friendship day
Unpalatably Platonic?
When Aristotle said 'a friend is a single soul dwelling in two bodies', he didn't give much thought to the fact—what if the bodies belonged to two different genders! 
Mona

Friendship brings joy and laughter, moments of togetherness, flashes of rivalry, few secrets, many confessions. It's one relation you can bank on irrespective of the time, place or situation. You know your 'friend' is there for you. "What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies."…wrote Aristotle ages back.

Now, does it make a difference if your friend happens to be the same sex or not? Well, if you are in India then chances are that it does, still!

Snigdha Sachar is a 20-year-old engineering student. Her friends group has more guys today than girls, something that her parents are fine with. "When I am out with my friends, people raise eyebrows. Now, I just don't care," says Snigdha. A student of all-girls school, Scared Heart, when Snigdha joined engineering at Chandigarh College of Engineering & Technology, her friends circle took in boys too, something that her parents were not comfortable to begin with. By and by they made peace with it. Even today, when we have mixed crowds in schools, colleges and workplaces, a boy being friends with a girl or a man with a woman does invite the question—"So, you are just friends?"

Manu Sharma, a senior associate with Fidelity International, rues the situation, "See friendship happens when two people decide to be friends. Whether they are of same gender or not doesn't matter a bit. But even today when people see a man and woman being friends even in a professional set up, they ask, "What's cooking?'"

We agree, a generation or two back, boys and girls couldn't be friends. They had little common space to mingle, there were fewer women in the workforce, ambits of social interactions did not allow mingling of sexes, but today, it is an open society?

We catch this group of students watching an early morning show of Kick at a city mall. A mixed group of five boys and three girls. Prodding them a bit reveals that while two of them had informed their parents about the outing, the rest didn't.

"My mother would have none of it," fumed 17-year- old Ishita (name changed). While her friend Mehar (16) talks about how understanding her parents have always been, "I have promised them when I have a boyfriend they will be the first to know," says Meher clearing gently that the present company is 'just' friends. The boys share the same story, albeit it's Rohan's (name changed) father who would have none of his 16-year-old son going out with girls.

While many parents accept kids moving around in a mixed group, other still wouldn't have any of it. Anuradha Bhandari, professor in department of psychology, Panjab University, explains, "It varies from family to family, individual to individual. If the family is aware and understanding, healthy friendships with opposite sex would only help in the overall development. If otherwise, the children would either be embarrassed absolutely unnecessary for something they shouldn't be or become "I don't care" type.

Societal norms, when not uniform, can lead to confusion. Awal Majhitia, an IT entrepreneur, is proud of his pack of friends that include both boys and girls, in equal numbers. Dividing his time between Toronto and Chandigarh, even Awal gets exasperated on why there has to be something more to it when a guy and a girl are friendly.

"My ex-girlfriend wasn't comfortable with my many friends who are girls and we had to part ways,” says Awal.

"Change comes with time," says Anuradha. "Comments like oh, you are friendly with him/her—will only go away with time." she adds.

mona@tribunemail.com

Crossing the boundary

Friendship stories have been a staple on big screen, albeit Bollywood flicks majorly thrive on man to man friendship. It's' Hollywood that has exploited 'Can boy be friends with girls' genre with When Harry met Sally. There are a number of studies too that point out that physical attraction sometimes comes between friends of opposite sex. Swena Singh, a corporate employee, is still friends with her school group. But admits on many occasions her guy friends have fallen for her. "Thrice, it happened," she giggles. "For me they were just friends. Twice I was able to save friendship, in one case I had to let go as it got messy."

Friendship knows no gender, defends Punita Singh, senior counsellor. Not necessary that sparks can fly only among opposite sex. It's up to an individual to keep the boundaries. There are people who are interested in sleeping around but that wouldn't fall in the ambit of friendship," she clears the air.


friendship day
On a friendly note
Friends Never Say Goodbye…friendship is forever. Little wonder lyricists put their heart and soul into the words to describe friendship
Manpriya Singh

Either for a day, or for a lifetime, chances are that everyone's bumped into their best friend forever. Young, old or classmates from yore, they need to be told because don't you want to retain your buddies? The platonic soul mate or 'friends with benefits', the list of songs that let you celebrate friendship don't come any longer. Unarguably, I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts is the friendship anthem. Singling out the track as just best would be undermining the cult status. The status it has come to achieve, not so much for its lyrics and music as for the fact that it was the theme song for historically successful sitcom Friends. Need we say more?

