india votes 2014
Right(s) act
Celebrities from the region take their voting rights seriously. If not flying back to Punjab, they will sure cast their vote in Mumbai
Jasmine Singh

The fire has been simmering for a while. It’s now or never. Straighten your back, go ahead and bring the change or keep cribbing forever. As we hope to bring about a conscious change in the governance of the country, each and every Indian citizen feels a sense of huge responsibility.

And as Abraham Lincoln said: “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” We bet none of us want to sit on the blisters!

So voting for the right candidate is the most important task at hand now. Celebrities all across the Tri-city and Punjab, who are now based out either in Mumbai or elsewhere, feel the need and responsibility to come back to cast their vote.

Power packed
Karan Kundra, actor

I come from Jalandhar and I have been staying in Mumbai for the last six years, so I would be voting in Mumbai. The idea is to vote the right government to power and for this I will certainly cast my vote. As a youth icon it is my responsibility to vote.

The reason I wouldn’t be coming to Jalandhar to vote is because I am not in touch with what is happening back home.

And I don’t want to vote for someone I don’t know, someone whose performance I can’t judge as I have not seen it first-hand. Instead, I would rather vote in Mumbai.

Honest take
Adhvik Mahaj, TV actor

Adhvik, who plays lead in the popular daily soap Bani, is not coming back to Jalandhar to vote. I would be voting in Mumbai. Since I shoot 24x7 I wouldn’t get the time to come back to Punjab, but I would definitely vote in Mumbai. I believe that voting is a must; the broader idea is to vote honest people to power. I would want to see those people at the centre. This I can do by casting my ballot in Mumbai as well.

Issue based
Khusboo Grewal, actor

The first time I voted I was in college, so I didn’t take it very seriously but this time I know what I am doing.

I have issues against the government and my vote will definitely help me settle those. All said and done though, I have a slight problem with the whole process of voting.

It should be made more public friendly, especially in Mumbai, where we have to cover a lot of distance — there should be a polling booth every 15 kms.

Big responsibility
Sonu Sood, actor

I am sure I would be shooting for my film Happy New Year; nonetheless I would make it a point to come back to Moga to vote on the day of elections. I feel it is my responsibility to make this effort, if I want to bring about change.

I keep reading about what is happening in Punjab and I am well-attuned to the political set up here.

The first time I voted I came from a friend’s wedding to cast my vote. The entire gang of friends was surprised that I was taking voting so seriously.

Big day
Harish Verma, actor

Acclaimed Punjabi and TV actor Harish Verma will make it a point to come back to Mohali to vote. I have already cancelled everything for the day.

We have been cribbing about governance for a long time, now is the time to make a change, I can’t just sit in Mumbai and say I can’t vote.

If I want change, I have to make an effort for it as well.

Poll plank
Yo Yo Honey Singh, singer

The entire nation wants change; this will come only if we vote. I will be making sure that I come back to vote.

This is my chance to create a ‘hit’ government, besides I am sure many youngsters would be asking me on social networking sites whether I voted or not. It is for me and my fans that I will be voting.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

 

india votes 2014
Charge of the young brigade
Youngsters determine the course of a nation's future. In Chandigarh on Thursday, young voters share their first-time experience
Mona

A first time is always special. The first day at school, work; it becomes even more special when the first time pertains to the future of your country! Young voters came out to vote with much enthusiasm on Thursday, taking pride in their right and ready to fulfil their duties. Authorities too worked on reaching out and wooing them with freebies. Here's hearing from some about their 'first' experience.

Progress important
Puneet Yadav, 21, student, CCET-26

Why you vote?

To change the establishment that's put our country's progress on hold.

How it felt?

Immensely proud of being a part of the system that runs our country.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

No; voting was the only priority.

Wish your country to be…

Having more employment opportunities.

Equal status
Deepanshu Sharma, 18, Pursuing theatre

Why you vote?

To bring a change in the system.

How it felt?

Important; even my decision matters.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

May go eating out in the evening.

Wish your country to be…

Equal for all. The rich shouldn't have the right to everything; even the poor should get opportunities to grow in life.

Honest path
Ajay Sharma, 19, student, UIET

Why you vote?

I wish for a better country, so electing leaders who can do that is important.

How it felt?

I feel like an adult, responsible for my life, for the first time.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

Ajay(L) & Anju SharmaPlanning a family movie outing.

Wish your country to be…

Corruption free.

Changing future
Anju Sharma, 20, student, PU

Why you vote?

I want my country to change and for the better. The first step here is to choose a person you think is capable of doing that.

How it felt?

A sudden sense of being a 'grown up'.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

I heard there are offers on movies, would try one.

Wish your country to be...

Certainly changed, and changed for better!

Transparency matters
Ashwini Dhankar, 26, bank employee

Why you vote?

For the first time ever since I became a voter, I felt there is someone with an ambition to change the failing system.

How it felt?

Empowered; can also show my finger with pride (just today).

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

I didn't know about that.

Wish your country to be…

Having a transparent system that works effectively.

Our right
Kajal Garg, 22, student, GCG 11

Why you vote?

If we don't take charge of things in our youth, we never will.

How it felt?

Mature, responsible.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

Not really.

Wish your country to be…

Progressive; one where jobs are available for the youngsters.

Cost effective
Priya Jindal, 21, student, PU

Why you vote?

I am sick of the way our country is being run.

How it felt?

Great; I am hoping for a bright future.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

I might go out for lunch.

Komal(L) and Priya JindalWish your country to be…

A place where inflation is under control so that the common man doesn’t suffer.

Proud Indian
Komal Jindal, 23, student, MCM-36

Why you vote?

It is one right that all of us must exercise.

How it felt?

Proud to be part of this mammoth democratic set up; proud to be Indian.

Plan to cash-in on freebies?

No, I have an exam tomorrow so caught up with preparations.

Wish your country to be…

Secure for women.

Photos by the writer

mona@tribunemail.com

Art of the matter
Kanika Dhanda lends an aesthetic touch to paintings to create wonderful decor pieces
Gurvinder Singh

How about gifting a piece of art to someone, which can also be put to good use? Precisely that is what artist Kanika Dhanda is doing. Taking art to the living room in a different way, Kanika is creating pieces that are no less than paintings. In fact, the oil or acrylic paintings of relatively smaller size are fitted into the decor pieces, which include flowers, boxes, vases and lamps.

"These are really artistic. We provide a traditional touch to paintings with diyas and candles, along with paintings as well as themes that match. Wrought iron pieces, boxes and flower arrangements gel with the elegant decor. As the paintings are artistic, these lend a unique touch to your living room," she says.

Being small and portable, the painting pieces can be placed anywhere, even on bedsides or workstations. "The magic is in the actual oil and acrylic paintings. The sublimity of actual paintings is what lends class and style to the pieces," she says.

Kanika, who has been painting and teaching art for the past 13 years, says these paintings can be used as gifts on any occasion. She has also set up an art gallery and paints a variety of themes. The self-taught artist says she now teaches people. "I love different textures. I use a variety of things and materials," she says. The reason she started creating these wonderful pieces was to allow people to appreciate paintings more. "It is in a way promotion of art and paintings," she says.

gurvinder@tribunemail.com

Doc Talk
A reason to smile
Dr Vikas Sharma

The nasolabial folds, commonly known as "smile lines" or "laugh lines" are the two skin folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These folds become a cosmetic problem when they get deep and more pronounced.

Some have associated darkness of skin colour along these lines making them look odd. For most, such deep smile lines are nothing to smile about. These lines or creases tend to get deeper as we age. The folds when more pronounced make one look older and tired than ones actual age thus becoming cosmetically undesirable.

The most significant factors that contribute to the prominence of the fold are excess skin, skin thinning, excess cheek fat, and ptosis of cheek fat. Nose to mouth lines or folds are one of the earliest signs of facial ageing, as we age, the cheek skin falls down or drapes over the nasal labial line to create the nasolabial fold.

A youthful face is a full face with plump cheeks. A structure called the malar fat pad is attached to our cheek bones high in the face and gives a plump or high cheek bone appearance. As our ageing skin and cheek fat pad sag downward, the nasal labial line blocks the downward sag, the loose skin and cheek fat pad fall over the nasal labial line thus creating a fold of skin-the nasal labial fold.

Most people, specially in age group 30-50 years, seek cosmetic and dermatological treatments as these nasolabial lines become too deep or pronounced. There are both surgical and non-surgical methods to correct the nasal labial fold.

