say no to chemical treatment of hair and hot hair treatments such as perming, straightening or colouring in the winter season. When combined with cold weather, these treatments further tend to weaken the hair shaft and promote breakage, split ends and hair fall. Chemical treatments like relaxers do make curly hair look longer, though they drastically slow down the growth of men's hair. (Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
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Astro turf
ARIES: Keep in mind that situations change and lucky breaks can be just around the corner. Try to increase your knowledge in new spheres. Health will need more care in the evening.
Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Coffee. Magic number: 28 TAURUS: Take criticism constructively and accept praise graciously. Make the most of this low-key day because there is plenty of work in store for tomorrow. Money problem is likely to be to the fore. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 61 GEMINI: Your chivalrous behaviour and sentiments strike the right note with people. Pack up your all cares and have a good time. Influential people can be contacted without too much trouble. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Golden-brown. Magic number: 33 CANCER: Browse the newspapers and websites for that dream job because you can just find exactly what you have been hoping for. Arguments at
home are likely to erupt. Tarot message: Learn from past experience. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 28 LEO: If you have been feeling house-bound, arrange an outing with your partner. Refuse new assignments. Loved ones are unlikely to make special demands upon you. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65 VIRGO: Show love to your close ones through practical action rather than empty promises. Be careful while signing agreements. Family members will require your assistance. Not a day for forming new relationships. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27
LIBRA: If something is already on your agenda, postpone it for a later date. It is time to impress your boss. You will be feeling
competent to deal with work that requires creativity. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 39 SCORPIO: You will be in a cheerful mood today. Decisions can involve a journey overseas, pursuing a formal course of education or joining a religious community. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: Women: you will have the money to shop to your heart's desire. You can plan a profitable business trip. Those interested in modelling will get a suitable break. Perhaps doing your own thing is wiser. Tarot message: Be cautious to avoid losses. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 44 CAPRICORN: Household expenses and mortgage seem to be pretty well covered now. But pleasurable indulgences can eat into your domestic expenses. Ignore unpleasant gossip. Tarot message: Prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55 AQUARIUS: Investments in property will not be possible. A detailed accounting process lets you know what you can afford in the present situation. Shopkeepers will encounter an unruly customer. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 64 PISCES: Make the day really enjoyable and forget about work. Students interested in competitive sports will be selected in their school teams. You will feel free from any pressure and stress. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 46
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 11...
Astrologers and people dealing with occult sciences will find this year exceptionally good for them. You'll be very rational and far-sighted. You'll come across new opportunities and this will help combat your boredom of daily life. However, your loved one can criticise you for incorrect behaviour. Pleasure trips and social get-togethers will keep you relaxed and happy. Some losses due to carelessness are certain. Romance will be pleasurable and exciting. An opportunity to go overseas for further studies is likely. Positive colours: White, Sky-blue, Pink, Light-grey. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Pearl, Opal, White Sapphire. Charity on birthday: Donate green vegetables or fruits to the needy or at any religious place.
You share your birthday with Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar (Yusuf Khan, December 11, 1922, Peshawar), who started his career in 1944. His first film, Jwar Bhata was released in 1944. Devdas and Madhumati earned him the title of 'tragedy king'. Ganga
Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and Mughal-e-Azam are some of his memorable films.
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Barkha’s big step
Barkha Bisht, who was seen as Ranveer Singh's sister-in-law Kesar in Ram Leela, is getting a lot of praise for her performance in the movie. We catch up with her for more. How was it working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Sanjay sir is not a very easy director to work with. He is extremely strict as far as performance is concerned. Whatever you see me doing in the film is what he has extracted out of me. He literally held me by my finger and led me throughout the film. Usually when TV actors play character roles in big films they get lost in the crowd. Did it happen to you? Yes, but luckily for me and Sharad Kelkar we got lots of screen space and attention in Ram-Leela. The makers delivered on celluloid what was promised to us on paper. To honestly tell you, initially I was nervous about how I would be presented on screen but now I am quite proud of the efforts I put in. How was Ranveer Singh on the sets? He was extremely down-to-earth and friendly. He never made me feel that he is a filmstar and I am a television actor. I remember one scene where he sees me as a widow and I see him as a don for the first time. It was a very emotional scene and was requiring several retakes. I got a bit upset; I told him I was not used to so much detailing and attention to a character. In television we just give one take and that is mostly enough. He just hugged me and said don't worry you are doing well; much better than many other newcomers. What does your hubby Indraneil Sengupta has to say about your role? He is my best critic, but at the same time he is also biased as he is my better half. Indraneil was quite happy with my work. Arif turns principal Actor Arif Zakaria, who was recently seen in a cameo in Krissh 3, will be seen in a film titled Blue mountain, which has been directed by Suman Chakravarty. About the film, he says, "It is a sweet story of a 14-year-boy who loses a reality show and how people around him create an environment for him to cope with this loss. In the process, he learns about life and love. I play a semi-comical character of the school principal. I don a funny look with bushy eyebrows and hair oozing out of the ears! The lovable character is called Hitler by his students; he is a stern man with a heart of gold. It is a funny role. The story is based in Shimla." Arif is currently seen in Kaali— Ek Agnipariksha as Rachna's father. Playing fearless Actor Mohit Malik, who plays the self-centered Samrat Singh Rathore in Doli Armaanon Ki, is happy to have got this out-of-the-box role wherein he has got a range of emotions to play with, rather than essaying the very usual 'goody boy' character. Mohit says he finds the character of Samrat very different from what he is in real life. To look as fearless as Samrat, Mohit also had to work on his body language and smile. Ayesha’s a proud mother! Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia, who was last seen hosting reality show Sur Kshetra on television, gave birth to a baby boy in Mumbai over the weekend. Ayesha Takia thanked everyone for the good wishes and wrote: "Thank you all so much. Love to all of you for the blessings and good wishes we received. God bless." Name game Having a common name has its own disadvantage. Actor Rohit Purohit, who has been seen in Aise Karo Na Vida, Sanskar Lakshmi and Humne Li Hai Shapath, says, "I am aware that there are many Rohits in the television industry. There used to be confusion when Rohit Khurana was doing Uttaran and I was doing Aise Karo Na Vida. But that has stopped now." Worthy recognition FremantleMedia produced India's Got Talent won the Best Entertainment Award at the 18th Asian TV Awards, which were held in Singapore. The show is aired on Colors and is currently gearing up for its fifth series. FremantleMedia India's Mission Cover Shot, which airs on National Geographic and gives photographers the chance to showcase their creativity before an esteemed panel of judges, was also awarded Most Commended Show in the Best Reality Show category.
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Disney’s Khoobsurat offer!
Khubsoorat' is being directed by Shashank Ghosh a writer, an ace Ad-film director and a creative head for a popular youth music channel. The great ensemble cast includes Sonam Kapoor, Kirron Kher, Ratna Pathak Shah and Amir Raza Hussain. The film narrates the story of Mili (Sonam Kapoor)—an exuberant, vivacious and fun girl who turns the lives of a royal family upside down. "At the heart of the Disney brand lies a passion for great storytelling that establishes a strong emotional connect with families. We are very excited to partner with Anil Kapoor for Khubsoorat which represents everything that the brand stands for—the script is endearing, entertaining and a fun experience for the whole family," said Siddharth Roy Kapur, MD - Studios, Disney UTV. Producer Anil Kapoor adds, "Khoobsurat is a kind of a film that will have a universal appeal. We have worked really hard on the script of the movie which is the backbone of our effort. My daughters have grown up watching Disney movies and it's exciting to see them both collaborating with Disney India for this film. Universal appeal is the essence of Disney and that's why it's a perfect fit.
SRK’s romantic gestures
Shah Rukh Khan is the King of Romance in Bollywood. Every woman falls for his charms and hugs. Here are some tips from him on how to romance women the right way. Respect
Always be respectful towards women-in action, words, and spirit. Be chivalrous
You should always take care of small things like opening the door for a lady and do not sit before she sits. Feather touch
Always be gentle with a woman. You can be strong and harsh with guys, but not with women. Your touch has to be soft and light. No foul language
Never use abusive or foul language in front of a woman. Do not be aggressive with her or even in front of her. Be feminine
A real man is one who is in touch with his feminine side. I find my masculinity because of the fact that I am in touch with my femininity.
Asha Parekh honoured with a star
Yesteryear actress Asha Parekh recently had her handprint unveiled for UTV Stars-promoted Walk Of Stars at a ceremony held in Mumbai recently. One of the top actresses of her time, Parekh joins the list of Bollywood stars, who have had their handprints unveiled, including Randhir Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Sharmila Tagore and Vidya Balan, among others. The veteran actress was joined by Jeetendra and Helen, her costars in Nasir Hussain's 1971 film Caravan, Waheeda Rehman and actress Shammi at the unveiling ceremony. The tile bearing the hand print was later installed at Walk of the Stars promenade in Bandra, a western Mumbai suburb.
Too much work
Excel Entertainment is working on two films simultaneously, one directed by Zoya Akhtar and the other directed by Rahul Dholakia. Ritesh Sidhwani has allotted one floor to each film to allow the films to function smoothly.
The Bastard Child is born
After a great struggle, director Mrityunjay Devvrat finally got the title The Bastard Child approved from the IMPPA. The film stars notable actors like Farooq Shaikh and Raima Sen.
Ranbir mum about life
Ranbir Kapoor refused to talk about his personal life on Koffee with Karan but he said that he hopes he will get married soon.
Dia loves books
Dia Mirza loves reading and she reads up to three books in a week. She prefers reading books to reading online. Reading books transports her to another world.
Song of the valley
The songs of the Kashmir Valley feature in Highway which has been shot in six different North Indian states. You can view the making of episodes online in Highway
Diaries.
Coffee time
Kareena Kapoor Khan revealed on Koffee with Karan that one day in Beirut she went to have coffee with Katrina Kaif and had a good time with her. Saif was asleep so she had some free time. Kapoor is looking forward to Katrina's marriage to Ranbir.
Katrina throws tantrums
Katrina Kaif threw tantrums at a recent promotional event in Dubai. She arrived late, refused to give personal interviews, answer certain questions, and changed venues. All this left the media upset and disappointed.
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Inching towards the Oscar
A 25-minute-film, Kush, which stars Sonika Chopra, Shayaan Sameer and Anil Sharma, has been short-listed by the Academy for 10 live-action short films. Three or five films out of these 10 films will be selected for Oscar nomination by the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch members.
The film's story takes place during the riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The story revolves around a school picnic where a teacher is trying to protect Kush, the only Sikh child in the group from the violence raging around them. We catch up with Sonika Chopra who plays the teacher in Kush to talk about the film and more… Tell us about your background? Since I've been exposed to all parts of India, I consider myself a nationally integrated girl! I have also been an advertising copywriter in the past. How did acting happen? Acting has been a childhood passion for me, just indulging myself seriously now. This is not really my first film. There are a couple of projects in the pipeline; this is my first international project that's already completed and competing in the international festival circuit. How was the experience shooting for the film? It never felt like a short or a small-budget film. Its scale, manner of shooting and vision was always amazingly large. The director, producer, cast and crew put their heart, soul and love into it, and I think it's that love which God is blessing with all these accolades now. I feel the director Shubhashish Bhutiani has done brilliantly for his first film and the producer, Sanjay Bhutiani, is his pillar of strength! The film has been to many film festivals. How has been the response so far? Overwhelming! Touchwood, Shubhashish, seems to be God's favourite child, and so far, he has won an award at every Festival he has been to. Please join us in praying that the rest of Kush's journey is equally fruitful. Did you expect the film to get short listed for Oscars and what are your expectations now? Ha ha ha! This is beyond our wildest dreams. And thank God for his generosity! And my expectations? Well, they are the same as any other Indian...to bring the golden statuette home! Fingers, legs, heart, all crossed (smiles). Is the film going to have a release in India? The makers of the film would have a better idea on this. Too soon to comment on that.
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The Punjabi film industry is now setting a new benchmark — Bollywood. This was quite evident at the music launch of Patiala Dreams, an upcoming Punjabi film that will be released on January 10. Produced under the banner of Kapoor films and showbiz, the film has choreography by Shabina Khan of Tore Naina fame and the songs have been sung by some of the known musicians of Bollywood, including Javed Ali, Sonika Sharma and Shahid Mallya. 
Karina Bedi, 18, a fashion stylist and a fashion choreographer, likes being different…always. "For some people, fashion is about comfort, but for me it is about self expression and it should always be based on what one finds interesting," she says.
In yet another flavourful and innovative addition to its already delectable menu, Domino's Pizza, brings to its consumers in India, deliciously exotic Lebanese rolls.
The Walt Disney Studio is all set to produce Khoobsurat, a wholesome family entertainer in association with actor-producer Anil Kapoor and producer Rhea Kapoor. The film has just gone on the floors in Bikaner, Rajasthan and will hit the screens in mid-2014.