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Flip flop season, yet?
Ambition is good. Or is it? What happens when this ambition makes you take a bigger bite than you can chew? Just because you aspire to reach the stars, can you, really? Going by online shopping portal Flipkart's epic fail of the Big Billion Sale on Eid (October 6, 2014), aspirations can apparently do more harm than good. But, any publicity is good publicity, right?
"Is it true that something big is coming?" "It's bigger than the World Cup." "Bigger than garba!" "When it is coming?" - These were the ad promos that preceded Flipkart's 'biggest sale of the season'. What ensued, October 6, 8 am onwards, was a deluge of 'Server not found' and 'Error 404'. From hiking MRPs to the omnipresent 'Out of Stock' message - Flipkart, it seems, would have to direct its sale profits (if any) towards image building and PR post the epic fail. While Twitter did not take too kindly to their error in judgment - with the expected #flopkart being the 'official' hash tag for jokes -- the owners, Sachin and Binny Bansal, took to sending apology letters to their customers late Tuesday night (October 7), accepting that they weren't 'adequately prepared for the sheer scale of the event'. City youngsters, too, had their bouts of anger with the portal. "To begin with, they weren't properly equipped for the amount of traffic they received on the website. I tried to order a few things repeatedly; first the items wouldn't get added to the cart and then the website would keep crashing. Also, their 'crazy deals' were sold out as soon as the sale began. The biggest problem, however, was that the prices they were advertising were actually much higher than other sites like Snapdeal, even after their Big Billion Day discounts!" says Sahil Goyal, client servicing executive, Resonance India, Chandigarh. "My experience with Flipkart has not been pleasant from the word 'go. I'd ordered a book from them on August 30. The status, according to their site, is still 'in process'. On October 6 also, I tried to buy a few items, but as soon as I'd click on the product, it would go 'out of stock'. Now, they're trying to undo the damage with apology letters," says Amit Joshi, business analyst, Webnnor Informatics, Chandigarh. Grace, however, did no one harm. After the 'genuine' apology from Binny and Sachin, twitterati is considering giving them a second chance. Shall we?
Twitter aflutter
iIndian @i_theindian Moggy @WonderWoman Angry Bombay Guy
@ThatRetardGuy Kushal Thakkar @i_kushal Gaurav Sharma
@The Gaurav Sharma somya@tribunemail.com
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Quite a handful
A concoction of beauty, elegance and talent, Queenie Singh comes across as a rarity, as she engages in a conversation that elaborates on her career as a jewellery designer, which she discovered while modelling.
Seated daintily on a recliner at Satya Paul, Chandigarh, Queenie, the former Miss India, shares that her father allowed her to take up modelling as a career only when she promised to pursue her academic degree. However, jewellery designing was more of her heart's calling. "I did my masters in mathematics because unlike other subjects, it was not so dry and one would have to wreak their heads for hours to find a solution. But when I got into modelling, slowly, I started investing my money into jewellery and that triggered my passion for jewellery," she shares. While she exhibits her collection, Jewels by Queenie, in association with Satya Paul, Queenie waxes eloquent about the changing trends in jewellery over the years. "People buy jewellery only for three reasons, investment, as fashion accessories and as a status symbol," she says. However, in the recent years, people's perception of jewellery has changed. "These days people want to buy jewellery as a fashion accessory, which has thereby increased the sales of statement pieces," she opines. As Queenie presents an exquisite line of hand-made fine jewellery embellished with stones, she shares the must-have quintessential jewellery pieces.
"I think every woman must have an art deco diamond bracelet and cuffs," says Queenie. While her collection ranges from contemporary to ethnic, chic to heavy, precious to semi-precious, Queenie has created a variety of styles keeping in mind the most important factor, the budget. The collection is priced at Rs 20,000 and goes up to Rs 2 lakh. On till October 9 amarjot@tribunemail.com
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green
thumb This is the right time to carry out pruning of roses. A few tips on how to do it the right way… Satish Narula
Given hereunder are a few tips to follow for best results. Normally when we talk about pruning roses, the malis start opening roots. Ask them for the logic behind and they will say that roots are being exposed so that they can have the benefit of sun and air. This is absolutely absurd. Nothing could be more damaging to roots. The feeders in roses are confined to the upper layer of soil and while exposing the roots these are bound to be damaged. Also where is the need to expose roots to sun and air? The roots are, by nature, photonegative and go deep in soil, away from light. Had there been a need for the roots to have light and sun then Mother Nature would have grown these at the top of the plant. They also say that this activity lets the plant have manure and fertiliser. So far as availability of manure and fertilisers is concerned, these are all water soluble and easily available once these are added to soil. There is no need to spoon feed the plants. This is the right time to carry out pruning in roses. The first step in pruning is removing all the dead and diseased branches and stubs. The main branches that emerge from near the roots should be cut at about one to one and a half feet from the ground. Those branches should be cut leaving about six to eight 'eyes'. Roses bear flowers on the current growth. Pruning in case of floribundas could also be similar except for the need to remove the extra thin branches that are in abundant in such roses. The miniature roses need little pruning and need only a little dressing for removing dead wood. The trailing roses need training and the pruning should be done to give direction to the vine. Wherever the vine is cut at the terminal, the growth is obtained at the sides. Keep this in mind while intending to fill spaces. An exposed cut end is dangerous for the plant. There sets in die back disease in which case the branches start blackening and dying back. If not stopped in time, it may kill the whole branch till near the base. As soon as you notice this, remove the dead portion taking along with it some of the healthy branch as the fungal infection travels within tissues. Apply some disinfectant at the cut end. If nothing else is handy, use blitox powder slurry. This can be made by adding a few drops of water to blitox powder. Apply it at the cut end immediately after pruning. (Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist and landscapist)
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star track Bollywood actor Ali Fazal has replaced Emraan Hashmi to be the new face of the Bhatt camp
Producers and directors can make or break an actor's career. However, if you manage to impress, you can be rest assured that your career will be elevated. The Bhatts have the knack for spotting talent and have over the years, given several actors a chance to make it big in Bollywood. One such person, who became a face of their campaign, was Emraan Hashmi. However, after their speculated fallout, they have tended not to weep over it and have already found another poster boy in Ali Fazal, who was seen last in Bobby Jasoos opposite Vidya Balan. Not only is he working for Mahesh Bhatts' next horror movie Khamoshiyan, Ali will now also be seen in Pooja Bhatt's next opposite Richa Chadha. The film is going to be directed by Shagufta Rafique. "The Bhatts gave me a home with Khamoshiyaan, Mukesh Bhatt's next film. I have finally finished it and now walked over to the next room in the same house with Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt guiding me. Kings of the jungle. I am excited to give them back the love. I can’t wait for the next project by Shagufta Rafique," says Ali Fazal.
Ruskin Bond praises Shahid
Shahid Kapoor seems to have become the talk of the town after Haider. The actor's performance in his recent film has mesmerised the viewers.
Playing a famous character in the Indian adaptation of Hamlet, the actor has caught the eyes of another veteran author. In a recent interview, famous author Ruskin Bond stated that he would like Shahid Kapoor to play his character onscreen if a biopic was ever made on him. Shahid Kapoor has gathered a lot of attention with his recent release. The actor has made a mark by his extraordinary acting skills and physical transformation for the role. He has in a phenomenal manner shown his versatile and layered acting skills. His performance has got a lot of people in the industry talking about the actor's recent work. When Shahid heard about Ruskin's declaration he was more than delighted. He is a fan of Ruskin Bond and his very famous book character, Rusty. The author is known to for his lighthearted creation. Shahid was very happy and honoured by Ruskin's thoughts of him and would love to play his character. Spokesperson confirms the news and adds, "Shahid was overwhelmed when he heard about what Ruskin Bond had said. For him, it is an honour to be chosen by such a veteran writer. Shahid would like to thank him on considering him to play such a well known character."
No burning ambition
Actress Sonakshi Sinha tells it like it is. She talks about her career, films, and more. Enjoying the phase I would not hesitate to state that I am enjoying this phase in the industry right now. I do not think I will ever let myself burn out by doing more films than what I am humanly capable of. Having worked with the best of actors, technicians in the industry, I feel I am blessed. But let me confess-I cannot look at myself critically and actually look up to my mother for critical comments. My father loves me and thinks that whatever I do is the best while my mom sits with me sometimes when I listen to the narration of any film. I take my mum's opinion very seriously and the best part is that my mom is very honest about whatever she feels and tells me frankly. Eleven films so far I have been part of 11 films in a period of four years—Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore, Joker, Oh My God, Son of Sardar, Dabangg 2, Lootera, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobaara, R Rajkumar, Bullet Raja, Holiday etc and two films in special appearance like Boss and Himmatwala. With every film I am learning more and more by trial and error method. I learn from interacting with new technicians, new actors. Rs 5 crore for Shivam Am I mad to ask for such a sum when I liked the script? I still am living comfortably with my parents. Money has never been an issue for me. I do not look at the size of my role when I sign a film. When I sign a film, I crave to do something different. Glamour yes, bikini no Who says that I am not ready to sport glamorous costumes? I am ready to sport glamorous costumes, because I am essentially a jeans and T-shirt girl off-screen. Though glamour has become an integral part of Hindi cinema today, I am not ready to appear in a bikini in a film. If the audience has readily accepted me in traditional and decent costumes in Dabangg, why should I wear a bikini? For originality's sake I confess that I am not at all averse to watching the original hit versions of any film when I am offered the opportunity to work in the remake. Rowdy Rathore was the remake of the Tamil hit Siruthai and the Telugu hit Vikramarkudu. I made it a point to see how Anushka Shetty had acted in Vikramarkudu, though I did not get the opportunity to watch the Tamil version Siruthai or Maryada Ramana, the Telegu hit, the original Son of Sardar. I made it a point to interpret Anushka's role in an entirely different manner since Prabhu Deva, who had not directed either the Tamil or the Telugu version had entirely changed the original subject in such a way that it would be palatable for the Hindi audiences, by weeding out the inherent nativity in both the versions.
Now a biopic on Dhyan Chand
After Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Mary Kom, and MS Dhoni, get ready for yet another biopic on a sports person as filmmaker Karan Johar has bought the rights to make a movie on hockey legend Dhyan Chand.
Confirming the news, Karan tweeted: 'My friends Pooja...Aarti Shetty and I are honoured and proud to have the rights to tell the story of the legendary sportsman Dhyan Chand.' Earlier, there were reports that actor Shah Rukh Khan might play the hockey legend. Dhyan Chand, who still remains a legendary figure in the world of hockey, was a three-time Olympic gold medal winner.
A promise is a promise
Fifteen years ago, Sonu Sood promised his just-married sister Monika, based in Washington DC, that he would become a star and she would buy tickets for his concert in America and now he is performing over there as part of the Happy New Year SLAM tour. What a lovely story with a happy ending!
Oh brother!
Sidharth Malhotra has gained weight for Brothers, the remake of Warrior. He has begun shooting and his new look has been revealed in the new celebrity promo for the MAMI Festival.
Best foot forward
Sonam Kapoor says that dressing up well doesn't make you a bimbo. It shows that you love yourself and want to put your best foot forward. People should dress according to the event.
Reaching out
Imran Khan is doing everything he can to help the people affected by the floods in Kashmir. He has been involved in the relief efforts and supplied many essentials. God bless him and the people of
Kashmir and the rescue workers.
Style vs substance
Take a look at the new stills for Kill/Dil. The movie looks stylish. We hope that Shaad Ali's direction has substance too.
Not a happy situation
Happy New Year has competition on its release date now. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike-starrer Gone Girl which has got a bumper opening and rave reviews worldwide, will release in India on October 23.
Past perfect
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are playing characters that are more than a decade younger than their actual ages in Jagga Jasoos, so their costumes and make-up is age appropriate too.
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chatter box
Sukirti Kandpal is the first contestant to be evicted from the eighth season of reality TV show Bigg Boss. In a quick chat, she talks about her elimination, the show, and more…
Are you disappointed? Well, I did not expect to get out of the Bigg Boss house so soon. It was an early elimination, but I am not disappointed. When you participate in a game like this, you know that you can be out any time. However, my fans and family are quite disappointed. Do you blame Sonali Raut for eviction? I do not wish to hold her responsible for my elimination. She told me that she did not mean any harm, but she did play the catalyst in my eviction. Nevertheless, she realised her mistake and apologised to me. So, it's fine. I had a choice to be bad and create controversies, but I made a choice to be good. If there is a price to pay for that, then so be it. Your chemistry with Upen Patel has attracted a lot of attention. Is something brewing between the two of you? I just connected very well with Upen, but there is nothing brewing between us. Romance cannot happen in two days, nor can it be planned. When two good-looking people get close, people are bound to draw such conclusions. I was close to Arya Babbar as well. If given the chance as a wild card contestant, would like to go back? I would definitely like to go back to the house as I had loads of fun on the show. What's next? I have just come out of the show. I plan to go on a vacation and later take up something new.
Kapil roots for Rekha
Manish misses his flight, fans come to aid
Actor and anchor Manish Paul had quite an adventure on his way back from States. We hear that the actor missed his connecting flight due to which, he was stranded on the airport along with comedian Bharti. "Bharti and I missed our connecting flight as we only had a 40-minute long layover in London. We were told that the next flight would not be available for another 8 to 10 hours, which would create a huge problem as I had to reach my shoot for Jhalak in the morning. Luckily, there were two Indians on the crew, who said that they were our fans and very willingly helped us out by putting us on another flight with another carrier within a few hours. I am so glad that they were there in the time of need and extremely grateful to them for having helped us out," says Manish.
Caught in the rumour mill
TV actress Preetika Rao is baffled by reports suggesting that she is in a relationship with the director of her successful serial titled Beintehaa. She said that both the directors for Beintehaa, Ankur Bhatia and Pushkar Pandit, are equally fond of her and that she is not in a relationship with anyone. She shares that the reports about her relationship with the directors are rumours. Well, of course!
Meet the bluff masters!
In the latest episode of Bigg Boss, housemate, Minissha Lamba shocked everyone when she told Deepshikha Nagpal that Aarya Babbar tried to plan and plot a fake romance with her before entering the reality show. Minissha narrated, "Aarya called me and said that I want to win the show under any circumstance and that I should fake a romance with him." Minissha stated that Aarya wanted to call her "jaan" on the show and hold her hand. She told Deepshikha, "I refused and told him that I am in a relationship with someone and can't afford to lose my respect for the sake of TRPs."
Well, it seems Minissha is bluffing Bigg Boss as well as the public. Aarya's publicist, Dale Bhagwagar, has revealed that when Aarya's name began to be speculated by the media before the show rolled, Minissha was trying to meet and discuss Bigg Boss with him. Dale informs, "Aarya told me Minissha was desperately messaging as well as calling him and asking him to meet. I immediately reminded him that as per the rules of Bigg Boss, speculated contestants could not connect with each other before the show."
Back with a bang
Actor Mishal Raheja, who was last seen on the show, Laagi Tujhse Lagan, three years ago, is all set to return to the small screen with a superhero series titled Aryan. He will be playing an illusionist — a character with grey shades.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Networking will help you build contacts that will further your career plans. You gain insight by looking at the truth and listening to people. Spend time on fitness routines.
Tarot message: Do not give up your rights or freedom. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 36
TAURUS: Do not waste your time getting into arguments with colleagues or loved ones. Pay attention to health matters. There could be tensions with family members.
Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Forest green
Magic number: 28 GEMINI: You may be in an irritable frame of mind and need to guard against making impulsive decisions. Tense moments could arise and you have to be careful about your friends.
Tarot message: Handle others carefully and don't antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Brown
Magic number: 48 CANCER: Take a moment to think and avoid making impulsive statements. Travel plans could run into some delays. There could be favourable news regarding a family member.
Tarot message: Leave the past behind. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 45 LEO: You may have opportunities to make an impression on seniors or new business associates. You may start to make certain changes to your lifestyle and take some decisions. Tarot message: Adapt to new technology to keep pace with the changing times.
Lucky colour: White Magic number: 29 VIRGO: You may start a long-term venture that actualises your potential and brings you fame. Financial gains on the cards. Your sense of humour will put you in the spotlight.
Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Navy blue
Magic number: 32
LIBRA: Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationships. Disruption in a business venture is temporary. Your greatest friends are those you meet in transit.
Be focused. Tarot message: Do not enter into any conflict. Lucky colour: Maroon Magic number: 47 SCORPIO: You are generous
and giving in personal relationships and command respect from family and friends. Bad mood swings will make you less popular than usual.
Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 31 SAGITTARIUS: Finances brighten considerably. Aim for the proper method of organising things and you might be set up for a stable environment. Be restrained when praising yourself.
Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky
colour: Ebony Magic number: 53 CAPRICORN: Tension at home will have an emotional affect on you. Look to a close friend or
family member to clarify long-term solutions. Check letters and emails. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.
Lucky colour: Aqua blue Magic number: 41 AQUARIUS: A romance that you might have thought was headed your way arrives on its own terms. Your boss is as stubborn as you are, so have a flexible attitude.
Tarot message: Learn to rely on your mind and hone your intellectual abilities.
Lucky colour: Pista greens Magic number: 26 PISCES: It's a good time to build up positive patterns that foster growth. Look around at the successful people you admire. Diligence to a plan is the secret they share.
Tarot message: Learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Cream
Magic number: 65
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 9...
A time-sensitive opportunity could come your way. You like to be around other people. You may be quite lazy. These two extremes could strike a balance and the Libra living on his own could either, have a very messy place or a very intricately decorated place. You are independent and intelligent too. Making decisions is an area in which you excel, but do not jump to conclusions simply to please others. You have the ability to look at all sides of an issue, so use it. You may be stressed if you feel that you are being obstructed somehow. The answer is to get all the relevant facts; running off and asking others to support you will just confuse things. Positive colours: Golden, red, white, yellow and cream Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday Favourable numbers: 3, 6, and 9 Gems recommended: Red coral and yellow sapphire
You share your birthday with Laure Manaudou (October 9, 1986, France), who is famous as an Olympiad swimmer, who has won a number of medals in different categories of swimming. Manaudou currently holds the world records for the 400 meter freestyle (short course).
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Every plant needs a particular kind of treatment and there is a specific time for that treatment. Gardeners know that this is the time to sow flower seeds and vegetable crops. They are also aware that this is the only time of the year when roses need that treatment.
Veteran actress, Rekha, who is all set to return to silver-screen with Super Nani, recently visited the sets of Comedy Nights With Kapil to promote the film. Sources inform that Kapil tried his best to make the episode special as Rekha is his favourite actress and the team enacted some hilarious moments from her hit films, which made her nostalgic. Rekha also made friends with the pet on the show named
Zanjeer.
Charity on birthday: Donate religious books or plant a Peepal tree.