Take it easy

Non-surgical correction of Nasolabial lines or folds include:

  • The most common non-surgical method is to inject soft tissue filler into the Nasolabial fold line to plump the deep line beneath the Nasolabial fold. This technique plumps and camouflages the line and makes the overlying fold less obvious. Fillers are biodegradable and do need to be repeated at six month to one year intervals.
  • The liquid face lift technique also uses soft tissue fillers but they are used to plump the mid cheek area and the cheek bone area. The effect is to plump and lift the sagging cheek and pull the nasal labial fold higher.
  • Fat transfer is a more permanent filling solution to correct Nasolabial fold lines and mid face aging. Fat is harvested from an area of fat excess in the body, usually the hips or abdomen and injected into the mid face region.
  • Skin tightening with laser and light therapies are new non-surgical skin tightening technologies available. All are based on the concept of heating the deep layers of the skin to 60 degrees centigrade, the collagen in the skin will then shrink and the skin will tighten. This deep skin heating has to be achieved while the surface of the skin is cooled, otherwise the skin could be injured. The best results though achieve only a 20-30 per cent skin tightening, usually not enough to lift the cheek or lessen the nasal labial fold.

(Dr Sharma is a dermatologist)

it’s rocking
In a blissful state

A still of the song A romantic number which is making waves in Bollywood music industry is a song Offo from the up and coming film 2 States feraturing Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor in the lead roles.

While there are a million songs about love, which can make for a perfect choice if you want to serenade your lover, there's only a handful which have the capacity to define love. Cute as Alia and Arjun look with each other, it's hard to identify whether the song complements their chemistry or their chemistry complements the song. While we try to figure that out, we have Chandigarh folks talking about this song that is sung by Aditi Singh Sharma and Amitabh Bhattacharya.

Musical delight

I like the song, especially the music and female vocals. Also, the video of the song is very interesting. I am looking forward to watch the movie too, considering that the songs of the film are so interesting.

Kulbir Singh Dhillon, agriculturist

Chemical reaction

It's a super cute song and I really like the video of the song, especially the chemistry that there is between Alia Bhatt and Arjun. I love the lyrics of the song.

Ramya Kaul, web designer

Peppy number

I think the song is cute and peppy. It has a very lovely vibe to it, especially the lyrics of the song, they only add to the sweetness of the song. According to me, it's the cutest romantic number of the year so far!

Disha Arora, private bank employee

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Alternative career
Not everyone can make it in Bollywood. We tell you about alternative careers for these actors in case they go out of demand

Ranveer Singh: He is like a South American god. We would love to see him as a motivational speaker, especially a love guru like Hitch! He would be aces at that!

Alia Bhatt: She is adorable! She would make an excellent stylist and could even model the clothes herself.

Shraddha Kapoor: She has a beautiful voice, so she can become a singing sensation. She is popular with the youth too besides being a good dancer. So, she would rock in her videos and live concerts!

Parineeti Chopra: She was in marketing, so she could go back to that. She will also make a lovely airhostess.

Arjun Kapoor: He is an expert on movies and he watches one movie a day. He has also lost tons of weight. So, he could become a film critic or expert or become a fitness trainer.

Disclaimer: All of them have bright futures and are here to stay but we are just having fun with this feature and throwing light on their other talents and interests

Salman goes green!

The superstar has been quietly growing vegetables and fruits at his Panvel farmhouse. He is doing something really inspiring and we applaud him for that! Salman Khan is taking solid steps towards healthy living.

Organic produce

Salman has been growing potatoes, tomatoes and pumpkins without using any kind of artificial fertilizers. He proudly feeds his guests dishes cooked with the vegetables grown in his kitchen garden. The star has turned to gardening as he believes that the vegetables in the market today are laced with chemicals and can trigger serious health problems. Healthy eating is the way to a healthy lifestyle, according to the new and improved Salman Khan.

Domestic use

The veggies are strictly for domestic use. Much of what he grows is consumed at his Bandra home and in the farmhouse, with the surplus going to guests and other close friends.

Father's take

I've never seen Salman so passionate about anything. He's really given his heart and soul to the farm. He loves spending time there, being at one with nature. And yes, we have no plans to sell the output commercially. It's just an initiative towards a healthy life.

An emotional moment

Actress Anushka Sharma, who recently wrapped up the shooting for Anurag Kashyap's upcoming film Bombay Velvet, got emotional on the sets. A major part of the film was shot in Sri Lanka and after the shoot got over, the entire team of Bombay Velvet gathered to cherish the moment with a bottle of champagne, a bunch of flowers and a cake with a message that read: "Thank you Rosie.

All the best to our singing star." We assume her character is called Rosie in the film!

Anushka plays a jazz singer in the film. It took nearly one and a half years to complete the shoot. Ranbir Kapoor is playing the male lead. Recently, Ranbir's Bombay Velvet look leaked on net. Soon after wrapping up Bombay Velvet, Anushka left for Jodhpur to work on her maiden production NH10. Apart from Ranbir and Anushka, the film also stars Raveena Tandon, Kay Kay Menon and Siddharth Basu in the supporting roles. Bombay Velvet is a semi-fictional study of Bombay in the 1960s.

