Rock and dhol
Haven’t we had enough of DJs and Honey Singhs of the world being forced upon us on every wedding function? It’s time to return to our roots, with the original beats of the dhol and the auspicious melody of the shehnai
Manpriya Singh

An instrumental pre-wedding evening being organised by shehnai waden
An instrumental pre-wedding evening being organised by shehnai waden

The sound of tabla adds  the traditional touch to a wedding
The sound of tabla adds the traditional touch to a wedding

Influence would be an understatement. Bollywood has always made an overriding presence on the Indian wedding scene. While there's nothing wrong with aunts and youngsters, grandparents and cousins brought together on the floor by Gal Mithi Mithi Bol but if the definition of wedding music begins and ends with DJ's dictating the dance floor, there is a cause for concern.

A touch of tradition, not just compliments rather completes any wedding. More so, if it happens to be in music. Listing out a few of the ways to do so.

How about a dhol night?

Fortunately, we are back to times when weddings have once more started to last 3-4 days, spread over half a dozen functions. Read, sangeet, cocktail, youngster's, reception, and don't forget the wedding itself. DJ nights and dance floors have always been ruled by Bollywood and Punjabi music. While there is no ruling out what rules, especially when it sends everybody onto the dance floor. "But then this is also the kind of music that people can have access to on any given Saturday night. They anyway listen to this music while at a restaurant or on the radio," reasons Manmeet Singh, the brains behind Wedding Bells, a wedding management firm. He adds, "That's one of the reasons why traditional music is being given a shot again. Weddings these days include three big functions and for each of the functions there is a different theme, and the music is dictated by that theme," he shares while listing out options for the traditional themes, with a night dedicated exclusively to dhol and bolis.

Dhol had never been out, just that the beats now come merged with electronic music with lyrics added by the likes of Yo Yo Honey Singh and other Punjabi pop or rap artists. "Just the sound of the instrument accompanied by bolis is the best way to call in every single extended relative of the bride and the groom and announce them to the rest of the guests," shares Pushpinder Singh, a city based dhol player, who admits to have had obviated the need of an MC at several wedding events.

We're back to Shehnai

Whatever happened to the good old shehnai in between? It's back in vogue and being heard once more. If not heard, at least it is being played once more.

For the uninitiated, the tubular instrument's sound is said to contain and maintain, a sense of auspiciousness and sanctity. "Shehnai has always been traditionally associated with weddings but lately their role had been relegated to just a few minutes of formality. Now once again, there's a world of difference in music services and demands at weddings," shares Pankaj Kumar Mudariya, from Delhi based Shehnai Waden, providing music solutions. There is no dearth of instances where the instrument made its presence felt as a constant background score on the wedding day itself.

Touch of tradition with a troupe

There is a world of auspicious, happy, wedding folk songs ready to be explored and experimented with. Since the ladies these days don't come with an extra knowledge of old world music, there is always help from traditional troupes at hand. "In the pure folk songs we merge a bit of contemporary songs to please all sorts of guests. But the endeavour is always to make them connect to their culture and bring them closer to the songs of the soil," shares Sujata Bhatnagar, a playback singer who, branched out into wedding music services only since the last three years. "I have given background voice to songs. Our effort has always been to improve and synchronise pure folk songs," she adds, while promising that ghodiyaan, suhaag and jaago songs can be as entertaining as today's music. "There was a time when wedding performances were considered nothing more than a circus. Today, I have professional music teachers in my troupe. The concept of weddings has changed 360 degrees." Well, the weddings themselves have changed 360 degrees. Along with the change, what's taking place is evolution.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Wake up to a treat
If you thought only a hearty lunch or a candlelight dinner could leave a lasting flavor, try out these breakfast options in the tricity…
Somya Abrol

There's not much that can make you drag yourself out of bed to combat the monotony of yet another average day. But then, there's always breakfast! It was not very long ago when you would fumble around Chandigarh's sectors and end up with just Aloo Poori, Upma or Dhokla to start your day with.

Finally, with the Almighty's grace, tricity's foodies now have a number of options to choose from. We wonder if nutritionists' hoopla about breakfast being the most important meal of the day brought this upon the city. Nonetheless, we're not complaining! From Mediterranean to continental to oriental to European—we now have a deluge of sumptuous options to commence our day. Let's take a look at some, shall we?

Veg haven

Garlic & Greens, Sector 9, Chd

This purely vegetarian restaurant boggles your mind with its wide variety. Whoever said vegetarian in India is just ghaas-phoos, can very well bite their tongue! From a variety of toasts served with hash browns, baked beans and coffee to multigrain loafs to peanut butter jelly sandwiches to pancakes to English muffins to Chilaquiles to sugarfree breakfast options such as porridge, oatmeal and Greek yougurt, there's a lot to choose from.

Breakfast for one: Rs 350

Open from: 7 am to 11 pm

Green cover

Willow Café, Sector 10, Chd

From French toast to Amritsari Kulcha to eggs of all sorts, Willow Café guarantees to make your mornings pretty with its outdoor seating in the greenery and variety of teas and coffee. Visit this place for Roast Chicken Sandwich or the Chicken Piccata, Roasted Bellpepper, Zucchini Open Face Sandwich, if you're in the mood to indulge.

Breakfast for one: Rs 400

Open from: 8.30 am to 12 midnight

Café feel

Books N Brew, Sector 16, Chd

Almost all youngsters have frequented this little café since its inception. Though the menu isn't very elaborate, they do offer a decent cup of coffee, Indian Masala Omlette, Burritos, Indian Frittata and the likes. Team these up with a good, relaxed ambience, and you have for yourself a perfect start to the morning!

Breakfast for one: Rs 200

Open from: 9 am to 11 pm

Crepe corner

Casa Bella Vista, Sector 10, Chd

Nestled in the back lanes of this happening sector, Casa Bella Vista offers you earthy, Victorian interiors and a bright outdoor seating. While their regular fare features wood-fire oven pizzas and pastas (vegetarian only), we recommend you visit this restaurant for its crepes. The crepe with bananas, walnuts, ice-cream and chocolate wins our hearts sumptuously.

Breakfast for one: Rs 350

Open from: 9.30 am to 11 pm

Eat & tell

Lettuce Eat, VIP Road, Zirakpur

You'd think finding good food in Zirakpur would be a struggle; wait till you walk into Lettuce Eat on the already-crowded VIP Road. While the interiors are breezy and light, their breakfast options range from Chicken & Cheese Omlette to variants of the Pasta Salad. The Chef's special Egg & Cheese Sandwich is also worth a try.

Breakfast for one: Rs 250

Open from: 9.30 am to 10.30 pm

Tasty treat

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Sector 22, Chd

Even if we don't consider the sea of mouth-watering teas and coffees available at CBTL, their breakfast options are sure to entice you; what with chocolate and cheese croissants and waffles and smoked chicken sausages and omlettes! The one cup of coffee worth trying with your indulgent breakfast is the Vanilla Latte.

Breakfast for one: Rs 450

Open from: 7.30 am to 12 midnight

somya@tribunemail.com

All set for the voyage
Debutant actor Hektor Sandhu is bracing himself to tickle the audiences’ funny bone with his upcoming Punjabi movie

The Punjabi movie industry is slowly but surely developing, and from comic interludes, moving towards more serious topics that can move the masses. However, some bit of humour is always welcome, as is provided by Hektor Sandhu, who is essaying the role of a character called Tom, in an upcoming Punjabi movie, Yoddha, which releases on October 31. Sandhu is a man of many seasons and is sure to make a big mark in Pollywood.

Directed by Mandeep Benipal and produced by Kuljinder Singh Sidhu, who plays the main lead, the movie has Rahul Dev playing the villain.

Born and brought up in Switzerland, Hektor Sandhu has a Swiss mother, who got married to a Sikh based in Patiala. He has received professional training from the Anupam Kher Acting School: Actor Prepares, Chandigarh, in 2011 and secured the first position in the course. Sandhu is multitalented; he acts, sings and can speak four languages - Swiss, Hindi, Punjabi and English. He also featured in some popular Punjabi songs, including Master Saleem's famous song Love Letter. Sandhu also made an appearance in popular reality show on Channel V, Date My Folks, hosted by VJ Andy. Fitness, however, takes priority over all else for Sandhu. "Fitness is a passion for me. I met Kuljinder Sidhu in a gym, we got friendly and he offered me this role. I then worked on my diction and language," he says.

The movie

The story of Yoddha is based on a young Sikh boy who fights against the corrupt society. This movie has been directed by Mandeep Benipal; the story has been written by famous Punjabi writer Amardeep Singh Gill and Kuljinder Sidhu. — TNS

stress buster
Start your day on a happy note
Renee Singh

When you wake up, and you are asked, Good Morning and how you do feel this morning….one begin to wonder, if it is a worth thinking about because our whole day is based on this first feel of the day. Some of us get up with a start yet some of us laze through the waking up process.

I personally like lazing through the process with a few cups of tea which I gulp down at frequent intervals. Although earlier I was very critical of this process, I have realised that your whole day depends on your morning routine. The way you spend your morning adds a flavour to your day and also keeps it stress free to a large extent.

If you start your day feeling stressful, you can begin to feel a negative spiral. You begin to apprehend "not such a good day feel", yet if you start your day from a place of feeling centred, you are obviously better equipped to handle your day and whatever else comes your way and thus enjoy the rest of your day to a fuller extent. All you really need to do is to incorporate some healthy lifestyle habits into you morning routine which can enable you to better handle the stress you may experience during the day. Experiment with a few of them, see which one suits your temperament the most stick to it and enjoy day with a stress free feeling.

Music therapy

Music has been proven to reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. Listening to music as you are getting ready and starting your day will create a positive energy and a soothing sense of peace or fun depending on the music you are playing. It can also compliment other lifestyle habits. It adds a sense of joy to your routine, peace to your yoga, a spring to your morning walk and stimulates your mind as you write your morning journal.

Drink green tea

Sipping a warm cup of tea is a soothing activity that will help you prepare for the day ahead and feel nurtured. Green tea is loaded with anti oxidents. It is a delicious and healthy lifestyle choice.

Relax in the shower

Many of us are used to relaxing in our shower. It is one of the fun activities in life. Instead of rushing through the process of bathing allow the water to wash away the stressful thoughts. Take a few moments and get into the right frame of mind. Let the warm water loosen your muscles; think about all you have to be grateful for and what you have to further do.

A balanced breakfast

This is known to be the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical or mental stress.

Write a journal

Journaling has many health and stress management benefits and leads to greater self awareness. Take a few minutes to reflect on what you enjoyed during the day before, focus on today onwards for the day or just write about what you are grateful for. Writing once a day can help you feel focused, process negative emotions and solve problems.

Morning walk

For some of us this is a great way of rejuvenating, gets you geared for the day. You can sleep better at night; it lowers stress levels and reduces risk of many health conditions.

Mind body connection

One of the most effective stress relievers. It creates a mind body connection that helps in creating a balance on a physical and emotional level, giving a wonderful kick start to our day.

Attitude of gratitude

Starting the day with a thank you for a great nights sleep and also for the day ahead is a super practice, reduces stress levels and helps you make the most of your life. In this positive mind set you excrete certain positive chemicals in your brain which get sent into your bloodstream and recharge your body.

Make a choice

Choose from whichever activity suits your own personal temperament the best and watch your day go wonderfully. You don't need a therapist to enjoy the benefits of these simple strategies. Just go for them, they are your birthright and they make you stress free.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

WEIGHT WATCH
Healthy picks that help you relax…
Sunita Bhatti

As everyone knows that stress is a part of life. Stress works in both ways, it may be good enough for better productivity but it may cause serious health hazards if it is not managed timely. There may be so many underlying causes behind stress. Stress may be caused by time limited events, such as the pressures of examinations or work deadlines.

The most vulnerable group undergoing stress is executive class and students. More workload and pressure of studies leads to stressful life. Competitive exams and goal achieving jobs make them to sit for long hours, which lead to mental tension and physical fatigue. Some stress is a normal part of the workplace, but excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and affects your physical and emotional health. So now the question arises how to manage the stress.

There are so many ways to deal with stress with the help of meditation and antidepressant pills. Here we are going to tell you the way to manage the stress with some life style changes and keep yourself energise to cope up with stressful life. You can add some wonderful foods in your diet to reduce stress to some extent.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits and all colourful fruits like oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, plums, and tomatoes are high in potassium, which aids in the regulation of blood pressure. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants also. When you are stressed, your body releases even more free radicals than usual. Vitamin C helps to keep the free radicals in check, and repairs the body. Basically, it helps protect the body from the cumulative effects of stress. These fruits also contain a high amount of fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Too many fluctuations in blood sugar levels may be a major contributor to stress for some people.

Omega-3 rich foods

Canola oil, linseed oil, soy oil and fish tuna oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which elevate your mood, thereby helping you to better cope with the after effects of a really tough day at the office. Flax seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. This can be taken in the roasted form after grinding it. It can be mixed in curd or milk.

Sugar in moderation

Foods that are high in sugar cause your body to produce fewer hormones linked to anxiety. When you ingest sugar, your body creates a hormone that counters stress reactions, called glucocorticoid. But you should make sure to only eat sugar in moderation, as more of sugar consumption leads to weight gain.

Whole grains

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and whole grains encourages your body to produce increased levels of serotonin, a feel good hormone that improves your mood and produces a sensation of relaxation. All whole grains including wheat, oats, barley and brown rice contain plenty of B vitamins and also supply serotonin which helps to relax nerve muscles.

Low fat or skim milk

Milk is very high in calcium and B vitamins, which help to build your bones and protect nerve health. Try mixing some milk, little sugar and some fresh blueberries in the blender for a healthy pick -me-up that is super good for you, and an excellent alternative to ice cream.

Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Nuts and oilseeds

These are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant. Nuts are also high in calcium, iron and fiber. Some 25 to 30 grams of nuts can be included in a daily diet for a normal person.

Soy benefits

Try adding foods that are made out of soy to your diet such as soy milk, tofu and soy nuts. Soy is high in protein, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress reducing because they can satisfy the urge we get for carbohydrates and sweets when we are under a great deal of stress. Instead of reaching for a doughnut, eat one of these as it is rich of vitamin C also.

Water

It is important to have sufficient water intake (8-10 glasses) in a day to keep your body hydrated as dehydration can stress your entire body. Keep your nerves steady by staying well hydrated. The foods listed above are not only healthy, but they taste good as well! Next time you crave sweets because of stress, reach for some fresh fruits, a sweet potato, or make a blueberry or mango shake with milk. Eat other wholesome foods the rest of the time, and eventually, your level of stress will decrease, leaving you less susceptible to unhealthy food cravings.

During exams, it is not uncommon for students to fall into the pit of perfectionism leading to panic attacks of stress during exams. So during exams how to deal with stress is a cumbersome job. Just relax, we have some healthy tips which can help to relieve stress to some extent during exams.

(Bhatti is a Chandigarh-based dietician)

Exam diet

  • Start your day with a glass of low fat milk.
  • Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet that will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs. Instead of eating 3 heavy meals eat 5 to 6 meals a day to feel lighter.
  • Moderate your intake of fat, sugar, and caffeine. Alter sweet cravings with fruits as fruits provide lots of vitamins. Lot of sugar intake can make you sluggish.
  • Eat handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts and raisins) which provide you extra amount of energy and protein, fibre and other nutrients.
  • Try to add lots of fluids to keep your body fully hydrated.
  • Some light exercise will help you to get relaxed.
  • Get plenty of sleep and try to make your sleeping patterns as regular as possible.

Festive offer

To commemorate India's colourful festive spirit, Godrej Interio, a leader and innovator in the furniture category has launched an exclusive festive offer, wherein consumers get chance to win a truly transformed home, for free. It gives assured discount of up to 20 per cent on the entire range of designer home, kitchen furniture and mattress which is specially created for its consumers.

The excitement doesn't end here, lucky buyers further hold a chance to get some more discount on their purchase. All they need to do is scratch the super discount card and they can win either 50 per cent or 25 per cent discount, or possibly 100 per cent discount on their entire purchase.

The offer has started from September 19. On the launch of the festive offer, Subodh Mehta, senior AVP, sales & marketing, Godrej Interio said, "Like always, Godrej Interio wants its consumers to get the most value from their festive shopping. During the festive offer period, on an average in India, we aim to have at least 40-50 consumers getting complete free furniture. Apart from them, at least 300 consumers get 50 per cent off on furniture. Further, around a 1600 get 25 per cent off. Now the ones who do not win these will surely get a 10-20 per cent off." — TNS

Supermodels day out

It was a supermodels day out at the exquisite spa and salon of Cleopatra. Miss India Koyal Rana and sultry stunning models like Amruta Patki, Anchal Oberoi, Aditi Mishra were cynosure of all eyes as they experimented with Cleopatra's new beauty looks and spa solutions. Joining the gang of girls were Richa Aggarwal and beauty expert Harveen.

Richa Aggarwal personally supervised the event while they enjoyed pampering and services from Cleopatra's repertoire. Glamourous evening also coincided with the celebration of overwhelming response Cleopatra's new salon was receiving. Models went gaga over the pampering and services and were busy chit chatting over healthy spa drinks and organic menu. — TNS

Angelina Jolie to direct Africa!

Angelina Jolie has found her fourth directorial vehicle in a biopic Africa, which she will produce as well. The film, penned by Oscar-winner Eric Roth, will tell the story of Kenyan politician and paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey, who battled elephant poachers to protect the animal's population in Africa, said a publication.

"I've felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric's beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers and who emerged with a deeper understanding of man's footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him," said Jolie. The film will be produced by David Ellison and Dana Goldberg of Skydance, as well as Jon Peters. Jolie will also produce. "Africa is a story that deserves to be told. It is very close to my heart and I know that it will exceed my expectations in Angelina's hands. She is an incredibly talented filmmaker and is sure to turn Eric Roth's impeccable script into the project I've always wanted Skydance to be involved in," Ellison said. Jolie, who made her directional debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey in 2011, is currently directing and starring in By the Sea with husband Brad Pitt. She also penned the story which is set in the seventies and revolves around a dysfunctional marriage. Her other project Unbroken, the story of World War II POW survivor Louis Zamperini, opens this Christmas. Jolie, 39, who has often hinted about her desire to retire from acting, seems keen to build a career behind the camera. — PTI

Ashton Kutcher is a nervous wreck

Actor Ashton Kutcher is extremely anxious ahead of the birth of his first child with actress fiancee Mila Kunis. The 36-year-old actor and Kunis, 31, were hoping the Black Swan actress would go into labour while he was on a break from filming Two and a Half Men.

"They were hoping the baby would come this week because he's on hiatus. He (Kutcher) is a nervous wreck," a source said. Ashton alluded to his pre-baby jitters on Twitter, "Nervous is excited's victim sister." The couple, who got engaged earlier this year and started dating in 2012, are planning to get married after their baby's birth. — PTI

Not so young, already

There were stories doing the rounds that filmmaker Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor had shelved their project Badtameez Dil, starring Emraan Hashmi and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The latest we hear is that KJo and Ekta are planning to go ahead with the film.

However, this time without Emraan and Kareena. In fact, the film-maker duo is planning to re-edit parts of the script to suit younger star-cast and have started hunting for new faces.

The reason behind ousting the two of them was that people behind the project felt that script, being a rom-com, would suit a younger couple. Both production houses are tight-lipped about the project and will make an official statement about Badtameez Dil very soon.

The battle goes onscreen

The age-old battle between India's largest metro cities Mumbai and Delhi is all set to be immortalised in an upcoming romantic comedy titled Mumbai Delhi Mumbai. The makers have unveiled the poster and trailer of the film and its story appears to revolve around the age-old fight for supremacy between Mumbai and Delhi, played out by Pia Bajpai as Mumbai girl Pia and Shiv Pandit as Delhi boy Goli.

The poster introduces Pia, a young and ambitious Mumbaikar who loves her city and its lifestyle to the core. As seen in the trailer, she is street smart and independent. When she runs into the loud and flashy Goli on her disastrous trip to Delhi, her dislike for the city is beyond containment. But being the self-centered and boastful young man that Goli is, he has an undying devotion towards his city and will not take a word against his city. It explores what happens when a Mumbai-loving girl meets a Delhi-loving boy. The film is set to release across theatres on September 26, 2014.

Priyanka to play Kiran Bedi?

After playing a feisty boxer in Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra might be seen in yet another biopic. According to the latest buzz, the actress has been approached to play the role of retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who was the first woman to join Indian Police Service and shot to fame after she towed the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's car for a parking violation.

Chopra's spokesperson confirmed that the actress has been approached for the biopic but added that it is too early to comment. However, Kiran Bedi seemed clueless about these plans and said that she has not been approached in this regard yet. Priyanka will be next seen in Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do, which also stars Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma and others.

Opposites attract!

Ever wondered what would happen if a vivacious, lively, talented girl from Lucknow meets an intense and ruthless business tycoon! While keeping in view the saying, that opposites attract, Sony Entertainment Television's latest offering is a love story of two contrasting individuals - Humsafars. Humsafars chronicles the lives of a budding fashion designer Arzoo Nausheen Khan and a multimillionaire owner of a fashion house Sahir Chaudhary.

Arzoo, who comes to Mumbai to become a fashion designer, ends up working for Sahir, who owns a fashion house, Sayaara. What follows is an intense love story between two contrasting individuals when their worlds collide. Making her debut with the role of Arzoo Nausheen Khan, is Shivya Pathania and portraying the suave and intimidating Sahir Chaudhary will be the handsome Harshad Chopra. Other actors on the show include, Vibha Chibber, Sehban Azim, Madhumalti, Purva Parag among others. How will two individuals, who belong to completely different worlds, come together and fall in love? Will Arzoo's simplicity break Sahir's toughness?

To find out, watch Humsafars starting September 22, Monday to Thursday at 10:30pm only on Sony.

CHATTER BOX

Double dose of entertainment

Twice the drama: A still from Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti
Twice the drama: A still from Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti

A still from Mera Naseeb
A still from Mera Naseeb

Hindi channel, Zindagi, has become a favorite amongst the Indian audience, living up to its promise of giving viewers new shows every month. This time the audience is in for a dual treat with Mera Naseeb and Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti, both premiering on the same day, September 23.

Replacing Ishq Gumshuda at 8 pm is Mera Naseeb, a story of two cousins, Nazia and Shazia, born on the same day in the same house and environment, bound by conflicting fate lines. Both the girls are inseparable and despite a close bond, their personalities are poles apart. Bold, outspoken and adventurous, Shazia, does not mind bending the rules to get her own way; while sweet, pretty and naïve, Nazia, is too scared to even try. Fate takes them on different paths as they get married. Will they find happiness in their respective lives? Sanam Saeed, who was last seen in Zindagi Gulzar Hai as Kashaf Murtaza, plays the character of Shazia while Syra Yousuf will mark her debut as Nazia in the show. The show also has Imran Abbas, Adeel Hussain and Samina.

Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti (YSNHS) will be aired at 8.55 pm, September 23 onwards. The show is a light-hearted comedy, revolving around two lovers, Sikander and Alishba, who have been in love since college, but their marriage has always remained an issue, as the families belong to contrasting backgrounds.

Popular Pakistani actors Mohib Mirza and Urwa Tul Wusqa will make their Indian television debut through YSNHS.

Mohib will be seen in the role of Sikander, a funny and cheerful boy who is good with people and always keeps happiness of others ahead of his. He faces a lot of issues convincing his parents to accept his decision of getting married to the love of his life Alishba, played by Urwa Tul Wusqa. Alishba is bold and lively girl who cannot stand injustice and fights for her rights. — HRM

Big B gets nostalgic

Emotional moment: Fawad Khan (L) and Sonam Kapoor with Amitabh Bachchan (R) Amitabh Bachchan got nostalgic when Pakistani actor Fawad Khan came on the sets of his game show Kaun Banega Crorepati to promote his first Bollywood film Khoobsurat. Big B shared his strong and personal connection with the neighbouring country.

Emotional moment: Fawad Khan (L) and Sonam Kapoor with Amitabh Bachchan (R)

He revealed that his grandfather was from Karachi and said he had visited that place for the first time with his mother when he was just two-years-old. Meanwhile, curious Amitabh Bachchan also bombarded Fawad Khan with a string of questions, like how different is the cinema there and about his fans. Fawad was accompanied by his co-star Sonam Kapoor.

Ashish Sharma wins Jhalak Season 7

After going through rigorous dance rehearsals and shooting of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7, winner Ashish Sharma says he needs a break before taking up any new project.

The Rangrasiya star said his actress wife Archana Taide, whom he married last year, is planning a surprise vacation for him.

Ashish won the seventh season of the celebrity dance reality show after defeating co-contestants Karan Tacker and Shakti Mohan.

There was a tie between Karan and Ashish in the finale, but the latter was announced the winner after audience's vote. Ashish says he will not be participating in any other reality show next.

"I am thankful that Jhalak made me a professional dancer. But, I won't be participating in any reality show next," he said. — PTI

Of math and aftermath…

While shooting for the show, Ek Hasina Thi, Vatsal Sheth was pretty surprised to see his School teacher on the sets. He least expected his Maths teacher to show up on the sets of the show to play the role of his on-screen chachi. According to the sources, Jyoti Gauba was Vatsal's maths teacher in school. Student of Utpal Shangvi, the lad said that all his classmates would do their homework just to impress her. "When she walked in, it took Vatsal some time to recognise her. However, they chatted for a good time before resuming the shoot. She said that she always adored him, as he was one of the intelligent students. She was surprised to see that Vatsal was playing the bad boy while in the school he was amongst the good ones," said the source.

A melodramatic end

When Mahamanga (Ashwini Kalsekar) shot for her last sequence on Jodha Akbar, Paridhi Sharma (Jodha) said that she idolises Ashwini. She even went on to touch her feet. Ashwini said, “The crew had become my family. It was a very emotional moment for me as I had really got attached to the entire cast. Mahamanga's track has come to a natural end and now, I am looking forward to some new beginnings."

A couple, in denial

Shraddha Kapoor clarifies that Aditya Roy Kapur has not given her any ring and if he had, then she would have flaunted it, happily. They both continue to deny their relationship. Meanwhile, they say that she got the role in Haider on Shahid Kapoor's recommendation to Vishal Bhardwaj as she was keen on working with the veteran director. She has a supporting role in the movie.

Checking up on Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt is making heavy-duty paper bags at Yerwada Central Jail and he has got a pay hike from Rs 25-30 to Rs 40-45 per day after the wage revision for prisoners.

Making up for lost time

Aditya Chopra hosted a special screening of Daawat-E-Ishq for the friends and family of Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur because the duo was away on a food yatra to promote the movie.

When opinion doesn’t matter

Rumour has it that Akshay Khanna is no longer a part of Dev Benegal's Bombay Samurai as he was, allegedly, interfering a lot in the film's script. Now buzz is that the filmmakers want to rope in Irrfan Khan instead but his dates are not available.

One for the people

Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider is set in the Kashmir of 1990s. Salman Khan has a huge fan following in Kashmir so the director has two guys named Salman in the film who dress the way Khan did in Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. That's a quirky addition.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your cards "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be the first thing on your mind. Independent efforts are unlikely to bring spectacular gains. You might have to cancel a trip to avoid friction at home. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties in time. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 57

TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. Taxation matters may be adjourned. Check the behaviour of your spouse secretly. The personal and professional areas of your life might be at odds. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 65

GEMINI: Co-workers will be helpful. Your love relationship will be revitalised. Pursuing your romance into the realms of commitment makes for joyous celebrations. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 30

CANCER: Your card "The King" brings good news. Share your interests with your family members. Legal matters need attention. You need to take a break from hectic schedule. Tarot message: Try to get rid of negative feelings. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 33

LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning and you will not miss anything important. Your care and interest could make all the differences in the lives of your loved ones. Tarot message: Focus on your goals. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 61

VIRGO: You need to be alert and responsive. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Read a good book or engage yourself in a productive activity. Group efforts and projects will inspire you. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. Avoid going to social gatherings in the evening. Your health needs attention. Its time to focus on your career and everything will be sorted. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 29

SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach to an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and only too willing to criticize you. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory owners: you will not be able to get co-operation from labour. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Tarot message: Leave the past in the past. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 52

CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating today. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. A new romance can bring changes to your living quarters, as you both find the compulsion to be together. Tarot message: Handle others carefully. Don't antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 36

AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed as smoothly as you may have hoped they would. Tension builds and tempers can fray. An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Tarot message: Do not give up your rights or freedom. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 40

PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters distinctly separate. Students: time spent on studying will not go waste. Retrenchment or loss of a job can release you from the bonds of commitment. Tarot message: Don't allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 26

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 22...

Being born on the 22nd of September, you are capable of handling large-scale undertakings. Often, especially in the early part of life, there is rigidity or stubbornness and a tendency to repress feelings. You have a fortunate year ahead. Work front will be bright; chances for progress are seen. Your financial situation will improve. Health will be good. You'll be open to all ideas and make good investments, especially if you are self-employed. The Saturn advises a little more maturity.

Positive colors: Dark blue, dark grey, and all blue shades

Select days: Saturday

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, and 8

Gems recommended: Gomed, cats eye, and tiger stone

Charity on birthday: Donate cooked sweet rice to the poor.

You share your birthday with Sana Saeed (September 22, 1988), who made her movie debut as a child artiste in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In 2012, Saeed made her screen debut as an adult in a supporting role in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year, which emerged as a box-office commercial success.





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |