The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	STAR TRACK Kareena’s contributions! Kareena Kapoor Khan recently said that she has turned down many films that have gone on to become huge hits and have cemented the careers of their respective actresses. We take a look at the movies Black Black cemented Rani Mukerji's status as a star actor of substance. Kareena refused to do the movie because it was a de-glam role and she had personal issues with Amitabh Bachchan as her sister Karisma's engagement with Abhishek Bachchan had broken up by then. Queen She turned down the movie which has become a universal hit with unanimous acclaim and made Kangana Ranaut everyone's darling. She did it perhaps because it was a small film without a fancy supporting cast and of course, date issues! Kal Ho Naa Ho Kareena's friendship with Karan Johar soured when she turned down this movie due to date issues. This movie was a blockbuster and made a superstar and award-winner out of Preity Zinta. If she would have worked in it, maybe she would have fallen in love with Saif Ali Khan back then. Raam Leela Kareena was keen on doing the movie which launched the romance of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone and won the latter many awards. But Sanjay Leela Bhansali asked her to leave the project because she was married by the time of the film's release. The movie has grossed around ~200 crore worldwide. Fashion Kareena has turned down Madhur Bhandarkar several times before she agreed to do Heroine. Fashion went to Priyanka Chopra, it was a big hit, earned several awards, including a few National Awards, and redefined Priyanka Chopra's career.
	Why Pulkit is scared of Salman? As an actor, if you are in Salman Khan's good books, it has both pros and cons. While on one hand, you will receive instant fame, recognition and a great launch pad, on the other, there is the humongous pressure on your shoulders to deliver as per Salman's expectations to make him happy. Pulkit Samrat is one actor who is currently experiencing something similar. Pulkit says that he would never want to disappoint Salman. "It scares me at times. When you are in Salman bhai's good books you have to keep performing so that he is not disappointed. You have to justify the faith that he has reposed in you. I don't want to disappoint Salman bhai ever." Salman spotted Pulkit's talent after watching his performance in Bittoo Boss. Ever since, Salman has taken Pulkit under his wings and has been taking a keen interest in re-launching his career. In fact, even director Atul Agnihotri said that Pulkit's talent is what impressed Salman and O Teri is more like the debut launch pad for Pulkit. The film is releasing on March 28.
	Curls & colours When Aishwarya Rai turned up in Delhi to inaugurate Kalyan Jeweller's new showroom, what left onlookers stunned was a younger and graceful looking Aishwarya with golden permed hair. Aishwarya, who has been sporting straight locks with a center partition for years now, looked significantly younger in her new hairdo. Dressed in a black floor length Anarkali and sparkling jewellery, Aishwarya's slightly disheveled curly locks instantly reminded one of the Aishwarya from the 90s when she was famously called the world's most beautiful woman. Delhiites, who are not accustomed to seeing Bollywood stars on a regular basis, thronged just to get a glimpse of the diva which resulted in traffic snarls and brought the city to a standstill. Meanwhile, Aishwarya was all smiles and calmly went through the inauguration rituals before flying off. Whether Aishwarya's new look is a deliberate image make-over or the result of her forthcoming movie assignments that she may have signed, is something that only time will reveal. But we certainly like the 'new and more beautiful-looking' Aishwarya Rai.
	Fresh look for Fan Shah Rukh Khan, the man unarguably with one of the greatest fan following globally, will now play the role of being the biggest fan himself in the forthcoming YRF movie, Fan. The film begins in July 2014 and the actor has begun work on the film. The renowned special effects makeup maestro, Greg Cannom, who started work on developing Shah Rukh's look for the film, spent considerable time at the studio recently with the actor, director, Maneesh Sharma and producer, Aditya Chopra. Greg has been nominated for nine Academy Awards and has won an Oscar three times for the memorable looks he created in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Dracula (1992), apart from several other prestigious awards. In 2005, along with Wesley Wofford, he received a Technical Achievement Award for the development of special modified silicone material used for makeup applications in motion pictures. Speaking about the look, Maneesh said, "We are attempting a never-seen before look for Shah Rukh.”
