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Kiss the bride & tell the world
Weddings have fuelled many a creative mind to come up with either books or movie scripts. The latest in the list are wedding bloggers documenting their real life experiences
The initial search for the groom to even the final destination for honeymoon, weddings make for stories as personal and as fascinating. All hell breaks loose if a bride doesn't want bling for the D-day outfit. Years later, every issue is recalled as an incident. Every incident is narrated as an anecdote to generations to come. Scores of wedding blogs (almost pulling all stops on the virtual traffic) bring out the beauty and terror of the all engulfing phenomenon called the great Indian wedding. "I started writing about my wedding and soon realised that there was a need for a resource that people could turn to for wedding ideas and inspiration. The real push was to have a blog-cum-website where users could tune in, see real wedding stories and vendors and people they could hire," shares Mehak Sagar Shahani, fashion blogger at peachesandblush and blogger-in-chief at wedmegood on the multiple reasons to get started. Call it inspiration or put it down to provocation, the reasons to document a wedding run deep and several. "When my wedding date was decided in 2012, I started researching online and found there was very little information available. So, I started putting together all the little bits of useful info I found and started a blog. Soon brides started discovering my blog and I kept sharing my wedding journey," recalls Shinjini Amitabh Chawla, editor of The Delhi Bride. She adds, "Now, it's a resource for wedding planning for Indian brides, and I'm so glad that I can help them in my own little way." It's only once things are shared that it is discovered, one girl's story is every girl's story. "Almost every girl wants to wear a dream lehenga but within a budget. I unloaded all my shopping experiences in Ambala and Delhi, where to find designer replica lehengas, the nitty gritties of exploring Chandani Chowk and it was a hit,' shares a blogger on request of anonymity. She adds, "This is probably the first generation where more and more girls are taking on the responsibility of organising their weddings." And the girls are certainly busy sharing.
Brides made
Like we said, when it's a great Indian wedding, is there ever a dearth of topics to be touched upon? It could even be something as unseemingly significant as the search for a wedding lehenga and the conquest of an exact replica. Shares Shinjini, "My post, 'Where to shop for wedding lehengas in Chandani Chowk' is still one of the most popular posts on my blog. Also 'Thedelhibells' series is a huge hit ever since I posted it." Nothing is scripted and that's where the appeal factor sky rockets. Nods John Kenny, director, weddingsonline, a portal connecting customers to suppliers and other brides, "They are real life situations and that is what makes them enticing for everyone. What evokes maximum response on our blog section is what to wear for a wedding, bridal make-up and honeymoon destinations." Then of course, there are all the quirky things that have just about begun to define the new generation weddings. Mehak adds, "We have done wedding features on a bride who wore sneakers to her own wedding or the bride who had an intimate 60 people wedding in the Andamans. These unique stories generally get a lot of interest."
Reality check
Documenting any wedding makes for a beautiful fairy tale where the lovers eventually get united in colourful celebrations. There are picturesque images, surroundings, décor and tangential stories that attracts readership. "I think wedding blogs are real and that's what it comes down to. You don't see models wearing bridal lehengas like in fashion magazines," opines Mehak. It's about real people, their challenges, triumphs, budget constraints and what organisers to turn to. Sums up Shinjini Amitabh Chawla. "Planning a wedding is one of the best and worst times in a girl's life. Her journey is bitter-sweet and there are always some crazy stories that are bound to happen. Insight into these crazy times makes for an interesting read." Any day!
