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A man-made palette
The spring-summer collections for men by Indian designers are all about colour blocking, floral prints, pop art... Beyond the checks and stripes; monochromes and greys, lies the world of men's fashion that is enticing and interesting. Landscape-like fabric promises colours, prints, motifs, silhouettes, cuts…accessories that till some years back were barricaded by everything masculine and strictly conventional. Now, the boundaries are fusing; floral prints that are found on Manish Malhotra's swing coat for women also adds colour to the grey summer jacket for men in his collection, A Summer Affair, which he presented at the Lakme Fashion Week. While the tag of androgynous fashion lends commercial viability to experimental men designs that fail to clear the shelves, there are designers who don't mind taking the plunge. The takers, they believe, will come sooner or later. The spring-summer collections for men by Indian fashion designers are replete with elements of women fashion - if not in terms of silhouettes as such, then in the form of colour palette that boasts of yellow, pink, coral and floral prints. The lesser experimental ones have colours in accents, but the season has a lot of new things for men. Tracking the international trend of print on print, which is a pair of shirt and trousers in the uniform print, fashion designer Ken Ferns came up with a collection for men. "My shirts for men are kimono-inspired. The sleeves are rolled up, boxy, which again give a very different shape to the shirts," says Ken. His print on print, though a formal take on the night suit, is very wearable, very chic. Giving due importance to the resort part of summer/resort edition, the collection for men also includes cropped pants and shorts. The biggest trend for the season, however, is the summer jacket and almost every designer has presented his or her version of it. This season of the LFW also witnessed the introduction of Indian denims to the men's wardrobe. A concept by Shani Himanshu and Mia Morikawa, denims by them are made in khadi and dyed in natural colours. "Indian men have been wearing coloured jackets, shirts, tees but when it comes to lowers, they stick to the usual blues and blacks." To put forth the point that it's time that men took to brighter colours and prints for lowers as well, the designer duo made non-models walk the ramp for them. For example, Kunal Lohia, a graphic designer, modelled the eclipse block-printed blazer and denims for them. The colour palette of Rajat Tangri's collection for men, showcased at the LFW, was eclectic as well. From butter-yellow to turquoise blue to metallic silver suit to orange bow-tie and shirt to yellow tee, he tossed colours that were fresh and new. The double-breast half-sleeve turquoise blazer was a prelude to his off-beat men designs. Silhouettes, however, haven't been experimented with as much as the colours and prints. There might be slight changes in the form of boxy sleeves or cropped pants, but silhouettes for men are more or less the same - straight and structured. Even the international fashion forecast for men is all about colour blocking, floral prints, pop art, with shape and cuts hardly redefined. Sayantan Sarkar's collection has a deluge of colours as he worked with floral prints on basic jackets and fitted trousers. He says that it is better to serve men one major fashion change at a time rather than going overboard. It's isn't very different in Lalit Sengar's collection that, at the most, replaced well-fitted trouser with a dhoti pant. He too used floral print on the summer jacket, although interesting add-ons were the accessories. His finale creation had the male model wearing a spiked neck piece and handcuffs, "Only to put across the point that jewellery is meant for men as well. Accessorising is big this season, but they should not look feminine; take a cue from how mythological heroes sported jewellery." That's a useful fashion tip!
West bound
Be it Moschino, Prada or Gucci, floral prints have dominated the design canvas of most of the international brands. Fendi went colour blocked for the season, giving men enough reason to try something new rather than the same old, blue, black or grey suits. Tom Ford's favourite colour this season is pink, with combination of dark pink blazer and light pink trouser, which is already a hit. And then there is pop art for those who don't mind taking fashion seriously. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Perfect encounter
Encounter is all set to spike your weekends yet again with another power-packed episode featuring talented actors Prashant Narayanan and Mishal Raheja in never-seen-before roles! The next episode will narrate the encounter of Shamsher
Bhopali, an underworld sharp shooter widely known as the 'Killing Machine' across his clique, who used to plot his killings with a deck of cards.
Talking about his experience of portraying the character of
Shamsher, Prashant Narayanan stated, "Shamsher was a dreaded gangster popularly known as the Killing Machine primarily because of his exceptional shooting skills. My experience of shooting for Encounter has been a great revival of the famous Hindi thriller Bhendi Bazar Inc. Apart from this, I got the opportunity to work with Ankush Bhatt who had the same passion for a television series as he has for movies. The episode has come out really well and I am sure audiences will love it too." The face who stole many a hearts is back on television after a long hiatus is Mishal
Raheja, donning the character of an ideal police officer Nitin Kamte. Commenting on his association with the show, Mishal Raheja says "I play a valiant cop and it was a great opportunity for me to get a chance to work with some of the most talented actors like Prashant Narayanan and Mazhar
Sayed. These actors come from bigger mediums of cinema and are much experienced than me. During our shoot, I tried to observe them as much as I could and learn. Encounter was a great experience.” Master stroke Subhash Ghai recently visited the sets of DID L'il Masters to promote his upcoming movie Kanchi, along with his star cast Mishti and Kartik Tewary. He mingled with the kids and even witnessed their smashing bachchagiri, as one of the cheeky L'il Masters asked him to do what no one else had ever dared to! Aditi Ghulap, a huge of fan of Madhuri Dixit, was elated to see Subhash Ghai and post her performance she innocently asked him if he can teach her a few steps and expressions of the dancing diva from his blockbuster movie Ram Lakhan. He shared an interesting anecdote about the song Bada Dukh Dina. The showman said he'd asked Madhuri to dance more through her face than her body, which she had done splendidly, under the guidance of Saroj Khan. He even mentioned that the way Madhuri expresses through her face, no one else can. Later, Subhash Ghai readily agreed to teach those particular steps to Aditi, post which he received a thundering applause from one and all on the sets. Dream come true Star Plus' popular show Diya Aur Baati Hum is all set to showcase its biggest landmark with the protagonist Sandhya (played by Deepika Singh) achieving her IPS dream. As the final leg of Sandhya's IPS training draws closer, the entire Rathi family is eagerly waiting to see Sandya's dream get fulfilled. To support her dream, Bhabho (played by Neelu Vaghela) and Emily (Pooja Singh) visited Ajmer Dargah to pray for her success. The popularity of the show is known to all, but what amazed Neelu was the love and adulation received from the crowd present at the dargah. The two women were mobbed and the entourage had to be stopped till the situation was brought under control in Ajmer. Bhabho (Neelu Vaghela) says, "I am here to pray for my Sandhya beendani and may god shower all his blessings. I want her to bring the trophy home and keep up to the promise she made. Sandhya has proved that she is a strong contender and I am sure she will make us all proud. As about the show, we have completed 700 episodes and wish we continue to entertain our viewers further. The response we have received from the locals here says so much about how we have touched their lives." The last few months showcased the rigorous eleven months training where Sandhya shed all her inhibitions and emerged as a strong individual. Her journey was never smooth; be it convincing Bhabho to allow her to pursue he ambition to facing the challenges of the training programme. From the intense physical training, cycling challenge to para trooping, Sandhya has shown impeccable strength to overcome all odds. While for other family members it was a training programme to become an IPS officer, for Sandhya's better half, Sooraj, it was a goal to make his wife live her parents' dream. From being Sandhya's biggest support system to becoming a constant reminder for Sandhya to live her dream, Sooraj truly stood like a pillar of strength. However, only time will tell if Sandhya fulfills the promise made to Bhabho on winning the best cadet trophy that will get her a local posting and an opportunity to balance responsibility alongside duty. Saving grace Rajeev Khandelwal recently shot for a special episode in Life OK's Super Cops Vs Super Villians..Shapath. Rajeev played the role of a detective with Aryan Vaid being the Super Villian. Incidentally, they had to do a stunt and actor Iris Maity happened to save him from a blast. A special meeting Actor Piyush Sahdev, who plays Kabir in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, recently shot for a special sequence where he got to interact with special children. He says, "My designs are stolen by my rival designer, I am helpless and just when I am about to announce that I have no clothes to showcase in the fashion show, Rachna, played by Mahima Makhwana, enters with this group of handicap dancers — they walk the ramp with clothes designed by me and perform in the show. I was extremely excited about this sequence!" He adds, "This group has performed in Satyamev Jayate, India's Got Talent and many shows in India and abroad. I was curious to meet them personally and see their spirit; they do something we can't do — I salute their spirit!" Cold vibes Buzz is that the Beintehaa couple, Preetika Rao and Harshad Arora don't really get along — not just on the screen, but off it as well. The two haven't really bonded that well and keep to themselves. One would think two newcomers would have more to talk about!
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Sunny on telly?
Adult star Sunny Leone will soon be back on small screen, this time as the host of the popular reality show MTV Splitsvilla. If the latest buzz is anything to go by, Sunny who made a foray into Indian showbiz through Bigg Boss will be anchoring the seventh season of the popular show along with Nikhil Chinappa. A source close to the project informs, "She is doing the show this season. She will be hosting the show and will be seen on regular basis. Every time we try something new for every season, we thought getting Sunny was a good idea for the show." She replaces starlet Sherlyn Chopra as anchor of the show. Sherlyn, who anchored the last season, is all set to be seen in the film Kamasutra 3D soon.
Rajkummar Rao on cloud nine
The 2013 National awards have been announced, and the best actor award was shared by Shahid actor Rajkumar Rao and Suraj Venjaramoodu for Malayalam film Perariyathavar while Hansal Mehta was named the best director for Shahid, again a biopic on slain lawyer-activist Shahid Azmi. Rajkummar Rao says, "I am extremely happy and elated that I have won this award. I am on cloud nine. I always wanted to win but never expected it would happen for Shahid. It is the most important day of my life. When I got to know, my heartbeat slowed down."
Supportive spouse
Husband and wife often fulfil complimentary roles. Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar says that his wife Adhuna supports him and gives him strength and confidence to finish his work with ease. In an interview Shaadi Ke Side Effects star talked about his wife's role in his life, said a statement,
"Adhuna has a great influence on me. She gives me strength and confidence to accomplish my work without any worries. Her inputs have always been of importance in all my films, all our popular looks from films like Dil Chahta
Hai, Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara, Rock On!! were created by her," said Farhan on
Adhuna, a star hair-stylist. "So, her influence and contribution on my work is there for everyone to see… and as a person she is exceedingly supportive. She knows how much my work means to me and I know she will always be by my side. It is her support that gives me strength and motivation to work harder," he added.
In a good spirit…
Actor Riteish Deshmukh cast his vote in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 17 in Latur constituency. Riteish is currently on cloud nine as his Marathi film Yellow has won three National Awards.
The code of conduct
Films of Bollywood stars Hema Malini, Jaya Prada, Nagma, Smriti Irani and Jaaved Jaaferi have been banned from being telecast on the national television channel Doordarshan as they all are contesting Lok Sabha elections.
Believe it or not
Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen might have won rave reviews but according to reports the film isn't original. Reports suggest that Vikas Bahl's Queen has been copied from Abhigyan Jha's Phir Zindagi.
Lost and found
Actress Shefali Shah will play Priyanka & Ranveer's mother in Dil Dhadakne Do. She accepted it after Madhuri and Sridevi declined the role.
Some pride, some sorrow
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor is going to be honoured with Deenanath Mangeshkar award for his immense contribution to Indian cinema. He also apologised to his fans for being a part of director Abhinav Kashyap's Besharam.
In denial mode
Abhay Deol has denied that he is in financial trouble following the debacle of his debut production One By Two. He is upset with the media for spoiling his image.
An embarrassing moment
A shocking video, allegedly featuring Sanjay Dutt in high spirits and talking about his counterparts during his parole, has been leaked. The video
is rather embarrassing for his family and friends.
Riteish, the architect
Filmmaker Karan Johar is absolutely in love with his house newly designed by actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh, an architect by qualification. "Riteish has designed my home. Will always be grateful to him for making my new home so beautiful! Love you Rits," Karan tweeted. The Grand Masti actor, who has produced Marathi films Yellow and Balak Palak has an architectural degree from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies in Mumbai. He had earlier designed the office premises of superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's film production banner Red Chillies Entertainment.
— IANS
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Highway to 2 states
Alia Bhatt is all excited for her third release, 2 States. She speaks about the film, her character and more.
Growing up
I think I will always be the Alia who did her first shot for Student Of The Year. I have to believe I have a lot to achieve. That's the only way I can grow. I want to do all the best roles I can get. Become the top-most actress maybe. Buy myself a house...But the person within me must remain the same. I don't want people to say I've changed with success. Strong character
I love my character in 2 States. She is very different from the girls that I've played in my first two films. She is strong and mature which I am at times. At other times, I am not. But the emotions in 2 States were all new to me. I may be speaking too soon. But the director Abhishek Varman is absolutely fantastic. Balanced approach
Expectations will always be there. But I can't be thinking about that all the time. I still feel I am too new to raise too many expectations. I am okay with failing. Learning Tamil
Speaking Tamil was really hard for me. Fortunately I didn't have to play the Tamil girl in a loud caricatural way. She is a city girl. She can be from any part of the world. The Tamil side of her comes out when she's speaking to her parents. I didn't have to learn too much Tamil. Father’s approval
My father's approval means a lot to me. Actually my entire family's approval means a lot to me. But my father's approval means a little more since he is a fantastic filmmaker and can separate Alia the daughter from Alia the actress.
