Dhak Dhak...still
Madhuri Dixit Nene needs no introduction; she impresses as much today as she did years ago. The actress with a killer smile is eagerly awaiting the response to her movie Dedh Ishqiya
Manpriya Singh

Sometimes an interaction brings out much more than an interview. An informal conversation is likely to bring out the persona much more than a guided communication.

Madhuri Dixit, during an interaction with fans for Airtel Talk 2 Me, is easy going, politically correct and has all the social graces in place before her fans that call from remote areas to central hubs. Here they come, one after the other, trying their luck, along with their phone lines and with queries that shuttle from her age to her first crush.

“I can’t recall my first crush but as a teenager, I remember having watched this English film called Roman Holiday. As a teenager, I harboured a crush for the longest time for the hero of this movie.” She shuffles with effortless ease while discussing weather with a caller from Rajasthan. “Mumbai is never cold. At the most, there is a slight nip in the morning, which subsides by seven-eight pm and again at night it’s only slightly cold.” The mention of Bengal invites a long list of Indian sweets thrown in the conversation. “I really like rasgulla, sandesh and mishti doi.”

A query on the kids invites an earnest, “They are in school right now, thank you. They are busy with their school activities and they are very well behaved.” Somebody mentions the long forgotten films like Koyla to the more memorable Hum Aapke Hain Kaun to the decade-old Dil To Pagal Hai. Each character appears to have cast an influence on the fans.

Even a song sung in a flat voice invites a laughter followed by encouragement. “Hey, you forgot the lines? I’ll sing with you.”

Apart from the recurring gratitude in answer to their generous compliments, she drops in a word of publicity wherever possible. “You must go and watch the film. It’s a great film and everybody has worked really well.” Since 2007, it’s been a hiatus long enough.

The excitement steps in for anxiety. “After six years, my movie is coming. I’m feeling really good especially because the movie has garnered a positive response and good reviews.”

A Class 9 girl from Assam wanted to go and watch the movie all by her self. “Hey, you shouldn’t go alone into the theatre. Take your mommy or father along.”

Just in case they refused, “Tell your mother that Madhuri has asked you and her to watch the movie together.”

Inevitably, somebody wanted to know her age. And no, she didn’t reveal. “Don’t you know this; you are never supposed to ask a woman her age and a man, his wage,” she laughs, moving onto the next caller. We leave it at that.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Recipe corner

Slow roasted tomato soup with Parmesan pudding (serves 4)

  • 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 20g basil leaves
  • 1kg fresh tomato
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 25ml cream

Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

For the Parmesan pudding

  • 1½ tbs butter
  • 3 tbs flour
  • 2 cups cream
  • 2 tbs milk
  • 1½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp salt

METHOD

Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Slice the tomatoes in half and place on the baking sheet with the cut side up. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Roast in a pre-heated oven (at 120 °C) for an hour. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Blend the cooled tomatoes with the vegetable stock in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a large pot. Heat it once again, checking the consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the cream. For the Parmesan pudding, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir to combine. Cook until a paste forms. In a medium bowl, combine cream and milk. Add the flour mixture, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, add cheese and salt. Boil again. Remove from the heat. Lightly butter an oven proof dish and transfer the mixture into the dish. Bake for 25 minutes at 170 °C. Serve the soup hot with the Parmesan pudding.

Weighty issue

Cabbage soup is a significant part of popular GM Diet. The diet that guarantees weight loss only allows unlimited quantity of Wonder Soup that has cabbage, onions, green peppers and tomato for its ingredients, all seven days. 

Family first

Among the liberal doses of compliments that the fans bestow her with, someone, for a change, queries on plans for the future. Bollywood it is, some good scripts and television but dance always finds its way into Madhuri’s scheme of things. “I have started an online dance academy, which is called Dance With Madhuri. As of now, we have plans to keep it digital, which might be branched our further in due course of time.” Taking time out to be a full time mother and put her career on hold was a satisfying personal decision. “You have to sacrifice for the family,” she leaves it at that.

All in the beat
In a space dominated by males, DJ Rink has carved her own niche. She shares excerpts from her journey
Manpriya Singh

DJ Rink
console magic: DJ Rink Photo: Manoj Mahajan

A decade ago, the darling daughter of the family playing the console to one and all did not exactly fit into drawing room conversations of ambitious parents.

So whatever it took to convince her folks! Even a mock family party that comprised extended uncles and aunts with kids in tow! “I am a Gujarati and the only word that Gujaratis know is business! My parents didn’t know what a DJ meant. So, I organised a mock party at home where the entire extended family was invited. When my father saw children dancing to my beats, he felt nice about it,” laughs DJ Rink, while recalling how she got into playing music.

Music’s gain was marketing’s loss and the rest just forms a part of the history she doesn’t mind revisiting. “When I started, even male DJs were a little unconvinced of a girl’s power to entertain the crowds. They would stand in front while the crowd enjoying themselves spoke volumes,” she shares while kicking off Disco Fridays at Ten Downing Street, Hotel Altius, Chandigarh.

Like always, the crowd takes precedence, including individual members and their preferences. “No matter what you are playing for the night, once in a while you have to keep going back and forth between Bollywood, EDM and Punjabi numbers to break the monotony of any one genre, and keep the crowd from getting restless.”

For the moment, the theme, “made her sit down and get her homework right with the retro disco numbers of 70s, 80S AND 90s.” She adds, “I’ve infused EDM into Bollywood in such a way that even the young would love it.”

It’s been eight to nine years of visiting the city and playing constantly to the crowds. “After music festivals like Sunburn and Tomorrowland, they have started changing,” shares the brand ambassador of Monster-on-ear headphones, who’s based out of Mumbai and plays once a month at Dubai’s Club Pearls.

What forms a part of the fond memories and proud place is having played for the last season of IPL. “I played in the studio of Extra Innings and got to meet some of my favourite film stars, including Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.”

Need we ask what was nevertheless clarified, “I’m a complete Bollywood person.” She adds, “Ranbir Kapoor, was perhaps the only one who asked me so many questions like why was my name Rink. We even exchanged our CDs.”

She adds, “Kapil Dev never dances, but he danced while Navjot Sidhu is the best dancer.”

Coming up is an Arabic song with Hindi lyrics, apart from a lot of other projects. “Three to four songs have already been done. The upcoming album Loving My Life has been composed and written by me.” It’s a life well spent while going places with music. 

Warm up to the soup
There is nothing like a piping hot bowl of soup to beat the chill of January — the official soup month
Mona

The days are short, evenings cold and long. As you curl up on your couch after a day’s work, a hot, steaming cup of soup makes for a perfect companion. It’s full on nutrition, low on the calorie meter; adds to your looks and helps keep your weight in check.

Soups make a staple in celeb diets. Right from Malaika Arora Khan to Elizabeth Hurley, both very well-maintained celebrities, soups form a substantial part of diet chart. Nutritionists mention numerous benefits of soups. Vegetables retain more of their nutrients than when they are stewed or fried, promote feeling of fullness and are quick as well as easy to prepare.

Soups have been increasingly becoming a significant part of menus in restaurants. Chef Hari’s Slow Roasted Tomato Soup with Parmesan Pudding is a hit with his guests. “Come January and the demand for soup goes up, as our guests want to go easy after feasting in the celebratory mood till New Year,” says Chef Hari, who offers a variety with clear, broth and heavy soups. Soups and salads are a sought after dinner with Hari.

“Soups work as the best winter food,” says dietician Renupreet Kaur. “They are nutritious. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are fat-burning families; their soups help in weight loss,” says Renupreet who advocates tomato, spinach, beetroot plus vegetables soups if you want to stock up on nutrition. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage soups are the best for those on diets. “Throw in a whole wheat bread or plain dal soup work as a full meal in itself,” she adds.

What this nutritionist says is a strict ‘no’ to market soups. “One would not know what all they put, sometimes there is flour or fat. The best is to prepare fresh soup at home.” Her idea of food is simple, steam all the freshly washed and cut vegetables; blend in rather than straining to make the most of its health benefits.

mona@tribunemail.com

It’s happening
A short take 

The Chandigarh Creative Cinema Circle in association with the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi is inviting famous documentary filmmaker Yousuf Saeed to showcase the range of his works.

