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March 29, 2007
Tulip Joshi
"Marriage is not very important to me"
Tulip, whose dream debut was in Yash Chopra's Mere yaar ki shaadi and who has wowed the critics in a totally de-glam role as Kalki in Mathrubhumi, is all set for a total image make over in her forthcoming films. She is all set to sizzle and blaze the screen in a glamorous avatar in her forthcoming films Hostel and Shoonya set to release soon.
In a sexy black tee and track suit, she was her real and gorgeous self as shaaditimes caught up with her in her cozy nook in Juhu.
How did you land up in films?
I went for a wedding which happened to be Yash Chopra saab's family wedding. I didn't know him as I was from the girl's side. It was a small affair just around 100 people. Yash uncle saw me and was impressed by me. After 2 months I got a call from them and that's how I got Mere yaar ki shaadi. So movies can also happen in weddings..its not always the shaadi only.(laughs)
You have worked in off-beat and commercial films. Which is your forte?
I want to be a versatile actor. I am comfortable in both glamourous and realistic roles. I am looking forward to playing different characters. In fact, I would like to do a period film. I feel I have a very different face as my mom is German and father is an Indian. Hence I have the ability to look different in every photograph and suit any character. It's an advantage.
If Tulip was not an actor, what would she have been?
I would have liked to be a sports person. We all change and grow in life. In my school days I was deeply involved in sports, then I had taken up modelling. Now my priority is films. I don't know what's coming up next. I want to explore different avenues.
Is marriage on the cards?
I am into a serious relationship but marriage is not very important to me. I have a very liberal mindset which may not match with everyone. I believe that if you are looking for a companion in life you should be comfortable with the person to hang out with. If you term that as marriage then okay it is very important. A lot of people talk about marriage and they prepare for the wedding day but they are actually not prepared for the 'marriage'. Then some people think that marriage gives you the official certificate to stay together. There is lot of confusion. If I were to make rules I would say that after 35, when you are mature enough, you are ready for marriage. It is then that you realise what is it you want from life. Marriage is just a tag we attach to legalise our relationship.
What are your views on live-in relationships?
Live-ins are more realistic. You understand each other, know about each other's lifestyle and habits and decide to stay together because you love each other. There is no official binding but still you are committed. That's the test of true love. When you start living with a person you become a part of a family. If you are happy together you don't need to have the wedding day or party.
What are the qualities you looked for in your partner?
I feel one never 'looks' for a partner or any particular qualities in him. One just feels it. I have never waited or sat with pen and paper and written down the criteria for choosing a partner.
However for a successful relationship I think it is essential to be honest and transparent. Compatibility is very important and each one should empathise with each other. Humour is definitely important. I would die of boredom without humour.
Most cherished day?
I'm very happy in general. There have been many happy occasions and life has always been a mix of all.
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Quickies Birthday: 9-11 Best feature: Face. I love: Working out. It's my new found favourite activity. Passion: Travelling and now a days I'm hooked on to the net thanks to my laptop Most romantic destination: Venice Fave Movie: Emily (French) Favourite co-star: KK Menon Turn ons: Music Turn offs: Smell Fave accessories: Sunglass and watch Fave b'parlour: Dilshad's Salon. |
| Amrita Biswas | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 29, 2007 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink | Comments (0)
Divide and rule
Lawyers & counsellors delve into divorce
A recent poll conducted on shaaditimes, 'Do you think divorce rates in India are on the rise?' brought to surface some interesting results. The survey results indicated, 87.8% said Yes, 2.44% said No and the rest 9.76% said Can't Say. This obviously begged the question and the need for more study. So we delved deeper and discovered in a 1991 census that only one percent of Indian marriages broke- up. But these numbers have multiplied 15 times during the last decade! Scary eh?
So now you may be running up to friends who are 'seemingly' happily married or to glossies and agony aunts or to books on Mars vs. Venus to update yourself on the root causes and tips to stay happily together. But believe it or not, the best advice usually comes from people you seem to be avoiding the most - the divorce lawyers and marriage counsellors! Actually they are the ones who deal with broken homes everyday and they study these cases in and out to know about the circumstances leading up to and the results of such splits.
Shaaditimes spoke to a panel of experienced divorce lawyers and marriage counsellors to find out the root causes. According to them, not only is each case a typical study in itself, the causes vary across the cross section of the society. However, the root causes remain the same:
Infidelity and adultery - This scored highest in all the cards. Siddhartha Shah, a recognised lawyer dealing with marital problems said, "Infidelity is making its mark felt in the urban population rapidly and it shows that the Indian value system has gone for a toss." Interestingly, a recent story in a daily reported, "earlier it was the smell of perfume, or a strand of hair on the coat lapel or a lipstick mark that led to squabbles between spouses. Now it is the mobile phone which is fuelling marital discord." There have been cases where an SMS or a series of missed calls have lead the devoted wife to stumble over the significant 'other'! It is ironical that as more and more people meet on-line and then tie the knot, similarly many people who are not happy with their marriages find a third party on the internet through dating services and virtual chats. "Essentially the value system has changed and people think it is fun to have an extra marital affair without thinking of the devastating effect it could have on the minds of the other half and the children," adds Sushma Singh, Advocate High Court dealing with matrimonial matters.
Domestic violence - In spite of women liberalisation, education and awareness, physical and mental torture remains common in many households. This could be as a result of a fallout of dowry system. Sushma Singh says, "It should be noted that though it is more common amongst families of lower income groups, those from the high-heeled society are not exempt from this hell. In fact, in one such case, I came across a lady who was working in a responsible position in a corporate office, but at home her husband was the boss and would beat her up regularly at night." In cities, where people lead an independent life and hardly interact with other families, emotional blackmail by the in-laws or spouse is also high. However, while many marriages in rural areas survive this physical or mental abuse mutely, in the urban society they often result in police complains and subsequently end in divorce.
Incompatible attitude - The rapid change in lifestyle and financial independence of both the partners has added fuel to the ego war. "Marriage is about adjustments and mutual understandings but there is a serious lack of values in the current generation," says relationship counsellor Dr Tushar Guha. Most young couples are impatient and hasty. They are not even ready to give time to their relationships to grow. Surprisingly, today couples end up before the divorce lawyer not only due to incompatibility of nature and attitude but also sexual incompatibility.
Assertiveness about one's own identity and sexuality is also on a high and often the Indian male psyche is not prepared for this. "Many young boys think that sexuality is the prerogative of the man. It should be the way a man wants it. So, many of the women are prepared to walk out from a two or three months' marriage," adds Dr Guha.- Married to jobs - The cost of living in the metropolis has now begun to show its colour in our home too. Most families in the metropolis are nuclear and double income groups who spend 12 hours or more in their office. Often this strain of balancing office and family begins to pull the couple in opposite directions. Again, sometimes the couples are bound to live separately because of distant work places.
Marriage counsellor Savio D' Silva points out that work place romance has become very common now a days and it is more so among married men and women. As people spend the entire day at work they lose touch with their spouse and find a new soul mate in their colleagues. "These flings have become very common and I come across many such cases," says Mr D' Silva. "Again in some cases it is found that if a wife has a male boss and if they share a good term, the husband feels jealous, while the wife feels jealous if a husband is friendly with a female junior," he continues. "Ego problems crop up when the wife earns equal or more than the husband. And these regular tiffs at home adds to the pressure and leads to divorce at times," adds Mr D' Silva.
However, whatever may be the situation, it would be worth a try if you are ready to give one last chance to the relationship, agrees our panel of lawyers and marriage counsellors. Go down the memory lane and reflect why you had decided to spend the rest of your lives together with each other. You would definitely be able to see a ray of light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Our experts suggest 5 tips to avoid divorce:
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| Amrita Biswas | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 29, 2007 in In Focus | Permalink | Comments (0)
Terracota tantalizes
Scint-seal-ating jewellery
Terracotta baubles that you'll want to "muddle" through...
Have you ever heard of jewellery made out of terracota? A polar opposite to luxury, opulence, and extravagance... but with one difference, no compromising on aesthetic appeal, wearability and verve. While still being considered fashionable terracota jewellery is innovative and extremely desirable and some might argue exudes a certain type of class and humility. Afterall it is the humble earth and clay we're talking about here.
Thus, we turn our focus from metals to concentrate on the sensuous raw earthy appeal of clay...and its synthetic counterpart which is found, literally, in "seals" pliable enough to make adornments and finery.
Mmmmarvelous "M-seal"
Today we centre our focus on "M-seal". What? You may wonder is that.? Hey, isn't that the caulking used to cement tiles? Absolutely right. But in this case it's evolution and vibrancy is catapulted into an artform that chiselled by experts causes a sigh like the first view of a priceless sculpture lifting from the ground.
Art-seal jewellery
Shaaditimes caught up with Artist / Craftsperson, Anjali Thakur, of Mumbai. Thakur who has previously experimented with various forms of textures, materials and metals through her art and design shows us the benefits of "M-seal" in jewellery design. Through trial and error Thakur has fine-tuned her craft into forming workable, wearable works of art as pieces of fashionable accessories. She qualifies at the onset of our interview that she is not a maverick in this particular art-form and that clay/terracotta jewellery has been a folk art craft for many generations in the tribal regions of India.
From clay to caulking
"I've always been interested in creating things from different sources," says Anjali. "One day I happened to discover imported clay, but that was breakable, non-flexible and was only available in pale sepia intonations." She worked with the clay: forming, shaping sculpting it diligently chiselling at the delicate nuances that would separate it from mud to form a work of beauty. Dissatisfied with the initial results and lacklustre finish, resulting in a dull veneer, Anjali steadfastedly continued and didn't give up. "I kept looking around and eventually found 'Resin' which is easily available in the market, under various brand names. The material is utilised to seal cracks and leakage points in tiles and walls etc..." says Anjali
Benefits of bouncing baubles
"Resin was never used earlier to create intricate or traditional jewellery," states Anjali matter-of-factly. "It also has more tenacity and is a stronger and more resilient material to work with. It is easy to mould and is malleable and dries easier and in a shorter time span than clay. Usually in 48 hours."
Traditional terracotta made out of clay usually is available in only two colours- siennas and charcoal. Anjali has developed a method that encompasses more definition thereby allowing more hues in the finish. Anjali has added a rainbow of tones spanning bottle green, blue, burgundy to her portfolio of art wearables. And she has managed to inculcate her craft without having to bake or paint the actual developed shapes of jewellery which is a first.
Its been a couple of years and as her showcase of jewellery continues to expand her clientele has also followed suit. "There has been a great response from both men and women," admits Anjali. Her loyalists include an eclectic potpourri of professionals, youngsters, teachers and NGOs. Her collection includes, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and rings meshed with metals. She has also dabbled into making her artwork with a glass encasement (etching paintings on material) and then solidifying and framing it with the textured M-seal/clay borders. These are attached to black velvet cords, or drips of gold chains. It's affordable, colourful, and original pieces des resistances. Next time you want a one-of-a-kind jewellery you don't have to look far and now you know where to visit.
Advantages of M-seal "Works of Wearable Art"
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| Rohini Bhatia-Singh | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 29, 2007 in Fashion | Permalink | Comments (0)
How to protect your skin from pollution
Regular skin cleansing, toning and application of a good hand made cream could be beneficial.
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Dr. Aneeta Arora A Life Style & De-stress Consultant, Mind Body Practitioner, Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Founder - Abydoss, Therapeutic De-stress Spa. Educated and practised in UK & the US. Have a question? Click here... |
City life vs country life
Usha asks,
Are there any special concerns a woman living in an urban city should attend to as opposed to someone living in the country side?
Dear Usha,
There is a little shift of attitude and lifestyle in an urban city as opposed to someone living in the country side. Pollution is also high in urban cities, so yogic breathing techniques could be helpful. Then a little time off from everybody and everything else could be relaxing, pampering and most important meditative. Meditation is a state of no mind which is just impossible in urban life style.
Skin protection
Seema asks,
Can you recommend some products for protecting the skin against environmental hazards (like pollution, fog, wind etc)?
Dear Seema,
Regular skin cleansing, toning and application of a good hand made cream could be beneficial. Use a sunscreen lotion and wash your face with plain or chilled water.
Tea time
Prathik asks,
Is tea really good for you? I heard it causes cancer!
Dear Prathik,
Depends on what kind of tea. Herbal tea is good for health but when brewed with milk and sugar the effects are unhealthy.
Good food guide
Pammi asks,
What are the foods that nourish hair, skin and nails?
Dear Pammi,
Nuts, fruits, fish and yogurt.
Tan-gible effects
Renuka R asks,
Does Indian skin tan differently? Should Indian women wear a sunscreen when outside or on the beach?
Dear Renuka,
Sunscreen is a must for any skin type and Indian skin, being rich with melanin content, protects the skin from fast tanning and freckles.
Dr. Aneeta Arora will answer your queries. Ask now!
March 29, 2007 in Expert Advice | Permalink
Critical questions before marriage
Here are a few key ones that couples should consider asking so that they do not regret their decision later.