	What hypocrisy! Bipasha Basu saw the trial show of Dishkiyaaoon starring her beau Harman Baweja and requested the producers to tone down his intimate scenes with newbie Ayesha Khanna. The scenes have been shot and she has seen it anyway, so why this hypocrisy which is a publicity stunt? As if she has been docile and demure on screen! Fresh pair Shahid Kapoor will star in Shandaar alongside Alia Bhatt. The movie is Queen director Vikas Bahl's next. We think Alia and Shahid make a fresh and beautiful pair and would look great as a real-life couple too. Equal distribution The worldwide distribution rights for Shah Rukh Khan's Happy New Year have been sold exclusively to Yash Raj Films. The film will release in Diwali 2014. Previously, SRK and YRF's Jab Tak Hai Jaan released on Diwali day in 2012. All for action Katrina Kaif loves action. We mean she turned down a body double for action scenes in two of her upcoming films and opted to do the stunts herself so that they looked real. The movies are Bang Bang and Phantom. hard work: Katrina Kaif Weighty issue Nawazuddin Siddique will gain 20 kg, roughly 40 pounds, for his role as a cop in Raees, alongside Shah Rukh Khan who plays a criminal. The movie will release in 2015. rich look: Nawazuddin Siddique Women power Women are ruling at the Indian box office currently. Kangna Ranaut starrer Queen is going rock-steady at the box office and has raked in nearly Rs 50 crore in its run since March 7. Ragini MMS 2 which is running due to Sunny Leone and the songs has made more than Rs 25 crore.
	Being human Veteran actor Tom Alter, who in his upcoming movie Honour Killing takes up a social cause, opines that our society has used religion as a weapon to create divides Gurvinder Singh The skin of his neck has become loose, but the face remains as radiant; the eyes are shining and the voice unwavering. Tom Alter is almost aggressive for the concern he feels for stopping honour killings. He feels about the issue much more poignantly and profoundly after his role in an upcoming movie titled Honour Killing. It is unfortunate that the religious divide is yawning to such extent that someone kills their daughter. He says that even though Britishers were blamed for their policy of divide and rule, the divisions that we as a society have self-imposed are much deeper, divisive and, thus, more dangerous. Our society is rather regressive and going backward, as now it is not only the divisions of religion and caste, but sub-castes, sects and groups that people identify with, he opines. People are overlooking the 'human' beneath our surnames and appearances. "Religion is personal thing and teaches one the way to live. But people and our society have used it as a weapon and then as a wall to create divides that are hard to bridge. Religion should not be mixed with politics. Religion should not be used as a tool for political gains," he says. He feels the movie has enriched him as a person and sensitised him towards the issue. Although he used to hear about such incidents, as an actor he also felt the pain. "Gulshan Grover and Prem Chopra have done great roles in the movie," he says. Born in Mussoourie, Tom used to come down to Punjab as a child often. "Although a lot has changed here, the passion and zest of people here, although lessened, is there. I find the agricultural fields are as beautiful as they were decades back," he says. The multifaceted actor-writer says that he is also doing a play, Sahir, in which he plays poet Sahir Ludhianvi. "It is a very fine play and I would bring it here," he says. Dare mentioning Bollywood and he protests, "Did Dilip Kumar join Bollywood? Was this term even heard of in those days?” Dismissive of justification for vapid and substandard cinema and television, according to the demands of the audience, he says that people would always accept good cinema.
	Her world, her pain Nisha Pahuja in her award-wining documentary The World Before Her takes up the issue of female feoticide Ashima Batish How do you project a social concern that is debated and discussed incessantly by social activists, that finds itself propagated on the billboards or as ordinary a space as the rear of the buses and trucks and that has translated itself into a staple subject for documentary makers? That it has to be gripping and intriguing are the pre-requisites, so Nisha Pahuja, director of the award-winning documentary, The World Before Her, picked two women from divergent backgrounds as protagonists and presented their real and hard-hitting stories. If one is a Miss India aspirant, other is a member of Durga Vahini, the women wing of militant fundamentalist movement. "So different, yet their lives merge on the issue of female feoticide," says Nisha, as she bubbles with energy and enthusiasm of a college-student. And her energy is infectious. In no time it catches you, and you get engrossed listening to her experiences, her take on the skewed sex ratio and how Indian cinema has space for documentaries and film-making that makes a difference. Directed in 2012, the film is bound for a theatrical release, with Anurag Kashyap backing the same. However, the release is meant for the middle classes, something that Nisha is aware of. "Part of the campaign includes taking the film to schools and colleges in India and in areas with skewed sex ratio." As for the funding part, which is required for the project of this scale, she has also launched a kick-starting campaign with Neeru Bajwa, her friend and the actress who shot with her first. "She is the apt choice for highlighting the cause of fund raising, given her popularity in the region." Infanticide and foeticide might be the issues that are talked about in the board rooms of corporate houses and class rooms of schools, but they haven't been addressed the way they should be. She adds that sex determination tests might be a crime, but the authorities have failed to enforce the law. "While the middle class has been able to change their mindset but on the other hand, economic and social strata aren't the factors that matter. Love for a boy-child is beyond all these." The key to change, she says is educating women and men at the same time, understanding men's patriarchal pressures, which has been readily ignored till now. Considering that her documentary is being backed by an established name of Bollywood and alternative cinema is welcomed by audience now, she hopes that the cinema of India is in for a change. "The industry is still commercially driven, but you can't deny the fact that there is a desire to create a market for different cinema, which promises to showcase reality, make real people protagonists and tell stores that has a spine." Her documentary sure stands straight.
	He got us! Duke Dumont has been on an incredible journey since 2013, topping off with the announcement that he's received his first ever Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording for his debut single Need U (100%) featuring AME. Duke's debut album is slated for release this year, but before that comes a brand new single I Got U, a collaboration which introduces fellow producer Jax Jones who is also the first signing to Duke's Blasé Boys Club label. Following its premiere on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show, the blissful Balearic soul anthem was quick to soar to number 1 on the Hype Machine and is set to be one of the first smashes of 2014. Let's hear what the city folks have to say about this new song. It's orignal* I really like the song, especially the music. It is very interesting and contemporary. The beats are so good. However, what I really like about this song is the fact that it is very original too. Jagriti Lambha, student, DAV College-10 Peppy number I totally love this song and it is really peppy and upbeat. And the video of this song is truly amazing. Also, I like the way this song makes me feel. It's got a very good vibe. Nimrita Kaur, private bank employee Happy tone What I like about this song is the fact that it makes me happy and I like to listen to it early in the morning, when I am jogging. It's a very happy, feel-good song and I love it for its music and lyrics. Suneet, musician --As told to Amarjot Kaur
	Get urbane Manpriya Singh Red pants on a man doesn't even turn heads anymore, whereas a few years ago, it would have invited awkward glances. Men's wear, although still a poor cousin of women's wear, is fast catching up. "In India, lifestyle is catching up very fat. Indians themselves are a lot more global now. Even in men's wear, the trends come in and go out pretty soon. There is no absolutely colour that men are not open to," shares Sujay Dixit, deputy manager, marketing, Celio. While unveiling the spring summer collection for men's wear at Celio, he adds, "We keep an urban male in mind, who is progressive, independent and we cater to the age group of 25 to 35. All our merchandise gets designed at Paris. We pick up fashion trends and cues from the streets of fashion capitals all across the world." While we might still have a long way before equaling the streets of fashion capitals, there is a remarkable difference already. "I think an average urban Indian man is a real trendsetter in so many ways. I happened to be at our flagship store last week and even here in North, men don't just shop for the bare essentials but high end clothing." He adds, "Coloured chinos are a normal thing now. They are available in bright colours and not just muted browns and blues." Like a pink shirt defined an experimental office-goer a few years ago, orange it is for now. "We have linen shirts for men in orange." The upcoming collection keeps the long summer in mind as much as anything else.
	Get physical Fitness combo Vishal Thukral We can get new cars, new houses but we only get one body. Putting in too much times on the treadmill and the cumulative stress of lifting weights takes a toll on the body and the body needs to recover. Yoga is the keyword here to speed the recovery process and it becomes the perfect complement to machine assisted workouts to get a better results. Discussed below are the few yoga poses which helps to do better gym workout. Cardio machine treadmill or bicycle: pre & post poses Lying big toe: To release hip, lower-back, and hamstring tension before walk or run, lie on your back, then bring right leg up at a 90-degree angle. If unable to grab the big toe without taking shoulders off the floor, place a strap or towel around the right foot. Make sure the left leg is grounded on the floor, then gently pull the raised right leg closer to the body. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths. Repeat on the other leg. Repeat twice. Legs up the wall: Bring the lower back onto the floor while bringing the legs up the wall. Keep the upper body supported with the elbows on the floor. Slowly release the elbows and lower the whole back down to the floor. Hold for 15-20 breaths. To come out, bring the knees into your chest and roll to side. Repeat twice. Strength training with dumbbells: pre & post poses: Yoga poses can translate to lifting strength by waking up muscles we don't often use. This branch of strength can only serve to make lifts bigger. Forward bend: Exhale and bring your hands down to touch your toes. It is perfectly fine if the hands can't reach the floor yet, but try reaching for the toes and feel the stretch throughout the back of legs. Let the head hang, but don't let the knees bend. Hold 10-15 breaths. Repeat twice. Downward dog: Start in a forward bend, then bend the knees so that palms are flat on the floor. Shift weight so that the arms are supporting as you walk your legs back. Hips should be the middle point between hands and feet on the floor. Use hands to push your body back towards the heels until stretch is felt throughout at the back and legs. Hold 10-15 breaths. Repeat twice. High lunge: Inhale, lifting both hands up toward the ceiling and lengthening the spine. Exhale and step left foot forward three to four feet and bend left knee. Reach up toward the ceiling with hands, palms facing each other. Lower the shoulders down and away from ears. Keep shoulders right above hips. Open up chest, pressing it up toward the ceiling. Sink the hips down and feel the stretch in the front of the right thigh and the back of the left thigh. Hold 15-20 breaths. To come out of the pose step forward. Shift legs. Repeat twice. Cool down Breathing exercise: Find a comfortable sitting position, make sure that the back is straight and release the tension in shoulders. Let them drop. Close eyes. Place one hand on stomach and the other on chest. Take a few breaths. Does belly rise and fall with every in-breath and out-breath? If answer is "yes," that is good. This is the natural way of breathing. If belly stays still but chest rises and falls with every breath, practice breathing by only allowing belly to rise and fall while breathing in and out. Continue to take deep breaths, concentrating on only moving belly. Continue 3-5 minutes. (Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics fitness trainer)
	CHATTER BOX Big occasion! The grand finale of Boogie Woogie will be a star-studded affair with Bollywood bigwigs making an appearance on the show. To start with, the biggest Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan will appear on the show to promote his movie Bhootnath Returns. The contestants will be seen paying tributes to the him by performing on his hit numbers. He will also been seen announcing the winner of Boogie Woogie Kids Championship. The entertainment doesn't stop here! Sonu Nigam, Shreyas Talpade, Anu Malik, Varun Dhawan and Ileana D'cruz are amongst the other Bollywood celebrities will also be seen taking the entertainment quotient to newer heights. Master of disguise He gained popularity as Kroor Singh on the small screen, has been part of legendary movies such as Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Gangajal, The Legend of Bhagat Singh as well as Shoot Out At Lokhandwala and soon will enter Star Plus' popular show Diya Aur Baati Hum. We are talking about none other than the veteran actor Akhilendra Mishra, who will be seen playing the chief of an extremist group in the upcoming track of the show. His character will be seen as a 'master of disguise' and a man of few words, focused on his mission. The actor, who has proved himself in every role he has essayed, said, "I have played a cop in most of my movies. This is for the first time that I am playing a negative character in a show that talks about a girl's journey to become and IPS officer. I am really looking forward to this role." Catch Akhilendar Mishra on Diya Aur Baati Hum at 9.00 pm from Monday to Saturday only on Star Plus. For the Earth’s sake Joining one of the largest environment campaigns around the world, Discovery Channel pledges to support WWF's Earth Hour initiative. Earth Hour is the world's biggest celebration for our amazing planet — every year on the last Saturday of March, millions of people across the globe unite in a spectacular show of support to raise awareness about climate change. This year, Earth Hour will be observed on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 8:30-9:30 pm. This association between Discovery Channel & WWF India is a collective effort to raise awareness on the importance of climate change, energy conservation and inspire individual action. The promotional partnership will be leveraged through Discovery's networks in India spanning on-air, digital and social media platforms and on-ground events. Discovery Channel, through its year-round programming, sensitises viewers about the delicate balance that needs to be struck between mankind and the environment. Emphasising the importance of conservation, the channel highlights issues such as impact of climate changes, dwindling animal species and global warming. Although the one-hour lights-off event is the main driver of a now-larger movement, Earth Hour's full ambition is for people to take action beyond the hour. Since the launching in 2007, Earth Hour has seen iconic landmarks such as London's Tower Bridge, Athens' Acropolis, Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, Moscow's Kremlin, New York's Empire State Building, among others. Ayub, Simone to reunite You saw them as the mature couple, Pia and Anand, on Star Plus' popular show Kasshish and they created quite a stir with their onscreen chemistry. After a long hiatus, the Kasshish co-stars Ayub Khan and Simone Singh are back together only to reunite for Star Plus' upcoming romantic thriller Ek Hasina Thi. The two will once again be paired opposite each other as Raj Goenka and Sakshi Goenka, respectively, and will play the role of Shaurya's (Vatsal Seth) parents. Raj and Sakshi are a high profile couple; the crème-de-la-crème of the society for whom status and power is everything. Both are extremely egoistic and do not accept defeat at any cost. Ayub says, "Simone has been a great co-star. We have been cast together in a show after a long gap. I am very excited about my new character and am looking forward to begin shooting with Simone. I have always played a down-to-earth person even if I am shown as a rich man. This is the first time that viewers will see me in a negative role and I will be shedding away the fatherly figure I have created on small screen over the years." "I like working with Ayub as he is a fantastic co-star. About the show, all I can say is this one's going to leave you with riddles and puzzles in your head. So just wait and watch," adds Simone. Aamir returns to FIR FIR is a quirky TV series, which revolves around humorous happenings in a police station. Aamir Ali, a known television celeb who was an integral part of FIR, had previously moved on from the show. However, he had always shown an inclination towards returning to the show. Very soon, Aamir Ali will be back on the show as Bajrang Pandey. Personal touch Ankita Lokhande doesn't shy away from spending money on her wardrobe or using her personal outfits for her TV show on Zee, Pavitra Rishta. Recently, while shooting a special sequence, she wore a white Manish Malhotra saree, which was apparently worth ~1.5 lakh. Cause and effect In Ekk Nayi Pehchaan, a show which strongly stands for women empowerment, Sharda (Poonam Dhillion) the lead protagonist, will be seen fighting against the exploitation of women. In the fight, she will accompanied by Jackky Bhagnani who will be seen promoting his film Youngistaan. Sharda will be seen rescuing of a young girl, who is molested by a gang of ruthless men.
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is March 27... Your birth on the 27th day under Aries sign suggests that now is not the time to go solo. Professions related to Mars suit Arians. They excel in whatever they undertake and attain good positions in their careers. They can handle all types of jobs and carry out any responsibility entrusted to them. Arians do well in the police and armed forces. As they have a scientific bent of mind, they do well in research work too. Finances need improvement and health definitely needs care. Friends will be supportive. Work will remain hectic. Positive colours: Golden, Red, White, Yellow and Cream. Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Red Coral, Yellow Sapphire. Charity on birthday: Donate yellow edible items to the needy or at any religious place today. You share your birthday with Renuka Shahane (March 27, 1965), who is a very familiar face on television. She was seen first in the popular TV serial, Surabhi, in 1993 along with Siddharth Kak. She became popular after her role in the movie Hum Aapke Hain Kaun with Madhuri Dixit. She will continue to charm people on the small as well as the big screen.
	Astro Turf P Khurrana ARIES: Today love and travel figure prominently. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or a salary increase. The accent is on pleasure and entertainment. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63. TAURUS: Make more of an effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job can assume greater importance. Be careful so that you do not get caught up in red tape. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 59. GEMINI: New people whom you meet will be rather exciting. Remember the resolutions about diet and nutrition. A health problem can slow you down, so take care. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36. CANCER: Love life is sparklingly beautiful. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport for mental and physical stimulation. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50. LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Bizfolk: do not invest your money in hastily concluded deals. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 35. VIRGO: It is not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get-together at home. A level of anxiety can interfere with your sense of well-being. Visit a scenic spot for relaxation. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33. LIBRA: Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to -success. Club and group activities occupy you. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25. SCORPIO: Working women: take complete rest today. Students: bury your nose in books today. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives: financially you will feel secure. Tarot message: Learn from past experience. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: Push your routine to one side. Drive carefully. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Face the facts. Talk to your partner with love and honesty; changes are likely. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence, which will be on trial. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31. CAPRICORN: It is an auspicious day for purchasing ornaments. Avoid taking hasty actions. Keep your wits about you and try to pause if agitated. This will allow your mind the chance to stay on track. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42. AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flair. Loved ones will do what they can to help solve financial problems. Savour the romantic glow of the morning. Tarot message: Try to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52. PISCES: The card 'Six of Wands' indicates fun, frolic and accelerated social activities. Your efforts will not go unnoticed by superiors. Talk with your lover about future plans and goals. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40.