Say it with a rose!
A rose has been the ultimate symbol of love since ages. This Rose Day, we check out if it still is… 
Jasmine Singh

Parked outside a flower shop, a bunch of young boys sitting in the good old Maruti Zen are listening to Punjabi singer Hardy Sandhu’s popular track Sahnu ashiqui tey loan chahida. They have decided to pool in money to buy a present for the one girl that they all like.

A mobile phone they decide, till a boy in the group points out towards the red roses — a safe and sasta bet they shriek. A rose can say it all! With the week of love beginning with the Rose Day on February 7, we believe the rose still holds the charm to melt hearts. Can a rose still say those unspoken words?

Well, for those who are already imagining we quickly want to take you through the importance of Rose Day first. Rose Day, which marks the beginning of the week of love, is celebrated on the seventh day of February. By gifting a rose to his beloved, the lover expresses his love in the best possible manner since the flower in question symbolises passion and love. Sounds mushy, but does this mush hold some fragrance?

Singer-actor Jassi Gill has neither given nor received any rose. “I don’t think I can woo any girl with a rose. I think she would be happiest seeing a mobile phone or a dress. Roses are beautiful, but gone are the days when a guy would hold a rose for the entire day to gift it to the girl. On Rose Day too, a rose along with something else, maybe a box of chocolates or something expensive, will make the hearts flutter,” he laughs, trying to sound as serious as he can.

Jassi might sound too realistic, but then there is no denying the fact that the ways of expressing love have also undergone a 360-degree change. This also means the role of a rose has also changed. Singer Guru Randhawa still believes in the power of a rose or better still, a huge bunch of roses or exotic flowers. “Girls still find roses very romantic and they wouldn’t mind something hidden inside the bouquet - a diamond ring, movie tickets or vouchers for shopping. So, roses are still the most romantic and ideal gift, at least on the Rose Day, only if you can couple it with something else.”

No amount of realism can change the perception of love and the rose, after all, is a rose! Gitaz Bindrakhia shares, “Girls and boys who are dating meet almost each day; either they go out to shop or just hang out. They exchange knick-knacks almost each day and then suddenly arrives the Rose Day. Do you think they would especially make an effort to give a rose to each other?”

The madly-in-love still make that effort; Ludhiana-based model Tarif Anwar, each year, gifts his lady love three red roses. “Love is not about expensive gifts, it is a feeling that can be conveyed through a rose as well. Rose Day or not, I keep sending her roses.”

Price meter
Despite all the ‘get-real’ talk, Vishal, co-founder of a leading online website Jack and Gill, shares how they experience a huge rush on Rose Day or Teddy Day and of course Valentine’s Day. “Even on a Teddy Day or a Chocolate Day, people prefer sending roses along. Rose bouquets that are four feet tall or heart-shaped are always popular. Had it not been important, the price of roses wouldn’t be double!”

Colour of love

Red: Sincere love and respect.
Pink: Grace and gentility.
Yellow: Friendship, joy and promise of a new beginning.
White: Spiritual love and purity.
Lavender: Love at first sight.
Orange: Passionate desire and fascination.
Black: Death, sadness and loss.
Green: Life, abundant growth and cheerfulness.

Courtesy: Internet

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Living on the edge
British racing driver Tiff Needel, the host of television series Fifth Gear on Discovery Turbo, lives in the fast lane, both in his personal and professional life…
Manpriya Singh

Building roads didn’t quite cut it, while racing tracks was more like it. As a child who grew up clinging to the fences, watching Stirling Moss and Jim Clark, everything else whizzed past at supersonic speed, even a degree in civil engineering. There was only one thing Tiff Needel ever wanted to be — a racing driver. The British racing driver, former Le-Mans winner and host of television series Fifth Gear on Discovery Turbo, has been spiking up the accelerator ever since, driving super cars, racing rally cars and going off road.

“We have expanded more of consumer side of things because we love bringing just super cars and fast cars, but now we have our team tests—we’re doing more team tests where all four of the presenters look at new cars and argue over them, agree over them and pick holes in them,” he shares over how the automobile show stands apart. He adds, “We’re doing more cheapskate alternatives—old second-hand cars that give the same thrill as a modern car. We are also doing more of consumer advice and more accident investigation.” While at the same time trying to bring in variety and enthusiasm for car buyers!

On the edge

The fact that a racing track is a millionaire’s playground notwithstanding, he ensured it was only a matter of time before the right breaks at the right time happened. “My father took me to watch races and that’s all I ever wanted to do, but we had no family money and I actually went to university, started a career as a civil engineer because it was just a dream…I won a racing car in a competition and suddenly I was a racing driver at the weekend. Luckily, my skills showed through and I ended up being a Grand Prix driver.” Television happened a little later in life, but it all fits into one philosophy. “I think when you are a young child, you’re either a thrill-seeker or you’re someone that wants to stay hiding in bed.” On a serious note, “I want to live on the edge…living on the edge makes me alive.”

Personal touch

As someone who brings about latest information on automobiles from around the world, car reviews, second-hand bargains and industry news, his word is only a little short of final decree. “To make the perfect car for each individual person — we appreciate that they have different tastes —the first thing to look at is: ‘if that was parked in front of my house, would I be proud? Then you have to sit inside it and you have to think that you are going to be sitting inside it for 300 hours of your life,” he says. “The third thing is how it is going to perform. Is it according to what you need and what you want?” he adds.

Motoring along

Just out with his autobiography last year Tiff Gear, Tiff never wants to use the word retire. “I just want to keep doing what I’m so lucky to do, just keep doing more of it. I like going to new areas, travelling and discovering because in the series that’s coming up in India now you’ll see the restomodding. I went to Los Angeles and discovered this whole new area where they’re taking the old shell of the car, and then putting in new engines, gearboxes and suspension. For me, it was something I’d never heard of before and it was interesting. So, I hope to discover new parts of the motoring world.” Meanwhile, he laughs, “A beach, a sun-tan lotion, beer and some lobsters on the barbecue await.” It’s only a lull before the storm!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

She’s got the looks...
Model-actor Neha Ahuja, in Ludhiana, says hardwork is the key to success in the fields of modelling and acting…
Gurvinder Singh

Neha Ahuja
model way: Neha Ahuja

High-cheeks, long-face, the 'gums-exposed' wide smile — perfect 'model-face' Neha Ahuja strikes different poses for the flashing lensmen. The pretty model was runners-up of the Miss Asia 2007 beauty pageant. She is not only about looks, as Neha is an NIFT graduate and an MBA. She has been donning different hats, “One at a time, of course.” In Ludhiana, she presented a look inspired from Manish Malhotra’s showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer.

Although no longer into designing, the experience helps her in styling herself. Post her beauty pageant, she was loaded with offers to act in Bollywood movies but she was not much interested, until Ishk Only opposite Rajiv Khandelwal happened. Following that, she has bagged another movie. Tightlipped about the project, she only shares that it is a Warner Brothers production, on one of Punjab's legends. "It is a crossover film and it is in post-production stage," she says.

The actress says she had never thought about acting, it just happened as she liked the script of her movie. She is taking nothing for granted though, “Nothing is easy, whether it is acting or modelling.” Shifting from modelling to acting was a challenge, but she still does modelling assignments. Having no acting background, she learnt it mostly during the shootings of the movie. Not the one to believe that training in acting is a necessity, she believes that a lot depends on an individual’s ability to learn and absorb. “Meena Kumari of Pakizah is my dream role,” she says.

gurvinder@tribunemail.com

Creative liberty
Artist and architect Tara Sharma does not believe in convention. So, she does not hesitate to add a liberal amount of black in her colour palette
Mona

Her rainbow has nine colours, black and white in addition to others! Tara Sharma Singla, artist and architect, doesn't let norms limit her creative flight. Colour Stanza is her second exhibition and quite a change from the earlier one that she held six years back.

While black and white ruled her first exhibition, multitude of colours stand out in the current one. Some 31 frames and the first one stands out — it's of Governor Shivraj V Patil, Administrator, UT Chandigarh. Painted in the hues of yellow and orange and blue, he is one of the many faces that dot the exhibition. The governor also inaugurated the exhibition.

How did he become part of her frame? "I saw him at the inauguration of an event and was quite impressed by his multifaceted personality. His love for history, technology and travel are the interests that I share with him," says Tara.

Faces are what Tara is drawn to. There are children, old men, artistes and President Pranab Mukherje too figures there. Tara explains, "I work on anything that impresses me at a particular moment. I happened to witness the President in person and expressed him on the canvas."

Apart from human figures, expressing different emotions like happiness, contentment, glee or aspirations; Tara has also painted impressions she has gathered on her travels. Few poetic lines figure right next to her works. 'Standing tall, Enchanting all' is Brighton Pier; London is 'Change is what is embedded in my souls, That's what makes me rise up and roll'… "Everyone has their own individual take on, I like to share mine. You can interpret it the way you want to, so my lines are unobtrusive, you can read it if you wish."

A mother now, Tara feels the exuberance of her three-year-old has found way in her works. "Black is my favourite colour. It's not an easy colour to work with but I love it," says Tara dressed in black and gold. "Now I do all the shades. My son spilled purple and I worked a face out of it. Why not," says the artist who loves to push her boundaries. Little collages find way in her frames, "I love to experiment not only with my themes but also medium."

On at Museum and Art Gallery-10 till February 9.

Coming soon
Spreading the word

The 5th Festival of Letters begins this Saturday. This year's Festival of Letters has several competitions for school, college and university students like elocution contests and creative writing competitions.

In the inaugural session on February 8 at the English Auditorium, Panjab University, Vishwanath Prasad Tewari, eminent critic and poet and president of the National Sahitya Akademi, will deliver the keynote address. In this session Awards of Recognition will be given to senior writers of the city.

The invited speakers are all award-winning writers who have made a mark in their respective fields--Alka Saraogi, Dhwanil Parekh, Esther David, Geetanjali Shree, Githa Hariharan, Imam Mir Jaffar, Manmohan Singh, Rattan Lal Shant, Jitendra Srivastava and Rahul Singh.

Local facilitators are Aradhika Sharma, Atamjit, Rani Balbir, Sudhir Kumar, Vandana Rakesh, Vijai Vardhan, and Vivek Atray.

Prizes and certificates to the winners will be given on February 10 after the Literary Quiz at 2 pm. — TNS

TRENDSETTER
The extra zing
Harpreet Kaur, a student of fashion designing, prefers the glamorous look


Photo: Himanshu Mahajan

What are the makings of a trendsetter? Or, the ones which attract second glances? Putting all the pieces together, it is a combination of being in tune with the latest, coordinating it suitably and then carrying it off with proper attitude. Let's see what Harpreet Kaur, a student of fashion designing at the Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology, has to say—

Your sense of style?

Anybody who can accessorise smartly is stylish and especially who can effectively carry off the colours black and gold without looking garish.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories?

A bag from Gucci and wedge heels.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

I am okay with both if I look fashionable.

Who would be your style icon?

Sonam Kapoor is the most appropriate for this pedestal.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Sonakshi Sinha fits the slot.

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

Glamorous any day.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension?

I really don't go in for coloured hair even though it is very much in.

Your take on accessories?

I love accessories and like to use them anytime, anywhere.

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

Victoria Beckham would be a dream come true.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Mostly I feel confident but more so when I am in total comfort.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

vanity box
Strokes of genius
A line here and a touch there, you can have the perfect face if you learn the art of make-up
Manpriya Singh

Getting hold of the basics of make-up is not difficult, nor is making the shift from elementary to advanced levels. What could take years to trickle down and reach you are some closely guarded and tried and tested pearls of wisdom that come in handy and make all the difference. No chef parts with some real recipes, no artiste divulges their best secrets. We are bringing forth some random make-up tips and tricks, picked up in bits and pieces from celebrity artists to local make-up experts to anybody with information to part—

No make-up look needs the maximum make-up. Celebrity artist Bobbi Brown emphasizes on the right concealer and foundation. It is always recommended to choose a foundation by applying swatches of three close shades on your face. The one that merges is the right colour of foundation.

Application of blush as per the face shape is one of the open secrets. It's an area often retorted and unfortunately, just as prone to mistakes. A little bit of shimmer and bronze powder just along the cheekbones and a hint of pink blush on the tip of the apples is a combination likely to suit any skin.

For plumper lips dab some clear gloss in the middle of your bottom lip and see the difference. Want a dewy look? Apply Vaseline to your cheek bones.

Apply lighter colours first and then gradually make your way to darker shades when doing eye make-up. Lighter colours and highlights should be applied in the inner corners of the eyes, just under the brow bone.

Battling thin and sparse brows? Pick up a shade lighter than your hair colour and fill with short, quick strokes. A clear mascara or gel should take care of any wayward strands sticking out. .

Some suggest mixing cream eye shadows with clear nail paint to get the customized matte colour.

Celebrity make-up artist and author Robert Jones swears by the power of prepping your face before any sort of make up application. All the more for eye make-up application. You can never go over the board with eye cream and your concealer will blend much more smoothly, thereby reducing any lines and crevices.

Last but not the least, this is a highly recommended one. If you are not following make-up artists on social networking sites, you are missing out on any little trivia they may have to share on a regular basis.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Ready to rock!
The newly opened F Bar promises party hoppers a different experience altogether
Ashima Batish

Party hoppers who have tick marked every club in Chandigarh are in for a treat once again. The latest offering in the city is F Bar, a club that boasts of Pan-Asian presence, the most happening club nights and cuisine that's worth digging into. To begin with, F Bar will have several city artists performing at the venue. "We also have on the cards a number of fashion events, where in we will invite leading fashion designers and even hold events for the budding fashion designers," says Puneet Nath, one of the directors, F Hospitality, India.

With its plush interiors and aesthetically done up terrace lounge, F Bar promises a variety in its menu as well. Gunkaran Singh, director of the Chandigarh edition of F Bar, says, "People from the city and even Ludhiana travel to Delhi to party at F Bar. They understand the brand and the quality it promises." Even as the party regulars in the city are known for club hopping each week and trying new places, Gunkaran feels F Bar will become a favourite for good. "We are not just promising a great partying experience, also the food that will match the quality that F Bar is known for."

Master Chef
Go green
Ranjan Dibya

Everyone is conscious when it comes to diet. What could be better then a fresh healthy garden salad? When produce is at its peak, a simple salad can be magical. Salads are wholesome and make a healthy as well as a nutritional appetizer. It is an elegant addition to the summer entertaining menus. Bringing out the gorgeous colours, textures and tastes, here is the salad with freshly tomatoes, olives, heap of green leafy leaves and many more.

In the summer, it's easy to turn salad from side dish to an entree. To turn it into a complete meal, just add a little protein and toss it with a dressing to add to the burst of flavours.

Ingredients

  • 1 baby cucumber, seeded and cubed
  • ½ cup of fresh micro greens
  • 4 to 5 green and black olives
  • 1 medium green pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 cup fresh green lettuce
  • ½ cup cherry tomato

Dressing

  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of pepper powder
  • Pinch of French mustard powder

Method

Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in cold water so that the leaves remain crisp. In a bowl mix all the dressing ingredients and beat well in a hand blender till thickens.

Mix the vegetables to the dressing and toss well. Serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce, sprinkle the feta crumble on top of the salad.

(Dibya is a culinary expert)

star track
In conversation with Marc Baschet...

The first ever film festival of Navi Mumbai, NMIFF (Navi Mumbai International Film Festival) that began last week has received a good response so far. It is founded with the idea to showcase the talent and creativity of filmmakers in the city.

The festival is supported by the New York Film Academy and it received as many as 300 entries from 35 countries across the world. We catch up with Oscar award winning producer Marc Baschet who is heading the jury to talk about the festival and more…

You are heading the jury at Navi Mumbai International Film Festival. Are you excited?

Yes, I am very excited. In fact, I am surprised by the quality of films. There are many good films from several countries. I think people in Mumbai are extremely lucky that they are getting to watch such good films. I hope to take back a host of good memories and would like to come back again.

What do you think of Bollywood movies?

They are very entertaining. Some of them are just great. I keep getting recommendations for Indian films and I hope to watch them all. I do watch Indian films from time to time. The quality of Indian movies is quite considerable and they are making good movies these days.

You co-produced The Lunchbox. Do you feel disappointed that the film couldn't go to Oscars?

I do not want to talk about it. People watched the film and they loved it. It matters and nothing else. Moreover, it is doing a great business all over the world. The film was also received well at the 40th Telluride Film fest. We have already shown the film in over 40 countries and we are releasing it in several parts of Europe this year. Moreover, I am co-producing another film titled White Lies with Anurag Kashyap.

Tell us about White Lies.

We have completed the shooting. My friend Danis Tanovic (who directed No Man's Land) is directing it. Besides this, I can't tell you anything else about the film.

What made you pick Emraan Hashmi for the film?

Because he is a great actor. I knew about him before the film happened. Everybody felt he was the right choice. We have no fear about that.

Zero chance

Parineeti Chopra
Loving it: Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra is the nation's new sweetheart. She is candid, a talented actress and down-to-earth. She is clearly loving her new life. She talks about movies and more.

Weight loss

I don't think I'll ever reach size zero. I don't have the body structure for that, but I know I can look good and I'm working towards that. Basically, I would like to look my best, and I do want to understand fashion better.

Fear of success

I fear it might all go away. What if I am destined to achieve only now and not later? I have done just three films and I already have endorsement offers, I am on magazine covers. For most actors it takes much longer to get there.

Vibrant USP

My vibrancy is my strength. The person that you are in real life, directors and producers see that in you and they immediately associate it with a character they are trying to cast. I am a very enthusiastic, vibrant person. I laugh a lot, I am very loud. But going forward, it's now in my hands what image I really want to project. I want to keep people confused about what I will do next. I did play vibrant characters in the beginning, but now I am balancing it out with different things.

SRK returns to work

Shah Rukh Khan, who was injured himself on the sets of Farah Khan's Happy New Year earlier this month, has resumed shooting for the film. The cast and crew are currently shooting for a song.

Confirming the reports, the 48-year-old actor tweeted: 'Worked. Dented, bent & broken but hopefully into shape. Only my work understands me for the rest I am outside their content of understanding.' Keeping his injuries in mind, some action scenes and dance sequences have been reportedly modified.

Farhan on a song

Farhan Akhtar is the man of the moment. He has swept the award functions for his spectacular acting in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He is doing concerts and will also be seen in Shaadi Ke Side Effects. He talks about all these and more.

Sweeping awards

I feel happy that my work has been recognised, initially by the audience and now by the fraternity. I don't perceive myself overtaking the Khans by bagging the best actor awards of the year. I am happy for Shah Rukh (Khan) and I hope he is happy for me too. If you ask me whether this is the best time of my career, I would say I hope not. Don't get me wrong; I am not complaining. But I hope that there are better times ahead.

A few laughs

I am excited about the release of my film with Vidya Balan this month. The rom-com is a fun take on marriage and how things change when you welcome your first child to this world. It was a good opportunity for me to do some hilarious stuff, say funny dialogues and find myself in ridiculous situations. I think the birth of the first child is very special for any couple and I could relate to quite a few scenes. I am also looking forward to my next film with Shah Rukh Khan. Till now, we have only shared a director-actor relationship, barring a fleeting scene in Luck by Chance. This will be our first as co-stars.

Making melody

I enjoy going to different places with my music band (Farhan Live) for live performances. I am focused on taking my passion for music ahead. I am also keen on creating some original Farhan Live content. However, time is at a premium now. But I do have plans to pursue singing seriously. I also take interest in poetry and am greatly influenced by my father (Javed Akhtar). His work and knowledge of things is very inspiring.

Sister concern

I have worked with my sister (Zoya Akhtar) on a lot of projects. We agree and disagree on many things. We don't argue per se but creative discussions are bound to take place in any collaborative work. In our case, Zoya usually has the final word. She is the director (laughs)!

Wooing Adhuna

My wife Adhuna is exceptionally supportive. I don't think it would be possible for me to work with the kind of passion that I have for films and the time that I choose to give it without her backing. As far as intimate scenes are concerned, I guess she understands that it is just a creative commitment and there are no emotions attached to it. She is very understanding about how important films are for me to be happy in life. On my part, I constantly woo Adhuna with songs. I don't know which is her favourite but there is a vast repertoire (of songs) that she likes.

Is Vidya pregnant?

Speculations are rife that the Vidya Balan is pregnant. Buzz is that the Kahaani actress has been making frequent visits to a multi-specialty hospital in Andheri for the past weeks.

Sources suggest that Vidya has been consulting a doctor at this reputed hospital. The hospital authorities have also issued strict instructions to their staff to remain tight-lipped about the star's visit.

Reportedly, Vidya's family members have also accompanied her on some of these visits. Vidya, who married UTV honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur in 2012, has slowed down the pace of her work since last year with only one movie of hers releasing in 2013.

Are these indications of the fact that Vidya is preparing for a baby bliss? According to her manager, she is not pregnant or she wouldn't be shooting for films. In that case, we wonder why is visiting the hospital frequently?

Who will host Bigg Boss?

Salman Khan may not host the eighth season of Bigg Boss. The other contenders are Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Hrithik Roshan to host the show.

No takers for Sallu’s show

Interestingly, there are no takers for Salman Khan's television show tentatively called Paanch Ka Punch which focuses on social issues and causes. Colors channel bowed out and now the makers will go to Zee TV.

Mutual admiration

Raveena Tandon praised Shahid Kapoor's dancing in Agal bagal from Phata Poster Nikla Hero and recently on Koffee with Karan, he praised Ranveena saying that she was his first crush when he saw her in Tip tip barsa pani from Mohra.

Voice of Hollywood

Priyanka Chopra will do the Hindi voiceover for an international documentary for the girl child, which also features Selena Gomez and other Hollywood celebrities. PC did the dubbing in Mumbai itself.

Poster perfect

Here is the first look of Bewakoofiyaan starring Sonam Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana and Rishi Kapoor. It looks cute. Ayushmann plays a marketing genius in the film, and Sonam plays a lawyer with a shoe fetish.

Travelling right!

Shraddha Kapoor took a break from the shooting of Haider to attend the screening of Hasee Toh Phasee in Mumbai for co-star Sidharth Malhotra (The Villain) and she was seen there with Aditya Roy Kapoor. 

Working for luck

Abhishek Bachchan turned 38 on February 5. He was shooting for Happy New Year as shooting on his birthday has proved lucky for him and his movies. He is happy to work with SRK after eight years.

chatter box
Online threat

Divyanka Tripathi Divyanka Tripathi is being stalked online and she has filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell. Apparently, one guy called Shahid professed his love on Facebook and soon some others began pestering Divyanka for an answer, which then turned into threats.

In The WEB: Divyanka Tripathi

Telly love

Usually when a television actor signs a film contract he quits the show, but Siddharth Shukla aka Shiv of Balika Vadhu, who has been signed by Karan Johar for a three-film contract, says he won’t leave television. — HRM

Role play

Clair Castelino walks in as the new character Sharmila in Sahara One’s Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi…Niyati. She plays Maai's friend's granddaughter. Due to Maai’s desire, she accepts Ishwar and Niyati’s proposal to be Ishwar’s fake wife.

As the story progresses it remains to be seen how Sharmila’s refusal to withdraw as Ishwar’s wife impact the relations between Niyati and Ishwar.

Shweta’s back

Post her wedding, Shweta Tiwari enjoyed her time off and now she’s back on telly. She will be seen in Sunil Grover’s comedy show Mad In India. Shweta appeared in Nach Baliye recently, where she came as a wannabe starlet.

Wedding bells

Dimple Inamdar, of Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli fame, has got married to her long time boyfriend Mark Weekes. He is an investment banker; the two met at a common friend’s party two years ago and soon began dating.

For charity sake

Drashti Dhami will soon sell nimbu mirchi at a signal. She shot for the Colors’ upcoming show Mission Sapne, wherein celebrities do jobs of a common man to raise money for charity. Earlier Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Ram Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Mika Singh and Ronit Roy have shot for the show.

Fit & fine

Ratan Rajput, who was last seen in Bigg Boss 7, will now be a part of Mahabharat once again. She had earlier appeared as Amba and now returns to the show to reprise the role. She talks to us about her career and more.

How do you feel on your re-appearance in Mahabharat?

I feel good; it's difficult to play a character after a break but after getting into the costume it's not difficult. My association with Siddharth Kumar Tewary has been long. His production house is like family for me.

Do you relate to Amba?

Somewhere, somehow I do. Amba and I both don't forget if something happens to hurt us in life; she doesn't forgive, I can't forget.

You are still remembered as Laali of Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Na Kijo. How do you feel?

It's a compliment, I have realised that over time people have begun to recognise me as Ratan, due to Swayamwar and Big Boss I have gained recognition; people know me and like my work.

You look quite different off-screen. How do you maintain yourself?

I am blessed with a lean physique. I love walking; I'd rather walk for hours than go to a gym. I love raw vegetables and salads. I also don't like eating out, so that keeps me healthy.

New Releases

Hasee Toh Phasee

A still from Hasee Toh Phasee
A still from Hasee Toh Phasee

Producers: Vikas Bahl, Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Karan Johar

Director: Vinil Mathew

The first week of February starts with Hasee Toh Phasee, a moderate budget film directed by Vinil Mathew. Made under Dharma Productions and Phantom Films this one has a fresh pair of Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra.

Hasee Toh Phasee is a quirky, yet emotional romcom. It is about two characters, their journey and the manner in which their paths cross.

Film: Ya Rab

Producers: Mohsin Ali Khan, Meesam Ali Khan, Hoori Ali Khan

Director: Hasnain Hyderabadwala

True films presentation Ya Rab is a thought-provoking film, which condemns fundamentalism in the strongest terms and exposes self-styled religious leaders who owe allegiance to foreign powers.

Mahesh Bhatt has co-produced the film. It stars Big Boss 7 contestant Ajaz Khan in a lead role along with Raju Kher, Vikram Singh, Imran Hasnee, Manzar Sehbai and Akhilendra Mishra.

Film: Heartless

Producers: Windmill Productions (Alka Suman)

Director: Shekhar Suman

Heartless marks the debut of Shekhar Suman as a director in Bollywood. The film stars Adhyayan Suman along with Ariana Ayam, Om Puri Madan Jain and Deepti Naval in pivotal roles. The music of the film is believed to be its strong point.

Film: Babloo Happy Hai

Producers: Gagan Dhawan, Ravi Dutta, Narendra Singh

Director: Nila Madhab Panda

The director of films I am Kalam’ and Jalpari is back with a love story titled Babloo Happy Hai. It stars Erica Fernandes and Sahil Anand in lead roles. Sumit Suri Amol Prashar, Preet Kamal, Anu Chaudhary and Parvin Dabas are in supporting roles.

— Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You win over one enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Financially, the first half of the day is rather expensive, so take care. Writers will find their work in print. Tarot message: Do not swing away from your course. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49

TAURUS: Those who are more spiritually inclined are likely to search for solitude today. Love life is passing through a very rough phase and needs to be sorted out. Businessmen have a tricky day. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Your card ‘The Universe’ favours good progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. Take your time. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 25

CANCER: You card “The Moon” reveals a romantic interest. Fortune can smile on you from the least expected sources. Don’t rely on luck alone. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38

LEO: An unexpected bonus can appear in your paycheck, as a raise is in the offing. Buy the right outfit for your sports or exercise programme. Dress for success. Enjoy being noticed. Tarot message: Follow your own path. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Fresh strategies are likely, but initially they will be hit-and-miss. A household task can be done in record time. Speculation will be most unwise, so do not indulge in it. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strengths. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60

LIBRA: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. You will be feeling vulnerable to the criticism of neighbours or friends. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks on the to-do list. This will take a lot of extra effort. To conclude pending projects, you need to work out an appropriate strategy. Tarot message: Wait and watch. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: Caring conversations flow easily. A health problem can be successfully handled. This is a good day for buying and selling property. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39

CAPRICORN: Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files and documents. Those married will enjoy the evening in a different way. Do not carry heavy cash. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family can reach a boiling point. A stubborn response on your part won’t help. Do not compromise on financial issues. Tarot message: Don’t finance an overseas trip. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27

PISCES: If you are not okay about relationships, finance or career issues, take positive action rather than complaining. Those employed will have to work overtime. Tarot message: Try and accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Camel. Magic number: 40

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 7...

An unusual dream prompts you to get in touch with your creative side. You're highly appreciative of rich colours, fabrics, delicious aromas, savoury flavours, and melodic music. Last year you succeeded in your career and now will need to consolidate your achievements. The luckiest time is March to June when all the initiatives will bring excellent results. The period from August to September can be difficult. Neptune makes you are sober, courteous, unique, honest and courageous. You can suffer some minor injuries due to vehicle accidents. However, it will not be critical. You can even get a promotion on the basis of your perfect performance. Regular flow of income will keep you happy throughout the year.

Positive colours: White, Cream, Yellow.

Select Days: Monday, Sunday.

Favourable numbers: 2, 7.

Gems recommended: Pearl, White Coral, Diamond.

Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy or at any religious place today.

You share your birthday with Cerina Vincent (February 7, 1979, Las Vegas, Nevada), who made her big screen debut in Sony's outrageous hit spoof Not Another Teen Movie, where she bared it all. She also appeared in the film Not Another Teen Movie (2001) as the foreign exchange student Areola.





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