Get, set, race!

All roads in Bollyland seem to be leading to the Capital today, well almost, as the city gears up for India’s first F1 race. While Arjun Rampal’s excited about his daughters bonding with popstar Lady Gaga apart from the race of course, several of his frat too are excited about attending India’s first motorsport event. Dino Morea who’ll be one of the celebs catching the action live tweeted: “Off to the Buddh Circuit to watch the qualifying. Am sure it will be awesome.” A racing buff himself, Jackky Bhagnani too is headed there. “On my way to delhi for the F1 looking forward to it, should be one hell of an experience,” he wrote, while filmmaker Roshan Abbas tweeted: “U can spot every make of car here on the way to the Buddh Circuit! S500, 7 series, range rovers!” Raima Sen too is off to Delhi, as is Fardeen Khan.

Priyanka Chropra’s all for crazy love!


Priyanka, who usually refrains from talking about her personal life, spilled the
beans on her love life on Simi Garewal’s talk show. “I am currently single, but I
believe love is the most important thing in the world, and I absolutely want
that crazy, heady, passionate love affair… I believe, if you love, it should be
crazy — it shouldn’t make sense — it should be completely insane! There’s no
other way of loving. There’s no way of being careful in love, I don’t understand
that. I think, any form of love is, that when you give it, you know what they call
unconditional love? But nobody can do it. It’s the toughest thing in the
world…,” said Priyanka. As for dating co-stars, Priyanka added, “It is great to
be in a relationship while doing films. It’s a lot of feeling, of course it is,
because you know, the scenes have another meaning and it’s cute and it’s
fun, but it’s not necessary.”

Anil goes missing, again!

Like most stars in Bollywood, actor Vivek Oberoi too has been working around Diwali. However that hasn’t stopped him from getting into the festive spirit and sharing some de‘light’ful moments with his fans. A source reveals that the actor was shooting for a commercial for a brand that he endorses at a Bandra studio, when he stepped out for a couple of minutes for a break. “It had been a long day and Vivek decided to step out for a mini break. There he saw some families celebrating Diwali and lighting some sparklers and anars. When they saw Vivek, they all got rather excited and invited him to join them. Much to their surprise, he even agreed,” says the source. Apparently, soon quite a huge crowd gathered and that included the crew of the ad film. “All of them got into festive mode and enjoyed lighting up sparklers and wishing each other a ‘Happy Diwali’. Some of the family members in fact, quickly went out and got some sweets to share with Vivek, who was rather touched by their ‘sweet gesture’,” the source added. Vivek too was happy and was overheard saying that this is probably ‘the best working Diwali he’s ever had’.

Feeling homesick? Don't worry, we list out things that you can do if you are missing your family this Diwali




During festivals, it's normal for people to get homesick, and if you are staying far away from your family it can turn into a difficult period for you. Diwali, the 'festival of light', like all other festivals means celebration time with your family and friends. Many living in Mumbai who are living miles away from their families, thanks to their jobs, are often unable to visit home during festivals. So, if you are alone in this city at this time of the year, and feeling a bit lonely, don't sulk. There are plenty of things to do. We chart out a list of things that you can do to ward off such feelings.

Do something you enjoy: When you're having fun, you are less likely to spend time thinking about the people and things that you miss. So, just indulge into things or activities through which you derive happiness and pleasure — which will help in taking your mind off other things. The activities can be simple watching the re-run of Friends all over again, or gardening and so on.

Go shopping: Especially for all the girls out there, shopping has always proven to be a stress buster. With the festive atmosphere all around, why not buy yourself some gifts? It will change your mood for sure.

Gorge on chocolates: It has been reported how chocolates help in de-stressing and elevating the mood. With seventy per cent of the gifts during this time being chocolates, why not indulge in some yummy chocolates and let the taste linger on for a while?

Talk to your friends: If someone is going through the same experience as you are, then knowing that you are not the only one, dealing with this can take the sting out of feeling a little lonely, and you might feel better when you cheer up someone else.

Stay active: If you sit on the sidelines, you will have more time to think about feeling sad. Talk to people and throw yourself into activities, and before you know it, you will be too busy to be homesick.

Pamper yourself: A visit to a spa may work wonders for your body and mind. Some massages and relaxation therapy could give your mind much-needed peace and you will surely forget about all your worries and loneliness.

Watch movies: With actor Shah Rukh Khan's much hyped film hitting the theatres, you might want to catch a show. Watching SRK doing all the super-hero stunts and Kareena grooving to the Chammak Challo number will definitely keep your mind off all your worries for those two and half hours at least.

Bursting crackers: The main element of Diwali is the crackers. With so many varieties available in the market, why not spend the time bursting them? Furthermore, if you are living in a housing society, you can join in with rest of the neighbouring kids and burst crackers; trust us it will be lots of fun!

