Viral infection
Somya Abrol

After affecting Hollywood celebs, the online ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is spreading in Bollywood like a virus. No celeb is getting cold feet when it comes to either pouring a bucket of ice water over their head or donating cash for the cause

What's the big deal about pouring a bucket of ice water on your head in this heat? Well, if B-town celebs join the madness — be it a chain reaction to Hollywood celebs like Ashton Kutcher, Robert Downey Junior, Jennifer Lopez and the likes — it becomes kind of a big deal.

Bollywood always, always follows suit. After videos of Hollywood celebs taking on the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, it couldn't be long before B-town got bitten by the bug. On Tuesday, celebs like Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopana took to micro-blogging site, Twitter, to challenge their friends and thus began a series of challenges and videos and Twitter feeds about the challenge by the likes of Hansika Motwani, Bipasha Basu, Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh et al.

Tollywood starlet Hansika Motwani tweeted: "Thank you everyone for challenging me to do the #icebucketchallenge to raise awareness for #ALS and I nominate all Hansika fans . : (sic)"

Fit as a fiddle Bipasha Basu also completed the challenge —albeit with a super small bucket—despite being sick, and tweeted: "Don't judge the size of my ice bucket guys :( had no voice and feverish and still did it! Made my friend happy :) (sic)" She further challenged her friends Rocky S and Raj Kundra.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who was challenged by sport star Sania Mirza for the challenge, further nominated his 'good friends' Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Sidharth Malhotra, Pulkit Samrat and Ashish Chowdhry.

In response to the challenge, Abhishek Bachchan tweeted a video of himself accepting the challenge, after which he tweeted: "@anubhavsinha @SrBachchan @iamsrk @Riteishd I'm sitting in a sauna now!!!!! (sic)."

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh also took the challenge after being handed over the baton by Sania Mirza, and made sure he told the world that he 'wasn't happy doing the challenge'.

Sinha scion, Sonakshi, on the other hand, playing the good sport that she is, tweeted an Instagram video of herself and posted: "Nobody nominated me :(. But i still took the challenge B). And now i nominate you ALL to do what i just did. If you've already showered, skip the ice water. If you haven't, go ahead by all means. BUT please Go to www.als.org to donate (sic)"

What is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?

The ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge started as an awareness drive by the ALS Association (America) to spread awareness about Lou Gehrig's disease — a neurodegenerative disease with various causes. Once challenged, the person-in-question has to either film themselves pouring a bucket of ice water on their head or donate $100 to the association within 24 hours of being challenged. On completing the challenge, one can pass on the challenge to anyone they please. In the West, all celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, Justin Bieber and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken up the challenge as well as donated money to charity.

At the time of going to print, the drive had managed to raise a total of $22.9 million.

somya@tribunemail.com

Change of heart
Amarjot Kaur

Ma diyan mannataan di muraad,
Duawaan di daen, maalik di meher da ek vardaan ha main,
Sacche peo de pyaar da ek anmol ehsaan ha mai...

While Dharmendra quotes a self-written description of himself in the above-mentioned lines, humility is not the only overwhelming characteristic that one reads from his disposition. A man of many moods and talents, with an almost brooding intensity that filters through the wisdom of time and experience, Dharmendra exudes honesty in every word he speaks.

In Chandigarh, to promote his up and coming Punjabi movie, Double Di Trouble, Dharmendra engages in a candid conversation talking about his perception of the evolution of Bollywood and his bond with the soil of Punjab.

"Visiting Punjab is like homecoming, but the evolution that marks a 'change' in the region causes me much pain," says Dharmendra, as he starts to frame his thoughts about Punjab, which is his birthplace.

"The Punjab that I have known had never seen women going to clubs and drinking or men addicted to drugs. Personally, I am grieved at this new development," he shares, flashing a visibly painful smile.

A similar sentiment resounds in his views about Bollywood too, as he shares his take on film promotions. "I think promotions are necessary, weather one likes it or not," he says while retrospecting, "There was a time when in Bollywood stars were valued on the rarity of their social presence. Pehle kadar kho deta tha roz ka aana jana, ab kadar badha deta hair oz ka aana jaana," he says.

However, that is not the only opinion of Bollywood that Dharmendra has. "I love the fact that Bollywood has evolved technologically, but I am saddened by the deterioration in the quality of music that we are producing these days," he shares. Also, while talking about his inspiration, Dilip Kumar, he says, "If there is any film that I wish to have played a lead in, it would definitely have been Devdas."

Nevertheless, he praises the work of few actresses, who he thinks has great potential. "I think Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra are excellent actresses, but about the actors I will not comment since I only observe the opposite sex," he quips.

Though Dharmendra remains humble as an actor, a poet and as one of the top ten good looking men of all times, he takes pride in not being shrewd or cunning enough in achieving what he has. "I would not have let anyone step an inch ahead of me had I been a shrewd and cunning man, who knew when and how to exploit his contacts. But then, I guess the Deols have never been good businesspersons," he laughs. When asked, if like his contemporaries, he would also like to be on television, he forthrightly says, "Being on television is like doing a job, which gives you good money, but you do it not because you want to but because you have to. And I can say that because I have a first hand experience of it as a part of the show, India's Got Talent. I would rather explore my creativity as an actor than do a job!"

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Nothing idiotic about this one!
Pollywood’s latest offering Idiot Boys promises a good story with a social message
Mona

Two boys, sons of politicians of two opposite camps, become friends with a girl in college…not able to win her they take a different route only to land the three lives in jeopardy. This is the plot of Idiot Boys.

Three debutantes Surmeet, Rammi Mittal and Diljott come together in this Punjabi flick, directed by Anandd. The poster has the girl with wings (angel?) and guys with horns and tail (devil or animals?) and Anandd doesn't shy away from admitting that's girls would be superior no matter what boys do!

Anandd, a B Tech and MBA from BITS- Pilani left his MNC career to follow his passion of storytelling. Idiot Boys is his maiden venture. Penned by seasoned writer and director PS Nirola, the film brings the father and son together as writer-director duo. And, the story was most significant to them. "Audience often complaint the lack of story in a film. And hopefully Idiot Boys will address that," says Nirola. "The climax of the film is to watch out for," promises the director who claims to have worked on as many as 12 options before zeroing on the final one.

As for the three actors who debut with the flick, the film is special. Diljott, who will be seen in Yaar Anmulle 2 next, finds both the films close to her heart. "While Yaar Anmulle 2 has stars, in Idiot Boys it's the story that's the star," says Diljottl. Her co-star Rammi Mittal, a dreamer from Patiala, got to live his childhood dream to be a 'hero' with this one. "What I love about this film is that not only it's an entertainer but also gives a social message."

Surmeet, a motivational speaker-turned- musician-turned-actor, plays another idiot in the film. Why change of field? He answers, "In one the programmes where I gave a talk, I heard a small girl singing an old song. I felt, to leave an everlasting impression art is the only tool. I picked up music, and when got an offer to act, it turned out to be an ultimate opportunity."

The film has Ashok Masti, Harjinder Kaur and Rama Vij in friendly appearance and also producer Ramandeep Singh, a pharmaceutical industrialist, in a guest role too. The film releases on September 26.

mona@tribunemail.com

*  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *

In one the programmes where I gave a talk, I heard a small girl singing an old song. I felt, to leave an everlasting impression art is the only tool. I picked up music, and when got an offer to act, it turned out to be an ultimate opportunity. — Surmeet

The clean chit
Somya Abrol

Good? Bad? Good, again? Bad, again? So much confusion! The food market has had an information overload in the recent past. Check out these ten super-foods for the season...

While some may argue that the word 'superfood' is yet another marketing invention, there's no denying the fact that some foods are indeed more beneficial for our bodies than others. We've taken the onus, thus, of making more informed citizens out of you and here we present a list of superfoods that have changed people's outlooks over the years.

What's different about our list? All of the foods listed below were, at one point of time or the other in history, touted to be harmful for the body! Latest research, however, leads us to believe otherwise.

Choco cheer

Food: Chocolate

Myth: Causes acne

Fact: This is good news if you're a chocolate-lover trying to control blemishes - but it doesn't mean you should indulge in it all the time. Even though it doesn't cause acne, chocolate is full of ingredients that are high in calories and fat. For this reason, avoid eating too much milk chocolate or chocolate candies that are packed with sugar. Instead, try satisfying your sweet tooth with dark chocolate. It's lower on fat and has health benefits - it's been reported to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

How to eat: Right out of the pack

Hi honey

Food: Honey

Myth: Adds unnecessary calories.

