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	STAR TRACK B-Town celebs wish Happy Friendship Day “Friendship Day? No! Every day is friendship day! Once a friend, always a friend.” Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar took to twitter to celebrate Friendship Day and asked fans to cherish this eternal bond of sharing and love. "Friendship Day? No! Every day is friendship day! Once a friend, always a friend," Big B tweeted. Filmmaker Karan Johar compared friendship to marriage, saying, "Friendship just like marriage has its fair share of highs and lows... but when the base is strong it's an unbreakable bond." Superstar Akshay Kumar sent out a message that a pet is man's best friend, by posting a still from his upcoming film Entertainment, where he is shown smiling with a dog. The young brigade of Bollywood also wished their fans on friendship day, with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania star Alia Bhatt posting, "Happy friendships day to all of you, love love love you all." Vicky Donor actress Yami Gautam, wrote, "This is one relation which does not need a day to be celebrated.. doesn't need any gyan (knowledge) to be defined.. Happy Friendship Day.. everyday." "If you find a friend you can be weird with then stick with them! And a Happy Friendship Day to you," actress Ileana D'Cruz tweeted. Actress Bipasha Basu posted a collage of pictures of herself with her friends and captioned it, "Whole Day dedicated to this beautiful relationship called friendship! So blessed." "Wishing all a very very very happy friendship day.. my twitter family.. love you guys," Ameesha Patel posted. — PTI
	Revenge drama Director Kunal Deshmukh is back with Raja Natwarlal after Jannat 2. He talks about the movie and more. Venturing away I wanted to grow and not restrict myself to one particular kind of cinema. It was a tough call to venture away from from Vishesh Films and I pondered over it for a long time before taking the plunge. Deal lost There was one Emraan Hashmi film which had to be shelved because we couldn't get a heroine. The script required an established actress and the Bhatts don't work with stars. But that wasn't the reason for breaking away. The difference Raja Natwarlal is an entertaining film revolving around a conman. Emraan looks like someone who can bend the rules. At the end of the day it is a revenge drama and not a con story. The Bhatts don't subscribe to this kind of cinema. Mukesh Ji has heard the music. And Mahesh Ji saw the first cut. He loved it and even suggested a few tweaks. If you have Mahesh Bhatt for a guide and you don't listen to him, you are nothing but a fool. Professional take There were minor delays in shoot but hats off to Emraan and his wife Parveen for being so brave about their son Ayan's illness. The latter part of the shoot wasn't easy for Emraan, with his child battling the tumour in a hospital in Canada. The doctors had specifically told him not to let his emotions surface as that would be tough on the child. I've visited him, he's much better. Love life Not right away. But, yes, we are in a strong relationship; Sonali Rattan is my best friend. I have known her for nine years now. It's a case of friendship blossoming into love. She has worked on all my films till date.
	Rise of a star Deepika Padukone is a star internationally. She rose to fame with four back to back hits last year and has been loved by audiences across borders. While she is currently in Corsica for her next film Tamasha she is being featured in local publications there. The paparazzi have actively been clicking her and she has been gracing covers and constantly making news. The media have also been reaching out to her for profile interviews. In fact she is also being approached by a lot of fans for pictures and autographs. The surprising element is that they are foreigners and not necessarily Indians who are approaching her. It only goes to prove that Deepika seems to have earned a huge fan following not only in India, but also abroad. It is no wonder then that the media in Corsica is going crazy snapping her and giving a treat to all her fans there. Even John Travolta and Kevin Spacey were high on praise for Deepika at IIFA early this year. She is the shining star beholding the extra twinkle. Deepika's spokesperson confirms the news, saying, "We have been receiving a lot of media requests from local publications in Corsica. Also, she is being approached by a lot of fans for pictures and autographs." Deepika went to Corsica in July, and will wrap up the month-long schedule of Tamasha in the first week of August.
	Look who’s talking… Known for his unique marketing skills, Aamir Khan knows how to tap the right kind of audience for his films. The actor did not make any appearance on TV shows for the promotions of Dhoom 3 and yet managed to rule the box office in Christmas 2013 with the record-breaking success of the film. This time around too, Aamir Khan does not want leave any stones unturned for the promotions of his upcoming film PK. Just like last year, this year too Aamir Khan will return to the box office during the peak season of Christmas with his film PK. However, the actor has already turned on the curiosity level of his fans by going full monty for the first look poster of the film. And now, he has decided to find a new way to interact with the audiences by introducing talking standees. This will be the first time that a Bollywood film will be making use of a talking standee at varied locations as a part of the film's promotions. The said standee will have Aamir Khan talking to people which will find a prominent place in popular theatres and multiplexes at various cities. It was both Aamir Khan and filmmaker Raj Kumar Hirani who came up with this innovative idea to reveal the first look of their upcoming and most awaited film of this year, PK. PK will see apparently see Aamir Khan playing the role of an alien. Accompanying him in the film will be Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt and Sushant Singh Rajput who too will be seen playing prominent roles in the film. Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and UTV India, PK is slated to release on December 19.
