|
|
|
|
|
Sales beckon, yet again!
Don't let the heat and humidity bog you down. Get out there and make the best of the sale allure this season
Summer discounts abound, giving shopaholics another reason to indulge. We spot gangs of girls, couples, couples with kids in tow, families and some singles making the best of their
freedom. Giggling away to glory, Twinkle Rana, Arvind Juneja and Anumeet
Nagra, students of biotech, dental science and veterinary respectively, are having the time of their life outside a trial room at Vero
Moda. Out on their summer shopping spree, girls are already richer by a few bags, shoes and tops, and it's denims next. "Isn't it perfect?" asks
Anureet, as she walks out of the trial room, and adds, "It's Rs 2,500 and on 50 per cent off!" Do they often shop during the sales, we ask. "Almost always," they chorus. Out since 11 am, their plan is to shop till they drop!
Soma Virdi, a homemaker from Sector 28, is a solitary reaper carrying her arm full of packets. She takes a short stop to share how she enjoyed the afternoon shopping. "I love buying shoes and home decor items," shares Soma, who could not finish her to-buy list in one day. And mind you, it's not just girls; we spot an equal number of guys checking out the clothes and shoes on sale. Ankur Dikshit, an engineering student is out with his sister, shopping. "I was done with my shopping an hour ago. My sister can't seem to get enough of it!" he complains, as an oblivious girl tries on one pair after the other of high heels. But, it's not just shops that are being thronged. Lobbies too seem to be brimming with bored men, kids and the elderly waiting for their loved ones to return. Richa Garg has a few packets dangling on her arms, with her husband and mother-in-law in tow, but is not a happy shopper. Aren't the offers good, we ask? "They are; probably just not my day!" pat comes the reply. Though sales give us umpteen opportunities to save the bucks, don't we all indulge in mindless shopping otherwise too? Soma seems to agree, "Yes, I do end up buying more than I need, but I guess it's OK once in a while." The girl gang, however, has a different modus operandi — they make each other responsible for the other person's budget. "So far, we have had only good experiences. Brands are generally fair and we take turns to keep a tab on our expenditure." While most brands remain on sale during this season — at all shopping hubs, shops in Sector 17 and all shopping malls, including Elante — what's surprising this time is that the brands that usually have no or little discounts are also offering good prices this season. Take the brand Hidesign for instance. Designer label Ritu Kumar is also offering kurtis from Rs 500 onwards. "The trend over the years has been that the June-July sale season is better in terms of sale volumes. One of the reasons for it is that people shop for the warm months as well as early winter. In addition, as the days are longer, they are more conducive for shopping. Most of the brands with us have got an excellent response so far," shares Manoj Agarwal, head of operations, Elante Mall and Complex. If you haven't been out shopping yet, you might have missed the best. But, take your chances, you might just get lucky! mona@tribunemail.com
|
|
Dreamy beginnings
Delhi girl Anindita Nayar is set to make her acting debut as the 'dream girl' opposite Vir Das
A debut as a protagonist where you get to play the perfect girl sounds like a safe one. "I play an investment banker from Wharton School of Business and she is a dream girl in several ways. In fact, she can be any man's dream girl," says Anindita. Reaching up to a film that ticks off most of the criteria is a feat, for a new-comer at least. "There were a lot of films I had said no to. Since I'm not from the industry, there was no guidance and I wasn't going to work with just about anybody. I fell in love with this script for its fresh flavour," adds the self-confessed "adrenaline junkie and a certified scuba diver, who also loves to travel." Roles to envy
Her list of dream roles goes back to films that are emblematic of Bollywood romance. So, Geet it is from Jab We Met or a Kajol from DDLJ. Otherwise, "I'd love to play a Mughal princess or a Cleopatra and star in any period drama or something with an Indian context." In the meantime, there's also 3AM opposite Ranvijay Singh. "In 3AM, I play a journalist, who is also a lovable person. There is not just the professional, but also personal side to her." As for Hasmukh Pighal Gaya, a Sanjay Dutt production, she gets to once again share screen space with the biggies. "The film is about a girl who stays in a chawl and wants to be an actor and is quite ambitious. While the hero is really sweet and nice and all that and he is madly in love with this girl. Unfortunately, hardly ever anything goes right with him in the film. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt himself." Sure enough, once again, she will not stay put hereon. manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Fast-track benefits
A prolonged period of fasting or periodic detoxing? Dieticians tell us what is best for our body
Feasting and fasting both have been significant in our religious ceremonies cutting across different cultures and religions. While old practices had certain logic behind it, over the period of time, many rituals have lost their significance. Some of us observe fasts sticking to our religious moorings and others detox. Since too much of anything is bad; we find the middle path for you. Diet and nutrition consultant Madhu Sharma finds religious fastings a welcome break for body if done once in a while. Similarly detox diets give better results when done in short durations; if carried on for too long, they are more harmful for health than good. "It's all very well to observe religious fasts. When looking from health point of view, there are two things largely - one, choose what you eat wisely, and two, make sure you are healthy enough to undertake the fast," says Madhu. While a healthy body can do longish fasts like navratras or rozas, many nutritionists get queries after few days of fasting. "Many a times I have people asking me on how did they gain weight after fasting this long," shares Aditi Mehrotra, a diet consultant. "Severe fasting, not having anything for long hours, sends the body in a state of shock and expecting more shock the body starts to store fat leading to weight gain," she adds. The aftereffects could be far worse than plain weight gain in case of diabetic or people with severe acidity or ulcers, points out Madhu. While most nutritionists recommend fasting to let the body rest and renew periodically, they also advise to stick to nutritious food and follow a routine on what to have when. Madhu is all for fruit and vegetable diet for detox and low fat dairy.
Make a schedule
Spending the day eating nothing and hoarding at the day's end harms way more than it helps. Set a routine like: Early morning:
A glass of milk/ smoothie/ milkshake Mid morning: Green tea plus a bowl full of seasonal fruit Lunch:
Bowl of sauté veggies with buttermilk. Or raita forget boondi or bhalla, think ghiya, pumpkin, baigan, add jeera and mint. Evening:
Green tea with handful of dry fruits or seeds (try makhana, lotus seeds, that are high on minerals) Pre-dinner:
Bowl of all veggies soup. Dinner: End your day with kesar badam milk. Look for options
Replace cereals and oils with fruit, vegetable group and dairy. Avoid fried food. Fruit, vegetables and milk keeps you full and energetic through the day to carry on the regular routine. Weigh the calorie count before sticking to a menu. Keep exercise accordingly as much as the food intake and daily routine allows.
|
||
|
Wild catch
Actor and bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman comes back with a thrilling experience of shooting for his upcoming film Roar in
Sunderbans
India's first pure vegetarian bodybuilder, Varinder Singh Ghuman is back in news with a roar. Jalandhar-based Ghuman who is known as man-of-muscles has shown his strength in his upcoming Bollywood flim Roar — Tigers of the Sunderbans. The film is produced by Abis Rizvi and has been directed by Kamal Sadanah. Shot in some parts of Sunderbans and Bangladesh, the film is full of larger- than- life sequences. The teaser of the movie, screened at Cannes Film Festival received overwhelming response. The 130 kg, six- feet- two inches tall varinder is playing the character of Cheena, an aggressive and loud person who evolves as the movie progresses. Working in Roar was an adventurous journey for Ghuman as shooting in Sunderbans jungles is not for the weak hearted. "During the shooting of the film, I along with other crew members lived on a ship in inhabitable Sunderbans in Bangladeshi territory for few weeks. Our evenings were spent on decks witnessing the divine transitions from day to night. It was not less than a nightmare in jungles where you often get greeted with snakes, wild boars, deadly poisonous insects, salt-water crocodiles and many other dangerous creatures,” he says. Apart from this Varinder Ghuman who did not know how to swim, has also done an underwater film sequence which he would never forget. This Punjabi guy who carries an MA (English) degree under his belt has also starred in Kabaddi Once Again and Fateh the Victory. He is the first Indian and also the first Asian to make it to the top line of Arnold Classic Europe — an international body-building championship 2010. Varinder is the captain of the Indian bodybuilding team and was one of the top rankers in International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness's (IFBB) bodybuilding competition. He also became the first Indian Body Builder to secure a Pro Card by IFBB in 2011 and nobody has been able to beat him till date. He also won gold medal in Australian Grand Prix 2011. He was crowned Mr India in 2009 and later Mr Asia. His passion and brawny physique impressed actor Arnold Schwarzenegger so much that he chose Ghuman as the brand ambassador for his signature gymnasiums and food supplements in India. About his vegan lifestyle, Varinder says he eats neither egg nor non-vegetarian food, sustaining instead on milk. — TNS
|
||
|
Add some spice
At the finale to the 7UP Nimbooz Masala Soda Punjab Da Chatpataka, a two-month long talent hunt in mimicry, singing and comedy run in Punjab since May, Gippy said he was now ready for experimental cinema. A new film of his is going to be announced in a week to ten days. It an issue based film in which he plays a major character. These kind of films need a lot of time, thought and effort as care has to be taken to ensure that people's feeling and sentiments don't get hurt. His Hindi film Second Hand Husband with Govinda's debutant daughter Narmada is going on the screen in September. It's an outright comedy film, but right through the comedy is intelligent and now loud. The actor who is also the Nimbooz Masala Soda brand ambassador, while crowning Gurpal Singh alias Pali Sandhu of Baghapurana in Punjab, a theatre pass out from Panjab University Chandigarh, as 7Up Nimbooz Masala Soda Punjab Da Thatpataka from amongseven contestants in the finale, said he was personally against sequels to his films, but vociferous fans following him on social networking sites, through emails and at shows have been able to persuade him to go for Carry on Jatta-2 which will have the same top team, including the director. — TNS
|
||
|
Rani Mukerji opens up…
Silence is golden
I have been a media shy person in the sense that I keep my private life to myself. I am also protecting the interests of my family members. That's why I never react to rumours. Even Adi (Aditya Chopra) is like that. Dating games
Contrary to all the rumours, we only started dating three years back, after his divorce. We were both at a low point in our lives and he definitely did not want to see anyone. He was always very friendly to me and has guided me throughout my career. He told me to become exclusive and do a few and meaningful films that I believed in. That is when Hum Tum, Black and Saathiya happened. I did not date him as a producer. He came home and asked my parents if he could date me and marry me and that was wonderful. On Aditya Chopra
He is an extremely calm person and a very good human being. I respect him as a person and I respect only a few people. He is a self-respecting man and is intelligent and such an achiever! He sees potential and brings out the best in people. He has an eye for talent. He is blunt and honest. What more could I ask for? I am blessed!
Kapil’s censor concerns
Kapil Sharma, apparently, refused to let the makers of Hate Story 2 promote their film on his show because it is an erotic thriller and his show caters to family audience. The team was taken aback when Kapil refused to let them be a part of the
show. Second innings on screen
Govinda's career is getting a new lease of life and he has as many as nine films coming up in two years. He is doing a lot of roles as a father and will play Alia Bhatt's father in Vikas Bahl's Shandaar. A dinner date
Katrina Kaif took her mother-in-law to-be Neetu Kapoor out for dinner at a South Mumbai restaurant and Ranbir Kapoor and Ayan Mukerji also joined them in. More than a dream debut
Hrithik Roshan's heroine in Mohenjodaro, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, will not be an established name but a newcomer who is a model named Pooja Hegde. Saif plays the peacemaker
Saif Ali Khan played peacemaker between Sanjay Kapur and Karisma Kapur so that they both could finally get a divorce without any fights. They have been separated for a long time and were having many arguments and their divorce proceedings were not going anywhere, so Saif intervened to ensure that things ended smoothly. Kylie to perform at Commonwealth Games
Pop star Kylie Minogue is set to perform at the closing ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The athletics showpiece will take place in Glasgow, Scotland later this month with a closing ceremony at the city's Hampden Park football stadium to be held on August 3, reported a publication. The Spinning Around hit maker will perform a five-song set at the event. The 46-year-old singer hopes that the appearance will boost her music career. "Kylie is putting all her eggs into one basket. She was delighted when her management pulled off this high-profile concert. Although she's huge in the UK and elsewhere, she's never fully managed to achieve global status like Beyonce and Rihanna," a source said.
— PTI The marriage proposal
All thanks to her good looks and simplicity, actress Alia Bhatt has reportedly been getting a lot of marriage proposals after the kind of roles she has played on screen. But since she is just 21 years old, her mother Soni Razdan is busy fending them off. And yes, she is
flattered! Films on the back burner
After Shuddhi and Dostana 2, Karan Johar has put yet another film on the backburner. This is Shakun Batra's film about author siblings and it has been shelved due to lack of right casting. After the success of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Dharma Productions will begin work on Karan Malhotra's remake of The Warrior and Tarun Mansukhani's remake of the French film Priceless. A touch of royalty
Former soccer star David Beckham and his designer wife Victoria have reportedly hired a former Buckingham Palace worker as their new housekeeper. The superstar couple has recruited the male from the British royal household to help with the general running of their 40 million pounds home, reported a publication. "They needed a new housekeeper and, hands down, he was the best applicant. His CV was pretty impressive and, obviously, having a former Buckingham Palace member of staff is quite a boon," a source said. "Victoria is delighted, and he is fitting in really well with the family." David and Victoria have also given the former footman's salary a significant boost from his previous 15,000 pounds pay cheque. Besides general tidying, cleaning, ironing and dusting, it is said that the new employee will also lend a hand with walking and grooming the dogs.