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Rising stars
Chandigarh lad Abhimanyu Kak and Haryana girl Meenu Panchal make it to the mega auditions of Zee TV's Cine Stars Ki Khoj
While reality shows have always interested the concerns of the masses by the virtue of providing a ready platform to the strugglers, they are perhaps the only avenue for local artistes to exhibit their talent. As Chandigarh lad Abhimanyu Kak and Haryana girl Meenu Panchal make it through the mega auditions of Zee TV's Cine Stars Ki Khoj, they bask in the glory of the newfound popularity. With their dreams that are kindled by the flames of hard work, determination, and confidence, one can barely keep their hearts from melting as they pull out the leafs of struggle from their diary of life… He's got it all
A jack of many trades, Abhimanyu shot to fame by hosting a radio show when he was just 14, thereby becoming the youngest RJ in the city. He has also been a national-level cricket player and a lead vocalist in a band. Besides, he composes and writes his own songs too. "I have always wanted to try my hand at whatever caught my eye, but my motive has always been to take it till the end," he begins. A strange concoction of self-belief, confidence, and humility, Abhimanyu's disposition seems to be etched out for attention and acceptance, which he says he has received in abundance and expresses gratitude for the same. "I have always found acceptance from people even when I started off as a RJ and I think that's because I am a through entertainer, who is not necessarily drawn to glamour. That's how I know that I will win the show," he says. Meanwhile, he also confesses that he would love to sing during the show and later in films too. Probably that advocates his choice for acting over singing. "These days most of the actors are singing songs for their own films and I would love to do the same," he smiles. While talking about the show, Abhimanyu confesses that he is a huge fan of Parineeti Chopra, who is one of the judges on the show and that Ayushmann Khurrana has been his mentor. "My association with Ayushmann dates back to the time when I was hosting a show that featured the zodiac predictions by his father. We met each other during a show, where he was playing a host too and we clicked when I mimicked the way his father talks," he laughs. Currently being trained in acting at the show, Abhimanyu expresses that his friends and family persuaded him to participate in the reality show. "I started doing theatre when I was in Delhi for my post graduation and that cultivated my interest in acting," he says. From tomboy to ladylike
Meenu Panchal refers to herself as a tomboy and is presently being trained in acting at the show, where she is undergoing a transformation that's quite new to her. "I have always been a tomboy and here I am being acquainted with a more ladylike and feminine side of me," says Meenu, who has done several commercials, small roles and was among the top eight contestants in the second season of Dance India Dance. "I have always been keen on acting and dancing, but in my opinion, acting is not only about delivering the dialogues, but slipping into the skin of the character," she says. However, Meenu considers reality shows as a huge opportunity that guides the route of struggle rather than making it easy. "Reality shows are a good platform for strugglers, but it depends entirely on you of what you make of the opportunity. It gets you noticed for sure, but it doesn't put an end to the struggle," she shares. While Meenu's ultimate strategy to win the show remains hard work, she shares that it is only in the humility of learning that she believes in and banks on it for her career and life. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Slice of Sicily
A Sicilian food festival at Hyatt Regency, Ludhiana, offers the aroma of fresh, hand-picked herbs
'Journey to Italy', a culinary festival at Kitchen at 95, Hyatt Regency, Ludhiana, brings Sicilian flavours to the table. One thing is for sure; the subtle fragrance, flavour and freshness will stay with you for long! "Sicilian cuisine is based on the use of fresh, hand-picked ingredients. They use fresh vegetables and herbs. As the weather in Italy is moderate, it is apt for fruits and vegetables. Flavours come from the herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil et al rather than from the spices," says director, food and beverage Manmeet Singh. Seafood is more popular in areas like Tuscany. And if you are having Italian, it is hard to miss the tomato! Chef Tarun Kumar says unlike some other cuisines, Italian food is all about home-style cooking. Although Italian is served in restaurants and hotels as a fine-dining experience, the authentic Italian food is very homely. "Sicilian cuisine has a lot in common with Italian cuisine, but it also has Spanish, Greek and Arab influences," he says. A rotating menu for the food festival, including chicken, lasagnes, ricotta etc, is for those who admire their food! Choose from Sicilliana pizza, roasted chicken pizza, fish involtini with sweet and sour sauce, chicken and orange casserole, vegetable lasagne with ricotta; an array of pastas including pasta (from the kitchen), pasta alla norma, pasta with aop, pasta with lamb ragu, pasta carbonara, gnocchi with peas and mushroom, and more. For desserts, cannoli and ricotta pear cake complete the flavours. Don't miss the olive oil, thin crust pizzas with eggplant and flavours! gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Train to Ferozabad
Sabyasachi casts his spell with his Ferozabad collection on the opening day of India Couture Week
Mardaani looks
Rani, 36, and the 43-year-old director married in an intimate ceremony in Italy this year. When asked whether she donned Sabyasachi's lehenga on her D-day, the Bengali beauty, who was in the Capital last night for the designer on the opening day of India Couture Week, said, "It had to be Sabya. He is my brother and a good friend." Sabyasachi has not designed her look in her upcoming home production Mardaani but Rani promised that she will be seen in his designs during the promotion of the crime drama. "I will be sporting loads of Sabyasachi during the promotion of Mardaani," she said. The newly-married actress became nostalgic to be a part of Sabyasachi's opening show. "I really enjoyed the show. We all have witnessed the beauty and magic he created on the ramp. When I say Sabya's dress I can only see his hardwork and sweat that go behind them. "Each time you come for the Sabya's show it is better than the last time. The set which was designed in the form of a train really made me nostalgic," the Bunty Aur Babli star said.
Sabyasachi signature
Sabyasachi kicked off the fashion extravaganza with his new collection Ferozabad last night. The ramp was decorated like the compartment of a luxury train and the designer beautifully depicted the humdrum of a train journey. Models sashayed down the ramp wearing sarees teamed with high-neck blouses, anarkalis, lehengas and shararas. Sabyasachi also brought the rugged look of men on the ramp back as they dazzled the runway in bandhgalas, embroidered trousers and khadi coats. The six-day fashion event will see nine of the country's top designers showcasing their work.
— PTI
Kashmir loves Haider
Shahid Kapoor has been receiving rave reviews for the trailer of Haider from critics and audiences. Twitter and other social media has been a buzz about his look, his performance and the trailer at large. Shahid has gone to great lengths for his role in the film. The ace actor shaved off his hair and has extensively shot in extreme weather conditions in Kashmir. Also, during the time he spent a lot of time alone to get into the skin of his character. He spoke to the locals there and heard their stories. He felt that the story of Haider connected with the people of Kashmir at some level. Shahid was, however, pleasantly surprised post the trailer launch when his manager shared that among the sea of calls two ladies from Kashmir, whom they had met during the shoot, reached out to him and praised the trailer no bounds. They also mentioned that Shahid's eyes are doing all the talking in the trailer. They pointed out that his eyes have some pain which they have seen in people around them.... people in Kashmir and their journey They had a lengthy talk with his manager and spoke highly about how they really liked the trailer and Shahid has done a fantastic job and how they cannot wait to watch the film. Shahid is extremely touched by their gesture. Haider releases on
October 2.
Tanishaa keeps it simple
Actress-cum-producer Tanishaa Mukerji did not just lose oodles of weight in Bigg Boss but she seems to be maintaining it well. We hear that the actress had lost over 6 kg in the house and to maintain it she makes sure that she avoids eating out. When we asked Tanishaa, she says, "I learned that it's best to keep it simple and go back to one's roots with Indian food and in my case especially Maharashtrian food which has lighter sauces and vegetables. I have been following this plan even after coming out of the house. I do work out regularly but I have come to realise that our simple Indian food is the best for our body."
Happy beginning
Ileana D'Cruz's rumoured Australian boyfriend Andrew Kneebone will be seen with her in upcoming film Happy Ending. It is said to be a cameo. Apart from Ileana, the film also stars Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, Kareena Kapoor and Preity Zinta.
Priyanka shows off her muscles
There is something about Priyanka Chopra. Be it playing the seductress Sonia Roy in Aitraaz or endearing Jhilmil Chatterjee in
Barfi!, Priyanka has always managed to get right into the skin of her characters. Now, she has done it once again with Mary
Kom. The first look of the biopic is finally out and Chopra has definitely muscled up. A source close to the project informs, "While shooting in Manali, she spent a grueling 35 days training for the crucial climax scenes of the film. Priyanka would train in the night post pack-ups.”
All work, no play
Sunny Leone, who has started shooting for next film Ek Paheli Leela, is one busy bee these days. The 33-year-old actress tweeted: 'Complete craziness going on. Never did I think I would be busy like this. No time for anything but work. Insanity & amazing all at the same time.'
Too busy for love
Armaan Jain has been linked to his childhood friend Anissa Malhotra who is a South Mumbai girl and the duo has been dating for a while. The new actor denies the allegations and says that he is just busy with work.
Corsica calling
Ranbir Kapoor is currently shooting for Tamasha with ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone in Corsica and he celebrated current girlfriend Katrina Kaif's birthday in Corsica. She turned 31 on July 16.
Dancing queen
Kriti Sanon has started shooting for Singh is Bling and she is learning salsa for the same as she plays a dancer in the film. She practices in stilettos for three hours
everyday. No intimate details
Rumour has it that actress Rani Mukerji opted out of Dibakar Banerjee's film Detective Byomkesh Bakshi. The reason is the bold scenes in the film. Apparently she is avoiding getting intimate on screen. Now she is behaving like a married
woman! Jacqueline means business
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez recently inaugurated her restaurant Kaema Sutra in Colombo. The restaurant offers a number of Sri Lankan favourites.
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Stage of change
Artiste-director Zubin Mehta believes theatre should be made a compulsory subject in all schools
Creatively sensitising children has been his life's aim for the past two years. This weekend, Zubin Mehta, director of Wings Theatre Academy at St Kabir School, is bringing forth his annual production, an adaptation of Death of a Salesman, playwright Arthur Miller's 1949 production. While Zubin has been training students as young as six years of age, it is the senior most group of his repertoire (ages 16 to 24) that is adapting Miller's prize-winning play. "In the play, Miller has tackled the social question of the effect of the capitalistic American Dream myth on an ordinary family. The play is being performed by 15 youngsters from different schools and colleges of the city," says Zubin. Ask him about the importance of theatre in a child's growth and he says, "I believe theatre should be made a compulsory subject in all schools. Not with the intention of making grand performers out of children, but to make them creatively more conscious. It is as essential to learn backstage operations as it is to learn acting." The 29-year-old, however, believes there's still a long way to go. "I believe I've only been able to achieve the first phase — introducing the concept of children's theatre in the city. We still have a long way to go." The group staging Death of a Salesman this year is the same one that performed Ayn Rand's Night of January 16th last year, adds Zubin. With each group having a maximum of 35 students, Zubin now has 80 young students under his wing. The youngest group of them all - aged 6 to 10 — staged Beauty and the Beast last year and is gearing up for their annual production, Tinderbox, for December 2014. (To be staged at St Kabir School on July 19-20 from 6.30 pm onwards. Entry is free) somya@tribunemail.com
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Perfect score!
The most challenging aspect of their performance was that the duo performed the entire song on crutches. We hear that the judges loved the performance so much that they gave it a perfect score. The entire Bollywood industry has been cheering for Sophie and it looks like she is enjoying the experimentation each week.
A much needed break
After working in Saath Nibhana Saathiya for almost five years, Rucha Hasabnis has quit the show. The young actress wants to explore other facets of life. Here, she talks about her reasons and more. Why did you quit the show? It was high time that I did. I needed a break, as I have been working non-stop since Saathiya. It was a difficult decision to leave the people, the cast and crew, who had become family. In fact, in all these years, I have been with them more than I have with my own family. Before the leap too, there were rumours of you quitting the show... Those were not true at all. I stayed on for the leap and was happy. But now, it is time for me to go. How was your experience on the show? It has been an amazing experience. This was my second serial and my first in Hindi; I had a great time for the four-and-half years that I have been with Saathiya. The response of the people has been very humbling, as they liked my work. What do you think of shows that go on for years? I believe that if there are viewers, who want to see more of a particular show, and the show can take the story forward, then that's great. As long as the shows are entertaining, there is no harm in them continuing for years. What is next for you? I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends. I want to travel, eat and sleep, a lot!
The TRP artiste
Anurag Sharma has not played a lead in Balaji's serials, but his prominent roles in Ekta Kapoor's shows have been appreciated. He has done four serials with Ekta till date and says, "From the production members to the cameramen and creatives—everyone started showering me with compliments and started calling me a ‘TRP artiste’. This happened primarily on the sets of Kumkum Bhagya and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. I could not figure out what gave me the moniker till I realised that after my entry in all shows, TRPs had picked up marginally."
Of chills & thrills
The multifaceted Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Cronos), having built his career on bringing fantasy and horror to reel life, reveals his plans for the upcoming vampire horror television series, The Strain. Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, the series is based on the novel trilogy of the same name by the latter. A first-of-its-kind for Star World Premiere HD, the upcoming high-concept vampire horror television series is a chilling and compelling story. The Strain is all set for its exclusive India premiere on the July 19, Saturday, at 9 pm on Star World Premiere HD. Speaking ahead of his five-season plan for the show, Guillermo Del Toro says the project almost didn't make it to TV and has now grown to become one of the year's most anticipated new series. House Of Cards star Corey Stoll has been tapped as the lead of the drama.
— HRM
Calling it quits...
Ankita Sharma, aka Laila of Rangrasiya, has quit the show. Her character apparently was played out and there wasn't much for her to do, as the story had moved forward. So, she quit the show. The makers tried to spruce up the show with a love triangle between Rudra, Paro and Laila, but not much happened.
Close save
Vatsal Sheth is doing a good job of playing the bad boy, Shaurya, in Ek Hasina Thi, but recently, he got hurt while doing a stunt scene. He was shooting with a glass bottle and a handgun when some shards flew and hit his ear. Thankfully he wasn't injured badly.
