Love on the line
Some of these latest dating apps, doing the rounds on youngsters' smartphones, have redefined 'convenience'. Who knows, your soul mate might be just a swipe away!
Somya Abrol

Love was never easy. Finding it, it seems, is a battle. Going up to the bar to buy the girls' table drinks or maroing gehris (in our case) to appease the 'girl of your dreams' is downright passé. Now, just swipe, click and charm your way, virtually, to a date.

The stress and hustle-bustle of our busy lives has facilitated techies to create applications for dating on the go. While these apps provide the comfort of avoiding the dreaded blind-date awkwardness, as you get to know the person on the other end well enough beforehand, they also minimize the possibility of you finding 'the one'. Heard of the 'plenty of fish in the sea' syndrome? Nevertheless, in celebration of singledom, here are some apps that seem to have found their way to every smartphone's homescreen.

1.Tinder: This matchmaking app was unknown to City Beautiful till recently. Launched in the US in September 2012, Tinder is a location-based app that logs in with your Facebook ID, without divulging your probable-love-life details to the world. The app scans a particular radius (set by you) to find 'matches'. Superficial as it is, you go through the person-in-question's brief intro, chosen pictures and swipe them left (for unlike) and right (for like) accordingly. Don't worry, the person in question doesn't realise you've liked him/her till they also like you back. That's when it's a 'match'! Chandigarh boy Gaurav Sharma, a young internet entrepreneur, was new to Chandigarh till two months ago. Now, he swears by the app. "It's a great way to connect with strangers and make friends, especially when you're either new to town or crazy busy with work. I've met some very interesting women like a bindaas DJ, a talented designer and more. Though I agree the app is superficial, it's a great way to know people around you. You don't have to be looking just for love to be on it!"

Available on: Android, iOS

2.Thrill: This app should be made to represent the Women's Democratic of India movement; just saying. For a change, women have the upper hand. Sample these taglines: "He applies. She decides" or "Women in control. Men, make the cut." Here, women 'crowd source' men onto the app. Men are voted up/down by women users, then the final approval is given by an exclusive female board of approvers. And, this app is only available for Indian users. Now, it's natural to think that the app was created by women. It was, however, created by Americans Josh Israel (chief of love and money) and Devin Serago (chief dating officer) about six months ago. The duo visited India to research for a mobile app and ended up creating Thrill for Indian women. Ask them what made them give women the preference and Josh says, "We were out at a bar in Gurgaon one night and observed the kind of creeps women have to deal with in order to find love. And, not surprisingly, we have more than 50,000 users and 10,000 matches in about six months of launching the app."

Available on: Android, iOS

3.OKCupid: After being a successful online dating website, OKCupid has progressed with the times and is now available on your smartphones. This app lets you browse profiles, send messages and seek blind dates with its 'crazy blind date' feature. Like its online version, it also lets you email and chat with people you think you might have things in common with. The downside, however, is that you cannot control who sends you messages or who sees your profile. The upside, on the other hand, is that OKCupid isn't half as shallow as some other dating apps. It lets you write 5,000-word descriptions of your favourite books, movies, shows, hobbies etc. Though most people won't bother reading through your scriptures, there's something called personal satisfaction. In the West, however, OKCupid is touted to be a dating app for grad students. But, Indians make their own set of rules as they go.

Available on: Android, Windows and iOS

4.Paktor: Another rare app that respects your privacy and has the option of 'Connecting Privately'. Paktor, launched in June 2013 for Southeast Asia, came to India in October 2013. It lets you sign up with your Facebook account, without posting any details on your wall. The user interface of this app is very fresh and peppy, and as easy as swiping left or right to 'dislike' or 'like' profiles, respectively. Here again, you like profiles anonymously — the ones you like won't get to know till they've liked you back. What we love about this app is the fact that it can auto-translate messages for you, so you don't get lost in translation! And, to ward off perverts, the makers — Americans Joseph and Christopher D'Cruz — have provided a red flag on top of each photo to report abuse.

Available on: Android and iOS

5.BeeTalk: Again a location-based app, BeeTalk allows you to do much more than chatting. It allows you to send text and voice messages and make unlimited free phone calls. What sets this app apart, however, is the Whisper feature, which makes messages and pictures disappear after they've been read (one to 15 seconds, depends on the sender's preference). Launched in November 2013, BeeTalk has fast gained popularity and has hijacked a major market of Line (a chatting app), owing to its features and user-friendly interface.

Available on: Android and iOS

somya@tribunemail.com

Break ke baad
You will see a lot of Karan Kundra, both on small and big screen, in the coming times
Jasmine Singh
Role call: Karan Kundra
Role call: Karan Kundra

This isn't the first time that he's had a bare it all chat, this isn't either the only time that he has scarped the silver lining surrounding his career and love life, and this definitely isn't the only time we've come back knowing a little more about the actor Karan Kundra. Even when he is an open book, the actor can surprise you with some pages that you probably forgot to go through. Today, one such page called 'love & lost' catches the attention.

The actor who is in Punjab, at his home with his mother, is recovering from an injury that left him in acute pain. The accident happened while he was shooting for his up coming show on MTV Fanaah. "The pain is severe, I did keep shooting after the injury but it hasn't healed still, so I came back to Punjab aware that my mother will ensure that I am all well within days," shares Karan who will next be seen in Fanaah.

MTV Fanaah is about the complexities of a love story featuring supernatural entities. Love story, just what we would have wanted to ask Karan. The actor has never hid his love life from the world; never did he use the word 'just friends'. "I don't know I tried really hard to make my relationship work, it didn't however," he says without dramatising. But well, there is always a next time. Karan laughs, "Oh yes, if someone can understand me and I do the same, it would work."

This was for real life, as for the reel life, Karan plays a vampire in Fanaah, something which is pretty different from what he has done before, a reality show Gumraah. "Through Gumraah, I wanted to give a message, which is something that I have already achieved, and how long will go on repeating the same thing," he puts forth his point. Fanaah is something Karan enjoyed working on. "I haven't watched any vampire stories or shows other than the Hollywood film Twilight. I am sure Fanaah is going to be a great show."

This fitness freak is ready to flood the silver screen with his upcoming Punjabi film Control Bhaji Control and other Hindi Rum Pum Posh. "You will see a lot of me in the coming three months," he tries to smile through his pain. For Karan who has the experience of good TV and good films, both the mediums can be satisfying and not satisfying at the same time. "The kind of action we get to do in films, we can't do on TV, and the kind of grilling everyday hours we put in TV, we don't do that for films," says Karan as he straightens his leg and back, trying his best to deal with pain…just like love!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

STAR TRACK
When you say nothing at all...

The trailer of Shahid Kapoor's next film Haider has earned him accolades from all quarters. Shahid's look garnered immense praise and now his role and performance is being highly talked about. While the film is currently being edited and worked upon, Vishal Bhardwaj organised a special screening for Pankaj Kapoor to take his feedback. Vishal and Pankaj have an excellent relationship, having worked on Maqbool and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, and hence he was keen on him watching the film.

Pankaj confessed to Shahid that he was at a loss of words. He was not able to describe Shahid's performance in words. The father - son duo share a friendly relation and are critical and honest of each other's work. Shahid was humbled and said that this was the best compliment that he received. "My father was pleased with what he saw in Haider. I did not expect to leave him speechless so I feel very happy. All my efforts have paid off."

On the wrong footing

Actor Gerard Butler has sparked a review by aviation authorities in Australia after he shared a clip of a friend performing stunts in a helicopter on a chat show.

The Scottish actor has been Down Under filming a new movie, and he shared footage of his experiences in the country during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show in June, reported a publication. The clip, which was also uploaded to YouTube shows Butler, 44, and his friends on a fishing trip as a helicopter comes in low and performs a dangerous-looking stunt close to the ground. The actor refused to reveal the pilot's name over fears that he might get in trouble. It has now emerged that bosses at Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) have obtained the footage and are reviewing it.

Casa spokesman Peter Gibson said, "The registration of the helicopter is unclear from the video but we are looking into it... Casa is reviewing the video of the helicopter flying near the fishing party. Casa always takes any information or evidence about potential unsafe flying seriously and takes the appropriate actions." An official investigation into the stunt is yet to be launched. — PTI 

Kajol buries the hatchet

Kajol met Kangna Ranaut at a fashion show and the actresses got along like a house on fire. Earlier, the senior actress did not approve of Kangna's growing friendship with her husband Ajay Devgn on the sets of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Rascals. But it seems like everything is fine now.

Salman’s magic works again

Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Sonam Kapoor and others are raving about Kick on social media. The movie has got an opening of nearly Rs 30 crore, which is a record. As for critics, the film received mixed to positive reviews from them. 

CHATTER BOX
On meeting Rajnikanth

Actor Sharad Kelkar recently got an opportunity to meet superstar Rajnikanth in Hyderabad. Sharad was shooting for his film at Ramoji City and he went to meet the veteran actor, who was also shooting there for a south Indian film. "It was an honour to get an opportunity to meet Thaliva Rajnikanth. 

He is extremely humble and simple. I have grown up seeing his films, including Andha Kanoon, Giraftaar, Hum, Uttar Dakshin and Shivaji: The Boss and have always been attracted to his unique style. He is a living legend and a man of few words. I will always cherish the meeting and the bonus was when I got his blessings," says Sharad. He adds that he has a dream of sharing the screen with Rajnikanth one day.

Tina is in Tommorowland!

Actress Tina Dutta (Iccha of Uttaran) has gone for a ten-day break. She is enjoying to the hilt at Tommorowland's anniversary event in Belgium. She says, "I have been having a great time. I am enjoying my break. Sometimes in life it's necessary to have fun.

" When asked if she would be missing from the episodes, she replies, "I have shot in advance, so I won't be out of sight on the show." On Uttaran doing well even after the change in time slot, she says, "The show has a loyal audience base. It's a fantastic feeling to be a part of this show. I will come back rejuvenated after a holiday."

A golden opportunity

Singer and producer Yo Yo Honey Singh has gotten customised pure gold lockets made for 10 contestants of India's Raw Star. Honey Singh, who visited Ahmedabad, Varanasi and Jaipur to pick up the contestants, welcomed them with the lockets.

The 10 lucky contestants were chosen through a digital audition. Singh, who will be mentoring them on the show, decided to surprise the contestants by picking them up from their city. The lockets are made of pure gold and Singh has finalised the design himself. He wanted to give them a token of appreciation for the talent that they will be bringing on board. 

On becoming a father

Sooraj Thapar, who stars in Ek Nayi Pehchan, recently became a parent. His wife Dhyani delivered a baby boy and the couple is over the moon. The baby is healthy and so is the mother. Sooraj was with his wife throughout her delivery.

On the guest list

Narayani Shastri, Sreesanth, Gaurav Chopra, Nausheen, and Neetu Chandra are some of the people who are being approached for the next season of Bigg Boss. Ruslaan Mumtaz was approached for the show too, but as he has another commitment during the same time, so he couldn't take it up.

Birds of the same feather

After Raj Babbar and Rannvijay Singh, now film actor, Adah Khan, has joined Vipul Shah's television show for Life OK. Adah Khan has also acted in many of Vikram Bhatt's movies, including 1920. However, in this show, she will play the lead with Rannvijay.

Neither shaken, nor stirred

Amitabh Bachchan's debut fiction show, Yudh, has not been able to garner good ratings. However, filmmaker, Anurag Kashyap, who is the creative director of the show, is unfazed. He recently told the media that he is busy with the show and has no idea about the response.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 28...

Your birth on the 28th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life path. The number 1 energy suggests more executive ability and leadership qualities than your path may have indicated. A birthday on the 28th of any month gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. Unlike much of the other 1 energy, this birthday is endowed with the ability to start a job and continue on until it is finished.

Positive colors: Golden, red, brown, wheat, snow white

Select days: Sunday and Monday

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, red coral and ruby.

Charity on birthday: Donate white clothes/white edible items today.

Ayesha Jhulka You share your birthday with Ayesha Jhulka [July 28, 1975, Srinagar], who appeared in late ’80s and ’90s with a long interval out of films during the early 21st century, before resuming her career in supporting roles in films like Socha Na Tha. Astrologically speaking, Ayesha's career is not bright now onwards.

 

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card, Eight of Swords, bestows Saturine influence, as such problems are bound to arise at home. Cater to people, who may be feeling under the weather. A neighbour could be a cause of worry. 

Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones.

Lucky colour: Aqua blue

Magic number: 39

TAURUS: You may encounter some difficulties in the first half of the day. Budget may go topsy-turvy. You may give some of your time to work in the hospitals or institutions .

Tarot message: Seek advice but don't feel the need to stick to it.

Lucky colour: Crimson

Magic number: 48

GEMINI: You will not be able to get teamwork going today. Short trips could cause minor annoyances. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be much harder to carry out. 

Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter, so beware.

Lucky colour: Purple

Magic number: 36

CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. However, do not sign new agreements. Today is a hectic day for businesspersons. Avoid getting into arguments. Sit back and enjoy the day as it unfolds.

Tarot message: Be polite and understanding.

Lucky colour: Deep red

Magic number: 59

LEO: Use your own judgment while taking important issues. Your family members may not like your association. Do not show your anger to anybody. A restless attitude is likely to prevail.

Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines.

Lucky colour: Yellow

Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Make your choices wisely today. Talking about the issues with friends may be a good distraction, but it will not make any difference to your situation. Meditate on your situation.

Tarot message: Take your partner out for a dinner.

Lucky colour: Forest green

Magic number: 47

LIBRA: You card, Ten of Wands, shows deception influence. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Women: control your diet, and focus on exercise.

Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach.

Lucky colour: Orange

Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: Youngsters may feel bit lethargic. New work may prove to be lucrative. You can safely delegate responsibility of work to others. A chance encounter with a stranger may leave your heart beating wildly. 

Tarot message: Beware of making rash decisions when angry or upset. 

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: You are unlikely to have any difficulty on concentrating. There could be some problems in store for you as the day progresses. Diplomacy and tact are the key words for the day. 

Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. 

Lucky colour: Peach

Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Students: do not neglect your work. Humanity pays. Keep business activities open and transparent. Parent's health needs attention. A foolish obligation should be dropped. 

Tarot message: Do try to be as charming as possible in all situations.

Lucky colour: Mauve

Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Get into work early because as the day unfolds, everything can become disjointed. An influential person may acknowledge your work and encourage you to take your career further. 

Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others.

Lucky colour: Silver grey

Magic number: 40

PISCES: No matter what problems might arise, you will achieve your goals. Job seekers may get through a couple of interviews. A business deal is likely to get through, thereby giving you a more secure income.

Tarot message: Take the life the way it comes.

Lucky colour: White

Magic number: 52





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 |