Diwali de-stress Bid adieu to festive beauty woes! Here's how to take care of your skin and hair...





With the festive season upon us, attending pujas, family get together and parties are almost mandatory. And one does everything to look their best on such occasions — be it trying new hairstyles and using make-up for long hours. But often one forgets the hazards of smoke from firecrackers that could damage the beautifully done up hair and face.
Says hair expert, Natasha Naegamwala, "Cleanse and moisturise your hair. Go for a good mild shampoo and conditioner for normal to oily hair and I would suggest washing it as frequently as possible. A good and light shampoo and conditioner is the best solution for any hair related problems-rough texture, dry scalp, dandruff, chemically treated hair, etc. A hair spa treatment too is recommended post any intense hairstyling job done."
Experts feel that good sleep and cleansing are the most important steps to solve skin problems. "Diwali is that time of the year when everybody wants to look their best. Hence most women indulge in extensive make-up and hairstyling rituals. However, it is also a time when a lot of smoke and pollution fill up the atmosphere. All this calls for a lot of after care for both skin and hair, to avoid damaging them."
She further adds, "It is very important to use a very good face cleanser every night before sleeping and to use a mild moisturiser to keep it hydrated. Also, at regular intervals, like in 15 days, get a facial best suited for your skin type. This keeps the facial skin clean and glowing. A visit to a spa to get a good body treatment like a scrub and wrap can keep the skin glowing. A good oil massage with steam is a good method, not only to de-stress but also for healthy tresses," adds Tahera Ashraf of Panacea The Healing Spa.
Beauty expert Tejaswini Dabhoya says keeping the body hydrated can resolve several skin and hair related issues. She says, "Since crackers' smoke pollutes the air, which in turn has bad effect on our hair and skin, it's mandatory to use extra rich shampoo and conditioner, go for hot oil massage and shine bond hair spas, which help replenish hair damage. Similarly for skin, one should go for anti-tan hydrating facial or clean up, which will take out the tan, grim and dirt away from the skin and hydrate it to give it a smooth and shiny effect. Extra care of the skin has to be taken during winter, hence nourishing the skin with ample moisturiser is very important."

Vivek’s impromptu celebrations

Like most stars in Bollywood, actor Vivek Oberoi too has been working around Diwali. However that hasn’t stopped him from getting into the festive spirit and sharing some de‘light’ful moments with his fans. A source reveals that the actor was shooting for a commercial for a brand that he endorses at a Bandra studio, when he stepped out for a couple of minutes for a break. “It had been a long day and Vivek decided to step out for a mini break. There he saw some families celebrating Diwali and lighting some sparklers and anars. When they saw Vivek, they all got rather excited and invited him to join them. Much to their surprise, he even agreed,” says the source. Apparently, soon quite a huge crowd gathered and that included the crew of the ad film. “All of them got into festive mode and enjoyed lighting up sparklers and wishing each other a ‘Happy Diwali’. Some of the family members in fact, quickly went out and got some sweets to share with Vivek, who was rather touched by their ‘sweet gesture’,” the source added. Vivek too was happy and was overheard saying that this is probably ‘the best working Diwali he’s ever had’.

Zarine’s festive food fiesta

Actor Zarine Khan recently hosted a small impromptu party for her friends and co-stars on the sets of Housefull 2. The actor, who is very particular about what she eats, always carries her dabba from home. Apparently the food is such a hit with her costars that on the occasion of Dhanteras, Zarine asked her mom to prepare biryani for everyone on the sets. Last heard, her co-actors are waiting for another round of biryani party to happen!

‘Love’ly wishes for Neil

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh who celebrates Diwali with much gusto each year says that the festival of lights is one fest he looks forward to all year long. “If after Ganeshotsav, there is any festival that he loves celebrating, then it is Diwali,” says a source. Though the actor is not a huge fan of card parties, he says he plays a few games just to keep with the spirit of the day. Neil also wishes for Lady Luck to shower her good luck on him as he is hoping to find love this year. He says, “I don’t gamble to make money. I do it for good luck. I keep a budget in mind and go lose it all. I don’t mind being unlucky in cards, but I want to be lucky in love. I don’t want a trio of queens, just one queen,” he smiles.

As you sow, so shall you reap!