No time for love
After the buzz that he is seeing his co-star, Gunjan Vijaya, Harshad Arora (aka Zain of Beintehaa) has clarified that he isn't dating anyone. He is very busy working for his show and has no time for
love.
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Bowl and win!
PVR bluO is all set to host the Stars & Strikes Bowling League with popular Punjabi Stars at Elante Mall this July. PVR bluO offers its patrons in Chandigarh an opportunity to join the bowling combat with their favourite stars and win amazing gifts.
Bringing the audience closer to their favourite stars, PVR bluO invites all bowling enthusiasts to participate in this contest with the likes of Hardy Sandhu, Anita Hassanandani, Yuvika Chowdhary, Varun Sharma (the star from Fukrey), Nav Bajwa, Badshah, Prabh Gill, Kaur B, Maninder Buttar, Gagn Sidhu, Girikaman, Rimz J and Shagun Jaiswal.
The tournament is a two day affair on the 17th and the 18th of July 2014 and registered customers will be entitled to gift vouchers and goodies worth ~2000 on the spot.
— TNS
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Astro turf
ARIES: Enjoy a quiet morning and get into any artistic projects you have around the home. Let your imagination run free and go with it. Luck will be with you. Cash crisis resolves after 3 pm.
Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 33. TAURUS: Today, you will find people hard to pin down. Buying and selling is a salient feature. Conflicting energies in the cosmos make this a good day for recharging your batteries. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51. GEMINI: Your card 'The Sword' signifies that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job as the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of shrewd colleagues. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 34. CANCER: Concentrate on your career path and the business at hand. Be flexible in your thinking. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected solution. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks that take up time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 39. LEO: Today, attention revolves around your home, property, family and long-range decisions. Money rolls after lunch. You will have to modify your plans. Friends' company stimulates you. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27. VIRGO: Hobbies will give you satisfaction. Discuss investment. Real estate matters may suffer. Confidence and self-esteem are on the rise. Business negotiations will give you a chance to shine. Tarot message: It's the thought that counts; not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45.
LIBRA: A fortunate day for romance. Avoid gossiping, because it can spoil your chance of success. Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep yourself fit. Think long term. Do not try to rush other people. Tarot message: Try to be active with financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47. SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding with loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32. SAGITTARIUS: The day will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would exhaust you physically. Meetings could fill up your day. Tarot message: Be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29. CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. Partners may not agree with your plans. No need to put your hard-earned money at stake. Be realistic in any business negotiations or plans. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42. AQUARIUS: Hopes fill your heart. A relaxed day for senior citizens. Patience and hard work pays richly. Focus on leaderships and inspirations. You can make new acquaintances and enjoy visiting new places. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the week. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61. PISCES: Surprising events can lead to a major rethink on what you are doing with your life. Avoid alcohol and drugs and you will avoid doing anything stupid. Home renovations may need more money. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 17...
The number 8 stands for wealth, success, leadership and effective organisation. Earth is the element for the number 8 people and they have red aura colours. August is a lucky month. Thursdays are their big days and they find good luck on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 17th and 26th of each month. But avoid the combination of 4 and 8 where-ever they occur in routine. This year an unexpected event can make you glitter in the society. You'll be very prudent with money and will tend to limit spending. You'll try to save as much as possible to prepare for difficult times. You'll be able to go on a foreign trip. This will be a relaxing, harmonious year.
Positive colours: Black, chocolate. Select days: Sunday, Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 8. Charity on birthday: Donate cooked rice to poor people.
You share your birthday with Ravi Kishan Shukla (July 17, 1971, Jaunpur), popularly known as Ravi
Kishan, who is a popular hero in Bhojpuri cinema. According to Ravi's horoscope, he will shine like the Venus Star in 2017. |
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Close your eyes. Let the tongue feel the texture and the taste-buds experience the flavours of Sicily. Forget spicy, let the taste of subtle Italian cuisine reach straight to the heart! Forget fine-dining, just remember the cuddly and cozy homeliness of Italian food.
Though her marriage to filmmaker Aditya Chopra was a hush-hush affair, actress Rani Mukerji has revealed that her wedding outfit was designed by friend Sabyasachi.
Actress, singer and former VJ Sophie Choudry has been growing from strength to strength each week on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. This week, we hear that this multitalented performer turned into an alien and performed with her choreographer, Deepak.
Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald.