The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

TRENDSETTER
High on fashion

The concept of looking good is as old as mankind and that's why even today we do try to dig out the beauty secrets of the likes of Cleopatra or Helen of Troy. Added to that is being in sync with the latest trends and fashion and that is what Mehak Malhotra is trying study in her fashion designing course at INIFD.

Mehak Malhotra

Your sense of style…

Anybody who can carry off the latest trend with grace is stylish. For me, black and hot pink denote style.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

A black dress from French Connection.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Basically suitability is the key, so both will do.

Who would be your style icon?

Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor, if I can name two.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Kangana Ranaut it would be.

Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous?

Chic for me.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Bell bottom trousers is one thing I will never wear.

Your take on accessories?

I like accessories to be minimal and just complementary to the dress.

Given a choice which designer would like to be dressed by?

Shantanu & Nikhil

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When my body language tells me that I am comfortable, I feel good and that is especially when I am wearing high heels.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

green thumb
Bare essentials
Satish Narula

With the advancement of technology, it has become possible plant of certain saplings with bare roots. This has made planting easy and cost effective. No doubt the deciduous plants like peach, plum, pear, grapes etc can be brought and planted with bare roots, there are evergreen plants like kinnow and ber that could also be transported bare rooted and planted.

The list of such plants is long. This also includes roses that are being transported bare rooted and planted. However, for transplanting such plants, it is necessary to observe certain precautions. First of all, see that the plant and roots are healthy, especially in case of deciduous plants where one can see gall (tumor) formation. Reject such plants. The roots should be properly covered against desiccation. It is better if the roots are wrapped in wet moss grass and covered with polythene sheet if the plants are to be carried to a long distance. Otherwise these should be properly covered with gunny bag or hessian cloth. The leaves in case of deciduous plants are already shed but in case of plants like roses, kinnow, amla, ber etc, most of the leaves and some of the twigs could be removed. The saplings should immediately be planted on arrival in the pre-dug and filled pits. In case there is delay in planting then it should be buried in soil. The soil should be thoroughly moistened.

This is also the time to plant phalsa, mulberry and grapes. For this either you get the saplings from some reliable nursery or make saplings by way of cuttings. You can look for one such plant in the house of a friend and then make 10 inches long cuttings. The lower edge of the cutting should be made slanting as it increases the surface area to absorb more moisture. The cutting should be planted in soil with two third of it below ground. As the weather starts warming, the cuttings sprout. It does not, however, mean it has struck roots. The sprouting in cutting is due to the stored fruit. It should not be disturbed for the next year. If it has been planted where it was intended to be then it is all right but if you want to transplant it then winter is the time when it should be done as at that time the plant is dormant.

Next in the line is pruning of deciduous plants. Before we educate you on this, make sure you have suitable, sharp equipments. For this you must have a secateur and a pruning saw. If you already have one, get its blade sharpened.

(Narula is Chandigarh-based senior horticulturist)

Master Chef
Raise a glass!
Kandla Nijhowne

Yaay it's party time folks! A time for bonfires, music, woollies and warm smiles. Great food is a given and so is some peppy drink to pass around? A relatively new entry into the Indian market is cranberry juice in cartons. Unlike bottled stuff from abroad, the tetra packs are relatively cheaper. The juice is a delightful ruby red in colour, making a gorgeous addition to a punch to add punch to any party. Don't add orange juice to this punch, it clouds the pretty colour. Mix in either a helping of Sprite or apple juice (Sprite will lend a zingy fizz to the drink!). A dash of ginger juice will give it a super sharpness and some delightful heat. Cheers! Have a great year ahead!

Sparkling cranberry-ginger punch

Ingredients

1 carton cranberry juice

¼- ½ cup powdered sugar

2-2¼ cups white rum

1 inch piece of ginger

1 bottle Sprite or Seven Up

Orange segments, lemon slices and mint sprigs to garnish

Method

Peel and grate the ginger, then place in a muslin square, twist and squeeze out the juice. Keep aside.

In a punch-bowl (or a deep glass bowl), pour in the cranberry juice, sugar and ginger juice.

Stir till the sugar dissolves.

Add ice cubes and Sprite just before serving.

Garnish with mint, orange segments or lemon slices.

Note: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with apple juice. Another interesting twist is to add purple grape juice instead of apple juice for a fuchsia-burgundy hue.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

STAR TRACK
Starlets ring in New Year

2014 is just around the corner and stars in the tinsel town are equally looking forward to the New Year celebrations. We quiz these actresses about their New Year plans and resolutions. Here's what they say

Working hard: Kainaat Arora

So far, so good Kainaat Arora

I am planning to ring in the next year while working and performing at the first capital of India, Kolkata. It's going to be a grand ending leading upto a grand beginning post my film Grand Masti. 2013 was quite refreshing as I have done some great work and hope it continues to be like this. I hope this year onwards our society starts respecting women. Safety for women is very important. I am going to make sure that I eat less chocolates and cakes this year.

All in one go Mugdha Godse

I've been blessed to have a great year as always and this year too I want to start it on a positive note. I shall be performing and post that will be partying with friends. I wish love, success, happiness and prosperity and lots and lots of luck for my close ones and myself in 2014.

A little bit of everything Rituparna Sen Gupta

New Year will be with my family like every year and I don't usually make resolutions. But this year, I just want to work harder and also be able to spend quality time with my family. I want to be able to spend quality time with my children and not miss their growing up years. So I'd love to have 7 months of hard work followed by money and the rest with my kids.

Quiet and content Aashka Goradia

I am looking at no change. I am just very happy for 2013 for having been such an eventful year. I plan to keep it low this time and am going to be with parents and bring in the New Year.

Wishful thinking Saumya Tandon

I will be in London to celebrate New Year's with my family and I am really looking forward to the holiday. For next year, I wish myself lots of good projects so that I can be a part of good work. I hope to travel too. Here's wishing everyone lots of success and happiness.

Love is not easy!

Karan Johar, who is famous for making candy-floss romances, feels that he no longer has the innocence to write love stories.

At the trailer launch of his upcoming production Hasee Toh Phasee, the filmmaker said, "I actually find it very difficult to write a love story. I think I have lost that innocence, which I had when I wrote Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho. I feel that the love scenes I now write have become very synthetic and artificial. So whenever I read an organic and honest love story, it always moves me to make it."

When asked as to what made him invest in Hasee Toh Phasee, KJo said, "When I read the script, I was completely bowled over by its quirkiness and yet the moving quality that the screenplay had." Directed by Vinil Mathew, it stars Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles.

When past catches up

Actor Brad Pitt's love letters to former girlfriend Jill Schoelen, who he dated in the 1980s, have been revealed. Pitt reportedly gushed over his former girlfriend Schoelen in letters, which he allegedly wrote when they were dating in 80s, reported a website.

"I adore you. I will love you forever," read one letter. In another letter, Pitt allegedly wrote, "I can't stop thinking about you. I don't feel complete without you next to me." The World War Z star and the horror movie star broke up in 1989 after Schoelen dumped him for a movie director she was working with. "It was one of my worst moments. You don't forget something like that and maybe I've never quite gotten over the feeling of humiliation," the actor once said.

Schoelen, meanwhile, once gushed over how romantic Pitt was. "Brad wrote me one of the most beautiful poems a man can write a woman. — PTI

Next album will be confessional: Taylor Swift

Country singer Taylor Swift has revealed that her fifth album will be a reinvention.

The 24-year-old I Knew You Were Trouble hit maker also said that she is collaborating with a number of songwriters reported a publication online.

"Describing it is difficult. At the core of what I do, it's always going to revolve around a confessional storyline and filling my fans in on what my life has actually been," Swift said. "It's become this lifeline between my friends and I and they know that no matter what they read in some magazine, they're going to hear the actual accounting of it when the album comes out," she added. — PTI

Cruise opts out of Magnificent Seven

Actor Tom Cruise is no longer involved in The Magnificent Seven, a remake of John Sturges' classic western movie.

The Oblivion star was first attached to the project in 2012 and was supposed to play one of the cowboys. He has just completed Edge of Tomorrow and is now preparing for Mission: Impossible V and Go Like Hell, reported a publication.

Despite Cruise's departure, Magnificent Seven is still on the track. Director John Lee Hancock has been tapped to rewrite the script originally drafted by Nic Pizzolatto, who wrote HBO's upcoming miniseries True Detective, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

Based on Akira Kurosawa's 1954 classic Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven follows a gang of American gunmen hired to protect a small Mexican town from a group of bandits led by Calvera. The original, released in 1960, starred Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter and Horst Buchholz. The film spawned three sequels and was turned into a TV adaptation for CBS series in 1998-2000. — PTI

Selena’s relationship blues

Struggle ahead: Selena Gomez

Singer-actress Selena Gomez apparently cancelled the Asian and Australian legs of her Stars Dance concert tour because she's been struggling since her breakup with Justin Bieber.

A source close to the star says that Gomez will be relying heavily on her family and closest friends during this time, reported a website.

"Dealing with her breakup from Justin has still been affecting her and she's been in a bit of a bad place recently. Her family stepped in and basically advised her to either go to therapy or stay with them so they could watch over her. Her team agreed that family time would be best," an insider said.

Gomez was slated to kick off a 13-concert tour leg on February 1 in Perth, Australia, but issued a statement on December 20 announcing she was cancelling it. "My fans are so important to me and I would never want to disappoint them. But it has become clear to me and those close to me that after many years of putting my work first, I need to spend some time on myself in order to be the best person I can be. To my fans, I sincerely apologise and I hope you guys know how much each and every one of you mean to me," the statement said. — PTI

chatter box
Most popular fiction characters in 2013
While many characters attain popularity on television shows, few of them shine. Here, we take a look at some of the most popular characters that entertained audiences in 2013

Jodha

When Ekta Kapoor's launched this show, it couldn't pick up pace for the longest time, but today it has made its place as the number two show on the ratings list. The protagonist of Zee TV's popular periodical drama Jodha Akbar, Paridhi Sharma has won the hearts of the audiences as Jodha who struggles to find her place in her husband's house. The young as well as the old also identify with her.

Mohit Raina

Mahadev

Serial Mahadev has managed to sustain itself on Life Ok because of a good storyline and interesting facts Actor Mohit Raina gets to play various avatars of Lord Shiva. Popularity of Mahadev is unparalleled.

Sandhya

Diya Aur Baati Hum has no doubt been delivering a great dramatic content, which has helped them sustain the number one position. However, it is the character Sandhya played by Deepika Singh that has worked like magic. From her fumbling in the kitchen to her love for Sooraj, her sincerity has touched the hearts of the viewers.

Jethalal

Dilip Joshi Running successfully for over 5 years, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has sustained itself without taking a leap or changing characters. The simple family that ends up in one comic scenario after the other is endearing and hilarious. Jethalal's simplicity makes him a favourite.
Dilip Joshi

Anandi

Pratyusha Banerjee might have quit Balika Vadhu but Anandi's popularity hasn't dipped. Toral Rasputra has been doing a competent job. Anandi's love for justice and her struggle to make things right in her family is doing great.

Love me, love me not!

Love doesn't appear with any warning signs. Everyone has their own version of falling in love. Some call the moment magical, some call it explosive.

Bringing together this simple yet complicated concept called 'love' and one's realisation of it, is a beautiful story titled …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. The serial talks about this sublime experience that a young and spirited Avni is waiting to discover in her life.

The key cast includes newbie Kaanchi Singh and Mishkat Varma as the leads in the show respectively - Avni and Raj. Avni's parents' characters will be played by the graceful actress Reena Kapoor and Rajeev Singh respectively. Other key cast comprises of Waseem Mushtaqh, Ashita Dhawan, senior actor Rajeev Verma and newcomer Nikita Agarwal amongst others. As per the producer of the show, Rajan Shahi, "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya is a look into the life of a young girl who leads a protected life in the city of Jaipur. She is bound by the rule book that her highly traditional family has laid down for her. It captures the journey of Avni who transcends the boundaries set for her and begins to experience life in all its glory. We're glad to have found our Avni in Kaanchi and Raj in Mishkat. We wanted a cute, innocent, young face and Kanchi fits the bill to the tee. Mishkat has got the typical chocolate boy good looks and is soon to become another heartthrob in the industry. Reena is also making a comeback to TV after a long time."

So will love find Avni?? Come find out this New Year…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya premieres on January 6 2014, Monday-Friday at 10 pm only on Zee TV.

A genuine concern

Actress Joan Rivers says her New Year resolution is ensuring Jennifer Lawrence grows up and realises how lucky she is. The TV personality, who previously called the American Hustle star arrogant in a Twitter post, now hopes that the 23-year-old star will "calm down". "My New Year's resolution is ensuring Jennifer Lawrence grows up and realises how lucky she is and calms down. I love that she's telling everyone how wrong it is to worry about retouching and body image, and meanwhile, she has been touched up more than a choir boy at the Vatican. "Look at her posters. She doesn't have a nose, she has two holes. She just has to learn, don't talk if you're doing it," Rivers said in an interview with New York Post.

Despite the comment, Rivers admitted that Lawrence was a talented actress. "She's an amazing actress, she's the next Meryl Streep," she added. — PTI

New release

Mahabharat
Producer: Jayantilal Gada, Dhawal Gada, Kushal Gada
Director: Amaan Khan

Filmmakers have always been fascinated by mythology and Jayanti Lal Gada has come up with a Rs 50 crore Bollywood's most expensive animated Indian mythological grand epic Mahabharat.

For the first time Amitabh Bachchan has given a voice over for the character of Bhisham Pitamaha. Draupadi has the voice and face of Vidya Balan, Ajay Devgn becomes Arjun, Anil Kapoor is Karan, Sunny Deol is Bheem, Manoj Bajpayee is Yudhisthir and Anupam Kher is seen as Shakuni, the Prince Of Gandhar. Each character in this animated film has a face that viewers can identify easily. — Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You draw "Two of cups". Relationships would be in the limelight today. There may be some conflicts due to stubbornness, ego, pride or envy on either party's side. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony Lucky number: 25

TAURUS Focusing on your budget and planning a long-term savings strategy would be the highlight today. Don't let monotony of work get to you, there would be some interesting tasks later in the evening. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Red Lucky number: 42

GEMINI: Love and romance would be highlighted today. Situation at home would be peaceful and calm. In certain relationships, you would need to be extra patient and not form hasty opinions. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Yellow Lucky number: 52

CANCER: "The queen of cups" says that communication would continue to be vital today. There may be some delays and postponements, especially before the middle of the day. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Lucky number: 29

LEO: Work and professional endeavors would be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything would be possible. Relationships would deepen and become stronger and so would your financial position. Tarot message: You need to be creative to excel at work. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: Many of you may form new relationships and associations that would benefit you, personally and professionally. Finances, too, would look good since there may be some windfall towards the end of the day. Tarot message: A positive attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Lucky number: 65

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners would be quite aggressive and demanding, wanting to know reasons for your behaviour. Things would not be unpleasant and you would be able to deal with this new development easily. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays. Lucky colour: Green Lucky number: 60

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional states would be in equilibrium and endow you with a sense of peace and calmness. Your confidence would be on a high and at work; you would be open to taking on more challenges. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour : Golden Brown Lucky number: 36

SAGITTARIUS: The increase in the flow of money would continue, especially, since Venus would enter your sign. Emotions would be particularly sensitive. Tarot message: Be sure of involving yourself as much as possible in new project. Lucky colour : Crimson Lucky number: 50

CAPRICORN: The time is just right to put everything in perspective and remove the element of chaos and confusion that has been prevalent for some time. Splurging should also be avoided. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour : Turquoise Lucky number: 57

AQUARIUS: There would be a flow of ideas, communication and emotions today Therefore, you would be able to come closer to your spouse or partner as well as other family members. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour : White Lucky number: 63

PISCES: Business people may face some conflict of interest with partners. In the matters of investments, avoid speculating and investing in risk-laden ventures. Tarot message: You need to think more about long term interests. Lucky colour : Silver grey Lucky number: 4

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 27...

This is not the year for starting new projects. In 2014, think out the box when it comes to adding spice to relationships. Employees can expect stressful times. If you wish to undertake something new, you must consider difficulties which will arise especially at the beginning. Romance surrounds you at every turn. If you're already in a relationship, schedule a luxury holiday with your partner. Your popularity gets a big boost early in 2014. You may get a reasonable offer if you are planning to buy a vehicle. Good financial position is indicated. Invitations are likely from clubs and may require travelling. Property affairs take off with a swing, be it house or land. Career is promising next year. Financial status is not so encouraging. Stomach ailments are likely to bother you, so take care.

Positive colours: Chocolate, coral, beige

Select days: Sunday Tuesday & Thursday

Favourable Numbers: Series of 3

Gems recommended: Red or white coral, Yellow sapphire

Charity on birthday: Donating kheer or white clothes will attract good luck.

You share birthday with Salman Khan born on December 27, 1965, Indore who is the eldest son of Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan. Number 3, 6 and 9 will play a key role in his life. The year 2014 will bring relief to him.