Fact: When you consume processed sugar from soft drinks and other foods, you are basically consuming empty calories. They are devoid of nutrition. In contrast, unprocessed honey has significant vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It also contains powerful antioxidants, compounds that are believed to fight cancer, heart disease and other diseases.

How to eat: With hot lemon water

Vitamin bank

Food: Guavas

Myth: Difficult to digest

Fact: Guava is rich in vitamin C and other minerals. It also has other nutrients, which build immunity and therefore help us fight against cough and cold, not cause it. As long as the fruit retains its colour, shape and texture, do not worry. If the fruit is bruised or discolored, discard without a second thought!

How to eat: Guava-yogurt smoothie

Nothing oily

Food: Ghee

Myth: Fattening substitute of oil

Fact: Ghee by nature is lipolytic, that which breaks down fat. And this is due to its unique short chain fatty acid structure. It's a saturated fat, yes, but with such a unique structure that it actually helps mobilise fats from stubborn fat areas of the body. Not a saturated fat like trans-fats in your biscuits, cakes, pizzas etc.

How to eat: With shakkar (ground jaggery) and rice

Generous garlic

Food: Garlic

Myth: Generates heat in the body (taamsik food)

Fact: Garlic is rich in antioxidant phytochemicals that include organosulfur compounds as well as flavonoids such as allixin, which are capable of scavenging free radicals. Garlic also contains selenium, required for optimal function of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione, which shows garlic can lower cholesterol and other blood lipids, prevent lipid oxidation, protect blood vessels and prevent blood platelet 'stickiness'. It also reduces blood cholesterol and triglycerides-the form in which fat is transported to the blood.

How to eat: Garlic, onion and olive oil spaghetti

Fungi flavour

Food: Mushrooms

Myth: Form of fungus; can't possibly be good for health.

Fact: Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of vitamin B12. Mushrooms are edible fungi with various scientific names, but the family name is agaricus, and then there are many secondary names for different species. They vary greatly in their colour, texture, shape and properties.

How to eat: Butter and garlic sautéed mushrooms

Natural remedy

Food: Cinnamon

Myth: Too warm to be consumed in summer

Fact: It isn't the cinnamon; it's how fast you drink the hot water and how hot the water was! Either too hot or too fast can make you uncomfortable. Cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminating headaches and migraine relief. It can also help stabilise blood sugar, which is great for weight loss. A couple of dashes in your morning tea or cereal is all it takes!

How to eat: Sprinkle some on your hot chocolate or hot coffee

Going bananas

Food: Bananas

Myth: They add unhealthy calories

Fact: Bananas are loaded with potassium, which is an essential mineral that we happen to miss out on, being on perpetual diets. While bananas are relatively low on calories and fat, they don't necessarily have a whole lot of fibre. Fibre is an essential nutrient if you are on a diet because it helps keep you feeling fuller for longer and prevents overeating. In short, bananas make a good choice if you are on a diet because they are low on calories and fat.

Glycemic Index: 55

How to eat: Freshly cut, with vanilla ice cream and honey

So sweet

Food: Sweet Potato

Myth: High on carbohydrates

Fact: Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids that appear to help stabilise blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, making cells more responsive to insulin. This can ultimately help with your weight-loss efforts.

How to eat: Oven-roasted wedges

Soya magic

Food: Tofu (soy)

Myth: Leads to breast cancer

Fact: The concern over soy and cancer stems from the fact that soy-based foods contain phytoestrogens (specifically isoflavones) in varying amounts (depending on the preparation) and these react with the estrogen receptor. There are two types of estrogen receptors in humans: alpha and beta. Alpha is distributed widely throughout the body, whereas beta is localised in the ovary, prostate, lung and epididymis (testicles). While isoflavones, like estrogen, bind to alpha and beta receptors (preferentially to beta), isoflavones do not have the estrogenic effect of inducing tumour growth. In fact, isoflavones have demonstrated a protective benefit against hormone-dependent cancers.

How to eat: Healthy replacement for paneer; or try soya chaap with naan

(Health tips contributed by Shivani Gulati, senior clinical nutritionist, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali)

somya@tribunemail.com

Green thumb
Pestering issue
Satish Narula

It is important to understand the life cycle of insects in order to control them

Why to discuss insects now at this time when the plants are putting forth new growth and getting a new lease of life? Well, this is the time for insects too to be active as feeders and breeders as plenty of food is around. It is nature. Be very vigilant and take proper measures to keep them at bay lest they should feed on your plants and you lose not only a season, but fruits of your hardwork.

Insect pests came to this Earth much before we did. In fact, we invaded their world. But then it was evolution. Now we have a co-existence and they are there right from our bedroom, kitchen to the lawn outside. They may be present around in visible or invisible form. Whatever be the case, the crawling or flying creatures are annoying and irritating at times. There are friendly insects too, but for some an insect is an insect and has to be away from sight. Yes, they have to be out and away at a safe range. Mosquitoes, lice, housefly, ticks and roaches are known to cause some of the deadliest diseases. Others like beetles, butterflies, moths, bugs and hoppers devour plants, and finish the crops in no time. Not only this, insects like aphids, thrips etc are known to spread some deadly diseases in plants besides devitalising them. Insects like borer and butterfly larvae invade fruits and render them unfit for consumption.

The insects are identified by their physical presence or the damage caused by them, which appear as symptoms. However, nature has given them powers to camouflage in one or the other form to escape our sight. They may live inside the fruit or tree, may change colour to merge with the surrounding environment, may hide in the crevices in the tree trunk, live on the underside of the leaves or even hide in the soil. They may also create artificial covering over their bodies to be out of direct vision. We may see the damage caused, but not the insects as they either withdraw to safety or are nocturnal in feeding. Nature has given them the power to live through tough times and also to multiply in comfortable numbers in no time. It is very important to understand the nature of their life cycle in order to control them. Studies have been made and a particular stage of development has been identified when these can be controlled effectively. But how to identify the attack of insects in plants and how to control them is a big question for the layman. (To be continued)

Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist and landscapist

GET PHYSICAL
Chisel your look
Vishal Thukral

Get rid of excess fat around the face and the neck to reveal a toned collarbone

Everyone wants to look lean and have a perfectly shaped body. Little fat in the face or neck can also make one look fat. Therefore, a visible collarbone can craft to the attractive look. Excess fat in the neck is generally associated with excess fat throughout the rest of the body. In order to get rid of this fat, overall body fat reduction is a must. Besides wearing deep neck tops, one can also hide face fat by working on the collar bone. Here are some cardiovascular exercises and strength training exercises that target the muscles that sit above the collarbone.

Push ups & Chest press

Push ups: Lie on the floor face down and place hands approximately shoulder width apart. Inhale and lower downward until chest almost touches the floor. Now breathe out and press upper body back to the starting position while squeezing the chest.

Chest press: Lie on the floor while holding a dumbbell in each hand. Position the dumbbells by the chest with elbows pointing away from the body. Raise the arms straight up, extending the dumbbells toward the ceiling without locking the elbows; lower arms to the starting position to complete one repetition. Repeat 12 to 24 times.

Cardiovascular routine

Cardio is a great way to create a caloric deficient, which leads to fat loss. Choose exercises that require repetitive, large muscle movements such as running, brisk walking, indoor cycling and various group fitness classes like floor and step aerobics etc.

Shoulder shrugs

Stand with the legs slightly apart, head upright and arms relaxed at the sides, gripping a dumbbell in each hand. Shrug shoulders upward as far as possible. Pause at the top of the movement, squeezing the shoulder muscles. Carefully relax shoulders. Repeat 12 to 24 times.

Upright rows

Stand with the legs slightly apart while keeping the back straight. Grasp a barbell with an overhand grip hand-width or slightly wider. Inhale and pull the barbell up along the front of the body towards the chin, raising the elbows up as high as possible. Exhale and lower the barbell in a controlled manner. Repeat 12 to 24 times.

Diet tip

Build up diet with fresh, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Avoid processed foods, baked goods, high-sugar foods and fried foods. Drink plenty of water everyday - ideally one to two litres. To lose one pound a week, one has to reduce 500 calories a day.

(Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics fitness trainer)

How good is this good friends claim?

There are many rumoured couples in the tinsel town who only claim to be 'good friends'. After all, secret affairs in Bollywood are not something new. We take a look at who is single and who is taken.

PR exercise

Alia Bhatt: Rumour has it that she is dating her high school sweetheart but she is linked time and again with Varun Dhawan and every other co-star as soon as the movie is about to release. Guess that's her PR machinery functioning!

It's official

Bipasha Basu: She is engaged to Harman Baweja. Both of them are open about their relationship but are denying an engagement. We wonder why? Buzz is that wedding bells will ring later this year.

Real Aashiqui

Shraddha Kapoor: She is always linked with someone or the other. She doesn't admit it but she is totally besotted with her beau Aditya Roy Kapur since the shooting of Aashiqui 2. She is even part of his family functions. We hope she will spill the beans eventually!

More than friends

Parineeti Chopra: She is constantly linked with her best friend and mentor, director Maneesh Sharma but both of them insist that there is nothing more to them than friendship. She was also linked with Arjun Kapoor.

Bowled over

Anushka Sharma: She is clearly over Ranveer Singh and madly in love with cricketer Virat Kohli. They travel across the globe to spend time with each other. But guess they won't admit it yet.

STAR TRACK
Sensational beginning


Shilpa Shetty and Sushmita Sen open LFW showcasing Masaba and Amit's collection

Actresses Shilpa Shetty and Sushmita Sen opened Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 for designers Masaba Gupta and Amit Aggarwal here. The Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 kicked off last night with two spectacular shows by the designer duo.

For a show stopping entry, Masaba had roped in Shilpa Shetty, who was dressed in a black printed cut-out gown with an attached dupatta drape. Masaba presented her collection 'Wanderess' which had flared minis, gowns, thigh length jacket with flared pants, bell bottom style shararas and saris. The colour palette consisted of white, brown, black, yellow and beige.

While Sushmita Sen was the showstopper for Amit at the fashion extravaganza where she glided in a black, striped, fitted, draped gown. Amit presented his latest line of garments at the event which comprised gowns, variety of jackets with fish tails, pleated sari gowns and flared skirts.

Colours like red, blue, jade, silver, bronze and rust added to the drama of the collection. The Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 will conclude on August 24. — PTI

Mardaani’s only for adults

After watching YRF's Mardaani starring Rani Mukerji, the CBFC gave the film an Adults Only certificate. However, Aditya Chopra had a chat and tried to explain that the subject was such that the film should be seen by children of the age of 12 and above. However, the authorities denied the request as the present guidelines do not have a category for 12 years and above. It is the first YRF film to get an Adults Only certificate.

A spokesperson of YRF said, "Mardaani is a story that needed to be told and our aim is to reach this message to all, including those innocent girls in the vulnerable age of 12 and above. We strongly felt that they should be allowed to watch this movie and hence we were requesting for a "U/A" certificate, since the Censor Board does not have a category of 12 and above. We also told the Board that we would put "Not Recommended for Children below 12" in all our publicity material. However, the board explained to us that this was not legally possible.”

Model move

Esha Gupta, who started off her career as a model, has credited her days in modelling for her stint as an actress in Bollywood.

"I started my career as a model and if I am standing here as a showstopper it is all due to my modelling stint. It made me an actress and gave me my much-needed break. I still get nervous when I walk on the ramp and still seek blessings before starting the catwalk. I owe a lot to it," Esha said. Esha also said that she was yet to sign something substantial in Bollywood after Sajid Khan's Humshakals and she was currently gearing up for her debut international project which she would start shooting in October.

Crush on Bebo

Sidharth Malhotra has a big crush on Kareena Kapoor Khan and he loves her sparkling and magnificent personality. He also has a secret hobby of sketching and wants to learn cooking.

Kajol on board

Rohit Shetty has signed Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan for his next film which will roll in early 2015. It was easy for him to sign Kajol as he is great friends with her husband Ajay Devgn.

Reincarnation drama

Shahid Kapoor is now all set to star in the remake of South Indian film Magadheera opposite Kajal Aggarwal. It is a reincarnation drama and he has seen the original.

Busy boy

Shahid Kapoor is awaiting the release of Haider and he has a bunch of films in his kitty. He has Shandaar, Raj and Krishna DK's Farji and an untitled film.

Chatter box
Bear the best!


Extreme action: A still from Bear Grylls Extreme Survival Caught On Camera

One of the world's greatest survival expert, Bear Grylls, presents some of the most jaw-dropping footage of great escapes and near-death experiences in an all-new, entertaining, fact-filled series — Bear Grylls Extreme Survival Caught On Camera. From the Amazon jungle to the polar ice caps, Bear Grylls has seen and survived pretty much everything that the natural world has to throw at him.

In this series, Bear introduces clips of real life great escapes filmed by the public in moments of extreme danger. Together with a series of experts, including familiar faces such as predator expert Dave Salmoni (as featured on Animal Planet), mechanic Edd China (from Wheeler Dealers) and fellow survivalist Gary Humphrey (of Car vs Wild), Bear will examine just how they managed to survive in the face of the most difficult of circumstances. Whether quick thinking, feats of endurance or just pure luck, Bear and the experts will explain exactly how these great escapes took place through engaging popular science and graphics — with each incredible clip as a backdrop. Tune in for each of the eight action-packed, hour-long themed episodes — Thrill-seekers, Snow, Air, Roads, Water, Forces of Nature, Animals and Work — and at the end of each episode, find out which clip Bear believes was ultimately the greatest escape of them all. In eight-themed episodes, we hear from world-renowned, highly-qualified experts. And at the end of each episode, Bear gives his official stamp of approval by picking his favourite clip, the one he thinks was ultimately the greatest escape. Tune in to Bear Grylls Extreme Survival Caught On Camera, Monday to Friday at 10 pm on Discovery Channel.

Fantasy fantastic

MTV Fanaah, the supernatural series on MTV, has already garnered a huge fan base, thanks to the surreal interaction between werewolves and vampires; unexpected and thrilling plot twists and stunning performances by some of the best actors in the industry.

MTV Fanaah is now all set to bring yet another twist to the story adding to the drama and grit of the series. MTV Fanaah will now have Anupam Bhattacharya sprucing up the star cast, playing the head of the school and the leader of the werewolves. The rivalry between the werewolves and the vampires just got a lot more serious with the head of the werewolves shooting up the scares and the creeps!

Anupam Bhattacharya will add finesse to the already prominent star-cast of the show, which includes Karan Kundra, Raatan Raajputh, Rithvik Dhanjani, Anita Hassnandani and Chetna Pande. A source confirmed the new entry remarking, "Yes, Anupam will be seen as the owner of the school but at the same time he will also be the head of the werewolves."

Rising popularity graph

Having worked in Uttaran for the last two years, Mrunal Jain has come a long way. He has built a strong friendship with co-stars Tina Dutta and Rashami Desai. He talks about his physique, career and much more.

You have come a long way in your career. How do you feel?

I feel very blessed. My work and the rapport with people with whom I work is superb. It took years to come to this stage of the career where I am loved by the classes and masses. Things happened to me gradually. But whatever has come to me has stayed!

You were once a bit heavy, but have a good physique now. How do you feel?

I have got a body, which I always wanted. It feels nice as I am getting a very good response from the fans and people around me. But I had a hard time working on my physique. Being a Jain, I couldn't eat non-vegetarian food or eggs. I have worked really hard for it.

You did a cameo in Satya 2, which flopped. Did that disappoint you?

No. I was not disappointed. I took it in a very positive way and as a new learning experience.

Now buzz is that you are looking at a villain's role in films. Is that true?

I am happy with whatever comes my way. If it is sensible, I will surely do it. I look for negative roles more than positive roles.

How has life changed post your marriage?

I have become a more responsible person. Marriage has taught me to be patient and responsible. It has brought a lot of maturity. — HRM

End of the road

Sudhir Sharma's Baawre: Chal Jahan Chalen Mann Ke Paav Re was launched a few months ago, but didn't get good ratings. So now the show will end its run. The Life OK show, which starred Abhishek Rawat and Vinita Joshi, will end on September 5.

Playing hosts

They were a couple a few years ago, and now Kritika Kamra and Karan Kundra will be co-hosts. They will come together for one episode of MTV Webbed 2. It showcases stories of cyber crime and now will see Karan as a guest host.

TRENDSETTER
Cool & casual


Suhaila Seth. Photo: Himanshu Mahjan

As the festival time comes near, young ones get ready to refurbish their wardrobes to look their very best . The thrill of planning and dressing especially for any occasion is one, which every one likes to experience. A student of BBA final year Suhaila Seth, from Ludhiana, vouches for the 'casual smart' look

Your sense of style

I find people who carry off fancy stuff with aplomb and still look comfortable and presentable too as pretty stylish.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories

A red and black one piece dress which I bought online

Brand crazy or street pick up

Totally brand freak, though sometimes I cannot resist online offers.

Who would be your style icon?

Sonam Kapoor would fit the bill.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity

None I can think off, everybody has their own style

Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous

Glam any day

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension

Short clothes, however much they maybe in fashion

Your take on accessories

As much as required for they must complement and not overshadow one's attire

If given the choice you would like to be dressed by which designer?

Manish Malhotra

What gives you a high on the confidence level

I feel confident most of the time and can carry off whatever I am wearing at any given point of time with equal grace

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Chances are high for meeting a good companion. Couples can spend a delightful time in each other's company. A domestic servant can be a cause of worry. Face the music or get it over with. Tarot message: Don't waste money by financing a trip abroad. Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 27.

TAURUS: Early hours are definitely the best. A bubbly mood in good company relieves the heaviness of pending duties and responsibilities on your plate for the days to come. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Rust.

Magic number: 63.

GEMINI: Learning processes and communication endeavours are highlighted. Changes made today will certainly appear to be for the best. An engagement or marriage is in the wings.

Tarot message: Be honest to your desires.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 27.

CANCER: You will be free to operate as you feel is right. Relatives will do all they can to help. Speculation in property is not favoured. Legal matters can encounter red-tape and bureaucratic delay.

Tarot message: Use your common sense. Lucky colour: Black.

Magic number: 57.

LEO: The atmosphere will not be conducive for achieving good results. Coming to angry words over personal differences will only be regretted. A run-in with an aggressive character can spoil the day. Tarot message: Don't allow your confidence to be dented.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 56.

VIRGO: The pendulum of luck will not stop today. Health-wise rest is needed, otherwise fatigue will produce pessimism. Leave stress, worries and cares behind and gently enjoy yourself.

Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 51.

LIBRA: The 'Knight of Wands' promises you a high-profile day. Expect to be on the receiving end of kindness and generosity. Give way to minor issues. This is not a period for risking cash.

Tarot message: If you play your cards right, you'll be able to avert future difficulties.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 52.

SCORPIO: Your card "the Fool" reveals deception, delays and unhealthy condition in your profession. Keep your wits and you will come out with a better deal. If a beautiful person grabs your attention, strike up a conversation.

Tarot message: Push to succeed and your efforts will pay off.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 50.

SAGITTARIUS: You will have to check your plans. Improve your health by paying more attention to diet. Today you should be able to surprise the boss by showing the adaptable side of your nature.

Tarot message: Draw on your inner energies.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 27.

CAPRICORN: Today money may come from unexpected sources. Parents will find that this is a good time for dealing with youngsters. Crazy suggestions for entertainment can intrigue, but may not work too well.

Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 29.

AQUARIUS: Deal with all outstanding communication as certain people are sure to be waiting to hear from you. An early warning of a health problem is a blessing in disguise.

Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.

Lucky colour: Black.

Magic number: 64.

PISCES: Fear of loss of reputation or slander can grip you. Be courageous about a new investment opportunity. Urgent demands on the domestic front need immediate attention and focus.

Tarot message: Listen to what experienced people have to say.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 48.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 21...

This is the year for vacation and retreat. If you are a workaholic, you will transform your image today. You're very sensitive and it's hard for you not to feel the pressure of wanting to help, nurture and support all those who come to you. It is not a good year to make investments and go for speculation. Travel will be beneficial but expensive. You'll remove every adversary and beat all competitors. Now is the time to dare and earn. People born before 1980 will make great deals. Students will be able to prepare well for competitive exams. Expenditure will increase. Financial benefits will follow although a bit later.

Positive colours: Golden, Pink.

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Bhumika ChawlaGems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral.

Charity on birthday: Donate food items to the needy.

You share your birthday with Bhumika Chawla (August 21, 1978, New Delhi), who is best known for movies like Kushi, Tere Naam, Missamma, Gandhi My Father and Sathyabhama. In 2008, she made her debut in the Punjabi film Yaariyan, opposite Gurdas Maan. Her career in films is secure.

Happy-go-lucky

Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah's younger son Vivaan Shah is all set to star in Farah Khan's multi-starrer Happy New Year. He will not only be a narrator in the film but will also be playing the role of a computer hacker.

He says, "The experience (of working in Happy New Year) has been superb. It has been a life changing experience for me. It is been an absolute honour and blessing for me to have worked in this film. I feel lucky and fortunate to be getting this film and I will cherish this moment all my life. I am sure my father will be very proud and happy of my work in this film."

Praising the film's entire crew further, he added, "All the technical aspects, whether it was filmmaking or acting, they are the masters of that. They are so good. You have to really see them working because anybody who sees it will learn." Vivaan made his acting debut with Priyanka Chopra starrer Saat Khoon Maaf. He will also be seen in Bombay Velvet.

 





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