— PTI
|
||
|
Family comes first
Return of the Bandit Queen
She was seen playing the lead role in the film, Bandit Queen, and now Seema Biswas will be seen in a television show. She has been roped in for the up and coming show, Maha Kumbh opposite Gautam Rode. The show has been produced by Arvind Babbal and will be telecast on Life OK.
Game for action
Having emerged from dance reality show Just Dance, Karan Khanna is now exploring new tides. The dancer is now assisting dad Babbu Khanna in Mahabharat; Babbu is designing the action sequence in the show. Karan says, "Action and stunts are part of our genes. I have assisted my dad in many projects and Mahabharat is the latest one."
Split wide open
The grapevine has it that Rohit Purohit and Veebha Anand apparently started dating while shooting for the show, Sanskaar Lakshmi, and were serious about each other but they broke up. Now, the buzz is that Rohit has found love in his other co-star, Sheena Bajaj. They are serious about each other and are planning to marry soon.
Taking it slow and steady
Asha Negi and Rithivik Dhanjani claim that as they are too young they will not get married for another two years. The couple who met on the sets of the show, Pavitra Rishta and fell in love with each other, later participated in the dance reality show, Nach Baliye and travelled to many foreign destinations together. However, now they have decided to take it slow.
Through twists and turns
In the show, Bade Dhoke Hai Is Raah Mein Pyaar Ke, which is telecast on Balaji Telefilms' Life OK, Sameer Soni quit the show and was replaced by Parveen Dabbas. Now the buzz is that Apurva Agnihotri has been finally signed for a role opposite Sonali Bendre while Harsh Chhaya will play Bendre's husband, who gets arrested on charges of corruption.
Of fashion and style
Anita Hassanandani, who has often been praised for her fashion and style quotient in the show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein is riding high on the success of the show. She talks about her taste in style and more… What does fashion mean to you? Fashion, according to me is comfort. One should be fully comfortable in whatever they wear, which amounts to their confidence levels and then step out. Do you wear accessories? When it comes to accessories, I like following the minimalist law of fashion. Also, I am not very fond of accessories. If I opt for earrings, then I don't wear a neck-piece and vice-versa. Are you a brand person? I am flexible about that. I am not a stickler for high-fashion brands. I have shopped off the streets too. What was your most expensive buy? I a bags by Louis Vuitton, a Chanel watch and a
Bottega clutch. Which clothes are you comfortable in? I like wearing denims with tops as they are the most comfortable attire. It also depends on my mood and the occasion. I prefer wearing skirts for formal occasions, as I am not fan of gowns. What are the 'must-haves' in your handbag? Sanitiser, lip balm, phones and a sun block cream.
|
||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: You need to focus on your dreams and goals while applying your experience and wisdom to attain those goals. A spiritual meeting can bring you closer to some interesting people.
Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia Magic number: 46 TAURUS: Avoid indulging in an idle talk and gossip with the neighbours. Check out the newspapers to find activities that appeal to you. You may feel a bit scruffy and careless in the evening. Tarot message: Try not to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 58 GEMINI: Beware! Someone may backstab you. This is a good time to meet government officials. Your child's health needs attention. You are likely to have a lot a fun at work and enjoy a few pranks with your co-workers. Tarot message: Do not reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 31 CANCER: Do not be easily ruffled by the situations that come your way. Your personal and public
life is likely to clash in the evening. Women: do not argue over silly matters. Tarot message: You need to prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Bottle green Magic number: 63 LEO: You will achieve most of your short-term objectives today. This is a good day for business. Associates will be helpful. You will find a congenial atmosphere at work to make good progress. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 27 VIRGO: It is a good time to invest in real estate. You can achieve whatever you set your mind on. Get up and get going. Health will be fine. Turn to a family member if you need any advice. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic number: 36
LIBRA: Your card, Two of Pentacles, shines on love, money and sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Women: do not be worried about holding down your jobs. Don't be close-minded about anything. Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44 SCORPIO: There is a promise of better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to take hold of opportunities and make them yours. Be alert: an excellent time awaits you. Watch your temper while dealing with superiors. Tarot message: Stay positive and be calm. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 51 SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions can over-ride your judgement in some situations. You need to allow kids to develop their individuality and grow into happy and well-adjustable adults. Tarot message: Take things one at a time and focus on your health. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 65 CAPRICORN: This is not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. There may be delays, both on the road and on public transportation. Love life will
be good. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 52 AQUARIUS: A new love affair might be dominating your mind every moment. Women: have a balanced diet. A pet's health needs attention. A Libra friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Try to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 32 PISCES: This is not the good time for property deals. Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. A lively communication may lead you to a new romance. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 28
|
||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is July 14...
This year, your birthday falls on the first Monday of Saavan, making the entire year very pleasant. This year, you may win the lottery or gain in speculation, but you will have to be very careful about what you spend your money on. Friends may be the useful and supportive. Beware of proposals and offers made to you, as they may not be what they seem and could harm you financially. You will be accused of lacking tact by one of your beloved's friends and will be criticised for not having made this friend feel at ease. You need to expand your horizons, so use your imagination. Positive colours: Green, turquoise, blue and all green shades Select days: Wednesday and Friday Favourable numbers: 5 and 6 Gems recommended: Emerald, Onyx and Ruby
You share your birthday with Vicky Ahuja [July, 14], who played Raj Guru in the film, Shaheed. He was seen in Gangster too where he did a small role of Usmaan and was playing a role in the film Life in a Metro. His career will pick up this year.
|
||
|
Phone bling says a lot about you!
Nishtha Shukla Anand A latest study makes some interesting observations about how people use mobile phone accessories. A research at Pennsylvania State University suggests that Americans tend to spend less on customising their mobile phones. Instead, their counterparts, the South Koreans love to accessories their phones. They use charms, stickers, ringtones and phone cases to decorate their phones. The study says it's because Americans consider self-expression over how others perceive them. On the contrary, South Koreans are keen to understand how they can fit well into social situations. S. Shyam Sundar, who is the co-director of the media effects research laboratory at the university has said, "People from eastern cultures tend to be more motivated to change the look and sound of their mobile phones than people in western countries." When people are bothered about how others perceive them, they invest in mobile phone accessories. The research essentially aimed to understand the extent to which people connect with their phone. "The more you customise your phone for aesthetic reasons the more it reflects who you are. You see your phone as yourself," said Sunder . This research involved 400 American students and 205 Korean students. These university students were given a survey with 112 questions that would help identify how they perceive their social identity and their efforts towards self promotion. There are many companies now producing interesting mobile accessories and all of us indulge in them. Yes, we usually buy the ones that seem to express our identity most. It's a great way to feel good and feel motivated. So go ahead and buy some interesting mobile accessories, but for yourself! (Nishtha is a Chandigarh based technology expert)
|
|
| 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 | |
Tricity malls, old and new, seem to be abuzz with brand-crazy shoppers carrying a bevy of paper bags, flaunting their bargain buys — Zara, Benetton, Aldo, Vero Moda, Adidas, Puma, Marks & Spencer, Lifestyle. There are happy people, not-so-happy people, tired people, listless people, all with but one thing in common — their zest to make the best of the ongoing summer sales, despite the heat and humidity.
Even a star-spangled repertoire of ads doesn't fetch you the recognition that a Friday brush with the box-office does. Which is why Delhi girl Anindita Nayar didn't stay put after shooting commercials with the likes of Abhishek Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor. Acting it is and all eyes aim for B-town. "I have three releases lined up in a span of a year. Commercials, even though they are considered modelling, involve acting to an extent, and hence are a perfect stepping ground for films," shares the 26-year-old, while introducing us to the films lined up one after the other, with each character being different and contributory in their own way - starting from the one opposite Vir Das, titled Amit Sahni Ki List. A rom-com, perhaps? "It's a thriller, which is the story of Amit Sahni, in search of the perfect girl. He is almost heart-broken in the futile search for the right girl."
Punjabi singer-actor Gippy Grewal marches ahead on the road to fame, breaking new ground in the process, he welcomes introduction of reality shows in Punjabi to give a kick start to young talent and save them back breaking struggle through which many of them had to pass to establish themselves in more difficult times.
After having a successful career in Bollywood, Rani Mukerji is finally married to Aditya Chopra, the love of her life. She opens up about her relationship and other things.
Jay Soni got married while he was shooting for Sanskaar and could not go for his honeymoon but, now that the show is over, he has been planning for a long and elaborate honeymoon to Europe and Spain with his wife. However, he has also been offered some good shows lately from three popular production houses, which he blatantly refused to do. He has given the first priority to his honeymoon and is hoping for a good offer to come his way once he returns.
Charity on birthday: Donate white clothes/ school dress /white edible items to eligible needy or in a religious place today.