The newest and most glamourous event HDIL India Couture Week kicked off on October 11 amidst much drama and grandeur. The couture week is a celebration of the Indian cultural heritage in a grand manner. Couture Week was a six-day star-studded extravaganza. The second edition of Couture Week saw top notch Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan walk the ramp for the fashion pageant.
Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, Ajay Devgan and Katrina Kaif walked the ramp for Salman Khan's Being Human show.
Filmmaker Karan Johar made his fashion debut at the October 11-16 event. He had teamed up with designer Varun Bahl to showcase men's couture range on the last day. Since Karan Johar's muse was Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar walked the ramp with his wife Gauri Khan. While Zayed Khan and Shruti Hassan dazzled the ramp in the exquisite collection of designer Manav Gangwani.
This year, the glamour quotient was at its peak at the couture week. These couture czars surprised the audience with their collections while Bollywood celebrities mesmerised them on the ramp.
The couture week is an initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Other designers participating in this event were Monisha Jaising, Pallavi Jaikishan, Varun Bahl, Manish Malhotra, Manav Gangavani and Suneet Varma.
An international pizza chain has introduced a size zero pizza and implied that it is inspired by Kareena Kapoor, the Bollywood diva with the most fashionable size on her.
Kareena, who was out of the country wasn’t even aware of this latest ‘tribute’ to her till sister Karisma Kapoor, a Delhiite, called in to tell her that her friends were all tripping over the size zero pizza.
Kareena has been a pizza fan for the longest time.
“I love Italian food,’’ says Bebo. “I must eat pizza at least twice a week; and yes, I’m flattered that a pizza has been named after me.’’ But, she added, “Honestly speaking, I’m no longer a size zero. I’m slightly rounded because I need to be that way for my role in Karan Johar’s Hindi version of Step Mom.”
Incidentally, the size zero pizza is a thin crust affair with healthy vegetable toppings and some low-fat cheese. “It’s a misconception that cheese is unhealthy,’’ argues Bebo. “My dietician has put me on a cheese diet for the longest time. Cheese has the right fat percentage required for the body and if eaten right, it can be advantageous rather than detrimental.”
It’s the age of equality but how supportive are these celeb men of their partner’s careers and ambitions? We rate the men who rock and the ones who suck…
Abhishek Bachchan
So supportive are Ash and Abhi of each other’s performances that they love to work with each other-so much so that sometimes one gets the feeling that they are constantly acting. In fact Abhi has accompanied Ash to most of her premieres - whether they are in India or abroad, and is known more for being Ash’s hubby than anything else.
Saif Ali Khan
Saif takes supporting-your-lady to an all-new level. Be it praising her butt-kicking turn in Agent Vinod, giving Pritish Nandy a piece of his mind for tweeting negatively about Kareena’s much thinner bod, or saying that he can’t stop grinning cause he has Bebo in his life. He also regularly lavishes praise on her work in various films. And Kareena too doesn’t bother to hide her admiration for Saif’s work, especially in Omkara. But the mutual admiration and cootchie-cooing does get a bit too much at times. You are not a teen anymore Saif! Grow up!!
Aamir Khan
Not only has he supported wife Kiran through her debut directorial effort but now when she is resting, due to a recent spate of illnesses, Aamir has chosen to focus on the editing of her project Dhobi Ghat. This has meant that the Delhi Belly edit finalisation, of which he is the producer, is being delayed. But Aamir is clear - he doesn’t want Kiran to get stressed.
Salman Khan
Everyone knows that Salman is a possessive man. So possessive, that he refuses to watch his girlfriend (yup, they are together for now) Katrina’s films. Apparently he has not yet watched New York despite her repeated requests. Not able to watch Kat romance John we guess. But doesn’t that come with the territory? After all you are dating an actress. Kat, on the other hand, has always lent support by watching all Sallu’s films, however awful!
Ajay Devgan
Kajol stepped back from the limelight on becoming a mother but is now occasionally acting in films that will not compromise her time with her daughter. But through it all, Ajay and Kajol have supported each other’s ambitions. In fact, Ajay has gone on record to say that he cannot imagine anybody but Kajol being able to do justice to the heroine’s role in U, Me Aur Hum. Sweet! But the two also give each other ample space to do their own thing.