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Creative journey
Vishal Bhardwaj is more than impressed with Shahid Kapur's commitment to Haider and him going bald. He wants to make Maha Kaminey with him and many more films. Shahid going bald
After Kaminey, we wanted to do another film and one day Shahid jokingly told me that he'd even go bald to work with me. I replied saying that if he was serious, I'd make Hamlet with him. Men love their hair more than women. And both Saif (Ali Khan) and Shahid loved their long hair. As a filmmaker I like to take actors out of their comfort zones, their vanity. He did, and we shot on the streets of Srinagar afterwards, without anyone 'leaking' out the bald look. In Haider you will see him with normal hair, really long hair, the buzz cut and then he turns mad and goes bald. Total surrender
There was a lot of discussion on the buzz cut. The hairstylist, Shahid and I started at 11 pm, measuring out his hair, wondering how much to cut, and he finally got the look at three am. Four hours later, he was on the sets and the response to his new look was so good that when it was time for him to go completely bald, Shahid just went to his hotel room, shaved his head himself and returned to the sets looking super cool. New villains
Shahid's creative surrender impressed me so much that I now want to make many more films with him. Maha Kaminey is just one of them. Everyone creates heroes, I love creating new villains.
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Nordic charm
Renu Soni
With all eyes on this trend and its expanding popularity, importers of European furniture are now including carefully selected pieces to their repertoires. Simplicity, utility, and beauty are what sums up Scandinavian design. It's a pure, pruned backed style that is focused around warm functionality, clean lines, flawless craftsmanship and understated elegance. So what do we actually know about Scandinavian style? Well, it mainly originates from Sweden, Denmark and Norway although Finland and Iceland are sometimes mentioned in this category as well.
There is a strong inspiration drawn from nature in Scandinavian design from the use of wood taken from the local landscape to the natural shapes, colouring and features of the furniture itself. This aesthetic is timeless and enduring, six decades after its original heyday, the light, airy, and clean-lined look is as appealing today as it was then. Versatility is another boon. Scandinavian modern design is the ultimate chameleon, and plays well with a variety of other styles. But how do you incorporate this aesthetic without looking like page 876 of the IKEA catalog or a slick, impersonal showroom? Not difficult at all! Touch wood
Wall to wall carpets never took off in Sweden and all truly Scandinavian interiors will have a wooden, preferably light, floor in all rooms apart from the bathrooms. Great for the Indian climate and available in light wood shades too with scatter rugs. Colour palette
Material world
Wood, and don't be afraid to show it. Textured non-synthetic fabrics, natural and tinted glass and metals such as steel, brass and aluminium. Antique touch
There are such incredible pieces of furniture from several manufacturers. From the mid-century period designers like Hans Wegner, Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen stand out and their pieces are just as beautiful today as they were when they were conceived. Combine modern, light wood furniture with a pickled white floor and grey walls, or a pair of bookshelves painted a muted dove hue. Play with fire
Depending on one's location, having a fireplace is definitely worth considering. These are often very simple columns (many originals from the 19th century are beautifully tiled) and are located in the corner of the room. Even when not in use, these fireplaces can still look very appealing. These days you don't even require a flue and chimney thanks to the bio-ethanol fuelled designer fire places. Nothing fancy
Any Scandinavian would shudder at the sight of curios collected from here and there. Declutter! This piece of advice adheres to any type of interior style and one that is preached on a regular basis by me. Less is more please. If you have reached that level of satisfaction and are looking for a more holistic approach to life, this Nordic style of aesthetics may well be for you. Shed that elitist blanket that has enveloped you for so long and simply enjoy good durable design aesthetics with a neutral palette. (Soni is a Chandigarh-based interior designer)
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Astro turf
ARIES: You can gain money from unexpected quarters. Deal with paperwork that has been building up. It is time to slow down and recharge your physical as well as spiritual batteries, so don't push yourself. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 52. TAURUS: Matters concerning the government will be taken up. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. GEMINI: Lend an ear to gossip and hear something interesting that might turn out to be invaluable information. You are destined for better things than you can imagine. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 35. CANCER: A restless night's sleep can result in irritability. A love affair can be going into strange places. Anxiety can be at an all-time high. If in litigation, do not expect co-operation is unlikely from lawyers. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 27. LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. It will be best to deal with minor issues that do not arouse conflict. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 32. VIRGO: Romance is your forte this morning. Everybody will love you and petty grievances will disappear. Love on the home front will renew your hopes and wishes. Keep your mind on the business at hand. Tarot message: Try not to lend money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 57.
LIBRA: Confidence and good feelings are in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don't listen to other people as they can have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 39. SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove most valuable. Communicating with people at a distance should be extremely helpful. Be on your toes in order to take advantage of opportunities coming your way. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 64. SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to keep to schedule.
Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. It will be best to do one thing at a time. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33. CAPRICORN: Do not project yourself too far into the future. You will have to be stricter with loved ones. Have faith in your intellectual abilities and make choices based on your own needs. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to pass before starting new. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 40. AQUARIUS: Important business matters should be handled carefully today. Be more realistic. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. Your ability to influence others is strong, but you need to be cooperative. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 31. PISCES: A house or office move is unlikely. Your workload can weigh you down. If you are one of those people who can't say no, you are about to learn. Your private life can be disturbed today. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 60.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 19...
A birthday on the 19th of this month gives greater will power, self-confidence and a rather original approach. The number 19 is regarded as fortunate and extremely favourable. It is symbolised as ‘The Sun’ and is called ‘The Prince of Heaven’. It is a number promising happiness, success, esteem and honour as far as the future is concerned. You are basically a loner number and can experience feelings of being alone even if you married. You also have a tendency to be nervous and get angry easily. Remain involved in activities that are exciting and keep you relaxed. Your creative talents will prove to be highly lucrative if put to proper use. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral.
You share your birthday with 'Circuit' in the comedy films Munnabhai M.B.B.S. and Lage Raho Munnabhai Arshad Warsi (April 19, 1968).
He has also given more hit films like Dhamaal and Golmaal Returns. Arshad will leave many heroes behind in 2015.
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Strong ties
2 States
A successful book by Chetan Bhagat, 2 States, has made it to big screen as a movie this Friday. Upcoming starkids and now stars in their own right, Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, play protagonists Krish Malhotra and Ananya Swaminathan. Fascinating stuff
It is an amazing film. I had read the book and enjoyed; found the movie equally fascinating. Alia and Arjun rock. It was the marriage scene that stands out in the film. Hermi Arya, student, SD College-36 Great work
I had loved the book. Some of the scenes from the book are not there in the film; I wish they were all there. I would have watched a six-hour film! Story, acting, backdrop' everything in the film is spectacular. Akshat Arora, student, SD College-36 Missing melody
A good film; there are high and lows in the story, but watchable. Amrita Singh, who plays a loud Punjabi mother, rocks in the film. Wish there was good music to go with the story. Puneet Sharma, student Transcendence
Established stars Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman and Rebecca Hall bring this futuristic drama directed by Wally Pfister. An artificial intelligence researcher Dr Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is working on creating a super machine that has all the knowledge and emotions ever realised by the human race. Engrossing plot
When you have Johnny Depp playing the lead, you expect some good stuff. The plot keeps engrossed as the war of ambition leads to a fair share of twists and turns. I loved it. Vivek Singh, BPO employee Flashbacks confusing
While the story progresses fine, the constant flashbacks somehow hinder the flow. Trini Sharma, Content writer — As told to Mona
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Style file
Walk through the enchanting swirl of colours on a bouquet of roses, daisies and orchids with 109°F. Inspired by rich floral print yet a feminine palette with soft romantic element, Sugar Candy collection from 109°F is an ideal look for summer. Be pretty as poesy in summer's florals, or choose excess for a tougher look. From floral dresses and tunics to exotic blouses and tops to demure printed jumpsuits, Sugar Candy has everything the fashion conscious would want to indulge in.
— TNS
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Scandinavian or Nordic design is creeping its way into the Indian market. The more discerning of you may have already had a whiff of it many moons ago, thanks to the low budget retailer IKEA. And now we hear H&M is entering the Indian market coincidentally!
It's all about well-being and is recognised for its signature simple and minimalistic style and is intended to be functional instead of decorative. Most traditional Scandinavian homes will contain a small number of furnishings to help create a minimal look. 
While white and black have always been a constant in the Scandinavian palette, cool grey and blue textiles definitely gives off the right ambience of a Scandinavian interior. The cool, blonde woods and organic shapes of Scandinavian furniture harmonise beautifully with the greyed-out pastels, cream hues, bleached wood, and painted furniture - already feeling relaxed.
Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to the needy or at religious place today.
Usher in this spring with a chic and classy bouquet, Sugar Candy from 109°F. Fashion's ongoing love affair with floral prints continues for Spring-Summer 2014. Don't discard your floral fantasies just yet; take a peek at the season's greatest trend with a high-octane dose of flower power.