Another Hollywood film for AR Rahman

After scoring the music for Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, music maestro AR Rahman will once again compose the background score for an upcoming Disney's film Million Dollar Arm. For the film Rahman has composed a host of original scores, along with lending his chartbusters from the past.

The soundtrack album has seven original songs. The original scores will be a mix of English, Tamil and Hindi songs. In Walt Disney Pictures' drama Million Dollar Arm, the fate of JB Bernstein's career as sports agents rests with finding an exceptionally gifted young cricket pitcher in India, who can be trained for an American major league baseball team.

The film is set to release in India on May 9.

NEW RELEASES

A still from Bhoothnath Returns Bhoothnath Returns

Producer: Abhay Chopra, Bhushan Kumar

Director: Nitesh Tiwari

The hugely anticipated sequel to Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Bhoothnath, Bhoothnath Returns, directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Chillar Party fame and produced by Abhay Chopra as well as Bhushan Kumar, is all set to hit the screens this Friday. It is an entertaining tale of good against evil, weak against powerful and past against future.

Horror comedy Bhoothnath Returns sees the return of Big B aka Bhoothnath, who with a talented child actor Parth Bhalerao aka Akhrot strive to see a change in the country. Boman Irani will be seen essaying the role of a politician. The original was a right mix of drama, emotion and good performances, so part two is expected to go a notch higher.

Rio 2

Producer: Bruce Anderson, John C. Donkin

Director: Carlos Saldhana

A sequel to the 2011 animation hit blockbuster, Rio 2, brings back the lovable characters from the original film (Blue, Jewel, Tulio, Linda and Nigel) in a big, more colourful adventure.

For the very first time, Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha and Imran Khan have lent their voices as main leads, Blue and Jewel, respectively, for the dubbed Hindi version. Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx have lent their voices in the English version.

— Dharam Pal

CHATTER BOX

Puppy love

Actress Dipika Samson gifted herself a puppy this year and the actress is often spotted playing with him on the sets, in-between shots. Dipika reveals, "I have named him Cuddles and got him home on the 31st of December, 2013. I always wanted to have a pet as I feel that the kind of love you get from wonderful.”

Firm focus: Sambhavna SethNo politics please!

While many other celebrities are joining politics, Sambhavna Seth says she isn't interested. She is waiting for audiences to see her new item song in Welcome Back. She claims to be happy with reality shows and dancing in movies.

 

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Relationships will be in the limelight today. There can be some conflicts due to stubbornness, ego, pride, envy or simple self-centeredness on either party's side. However, the benefits will be all yours. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25.

TAURUS: Focus on your budget and plan a long-term savings strategy today. Don't let the monotony of work get to you. Watch your sleep, diet and exercise routine. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 42.

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

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

LEO: Work and professional endeavours will be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything will be possible. Relationships will deepen and become stronger. Tarot message: Be creative if you want to retain a grip over your business. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.

VIRGO: Many of you will form new relationships and associations that will benefit you personally as well as professionally. Finances will be good. Health too will improve and give you additional strength. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 65.

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners will be quite aggressive as well as demanding. However, things will not be unpleasant and you will be able to deal with this new development easily. Tarot message: Plan your life better to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 60.

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional states will be in equilibrium. Your confidence will be on a high. You will be open to taking on more challenges and responsibilities. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 36.

SAGITTARIUS: Increase in the flow of money will continue, especially since Venus will enter your sign. Professionally, you will be able to come up with some creative ideas and these will be well-received. Tarot message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 50.

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

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

PISCES: Business people cany face some conflict of interest with partners. At home, you will have to help out a younger relation with some work. Spending quiet time will restore your sense of balance and harmony. Tarot message: Think more about longterm interests. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Magic Number: 44.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 11...

You are dominated by Moon and the number 2, so you are a born adviser and a source of inspiration for others. You have the ability to take quick decisions and give the lead to your colleagues. This year you will find success, especially in your career and as far as finances are concerned. You will make a difference in someone's life. If in politics, success is likely to ring your door bell. This is not a year to procrastinate because the stars want to most strongly support your projects.

Positive colours: White, Pink.

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.

Gems recommended: Pearl, Opal

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

You share your birthday with director Mohit Suri (April, 1981), most known for his films Kalyug and Awarapan. His uncle is director Mahesh Bhatt and cousin, actor Emraan Hashmi. He has a very good combination of 2 and 7, which will ensure success in career.





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