	Kiss & tell Humaima Malick who is from Pakistan was apprehensive to kiss Emraan Hashmi in Raja Natwarlal fearing a backlash in Pakistan. Director Kunal Deshmukh convinced her that it was integral to the story and would not lead to a lovemaking scene and that all youngsters in Bollywood were okay with it. Tale of two cities The Lunchbox actress Nimrat Kaur is now shooting for Homeland, an American television series in Cape Town, South Africa which is doubling up as Islamabad, Pakistan. She will be seen playing an ISI agent in the series and will shoot on and off till November. Wedding bells Marriage could be on the cards again for Karisma Kapoor. She is getting her divorce from Sanjay Kapur and is likely to tie the knot this year with her pharmaceutical CEO beau Sandeep Toshniwal who will also get divorced from his wife. We wish them well! Language learning Richa Chaddha uses a lot of foul and roguish language in Tamanchey and she prepared for it due to the traffic in Mumbai which made her swear with anger and frustration. Big gain Rajkummar Rao to romance Bollywood's original 'Dream Girl' Hema Malini in an upcoming film. The film will be widely shot in Shimla and Rao has been asked to gain weight by the makers of the film.
	Reflect action! Sai Priya Mahajan, who has come up with a painting exhibition titled Quaint Reflections, also showcases her mother Usha Mahajan's paintings that date way back to over thirty years Amarjot Kaur With art being the expression of an artist's individuality, it is only fair that it be absolved of any bias of perception that translates into a judgement. Perhaps that accounts for Chandigarh-based artist Sai Priya Mahajan's choice of pursuing a career in art, which comes across as her passion while she also engages herself in the profession etched by her academic merit-engineering. An alumna of IIT, Bombay, Quaint Reflections, is Sai Priya's first exhibition that was being held at Punjab Kala Bhawan, where she also exhibited the paintings and sketches by her mother, Usha Mahajan. The confident strokes of the brush, which reflect a steady understanding of techniques and refinement in choice of subjects she chooses to paint, indicate towards a certain kind of expertise — acquired, inherited or innate. Also, the mediums in which she paints, which range from watercolours on paper, oil on canvas and charcoal on paper, reflect heavily on her artistic calibre, specifically in terms of experimentation. Says Sai Priya, "I have been painting ever since I was a child and learnt the techniques through YouTube videos by two artists, Steven Cronin and Anita Jansen," she says. While her statement eases the utter bafflement of our mind in connection to her artistic genius, the only remaining consideration was employed to the dexterity with which she painted a series of landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and even cartoons for that matter. The play of light, shadows, and depth of shades translated in paintings titled IIT Bombay Main Gate, The Guy Next Door, Sukhna Lake Series, and Calvin and Hobbes is as efficient as aesthetically appealing. Meanwhile, her mother, Usha Mahajan's paintings that date way back to over thirty years, validates the theory of genes and its characteristics, as one notices a stark resemblance of technique as well as choice of subjects. Although Usha takes to sketching portraits in abundance and dwells on the inspiration that she draws from nature, she paints a vivid portrait of village women, Dr Salim, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Jason Priestley.
	Classical chapter Young Hindustani musician Aditya Khandwe believes there is no short-cut to success. No wonder then, he does riyaaz for at least two-and-a-half hours every day Somya Abrol "I'm just 18, you know. Don't ask me such difficult questions!" You know your ears are being deceitful when you hear a Hindustani Classical musician, trained in Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, saying that. You tell him to stop kidding and he says, "Fine. I'm just 30." A great feat, nevertheless. Belonging to a rare breed of young vocalists, Aditya Khandwe has been fortunate enough to be born into the house of music exponent, vocalist Vidya Khandwe. And hence, the youngster has got his music straight. "My riyaaz lasts at least two-and-half hours every day. That's one thing I'm particular about. You can't afford to miss out on the daily practice and do 10 hours together at the end of the week," he says. Ask him what his inspiration is and Aditya says, "Saadhna—that is when you stop singing for the audience and start singing for yourself and for God. But, that comes with decades of practice." About practicing the same genre of music for decades, he adds, "Music cannot be static. The beauty of it lies hidden in its dynamism." Commencing his musical journey at the age of four under his mother, Aditya went on to train in Jaipur-Atrauli gharana under Pt Ratnakar Pai at the age of 13, after which he was fortunate enough to fall in the tutelage of Dhondutai Kulkarni and continued his life path in her able guidance till a few months ago, when Kulkarni breathed her last. About training under the legend, he says, "After I got a note right, she would make me repeat it 108 times. If I went wrong even once in between, she'd make me start all over again! Once, during my early months with her, I was stuck on one phrase for three months; it was so frustrating! But, you need that sort of dedication and patience for classical music." On youngsters leaning towards Western music, Aditya says, "Western music is harmonious, based on harmony; take jazz music, for instance. Indian music, however, is melodious; our emphasis is melody, which makes it a more difficult form to learn and adapt to. Indian classical music is an acquired taste." Ask him if he plans to bridge the gap between classical and modern music, and he says, "I'm open to fusion, as long as the musicians involved promise to do justice to both genres." somya@tribunemail.com
	Sculpting stories At a sculpting workshop at Kalagram, we get acquainted with the sculptors’ artistic calibre Amarjot Kaur The ever-consuming bafflement that surfaces each time on observing a sculptor at work is the coordination with which his intellect obeys his imagination, which further dictates every movement of his hands. However, the dexterity of their art remains in the thought that is not lost in translation. At the 15-day long sculpture-making workshop organised by North Zone Culture Centre, Chandigarh, at Kalagram, when one witnesses the sight of two sculptors, Mandeep Maan and Harpal at work, the quandary associated with the form of art is put to ease by the magnitude of its aesthetic brilliance. In conversation with the artists, we stand acquainted with their artistic calibre. "Sculpting is my drug," says Mandeep, while adding that he developed interest in sculpting when he was pursuing his bachelors in Government College for Arts, Sector 10. "It's a very addictive form of art and one really gets hooked to it," he shares. While confessing his love for sculpting, he says his interest lies in experimenting with various materials. "I use pink marble, sandstone and black marble. Also, I like using wood and fibreglass too," says he. Mandeep's sculptures have been selected by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and have also been displayed at the annual exhibition of Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi. "I leave most of my sculptures untitled, because I like leaving the interpretation of my work on the observations and perceptions of the viewer," he opines. In yet another untitled work, on which he is jointly working with Harpal, who is the alumnae of Shantiniketan, he takes to his pet subject and theme on which he works — love. In the sculpture, which is a portrait of a man who has snakes instead of hair and his features are defined by a sullen, surly and grim expression, Mandeep and Harpal bring forth their own rendition of Medusa, which has a close significance with 'stones'. "In the sculpture that we are making, the man is a male version of Medusa, a Greek goddess, who had snakes instead of hair and was cursed that everything she looks at will turn into stone," says Mandeep. "We are also making a beautiful woman along with the sculpture of this man," he adds. While the workshop started at Kalagram on July 16, it will continue till August 5. The next set of sculptors will serve the office for the next 15 days. Mandeep and Harpal's work will be displayed at the Sculpture Park, Kalagram, with the already existing 232 works of sculptors from across the country, including Biman Bihari Das, Latika Katt, Balbir Katt, Shiv Singh, Ashok Gour and Mohd Iqbal. amarjot@tribunemail.com (On till August 5)
	Weight watch The right feed Madhu Sharma One of nature's greatest gift to the mother is her ability to breastfeed her baby. We know breast milk is a complete food for the newborn baby for the first six months, but have you ever wondered what makes this milk a complete food? It is in fact the output of what the mother herself feeds on. Did you know your baby's food behaviour is influenced greatly by the mother's food behaviour during her pregnancy and thereafter during the lactation phase? Well, yes. Multi-centric studies confirm the fact that the healthier the food a mother consumes during her pregnancy and lactation phase, the easier and smoother it is for the child to adapt to varied food choices during the growing up period. Post childbirth, the mother's requirements increase by about 300 calories (from the pregnancy stage), to sustain her for six months of exclusive breast-feeding. Thereafter, gradually the requirements begin to fall, when the baby starts on complementary feeding from the seventh month onwards. So, the question arises what kind of diet the mother should have to be able to produce optimum milk to meet the demands of the newborn child? This translates into making wise choices from colourful, healthy foods comprising a variety from cereal, pulses, milk/milk products and green vegetables and fruits, which if taken in adequate amounts can take care of all the required nutrients. Just an additional glass of milk or curd and an extra helping of a cereal or pulse can do the trick. A three-meal pattern with in between 2-3 mid meals/snacks is an ideal way to include a variety from all food groups. Sprouts, gram mixed flour, poha and jaggery-based recipes, inclusion of mint, coriander in dishes, tomatoes and greens all can be incorporated into various combo dishes. If milk is not preferred, curd, cottage cheese, buttermilk are good options. Garlic and methi seeds also act as galactogouges besides giving flavour to the food. However, there are a host of myths and beliefs associated with the type of foods the lactating mother should avoid or consume, which need to be dispensed and clarified. Ideally, the baby is the best guide for the mother to rely on regarding any food that may or may not be suitable or 'problem creating' for either the mother or the baby. Most often, foods like certain pulses, vegetables or other 'hot' or 'cold' foods like curd, banana or cucumber or whole pulses are avoided, which has no basis. The practice of offering pinni to mothers during the six months of lactation will only add on to the weight of the mother, which may get difficult to shed later on. Instead, if a balanced family meal is consumed, it will provide more variety and nutrients to both the mother as well as the child. Plenty of water is advisable, as the lactation process increases thirst. Foods which do need to be avoided by lactating mothers are all cola-based beverages, coffee or strong tea (stimulants), alcohol, oily fish (risk of pollutants, mercury), refined or processed foods (high carbs, low fibre); any foods which the mother has known allergy to and smoking (active or passive). (Madhu is a Chandigarh-based dietician )
	Hair you go! Get ready to enter a hip, new hair salon, where luxury, pampering and style abound. The ultimate rejuvenation for your hair, body and skin has made its 10th opening at Sector 22, Chandigarh. Hair Raiserz, accessible salon for everyone is chain of hair and beauty salons spearheaded by Munish Bajaj. At present, they own a chain of salons in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Kharar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Patiala and have many more projects are in the pipeline. Hair Raiserz boasts some of the finest trained beauty experts who are the masters of their craft. And as always, they are pulling out the stops to ensure that they keep all their clients happy, peppy and beautiful! Relax your mind and spirit while the well trained staff takes your hands and feet on the ultimate journey. Since beauty comes from within, the products selected for the spa treatments are the most natural and highest quality products in the market. The environment allows people to relax, rejuvenate and pamper themselves at the same time. You can also discover many hidden treasures at Hair Raiserz including trendy hair products and accessories and plush, comfy, luscious pedicure stations. There are skincare and massage rooms as well.— TNS
	CHATTER BOX All good things come to an end Though popular TV show, Mahabharat, has come to an end, it has been a life changing experience for the actors acting in it. Here's what they say... Popular television series, Mahabharat, produced by Siddharth Kumar Tewary, created history with its compelling storyline, treatment of content and stellar performances. In conversation with the actors of the show, we stand informed that the story of Mahabharat and their roles changed them as human beings and actors. We caught up with the producer, Rohit Bhardwaj and Saurabh Raaj Jain to know how their journey has been so far. Oh my God! Saurabh Raaj Jain as Krishna It feels incredible to be apart of such an amazing show. It is a fulfilling feeling to be a part of a project, which you enjoy doing and people appreciate your hard work too. Mahabharat has taught me many things, both as a person and as an actor. Siddharth is the coolest producer I have ever worked with and the best thing about him is that he is that besides being clear and decisive, he is very logical in his thinking. I have three favourite characters in Mahabharat, Karana for his tragedy, Shakuni for his vengeance and Draupadi for her powerful persona. Matter of pride Rohit Bhardwaj as Yudhisthira I really feel proud to be part of Mahabharat. It was a difficult task to execute a project like Mahabharat. Various elements, including, the storyline, graphics, characterisation, and the dialogues made this show so popular; so, the feeling of being associated with the show is amazing. Honestly, I have no idea of how this show made a difference in my career, but I enjoyed the journey through it. I have always been a peoples' person, I hate staying alone, but ever since I did this show, I have learnt to spend time with myself. I have made some great friends on the show, including Rahul Tewary, Arpit Ranka and Siddharth Kumar Tewary. I really feel very comfortable sharing things with Siddharth. Among all the characters, I love the character of Dhuryodhana, as I always harboured a want to play that role. An epic journey Siddharth Kumar Tewary, producer It is an honour for me to create Mahabharat and the whole journey has brought some life-changing experiences my way. My father’s blessings are the only reason why I was able to meet the challenge of recreating Mahabharat. It took me four years to understand the context and content of Mahabharat and find a way to come up with a story that would suit the sensibilities of today's viewers. I feel blessed to see that the viewers have loved our work and I'm ecstatic with what we’ve achieved so far. This series comes 24 years after the legendary first rendition of the epic and has made its own unique space in the minds of the viewers, as it's a different interpretation and not a remake of the old version. Of the big Bollywood break Aamina Sheikh, who stars in the Pakistani show, Maat, was glad that Fawad Khan, who starred in another Pakistani show, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and got a big break in Sonam Kapoor's film Khoobsurat. She feels that his success will make way for other Pakistani actors into Bollywood films. On an experimental note Nia Sharma, who charmed the audience with her performance in the role of bubbly Maanvi in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, is excited about her new show Jamai Raja that will be telecast on Zee TV. Apparently, she was offered many roles like that of Maanvi's, but she wanted to do something else. The anchoring act Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will soon be seen on television, yet again. He will host the grand live show based on the hugely popular international series, Got Talent, for Colors. The event will be telecast live in December and it may also feature international television personality, Simon Cowell, who will visit India for the same reason. He is happy and he shows it Shakti Arora's track in the show, Meri Aashiqui, seems to be inspired from Shah Rukh Khan's role in the film Pardes. In the show, Shakti is seen ensuring that the woman, who he loves, falls in love with the eligible bachelor Chirag. Shakti, who has got his first break in television as a lead, after having done numerous other roles on television, couldn't be happier about it.
	Romancing the hills Sahil Phull, who essays the role of Ashfaq in the show, Uttaran, visited Manali for the second time in his life to shoot a special sequence of the show and fell in love with the place. While talking about his experience, he shares, "On one hand, there was the never-ending stretch of mountains and on the other, a lovely river, where I spent the moonlit nights. This was my second visit to Manali and the first time I went there was with my family when I was only 16." He adds, "It was a totally different experience and I loved the climate and the nature. It was so refreshing for my mind, body and soul." When quizzed about his interaction with the locals there, he says, "Tina is a famous actress and Uttaran is a hit show, so people recognised us and it was great to meet people, who watch our show." He furthers his statement while adding, "I am missing Manali. The weather in Mumbai is good, but the mountain and greenery of Manali was out of this world."
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is August 4... Ruled by number 4, you are practical, trustworthy, hard working, and helpful. Also, you are ruled by Uranus, which makes you steady, logical, self-disciplined, problem-solving, and stubborn. A slow period would continue until November. You would have some trouble in finances, so be conscious. You may frequently complain of fatigue and sleepiness. It would be useful to defer any activity requiring much energy or involvement to the second half of the month. A return in focus, stamina, and energy would be felt after that. You will be energetic, fixed in your outlook, and result-oriented. Ego and selfishness could damage your reputation. Positive colours: Dark blue, dark grey, all blue shades and dark colours Select days: Saturday Favourable numbers: 2, 4, and 8 Gems recommended: Gomed, cats eye, and tiger stone Charity on birthday: Feed lepers or physically challenged people. You share your birthday with Barack Hussein Obama [August 4, 1961, Honolulu], who is the 44th and current President of the United States, and the first African American to hold the office. He keeps a small idol of Hanuman ji in his purse. His popularity will increase more in 2015.
	Astro Turf P Khurrana ARIES: Meetings and negotiations with potential contractors, employers, employees, and consultants will be productive. You will have the opportunity to concentrate on leisure activities. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 47 TAURUS: Your card, "The Magician" assures that you are not likely to be taken unaware by sudden happenings. It is a better period for working in familiar surroundings than for travelling. Tarot message: Health needs attention. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic number: 42 GEMINI: Spend time with your loved ones. Drop all your work commitments and dedicate yourself to the one you love most. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 35 CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organize specific terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely to be placed upon shoulders. Tarot message: Do not make impulsive decisions in personal relationship. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic number: 40 LEO: Today, your knowledge and competence will be pout to test in your profession. Your performance is on a public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. Tarot message: You gain by being practical, so do not be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 32 VIRGO: A sudden encounter with an extraordinary character will leave a strong impact on you. You will find it difficult to reach to agreements with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and only too willing to criticise you. Tarot message: Stay positive. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 25 LIBRA: Your lover may insist on your amorous attention, whether you are in the mood or not. Do your best to comply and satisfy them. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic number: 28 SCORPIO: Unexpected cash may be credited in your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but because of your hard work. Fancy schemes suggested by friends should be gently but firmly rejected. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: You need to make hay while the sun shines. Relationships move closer to intimacy. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns. Tarot message: You may have to push to succeed, but your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 40 CAPRICORN: Turn on your charm and be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunity comes your way. Singles are in luck, and those with partners are back in saddle. Enjoy an early dinner and go to bed. Tarot message: Focus on your goals. Lucky colour: Peacock green Magic number: 51 AQUARIUS: It is a great day for workaholics as they will be able to establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Income may dwindle and expenses could rise. Do what you can to improve your state of mind. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 65 PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job that you really want to do. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 61