Hall of fame

On similar lines, there's I'll be There by Jackson. The one that lets your friend know, they can rely on a shoulder to cry on. Despite the deep intentions, the songs appeals to any age group. Speaking of which, there's Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C, the official graduation song mentioned at almost all high school farewells. Understandably, it talks of shared times with friends, the years gone by. Yet another classic We're Going to Be Friends by The White Stripe talks of school days, climbing fences, dirty uniforms, chasing ants and much more shared through the beautiful bond of friendship. While summing up the list, how can You're My Best Friend by Queen, Lean on Me by Bill Withers or In My Life by Beatles not be mentioned? In many songs, half the lyrics can be mistaken for those of a love song, nevertheless a lot of tracks leave no scope for confusion. For instance, Friends Never Say Goodbye by Elton John. It might not be an idea of a peppy friendship track, but the word friend figures not just in the name but also the spirit of the song. Same goes for Best Friend by Brandy, since it mentions, "Whenever I am down, I call on you my friend…You've always been here right beside me, so I call you my best friend." Closely follows the sugar pink, candy floss and all that jazz image of friendship cultivated by a bunch of young dames on celluloid. Read My BFF by Paris Hilton and True Friend by Hannah Montana. There's Wannabe by Spice Girls, that's perfect for a road trip with friends. Play on and sing out loud, "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends, make it last forever, friendship never ends."

Plug onto Rihanna's Under My Umbrella and celebrate friendship, especially when the smash hit goes like, "Told you I'd be here forever, Said I'll always be a friend." It is counted among one of the best friendship songs in recent years.

Youngster's take

For a generation that's gone up watching friends, the recall value matters more than the substance and melody. Shares, Sharanjyot Singh Matharu, B. Tech student, "Clearly I'll be there For You by Rembrandt is the song that first comes to mind, when asked to mention songs on friendship. It is only when one begins to download the song that one comes to know of the original band that gave us the track." He adds, "It is one of my favourite tracks for several reasons. It is simple and complete." Pretty much how friendship should be.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Bolly tunes

  • Yeh dosti hum nahi chhodengay - Sholay
  • Diye jalte hai phool khilte hai - Namak Haraam
  • Yaari hai imaan mera- Zanjeer
  • Aaya mausam dosti ka - Maine Pyar Kiya
  • Tere jaisa yaar kahan - Yaarana
  • Salamat rahe dostana hamara - Dostana

Firangi note

  • I'll be there for you-Ost F.R.I.E.N.D.S
  • With a little help from my friends-Beatles and Joe Cracker
  • You're my best friend-Queen
  • I'll be there-The Jackson 5
  • Anytime You Need A Friend-Mariah Carey
  • I'll Stand By You-The Pretenders

(Compiled by Amarjot Kaur)

The great Indian wedding tamasha
Manpriya Singh

The Swarovski crystals that the markets were in love with a few seasons ago have clearly faded out as compared to the golden-ribbon work that Indian craftsmen love to call gotta patti. The neon has humbly paved way for otherwise brighter pinks and shades of carrot. Pastels in blue and green are welcome. As for the bling, err… what will we ever do without it? Luxury Wedding, the wedding and lifestyle exhibition, offers much to those who know how to sift the good from the etcetera. Among all things same, there are only a few subtle differences, notable to the discerning buyer.

Lots to choose from

To begin with, a majority of exhibitors come from Delhi, followed by Mumbai and Chandigarh. There's Bodhi Tree from Jaipur, offering bridal and other wedding outfit ideas. The first stall proudly welcomes those with a strong shoe fetish and those who prefer bling on their feet. Those in search of something that stands apart - pastels in gotta patti or lucknawi chikan with mukaish - can pay a quick visit to Numaa'ish Collections.

There's a silver jewellery brand from Bikaner, Shvet from Bikaner, which promises all things chunky and Indian. Those not in a frenzy to buy can browse and window shop for ideas, take a look or just look interested. There are several more to come.

Know your tomorrow

Amidst much ado about weddings, festivities and bridal trousseaus, it is only natural that there should be someone to predict auspicious dates, right occasions and anything else that future might hold or hide. Man's ever-growing curiosity to know the future, which is designed by nature to be a secret. Shares Chandani, Delhi-based tarot reader, rune reader, oracle and healer, "The most requested prediction pertains to relationships, followed closely only by finance."

On till August 3 at The Taj, Chandigarh

manpriya@tribunemail.com

star track
Creative cravings
Kangana Ranaut tells it like it is. She talks about movies, money, ideology, and more

Student life in New York

Actually, I had finished one part of the course before Queen. As a creative person, I felt that I had reached a point where I needed to do some thing new. Besides, I have wanted to experience campus life in a big institute since childhood. The experience was lovely. I was not escorted by nannies, unlike others (read actors) who take their entourage along even for holidays. The first few days of staying alone in a new country were difficult. But slowly I got used to it.

Life after Queen

There was a time I did bad films and I was written off. People had given up on me. I was not getting opportunities, until Krrish 3 happened.

Initially, I had refused Krrish 3. Still the Roshans kept inviting me to their parties. They explained to me that I couldn't hold the grudge for too long because Kites was a learning experience for every one. I am a very emotional person. I get hurt easily and behave like a kid. But I understood they valued me as a person. Slowly, I am changing. That happened due to cinematographer Bobby Singh's death which happened in front of us in ten minutes flat. I learnt that life is fragile. So, I have matured. I have hiked my fee by 50 per cent also after Queen.

No big films

That's not true. Wasn't Krrish 3 a biggie? And, would you like to see me in Dabangg? Why should I get into a space where everybody else is? Working with big heroes, big films and doing as many movies as possible, is not on my agenda. I don't want to live a superficial life where I am unhappy from within.

Next stop

I am starting Katti Batti with Imran Khan very soon. Then Tanu Weds Manu 2, followed by Reema Kagti's film with Saif (Ali Khan). I also have Sai Kabir's Divine Lovers. In fact, Salman Khan introduced me to Nikhil Advani and told me that he had a lovely script for Katti Batti.

Letting it go

I am in touch with Anurag Basu on and off and our relationship has healed a lot. It was my fault too that we drifted apart. I was living under the notion that he wasn't there for me when some of my films failed. I am ready to be friends with him like before.

2014 belongs to Sajid

As a producer he scored a hat-trick with his films, Highway, 2 States and Heropanti doing massive business and being highly appreciated by audiences.

Now, the producer-turned-director, Sajid Nadiadwala, who made his directorial debut with Salman Khan, Kick, couldn't have been happier with the overwhelming response to Kick.

Kick, which is Salman's Eid release, has managed to get an Rs 100 crore number even before it was Eid.

Despite the fact that Kick released on July 25, which was a working Friday and during Ramazan, it cut down on the working audience as well as majority of the Muslim audience, the film's box office collections have been incredible, reaching the 100 crore mark already.

Moreover, the western part of India saw heavy rainfall on all these days. But the buzz on the film was so strong that audiences yet got out of their houses to watch the film.

Now, that the holy period of Ramzaan is over, single screen and multiplex theatres will see heavy footfalls with a majority of audience going to theatres to watch the big Salman Khan-starrer.

Going forward, we will see Sajid Nadiadwala invest in diverse projects like Ranbir-Deepika starrer, Tamasha and Saif-Katrina starrer, Phantom.

Sajid Nadiadwala says "It's been a very special Eid. NGE started the year with a bang and Kick has added to it. It has been euphoric. Celebrations at Salman and my residence have not stopped."

Trade Analyst Komal Nahta says, "Only an idiot in the film trade would not understand that Kick has created records in spite of not netting Rs 35 crore plus on any single day. Which film before this has collected Rs 26 crore on a Ramazan Friday? Which film before this has netted more on day 2 (Rs 27 crore) than day 1 in Ramazan month? Which film before this has given a weekend figure of 80 plus during Ramazan? And how many films have collected Rs 28 crore on the fifth day even if it is Eid?

There can be nothing more objective than box office figures, can there?

When Priyanka Chopra stopped traffic

While shooting in Manali, a hill station nested in Himachal Pradesh for Mary Kom, the local market had to be shut and special permissions were taken from the local governing bodies, and market authorities. The cast and crew would shoot the film once the streets were cleared up.

It was not an easy affair to clear up the hustle and bustle of the market and the streets of the small town, which is always filled with locals and tourists.

The star crazy locals nonetheless were more than happy to lend their support and happily cooperated and were excited that the gritty-sports drama was being shot with superstar Priyanka Chopra adorning their small town.

Rolls Royce for Sallu

Sajid Nadiadwala is mighty pleased with the response to Kick. He is gifting Salman Khan a Rolls Royce worth Rs 3 crore as a gesture of gratitude. How awesome is that!

Dream team: Sajid Nadiadwala, Salman Khan & Jacqueline Fernandez

Why Nikhil?

The trailer of Nikhil Dwivedi -starrer Tamanchey, which is about gangsters who fall in love, is out now. We don't care much for it and why would anyone cast Nikhil Dwivedi is beyond us!