A Game Of Hearts
While it’s the love life - or the lack of it - of Bollywood, it’s those who don’t make the grade that are actually having a quiet affair and getting away with it. So here are some who are keeping it under wraps…
Kunal Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor: I bet you guys didn’t guess this one. But it’s true and they are denying it, of course!
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza: These two spent so much time together, yet think nobody knows they are dating!
Now for the best one of all: Shruti Hassan and Shruti Hassan. And how does she explain this self-obsession? “I’m single right now. This is a time when I’m so brutally obsessed with myself and it’d be so unfair to someone else in my life. I’m not going to share my mirror or my time or my space with anyone else just now.
”Who Is Vidya’s Secret Man?
Vidya Balan is dressing up glamorously, giggling infectiously and feeling right at home among Delhi’s glitterati. The grapevine says she is really getting to know a hotshot politician who has a great eye for gorgeous women. He’s single, loaded, powerful and a thorough charmer. Apparently he’s already spent millions of rupees on Vidya.
By the way, this gentleman also has a home on the Riviera, so how can we blame Vidya for falling for him, when half of Delhi can’t resist his charms?
Mother Knows Best
Shahid Kapur’s mom, Neelima Azim is all set to make a movie. Now, you would imagine that she’d obviously cast her son in the movie, right? Wrong. She wanted Emraan Hashmi to play the lead. But the actor refused. And if you think she’d cast Priyanka Chopra to play the female lead, considering she’s more than just friends with Shahid, then you are absolutely right! Priyanka, however, has not signed on the dotted line just yet. Now, is that because Mr. Casanova was last heard to be a little too friendly with Anushka Sharma, the leading lady of Yash Raj’s yet-to-be-titled film that also stars Shahid?
Soha Makes Sharmila Mad!
Soha is reportedly driving her mum, Sharmila up the wall. The buzz is that Soha is extremely serious about Kunal Khemu, but because her last relationship (with Diddharth) went belly up, she doesn’t want to get married just yet. So she’s invited Kunal to move into her tiny apartment in the suburbs.
Sharmila’s reportedly spending sleepless nights, worrying that the much-younger Kunal may use Soha as his ladder to success and then dump her.
PS: What about Soha getting some success herself first?
Shah Rukh Khan Detained At Newark Airport In USA....!!!!
“I’m shocked and upset... feeling terrible for Shah Rukh,” said Karan Johar, after his friend actor Shah Rukh Khan was detained at a US airport for having the last name ‘Khan’. Actress Priyanka Chopra also said, “Shocking, disturbing and downright disgraceful. It’s such behaviour that fuels hatred and racism. SRK's a world figure for God’s sake. GET REAL!!” In an earlier post on Independence Day, Karan wrote, “Freedom...underrated...often misused... and always taken for granted... respect it and honour it... today and forever!” Music director Vishal Dadlani also posted, “This is plain silly!! I mean, a quick internet search would tell them what they need to know about SRK!! Paranoia breeds stupidity, I guess!” Meanwhile, Shah Rukh told a channel, “The US has developed religious paranoia over the years. My guard was also denied a visa because he has the same last name as mine. They said I can’t use my phone.” Shah Rukh was detained for over two hours at the Newark airport, New Jersey. He was released after Indian embassy officials vouched for him. He was in the US to attend Independence Day celebrations.
The star, who is currently filming for My Name is Khan, underwent "humiliating" questioning even as he told authorities he was an Indian celebrity. His bodyguards were also grilled.
From being selected for the prestigious National Opus Honour Choir (at the US state level), to winning the ‘Miss India’ and ‘Miss World’ crowns, and now getting into a vocation that she never imagined she would be in some day… acting, destiny has played a big hand in shaping Priyanka’s life. But it is also through sheer hard work and dedication that she has converted these opportunities into success. Here are excerpts of an interview she gave to an international magazine:
I am Priyanka Chopra and positivity is my middle name, and this reflects in everything I do.
I give complete credit for this to my parents who made sure I had a wonderful childhood.
