Sparkling star
She stuns you with her looks. But more than that, Twinkle Khanna stuns you with her refreshingly simple take on life 
Ashima Batish

 Twinkle Khanna
Many hues: Twinkle Khanna

Don’t you ever want to make comeback?” The answer is a negative. Another question pops up…“Have you ever thought about acting again?” The answer is a negative, again. The same question is phrased and rephrased at least ten times but the reply is constant - a firm, but polite no. And you realise you are into a conversation that will not tread the same, beaten path that includes appropriate, well-rehearsed statements! That’s how Twinkle Khanna is — upfront, candid, honest; whatever she says is matter-of-fact, minus any embellishment or exaggeration.

“Wherever I go, I expect people to ask me if I want to work in Bollywood again; I don’t get bugged by the question because I am very clear with what I am doing and what I intend to do,” says the stunningly beautiful Twinkle Khanna, who introduces herself as an interior designer, in Chandigarh to launch INIFD Academy of Interiors.

She is least inclined to be a part of Bollywood on her own, but being a star wife is a different thing! And then she is an entrepreneur and a mother of two, juggling different jobs successfully. “You easily manage that in India at least, where you have the concept of joint families.” As you expect the clichéd answer of ‘knowing-how-to-strike-a-balance’, she surprises with an honest one, “We have domestic helps in India, who make all this possible for women like us.” A credit that is seldom given! In fact, she feels it is important to instill a sense of pride in our labour-force.

A celebrity in her own right now, it is not too much to expect that she hires the services of a stylist, especially, when she has never gone wrong with her styling and fashion. “No, I don’t put any effort in dressing up. Just as I use flashy colours in empty, dull spaces, I dress up accordingly,” says Twinkle, shining in a hounds-tooth printed summer jacket and denims, matched with nude high platform peep-toes.

There are ample examples of fashion designers becoming interior designers, a fact Twinkle confirms. But she doesn’t see herself ever deviating from what she is doing. “When you are creative, it is easy to merge professions but I don’t think I am cut out for fashion designing.” She also rules out styling part of it, “You make more money as an interior designer as compared to a stylist.” As candid as it gets!

She is fit, in shape; films or no films! “I am fit because I stay with the fittest person on earth,” she says referring to Akshay Kumar. Only this time, she credits herself as well, “I do yoga but more importantly, I am at peace with myself, with what I do.” You don’t have to make an effort to notice her flawless complexion, radiating skin. It only comes with self-assurance!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Moving inside

Twinkle set up her interior designing firm in 2002, after working with Hafeez Contractor for two years. “The reason I think formal training in interior designing is so important. When my firm employs freshers, we give them on-the-job training. After training in an academy like this, youngsters will find themselves at ease with work.” As she forecasts décor trends for the coming season, she says that radiant orchid will be the colour of the season, which is in tandem with the international forecast but grey too will be a popular shade. “We haven’t seen flashing metals, gold and silver together before but this time, they will be a favourite with interior designers.” As for motifs, she picks the horse from the Chinese New Year. In over a decade of interior designing, she has diluted the boundaries between interiors and outdoors of the house.

On a friendly note
Aditya Seal and Tanuj Virwani, who will soon be seen in the film Purani Jeans, share how their camaraderie has rubbed off on the screen as well
Amarjot Kaur

Aditya Seal and Tanuj Virwani
happy times: Aditya Seal and Tanuj Virwani

At first glance when one comes across the male lead actors of the upcoming film Purani Jeans, who have been touring the country for promotions, their camaraderie exudes the warmth of a long association. It is a separate matter that Tanuj Virwani, actress Rati Agnihotri’s son, and Aditya Seal, who was earlier seen as a child actor in the film Choti Si Love Story, only met for the first time at the Eros Studios. It’s just that they clicked instantly!

“I was a little apprehensive about how Tanuj would be since he is a part of the industry and was born into it; I expected him to be quite a snoot,” says Aditya. He adds, “But, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth with which he greeted me. Since then, the two of us have been inseparable.” Tanuj shares that while shooting the film across Chandigarh, Kasauli, Shimla, Panjim, New York and Mumbai, he developed a great friendship with Aditya and trivial insecurities never affected anything. “Most of the actors are insecure about the amount of footage, songs and roles that they get, but in our case, we credit the director, Tanushree Chatterjee, who cut out such lovely roles for us,” he says.

The film, which is essentially set in Kasauli, revolves around the lives of two friends who are a part of the group called Kasauli Cowboys. While Aditya plays the role of Sam, an easy-going, jovial person, Tanuj essays the role of Siddharth, who is reserved and reticent. “I have harboured the dream of becoming an actor for a long time, but I was quite a geek when I was young. After a lot of hardwork, changing up my appearance, working as an assistant director and then taking formal training in acting, I told my mother that I wanted to act in films,” shares Tanuj. While being aware of the fact that he will have to shoulder the responsibility and expectations that come along with being a star kid, Tanuj believes that it’s easy when one has a family in the industry. “After that, it’s all hardwork,” he says.

Aditya, who was earlier seen as a child actor, talks about his comeback, which he stresses is a debut. He says, “I took almost twelve years post Choti Si Love Story because I wanted to study and keep a back-up option, in case films didn’t happen. I’m glad that it all turned out just fine.” Tanuj and Aditya, visibly excited about the film, share that it is all about friendship and set in the 90s. “These days one has so many ways of staying connected through social networking sites, but our film is set in the 90s when there were only phones; so it’s a very different film,” says Tanuj.

As for Purani Jeans the title, Tanuj explains, “A pair of jeans gets better with time, so does friendship. That’s what the film is all about,” he smiles.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Punjabi Tadka
Born to sing
Jasmine Singh

Sarthi K His friends call him a livewire, someone who can infuse life into any get-together. Punjabi singer Sarthi K from Nabha, Patiala charms with his peppy, romantic hummable tracks and also with a deep set dimple, which he doesn't need to flash. "I was born with it," he smiles exposing the deep set line. The Challa in Chandigarh fame singer is all set to make a beginning in Punjabi film Yaar Anmulle 2, something that he is excited about. Sarthi is a complete entertainer who has an inborn streak of a good comedy as well. The singer lightens up every moment with his punch lines…

Always a singer

I can't imagine what I would be doing, had I not been singing. I would have probably taken up some 9 to 5 job. I am glad destiny has made me a singer.

Singer-actor, actor-singer?

My first official track came in 2009 but even before this, I was always a singer. This is my life. Music is what I thrive on. I am an actor by chance; the director wanted someone who could portray what he is in real life on screen. So, I did Yaar Anmulle 2, but I am always a singer first. I have to see how people see me as an actor.

If I were to collaborate

Gurdas Maan is the only name I can think of. He says something that will always hold value. He is an out-of-this world entertainer.

What's on my ipod?

Gurdas Maan's Challa and my tracks.

Stage is a practice ground

With so many live shows and other commitments, the only place where I think we get to practice and demonstrate at the same time is a stage show.

The best stage show ever

In 2011 I did a show in Baddi, a crowd of almost three lakh people came for my show. It was simply amazing. I hadn't seen so many people cheering and hooting for me.

If I were marooned on an island…

I would only take good memories with me and certainly no cell phone.

I owe it to them

My parents, my family, my guru Rajesh ji, T-series, Davvy Singh and Sachin Ahuja, these are some names that have helped in making my journey interesting. They have supported me and stood by in thick and thin.

The best moment

I live every moment to the fullest. Being sad is okay but one shouldn't forget that after every sad moment god sends a bright one.

From OT to ramp

Prof MS Dhillon with his wife Rima At the annual celebrations of the Captain's Day at the Chandigarh Golf Club, a fashion show was organised where professional models walked the ramp to showcase the latest collections from Guess, Calvin Klien, Gant and other designer wear, sponsored by Kapsons of Chandigarh.

Bobby Sandhu, the outgoing captain of the club, introduced a novel idea of requesting some of the regular golfers to walk the ramp along with the professional models. Three doctors and their wives, who play golf, and the ladies captain Pauline JM Singh, walked the ramp.

After the prize distribution by the outgoing president, GS Sandhu, the members got a pleasant surprise when Dr Bath, a local dentist and his wife Niti walked the ramp with great aplomb, followed by Prof MS Dhillon, orthopaedic surgeon from PGI and his wife Rima. By now the crowd was agog, and whistles were blowing, and as soon as the pair of Dharvesh Kumar and the lady captain Pauline JM Singh walked onto the ramp, there was tremendous applause. The fourth pair was surgeon Dr Manpal and his wife, who was a former Mrs India contestant. — TNS

Diamonds forever

CaratLane.com believes in providing the best offers and more than satisfactory experiences to its customers. Known for providing extravagant and exquisite jewellery CaratLane.com brings to you an offer that will change your jewellery fantasies forever.

This Akshaya Tritiya, it offers striking discounts and a chance to take home 1gm of Laxmi silver coin free with every order. One can avail up to 15 per cent off on gorgeous and stunning diamond and gemstone jewellery and an additional 5 per cent off on orders above Rs 30, 000, one can also avail flat 5 per cent off on solitaires and gold jewellery from CaratLane.com.