Rani returns to Jhansi

Rani Mukerji Rani Mukerji is a native of Jhansi and she will be starting her promotional tour for Mardaani with Jhansi. Her character in Mardaani is a little like Jhansi Ki Rani. It will be a special trip for her, a walk down memory lane after twenty years.

Farhan in charge

Farhan Akhtar has asked some changes to be made in the second half of Raees and that means that the film will not roll in November. Raees has been getting delayed for a while now and it stars Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar with Rahul Dholakia as the director.

Tiger reaches out to his tigress

Tiger Shroff adopted a four-year-old tigress cub from Maharajahbag Zoo in Nagpur recently. He is bearing her expenses and ensuring that she gets fresh meat and has a special shelter. He visits her in Nagpur whenever he can. Meanwhile, he has now received a fifth degree honorary black belt from the Kukkiwon - World Taekwondo headquarters, an organisation established by the South Korean government.

Party all night

Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra along with Mohit Marwah comprise the young brigade. They have been hanging out a lot and recently partied the night away at a South-Bombay nightclub.

Special guest

Hrithik Roshan will do a cameo in Farhan Akhtar and Kareena Kapoor Khan's upcoming film Bombay Samurai. The makers of the film apparently asked the writer to create a special character for him.

chatter box
Engaged for life

Archana Vijaya Archana Vijaya made a career out of hosting cricket series and was also seen in Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. The pretty veejay was dating a Delhi-based businessman Dheeraj Puri since two years and is now engaged to him. Apparently, the ceremony happened in Dubai and they plan to tie the knot next year.

Talking point

Have you spotted your favourite Bollywood icons in a candid conversation with their friend; let their guards down on national TV? Look Who's Talking with Niranjan does exactly that! Come August, the much-awaited television launch of noted lyricist Niranjan Iyengar raises curtains on Zee Café. With this brand new property, Zee Café pioneers a unique sales initiative to engage with fans pan-India. Celebrities will part with one item each post the show, the proceeds of which will go towards charity.

Commenting on the launch, Anurag Bedi, EVP & Business Head, Zee Cafe said, "Look Who's Talking with Niranjan is indeed another ace delivered by Zee Cafe. I'm very proud of its outcome. Look Who's Talking with Niranjan adds to our current programming bouquet." 

Food, love & more!

 A still from the show, When Patrick met Kylie FOX Life is all set to bring a dream love story, When Patrick met Kylie, to your television sets starting August 4, Monday to Friday from 8 pm onwards. When Patrick Met Kylie is an endearing love story of two food enthusiasts Kylie Flavell, a magazine editor, and Patrick Drake, an ex-lawyer-turned-chef, who leaves everything to pursue their passion for Italian cuisine and ends up falling in love on this journey.

This was a match truly made in heaven. Kylie's passion for Italy and cooking inspired her to leave a lucrative job as a food, business and lifestyle journalist in Australia and move to Rome. Her love for food led her to Patrick, who she contacted in London after trying a recipe on his video blog. Patrick, having also abandoned his law career for one in food, agreed to join Kylie on her culinary adventure. The show follows Patrick and Kylie on their extraordinary journey across the Italian peninsula, in which the two food experts travel far and wide to understand the secrets and joys of this ancient and pleasure-loving culture.

Falaq’s new role

Falaq Naaz was last seen as Jhanvi in Rashmi Sharma Productions' Sasural Simar Ka on Colors, and now she will be seen in Rashmi's other long-running show Saath Nibhana Saathiya on Star Plus too. Falaq will be seen as Paridhi, who will have a Western look. She will play a business tycoon and be the new girl in Jigar's (Vishal Singh) life after Rashi's death.

Suit yourself!

Ever imagined professionals pushing themselves to the limit where friends become foes? That's what you will see in this season of Suits! Suits tells the story of Mike Ross, a brilliant young college-dropout, who slips into a job interview with one of New York City's best legal closers, Harvey Specter. Tired of cookie-cutter law school grads, Harvey takes a gamble by hiring Mike on the spot after he recognises his raw talent and photographic memory. Mike and Harvey are a winning team and have a great run together but by the end of Season 3, the past has caught up with them and Season 4 begins with them squaring off against each other!

This season brings its twists and turns, and a bundle of unexpected changes. Mike is no more with former mentor Harvey. Mike is an investment banker now and Harvey, "New York's best closer", is now on all-out war! There are no signs of submission and it's going to be a knockout round. Even love is thrown in the mist when Mike and his girlfriend find themselves juggling their relationship between professional rivalries. It's a battle of dignity, reputation and status; the stakes are higher than ever!