It is perhaps the bestkept secret in Bollywood — this fashion designer is hopelessly in love with this actor. They met when this hero was a model and a struggling actor. The two were considered to be quite an item then. This fashion designer in fact, can easily be credited for promoting him as a model, which ultimately helped him bag his first film offer. But apparently, this hero was just one of the designer’s many toyboys, so he would never acknowledge the actor and would often give him the cold shoulder in public. But now, the tables have turned, as this hero is in demand, while the designer’s life seems to have gone from bad to worse. The designer then tried hard to patch things up with his once hotshot friend, and though the actor relented, he now keeps him at an arm’s length. Last heard, the designer is still pining for the hero. However, this Mr Busy Bee couldn’t care less and just doesn’t have much time for his designer friend. And yes, he is not lying as he is genuinely busy with a string of projects under his belt. Well, this definitely a classic case of what you sow is what you reap…

Get well soon Kunal!

Looks like actor Kunal Khemu could do with some good luck. The actor who was shooting in Cape Town for a film had to wrap his schedule quickly to be with girlfriend Soha Ali Khan, who lost her father, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi recently. Kunal wanted to be with his girlfriend during this time and promptly reached Delhi to spend a week with her family. But now on his return to Mumbai, he has apparently met with a nasty accident and if sources close to him are to be believed, then the actor will be out of action for the next couple of days. A picture of the actor has been uploaded on Twitter with his arm in a sling and the other hand pierced with drips. Well-wishers and friends, including cricketer Yuvraj Singh and actor Sophie Chowdhury have sent him tweets wishing him a speedy recovery.

Akshay’s Diwali plans

Actor Akshay Kumar, who is finally back to Mumbai after a long shooting schedule in London, is spending some much required quality time with his family. The actor had been globetrotting for quite sometime now. After completing his film’s shoot, he finally got a small break and decided to head to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali with his family. Each year at Diwali, Akshay usually has a small get-together with close friends at his place and this year too it looks like the actor is planning to host one for his family and friends. Now that Akki is back, he actually has the time to be with son Aarav who he terribly misses during outdoor schedules. In fact, Aarva and Twinkle had even taken off to London to be with Akshay, but they couldn’t spend time with him because Akshay was away for most part of the day shooting. But now that he is back, Akki has decided to spend the Diwali break with his son. He recently posted on twitter, "My son has finally broken for his Diwali holidays. We cycled & played volleyball all morning before I came for shooting. Tomorrow we are decorating our house! What are your family plans this Diwali? Would love to know, keep in touch & have a blast.”

Ameesha’s missing the kids!

Actor Ameesha Patel, who’s forever fawning over actor buddy Sanjay Dutt and his wife Manayata’s twins was surprisingly not with the Dutts on the first birthday of their twins on Friday. Says a source, “Ameesha is best friends with Manayata and was in fact the one who had organized the baby shower for her when she was pregnant. She absolutely adores the kids and is almost like the unofficial godmother for them. She was really looking forward to attending their first birthday too, but had to travel for some professional commitment.” However, it wasn’t before arranging special birthday gifts for the two. “Yes, she had specially ordered the gifts well in advance, unfortunately, she couldn’t give them to her personally and is also missing them,” the source added. An upset Ameesha even tweeted: “Sanju n manayattas kids first bday. I will miss it as I am traveling, but happy bday to sharaan n iqra.”

Neetu to stay away from raunchy fare

Neetu Chandra will give first priority to filmmaking, since she has started her first production company. Even though the actor is still very much a part of the acting brigade, it is learnt that she is now trying to launch a Bollywood film after her maiden Bhojpuri venture, Deswa, which she had produced and her brother Nitin had directed. “Surprisingly for a Bhojpuri film, Deswa has been garnering a lot of attention and has been doing the rounds of various festival circles which is quite unheard of. I want to give Bhojpuri cinema a facelift. There is so much vulgarity and violence in Bhojpuri films that the industry is becoming synonymous only with raunchy movies. I want to change all this and reform Bhojpuri cinema by bringing in more sensibility as well as sensitivity,” she says.

“I’m not a very good marketing person,” quipped Aamir

For someone who’s been called a marketing guru, actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan played rather modest when asked about his marketing strategies. “I’m not a very good marketing person,” quipped Aamir at a press conference for his debut show on TV. He also added that money does not excite him. “My mom thinks that I can earn four times more than what I do right now, but money doesn’t excite me. My family always celebrates when I sign a film as it is always after a long interval,” he said. Interestingly no details of the show were however divulged, making many believe that it was yet another marketing tactic to create a buzz around his show.

SRK’s comic avatar


Actor Shah Rukh Khan will soon make an appearance in a comic avatar. Don: The Origin, a comic book, will showcase the star in an illustrated format tracing the story of the film a la Frank Miller style. The book will be unveiled by filmmakeractor Farhan Akhtar and producer Ritesh Sidhwani soon. Based on the original story, the comic will apparently take readers back in time and help them understand how Don came into being. Says Farhan, “Don as a character, a master mind, has created an iconic image for himself which has held good over generations… The second edition that released in 2006 made us realise it was time to comic book the icon. For me a dream is being sketched.”