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FLASH FORWARD Who is the fashionable of them all? Sonam Kapoor is no longer the Style Diva of Bollywood. And there are strong contenders like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra to grab the top slot in this glitz circle Ashima Batish
Priyanka Chopra went international not just with her record, but also with her impeccable turn-outs, and Katrina Kaif kept it simple yet classy. Then there are those who seldom get it right, beginning from Vidya Balan to Sonakshi Sinha. So, here is an informal contest that judges who is a cut above the rest and styles up better than the best. Fashion designers pick up their style queen for 2014.
A notch better The year 2014 will be ruled by Deepika Padukone not just on the silver screen, also on the Red Carpet. She is known how to get it right, each time, whatever she wears. And the best part about her is that her style is effortless. She might not be the best dressed actress at an event but doesn't try too hard to get it all perfect. And of course, she has a body to carry off anything. I place my bet on her as the most stylish actress of 2014.
Style with ease I would give the first position to Deepika Padukone and second to Priyanka Chopra. I have observed the fashion sense of actresses pretty closely and these are the two who never go wrong with their styling. Neither do they overdo, nor are they boring. Deepika doesn't experiment just for the heck of it or to put across the point that she knows fashion and yet makes a subtle statement. And Priyanka knows what suits her and what doesn't. Even as she has gone international with her record, she hasn't blindly taken to international labels. The reason we see her sporting Indian designers more than often and how good she looks in them! The Red Carpet events of 2014 will be ruled by them.
Women with oomph
Last year gave us a preview of who will be the most stylish actress in 2014. And going by that, it has to be Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor. Their sense of style is very balanced, it's what you can relate to and isn't just about luxe labels. They are the right role models for women of today who want to look sexy and yet are comfortable in their own skin. They can carry off a saree as gracefully as a gown or a short dress. What they wear complements their personality and not overshadow it.
Till a year back, Sonam Kapoor was almost every designer's dream muse. But she is no longer someone who designers want to bet on as the most stylish celebrity of 2014.
The reasons suggested are that she tries too hard and does not dress according to the demand of the occasion.
Besides the favourite Deepika Padukone, it is Kanagan Ranaut, who designers say understands fashion. "When she experiments, the world applauds."
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Dance like a boy
When Sagar headspins, those around him cannot help but applaud. This class XII boy is in love with B-boying something that he's learnt from the best in the field —Roxrite, Plezinho, Cico, Neguin.
In Chandigarh on Saturday for a two-day dance workshop Carousel at Engine Room-8, Sagar is one among five others who are happy sharing their skills. Sagar is fascinated by B-boying and attends workshops to get ahead. "It's not easy. It needs hours of practice and training," says Sagar.
This Delhi boy is not very happy with Dance India Dance. "What they show is not true art form. Thanks to my practice of seven hours a day on the floor that I can headspin the way I do, on DID they take on the floor after just five hour practice," laments this boy who wants to pursue his passion for the rest of his life. Rakshit Vij, who was trained under MJ 5 and Philip Chbeeb, joins Sagar in lambasting DID. "It's not that we grudge them because they are famous. But it isn't right to play with the character of a dance form. Like there is no liquid popping, they are two different forms altogether," says Rakshit who has finished his mechanical engineering and is on to pursue his passion. Joining this duo is Arsh Singh, a Merchant Navy engineer from Jalandhar, who picked up salsa as his hobby to give him something to do while on different ports around the globe. The hobby turned into a passion and kind of profession, as Arsh, trained in salsa in Los Angeles, now takes workshops when he's in the sea. "You will find salsa clubs in any city in the world. When I am on duty and I reach a port, google salsa club and there I find friends," says Arsh. He loves the dance form and also gentry patronising it, "Salsa lovers are merry people who are not too much into drinking. For you wouldn't be able to do it right with two pegs down." Abhinaya and Kalai are contemporary dancers from Delhi who picked up the form after they saw their teacher Karan Kumar performing. Though the form is still finding its foothold in India, Kalai and Abhinaya see a great future for it, "Even if not as a profession, people are increasingly opting for contemporary dance as a hobby," says the duo. Kalai is from Malaysia and in India to do his bachelor's degree. "Strength and flexibility are two things that you need to excel in," they remark. The workshop is on
till January 5. moa@tribunemail.com
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Folk flavour
The song's been touched upon in a yet another different way but still in sync with his personal philosophies. "My biggest endeavour has always been to reflect the culture and language of Punjab. I am strictly against nudity. Any song that the family members have to switch off in each other's presence is a strict no." He adds, "I always try to spread my culture, language and its folk songs in the world." The release of the poster coincides with the digital release on YouTube, "You can't ignore the Internet in today's times. Nobody goes and buys CDs. The music shops have been literally shut down." The album has eight songs in total, each bringing in a different flavour. "The album's been conceived in a way that people find it different. It's an attempt at bringing folk in a yet another new way." The album's been released by the company Live Folk Studio and stays on the lines of Coke Studio. He adds, "We've featured live folk artistes. They are even dressed in folk attires." It's a career spanning as many as 12 albums and two decades. A couple of things are a given; a message, a purpose and an attempt to give meaning to music. "There's one song titled Koi Na, which speaks against the Delhi Gang Rape Victim. It deals with different social vices in each stanza. The other one's against corruption and yet another one speaks of drugs menace," he shares, while playing the songs. Some of the lyrics justify the past one year spent working on the album. The song Putt Punjab De speaks of the bygone golden era and artistes that were not to be repeated in the recent history. "The song puts together all
the great artistes of Punjab that once lived. It speaks of Surinder Kaur, Asa Singh Mastana and Surjit
Bindrakhiya." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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In creativity and domesticity…
Their love story dates back to the Punjab International Fashion Week. Chetan Sood was modelling and Swati was there as a fashion designer. Chetan proposed to her and they became a couple. And now the couple is doing Punjabi movies together.
Not satisfied with her degree in engineering, Swati pursued fashion designing and soon after completing her degree, she got a chance to work as a stylist for Punjabi movie Desi
Munde.
She has since worked with many designers, including Rohit Bal, and has designed costumes for Pinki Moge Wali and a Hindi movie by Batra Productions. Her clientele includes many celebrities. Chetan, who is making her debut with Punjabi film Assi Haan Yaar Punjabi as the second lead, started his modelling career about a decade back after winning the runner-up title for Mr North India contest. He moved to Mumbai a couple of years later. After a stint with television commercials like Yamaha and modelling for celebrated designers like Rocky S and Manish Malhotra, he did a television series Mere Ghar Ayi Nanhi Pari. His heart was in Punjab and so he came back. He now models for Lakme Fashion Week and Wills India Fashion Week. "This has been a great learning experience for both of us," he says, who now works with his wife for designing costumes and also conceptualisation. "As both of us are now engaged in the film industry, we help each other," he says. He is helping her set up her own label. "Costume designing in movies is interesting and challenging. In Punjabi movies, it is not only what the character demands, but what the actor wants to wear is also considered. So you have to take several considerations into account, including the character, setting, the era and the preferences of the actors and the director," says Swati.
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Family portrait
Amarjot Kaur Those who value emotions, invest them in dogs and we all know the reason-they love you right back, unconditionally. Neepa Sharma is an art curator and any woman in her position would definitely settle for the finest things in life and love is certainly the number one on the list! "I have always been fond of pets and that is the reason why I have had them around for over 29 years now, in fact, ever since Alok and I got married," begins Neepa, who owns a basset hound named Sugar Sharma and a German Shepherd named Maximus. "You know, having a dog is like having a child and Alok is a dog lover. Being an animal person is something, but being a dog person is a completely different ball game." My sister-in-law gifted Sugar to Alok and since I believe that dogs exist in company, we bought Maximus soon after," she shares. Love me, love my dog
"What I truly love about my dogs is that when I go home, they are all over me and my husband, and I have love bites from our dogs," she laughs while adding, "I have fancied dogs as pets since childhood. I love Sugar and Maximus so much that I will even change my schedule to take care of them. Even my vet finds this very enduring. People who love their pets are happy people." Neepa looks forward to coming back home, just for the pure excitement that her dogs feel and convey as she returns back. "Humans are not capable of loving the way dogs can. Dogs love unconditionally." She adds, "My basset hound, Sugar, talks to me and we can have a long conversation at a stretch. You must see how he responds when I talk to him and he has taught Maximus how to talk too. Dogs will behave the way you teach them to behave and the isolated ones usually become the angry ones. One will give up his food for the other. You bring them up like good kids and they will behave beautifully." Meanwhile, Alok Sharma, her husband says, "Dogs are truly a man's best friend and both Sugar and Maximus are amazing. Sugar talks to you and the beauty of it is that the more you talk to him, the more he will talk back. They even sleep on my bed and wake them up at 6.30 am when it's time for their walk. In fact, Maximus is like my shadow, he will go wherever I go, but Sugar is lazy, and he is mama's boy since he is more attached to Neepa." Yours faithfully
Both Maximus and Sugar are attached to the Sharma family, even to the extent that when the couple skype chats with their sons, who are based out of the city. The two darling pets plonk themselves to chase the cursor and explore the facets of virtual connectivity. "I want to put my dogs through training, but they hit them and I don't like him being hit. They are too spoilt, you cannot even point a finger at Sugar, who is the basset hound, which are the second best sniffers in the world." Alok is reminded of one extraordinary incident which he narrates while leaving, "I remember once I was severely ill and Neepa was not in town. Sugar just kept looking and he didn't even demand to go for a walk and kept looking at my face. Sugar, who can not sleep without us, was sitting all night right by my side and he kept licking my feet. That truly touched me. Also, once he got hurt and I sat by him the whole night. Now where in humanity will you find such a bond?" he says as he leaves us with that
thought. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Getting to know Kainaat Arora
Good start
I spent my New Year's eve in Kolkata. I had a fantastic time as I was performing there. The crowd was superb. My performance was 3 minutes long and I took home around Rs 30 lakhs for that. I think that's a pretty good start to the year. The maximum year 2013 was one of the best years of my life. I made my Bollywood debut with Grand Masti, which went on collect Rs 100 crore at the box-office. People normally pray for their debut film to be a hit but it became a blockbuster. Post Grand Masti, shows and concerts kept me busy. Since the past four months, I've been to many places and performed at various locations. My schedule is booked till January with shows. So it's been quite hectic but good. I'm thankful for the great work that has come my way. Resolutions galore My only resolution this year is to get some time for myself. I haven't been able to rest. But I hope to take some time off and start reading scripts. I've been so occupied with shows that I've not been able to get proper narrations for films. Although, I've a couple of projects in the pipeline but it will be too early to announce now. Besides this, I hope to work harder and better. My other resolution is to do better and meaningful roles. Foodie, to the core I don't like skinny people. I don't like skinny men either. I don't believe in starving and depriving myself of food to stay slim. Since I am a Punjabi girl, I love food. I eat about 9 times a day but I make sure I eat healthy. Eating healthy is the key to staying fit. All that glows I believe that you spoil your own skin. People often don't understand their skin and put a lot of makeup, thinking it would cover up. Instead, I think you need to understand your skin and its needs. I thank my mother for passing me her genes and glowing skin. Having said that, I take good care of my skin. I cleanse my face before bed and I never sleep with makeup on. I prefer natural products as I completely rely on them for skin nourishment. I use home-made face-packs for my skin.
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Is Anushka seeing Virat Kohli?
Cricketer Virat Kohli is known for scoring well both on and off the field. This time, he is in news for his romantic escapade with rumoured girlfriend and actress Anushka Sharma.
Both of them apparently came in touch when they shot an ad together. Since then reports of the duo hanging out have been surfacing with alarming regularity.
Latest buzz is that Virat rang in the New Year with Anushka at her pad in Mumbai. Reports suggest that Virat, who had just landed in Mumbai from South Africa, was whisked away in a car, which was dispatched by none other than Anushka. The car drove Virat straight to Anushka's building where Anushka had made preparations for the New Year bash. Interestingly, Anushka was recently quoted saying that she is not dating Virat and he is a friend and just like any other friend he too visits her when he is in Mumbai. Only time will tell.
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Over to production lines
Shahid Kapoor has turned producer with Haider. He, apart from UTV and Vishal Bhardwaj, has a 33.33 per cent stake in it. He will not be credited as a producer though and the film has a budget of Rs 37
crore.
As much as Rs 15 crore have been reserved for publicity. The first schedule of Haider was completed last year and the second schedule will start within a week, after Shahid returns from Los Angeles. Shraddha Kapoor will join them after January 10.
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Hotel heiress Paris Hilton admits she has over 1,000 pairs of shoes in her massive walk-in wardrobe.
The 32-year-old has her own walk-in shoe closet in her Beverly Hills mansion and said most of the footwear on display is from her own eponymous line or from Louboutin, reported a website.
"I've probably got well over a thousand pairs of shoes in total! I have a lot of shoes because I'm a designer as well - I've had my shoe line for about eight years now so I have a lot of those and I also get sent a lot of sample shoes because I'm a designer.
I love Louboutins and own lots of pairs. All girls love shoes," she said.
— PTI
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Fun & fervour
Comedian Kiku Sharda is presently juggling with three television serials. He is a part of SAB TV's FIR, he plays Palak in Comedy Nights With Kapil and he is a contestant on Nach Baliye 6 as well. Kiku talks about his roles and how he handles them all. You are juggling with three roles- do you get time for yourself? Even before I did Nach Baliye, I hardly had time to spare. Now, whenever I have any free time I spend it with my family. Thankfully, I stay with my mother so the kids have someone at home to look after them. Which role do you love the most? I like all of them. I have played Gugule for long now and Palak too is extremely popular now. As for dance, I simply love it. In all my characters I have done some dance as I inherently love it. Did you always know that comedy was
your forte? Comedy comes naturally to me. I don't take life seriously. I am an emotional personal too and I can do dramatic roles. How tough is dancing for you? What is the toughest part? Rehearsals are tough as we are overweight so we get tired and exhausted. But when we are on stage I love the glitz and glamour. It's magical. As she's not from this industry, so when people appreciate her I feel happy. I didn't expect that we would come this far, so it's a big deal. Aren't you bored doing the same role in FIR for so long now? I wouldn't say I am bored as we innovate daily. Usually, while shooting I improvise and change my role, which is interesting.
Star to launch new shows
Come January, Star World Premiere will see a new action Sci-Fi show titled Intelligence where Josh Holloway stars as former Delta Force turned US cyber command über-agent in a crime thriller that explores the unlimited possibilities of technology. Star World Premiere is also expected to air a new comedy/drama called Rake in February that follows the chaotic world of criminal defense lawyer Cleaver Greene played by Greg Kinnear. A new comedy/drama that will air on Star World is Bunheads, the tale of Michelle Simms, a former ballerina 'bunhead' who wound up as a Las Vegas showgirl. Star World will also feature new seasons of some old favorites like Melissa and Joey. The channel will also air the first and second season of Suburgatory. Speaking on the new line-up, Star India general manager English channels Kevin Vaz exults, "We've got some great shows scheduled to air in the New Year, we will be showing new seasons of a few old favorites as well as some brand new shows. 2014 is going to see some excellent television content from the Star Network."
What's in a name
In Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, where we see a look alike of RK enter the show called KRK. But little did the makers know that Kamaal Rashid Khan, aka KRK will take offence to that. KRK threatened to sue the channel for using his name without prior permission, claiming it was a trademark. The makers have asked him to present the documents as a proof.
Recession to limelight
Parineeti Chopra did not plan on becoming an actor. She studied in the UK and went on to become an investment banker. She had to return to India because of the recession. Then as fate would have it, she landed a three-film-deal with
YRF! The holiday hangover
After holidays, actor Shah Rukh Khan is finding it difficult to get back into a routine. "I have left the holidays but the problem is the holidays haven't left me. Feeling an uncontrollable & immensely strong urge to shun activity," the 48-year-old actor tweeted. Shah Rukh is currently shooting for Happy New Year. Arjun’s got two left feet
Arjun Rampal is handsome and how! He is an intense actor too but he cannot dance very well. He was impressed by the children dancing on a reality show he went for recently. Arjun has never been seen in an out and out dance number. Whose line is it anyway!
Deepika Padukone will not dub for the Hindi or Tamil version of Kochadaiyaan. The Tamil version will be dubbed for by sound artiste Savitha Reddy and the Hindi version will be dubbed for by Moha Ghosh. Single
screen hero
A few single screen theatres in Mumbai and across the country are adding more seats and even re-dressing themselves in order to prepare for the release of Salman Khan's Jai Ho! Single screens owe a lot to Salman Khan's movies, which always pull the crowds in.
Over & out
Almost everyone has got hurt on the dance reality show Nach Baliye. Recently, Kanica Maheshwari aka Meenakshi of Diya Aur Baati Hum and her husband had to quit the show due to an injury. Kanica fractured her left toe and hurt her knees when she was rehearsing.
Double treat
The reports of Tanishaa Mukerji celebrating her New Year without Armaan Kohli have turned out to be wrong. In fact, Armaan spent quality time with Tanisha in Goa. Tanishaa did celebrate New Year with her mom at their Panvel farmhouse but soon left for
Goa.
Non-stop action
Neha Marda shot for the onscreen wedding for 52 hours non-stop only because she wanted to spend New Year with her real husband. The makers allowed her to take an off only if they had an episode bank.
Celebration time
After winning Bigg Boss season 7, Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon flew to Goa to ring in their new year and to celebrate Gauahar's victory. The couple who is going steady even posted their photos on twitter.
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Do not jump to conclusions in haste. Ventures may fail when associates withdraw support. Savings may get used up. Apply your brainpower to solve an old problem. Take care of your health. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Mauve.
Magic number: 25.
TAURUS: Kids keep you busy. Some of you will be making waves today. Marital difficulties can be eased through a mutual friend who might be able to put the issue into perspective for both of you. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 44. GEMINI: Do what you can to improve your relationship with your spouse. Do not allow emotions to rule your head. A personal project may have to be put aside for the sake of a social commitment. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30. CANCER: Money problem will continue to crowd in. Keep calm even if people around you are loosing their head. Your parents need extra attention. Tackle children gently. A spiritual approach to the day will suit you best. Tarot message: Do not act in uncertain matters.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47. LEO: Start making the changes you keep talking about, a new diet, an exercise regimen or dating a new type of a person. An unsatisfactory relationship can come to an end, bringing all the heartache of separating . Tarot message: Emphasize on spiritual needs.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 51. VIRGO: "The Lovers" signifies that a friendly and helpful atmosphere surrounds you. People are likely to be drawn to you, so dress to impress. Go shopping for new clothes that will accentuate your beauty.
Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky
colour: Black. Magic number: 63. LIBRA: A chance to get in with the movers and shakers can come your way. A romance might have reached the stage of moving in together, merging your assets and discussing marriage. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work.
Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 52. SCORPIO: If you start getting confused nothing will work. You are in the danger of blowing your budget if you don't use restraint. Colleagues can sound knowledgeable, but in fact they only have half the picture. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity.
Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 50. SAGITTARIUS: Check all information regarding legal matters. Watch your thinking as it can easily spin you into depression. Do whatever you must to silence your mind. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. CAPRICORN: A class in music or dance will get the right expression in the company of like-minded people. Your popularity is on the rise and a leadership position could be offered to you. Tarot message: Frankness and the ability to state the truth are your strong points.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33 AQUARIUS: Be compassionate and try not to judge harshly. You may bow out of a social event to spend more time with your loved ones. Take a moment to be grateful for those small things that make everyday life so rewarding. Tarot message: Avoid friction with business partners.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 41. PISCES: Any change made at work or in your job brings favourable results. Domestic wrangles are sorted out. Do not take people on face value. Powerful emotions can ruffle you. Once you settle down, the reality won't be so bad. Tarot message: Your opinion matters a lot.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30
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THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is January 5...
This year will be more restful for you, and nothing will deter you from your goals. January begins on an excellent note as your finances get a major boost. You will have good chance of making extra money and you will have several reasons to celebrate. Your dream job is within your reach now. Students will get some exciting opportunities to venture into higher education and research work. As far as your personal life and relationships are concerned, rest of the months will see you relaxed and happy in the company of your loved ones. Their unconditional love and support will help you overcome any adversity. You will form some strong bonds that will provide you strength and confidence. Capitalise on the opportunities that come your way. Positive colours: Green, turquoise, sea green, blue & all shades of green Select days: Wednesday & Friday Favourable numbers: 5,6 Gems recommended: Emerald & Ruby Charity on Birthday: You may donate wheat, gur to the needy or to any religious place/langar or community kitchen.
You share your birthday with Deepika Padukone (January 5, 1986 ) who made her debut in Bollywood film Om Shanti Om. The year 2014 belongs to her according to the favourable dasha in her horoscope.
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If Sonam Kapoor introduced Bollywood to high-street fashion, Kangana Ranaut taught it what edgy and effortless style could be. Deepika Padukone gradually took to experimenting with clothes and Kareena Kapoor ensured that her style was written about as much as her Box Office exploits.
Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma have come a long way with their fashion sensibilities. They have the perfectly sculpted body, which makes ethnic and western wear look equally good on them. They are confident in their own skin. They experiment and don't shy away from trying fashion that doesn't conform to norms. Take Anushka's yellow gown at Filmfare Awards or Deepika's turn out at Comedy Nights with Kapil show. I think in 2014, both of them will be a tough competition to each other when judged on fashion parameters.
Balanced divas
Out of the race
It's a play on the word that's been the most played, often repeated and always worked upon by the folk artists. It's hard not to give into the pull of the ultimate muse because Jugni belongs to everybody. Just as we've stopped tuning into one version of it, it's time to revisit the "eternal firefly" that fits into all the cultural situations. "Jugni is a folk word. It doesn't have a writer and being a folk song, it belongs to everybody. I have sung it in my way," shares Paramjit Singh Sidhu, better known as Pammi Bai, of his recent album Meri Jugni.
Star English Bouquet has announced a fantastic line-up for the New Year with a host of new shows that will air on Star World and Star World Premiere in 2014.