Will Harvey and Mike reach status quo? And will Rachel and Mike scrape through the thin line? In the three seasons that it has aired, the show has developed a loyal audience with people warming up to Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominee Mike Ross and showering love on Harvey Spector. It remains a clear favourite for audiences online as well with regular inquiries on our Facebook page about newer seasons. It is not without reason that we call it the biggest show on English television! Be ready to remain at the edge of your seat. Suits (season 4) premieres August 4, Monday to Wednesday, 10 pm only on Comedy Central.

Akshay Vs Akshay

Akshay Kumar It was a precious moment for Cine Stars Ki Khoj contestant Akshay Nalawade, when he recently had the chance to meet his idol Akshay Kumar on the show. The Bollywood star was on the show to promote his upcoming comedy flick Entertainment along with co-star Tamannaah. Nalawade, as a background dancer, had performed a few times behind the khiladi, but it was a dream come true to meet him in person. When Nalawade told the khiladi that he was his sole inspiration to get a black-belt in Taekwondo, the actor was clearly touched. 

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Not much out of the ordinary is likely to transpire today. Do not overload yourself with work. Working women: control your temper. Pearls of wisdom from an older person are valuable. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 38.

TAURUS: There are too many problems to cope with at home. Business conferences and organisational meeting can go off smoothly under your direction. Romance with a friend can start up unexpectedly. Tarot message: Avoid a situation that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 59.

GEMINI: You'll prefer not to share your thoughts or ideas with people from your past. If you are thinking of rekindling a past love affair, make a plan for a weekend retreat. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Navy-blue. Magic number: 47.

CANCER: Work-wise you will be doing fine. Love life is controversial. Give more time to domestic duties. Do not suppress your feelings. Love and friendship are likely to take up most of your time. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 53.

LEO: You must try harder at work. Avoid speculation. It is a hectic day for business activities. Travel plans need a double check. Even though surrounded by friends, you will feel all alone today. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30.

VIRGO: There will be new projects to deal with. Friends will be coming up with useful ideas. Mothers: take proper care of your child. Bizfolk: you can expect to double the output; if not less. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in long-term ventures. Lucky colour: Sky-blue Magic number: 31.

LIBRA: Nothing is going wrong today. Home and family life run smoothly. You will get more time to do what you want, which will give you happiness. Co-workers will be controversial. Pamper yourself a little today. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions at the workplace. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36.

SCORPIO: Women will be bored with their daily routine. Love life will be controversial. Your health can stand in the way of travel plans. If you are heading overseas, ensure that your health is up to the mark before applying. Tarot message: Try to get your work in order. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 61.

SAGITTARIUS: Avoid tiffs and angry words in the heat of the moment. Focus on hobbies and personal matters. Students: a day when you will be confused about your career. Someone close to you will sap your energy. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 32.

CAPRICORN: Inquiries for business will be encouraging. Investments made in new ventures are sure to bring good dividends. Your mind will be busy daydreaming, plotting fabulous ways to get the things you want. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29.

AQUARIUS: Do not sign new agreements. Use your sympathy more than your ambition for best results. A strong independent streak will push you to get things done your way. Use diplomacy and tact at work. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 43.

PISCES: The wheel of progress and action is likely to come to a halt today. The vibes now call for reflection and re-evaluation. Finish odd jobs, research new projects, but don't try to initiate them yet. Tarot message: Be creative to retain a grip over your business. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 3

Number three is sociable, friendly and has an outgoing vibration. You are kind, positive and optimistic. Ruled by Jupiter, you will be jovial, positive, adventurous and expressive. Cast aside preconceptions that prevent you from growing professionally and having the right view of things. Something is not working in your relationship and you'll feel a strong desire for a momentary break. You will be resourceful, dynamic and obtain the support of your superiors. It is a very good year to overcome competition. Health will be good. Career will progress. Health and energy will be good. An intense desire to change jobs can prompt you to do something in haste. Don't quit your position just yet.

Positive colours: Golden, red.
Select days: Sunday, Monday.
Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.
Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Ruby.
Charity on birthday: Donate wheat to the needy. 

You share your birthday with Angela Beesley Starling (August 3, 1977, Norwich, England), who is the co-founder of Wikia and its vice-president for community relations. Involved in Wikipedia since 2003, Beesley was elected to the Board of Trustees of the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation in 2004.





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