Yousuf is independent research-based filmmaker who has made numerous films on science and technology, culture, music and poetry? Who does not remember the famous science-based show Turning Point from the DD Doordarshan era hosted by Naseerudin Shah and Girish Karnad? Yousuf co-produced the whole series. Yousuf moved on to produce documentaries on a variety of subjects, some of his prominent films being Inside Ladakh, Basant, A Life in Science-Yashpal, and the Train to Heaven which have been shown at numerous film festivals, academic venues and on TV channels.

Besides films and television, Yousuf also worked for Encyclopedia Britannica (India) as the Arts Editor. He has been a Sarai Fellow (in 2004), the Asia Fellow (in 2005-06) and the Margaret Beveridge Senior Research Fellow (at J B Media Resource Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, in 2009). Yousuf’s most recent work is a feature length documentary film Khayal Darpan about the state of classical music in Pakistan. Yousuf’s interest in the popular devotional art of Indian Muslims and his extensive collection of such art work brings him to the Tasveer Ghar, a digital archive of India’s popular visual art.

Yousuf recently wrote and published his new illustrated book Muslim Devotional Art in India (Routledge, 2012) which explores the history of Islamic poster art in India. The works that will be showcased include Basant, Jannat ki Rail, The Making of the Taj, Qasba Sanskriti — Amroha and Khayal Darpan.

(On January 11 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 at 4 pm) — TNS

Many seasons

Yousuf’s most recent work is a feature length documentary film Khayal Darpan about the state of classical music in Pakistan. Yousuf’s interest in the popular devotional art of Indian Muslims and his extensive collection of such art work brings him to the Tasveer Ghar, a digital archive of India’s popular visual art. Yousuf recently wrote and published his new illustrated book Muslim Devotional Art in India.

punjabi scope
A nightmarish experience
Jasmine Singh

Madalsa Sharma in Patiala Dreamz Dreams can come true, but what if it is the same happens with nightmares too? Well, then we have a film called Patiala Dreamz. Directed by Abhishek Saxena, Paitala Dreamz breaks every dream of every Punjabi who thinks there is no harm in dreaming.

Touted as a film with a non-singer star cast, there is hardly any Patiala and hardly any dream in this.

Okay, we understand, dreams are not definitive; you can see anything, anyone, anytime or anyplace. But when you are making a movie, are not you expected to open your eyes? So, how can you pass an ordinary looking basketball court, with countable 6-7 students, most girls with their hair bleached and some anorexic firang males and pass it off as a university in Canada? How can you make people believe that a modern girl who has come from Punjab to Canada is throughout seen in a salwaar kameez even in a club? How can a dream be so magnanimously inane!

Produced by Anmol Kapoor and Parminder Kapoor, the movie is ketchup of some old and new faces—Sarwar Ahuja and Madalsa Sharma along with Ankit Kakkar, Maninder Velly, BN Sharma, Sardar Sohi, Amita Nangia and others.

Director Abhishek Saxena has left no left loopholes in direction as big as to fly an airplane through it. A week storyline line and equally week dialogues, Patiala Dreamz has nothing rosy in it, not even romance. The story of a boy who dreams, sorry, dreamz of Patiala di haveli and then goes to Patiala to unravel the mystery. Is their any 'Karz' that he had to even out! Coming to the actors, both Sarvar and Madalsa Sharma need to think realistically. Punjabi audience is smart, at least after being fed on the flop film diet, their sensibilities have grown, so you cannot fool them by wearing salwar kameez, talking in broken punjabi, singing a few jazzy or romantic film songs. Guess the two newcomers should be left to dream a wee more. As for BN Sharma, dream something different. Sardar Sohi has done a just about decent job in the film. For the few names from the television industry like Amita Nangia, they have a right to dream as well! Patiala Dreamz hits Patiala in the second half and all you see then is a haveli, the one for which the actor has come all the way from Canada that looked like Punjab by the way!

Music director Jazz Punjabi made a fleeting appearance in the film, if only he had spent some more time dreaming and working on his music. Towards the end, one returns with a lesson, don't pray for dreams to come true, you don't know what you are praying for! 

first-day-first show
Love unlimited
Dedh Ishqiya

Huma Quershi and Arshad Warsi in Ishqia The film, Dedh Ishqiya, is a black comedy thriller and it is the sequel of 2010 movie Ishqiya. The film features Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Naseeruddin Shah and Huma Qureshi in the lead roles. While Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprise their roles, the female lead is played by Madhuri dixit. The movie follows the story line of 2010 hit Ishqiya, but with some exciting twists and turns to it. The movie also has Huma Quershi and Vijay Raaz. The film is directed by Abhishek Chaubey and is produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj.

Brilliant feat

It's a brilliant film and I really like the shayarana feel that the film has. Also, Madhuri Dixit looks ravishing, while Naseeruddin's acting adds credit to the story of the film.
—Anhad Singh, bank employee

Perfectly made

It's a wonderful film and you should not miss it at all. It's got a great plot, brilliant cinematography and an amazing set of actors. Now what more can you ask for…?
—Taran Kahlon, student

A still from YaariyanSpeechless!

The only thing that I am going to say is that watch the film. It's a brilliant film and I lack words to explain how beautiful the film is, but right from the acting to story, everything is just perfect in the film.
—Vipasana Shukla, student

Yaariyan

Directed by Divya Khosla Kumar, Yaariyan, is a Bollywood college-based romance adventure film, starring Himansh Kohli, Serah Singh and Rakul Preet Singh in the lead roles. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar under the banner of T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd. Shot in St. Bede's College, Shimla, Yaariyan is a story of five close-knit friends, who are exploring the best moments of their lives in college, experiencing different relationships and learning new values every day. Yaariyan is about different characters, their bonding, their friendship, their problems, their fun, their mistakes, their relations.

School drama

It's a very high school film. I like the fact that there is a film that caters to the youngsters and that kind of project always works. It's not an exceptional film though. Don't waste your time on watching it.

Saniya Kaul, student

Rosy picture

I didn't like the movie as much. It runs on the complete rosy college glam picture of friends and friendship, the kind of stuff that doesn't appeal to one and all. However, if you miss your college days, might as well watch it just for the heck of it.

Rohan Puri, student

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Punjabi tadka 
Wired for sound
Jasmine Singh

He is one Punjabi singer who has placed the folk music above everything else. He is one singer who wouldn't refrain from experimenting with music be it lyrics or the beat. Singer actor Sarbjit Cheema hit the music scene with his song Rangla Punjab and it was played virtually at every youth festival. The singer was recently seen in two Punjabi films, Punjab Bolda and Haani. He is back with his song Maa diye mithiye featuring Dr Zeus which is rocking the charts. The singer spreads his heart out.

If I wasn't a singer

I can't say about something that I have never imagined or thought about. Well, I was abroad doing business, so, I guess I would have been a businessman.

A singer actor or an actor singer

I will definitely go for singer actor. I am a singer first and I got into acting because of singing. So, I will always be a singer first.

Maa diye mithiye… a special track

This is a track where I have tried to bring in a fusion touch and that has gone down well with the youngsters. Besides of course I have retained my original touch of saying something clearly through the track.

A singer I would collaborate with

I give importance to the song. I respect all singers, but I haven't thought of collaboration. If I ever come across someone I would want to sing with, then I will.

Five minutes before the stage show

I say my mool mantra. I remember the god who doesn't have any form. I pray to him to guide me and be with me throughout.

A live wire

One, I think I am god gifted. He has blessed me with so much positive energy and secondly, I have been a sportsman and a bhangra dancer.

Fit n fine

I hit the gym almost everyday. I try to follow a routine as far as I can.

Foods I keep away from Fried things, ice water or anything that is too spicy. Even pickle.

Up next

Yaar Anmulle 2 is the next big film I am waiting for.

Golden opportunity

Tanishq, India's largest and most preferred jewellery brand; announced exciting offers on its wide range diamond jewellery. Customers can avail a flat 15 per cent off on diamond jewellery priced within Rs 2 lakh and up to 25 per cent off on diamond products above Rs 2 lakh at any Tanishq store across India between January 11 and March 2. There is also discount up to 10 per cent on platinum and colour stones jewellery during this period.

With brilliant craftsmanship and gorgeous designs, every piece of Tanishq jewellery on offer will enhance the radiance of women with the dazzle of diamonds and solitaires. Apart from compelling discounts, a wide range of stylish rings, graceful earrings, bangles etc in diamond, solitaire, platinum and colour stone will leave the customers spoilt for choices. — TNS

A reason to glow

Come January and Kaya Skin Clinic will make it easier for you to stick to those skin-care resolutions. Whether it's that hair-free skin, forever young look, blemish-free skin or the flawlessly radiant face, whatever be your need, Kaya have something just for you, up for grabs, all of this month, at incredible discounts up to 50 per cent.

Playing on these fabulous benefits, Kaya offers its customers exclusive aqua services - aqua radiance and aqua fairness packages.

To maintain that smooth and hair-free skin not just in January but all through the year, come to Kaya and avail of a 50 per cent off on full-body and underarm laser services package.

Kaya's photo facial service package - a youth renewal, skin tightening service that uses ND-Yag laser technology to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin is also available. — TNS

star track
Malaika speaks up

candid chat: malaika Arora Khan Reality check

Doing a reality show entails long hours of work but it is a lot of fun at the same time. In India's Got Talent, you come across people from different parts of the country, all of whom are talented in their own ways. Their skills and hysterics make judging a great deal of fun.

Favourite items

It is very difficult to choose my favourite between Chhaiyan Chhaiyan (Dil Se) and Munni Badnaam Hui (Dabangg). While the former was my maiden item song in Hindi movies, the latter is special too because it was the first for my production house. So, both of them are equally memorable and hold the same amount of sentimental value for me.

Marital bliss

Arbaaz and I have been married for 15 years. There is no secret formula to a successful marriage. You have to work on it everyday. It is an ongoing thing. Had there been a magic formula, all marriages in this world would have lasted for a lifetime. Motherhood has been an enriching phase of my life. Arhaan is nine-year-old and I am in no hurry to plan things for him. Moreover, I am not a mother who would thrust her hopes and aspirations on her child. He has to decide what he wants to do in life.

Family ties

I am part of a huge family and share a special bond with every member. There is nobody that I am extra close to. Having said that, I share a special relationship with my younger brother-in-law Sohail (Khan). He is super cool.

Stress busters

When I am not working, I like to do things that my normal schedule does not allow me to do, like meeting friends, reading, cooking and working out.

Homely offering

Huma Qureshi and her parents hosted a dinner at their place in Delhi for the cast and crew of Dedh Ishqiya. Huma's mother Amina made the most delicious chicken biryani they had ever tasted and the rest of the delicacies were prepared by the staff of Salim's, the chain owned by Huma's father.

Writer’s streak

Farhan Akhtar is a writer and a poet and can be quite reserved in social gatherings. After some initial awkwardness, he opens up and can be quite warm and definitely lively and entertaining.

Maanyata serious

Maanyata Dutt has been hospitalised for a tumour in her stomach after she collapsed at home. She is in a serious condition and the family has requested media members to take away their vans from the hospital.

Charitable promos

Salman Khan will travel across India for the promotions of Jai Ho and in every city, he will contribute around Rs 3 to 5 lakh to reliable NGOs and this money has been taken out of the marketing budget of the movie. Salman will also travel with as small a team as possible.

All’s well that ends well

Harman Baweja was linked with Shamita Shetty in the past and it was pretty surprising to see her at Bipasha Basu's birthday bash. Her sister Shilpa Shetty was also there. Bipasha and Harman are dating each other now and apparently they all share a good equation. Moreover, Harman will star in a movie produced by Shilpa Shetty.

Song and laughter

The music launch of Gunday was held earlier this week and it was a laugh riot, thanks to Ranveer singh, Arjun Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra. Ranveer was in his element and went all out to entertain audiences.

No second innings 

British singer Ed Sheeran confirmed that his good friend Taylor Swift won't make a guest appearance in his new album like she did in his previous record.

Sheeran, 22, announced earlier this week that he wants to surprise people with his upcoming album and explained that another collaboration with the Red hit maker was unlikely, reported a website.

"I didn't work with Taylor on the album purely for the fact that we've done that already," he said. "I've already done a song with Taylor within the last two years so I don't know if anyone would be too shocked by that," he said. Sheeran and Swift have been good friends since they worked together for a collaboration single of Swift's Red album called Everything Has Changed. — PTI

Anne injures foot

Actress Anne Hathaway injured her foot while swimming on a holiday in Hawaii. The 31-year-old, who has been holidaying on the island of Oahu with her husband Adam Shulman for several days now, hurt herself after she got into difficulty in a strong rip current close to the beach. Hathaway started screaming for help and a nearby surfer rushed to assist her back to safety, reports a publication.

The eyewitnesses report that the Oscar-winner's husband was on the beach at the time and rushed with a first-aid kit as she was brought ashore. She was distressed as she came out of the water with a few minor wounds on her foot. — IANS

2014 will be my year: Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen has lost weight and is gearing up for a comeback and says 2014 is going to be her year. "I have been preparing actually since 2013. I know every time an actor loses weight or starts looking fitter or thinner, it is always for a reason. But this is me getting ready for the most fantastic time of my life in all aspects. Professionally and personally, 2014 is going to be my year," the 38-year-old said while at an art exhibition.

Sushmita is eagerly awaiting the announcement of two projects, one of which goes on floors in July. "Professionally, you are going to see me back this year for sure. We have two very nice announcements, hopefully they should happen soon," Sushmita said. "The filming for one of them begins in July and the rest of them are more about combining the entrepreneur side of me and the actor and the mother side of me, all of it together," she added. Sushmita is known for hits like Biwi No.1 and Main Hoon Na and has two adopted daughters—Renee and Alisah. — IANS

Gerard Butler in talks for Point Break remake

PS I Love You star Gerard Butler is in final negotiations to star in the remake of Point Break. The 44-year-old actor is eyeing Patrick Swayze's role in the reworking of the 1991 Kathryn Bigelow-directed film. As in the original, the film will centre around an FBI agent.

Butler will take on Swayze's Bodhi, who seeks nirvana by living on the edge, and is responsible for inducting the undercover agent Johnny Utah into the criminal circle.

The Fast and the Furious cinematographer Ericson Core will direct Point Break from Kurt Wimmer's new script. Butler was seen last year in Olympus Has Fallen and is in line for the sequel London Has Fallen.—PTI

Health over money

Kareena Kapoor Khan is going to endorse a brand of green tea because it 
is healthy. She is being paid Rs 3 crore instead of Rs 4 crore for the same and is keen to endorse the health drink.

chatter box
Another leap is due

With a successful run of over 1000 episodes, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is touted to take a leap yet again. The show will soon complete five years but the story has remained interesting. Let's see what the makers have in the store next.

The return of Fear Factor

Fear Factor is soon going to be back on the tube. Director Rohit Shetty will be hosting the show. Apparently Elli Avaram, Karanvir Bohra, Teejay Sidhu, Ragini Khanna have been approached for the show, which will be shot in Argentina. 

Shoot at site

To shoot the episode of Sandhya's IPS training in the Haryana Police Commando Complex in Newal, Karnal, the makers of the show Diya Aur Baati Hum, Shashi and Sumeet Mittal did some extensive research. People in the vicinity also helped the unit shoot without any obstacles. 

On a serious note

Barkha Bist Barkha Bist, who recently was applauded for her intense performance in Ram Leela, is back on television portraying another very strong character of Urmi. The Bengali bombshell will be seen in a character who suffers from AIDS. This episode will not only portray a beautiful love story but will also bring forth the sufferings of an AIDS patient and the stigma attached to it.

Icing on the cake

Krystle Dsouza, a beautiful girl with a charming smile and bubbly nature, currently playing the role of Sakshi in Sony Entertainment Television's unique show, Ekk Nayi Pehchaan, has not only charmed everyone with her acting skills, also she has impressed the cast and crew of the show with her culinary skills.

The team discovered that Krystle has a knack for baking cakes. It happened when an interesting sequence was being shot, where in Sharda (Poonam Dhillon) advised Sakshi (Krystle Dsouza) to bake a chocolate cake to impress her husband Karan (Karan Sharma). Krystle baked the cake herself on the sets for the sequence and later treated the entire crew and unit with it. Everyone from the crew got to taste the cake baked by the actor.

Call of spirituality

Aarti Singh of Parichay fame started her New Year by getting spiritual. She was in Lucknow relaxing with her family. She visited a temple and later had plans to visit the Ajmer Sharief dargah.

So far, so good

Siddharth Arora, who garnered appreciation for his role in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kaha Season 2, is now back on the tube with yet another happy-go-lucky role in Doli Armaanon Ki. The actor is glad to get opportunities back to back and says that he has a lot to prove

Tell us about your role in the show…

My character Nishant is like the perfect matchmaker who wants his best friend and wife together. He is trying to put sense into his friend's mind on how to be a good husband.

How similar is Nishant to your own personality?

I am not as optimistic as Nishant. Unlike him, I think from my mind than heart. I am more practical than Nishant. I love having a positive environment around me.

Is it great to have back to back shows or did you want a break?

I am glad that I am getting good offers. I would rather have a break for a few days. I am privileged that show makers consider me for interesting roles but I know other than talent, luck too plays a part.

Is it difficult to survive on TV in the midst of competition?

You have to be on your toes. You never know who is watching you and what opportunity presents itself. People shouldn't say you are a one show wonder. Here you are judged by your last performance.

Are you open to reality shows?

I don't know. Other than serials, I would want to work in movies and focus on them. I have been noticed for my acting skills. In future, I would love to do a dance reality show.

Astro Turf
P.  Khurrana

ARIES: "The Emperor" gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Today your best approach is not to confront people but to go about your own tasks with a great dedication. Tarot message: Use your judgment and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky color: Crimson. Magic number: 29.

TAURUS: You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm, even zeal, in projects having meaning for you. Keep away from another Taurus person at work, who is arrogant and conceited. A good day to spend with your friends. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32

GEMINI: "The Moon" takes you through a difficult karmic situation today. Important issues come to light before 4p.m. You must address them even though there is a dark side to them. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47.

CANCER: You draw "The Ace of Cups" which brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Subtle pressure within organizations, or even on friends, seem necessary to get things done. Tarot message: Remember, it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45.

LEO: "The Lovers" inspire you to climb new heights and actualize creative ideas. There are shakeups in relationships today; the challenge is to control them. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51.

VIRGO: You make an impact and shine like "The Star". You may take the lead today; set the pace and control the emotional agenda. You are likely to work closely with children. Distant news brings cheerfulness. Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 33.

LIBRA: Today you are capable to handle more than two or three situations at the same time. Take preventive measures like diet, exercise and rest rather than having to treat illness later. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58.

SCORPIO: "The Priests" usher in a pure, exalted and gracious influence. Shut down the internet and leave social net-working for another day. You're challenged to about the uncertainty of your own decisions. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the day. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61.

SAGITTARIUS: You're in a position to stir things up but be very careful about arousing a reaction against what you're doing. Love and romance will add special flavour. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27.

CAPRICORN: "The Queen of Wands" allows you to achieve professional success with calm authority. You can blend logic and intuition to come up with new, creative directions. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastles. Magic number: 39.

AQUARIUS: "The Queen of Swords" brings mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situation. You focus on what you want and let those with different ideas go their way. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42.

PISCES: You are able to establish your business and expand in new directions. Taking part in social event seems to be fun especially with friends or kids. You easily become enthusiastic but you must stay grounded. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 34

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 11...

Communication will be highlighted in the year 2014. Remedial studies, neighbourhood activities, travels about town and brief communications, especially with siblings or peers, are going to be emphasized upon during this period. You must be prepared to adapt. April brings certain intense situations your way that will have you revisiting and rebuilding certain foundations of professional and personal life. At this stage, most opportune moments will present themselves for quite a few of you where you will be able to grasp certain karmic lessons of intensity, control, and struggles for dominance. Penetrate to the essence of the situation and trust your instincts being completely honest with yourself. Imagination, affection, music, arts- all these will be on the rise in 2014! Positive colours: White, sky blue, pink

Select days: Sunday & Monday

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7

Gems recommended: Pearl, opel, white sapphire

Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to needy at a religious place.

Anju Mahendru (January11, 1946, Mumbai) is famous for her relationship with Rajesh Khanna and was briefly engaged to cricket player Gary Sobers. She was first seen in Jewel Thief. Anju Mahendru was discovered by poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi and was a popular starlet during the sixties and seventies though she never made it big.





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