That's not it! On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, purchase of any product above Rs 30,000, enter CaratLane.com's lucky draw contest and stand a chance to win a grand prize of a solitaire worth Rs 1 lakh or 1gm of gold coin to be won daily and one can also win 10 gm of sliver coins every day. — TNS

(Offer valid up till May 2)

Par Excellence
Repeat yourself
Jesse Grewal

To understand what is happening in the golf swing, one has to analyse the ball flight. We need to check the ball flight on the following parameters - repeatability, starting direction of the ball, curvature, distance and trajectory. Repeatability for me is the first parameter. If there is no repeatability one cannot make any practice plan from the other parameters. The main reason for a lack of repeatability is an off centre strike. When the ball is hit off the toe of the club it will fly completely the opposite way to when hit from the heel. So, even when we feel the swing was pretty much the same we get two different ball flights which confuse the player.

Till recently it was assumed that the starting direction of the ball was influenced by the path or plane of the swing and the curvature of the ball flight was because of the position of the face. If the face was open the ball would slice and if the face was shut it would hook. There was a saying that the path would 'send' the ball and the face would 'bend' the ball. This has changed with the advent of technology like the Trackman. Now, it has been proved (till proved otherwise) that the club face has 75 to 85 per cent influence on the starting direction of the ball and that the curvature of the shot depends only on the relation of the club face to the path of the ball. This may sound odd to many. So, if the club face is open and pointing 2 degrees right of the target line and the path of the club is in to out by 10 degrees the ball will start approximately 4 degrees to the right (for a right handed golfer) and then draw or turn to the left. The explanation for this is that the ball starts between the position of the face and the path more towards the face (75 per cent in irons and 85 per cent in the driver). As the face is shut to the path there will be a draw curvature (face was 2 degrees right and path was 10 degrees right). Therefore to draw the ball we need a slightly open face and a swing from in to out. Earlier, many good players would say that they stood where they wanted the ball to start and shut or aimed the face to where they wanted the ball to finish. With this method the ball would start immediately to the left and curve further left. If we were to implement the old method to go around a tree we would have to stand a lot to the right and if there is an out of bounds on that side it is difficult to aim at the OB. If we use the change of plane or path it is easier to do. We have to align very little to the right, keep the face slightly open and swing in to out. This will make the ball start to the right and turn to the left.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

Couple chemistry

Following the huge success of Videocon Connect Super Jodi last year, Connect Broadband, in collaboration with Videocon Telecom and Videocon D2H, kickstarted the mega contest on Valentine's Day this year.

A unique initiative to bring couples closer, Videocon Connect Super Jodi Contest, is a platform for hundreds of couples across Punjab to celebrate love for their partners.

Packed with excitement and gusto, 14 couples from Mohali reignited their soulful chemistry with playful activities at Connect Broadband office in Mohali. The couples enthralled the audience with mesmerizing performances. The evening also saw captivating performances by Punjabi singer Sheron Deol. The couples were judged on the performances by an equally talented panel.

A total of 60 couples will compete on the city level, and fight for the glorious top 10 positions where the winning couples from each city will contend to win the coveted 'Videocon Super Jodi' winner title and will also take away the luxurious grand prize of a foreign trip. — TNS

Model moves

Innovaction Events organised an audition for Ms and Master Junior Super Model. Youngsters, women and children participated and performed from Tricity and the neighbouring states took part.

A talent round was organised in Buzz Lounge-17, Chandigarh for 45 selected children during the audition. The judges appreciated the talent and energy shown by the children. — TNS

 

 

Palate pleasure
Saffron revamps its menu to include Awadhi, Mughlai and Afghani signature dishes 
Manpriya Singh

They already had a spread of North Indian, primarily Punjabi, cuisine to please its patrons. However, thrown in are signature recipes from a couple of places we have always revered for their food. The revamped menu at JW Marriott Saffron puts together Awadhi, Mughlai and Afghani signature dishes. And together, it sounds like a paradise for non-vegetarians.

"Vegetarians are always complaining that there are not enough starters for them or not enough variety. We kept the feedback in mind and now in total serve as many as eight starters for vegetarians, five kinds of chaat, 10 dishes for main course," Chef Pallav Singhal, corrects us, all the while briefing on the ingredients of each dish as it arrives.

Joining him in dishing out the newly launched, rather extended menu, are Chef Shiv Arora and Chef Mo Mumataj Shah. Shares Chef Shiv, "We have just launched the new a-la-carte and apart fro the set menu, there will also be a chalk menu. That will be the specialty of the day."

Moving on, for the non-vegetarians, there's nalli shahi korma, palak gosht, raan-e-sikanderi, tari wala desi kukkkad, kadhai jhinga, which extends to a lot more. He adds, "We have also introduced three kinds of soups namely, tamatar dhania, dal aur palak soup, comprising yellow lentils, shredded spinach, asafetida and curry leaf tempering and gosht badami, which is overnight cooked lamb, whole spices and almond paste. While just a few items could be given a skip, among the must try is the signature dal saffron, which reminds of the rich authentic flavour of the black lentils and the dahi kebab rolls that melt in the mouth while the dessert shahi meetha, fried sweetened bread, flavoured rabri, Hyderabad style, calls for a special mention. Talk of experimenting, there's kurkura paan ka patta, which is the betel leaf with a twist. Laughs Chef Pallav, "Normally people have it after the meal, here you get to try a betel leaf before with the main course. We have marinated the betel leaf and deep fried it with homemade spices." He adds, "Our menu has become bigger by about 45 per cent and it now includes 60 dishes." The more, the merrier.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

star track
Bachchans go to Goa

The Bachchans, Jaya, Amitabh, and Abhishek, are off to Goa where Senior Bachchan is shooting his film with R Balki. Abhi-Ash recently celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary.

Housefull once again

Jacqueline Fernandez is likely to star in Housefull 3, to be directed by writer-director duo Sajid-Farhad. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Abhishek Bachchan. Two more heroines will star as well and if Jackie stays on, then she will be the only heroine to be part of all three movies.

Rani ties the knot 

Finally, Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji are husband and wife. Here is what Rani has to say on the biggest moment of her life. "I would like to share the happiest day of my life with all my fans all over the world whose love and blessings have been part of my journey all these years. I know that all my well-wishers who have waited for this day will be really happy for me. It was a beautiful wedding in the Italian countryside with just a few of our close family and friends with us. The one person I missed terribly was Yash uncle, but I know he was there with us in spirit and his love and blessings will always be with Adi and me. I have always believed in fairy-tales and with God's grace my life has been exactly like one, and now as I enter the most important chapter of my life-the fairy-tale continues."

Richa Chadda goes green

Richa Chadda We fell in love with her rustic look in the debut award-winning movie Gangs of Wasseypur, and we can't wait to see her in Mira Nair's next short film. But now, Bollywood beauty Richa Chadda has a starring role of a different kind: she's appearing in a brand-new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India in a dress made entirely of lettuce leaves and other vegetables next to the caption —Let Vegetarianism Grow on You.

The stunning ad has been shot by ace photographer Rohan Shrestha. Chadda's hair styling and make-up were done by Sandhya Shekar, and her outfit was designed and styled by StyleCracker.com

Richa feels that the human body is meant to be herbivorous. She says, "It's a scientifically proven fact that meat takes longer to digest. Thankfully we come from a country where vegetarianism is so intrinsic to our culture."

Break even

Siddharth Malhotra shot continuously for Hasee Toh Phasee and Ek Villain and on other days he was busy with photo-shoots and brand endorsement commitments. He is now on a 10-day break to New York City.

In good company 

Rajeev Khandelwal, who rose to fame with TV show Kahin To Hoga, made his Bollywood debut with Aamir. He is now eagerly waiting for his most ambitious venture Samrat & Co. He tells us more...

Tell us about the story

It’s a very different detective story. It is entertaining and interesting and it’s a proper journey of a detective. And as the film’s tagline goes, there is very good suspense in the film and the audience will be wondering what’s next.

You started as TV star with shows like Kahin To Hoga. How has the journey been so far?

I have worked on my own terms without compromising and done successful films like Shaitaan, Table No.21 and looking back I am surprised that I have completed 12 years in the industry and I still feel like a newcomer. 

Sealed with a kiss

While kisses have become a part and parcel of Bollywood films, debutants Tiger Shroff and Kirti Sanon too have now become a part of the trend. Their upcoming film Heropanti will see the newcomers lost in the world of romance and locking lips for a party song.

This dance number was shot recently since Tiger and Kriti were given time to bond, so that they share an excellent rapport with each other while shooting for the track. Hence, it was easier for them to do this scene at this point.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Sabbir Khan, Heropanti is slated to release on May 23. 

chatter box
Tantrum tamasha!
A few television actors who turned stars overnight started throwing their weight around. While makers were tolerant, now they aren't so much. We take a look at some of the recent instances of tantrums

Wrong foot: Tina Dutta
She is currently seen as Ichacha in Uttaran. However, she always manages to grab media attention for wrong reasons. She is even called the tantrum queen. She often gives a tough time to the unit members on the sets of Uttaran and cancels shoots.

Producer pangs: Vivian D'Sena
Vivian D'Sena quit his hit show Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon due to problems with the producer Saurabh Tiwari, but soon he returned although stories of his tantrums have been reported often.

No time: Ram Kapoor
He is the star of Bade Achche Lagte Hain but due to his preference for movie roles, he shoots for limited days a month for the show. Most of the time the unit uses body doubles.

Moving out: Sonarika Bhadoria
She was doing very well in the role of Parvati in Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev, till her unprofessionalism began overtaking her work. She didn't want to wait for delayed shoots and threatened to walk off from the sets.

Late show: Karan Singh Grover
He re-established his stardom with Qubool Hai, but soon reports of his unprofessional behaviour came out. He would apparently report late to work and shoot only few hours a day.

Co-star problems: Vikas Manaktala
He recently returned to television as lead in Main Naa Bhoolungi, but his infamous attitude has already made headlines. Reportedly, he had problems with co-stars Aishwarya Sakhuja and Nigaar Khan too.

To tame a roving eye

Buzz is that there are problems in Karan Singh Grover and Jennifer Winget's marriage. Apparently she learnt that Karan continues to flirt with girls at work. She wanted to take him to London where she would be shooting for a while to keep an eye on him.

Big show, big star

Makers of Mahadev have approached Sakshi Tanwar to do an important role in their show. The talks are on and if things work out she might begin the shooting from next month. The role is kept under wraps to keep it a surprise.

Lucky at last

After his engagement with Chahat Khanna and later with Ekta Kaul, Kanan Malhotra has now got engaged to an interior designer Aakansha Dhingra in Delhi. He will marry her on May 1. His earlier relationships came to an end due to various problems, we hope this time, he is lucky enough.

Fact of the matter

After recently quitting Sasural Simar Ka, Dipika Samson explains that she didn't quit the show because her boyfriend Shoaib Ibrahim left it last year. She had been part of the show since three years and has put in her papers as her character wasn't getting enough screen time.

Astro Turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors and consultants will be productive. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to concentrate on leisure activities. Tarot message: You will find a fountainhead of a will power within yourself. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 47

TAURUS: "The Magician" suggests that you are not likely to be taken unaware by a surprise. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than travelling. Health needs attention. Tarot message: Don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Spend the day with your loved ones. Answer business correspondence and pay bills that have been long outstanding. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 35

CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organise specific terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely to be placed upon shoulders. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic number: 40

LEO: You will stand tested on your competence at workplace, and those in change, will be carefully watching your every move carefully. The day favours those of you who are now treading unfamiliar ground. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 32

VIRGO: You are unlikely to forget sudden encounters with people. Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to agree with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered. Tarot message: You gain by being practical, so don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Your lover may be insistent on your amorous attention whether you are in the mood or not. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: The cash should be flowing in your account today. This abundance is not due to luck, but hard work. Long-term projects and contracts can be paying off handsomely. Mental work will be stimulating. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes and stay positive. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: Relationships move to closer intimacy, deepening love and fulfilling sexuality. Do not work late. Once you have decided on a certain course of action, stick to your guns. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Turn on your charm and the world will be your oyster. Be sure to take full advantage of a good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck, and those with partners are back in saddle. Tarot message: You can build great success if you focus on your goals. Lucky colour: Peacock green Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: If you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity, this is a good day for you. Income may dwindle and expenses could rise. Do what you can, to improve your mind. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 65

PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job that you really do want to do. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Club and social activities are not favoured. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, so put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 61

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 23...

You will spend most of the time this year with your family. May, will start with a good note as far as family matters are concerned. You will be welcoming new people into your family. However, you may go through a rough patch later in the year. Those, who are looking to go abroad, will get success this year. This year, your love life will be good. This period is ripe with opportunities. You may also get married, if you are looking for a partner. Your heart will have a voice of its own and give you a signal every time something important happens in your love life.

Positive colours: Green, turquoise, sea green and rose

Select days: Wednesday and Friday

Favourable numbers: 5 and 6

Gems recommended: Emerald and ruby

Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to cows.

You share your birthday with Yana Gupta (April 23, 1979, Brno, Czech Republic). Born to Czech father and an Indian mother, Yana began modelling in the mid 90s. Her career took a turn towards the East when she married Indian artist Satyakam Gupta. She made her big screen debut in Dum. Her stars indicate that she is likely to face some legal issues.





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |