SAINDIA

Edition 9-10 / 2008 T h e P r e m i e r e I n d i a n N e w s , L i f e s t y l e & B o l ly w o o d M a g a z i n e SA: R17.95 (Vat Incl).

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BipashaBasu

BollywoodBlogs

SALMAN & SRK

Is Zayed a family man?

Bridalasia2008

WheN MuSIc RuNSIN the fAMILy...

FRIEND OR FOE

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SAIndia Inbox

08 ENTERTAINMENT 08 Bollywood is buzzing with blogs14 Singh is King

12 COVER FEATURE 12 Bip’s the way

18 INTERVIEWS 18 Salman: SRK and I can never be friends

21 GOSSIP 20 Deepika Padukone20 Katrina scores with ‘Singh is Kinng!’21 Shamita Shetty: Hit Item!21 Hrithik ditches Bhansali22 Bipasha’s root canal problem in Italy22 Amrita’s choli slips!22 Milind Soman in a financial mess22 Riteish met Kevin Costner23 Shiney Ahuja Hijacks His Parents!23 Shilpa’s success story24 Mallika Sherawat’s ‘Hot Song’ 24 Rani all set to sport a moustache24 Kangana to wash away controversies25 Salman’s gift to Ranbir 25 Sridevi refuses Yash Chopra 25 Govinda’s astrological demands26 Harman wants to be cloned like Hrithik?26 Malaika upset with Katrina stories26 Jaane Kahan Hai Aamir?27 Eesha Koppikar dating Timmy Narang?27 Adah Sharma’s spooky film experience!!27 When Katrina met Salman on 10 Ka Dum28 Hema’s dream project for Esha28 Pankaj Udhas in a legal cold war28 Koena gets Brit accent for Karna28 Vidya turns up in a burkha29 SRK gets a new home29 Rakhi upset with Mallika29 Big B’s flop show

40 LIFESTYLE 36 Zayed’s a family man38 The Fresh Look....40 Gems & Jewels41 Healthy, Beautiful Skin...41 Natural Beauty42 Chatterbox

44 FASHION 44 Bridal Asia

55 MUSIC 55 When music runs in the family

56 TRAVEL56 Cape of India

58 MOTORING 68 Mercedes-Benz B Class: In better shape than ever

CONTENTS

SMS: 082 322 5601 for South Africa or +27 82 715 3911 for Australia or email us: [email protected] for your comments internationally

NOTE: Emails and SMSs chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity.

Hey guys superb August edition. Priya-nka looks great! Keep up the great work. Sashin KandhaiHey Sashin, thanks - Editor

Hi SAIndia. Your magazine is fabulous. I’ve been buying it since 2005. Can we please have a sexy poster of Shahid Ka-poor & Amrita Rao? Can we also have a sexy poster of SRK & Rani Mukherjee? UrishkaHi Urishka, we will try to get those post-ers in. We will also consider you request, thank you - Editor

Hi! I am Malan Cronjè. I collect wildlife post-cards. I know your country has beautiful wildlife, can u help me to put my request in your magazine please? Malan Cronje -cell O79 362 5686. Many thanks! I’m looking for the Bengal tiger.Request granted, in future editions we are going to feature a Bulletin Board for re-quests and special wishes and greetings - Editor

Hi, Mr Rajesh. I love reading your SAIndia magazine, and I really like it! Best of luck and keep it up. From Aziz MalikThank you Mr Aziz, it gives us great pleas-ure to know that you are enjoying the mag-azine - Editor

Hi SAIndia. Started buying your magazine, from January and now buying it every month. Really enjoying it! Can you please, please put a poster of Hrithik Roshan? I love him lots! Thanks from ShellyHi Shelly, we will gladly look into your re-quest - Editor

WOW! What can I say except that SAIN-DIA is the BOMB! Amazing magazine! To-tally mind-blowing! I just love it! You guys never ever seize to amaze me. Could you please, pretty please feature Riteish Desh-mukh? Thank you. KEEP UP THAT AWE-SOME WORK! Tons and tons of love! SAINDIA’s BIGGEST FAN - NicolaHello Nicola, thank you for those kind words, it really warms our hearts to see you enjoy our magazine so much, your re-quest will be granted soon - Editor

Hey SAIndia! Here are two words to describe your magazine: NOTHING COMPARES! Keep up the amazing work. Could you please feature a poster of Shahid Kapoor & Amrita Rao or SRK & Rani Mukherjee? Thanks so much! I look forward to reading another fan-tastic issue of SAIndia! Lots of love, ThireshniHi Thireshni, are you related to Urishka, looks like you guys have the same tastes, we will defi-nitely look into your request, and thank you for those kind words - Editor

Please put Sallu’s picture and poster and his address! His big fan, RaniHi Rani, we do have a Salman interview in this edition, however, we will put a poster of him soon - Editor

Oh my ! What can I say? I’m speechless! This magazine totally rocks! Thanks for all the cool pictures and not forgetting the spicy gossip. I meant to say this before but it’s good to receive compliments from the editor, it’s pleasing to know that people like you take time and interest in entertaining us. Keep up the fantabulous work. Lots of

love! DisildaWell hello Disilda, nice to hear from you again! Thanks for those lovely words of encouragement - Editor

Hi SAIndia, I really enjoy reading your magazine. I even got one of my friends to start reading it. Please, please, please could you put in a poster of Imraan Khan? I really adore him. Keep up the great work. Form LerishaHi Lerisha, we will feature him pretty soon, and thanks for promoting our magazine - Editor

Hi SAINDA, can you please try and put Deepika Padukone from Bachna Ae Has-seno? Love SashaHello Sasha, she will be coming soon - Editor

Hi SAINDIA! Wonderful magazine! Huge fan of Madhuri Dixit, please put more pic-tures of her and more stories. Tired of Ash. Thanks Madhuri fan.Wow, looks like Aishwarya’s taking quite a knock since her wedding! Madhuri Dixit is releasing a new movie soon, you definitely will see more of her - Editor

Hello! Thanks for a great magazine. I would love you to please put a full story on Ranbir and Deepika - how they met and how far they intend to go and thanks for the poster of them. You guys rock!Hello, we definitely will do an article on them very soon - Editor

Namaste Raj bhai. Vha, Vha? That’s all I can say about this fantabulous maga-zine. But guys, I must admit it’s not easy to get this great & amazing magazine. I lost weight looking for this month’s copy. Please tell us more regarding Payal, Ku-nal K, Konkana, Vidya & Aftab in your up-coming issues! Shukria namaste. Philile - Durban.Namaste Philile, whew – so many stars, however, we will definitely look into your requests - Editor

Hey SAIndia! Thanks for the great maga-zine, I recently heard about the new addition to Bollywood - Harman Baweja! Could you please give us more details about him and thanks for replying to my plea about Shahid and Amrita, I really appreciate it! SAIndia is the best! Lots of love Ra’eesa Cajee.Hi Ra’eesa, he is the new hottie of Bolly-wood. You will be seeing more of him soon - Editor

Hello again,The mag is mind blowing, love you all, an i wil like to say Ramadhan Mu-barak to all the muslims, again de mag is mind blowing, Juwai- Riyah .....

Hritik RoshanFilmkraft,Mayur, Tilak Road, Santacruz (W),Bombay, 400054

Bollywood Address

Our SAIndia World

[email protected] SA: 082 322 5601

Intenational: +27 82 715 3911

Rajesh Devjee

Hello Everyone,

Come October, Delhi will glisten with some famous names like “Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Ritu Beri, Bhairavi Jaikis-han, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Niki Mahajan , Gaurav Gupta , Pallavi Jaikishan, Vinita Pittie from Hydera-bad, Golechas (jewellery), Choko-la (chocolates)” amongst others.

Over the years, Bridal Asia’s event and exhibition has been making waves with the glitterati & the buzz thrown in. Synonymous with panache & luxury, Bridal Asia is known to bring all the bigwigs from multi fashion galleries onto a single platform. The glorious past has witnessed household names like Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Vallaya, Rina Dhaka, Anamika Khanna, Rocky S., Surily Goel and Ritu Kumar who high-light the niche market targeted.

A one-stop shopping destination for exclusive bridal trousseau, the event promises to be an exquisite mélange of bridal apparel, jewellery and acces-sories, working towards revolutioniz-ing the Indian wedding industry - the contemporary way. Turn to SAIndia fashion pages to catch a glimpse of what Bridal Asia 2008 has to offer next month, so if you are visiting Delhi dur-ing the month of October do stop by at Bridal Asia!

Friend or foe, what will it be for Sal-man Khan? Well the truth is finally out in an exclusive interview with Salman, that he is refusing to call it a ‘war’, nev-ertheless he has admitted to SAIndia that he and Shah Rukh Khan do have differences, and they can probably never be friends. Page 18.

Just Blog it!, that’s the new buzz in the Bollywood industry. Bollywood celebrities are now fighting over their personal blogs and commenting about each other, apologizing for comments, statements etc. It all started with Amir Khan, who started his own blog. Right after launching his blog, he actually launched his personalized chat appli-cation so that he could talk to his fans. Our Entertainment section this month reveals which celebs have their own Blogs.

Is he a pampered prince gone astray? A guy who just struck it ‘Lucky’ due to his support system of friends and fam-ily? Or a much-misunderstood youth full of nonsense whose talent remains largely untapped? Is he a cool dude who can make teenybopper hearts go flip-flop? Or a style-wise mannequin whose moves and movies are not aimed at drawing critical acclaim? Will the real life Zayed Khan please stand up? This heart-throb can be found in our Lifestlye section.

Today, our cover celeb has managed to buy herself a fancy apartment and a car for herself. Life was, however, far from comfortable for her when she first came to Mumbai to further her career. She lived alone in Kalina East in a room with one charpoy and a Sintex tank for water. The neighbourhood was full of truck drivers and the like, and commut-ing was a huge problem. It was a bit of a terrifying phase for her, now when she looks back, all was not in vain, as she is Bollywoods Item number. Her first crush was Keanu Reeves! Her cover story is an exclusive one on page 12.

In the past few months, the children of many senior musicians and actors have entered Bollywood’s vibrant music busi-ness. Most of them have already made a splash, signed big projects and are steadily creating a name for themselves in the industry. In this edition, we take a look at some Gen-X musicians in our music section beginning with Udit Narayan to Kishore Kumar’s youngest son.

Last month the Gremlins somehow man-aged to chew up our article for Star Talk which confused most of our readers, but do not despair this month we have re-published it.

Ramadaan Mubarak to all our Muslim readers.

Enjoy, until next month….

Celina at gay parade in Mumbia

Abhay Deol in yoga mood

Saif and Soha at Colgatepromotional event

Alibaug on location

Akshay at Singh is Kinng success bash Deepika with dad at Tata event

Axe chocolate model with models in Malani Ramani

clothes Bachna team at Vashi event

Aaja Mahi Vay launch

Ranbir at Filmfare Mag launch

Diandra Soares on the ramp for IIJS show

Bobby Deol, Dharmendra and Sunny Deol at Champku music launch

Aamir at Tare Zameen Par DVD launch

hotoPFeatures

The Premiere Indian News, Lifestyle & Bollywood MagazinePage 6 Website : www.saindia.com

So the new buzz in the Bollywood industry is personal blogs. Whether it’s a promotion of a movie or a Reality show or whether it’s your favourite cricket team, Bollywood celebrities

are now fighting over their personal blogs and commenting about each other, apologizing for comments, statements and what not. The entire Unforgettable tour was online thanks to the blog - the stars were well-connected with the stars. And you got all the gossip from the star's diary itself and not some unknown source!

It all started with Aamir Khan, who started his own blog. Right after launching his blog, he actually launched a personalized chat application so that he can talk to his fans. It’s a different story, that the experience of chatting on his site was chaos. So, right after that, many other Bollywood celebrities started their own blogs.

Amitabh Bachchan wrote, he blogs whenever he gets time. “I read about it in the media, spoke to the people who were in the process of preparing my website and they educated me on the blog.”

To keep blogging, Bachchan admits to having lost a bit of sleep, “but what is the loss of a little sleep compared to the love and affection of those that express themselves in the blog.” Bachchan says he blogs whenever he gets time to write. “There’s no time set aside for it. It’s more of a self imposed commitment than an addiction.”

The Big B writes (at 3am), about how he is enjoying the current Cannes film festival and finds it ‘sad to see no Indian representation’. He also denies a story in a Mumbai tabloid that he had been paid a large amount of money to write the blog, and condemns the recent serial blasts in the Indian city of Jaipur after a reader pointed out … ‘my indifference to it’.

Aamir Khan has written about why he ran in the controversial Olympic torch relay in Delhi, though sympathizing with the pro-Tibetan protestors, and how he ended up with a hamstring injury while ‘chasing the villain’ during the shooting of his latest film.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who began writing a blog and discontinued it later, says blogging is ‘like a therapy’. “It is the future. A person can express himself, it is a good thing. It is to bring out what is within you, to reach out, to say your own thing, which you can do the best if you say it yourself. That is why I started writing.”

Writer Anil Dharker says Bollywood stars taste “freedom” to get their point across to their fans using blogs. “Earlier the stars had to go through an intermediary - be it a reporter or a TV interviewer. There was a possibility of misunderstanding. On a blog, they have complete freedom in what you say. It gives them an opportunity to clarify things or with some people to settle scores.”

Bollywood is buzzing with

B logs

ntertainmentE


AamirKhan.com - Aamir Khan started this blog to promote his Lagaan DVD launch in India. He is been consistent and regular when it comes to posting on his blog. He keeps his fans up to date about his movies, shootings and incidents that happened in his life etc. At times we felt that he might not be writing on his own, but over his different posts, he made sure that everyone believed that it was him.

Amitabh Bachchan's Blog - Amitabh Bachchan also jumped into blogging right before the launch of Bhoothnath. He started promoting Bhoothnath and later talked about the Maharashtra issues and created quite a bit of controversies. Well whatever it is its good that his fans now can directly talk to him without having the media in-between.

John Abraham Blog - Looks like John has his blog for quite some time now. He is been posting articles on his website for almost two years now, but he is not regular. He posts only few articles. So far he has made only 5 to 6 articles.

Bipasha Basu's Blog - Bipasha Basu also writes articles every now and then on her website. Latest entries talk about her first Bengali film and thanking her fans that visited her website. I am not sure how authenticated this site is though.

Shilpa Shetty Blog - Shilpa Shetty has also launched her website ShilpaShettyLive.com which promotes her perfume line as well as her fitness and yoga DVD. Everyone knows what a fitness freak she is. The site has videos and pictures of her ‘Biggest Win Ever’ - Big Brother, and all that stuff. It also shows her biography, filmography and all, but I don't see her writing any blog entries to her fans.

Salman Khan Blog - Last but not least, Salman Khan has now started blogging in the event of promoting Dus Ka Dum. Personally, I like Dus Ka Dum better than SRK’s Panchvi Pass.

Pooja Bedi - latest devotee of blogs, has fallen victim to the lure and reach of the blog!

The frank, independent and suave Pooja Bedi is the latest one among the known personalities to enter the corridors of the new age ultimate weapon of self-expression. Titled as ‘I am, Who I am’ which is a statement that reflects her known personality perfectly, Pooja Bedi puts forth her first post on her blog like

Here is a list of some popular blogs...

this.

“This blog is my way of saying there's a lot more to me than just a sum of all the parts people tend to gossip about. I am what I am and through this blog, you will in time, get to know the real me.” She also reminds the people about the story of the Elephant and Five Blind Men expressing how different people have different perceptions about a person, based on what they hear or read about them and often the person has more depth and creativity than people can see through. She has got more than 20 responses to the blog within a day, and for Pooja who is known as an epitome of women power, what more than being a blogger can bring her closer to the thousands of like minded ladies from all over the world.”

The Premiere Indian News, Lifestyle & Bollywood Magazine Page 9Website : www.saindia.com

Singh is KingAbhinav Bindra had “real-

ised the dream” of a billion Indians by winning the 10

metre air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics, President Pratibha Patil said as she congratulated the Chandigarh sportsman who got India its first individual gold medal. Abhinav Bindra’s shooting gold will make him an icon for the young generation and would be a shot in the arm for Olympic sports in the country, according to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Presi-dent Suresh Kalmadi. “My son has proved that ‘Singh is King’ in a real sense. He has brought lau-rels for the whole Sikh community and for the whole nation,” said fa-ther AS Bindra.For me, life will go on as usual…,” Bindra said. But it must have

been a proud moment for the man who won the world champi-onship in Zagreb two years ago and became the fifth Indian to win an individual medal and the first to win a gold at the Olympics.

Of course, this is not, like all tri-umphs, a tale born of this one moment. Bindra’s is a story not merely of grit, talent and determi-nation, it is a story of performing in the face of an indifferent sys-tem, of singlemindedly fixing tar-gets and hitting them.

A student of Riverdale School in Dehradun, (“He was the best head boy we ever had,” his Eng-lish teacher and school director Surjit Singh Ahluwalia said) and then Doon School (whose en-

trance examination he topped), Bindra did a degree in manage-ment studies by correspondence.As a 14-year-old, he turned up to practice for the first time in a Mercedez Benz at the Karni Singh ranges in Tughlakabad — not something guaranteed to win friends. And he doesn’t have that many of them. Quiet and reserved, he sticks to his own group of friends, not all of them as wealthy as he is. “He is a man of few words and that goes against him,” said childhood friend and fellow shooter Shimon Sharif. “He is very composed and has nerves of steel. He communicates with very few and I am proud to be one of them.” No wonder, some of his teammates tease him as Constant Comatose.

Abhinav Bindra made a junior world record score of 597/600 in 2001 Munich World Cup and won bronze; gold in 2002

Manchester Commonwealth Games; became the first Indian shooter to win a World Championship gold; Rajiv Gandhi Khel

Ratna in 2001.

* Abhinav Bindra is the brightest star among a new breed of talented Indian shooters. Born on September 28, 1983, Bindra

is quite often criticised for not delivering on the promise he showed as a child prodigy.

* Coming from an affluent family and with the luxury of an in-door range in his backyard, Bindra proved to an early bird and, at 15, was the youngest participant at the 1998 Commonwealth

Games. Bindra shot into limelight by winning a bronze in the 2001 Munich World Cup with a new junior world record score

of 597/600.

some facts


She’s recovering from a bad cold and cough, and to top it all, she has to shoot in a short dress with the air conditioner on full. However, Bipasha Basu still finds the energy and the will

to smile. “I’ve been like this for a month now, but the cold just refuses to go away. I’ve finally resorted to homeopathy,” she smiles.

Bipasha is quite happy with the kind of work she is doing, but says she is still looking for that elusive quality, which makes everything you touch turn to gold. “I think only Shah Rukh Khan knows what sells. He is the true superstar. If I knew what worked with audiences, I would only do those films. I think I am yet to reach my peak. I am still looking for the kind of roles that would excite me,” she says.

Bipasha seems to prefer brief appearances in movies to full-length roles lately. When we ask her about this, she replies, “In today's times, the concept of a leading lady doesn't exist. And it does not matter. I did a small role in Apaharan because I wanted to see whether I could do it. I wanted to break away from my stereotype image. I am remembered and loved in every multi-star film I have done.”

She continues, “Those roles are more exciting than heroine-centric roles. Today, no heroine is competing for the number one position. That race is gone. I know I am growing in my profession but I don't know where I am heading.” She adds, “I am content and comfortable at this moment of my life.”

When asked if she thinks she can bring audiences to the theatres, she shrugs. “I don't know. I don't know what people like and don't like. Sometimes, terrible films click and sometimes good films don't

Bips theway...

work. Now, I know comedy is working, so I am doing it.” She adds quickly, “But that does not mean I will do only comedy. I will do those films that my gut feeling says will work. Even if they don't, I will give my best and then say to myself that at least I tried.”

Today, Bipasha Basu has managed to buy herself a fancy apartment and a car for herself. Life was, however, far from comfortable for her when she first came to Mumbai to further her career. She says, “I hail from a very protected environment in Kolkata. I was a pampered person who never traveled by public transport. In Mumbai, at first, I lived alone in Kalina East in a room with one charpoy and a Sintex tank for water. The neighbourhood was full of truck drivers and the like, and commuting was a huge problem. It was a bit of a terrifying phase then. Now when I look back, I wonder how I managed. I don’t know how I survived. I tried traveling by train one day and realized that I could never do it. I would take a bus everywhere I went. My friend, photographer Farrokh Chothia helped me a lot at this point of time. He held my hand and guided me on how to go about looking for work.”

However, the self-made actor realized that the city is not as bad as she thought it was. “I soon found that Mumbai is a warm city. It forces you to go and fight for your own space. You cannot achieve anything by being lazy here. I have interacted with people from every community and every religion and never felt like an outsider, even when I had just started living here.”

The actress’ sporting the look for her first Bengali film Sab Choritra Kalponik being directed by Rituparno Ghosh. A far cry from the sexy siren Bollywood is accustomed to; Bips’ de-glamourous look is bound to come as a shock to fans. “My parents simply loved the look once they got over the initial shock,” said Bips. “In fact, my dad loved the picture so much that he’s made it his screen-saver, on his cell phone as well as his computer. I think all parents hope to see their daughters as brides someday. And my parents are no different.”

So, will their wish be granted soon? “Now that’s a million dollar question that I really don’t have the answer for. But yes, I hope too that their wish comes true soon enough,” she added. And how was boyfriend John Abraham’s reaction? “Oh, he found it very beautiful,” she smiled. “He thinks I can carry off any look convincingly, so it’s a thumbs up from him too.”

However, when it comes to her real wedding attire, Bips doubts that she’ll go for a similar look. “I would love to go for a smaller affair and a simpler look,” she admitted. And what about John? “Oh, he’d even marry me in a skirt,” she laughed. “As actors, we are always so dressed up, I would love to dress down a bit for my wedding. I prefer the sans make-up look any day.”

over FeatureC



And what about balancing mainstream commercial cinema with art house films and regional cinema? “With the kind of money involved in Bollywood, filmmakers are often reluctant to take a risk with either story-lines or trying to cast actresses in different kind of roles. However, with regional cinema, directors are far more open to experiments. Often it’s the actress who’s the ‘hero’ of the film there. And that’s something that’s challenging, interesting and irresistible to me,” she said.

Recently, there has been several rumours spreading about stunner Bipasha Basu venturing into Hollywood. She admits that she has looked into a few projects there as well as received offers, but has no

What sets your pulse racing?Extreme workouts in the gym.

Do you pray? if yes, to whom?Yes. I follow all religions and pray to all Gods.

The one film you can see again and again?Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron.

two ways in which you have changed in the last ten years?I think I have changed a lot in the last three years as I have finally started living for myself.

the best thing that has ever hap-pened to you?My younger sister Vijayeta, my nephew Anitej and my niece Nirajita.

What perfume do you wear?Truly Pink by Vera Wang.

What if your partner cheated on you?I would say goodbye immediately.

the last holiday you went on...I went to Cape Town (South Africa) for Valentine’s Day. It was my first healthy holiday in the true sense.

the restaurant you love going to?Spices at the Mariott in Bombay and also the coffee shop at Lands End.

any new movies that are on their way?Yes, Shob Choritro Kalponik, Pankh andMr Fraud.

a childhood memory that is spe-cial to you?The fact that I used to excel in my studies and always looked forward to my report card.

if you woke up and found you had turned into a man, you would...I hope I turn into a good looking actor as I love the power of the hero.

Your first crush?It was Keanu Reeves till my friends told me that he is gay.

if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?The fact that I’m extremely emotional. Need to harden up a bit.

Your favourite outfit? Short skirts.

Q &

ainterest in doing a Hollywood flick. The prime reason for this is that she does not want to start all over in Hollywood when she has already created a career in Mumbai.

She says, “No filmmakers of Hollywood are willing to sign any Bollywood actor without a screen test, apart from Aishwarya. I got a chance to go there, but I found out that I would have start again from scratch like screen tests and other tantrums. They treat you like a newcomer. So I decided to stay in Mumbai and be the 'queen' here.” Well, not sure about 'queen', but she certainly has an admirable fan following!


CZARINA OF BOLLYWOOD, Kareena Kapoor is living up to her name. Soon after being declared as the numero uno actress in

Bollywood in a survey by eminent and well-informed jury in the celluloid world, comes the news of her being offered a Hollywood film.

Kareena is presently shooting for Kambakth Ishq in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

It has been reported that Kareena will be paired opposite Billy Zane in the film tentatively titled Chamera, directed by Daniel Silverman, in the role of an Asian girl, in a 30 days schedule in the north of India

Billy Zane had earlier portrayed the convincing role of Caledon Hockley, the conniving fiancé of Kate Winslet, in James Cameron biggest blockbuster Titanic.

Billy Zane is also appreciated for his acting prowess in Cleopatra, Back To The Future 1 & 2, Dead Calm, The Mummy, etc..

The film directed by debutante director Daniel Silverman, has been associated in projects like The Devil Wears Prada, Perfect Strangers etc. He is also associated with the Broadway hit Bloodhounds of Broadway.

Sources had earlier confirmed that Kareena did have hush hush meetings with Hollywood producers during the schedule of Kambakkth Ishq.

Raindrop Media Pvt. Ltd, the official spokesperson for Kareena Kapoor confirms the development. “Yes there have been offers and this is one amongst the many offers she has received. Brand Kareena is getting bigger by the day. Kareena is the busiest actress on the block. It's too early to comment, as she is busy with her Bollywood commitments.”

When contacted Kareena Kapoor says, “Yes, there have been offers but it is too early to comment on anything.”

Meanwhile Kareena seems quite ecstatic over recent developments in her career, since she has won a lot of critical acclaim and awards for her performance in Jab We Met this year.

Truly, the CZARINA of Bollywood is going places!

Kareena signs in

hoLLYWooD fiLm ?


You surprised everyone as an anchor on Dus Ka Dum. Comment.I try to be myself on the show. I think the audience enjoys that.

Will SRK and you patch up?No. Shah Rukh and I will never patch up.

How is the industry supporting your organization ‘Being Human’?In terms of financial support, well, I have not received a single cheque to date from anybody from the film industry.

Is Shah Rukh your friend?Not anymore! I’m not going to deny that there are issues between us. I’m a primitive man born in today’s time. I can’t fake anything. If there is a problem then I’m not going to deny it. We’ve had problems before also but this time I don’t think we can sort them out. We are two different people. Our values and ways of thinking are different. I don’t think we can be friends. I think it’s better to declare that than put on a fake façade of being friends and back stabbing each other.

Every second day there are stories of you and Katrina Kaif either breaking up or making up. What’s the status?First of all, I want to know who are all these friends, sources close to me and my family who speak on our behalf? My friends will never speak like that about me nor anyone close to me, because they will give their life for me. Obviously it’s someone who is insecure, jealous and friendly to the press. Maybe they are someone else’s friends.

We hear you were uncomfortable acting with Katrina in Yuvraj. Is it true?I have always been comfortable working with Katrina. But I don’t want people making an issue out of it. Just because we are a couple, it doesn’t mean we will always be together on screen too.

SALMAN: SRK and I can never be friendsRefusing to call it a ‘war’, Salman Khan has nevertheless admitted that he and Shah Rukh

Khan do have differences, and they can probably never be friends. We chat to him about his life and love!

What enticed you to write a blog?I wanted my fans to know the kind of person I am – the real Salman Khan.

Will you continue writing after the completion of Dus Ka Dum?Yes, I intend to continue writing my blog.

You are also a good painter, which was your first painting?That was a painting of my dog.

Who has been your biggest inspiration? My mother!

What kind of a relationship do you share with God?(He blows a kiss to the sky) That’s my rapport with God. I talk to him all the time. I always get my answers from him. Sure, there have been instances when he doesn’t listen to me and doesn’t give me what I ask for but he does that only when I don’t deserve it. I’ve observed that whenever God hasn’t given me what I asked for, it’s for the best.

You do a lot of comedy films, what is it that clicks with the audience about your comic style?I think it’s the sincerity and the person’s personality that the audience relates to.

Which is your all time favourite comic film?Andaaz Apna Apna. I’ve only seen the whole thing once but when-ever I happen to catch it on television I end up being glued to it.

Like your friends Aamir and Ajay, have you planned to take up direct-ing as well?I haven’t decided as yet.

nterviewsI


Aamir is planning a sequel to Andaaz Apna Apna. Will you be acting in it?I am looking forward to doing this film.

Since you have written Veer, you could have directed it as well…It was Katrina who suggested I should rope in Anil Sharma for the project. She has worked with Anil earlier and considers him to be a good director.

You come across as a very warm and affable host on 10 Ka Dum, how do you make sure to be always in a good mood?It’s very simple. If you come to my house and you are being nice to me, so why wouldn’t I be nice to you? I don’t fake anything. If I’m not in a good mood then that too shows on screen. But bad mood doesn’t mean that I’ve to behave badly. I try to be a good host.

You’re not comfortable with women hugging you?(Shrugs) They come in, they are very sweet to me and I don’t mind it if they hug me. That’s their way of showing affection and I respect that.

There are rumours that you and Akshay Kumar share cold vibes too. Is that true?No, no, not at all. Akshay is a colleague. He’s a nice guy. He is very hardworking and keeps to himself. Akshay will work hard to bring him-self up and not to bring someone else down.

On the show, Akshay Kumar asked you about getting married to Ka-trina Kaif.That everyone does. Akki is still okay. There was a question relating to marriage after which he pulled my leg.

Deepika Padukone has topped the poll that features celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, she is now the hottest Celeb in India, according to Maxim’s Hot 100 survey.

The winners of this poll are decided after reviewing reader reac-tion, industry feedback and gauging the potential to be the “next big star” on an international level.

Deepika was the first choice for Nakshatra

At the Nakshatra event, Katrina was surprisingly all praises for Aishwarya. In a subtle manner, she was thanking Ash for getting the brand Nakshatra up. Being diplomatic, she said she had no competition or enmity with Ash.

Atul Kasbekar’s celebrity management firm Bling, who manages Deepika Padukone, were approached first by the brand Nak-shatra to get her on board. However, the deal did not material-ize, as the money offered was much less than compared to the market rate of Deepika.

Katrina, however, did not have any problem or issues with the rates or the exclusivity contract abroad.

Katrina scores a double hat trick with

Singh is Kinng!Katrina Kaif is currently in the US shooting for an untitled Yashraj Film. Back home, the actress has delivered yet another hit, Singh is Kinng. And going by the number, Singh is Kinng happens to be Katrina's sixth hit in a row, the earlier ones being Namastey London, Apne, Partner, Welcome, Race and now Singh is Kinng. It is a first for Bollywood!

The news of Singh is Kinng's success has left Katrina absolutely elated. She shared the joy of her success with the cast and crew of Yashraj films. Katrina wishes that she were here in Mumbai to savoiur the success of her latest venture. “But the party more than made up for it,” she laughs.

Not to forget that Katrina just been selected as the brand ambassador for Nakshatra Diamonds. “Katrina has signed the deal with Nakshatra for a whopping amount,” revealed a source.

Katrina's success story has turned actresses green with envy and got their tongues wagging. Indulging in malicious gossip and the crab mentality is the way of the industry that Katrina is well familiar with.

However, she is not going to let all the loose talk bog her down and mar her enthusiasm and spirit. “I have worked hard so why shouldn't I enjoy my share of the pie,” she smiles.

tops hot 100 maxim poll

Deepika Padukone


shamita shetty: hit item!

After the failure of Saawariya at the box office, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was dabbling with musicals abroad. He hit the right market in Germany, which is quite fascinated with the colourful Bollywood.

However, back home, Bhansali is loosing ground and is finding it difficult to get a good star-cast for his next film.

Hrithik Roshan was on his mind, and was almost finalized when suddenly he walked out without giving any explanation.

Ranbir Kapoor too has moved on and now has no interest in doing any more Bhansali flicks.

hrithik ditches

bhansali

Remember the Sharara Sharara number from Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai? Think about the song and whose picture comes to your mind instantly? Shamita Shetty of course!

The song had become an instant hit! In fact Shamita and the Sharara song are synonymous. Such was its popularity!

The gorgeous actress is now ready to cast her spell on the audience once again.

This time for the desi version of Harry Potter called Harry Puttar.

This children's film will have Shamita dancing to a song that promises to be

appealing to the kids. For Shamita it's a privilege to be a part of the children's film. The actress has been an avid Harry Potter fan and is glad to be a part of the desi version. Says Shamita, “I said yes to this very special track because it was a children's film. It was something special!”

Shamita made her debut as an actress in Mohabattein, produced by Yashraj Films. A Chopra favourite, they roped her for an item number in Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai.

Interestingly the songs that Shamita has done till date have all been chart busters. The Woh lamhe from Zeher that had Shamita with Emraan Hashmi had turned an instant rage. The director of Harry Puttar hopes that the song that Shamita is doing will top the list too.


ossipG

Amrita Rao has gone bold these days with her pictures, maybe she wants to change the girl-next-door image she stereotyped after Vivvah. However, a recent incident was something to give her nightmares. While she was shooting for Anil Kapoor's Short Kut, her choli slipped off completely! Amrita took the situation under control as she rushed back to her van. Anil Kapoor warned everyone on the set not to leak this bit of news. Amrita denied this incident and so did Choreographer Bosco who was canning the mukhda song Mariz e Mohabbat. In the film the actress will be appearing opposite Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor.

Riteish Deshmukh’s lucky stars were shining on him at his Los Angeles hotel Sunset Tower, He met his favourite Hollywood actor Kevin Costner over breakfast.

Riteish got him in a quick conversation and Kevin even mentioned that he was interested in coming to shoot for one of his films for which he was reading the script. He added that Kevin didn't seem to have seen any Bollywood films or know any stars.

“ What I liked best about Kevin was the fact that he's so normal and easy to chat with, in spite of being such a big Hollywood star.”

riteish met Kevin costner

amrita’s cholislips!

Last month TV actor Sachin Sharma, inspired by Munnabhai, protested against Milind Soman outside his house for not been paid his dues of Rs 7.5 lakh (Rs 750 000).

However, there are more complains now and more actors who have grudges against Milind for not being paid. Shraddha Nigam and Sampada Vaze have filed a complaint against Milind Soman at Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA). Milind owes Rs 9 lakh and Rs 8 lakh to Shraddha and Sampada respectively.

milind soman in a financial

mess

Bipasha had a whale of time shooting for Bachna Ae Haseeno in Italy. She had loads of fun visiting the Vatican, Cherry Fountain, the Lion Fountain at Piazza Del Popolo, and the Colloseum in Rome as well as many other places. However, what was painful was her root canal treatment that she had to undergo in Rome itself.

“I had to go in for a root-canal and was extremely apprehensive about doing it in Rome. I didn't know the doctor there and he didn't understand a word of English, but the operation went off well. He was one of the best dentists in Rome,” says Bipasha.

Bipasha had to actually contact her dentist in Mumbai and connect him with the dentist from Rome so that the procedure could go well. “The pain was terrible, Ranbir tried to ease the pain by joking around, but I scolded him (jokingly of course), that I would kill him if he did not stop,” Bipasha told SAINDIA.

bipasha’s root canal problem in italy


Nothing succeeds like Success for Shilpa. Shilpa Shetty’s new found success has wiped the smile off her detractors face!

In fact the last four years have been extremely lucky for Shilpa. The actress won the Big Brother reality show. She beat top celebrities that too under circumstances where the chances of winning were slim! There was no looking back after that! Shilpa’s victory at the Big Brother reality show opened new doors and avenues for her. She was instantly roped in for the lead in London’s Broadway play that broke all box-office records.

Besides material success, there was spiritual progress too. Shilpa became the first Indian actress to start her own Yoga DVD to share the benefits of age old Indian therapy and its healing powers with all the people of the world.

Back to Mumbai from London, Shilpa launched her production banner “S 2” (stands for but of course, Shilpa Shetty) much to the envy of her rivals. The actress is all set to launch her production’s first venture and is expected to hit the floors soon.

Nothing succeeds like success they say and the adage seems abso-lutely apt for Shilpa!

shilpa’ssuccess story

shiney ahujahijacks his

Parents!Shiney Ahuja has an action thriller Hijack coming up for release but he is actually all set to Hijack his parents in real life. An ideal son in real life, here is an actor whom parents would love to have as their son. Shiney Ahuja is all set to acquire himself a home in Mumbai's plush Juhu area and has done so solely keeping his parents in mind. The new home that he has zeroed in on boasts of not only spacious rooms but also a huge balcony just the way his parents would like it. Reveals Shiney, “My parents had been living in Delhi and have a different lifestyle. I have decided to move them to Bombay. I don't want them to miss Delhi, and keeping that in mind I have bought a house that would give them the same feeling. My wife agrees with my decision too.” Shiney adds, “I had decided right from the start of my career that if I lived in Mumbai permanently, I would bring my parents here.”

Also Shiney does not want his baby to miss out on the love that only her grandparents can shower on her. “I was close to my grandmother as a child. The love that I experienced from her cannot be put into words. I want my baby to be close to her grandparents so that she can experience the same love. I want my child to relate to my parents emotional feelings.” That's so sweet!


mallika sherawat’s ‘hot song’ in maan gaye mughall-e-

azam!The hot and sexy Mallika Sherawat is all set to get the male adrenaline rushing in a song that she shot recently for her new release Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam. The song titled Ishqaiyaan has been shot with Mallika and Kay Kay Menon and has been sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Sonu Nigaam.

Anu Malik has scored the songs music that was shot at a Mumbai studio recently.

Producer Ratan Jain said, “The wordings of the song are spicy enough! And on top of that is the visual that makes it spicier. Choreographer Saroj Khan has come up with some excellent choreography. I am happy with the way the song has shaped up.”

Jain added, “The music Maan Gaye Mughall-e-Azam has got a tremendous response and with the film's release coming closer, the sales are picking up gradually. The music has definitely turned out to be a chart buster.”

Mallika's Ishqaiyaan is all set to rock the charts!

Rani is trying to hard to win a lost battle. Right from her looks to her wardrobe, she is not leaving any stone unturned to return back.

Recently we heard the amusing news that Rani Mukherjee is playing the role of a man in her next film, Hidaba. So, predictably, the actress was seen sporting a moustache on the sets of the film, which is said to be based on cricket. Yash Raj Films are producing it.

We last saw Sridevi do a wonderful act with a moustache in the film Mr India, which was directed by Shekhar Kapoor.

rani all set to sport a moustache

Kangana to wash away controversies

Kangana's parents had enough of those controversies surrounding their daughter.

They have decided to wade away her troubles by taking here to a temple in Nashik. As per the advice of her family astrologer (name withheld by request), Kangana will visit the Triambakeshwar temple in Nashik and offer prayers there, along with her parents.

Thereafter, Kangana will join the filming unit of Kites in the US.


Salman Khan invited, current heart throb, Ranbir Kapoor and his girl friend Deepika Padukone on the set of 10 Ka Dum. Sallu got close to Ranbir on the set of Sawariya and has been like an elder brother to him.

Ranbir and Deepika came on the show to promote their film Bachna Ae Hasseno. Interestingly, they shot the episode at RK Studios, which is like home to Ranbir!

After the show wrapped up, Salman went up to Ranbir, hugged him and presented him with a portrait of Raj Kapoor. It was an exact impression of Raj Kapoor in profile. Salman must have seen photographs and did the painting. Ranbir was so touched by Sallu, that he had tears in his eyes and gave him a big hug.

Salman has also made a portrait of Aamir Khan and is planing to auction it, of which the proceeds would go to his charity ‘Being Human’. Though Salman hasn't presented the painting to Aamir yet, he has shown it to him.

salman’s gift to ranbir

The casting coup for Yash Raj to get Amitabh and Sridevi is not happening now. It seems Sri has declined the offer on the behest of her hubby Boney Kapoor.

Yash Chopra's dream to cast Amitabh and Sridevi together was foiled after Sri turned down his film. Amar Singh's attempt to convince Boney on Amitabh's behalf also went in vain. The reason being Boney Kapoor wants to launch his wife in his own production and has requested Chopra to sign some other actress.

Amitabh and Sridevi had earlier starred together in Inquilab, Aakhri Raasta, and Khuda Gawah and all three films did reasonably well. Sridevi's last film Judaai (1997) too was good, later she produced films like No Entry.

sridevi refuses Yash chopra

Govinda is not promoting his very own film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai as Kumar Mangat has not paid him the Rs 30 lakhs (Rs 3 Million) for the promotion. This has been a good inning for Govinda so why is he spoiling it yet again. He even reports very late on the sets like he did earlier and now his superstitious ways are just adding a bad reputation of him.

At the Mauritius shoot, his astrologer said that he should shoot a sequence with a hen and thereafter the Rahu Kaal (bad luck) will vanish for good from his life. The production house had to arrange for a hen, due to which the shooting was stalled for a couple of hours.

Since the astrologer had asked Govinda to shoot an entire day with the hen, and the poor hen was so exhausted that it died on the sets before the day ended. However, Govinda continued to shoot until 7pm with the dead hen.

govinda’sastrological demands


A new controversy has hit Bollywood, this time a doctor has hinted that Harman Baweja had his facial contours reconstructed to look like Hrithik Roshan.

According to Mid-Day tabloid, before the shooting of Love Story 2050 began, the actor went to plastic surgeon Dr Vijay Sharma at Changing Looks Cosmetic Surgery Center in Khar. The buzz is that since Priyanka already knew Dr Sharma from her Miss World days, she went to the doctor with Harman with a picture of Hrithik.

Dr Sharma was asked to change Harman's jaw line according to Hrithik's facial contours. Both Dr Sharma and Harman have denied this news in the same report.

Dr Sharma's further comment has now complicated this report. “Many people come to me asking to look like Salman Khan or one of their heroes. These days, facial contouring is done through the latest method of Volumatrix face-lifts, introduced in India three years back. It's not a very painful or expensive process and involves sucking out fat from the middle of the face or beneath the eyes through a thin needle and without using the knife to make the round face oval or elliptical. The overall facial dimensions can be changed accordingly,” says the doctor.

Aamir Khan has taken off for a holiday abroad with wife Kiran to an undisclosed destination. According to close friends, Aamir has been quite busy with work and endorsements for the past year. This is a long awaited vacation, however, he has kept the destination a secret which no one has been able to figure out.

Jaane Kahan hai aamir?

harman wants to be cloned like hrithik?

Malaika Arora Khan is just back from LA where sister Amrita Arora and husband Arbaaz Khan were shooting for Kambakth Ishq.

Malaika returns to work as she has loads of TV work to attend to. In her absence, there were many stories doing the rounds that Malaika cannot stand Katrina and was not fond of her from the very beginning. She rubbished all those stories and said that it was just a made-up story because of her absence.

She is off to Dubai in a couple of days for yet another shoot.

malaika upset with Katrina stories


Eesha Koppikar, (note her name change - formerly Isha) has a change of man too.

Eesha, who just ended a rather painful relationship with Inder Kumar who, was married to publicist Rajoo Karia's daughter. She is now dating restaurateur Timmy Narang, who is socialite Ramona Narang's brother. Timmy was earlier dating Australian model Tania Xaetta while she was in Mumbai.

Eesha was facing lot of problems with her relationship with Inder. Eesha and Timmy are quite serious about each other and if all goes well, they are looking forward to sharing a future together. Both have been moving around with their friends and also go out as a couple to spend time together whenever possible.

Eesha is also happy that her film career is shaping well, this year Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi and Sabri are releasing and she is currently also doing a film titled Hello Darling with Sunny Deol, as well as another 3 movies coming up in future.

eesha Koppikar dating

timmy narang?

Debutante adah Sharma spooky first film

experience!

It was the most awaited moment on 10 Ka Dum. Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan face to face on the same stage.

That Salman was a picture of happiness goes without saying. However, Katrina seemed to be holding her cards close to her heart. The comfort level they shared was there for all to see. Katrina said she would give the money she wins to Salman's charity, but he magnanimously said, “No you give it to your mum's charity - Hope Reach.” Together they insisted on giving it to each other's charity.

However, she was really peeved when she didn't get even one answer right. “I am going to cry!” she said. “Please don't,” pleaded her guest. “I am not concerned about you, but if your make-up is ruined the shoot will be further delayed.”

Promptly Salman rose to her defense and said, “She doesn't use much make-up. She looks just as beautiful without make-up. She is a beautiful girl!”

When Katrina met salman on 10 Ka Dum

Shooting in castles can be quite spooky and debutante Adah Sharma too had a chilling experience shooting for Vikram Bhatt's supernatural thriller 1920 produced by ASA Film Production and Enterprises Pvt Ltd!

She recalls, “Everyone at Yorkshire said the castle we shot in was haunted, that a single old man stayed there and his wife died and her spirit still lives on there. There was a painting of a woman with dark black hair and blue eyes and we all thought I resembled her. So the photographer asked me to get a still photo taken standing in front of the painting. The caretaker said that any pictures taken in front of the paining don't get developed. But we went ahead and took a few pictures. But when we transferred the pictures to a laptop, they all came blurred or blank! That was quite spooky!”

Well its reel life to real life for Adah it seems!


No, he is not in a legal battle for copyright or payment issue. Udhas is the last person to get into that type of mess.

Pankaj Udhas, who owns a bungalow, has a legal case against him for harassment by his tenant, Radhika Arora. In her complaint Arora has accused the Udhas couple of deliberately keeping their Alsatian dog in the middle of the entrance.

“The dog barks menacingly and gets itself loose and pounces on anyone (sic)...” she said.

Arora, who stays alone, has also complained that the couple's manager forcefully entered her house a few months back along with some 'civic employees' and intimidated her.

Pankaj Udhas in a legal cold war

Esha Deol has failed to create an impact as an actress. Unfortunately most of her films bombed leaving her with few projects.

Relying now on Hijack, her mom is trying hard to get her back into the big league. One of her big plans is to direct her own daughter. She has even roped in Pritish Nandy Communications who initially said yes to producing the film.

However, a year has passed and the film has not moved forward. Hema even roped in actress Rekha to play Esha's mom and decided she would not act herself, as people would compare the two of them. Looks like the project is still a dream.

Reason? Hema cannot get suitable male co-stars for the film!

hema’s dream project

for esha

It's just not Govinda who is cultivating a British accent for a forthcoming movie. Now Koena Mitra too gears up to talk in fast British accent for film Karna, as the film will be shot in synchronized sound where a little mistake in words can damage the entire scene.

The film will be shot mainly in Hong Kong and China. The actress was last seen in Cash (2007), thereafter her work profile has gone down, except for few live shows.

Koena gets brit accent for Karna

Recently Vidya Balan wore a burkha to watch her own film at a theatre in Delhi. She was in Delhi for the premiere of the film and thought it would be a good idea to get a first hand impression from the audience themselves.

However, this is not the first time the burkha trick was used by Bollywood stars to go unnoticed. Our celebs have worn the burkha in their bid to appear unrecognizable. We all remember Himesh Reshammiya and his trip to the Ajmer Dargah (famous Mosque in India) in a burkha. And of course, there was even Mallika Sherawat, and now the latest to join the gang is none other than Vidya Balan.

vidya turns up in a burkha


Wow, this was the casting coup of the decade! But sadly it will never happen - two of the biggest attitude ladies would never come together after all.

Mallika Sherawat known to be elusive, refused to appear on Rakhi Sawant's show. Rakhi on the other hand, has made a big noise about the disapproval to the media.

“I won't become smaller if she doesn't come on my show, she becomes small for refusing. Anyway, I have no problems that Mallika refused me. When she needs me I will stand by her,” Rakhi told Mid-Day.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan has agreed to be on her show.

rakhi upset with mallika

Amitabh Bachchan's show in Durban (South Africa), has been the biggest show to date, so much so, that even Michael Jackson cannot compete with him on that front. It is said that when Big B feels down he watches his old shows.

However, not all his shows have been such great success. Big B came forward and shared one such concert.

“In 1981, I had gone on a world tour for the first time. Lata Mangeshkar invited me to say hello to the audiences. We reached the venue on time but to our surprise the audiences had not arrived. We were asked to go on a drive. For almost twenty minutes, we drove near the venue and kept waving out to people around just to catch their attention. After doing all this we managed only five spectators, three from Jaya's family,” Big B recalls.

big b’sflop show

After the posh Mannat house, Shah Rukh Khan is now believed to have bought himself a plush home in his home-town, and that too, close to his in-laws’ residence.

Shah Rukh has wanted to buy himself a big permanent home in Delhi for a while now. However, he couldn't find anything that both he and Gauri could agree on. Finally he has found himself an area in Panchsheel Park. It's very close to Gauri's parents' home. Although the details are still sketchy, the source says that it is a recent purchase.

“Gauri always wanted her kids to have a connection with her home-town as well,” adds the source. Panchsheel Park is one of the posh areas of South Delhi and most of Delhi's elite live there in palatial bungalows and kothis. On the other hand Shah Rukh still owns his original home in old Delhi that he shared with his mother and sister. It is now turned into a working women's hostel.

srK gets a new home



Aish

war

ya R

ai

You were the heart throb of teenaged girls. Now that you have been married, do you still receive letters written in blood?

No I don’t receive letters as such, but once a strange incident occurred when two girls stood in front of my gate and refused to leave until I see them.

What did your wife feel about such incidents?After marriage, I used to get phone calls saying we won’t watch your films now. I found it strange and funny, but also good. And my wife, who’s a sweet person, just looks at me and smiles.

I don’t understand why people were shocked if you were getting mar-ried. From your debut film itself you had mentioned your engagement.

There is a wide difference between a girlfriend and wife. If it’s a girlfriend, there is a chance of break up and they could hook on to me.

How long have you been together? Since school…

Talking about school, you have changed three schools. Were you expelled?No, I was not expelled from school. It was a strategic decision by my family as I was supposed to study in the U.S.A.

Zayed’s a family man

So that’s the reason you had to change three schools?Not three schools but two. In Bombay I was studying in Jamnabai Narsee School. Later I was slated to study at Dunes school at Dehradun. But my dad had met with an accident and because of my family problems, I had to waste two years. As situation was bad at home, my folks decided to send me to a boarding school so that I open up.

What do you like the most about your home?Veing myself; home is the place where you have all the liberties and you can be the way you want to. Apart from that, I also look forward to resting and relaxing.

What do you do on a regular day at home?I am a gadget freak. I love to learn about new gadgets and their functions.I also spend a lot of time on the Internet surfing, downloading music or games.

What kind of food do you enjoy cooking?I am very good cook at home I experiment with Mughali cusine. I can make great omelettes, briyani and chicken curry.

By his own confession...he is an impassioned lover boy, who not so many moons past, metamorphosed into a brooding ‘Roadside Romeo’ after an upset with his girlfriend of long-standing, Mallika Parekh. Way past the witching hour, oblivious to the stares of the few bystanders still on the road, he lay down flat on the cool asphalt and, pulling out his mobile, began whispering sweet nothings to his beloved. So what if a couple of curious passers-by stopped, stared

and sniggered?

From the buzz in the tabloids...he is a regular party animal, reportedly a night rider who thinks nothing of picking up fights with total strangers. At one of Mum-bai’s suburban watering holes, he grabbed a youth by his collar in a heated bar brawl that became the cynosure of attention.

Is he a pampered prince gone astray? A guy who just struck ‘Lucky’ due to his support system of friends and family? Or a much misunderstood youth full of beans whose talent remains largely untapped? Is he a cool dude who can make teenybopper hearts go flip-flop? Or a style-wise mannequin whose moves

and movies are not aimed at drawing critical acclaim? Will the real life Zayed Khan please stand up?

ifestyleL


Zayed’s a family man

Is there a favourite corner at your home?My favourite corner at home is by the pool side. Whenever I am stressed I spend time there by myself to feel better.

So how and in which school did you meet Malaika? It happened at the Kodaikanal International. I was at a socializing place called Flag Green and listening to U2. There I saw her and was taken aback, I turned down the music. I nudged my friend Anthony and asked who she was. My friend said just a fresher. I really didn’t understand why my friend could ignore such a beauty, as I had never seen anybody so beautiful before. The rest is history.

At that very moment, did you propose to her. Tell us how did this all happen?

One day while I was heading to class she wished me. But I wasn’t sure if she’d wished me or some one else. Later I realized that she had wished me.

You like high speed sports. So on a vacation do you go to places in search of fun or just to relax?

Recently I had been to France, with my brother.

So you even had to work hard on your vacation?Yes and it was fun. After that vacation, back home, I really felt good in terms of health.

Likes: Music, Movies and MastiFavorite Color: Red Blue and Black

Favourite Car: Aston Martin db7Favourite Dessert: blueberry cheescake

Hobbies: Adventure Sports, Scuba Diving, Cars, Computer Games

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gets there; who knows not only what she wants from life, but what she has to offer in return... HERE’S TO THE WOMAN

-who is loyal to family and friends, who expects no more from others than she is willing to give; HERE’S TO THE WOMAN

-who guides and inspires not by quoting others’ philoso-phies, but by living her own good example; who accepts both victories and disappointments with the same grace, and who can rise above life’s challenges and move on... HERE’S TO THE WOMAN who gives the gifts of her thoughtfulness, who

shows her caring with a word of support,her understanding with a smile; a woman who brings joy to

others just by being herself...(Unknown)

Kwa-Zulu Natal was abuzz with activity to celebrate this past month, and it started off at the Tops Expo held at Suncoast Casino and caught having fun, indulging in some great food and live music was Zoe Sheik, Novisha Patel and Himal Patel.

Clinic Reju had a woman’s day breakfast at 131 Umhlanga Ridge, where amidst numerous chats and fun activities what inspired me was the iS Cancer Care talk that was given. There are so many woman fighting the flight of cancer and to many patients going through chemotherapy treat-ments, suffering with scars and dry skin through surgery and radiation, the iS Cancer Care has a range of products to help restore healthy skin bringing about a vibrance to your texture and targets important issues like burns and scar tissue. This product is available at Clinic Reju and is always administered with a Medical Practitioner present. At least it brings hope that woman who have gone through the emotional scar of dealing with Cancer can at least find solace in restoring their physical appear-ance, which in return helps restore their emotional state as well. For more information visit www.clinicreju.com at the breakfast was Rosie Veras-amy, Deborah Santos and Ruth Santos.

From left to right: Zoe Sheik, Novisha Patel & Himal Patel

From left to right: Rosie Verasamy, Deborah Santos & Ruth Santos)

Katch Productions Charity Drive celebrated Woman’s month by getting involved with a charity organization called Missions Ablaze, they are cur-rently trying to build an orphanage in Ntuzuma for children that have only a caregiver house mother to turn to. Tinus and Meisie Lindeque, leaders of Missions Ablaze explained how they got started, “a registered Non Profit organzation. We got started in 1995, when Dr. Conrad Mershon and Mr. Robin Read brought 50 volunteers from Georgia in the USA, to do some missionary work and help us feed and clothe the squatters in and around Durban. Our hearts were knit together as they found us busy doing just that. At that time we were working with one of the local churches, yet we outgrew the whole situation and had to expand into something larger. Mis-sions Ablaze have between 15 and 30 full-time missionaries all working voluntarily with no re-numeration.”

Katch Productions charity drive visited the orphans at the orphanage that is still being built and had a day filled with health and dental talks to games and giveaways with each child getting a gift hamper full of good-ies. Each child had a brighter smile by the touch of kind hearted spirted souls. A heartfelt thank you to Oral B, Anne Galinos, Angie, Davita Re-uben, Elaine Chetty, Pam and Kerusha Kisten, Marlene and Kimeshnee Govender,Tamika Sewnarain, Shirdika and Derosha, Jenisha (Miss India North Coast), Dr’s Swasti Singh and Sudir Maharajh. The Orphanage is in need of essentials to be up and running by Christmas, items like cutlery to linen and beds are required, if you are keen to assist please contact Tinus on 032 945 0185 or visit www.missionsablaze.org.za.

Till next month… bear in mind ‘life can give you a hun-dred reasons to cry but you can give life a thousand

reasons to smile.’


Gems & Jewels

FOR PERSONAL JEWELLERY ADVICE,VALUATIONS AND INFORMATION YOU MAY E-MAIL:

[email protected]

A piece of jewellery that is equally elegant to any of its counterparts, but for a long time has been underestimated and understated, is the eternal brooch, which has stood the test of time.A brooch also known in ancient times as a fibula is a decorative jewellery item designed to be attached to garments. It can be manufactured silver, gold and platinum or some other mate-rials, for example in bronze in the early ages. Brooches can

The Unstated…

be decorated with diamonds, coloured gemstones like ru-bies, emeralds, sapphires and various semi precious gem-stones like topaz, tourmaline, citrine and amethyst. Enamel was another material that was popular in brooches. The earliest known brooches are from the Bronze Age. The brooch was an ornamental clasp used by Romans, Greeks and also by Celts and migratory tribes in Europe from the Early Bronze Age. Brooches were shaped like a large safety pin and were used to hold clothing together. They came in many varieties and held prominent

significance for the identity of the wearer, indicating eth-nicity and class. Elaborately designed brooches were an important part of Late Antique dress, and simpler ones were part of Roman military equip-ment. Eagle brooches, often worn in pairs, commemorate the worship of the Sun.Favoured by the Scandinavi-ans, brooches in an oval shape have been found wherever Vi-kings settled. Mass-produced during the 9th and 10th cen-turies, these adornments were cast in bronze in a clay mold and often featured elaborate designs. Amber and glass beads were also used in the pieces. While these brooches were decorative, they also served as a means of fasten-ing women’s dresses.The early Irish people also wore brooches as a clothing fastener. Prior to the Anglo-Norman invasion, men wore an outer cloak or mantle that was fastened at the breast with a brooch. Greeks and Ro-mans also utilized brooches as a means to secure their gar-ments. The beginning of the 20th cen-tury saw brooches become more delicate. The jewellery pieces also were frequently

made of platinum and incorpo-rated diamonds during this time period. During the same time, the first patented safety catch style became available. Wom-en began wearing pins at their waist and as the century went on, brooches were worn on the shoulder as well. Brooches take on many different shapes, sizes and styles, some suiting fashion and some taking on a more functional duty. Themes like animals, flowers, serpents, and Celtic knots; some made from crystals, coloured glass, and other, natural elements in-corporated into brooches made today.

As jewellery is generally some-thing one keeps for a long time, and often is something that people hand down from gener-ation to generation, older piec-

es of jewellery are relatively common. One of the most chic pieces of ‘old’ jewellery to own is a vintage brooch. Perhaps they are popular because iconic designers, such as Coco Chanel, hand crafted some truly amaz-ing brooches; or maybe it’s because a brooch is more one-size-fits-all than a ring or a bracelet. Though most brooches are designed with ladies in mind, there are also a reasonable number of de-signers who make discreet brooches and pins for men. So, if you would like to add a touch of understated glamour to your wardrobe, remember the elegant brooch.

Miss Yuvati [email protected]

www.ashokjewellers.co.za


with NishaniHealthy, Beautiful skin!

The treatment of pigmentation marks consists of regulating mel-anin synthesis to limit the appear-ance of brown spots and reduce their colour and size. Clariskin, a complex of peach, bilberry and hibiscus extracts has a consid-erable de-pigmenting action. It works by minimizing the produc-tion of brown and black melanin, in favour of colourless pigments.

the LIGHTENING sources… Pigmented skin and brown spots

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Email: [email protected]

Vitamin C reinforces the light-ening, de-pigmenting action through its anti-oxidant and anti-free radical action. It protects the skin and cutaneous tissues. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, regenerating the tis-sues and making he skin more glowing and healthy by eliminat-ing dead cells.

With maturity and sun exposure, the skin tends to become sensi-tive and brown spots can appear. A new range treats temporary and permanent pigmentation marks. The products are rich in Clariskin and Vitamin C and have a visible lightening action on the skin, and

help lessen the appearance of brown spots.

A lightening, anti-brown spot cream slows down

the appearance of

pigmentation marks. It visibly lightens the complexion in a two-month treatment. It also moistur-ises and protects the skin against the harmful effects of UVA/ UVB rays.

Also available, is an instant light-ening, anti-brown spot mask. This mask immediately recreates a lighter, even, transparent, pure-looking complexion. It reduces the appearance of brown and pigmentation spots. The mask relaxes the features and erases signs of fatigue.

A lightening starter lotion gently exfoliates and balances skin. It enriches the skin; triggers lighten-ing effect of other products in the range. The lotion refreshes the skin during the day by clarifying the complexion.

CLARISKIN – VITAMIN C

An intensive concentrate serum for hyper-pigmentation acts in depths to slow down the appear-ance of pigmentation marks. It unifies the complexion and light-ens the stubborn brown spots. It regenerates the skin to restore a clear, transparent complexion.

Nishani Shah

92 Overport Drive, Durban Next to Gem Schoolwear

Phone: 031-207-9205

As the Party Season approaches, most of us will need quick-fixes and pretty new makeup tricks and tips!

• Plan to dance all night? Try crème paints instead of crème eyeshadow for maximum staying power.

Natural Beauty• Looking tired? Pat a little nude cream blush on temples for an in-stant radiant boost.

• Use left over lipgloss to smooth down stray eyebrows.

• After applying Maybelline XXL Volume and Length Mascara in

Very Black, give your finger a blast with a warm hairdryer, then hold against lashes to lift and curl.

• Mix loose bronzing powder with regular body lotion to attain a sun-kissed glow or fake tan.

• When attempting smokey-eyes, leave under-eye concealing for the end as messy darker tones are more difficult to clean up.

For more quick-fixes and Personalised Makeup Lessons, call Radiant Image now! Also visit us and check out our new Victoria Jackson makeup range for subtle glamour and our stunning new range of

exclusive imported jewellery!


Recently I asked some of my elementary students to use their imagination

to the maximum. If they had the ability to fly anywhere on a magic carpet, where would they go to? Many said they wanted to go to New York to see the Statue of Liberty. Others want to fly to the moon. Then I asked what they

Chatterbox

email: [email protected]

SMS: 083 767 3554

with Sheetal

DREAMS COME TRUE WITH BURNING DESIREwant to be when they’re older. Some want to be comedians; oth-ers want to be doctors or politi-cians.

I always encourage my students to dream big. When I was their age, I had high aspirations that reached the stars. Many years later, I’m still not afraid to dream big. Some of the dreams I had when I was young have come true. Others have not. Why? Be-cause I probably didn’t have the burning desire for it. I always wanted to travel and longed for adventure to places I only heard and read about. As I’ve said be-fore, I’ve wanted to live the kind of life where one day I will have many stories to tell people about exciting adventures and experi-ences. I’m blissfully happy that I’m living that dream right now.When we sleep at night and dream we don’t always share

them with others, perhaps of fear of being ridiculed because we think our dreams are trivial. Some of the dreams I have are private that I don’t really share with peo-ple because I know that it may be met with some negativity.

When I set my heart on wanting or achieving something, I won’t stop till I get it. My entire being will be consumed with thoughts of having it and if anyone tries to obstruct my enthusiasm, I simply don’t allow them to.

And that is what I believe makes dreams come true – to have a burning passion and desire for something you truly want. Over the past few months, I can say that certain things I have wished for have come true. My heart and mind were set on them, and I waited patiently for the right mo-ment to grab the opportunity. Be-

cause when things are meant to happen, they will – gradually and naturally.

Here’s wishing you an awesome month of September. Spring is setting in and as it does, I hope you will set goals and have dreams that reach the skies. Have fun!

ashionF


Bridal asiaHoney Waqar’s evolution to cater

to a global fashion glitterati in the quest for contributing glam-ourosuly in the makings of the world’s most diverse and biggest

new fashion frontier ……….

Known as the Contour Queen of fashion world, Honey Waqar’s collection is the most-awaited by the disciples of fashion. Bold, beautiful and dar-ing, her collection is flirtatious, feminine and elegant. Honey has been designing for more than a decade now and recently got hon-ored with the design Excellence award by the Women’s excellence award committee. Believing in the celebration of womanhood, her collection is feminine to the core.

all set to dazzle at Bridal asia 2008, her signa-ture style is amongst the most-sought. The se-quined bustiers, frill skirts not leaving aside the shararas and sarees , the traditional attire, Honey designs all offering a wide array of designs to choose from. Her collection, aptly called Pieces of Passion, is embellished with crystals and deli-cate embroidery.



For Exquisite Designer Wear

280 Tangerine Street, Laudium012 374 6787 | 082 410 4977





Handbag collection by Malaga to be displayed at Bridal Asia 2008

Bridal asia7th - 9th October2008 - New Delhi

Fashionistas’ Bling

Jewellery collection by Falguni Methato be displayed atBridal Asia 2008

Bridal Asia the sub-continental wedding fashion extravaganza is

where you can discover all-embracing assortments needed for a luxuriant in vogue Indian wedding. Getting pre-

wedding cold feet is passé; with Bridal Asia stepping in, it only gets hotter! So forget all your jitters and get the best from a collection of brightest stars of

the fashion industry that will vouch for a prettier you on your wedding.

Bridal Asia, scheduled to be held during 7th- 9th October 2008 is all set to add bling

to the matrimonial vows as well as the fashion connoisseurs of the 21st century.


The event will witness renowned names in the fashion circle showcasing their designs. In the jewellery section there will be Maharani Jewels , Notandas & Sons, Sangeeta Javeri (Mumbai) showcasing her Diamonds in style, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons (Kolkata) with their trademark traditional collection, Kothari’s Fine Jewels, Queenie Dhody and Vasundhra Mantri (Kolkata) with her stylized fashion jewellery to name a few. In designer wear, there will be on display – exquisite collections by designers like Elisha W. Azaara, Nalandda Bhandari, Ritika Bhasin, Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor , Puja Arya and more . Bags, one of the favorite accessories flaunted by a woman also get a new urban touch. Some such exquisite collection will be showcased by Rinaldi, Bea Accessories and Malini Aggarwal (Malaga).

Expressing her views, Divya Gurwara CEO - BRIDAL ASIA avers, “Weddings in India are just not a ritual but a belief; a dream & a celebration that marks the beginning of a new life.” Believing strongly in marital vows, in 1999, she conceptualized Bridal Asia as an event that would transform the dreams of many into vivid realities. All excited about the forthcoming event Divya says, “Though it has been a long journey but it never enervates me rather excites me as every time there is something avant garde that exudes novelty & enthuses me to work even harder. She adds further, “With a right mix of beauty, style, attitude, essence & value for money, we at Bridal Asia believe in providing a complete solution for trousseau shopping under one roof in our Bridal extravaganza

Little did Divya know that her passion would blur boundaries between India and Pakistan. The physical boundaries might separate places but the creativity brings the hearts together. Adding to the sparkling event, Pakistani designer Honey Waqar would share the stage with Indian designers to give us a feeler of the international domain. Over the years, the glitz from Pakistan has been added by Rizwan Beig, Sahar Atif, brands Karma & Bareeze, Maheen Khan from Bangladesh.

Come October, Delhi will glisten with some famous names like “Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Ritu Beri, Bhairavi Jaikishan, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Niki Mahajan , Gaurav Gupta , Pallavi Jaikishan, Vinita Pittie from Hyderabad, Golechas (jewellery), Choko-la (chocolates)” amongst others.Over the years, Bridal Asia’s event and exhibition has been making waves with the glitterati & the buzz thrown in. Synonymous with panache & luxury, Bridal Asia is known to bring all the bigwigs from multi fashion galleries onto a single platform. The glorious past has witnessed household names like Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Vallaya, Rina Dhaka, Anamika Khanna, Rocky S., Surily Goel and Ritu Kumar who highlight the niche market targeted.

A one-stop shopping destination for exclusive bridal trousseau, the event promises to be an exquisite mélange of bridal apparel, jewellery and accessories; working towards revolutionizing the Indian wedding industry - the contemporary way.With Bridal Asia completing the ever-so-happy family portrait, nuptial knots never seemed so blissful.

For further information:Bridal Asia Office

Services international Bhavna Dulani09313405901

[email protected]

D I V Y A G U R W A R ACEO- BRIDAL ASIA

She envisioned this unique platform when it had no parallels. She pio-neered the concept of showcasing real talent in the bridal business under one roof at a statuesque show. Divya Gurwara, today enjoys the distinction of being the CEO of her own concept show: Bridal Asia which is the most exclusive wedding extravaganza of the sub-continent, beautifully garner-ing the concept of saying ‘I do!’

Now enjoying the laurels of being the pioneer Divya’s oversees operations of Bridal Asia ensuring strict quality control, authenticated branding and exclusivity of designs. Hence making sure that year after year the country’s favorite bridal show continues to be a class act.

Life started for Divya in Dhanbad, of-fering no premonition whatsoever of things to come, because she opted to study Science in order to pursue a career in Architecture. However des-tiny had other plans in store for her. Little did she know that the sacred ceremony of marriage will not just take her to New Delhi but also pre-pare her to be part of a much larger perspective in the eventful course of her life.

Marriage may have made Divya’s priorities take a complete somersault but what remained unchanged was her immense passion and a keen eye for aesthetics. Her quest for beauty remained constant and while family was the immediate focus, she got involved with weavers from the Kolk-ata School, taking her to that fabled ,heritage city to turn the warp and weft around to bring new motifs and design to the traditional vocabulary of weaving. To further her aesthetic journey Divya went on to do a course in Gemology. Here as well she re-worked convention ,setting stones and metals in a whole new refreshing design palette in jewelry.

Divya’s significant journey in design eventually culminated in the mega event `Bridal Asia’ when, recogniz-ing the growing importance of wed-dings getting the “designer” tag, she decided to offer a complete 360-de-gree solution for young brides who were style conscious and would not mind spending extra for that “perfect” wedding. She scanned the country and even crossed the boundary to create an invigorating mix of bridal extravaganza where she picked out the finest in bridal attire, jewellery, home concepts and exciting acces-sories. Since it was the very first of its kind, the effort came straight from the heart.

Chosen from around the country and Pakistan by Divya herself, the first Bridal Asia way back in 1999

was a thoughtfully selected group of 40 participants that set the ball rolling for India’s largest Bridal ex-travaganza. Delhi had never seen anything like it and the response was phenomenal. Never before was anything on similar lines conceived and Delhi’s clientele was left hungry for more! The debut attempt was more than just a success – it gener-ated an almost cult following. While top brands and prominent retailers vied for participation, people paused while making purchases to wait for the next one.

The next one arrived in the following year and she stoically refined the de-tails and worked towards making it a platform oozing with style and gran-deur year after year. The number of participants since the first exhibition had grown tremendously.

Committed to the cause of “fash-ion sans boundaries” Divya also took Bridal Asia to Pakistan. This was the first cultural step towards Indo–Pak peace process, even much before the bus service started and the hyped cricket diplomacy set the wheels moving. It has also been the first of its kind to travel to Ka-rachi in 2002 and introduce Indian designers to a select Pakistani au-dience. The overseas participants were overjoyed as this provided a perfect foray into a country where weddings are led by opulence and grandeur and for them to reach out singularly would have been next to impossible.

For Divya Gurwara , Founder Patron , Bridal Asia is not merely

an event, it is her Zahir


When music runsin the family

words, “I was always somewhere.”The singer says that her father would just ask her to join him at his studio af-ter school to record. And things hap-pened in a similar fashion this time as well. “One day, dad called me and said, ‘I have a surprise for you,’ and when I got home, he told me that I’d be singing for Mallika Sherawat,” she exclaims.

Having a music celebrity as one’s parent might smoothen one’s journey to-wards the Bollywood music industry, but it would be unfair to presume that this

second generation of musicians gets projects on a platter sans any talent.

In the past few months, the children of many senior musicians and actors en-tered Bollywood’s vibrant music business. Most of them have already made a splash, signed big projects and are steadily creating a name for themselves

in the industry. Here, we take a look at some Gen-X musicians.

Udit and aditya narayanWhen it comes to singers, Udit Naray-an is undoubtedly a Bollywood vet-eran. Since his debut in 1980 when noted music director Rajesh Roshan asked him to sing for Unees Bees, he has sung more than 15,000 songs. However, he entered the big league – and won his first Filmfare award – only with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). His son Aditya, on the other hand, had things a bit easy for him. Aditya sang his first song at the age of four for a Nepali film. A few years later, he sang for Akele Hum Akele Tum and Rangeela. His rendition of the song ‘Chotta Bachcha’ in Masoom (1996) also won him numerous awards.

After a five-year break, Aditya re-turned in 2007 to host Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs. The singer, though well-known in the industry, has de-cided to take things a bit slow and study music rather than continue with his Bollywood career. He recently fin-ished his studies in Music in London and has returned to host Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2008.

anU and anmol malikThe youngest of the lot is Anmol Ma-lik, Anu Malik’s daughter, who is just 18 years old. This Malik with her a sharp, resonant voice, already has a hit to her credit with the club hit ‘Talli’ of Ugly Aur Pagli. But this isn’t the first time the hardworking young war-bler has sung a song in a film. The girl was often called upon, by her father, to sing in the background. She has sung in a number of films. In her own

Bappi and Bappa lahiriRelated to Kishore Kumar, Bappi Lahiri had the ambition to acquire in-ternational fame at a very early age. But he had to work hard for national fame. While he began composing in the early seventies, he did not find the commercial success he was looking for until the eighties, when he com-posed for films like Disco Dancer, Na-mak Halaal and Sharaabi.

Bappa Lahiri, who has just made a foray into Bollywood, had the oppor-tunity to learn a lot from his father. Choosing not to release an album im-mediately – something he could have done easily – he decided to learn eve-rything about the business by working with his father first. He also composed background score for films like Bhoot and Kaun Ho Sakta Hai. After working for his father for a good seven years, he has now entered the music indus-try with a bang. Even though Jimmy – his debut film – bombed, the music of his film C Kompany is already do-ing well. Bappa is a skilled tabla play-er and studied music in the US.

kamal and ShrUti haaSanKamal Haasan’s father wanted him to become a singer, but that was not to be. Although trained in music, Hasan has only sung a few songs in his eventful career. But his daughter, Shruti, is solely concentrating on mu-sic.

A student of Psychology in college, Shruti shifted her focus to cinema and music, and eventually traveled to the USA to continue to learn music at the Musicians Institute in California. But that wasn’t her first tryst with music; Shruti Haasan sang her first song at the age of six in her father’s movie Thevar Magan.

Later, while still in school, Shruti made her Bollywood singing debut with the film Chachi 420, when he did the playback for a child artiste in the movie. This was followed by a song in the film Hey Ram.

Shruti’s band continues to play all across India, and even though she has received training in classical mu-sic, her band is a rock outfit. Shruti seems to be fulfilling her grandfa-ther’s dream of becoming a singer, and is planning to release her music album that she’s written as well.

SUmeet and kiShore kUmar

Papa kehte theh beta acting karega, but this 21-year-old lad from the Gan-guly stable may have something else on his mind.

Sumeet Kumar, Kishore Kumar’s young-est son, has made his entry into the world of playback singing.

“I have got my first break in Saurabh Shukla’s Mudda, but I still haven’t made up my mind, on any particular career.” Without any formal training in any kind of music, singing was not much of a problem for Sumeet, who still feels that he may go into acting.

“I know there will be a lot of pressure on me once I take up singing as a career. People will initially say that Kishoreda’s youngest son has arrived and it’s a big thing. I am prepared to take that kind of pressure.”

“After getting his first break, Sumeet is now very serious. He is a wonderful pianist and is a keyboard freak. Com-paring anybody to Kishoreji will be very foolish. Sumeet is too young and has a very tender voice. He has got the initial break, but I would like him to be fully prepared before he takes the plunge. His voice is different and it does not match with either Kishoreji or Amit,” said Sumeet’s mother Leena Chandravarkar.

“Things fell into shape after Sumeet performed at the Kishore Kumar Awards function in Mumbai last year. He enthralled everybody with Kishore-da’s Chala jata hoon .

BAPPI AND BAPPA LAHIRI

ADITyA NARAyAN

ANU MALIK

SHRUTI HAASAN WITH KAMAL HAASAN

usicM

SUMEET AND KISHORE KUMAR


At the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important pilgrimage site.

The Kumari Amman temple is dedicated to Parvati as Devi Kanya - the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva.

Two rocks reach out of the ocean, southeast of the Kumari Amman temple. One of these is Sri Padaparai, where the footprints of the virgin goddess are to be seen. On this rock, Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep medita-tion; and here stands the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in 1970.

The other part is that the nature is so spectacular at Kanyakumari, that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami (full moon in April) when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon! However, other full moon days are also special when you can see the sunset and the moonrise almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.

Surrounded by majestic hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountain-ous terrain and the seacoast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, Kanyakumari.

Cape of India(The district name is spelled as ‘Kanniyakumari’ in official records, which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language). With an area of 1672 sq.km it occupies 1,29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari - Places to See

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial: Thiruvalluvar Statue. The place has been asso-ciated with great men like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi in whose names memorials have been built there. They are very beautiful and add to the attraction of this place. The beautiful Gandhi Memorial completed in 1956 is situated as a memorial to the Father of the Nation.

Thiruvalluvar Statue: Thiruvalluvar is the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu and has given to the world Thirukkural. The memorial statue of Thiruvalluvar is in Kanyakumari. The pedestal of the statue is 38 feet in height and the statue it-self is over 95 feet tall with a grand total of 133 feet for the entire sculpture. The 3-tier pedestal known as Atharapeedam is surrounded by an artistic Mandapa known as Alankara Mandapam with 38 feet height.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial: This is another place in Kanyakumari, which attracts large number of tourists. As its name implies, it is essentially a sa-

cred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swami Vivekananda to - Shripada Parai - during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment.

Suchindrum: Suchindrum is a small village about 12km from Kanya-kumari and about seven kilometers from Nagercoil. This holy place is located on the bank of the river Pazhayar, adjoining fertile fields and coconut groves and the temple is dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan. Udayagiri Fort: The fort was rebuilt in the reign of Marthandavarma, the Venad King, during 1741-1744. Under the supervision of De Lannoy, the Belgian General, who served as the Chief of the Tra-vancore army; East India Company’s troops were stationed there till the middle of the 19th century.

Mathur Hanging Bridge: The Mathur Hanging Trough is the tall-est as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometer. Constructed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place.

St. Xavier Church: St Xavier an outstanding and dedicated priest visited the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu from Goa, he never

missed the opportunity of visiting Kottar in Kanyakumari district which was a celebrated commercial centre at that time. During his stay at Kottar, he used to worship St. Mary in the small temple.

ravelT


Padmanabhapuram Palace: The ancient historical town Padmanabhapuram is one of the four municipalities in the district is 55km south of Trivandrum, about 2km east of Thuckalay and 35 km from Kanyakumari on the Trivandrum - Cape Comorin road.

Muttom Beach: The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16kms from Nagercoil and 32kms from Kanyakumari. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is one of the most Panoramic viewpoints in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British.

Vattakottai (Circular Fort): Vattakottai, a granite fort 6kms north-east of Kanyakumari cape, forms the terminal of a line of ramparts known as the South Tranvancore lines built by Marthanda Varma to serve as defence for Nanjil Nadu. It is rectangular in shape and covers an area of about three and a half acres.

After three successful years, Mercedes-Benz has overhauled the design and engineering of the B-Class. The facelift programme focused on environmental compatibility, economic efficiency and

comfort, with further advances being made in each of these areas.

Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously, and distinguish them-selves with remarkably low exhaust emissions that undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.

“Since its international premiere in 2005, the B-Class has evolved into the blueprint for a new species of car which harmonises the benefits of various vehicle concepts: the four-door model boasts the dynamic design of a sporty saloon, the exterior dimensions of a compact car, the spaciousness of an estate, the versatility of a mini MPV and the trademark safety of a Mercedes-Benz,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The restyled front end injects the B-Class with more poise and assurance than before. This is primarily down to the radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into its centre. However, the more imposing appearance of the B-Class also stems from the new-look bumper - whose design emphasises the large air intake at the bottom - as well as the modified bonnet.

This new design idiom makes the front look broad and, as a consequence, especially powerful, symbolising the sporty attributes of the B-Class even more clearly than before. The design at the sides seems more harmoni-ous and elegant than before, because the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants.

The rear styling picks up on the dynamic flow of lines at the front and along the sides. A direct visual link is created by the tail light assemblies, whose upper edges merge seamlessly with the character line along the vehicle’s sides. The tail lights sport a new high-brilliance look and draw the gaze to the large tailgate, which now comes with en ergonomically enhanced chrome handle strip.

INTeRIoRHigh-grade appointments with new upholsteries and trIMS

High-class appeal, attention to detail and a sense of ample spaciousness - these qualities have always been intrinsic to the B-Class. The winning blend of forms, colours and materials teams up with the interior’s roomi-ness, the pleasant feel of all its surface materials and the expansive win-dow areas to produce a most inviting ambience. This is helped by the high seating position - which, incidentally, improves the driver’s all-round view, too - while the relatively high waistline fosters a sense of security without making the occupants feel confined.

The centre console continues to be bordered by trim strips on both sides, but they are now made from diagonally brushed aluminium in a smoke grey

finish. The same, integrated trim is found again in the vicinity of the gearshift and in the door panelling, giving the interior an added sense of refinement.

DIeSeL eNgINeSfuel consumption reduced by seven percent

The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of three engines – one direct-injection diesel unit (103 kW) delivering 300 Nm of torque, as well as two petrol engines with a peak power output of 142 kW and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. The four-cylinder power units have undergone a series of detailed improvements in order to further reduce fuel consumption.

For the diesel model, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 200 CDI has dropped by as much as seven percent, 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 km. The turbo-diesel model, which is particularly smooth-running thanks to a balancer shaft, is extremely fuel efficient.

oCCupANT pRoTeCTIoNextensive safety features enhanced yet further

When it comes to safety, the B-Class sets an example for all other models of these dimensions to follow: in the European NCAP test programme, the Sports Tourer was awarded the highest rating of five stars.

The comprehensive safety specification, comprising two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/tho-rax sidebags, has now been complemented by the addition of crash-respon-sive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment. Following an accident of a predetermined severity, the lighting comes on automatically to allow the occupants to get their bearings more easily in the dark and expedite the work of the rescue services.

ACTIVe SAFeTYFlashing brake lights as a warning to other motorists

To help them bring critical situations under control safely and with ease, drivers of the B-Class can count on highly effective, standard-fit technology in the form of systems such as ABS, Brake Assist and ESP®. Mercedes engineers have however gone that little bit further by seeking to devise a way of offering other motorists added safety too.

The result is a simple and highly effective method of avoiding rear-end colli-sions: flashing brake lights. This safety technology is included as standard for the B-Class.

During testing, Mercedes-Benz engineers were able to ascertain that the brak-ing reaction time of motorists is quickened by an average of 0.2 seconds if they see a flashing red warning signal instead of conventional brake lights in an emergency braking situation.

IN BETTER SHAPE THAN EVERMercedes-Benz B-Class:

otoringM


South Africa only

IN BETTER SHAPE THAN EVER

ASSISTANCe SYSTeMSAutomatic parking with ultrasound and electric steering

The Electronic Stability Program has been expanded to include a new, standard function: the automatic hill-start assist. This prevents the B-Class from rolling backwards as the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator pedal when starting off uphill. In such situations, the ESP® briefly maintains the brake pressure to make pulling away easy.

Reverse parking will pose less of a challenge for motorists in future. The new active parking assist (optional) searches for an appropriate spot at the side of the road as the B-Class drives by, than takes care of all the steering manoeuvres as the driver reverses into it. How it works: at speeds below 35 km/h, ultrasonic sensors at the sides of the car scan the zones to the immediate left and right of the B-Class, and measure the length and depth of any potential parking spaces. Once a suitable spot has been found, the system flashes up a message in the display, to inform the driver.

When the driver engages reverse, confirms the display and presses the accelerator, the ac-tive parking assist takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the B-Class into the space. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake; the PARKTRONIC system’s ultrasonic sensors provide further assistance by indicating how much room there is in front of and behind the B-Class.To be able to use the automatic parking feature, the parking spot only has to be 1.30 metres longer than the B-Class - an indication of the technology’s tremendous precision.

pANoRAMIC gLASS SuNRooFThe optional panoramic roof makes the B-Class interior seem even more spacious.It consists of a large, grey-tinted laminated glass pane (0.6 m²) offering complete protection against UVA/UVB and UVC rays. The light flooding into the B-Class interior from above creates an even more pleasant feeling of spaciousness. A twin-roller-blind system, which acts as a sun blind is included. The panoramic roof does not open or pop up.

BI-XeNoN ACTIVe HeADLIgHTSCompared to the projection-beam headlamps, the bi-xenon headlamps allow even clearer and wider illumination of the verges and increase the range of vision when the main beam is switched on. They enhance both comfort and safety when driving the B-Class. The optional bi-xenon headlamps include the following features: cornering light function inte-grated in the main headlamp, active light function, automatic headlamp range adjustment and headlamp cleaning system.

pRICINg

MobiloDrive 120 (maintenance contract) is standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger car models.

The B-Class is retailed at:B 170 - R253 000

B 200 Turbo - R303 000B200 CDI - R308 000

CHEESy CHILLI SESAME BALLSA crispy cocktail biscuit with golden sesame seeds

Makes 25 - 30

INGREDIENTS310ml Sasko Cake Flour

2ml Moir’s cayenne pepper125g butter, cubed40g cream cheese

375ml grated cheddar cheese15ml chopped fresh dhania or parsley

80ml sesame seeds

METHOD• Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 32cm x 28cm biscuit tray.• Place flour and cayenne pepper in food processor. Add butter, cheese and dhania.• Using the pulse action, work butter for 15 - 20 seconds or until mixture almost forms a soft dough. Do not over- beat.• Turn mixture into a large mixing bowl. Press together with fingers to form a soft dough.• Roll two level teaspoons of mixture into a ball. Roll ball in sesame seeds. • Repeat until all dough is used up.• Arrange balls on prepared tray about 3cm apart.• Bake for 20 -25 mins, or until golden. Remove from oven. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.• Then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipes with ShanaazEnjoy these lovely treats during Ramadan.

Perfect to share with family and friends.

POTATO WARAPotato balls enclosed in batter

Makes 20 - 24

INGREDIENTSFilling

3 large potatoes, cooked and well mashed10ml garlic paste

2 green chillies, finely chopped salt to taste5ml Moir’s Tumeric

5ml Moir’s cayenne pepper5ml whole mustard seeds [optional]50ml fresh dhania, finely chopped

Maizena for rolling

Batter250ml pea flour

40ml melted butter / margarine salt to taste5ml garlic paste

enough water to make a soft dough oil for deep frying

METHODFilling

- Add all ingredients to the potatoes except Maizena and mix well.- Make ping-pong size balls with filling and roll each ball in Maizena.

Batter- Mix all ingredients together to make a soft batter.- Leave aside to settle.- Meanwhile, heat oil till moderately hot. - Dip balls into batter, taking care that batter covers the ball completely and fry till golden brown and then drain.- Serve as a vegetarian dish accompanied by a chilli sauce.

Ramadan Kareem

Shanaaz Parker, a born Capetonian, has 13 years of culinary experience which culminated

in two cook books: Fusion & Indulge.

win This month the first SA India reader from

DURBAN to sms Fatima Allie on 082 066 3353 will win a delicious

‘Indulge’ cook book, compliments of Shanaaz Parker.

Fusion: East Meets West & Indulge. Now available at

Channel Islam Book Store, Lenasia.

sainDia cLassifieDs

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