I was born in Jamshedpur. Both my parents are doctors - my dad, Captain Dr Ashok Chopra, was a commissioned officer and surgeon in the Indian Army Medical Corps and my mum, Dr Madhu, is a noted gynaecologist and cosmetologist. I also have a brother Sidharth, who is seven years younger to me.
Our entire family and extended family are very closely knit and there is always a lot of love, laughter and joy whenever we are together. As a kid, I led a very carefree and happy life. I enjoyed every moment of being a child.
We were army-ites and I remember moving from state to state every two years - each time my dad got transferred.
Constantly moving also meant that I kept changing schools. I studied in some of the best schools across India, did my 10th grade from Newton’s Newton North High School in Boston.
I was academically inclined and topped my class most of the time. I was especially good in English and extra-curricular activities. In USA, I was selected at the state level for the National Opus Honour Choir, which is indeed a major feat.
Acting, stardom and Bollywood were alien terms for me, as nobody in my family has ever been a part of the film industry.
It all started with the Miss India contest. I was very young then - just 17! My mom sent my photographs for the contest without my knowledge. But when I got a call from them that I was short-listed, I came to Mumbai. The competition was tough but I thrive best when I am pushed to the edge. I won the ‘Miss India’ title!
For quite some time, I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would rob it.
After that, films happened. I tasted success early - with ‘Andaaz’ and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, which was one of the biggest grosser of the year. The turning point in my film career happened with ‘Aitraaz’, in which I played a negative role.
I’ve never had any problems with any of my co-stars and as long as I’m comfortable with my role, I’m happy!
Currently, I am doing Ashutosh Gowarikar’s What’s Your Raashee?’, Yash Raj’s ‘Pyaar Impossible’ and Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ with Shahid Kapur.
I agree rumours, controversies and gossip are part ‘n’ parcel of an actor’s life. Day in and day out, according to the media, we are either having catfights with other heroines or being linked with somebody -sometimes with people we have not even met. I guess this is an occupational hazard. But I am not prepared for it and I’ll never be prepared. So what if I am an actress? I am a girl and I am answerable to my parents too. I have made it my principle to never talk about my personal life.
What I do want to talk about are some of the social causes I support, like education of the girl child.
It is imperative that the girl child is encouraged and nurtured. The true sign of progress is when the girl child flourishes.
Another cause that is very close to my heart is the need to give masses proper medical information. My dad was very ill and we really felt the need for such information. We need to spread awareness so that more people are helped…
Life shows you so many amazing experiences - some good, some bad. But I love being me and I would never want to be anybody else, ever! On the downside, I’m just an over emotional fool. But besides this, I am fine!
Stars reveal their hair care secrets….
Kangna Ranaut
My curly hair is my personality and I love it!
Dos: I get a hot oil treatment regularly because while shooting the hair goes through a lot of wear and tear so repairing it is essential. If you have curly hair never use a comb, use your fingers.
Don’ts: Too much styling and use of products.
Minissha Lamba
My hair is very fine and has a mind of its own... It simply does not conform!
Dos: I generally try to stick to one product instead of trying out loads.
Don’ts: Try colouring your hair as little as possible, avoid blow-drying your hair all the time.
Amrita Arora
I like a good protein and oil treatment and wash my hair thrice a week. I like the oil-mix that my mother prepares for me.
Dos: Make sure you drink a lot of liquids. Exercising regularly will also help your hair and body. A monthly trim is essential for getting rid of split ends.
Don’ts: Don’t colour and blow-dry your hair too much.
Neha Dhupia
My home remedy is a great mix of curd, olive or mustard oil and two eggs, if you are willing to put up with the dirty smell. It makes your hair look great.
Dos: I just think it’s a healthy diet that makes all the difference.
Don’ts: The biggest don’t is hair rebonding.
Shilpa Shetty
There is a weird logic with our thinking that oil serves as a fertiliser for the hair but I don’t think so. If I take an oil massage it’s because I want to relax.
Do’s: I do not stick to a particular shampoo as it’s important to give your hair a continuity jerk so I use a different shampoo and conditioner every four months.
Don’ts: Don’t over-use the curling irons or chemical products.
Hairstylist To The Stars
Jawed Habib, who has worked on Fashion and Billoo and also with leading B’wood stars shares his hair care tips.
· I think Shahid should opt for short to medium length in layering as he is not very tall and the medium length will add bounce and height.
· Abhishek should stick to this short cut but must add some colour as his complexion is darker.
· Hrithik is carrying the look that suits him best so no suggestions.
· Bipasha needs a lighter colour on her to complement her dusky skin tone.
· Priyanka should carry some colour with that cut.
Katrina Kaif feels that while Namaste London was a turning point in her Bollywood career, New York launched her as an actress in her own right. In this interview, Katrina talks about her forthcoming film, Rajniti and why she considers India her home.
Do you consider yourself a foreigner or an Indian?
I am hundred per cent Indian. When I was growing up, I always felt a very strong awareness that I am an Asian.
It’s almost an Asian country now.Now it is. But that sense of belonging was always missing when I was growing up. When I came to India, I felt an instant sense of belonging. My uncle was here, I had a bit of family in Bangalore. I came here with my older sister and I only had Rs 4 lakhs. I told myself that if I can make it with this money, I will stay here. If not, I will go back to London and rejoin college. I was only 17 at that time and was modelling. I bought a small apartment near a cemetery. I fear living alone and fear darkness, so I would stay up all night and wait for the sun to come up and then I would go to bed at five o’ clock in the morning and sleep for five hours.
I did my first photo shoot with photographer Farooq. I received good feedback. I took my portfolio and went from one agency to another. I would go there and say, ‘can I meet your casting director’. I showed them my pictures. Soon the casting agents started calling me.Tell us about yourself, pre-stardom.I was born in Hong Kong. My mom was a Harvard graduate, a very successful lawyer who gave it up to join a charitable organisation. She was working with the organisation as a non-profit lawyer and because of that, we travelled a lot. From Hong Kong, we went to Japan, China, France, Hawaii and then to London.
The Indian part of you comes from your father.Yes. My parents separated when we were very young. We were raised by my mother who did a wonderful job. She raised us with the belief and inspiration to find yourself in the world. Live your dreams and find what is going to make you live life freely.
She made us tough. I have one brother. He is a professional skier and a rock climber.What about your father?We have grown up without a father. I missed it a great deal. I do feel that sense of loss.You haven’t been in touch with him?No. When I see my friends who have wonderful fathers, who are like pillars of support for their families, I think, if only I had that. But instead of complaining, I should be grateful for all the other things I have.
He hasn’t tried to get in touch with you after you became a star.
No, he is not that kind of a man. He is very decent and comes from a good family and they went their own ways because of issues which are personal. He is an affluent person, so he is not going to come back because his daughter is now famous.
How and when did you meet Salman Khan?We met through his sister at a party. I had always said that I would never get into details about these personal things. You waste a part of your life answering, denying or clarifying things that don’t matter or are just speculations. I am a sensitive person and do not like to participate in these kinds of debates. He has been a wonderful person for the last six years. For me, he has been a great teacher and a great guide. He has seen me grow up in the last six years. At times, he would say that you are changing. And I say, I am changing because I am growing. He says, “Be careful, don’t change into something that is not good.”
When did the big break come?I don’t think I’ve had that big break. For me it was ‘Oh Katrina looks nice here’ or ‘That’s a nice ad’ or ‘That’s an okay song’ or ‘That’s a nice movie’. It was all gradual, step-by-step.
May be it happened a little bit with Singh Is Kinng?Before that there was Namastey London where, for the first time, I had a dominating role and Akshay Kumar allowed me to do that at a stage when not many people believed in me. That was a turning-point in my career. After Namastey London, there was Race, where people said, she does this kind of dancing well. Then there was Singh Is Kinng and now New York.You are working in Prakash Jha’s upcoming flick, Rajniti. Is it a serious role?That film has a lot of potential and to me it looks like a great film. I can’t explain in words how excited I am about it.
Prakash Jha thinks that I suit the role of a politician. He says I will bust the myth that I can’t speak Hindi.
Do you think it is the film that will launch you as an actor in your own right?I think with New York, I have got that to a large extent.
