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Jatt in trouble?
We threw our head back on couch, sat back easy; we knew the sun has just appeared from behind the clouds and it would shine bright for long. But just like an over-confident warrior, who has great faith on himself and his army, the entire Punjabi film fraternity was enjoying this sun when suddenly the clouds re-appeared from nowhere. And you still have to look up at the sky for they are still there! The year 2013 opened its innings with Dheeraj Rattan's Saadi Love Story and Amit Prasher's Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, both multi-starrers that couldn't leave a strong mark on the minds of the audiences and also the box-office. Tu Mera 22 saw Yo Yo Honey Singh doing comedy, romancing and of course singing, but this still didn't take the film far. It didn't sound great, but the industry had a whole year in front of them. Pali Bhupinder came up with first Punjabi film Stupid 7 with a teenage star cast, which again went in the cold freezer. The industry was hoping for something earth-shattering! Gippy Grewal starrer Singh Vs Kaur directed by Navaniat Singh gave us some hope. The film managed to generate noise at the box-office, however, nothing like the audiences were expecting. And this was it, the clouds became more intense after February; no sun, the dark weather loomed over. The industry witnessed a long list of films that just could not create an impact; in fact after a while they stopped to tickle the funny bone as well and after a while they left us virtually numb. The much hyped, controversial film Sadda Haq finally made it to theatres; a rush for a day or two and then the same film fizzled out. Another film that came and went by unnoticed was Jimmy Sheirgill's Rangeelay, directed by Navaniat Singh. The movie that launched Neha Dhupia was reduced to a whimper in days or let's say…a day. Okay, now the industry started realising that something was going drastically wrong; again we were hoping against hope. This year the word 'Jatt' was exploited no end - Jatt Airways, Jatts in Golmaal, Naughty Jatts, Putt Jattan De…the Jatt was creating ruckus everywhere, but the sad part was nobody was watching him. Other than of course, Putt Jattan De or Naughty Jatts, this Jatt wasn't creating any impression. The industry was revolving the same actors, same comedians and character artists. The comedy genre was playing havoc on our minds. It was breaking our funny bone, there was hardly anything funny about them!
Launch pad Many Punjabi singers and a battery of Bollywood actors made their debut in Punjabi films in the year 2013
Sarbjit Cheema Then someone like a Jatinder Mauhar decided to direct something different called Sikander starring Kartar Cheema and Gul Panag. What followed was a controversy that didn't do anything good to the film. The actors and the story were appreciated, but the film didn't do anything at the box-office. On similar lines, national-award winning film Nabar came on the scene and was much appreciated but not popular at the box-office. Now, the industry rose and wanted to take a good look at the clouds, hoping they could do something. Well…nothing could be done; the sky was too dark already. Films like Punjab Bolda, Vyah 70 Km, RSVP, Best Of Luck, Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya, Ishq Garaari, Dil Sadda Luteya Gaya, Fer Maamla Gadbad Gadbad, Heer & Hero, Just You & Me…made matters worse. The film that still managed to get youngsters to the theatre, Young Malang, launched Punjabi singer Balli Riar in an intense role. Harish Verma and Yuvraj Hans were the other two actors whose work was appreciated. Haani directed by Amitoj Mann was seen as a comeback for Harbhajan Mann and also marked the debut of Anuj Sachdeva. In the middle of this sad state, one film that could make a hole in the clouds was Jatt & Juliet 2 directed by Anurag Singh. Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa entertained the audience. The movie got thumbs-up from the audience and also moved the box-office for good, though people from the industry always feel numbers at the box-office are always an exaggeration. If not anything nice for the Punjabi film industry, this year definitely saw many Bollywood beauties making their unsuccessful debut here. Anjana Sukhani, Neha Dhupia, Minnisha Lamba and Aarti Chabrria starred in various films. In addition, the year 2013 also saw a trend of item numbers; silly, out of place and a little vulgar. So far isn't so good here, the clouds have only gathered with more intensity… and we don't see any sunshine yet! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Jingle bells...
Festive affair Memorable moments Best gift What I give to my loved ones My favourite carols
Lovely time Memorable moments Best gift What I give to my loved ones My favourite carols
Traditional touch Memorable moments Best gift What I give to my loved ones My favourite carols
Worship mode Memorable moments Best gift What I give to my loved ones My favourite carols mona@tribunemail.com
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Cover it up
Apart from Bollywood and cricket, there is one thing that we as Indians take very seriously to and that would be the weddings! Among all the panic and rush that goes on in the busy backdrop of a wedding, we often tend to take more errands at hand than we
possibly can, including the decoration of the wedding trousseau. Having the first hand experience of the mad rush and turmoil that goes into making the wedding trousseau, Japneet Bawa
has made a rather creative attempt at liberating the wedding folks of the worries associated with the trousseau as she launches her trousseau and home décor boutique, Wraps in Sector 26, Chandigarh.
While there are various avenues that cater to the trousseau needs, Japneet swears by her brand as she says, "The best part about our services is the fact that we customise the trousseau depending on the customer's budget. Our baskets are in wrought iron and cane base too. Also, we offer a theme-based trousseau, which caters to the entire wedding trousseau, right from the roka and chunni chadhai ceremony to the reception." Wraps also designs trousseaus for various other ceremonies, including baby shower and birth announcement. Apart from the trousseaus, the store also offers stuff for home décor, including designer vases, flower baskets, showpieces, photo frames, lace cushions, and a lot more! "This store is a passion driven venture where we sell creativity and ideas," Japneet signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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She treads the write path
Largely the reserve of adults, Ishita Aggarwal has broken the age barrier and come out with her first novel, Lieable, published by OM Books. A mild-mannered girl with a smile that warms your heart, Ishita was exposed to story books early on as her father read them out to her when she was as young as four years. The world of spinning yarns caught her fancy at a tender age and it got her hooked on to reading and there has been no looking back since.
Her first published work, Lieable, is centred on the superpowers of the protagonist. Ishita herself is not averse to the idea of having a superpower, if possible, and would love it should she be able to fly in the open sky. Trying to walk the tightrope between studying, writing and all things teen, she says, "I never thought I would end up getting my writing published. As I love to read so much, writing came as a natural extension to it. Also, I spent about two years in US where there were a lot of writing workshops. It was there that I discovered that I could actually write and tell a story. I started writing it when I was 12 but did not tell anyone, other than my parents, about it till I completed it. When I completed my novel, my father was the one who was sure it was publishing-worthy. I was very thrilled when the book was launched and could hardly believe it. Everyone, including my friends, were amazed and very generous with the praise. It feels great to be at the centre of so much attention but I feel a bit of pressure too. Living up to the expectations of my first novel and getting stuck in a style rut are some things that I worry about." A regular teenager at a school in Chandigarh, she has the same schedule as anyone appearing for her Class X exams would; shuttling between school and extra classes. Finding the discipline to write is no mean feat and she triumphed regardless of the distractions, as she was very passionate about it. Her mother, previously a maths lecturer, pitches in, "Since she was younger, she has been writing. Earlier it used to be a diary and it eventually came to this novel. We are really proud of her." Ishita is still contemplating her career choices, with the scales tilting in favour of the sciences. She is sure she will keep writing. Already on her next novel, she also plans a mini-series in keeping with the broader theme of Lieable; but it has gotten tougher with studies taking up a most of her time. She writes only when she really feels like it as otherwise, she feels, the writing feels forced and doesn't read so good either. While she seems happy at having achieved what she has, she is more grounded than many other teens her age. The absence of any airs around the young achiever, who is quiet and low-profile is a welcome change. A voracious reader, she also plays the guitar rather well and brilliant in academics too. Apart from reading, she loves to watch TV, play video games and sleep-in on holidays. She says, "I get fan mail from other teens who feel they can relate to the subject and characters of my book. When I go to buy a book, I feel there is a lack of Indian novels for Indian teens. There is indeed no shortage of teen novels from foreign authors but they come with scenarios that Indian teens are alien to." The best compliment for her book was, as she shyly recounts, when a girl who told her that she writes like Meg Cabot; an author she grew up admiring. She loves to read and is influenced by John Green and Louise Renninson. Behind the endearing smile, one can see the steely determination. More power to her pen.
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tune in Item songs have become a genre in itself, a genre Bollywood is hooked to... Manpriya Singh
Whoever said we only ape the West? They certainly missed out on the most applauded musical performance in Indian cinema. Never mind the fact that sudden outbreak of song and dance has very little to do with the script or the characters. Yes, item numbers are a necessary evil. As for the lyrics, the less said the better. Take a body part, dissect it and choreograph it. Better still, speak of an explicit affair, an escapade. Anything that lends itself to titillation and publicity. As for the story, well that's the stuff you put between the intervals and weave around the song. Hall of fame
When heroines were only interested in playing Miss Goody Two Shoes,
Helen, the original item queen of Indian cinema, played the role of a vamp to perfection. She was the quintessential bad girl who all the guys would lust for. Her song Yeh Mera Dil from the original Don, started the trend, even long before we coined the term item songs. Cut to two decades back, in 1995, Sonali Bendre successfully played the item girl in the classic song Humma Humma. Dressed in a white, she pulled the act well, in the otherwise serious film Bombay. Not that the stint with item songs stopped but nothing really matched up till Chaiyya Chaiyya in Dil Se came along. We don't know what the song scored the most for, but it had everything going for it. Right from Shah Rukh Khan to Malaika Arora Khan to the choreography atop a moving train. In between Sushmita Sen's Mehboob Mere from the film Fiza deserves a mention. Then came Aishwarya Rai starrer Kajra Re from the film Bunty or Babli. The family affair, literally became the 'national step'. What catapulted the genre to an altogether different level was Beedi Jalai Le from the film Omkara. Bipasha Basu enjoyed her prime position of a seductress but finally had to give it to Munni and Sheila, a couple of years later.
It didn't really kick-start till Munni Badnaam Hui. The item song from the film Dabangg, picturised on Malaika Arora Khan redefined item numbers. The Munni might have been defamed but the song touched heights of popularity. Sheila Ki Jawaani falls pretty much in the same league and needs be listed in the same breath. As long as the list of the songs that fall in this genre is the list of the forgettable item acts. The ones that neither made sense nor any melody. Nevertheless, a couple of memorable acts include Chikni Chameli, pictured on Katrina Kaif from the film Agneepath, then Anarkali Disco Chali from Housefull 2, pictured on Malaika Arora Khan. More or less, same three to four B-town girls rule the item list. Then there's Kareena Kapoor doing a Fevicol Se in Dabangg 2. There's yet another that needs to be mentioned for Priyanka Chopra's sake. Babli Badmaash Hui from Shootout at Wadala happens to be her first item song. That could be yet another beginning.
Youngsters take It doesn't really matter whether the audience likes it or not. A lot many love to hate item songs. Opines Kritika Jha, Functional English student, Government College for Girls, "There are very few that sound good. As long as they have good beats and catchy lyrics, not indecent but catchy lyrics, they are fine. Recently they have been trying to sell offensive language coupled with bad melody, that's when it gets too much." Her favourite ones remain the ones picturised on Malaika Arora Khan. "I like Anarkali Disco Chali more than even Munni Badnaam Hui." The genre has often lent itself to discussion on the item queen. Unless there's a certain class appeal in the mass act, how does it matter? Kareena or Katrina, Malaika or Priyanka, the difference doesn't make a difference. Opines Mallika Dayal, student, Department of Laws, "Chaiyya Chaiya was my favourite long time ago and the last item song I liked was Munni Badnaam Hui. After that, they crossed the lines of decency." Any takers? manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Future
Shock Sound systems that will rock your New Year party Nishtha Shukla Anand
Bose SoundDock Series III digital music system
SpeakerCraft CS3
LG BH9430PW If you are looking for a home theatre system that also doubles up as a music system, the LG BH9430PW is a good choice. This all-in-one home cinema comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so you can connect content from practically any device. This one also has 3D Blu-ray playback for those who enjoy a good movie experience. We will also be able to online streaming such as the BBC iPlayer and Netflix once it comes to India. Samsung HT-F9750W This beautiful system comes with five speakers that give you sound that's pure symphony. With an unbeatable audio performance and a Blu-ray receiver, this home theatre system works as the perfect home theatre. It can be connected using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Pioneer SP-SB23W Get great sound for your New Year party with the Pioneer SP-SB23W. This system has considerable sound effect, especially if we talk about the blend of the sub and main cabinet. The wireless subwoofer that comes with this system is particularly impressive. It has outstanding sonics and the sound quality is supreme. (The writer is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)
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Doc
Talk Dr Vikas Sharma
Shampoos are intended to remove sebum, sweat, dead skin cells, styling products and environmental dirt that get deposited on the hair. But in this process the shampoos while cleansing the hair tend to remove sebum also from the hair shaft leaving the hair dull, harsh unmanageable and difficult to style.
Hair conditioners also attempt to mend the split ends as well as recondition the hair that gets damaged by the routine mechanical and chemical trauma while indulging in activities such as blow-drying, bleaching, brushing, colouring, styling, etc. When shampooing, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than the entire length of the hair, as washing only the hair and not scalp can create flyaway hair that appears dull and coarse. When using a conditioner, the recommendation is entirely different. Conditioners should be used on the tips of hair and not on the scalp surface. Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type, based on your hair shape, such as curly or straight, and your hair condition, such as damaged, fine, or frizzy. These products don't need to be expensive to work well for your hair. Men's hair are on an average shorter than that of women but men have more oily scalp than women so men should choose a shampoo with greater cleansing effect. The hair conditioners are used in four ways Instant: The hair conditioner is applied following shampoo, then rinsed. Such conditioning is indicated in minimally damaged hair and aids wet combing. Deep: Applied and left in place for 20-30 minutes, then hair is shampooed and rinsed. This Conditioning is useful for chemically damaged hair. Leave-in: Applied to towel-dried hair prior to styling. This prevents hair dryer damage ; aids in combing and styling. Rinse: Applied following shampooing, then rinsed. Aids in disentangling hair and removes soap residue. The biggest progress in shampoo development has been in the introduction of advanced "2-in-1" shampoos that both cleanse and condition the hair in one step. This has resulted due to the addition of silicones in the composite which are substantive to the hair shaft and does not get removed while rinsing. The silicones coat the hair shaft, reduce static electricity, minimize combing friction, improve manageability and add shine to the hair. These shampoos are extremely beneficial for those having thin hair. (Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
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Master
Chef Manju Dewan 
It is time to bake yummy cakes for your friends and family. With strawberries we have created a visual gastronomically delightful cake that is bound to be a hit with all the members of your family - seniors and juniors both with Santa as the centre of attraction.
Strawberry Cake with Santa
Ingredients for cake
For Santa 2 tbsp cream cheese
Method For cake Mix together maida and baking powder and sieve it. Mix together butter, castor sugar and milk powder. Blend it well with a hand blender to get a smooth paste. Add strawberry pulp and blend well. Now gradually add maida and keep blending with the hand blender. Simultaneously add milk if the batter gets too thick. Add strawberry essence and mix well. Now pour this batter in a greased baking tin. Bake it in a pre heated oven at 180 degree for about 40-45 minutes or until done. Let it cool and decorate as per your liking. For Santa Beat cream cheese and whipped cream (or marshmallow crème) in a bowl with hand blender until fluffy. Pour this mixture in a piping bag. Cut strawberries crosswise in half. Take a strawberry piece. Keep a pineapple chunk on it and cover it with the other half of strawberry. Seal it together with a toothpick. Press chocolate chips into pineapple slices for eyes. Pipe cream cheese mixture onto strawberry hat and some on pineapple to form bears. Chill and serve with the cake. Do not keep it in refrigerator for more than 2 hours. (Dewan is a Ludhiana based culinary chef) As told to Poonam Bindra
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Jingle all the way
It is the season of joy and giving! While everyone is still zeroing down on options for Christmas celebrations, Elante, the beautifully smart mall is already set to for the yuletide festival.
The decorations at the mall are a treat for the kids. Enter the Mall and you will feel like it's the North Pole. With a Welcome Gate made of Candy-canes and Christmas trees, a 23 feet tall Christmas Tree at the main atrium, Santa's Castle on the second floor and, Santa's Sleigh on the third floor have been put up to give you the feel of Lapland, Santa's home. The Elante Express, a children's toy train in the Courtyard has been decked up in Christmas finery. The mall has also arranged for Carol singing by Members of the local church choir on Christmas eve so that patrons can fully enjoy this occasion. The mall is also giving a unique chance to its patrons to participate in the activities wherein they get to select the store which is best decorated for Christmas. Their vote will enable the brand to win the Visual Merchandising Contest 2013 trophy organised by the mall. — TNS
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star track
Not invited
Deepika Padukone threw a grand bash at a five-star hotel in Worli, which was attended by the who's who of the industry. However, as Katrina Kaif was not on the guest list, Ranbir Kapoor (who was invited) chose to stay at home instead of attending the bash.
B-day wish
Aamir Khan will go to Panvel on December 27 to wish Salman Khan on his birthday. Salman Khan has been keeping a low profile lately as he is under the weather.
SRK needs no break!
Off late, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has been having a hectic schedule as he has been working back-to-back without taking a holiday. The actor was first busy with Chennai Express and right after the blockbuster, he started working on Farah Khan's upcoming film Happy New Year. And it seems that Shah Rukh is going to be working this holiday season too as he is currently busy shooting non-stop for Happy New Year.
"Nothing like working during the season of holidays. Has a strange sense of accomplishment. Come on Day...Hit Me!!!" the 48-year-old Om Shanti Om actor tweeted. Well, that's the right
attitude!
No time
Manoj Bajpayee wants to become a producer but he is too committed to acting and does not get or take time off. He is impressed with the new-age directors and actors.
Of hair and hues
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian says she had the momentary urge to ditch her blonde locks for darker hair but decided to wait a bit longer as they appeared beautiful. The 33-year-old socialite abandoned her brunette locks by debuting a honey blonde shade in September, reported a publication. During a web chat with fans, when someone asked her that for how long she intended to have lighter locks, she said, "I'm not sure. I had the urge to go dark today when I was at the salon but I finally got the colour blonde so good, I want to wait a little longer," she added. — PTI
Being together
Bipasha Basu and Harman Baweja made an appearance together at Deepika Padukone's party. Harman let Bipasha enjoy the limelight and red carpet, and went in when he was bombarded with questions about his career.
Grand opening
Dhoom 3 has collected more than 36 crore (36.22 crore) on its opening day making it the biggest opening ever! The collections will be out soon and the movie has no competition at the ticket windows for a while.
I am immune to success and failure: Kareena
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, whose last film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein did not do well at the box office, says she isn't dejected by the failure of the movie.
Imran Khan and Kareena made the audience fall in love with them with their first outing Ek Main Aur Ek Tu . The two teamed up again for Karan Johar's home production but the romantic comedy, which released last month, failed to create magic at the box office. "I think because Ek Main Aur Ek Tu was a lovely film so there were expectations from this film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. I think the script let us down in a very bad way. That (script) is the most important factor of a film. In Ek Main Aur Ek Tu it was a lovely script, a fantastic story. It was new... you had never seen an actress saying she doesn't want to live with the guy," Kareena said. After achieving so much success in Bollywood, the failure of a film at this point of her career doesn't bother Kareena. "The failure of a film doesn't bother me much today. It is like you become immune to success and failure. It is like a balance. I have seen too much of that in the industry. But that is how it works, it happens with everyone. You get success, failure equally in same line... so it's okay," the 33-year-old star said. — PTI
I’m the happiest right now: Selena Gomez
It seems that the 21-year-old singer is enjoying some family time as she posted on Instagram, a picture of herself cuddling a baby who is believed to be her 6-month-old sister Gracie, reported a website. "I'm the happiest I've been in a while… So blessed and thankful for the future, for release and to finally be happy for those I loved...," Gomez wrote. The Come & Get singer also shared another photo, which shows her gazing through a window in which she appeared calm and relaxed. Gomez cancelled her tour as she needed time to focus on herself in the New Year. — PTI
Beyonce does it again
Pop star Beyonce Knowles, who surprised her fans with the release of an unannounced self-titled album, says she wanted to follow in the footsteps of singing sensation Madonna.
The 32-year-old singer recently held a visual album screening of her self-titled fifth album at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she told her fans that Madonna was her inspiration, reported a magazine. "I felt like I wanted to follow in the footsteps of Madonna and be a powerhouse and have my own empire," Beyonce said at the screening. The Crazy in Love hit maker surprised fans last week when she released her fifth studio project on iTunes without any prior announcement or major marketing campaign. The album became an instant hit, breaking records by shifting 828,773 units worldwide in just 72 hours.
— PTI
Britney’s tumultuous past
Pop star Britney Spears says that during the tough period of her life she felt alienated from the public.
The 32-year-old singer, who had exhibited erratic behaviour, including shaving her head in 2007, said she was so sick of being constantly followed by the photographers that staying home seemed a better option, reported a website. In a candid new documentary I Am Britney Jean, which aired in US, Spears said she felt alienated from her fans during that period. "But as time passed, they lightened up and they went away after I wouldn't come out of the house for two years. It was a trying time," Spears said. "It was kind of confusing for me. Personally, I'm a shy
person and I'm particularly not really made for this industry because I am so shy. It's not something I deal with so well," she added. —
PTI
A reunion for Friends
Actress Jennifer Aniston is being slowly convinced into joining her Friends cast mates for a reunion next year. The 44-year-old We're the Millers actress has enjoyed a huge movie career since the sitcom ended in 2004, but producers are keen for her to reunite with cast mates Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer in 2014, reported a magazine.
"Since the show ended in 2004, it's been rare for all six of them to appear in public together. But with next year's 20th anniversary of the show's launch it will be unavoidable for them to do something together. It's the perfect excuse to talk seriously about a new project," a source said. "It's no secret that the whole project will be pinned on Jennifer, who's incredibly busy with her movie career. But she's been slowly convinced that a reunion could be a good thing," it added. Cox, who played Monica Geller, opposite Aniston's Rachel Green, has been helping pave the way for the reunion as she and the latter have remained close since shooting on Friends wrapped. — PTI
Family time for Nicole Kidman
Actress Nicole Kidman helped her parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary by throwing a party for them in Sydney, Australia. The 46-year-old Hollywood actress was among the guests at the bash, along with her country singer husband Keith Urban, to celebrate Anthony and Janelle Kidman's golden anniversary, reported a website. The party took place at the city's Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
Kidman was dressed in a green and ivory, flower-festooned dress and neutral pumps. Her daughter Faith sparkled in a silver sequin frock and clutched a cute panda bear mask. Kidman is expected to remain in Sydney for Christmas. — PTI
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chatter box Emotional Atyachaar that is telecast on Bindaas, featured cases of cheating between couples in the entire season. Now the television series will telecast four special episodes in a series named-Shaadi Mein Atyachaar. They will showcase stories that go beyond the realms of cheating and about people who have battled out troublesome marriages including frauds, dowry, NRI marriages, prostitution and domestic violence. Breaking bad: A still from Shaadi Mein Atyachaar
With no regrets
Undoubtedly, one of the most controversial contestants of Bigg Boss Season 7, Armaan Kohli, said goodbye to the Bigg Boss house just about 7 days before the show's Grand Finale. Armaan has always come across as a short-tempered person, who was engaged in a series of conflicts during his stay in the Bigg Boss house. But behind the aggressive Armaan, there resided a caring and affectionate man, who came to the front to protect his fellow housemates from being targeted by others. Armaan always put his friends before everything and gave them a lot of importance. We engage in a candid conversation with him as he pours his heart out…
How did it feel like to be out of the Bigg Boss house? As I leave the show, I am content to know that I am stepping out without any animosities and with a clean heart. My only regret is that I wish I would have been able to stay inside for one more week, and come out with all the remaining contestants, who I will miss dearly. I hadn't done any reality show in my life, so I think I got the best one. What did you learn in the Bigg Boss house? My journey inside the Bigg Boss house has been quite overwhelming. I have seen severe highs and lows and the roller-coaster ride has taught me a lot about myself. Thanks to Bigg Boss, I have learnt lessons on patience, anger management and also gained a lot of control over myself. Even at times when I have lost my cool, I have ensured to apologise thereafter and mend my ways. Are you in love with Tanisha? All I can say is that both of us are good friends. She stood by me in the house and that is something I will never forget. We are close to each other and have a strong bond. Now is it movies or TV for you? Movies I think. I will be working in my home production soon, but will let you know the details once things are finalised. What do you have to say about Sofia filing an FIR against you? I will soon have a press conference to explain my side. I think things were blown out of proportion. — HRM
Mansi calls it quits
Manasi Salvi, aka Avantika Deewan in Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara, has quit the show. She felt her character's journey had ended and had nothing more. She will be out of the show by month end. The makers will soon decide if they want to replace her or end the character.
Trashing rumours
There were rumours that Ali Asgar was leaving the show, Jeannie Aur Juju, but he denied it all. He had issues with the creative team, but once he told them his problems, the team looked into it and the problems were resolved.
The bong connection
Post Bigg Boss, Pratyusha Banerjee will now be seen in a Bengali film. She will begin shooting for the movie in February. The actress rose to fame with the show, Balika Vadhu that is telecast on Colors. Being a Bengali herself, she is glad to have bagged the film, which she can relate to.
Waiting for a nod
Buzz is that Siddharth Basu's production house has approached Salman Khan to host the popular television series, Dus Ka Dum 3. Salman, who hosted the last two seasons of the show had signed a contract of Rs 90 crores for three seasons. There are good chances that something will work out.
Up for a movie
Mrunal Thakur, who was last seen in the show Arjun, will now be playing the lead role in Shashi and Sumeet Mittal's next Marathi movie. Shashi and Sumeet made their first Marathi movie, Rangkarmi, and have cast big celebrities in their second venture.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your enthusiasm may have run out of steam temporarily and pausing to catch your breath is okay. Make this an easy day and focus on anything that needs concentration and effort. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, so try to put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Fuchsia Magic number: 31
TAURUS: Parents may experience stress and tension regarding their offspring. Stick to earning a living and leave entertainment for later. Health needs attention.
Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky
colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is delightful way of spending money. You will find it hard to pin down people. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work on them.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky
colour: Yellow Magic number: 61 CANCER: You may spend on health today. Get home early to avoid traffic mayhem, which could be worse than usual. Enduring relationships will be formed with new people who live at a distance.
Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others.
Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic number: 26 VIRGO: A bit of craziness
will creep into your day and it will surprise you like a cosmic jack in the box. Avoid gossiping because it can spoil your chances of success.
Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 28
LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous could be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Tarot message: You gain by being practical, so do not be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach
Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: If single, you will find available attractive candidate for dating, who will relate with your social circle. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would take a toll on you, physically. Tarot message: Focus on emotional and spiritual needs.
Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: "Three of Cups" suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for the love to keep growing. Partners may not agree with your plans.
Tarot message: Do not hold back anything from your employer. Lucky
colour: Purple Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Wake up early to greet the day with morning exercise and get your energy flowing. While walking or running will suit some of you, yoga or meditation may appeal others.
Tarot message: Be disciplined and you can build great success. Lucky
colour: Golden brown Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Today your attention revolves around your home, property, family and long range decisions. Money rolls after lunch. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making.
Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White
Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what you have accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show to the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand.
Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Black
Magic number: 27
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 25...
Next year is a period of reckoning as well as regeneration of mind, thoughts and ideas. A very special talent would develop by means of intuition and extra ordinary creativity. Musicians, play writers, copywriters, and artistes will get new ideas of creativity. Plan your life out nicely to get good results. Since your birthday is on the 25th, number 7 adds to a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition. Those ruled by number 7 are social, which allows you to make friends easily. Positive colours: Ivory, Lavender blush and Light pink Select days: Sunday, Monday and Friday Favourable numbers: 1, 2 and 7 Gems recommended: Pearl, Moonstone, Opel Charity on birthday: Seek the blessings of eunuchs by giving them warm dresses in any shade of green or green coloured sweets.
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"I remember when I was getting married, my mother was more than harrowed to be preparing and decorating the wedding trousseau, which included the shagun, bangle pillows, shoe potlis, suit and saree wrapping and so much more. That's when I decided that there had to be a store in the city that caters to all the trousseau needs of the wedding. Thus, the venture," says Japneet. After exhibiting her works at the Vanity Fair, Whispering Willows, a couple of years ago, Japneet opened a store that catered to the wedding needs of people over two years ago, but she opted to shut it down because her daughter was very small. At this time around, she has her 7-year-old daughter standing right next to her as she shares, "Now that my daughter is all grown up, I thought of re-launching the store and I must say she is one of the harshest critics. So all the products that we make are perfected by my daughter's approval," she laughs.
Going out for a New Year bash is passé. We don't want no driving out late at night, we don't want no spending oodles at a crowded party. Instead, we want to call all our friends home to have a party.
This is what youngsters these days are thinking. It keeps the peeps happy as well! You're safe at home and the party can go on till wee hours of the morning. You might have the drinks and snacks all planned. But what's a party without great music? If you are yet to pick up a great sound system for yourself, here are some super suggestions:
If you have a fantastic collection of music, it deserves to be heard right. Get yourself the Bose SoundDock Series III digital music system. This one is meant to be played with the Apple iPod and iPhone models, which are easily connected with a lightning connector. For all other devices, it has an auxiliary input as well. The acoustic design of this system makes music soft yet bouncy. It fills the room with music. You simply have to initiate your play list and let the party roll.
Play music from any device or phone using the SpeakerCraft CS3. One of the best systems in the market today, it has a pedestal-style sound bar design. While the sound bar is supreme, it also has a refined look. You can play two-channel music on this system using its built-in Bluetooth. The Bluetooth allows you to connect any phone or tablet to the system. 
The judicious use of hair conditioners and shampoos is vital for clean, strong and beautiful hair.
The good hair conditioners have been designed to reverse this hair damage by improving sheen, decreasing brittleness, decreasing porosity, increasing strength and restoring degradation in the polypeptide chain. The role of conditioner is to mimic sebum thus making the hair manageable, glossy and soft.
200gms maida
Actress and item girl Maryam Zakaria wants everyone to read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne because the book changed her life. She also wants
to read The Magic and The Power.
Singer-actress Selena Gomez, who recently cancelled her Australian tour, says she is feeling blessed and is in the happiest phase of her life.
You share your birthday with Raju Srivastav (December 25, 1963, Kanpur) who was born as Satyaprakash Srivastava. He gained initial stardom as an Amitabh Bachchan look-alike and also imitated him very well. Mercury in his birthscope is exalted which bestows humour will be at its best in 2015 after which he will shine like any popular comedian of yesteryears.