Too many couples fail to ask each other critical questions before marrying. Here are a few key ones that couples should consider asking so that they do not regret their decision later:
- Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?
- Do we have a clear idea of each other's financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving match?
- Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?
- Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?
- Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?
- Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?
- Will there be a television in the bedroom?
- Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another's ideas and complaints?
- Have we reached a clear understanding of each other's spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious / moral education?
- Do we like and respect each other's friends?
- Do we value and respect each other's parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?
- What does my family do that annoys you?
- Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?
- If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other's family, are we prepared to move?
- Do each of us feel fully confident in the other's commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?
As a Marriage Counsellor, I see number of couples who have issues that arise somewhere from the above questions. If one uses this as a sort of checklist, at least they are not in for a total surprise!
However, I would like to also add that life leads to situations that are sometimes, not predictable. Do not be passive, give it your best, chances are your relationship will flourish organically.
March 29, 2007 in Expert Opinion | Permalink
March 22, 2007
Urmila: " I do only what excites me! "
Bollywood's "Rangeela" girl blossoms into a woman. Her perspective on films, relationships and marriage!
So what is UM's USP? In a sentence, it is working strictly at her own pace. Right from her beginnings as a lead actor with modest successes Narsimha (1991) and Chamatkar (1992) and a lot of turkeys that followed till she metamorphosed into a 'bomb' with Rangeela (1995), Urmila has never been a part of the rat-race. This approach may not have made her the richest star among them all, but it has paid off handsomely in all-important matters like staying power and a strong reputation for histrionics along with a va-va-voom side of her persona that can sizzle - and how! - at will.
And that's why 15 years down the line, when most of her contemporaries have fizzled out, have quit the profession or are considered passé, Urmila, along with half-compatriot Maharashtrian Kajol is still a key contender for the few meaty roles going, irrespective of genre or base. She fits equally perfectly in a Pinjar as in a Bhoot and a Naina or an Ek Hasina Thi, while Banaras, Bas Ek Pal or the forthcoming Speed are but three more assignments that are all in the day's work. And while Kajol has the A-list of co-stars, filmmakers and banners going for her, Urmila has sustained purely on the results of her own work in her films.
Over to Urmila, uncensored.
About defying conventions:
"I don't think like that. I simply do anything that excites me - and only what excites me! After Rangeela I did not sign the dozens of films that came my way to make millions. I did not seek creative satisfaction or whatever in art cinema as the next step after loading myself with money. And this is simply because I came here to act. Judaai, Satya, Hindustani, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Pinjar, Bhoot, Naina and Banaras - can you tell me who has that kind of variety in films and roles today?"
On her formidable histrionic reputation being a source of pressure:
"Frankly, I want people to have lots of expectations from me as an actor! Pressure does not come from audience expectations, it comes only when you do not give your work your 100%. I give every film my hundred percent attention and focus, so I never feel stressed out."
On Vikram Bhatt's Speed as different from her usual films:
"When this thriller was offered to me I really felt like doing after I heard the story. I am the central character among several leading ladies, I play a woman chased by killers who approaches a stranger for help on the cell-phone. And I loved working with a clear director like Vikram Bhatt. If I have done variety, this is definitely a part of that."
On Banaras missing out on public acceptance:
"I knew that Banaras would be a niche film, but I guess it became too niche! But let me tell you that I am proud of the film. I also believe a lot in what it says. I have learnt a lot as a human being through its script and by working on the film. Its influence on my life is definite. I do not think that any role is difficult, but this role was one that I was very passionate about, and you feel that way, work becomes easier."
On the "Mehbooba o mehbooba" song in Ram Gopal Varma Ke Sholay:
"It's something to which I am really looking forward. I get to do the song with Amitabh Bachchan. Helen is a tough artiste to match."
On doing a lot of bad movies, especially in the '90s:
"I think everyone makes wrong choices on occasion. Luckily, I made all my mistakes in those early years. They would narrate something and what ultimately came was something completely different as well as terrible!"
On her food and fitness habits:
"Please! I am tired of answering questions on the subject. It is rather vain after a point to be asked about this. (Sighing) I'm not an exercise addict, eat like a pig or horse and never diet! You can never see me nibbling salads - my plates at parties seem to be stacked rather high with delicious things!"
On her family's perspective of a star at home:
"I am treated so normally by kith and kin that I sometimes feel my family is a bit too indifferent to a star at home!. They don't seem to be ever impressed by my work, and tend to gape when others lavishly praise my performances!"
On who that family is:
"My parents first. My sister got married not too long ago, and though she lives close by and she has married my best friend's brother and I drop in often, I do miss her. My brother Kedar is the eldest among us and works with the Air Force. But hey, I don't discuss family in my interviews."
On being a sex symbol:
"If other people do say so, I will not go out of my way to change that. But I'm just a simple Maharashtrian girl whose simple life consists of work and family."
On shaadi:
"Ah - that will happen when it will. I don't plan such things."
| Rajiv Vijayakar | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 22, 2007 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink | Comments (0)
Fatal Attraction
What do you do when your friend's husband makes overtures on you?
What do you do when your close friend's husband makes advances at you?
This is the question asked by a woman whom we shall call Rini. A woman in her forties, Rini, is unmarried but well-settled in her chosen field of work. She stays alone but fortunately has a group of people around her who never let her feel lonely. Betty happens to be one of them. Although the women met when they were in their thirties, and hence already had their own set of friends, Rini and Betty became close pals in no time.
Not only Betty, but also her whole family accepted Rini as one of their own. She went to their house, had meals with them, sometimes spent nights there, and took part in all their family functions. During the fifteen years of their friendship there was never any unpleasantness. Even when Betty's husband indulged in innocent looking flirting with Rini, everybody laughed.
Betty comes from a social background where people are used to showing their affection openly. Hugging and kissing friends and relatives is a routine matter. Every time Rini goes to Betty's place, everybody present there would give her a warm hug. She would get a big wet lick from their dog too. Rini never had any problem with all this until now. But then something unexpected happened.
A few months back, when Rini went to Betty's place, everybody welcomed her with hugs and kisses as usual, but that day the way Betty's husband touched her was a bit unusual. For the first time, in fifteen years, Rini felt a little uncomfortable. But she didn't let her feelings show. Perhaps she wanted to think that the man didn't mean anything when he gave her that extra squeeze. After all he was her friend's husband. In fact, after reaching home that night, Rini felt a little guilty for harboring doubts about the good man. If she could put up with his lewd remarks, once in a while, she could as easily ignore this incident too. This is not to say that each hug, kiss or form of endearment should be taken in the wrong manner. It's just that the behaviour was different than it was in the past.
Sometime later, it happened again. The man hugged Rini so tight that it was like being embraced by a passionate lover. The whole family was present. They saw the man hugging Rini but no one saw through it. Rini is really upset now but don't know what to do.
"I have decided to maintain a physical distance with that man now but sometimes it is difficult to do so without making my feelings obvious to others. I don't want to hurt my friend or children by telling them about the man's unsavory behaviour. When the man stands there with his arm open, how could I snub him in front of the whole family without creating a scene? The day I refuse to accept his physical show of affection, everybody would realize that something is wrong. I don't know how the man would explain himself in such situation but I would definitely loose a friend and love of the family. You just can't accuse your friend's husband of something like this and still continue going to her houses" says a very upset Rini.
Of course Rini now doesn't go to Betty's house, as frequently, as before. Betty and her children complain, but Rini blames her monstrous workload that doesn't give her enough time to relax with friends. But she couldn't escape the dreaded hug, when recently, Betty came to Rini's house with the dear husband in tow. This time when the man put his arms around Rini and gave her a tight squeeze, she was left in no doubt about the man's intentions. But again, what could she have done?
Rini is still keeping quiet because she doesn't know what to do. But she does worry. "If I let the man get away with this behaviour, it is possible that in the future he might become bolder. And at that time, if I oppose, he would blame me for having led him to this by silently accepting his advances all these years."
On other hand, she has no heart to complain to Betty. Unfortunately for Rini, the only way out, right now, is to avoid meeting Betty's husband. That means no visits to that house, not meeting the children, not sharing dinner with the elders of that family.
Because of that one man, Rini is loosing the warmth of a family whom she loves dearly. What would you do in a situation like this? Would you tell your friend and risk losing your friendship? Would you take your friend's husband aside and reprimand him from making any further advances? Would you keep quiet? We want to hear from you...
| Varsha Pathak | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 22, 2007 in In Focus | Permalink | Comments (0)
A Tie For All Times
A tie is chic. A tie is subtle. Yet it makes a difference. Wear a tie to add that extra touch of style to your persona.
A tie is chic. A tie is subtle. Yet it makes a difference. Wear a tie to add that extra touch of style to your persona. We tell you how...
Sometimes it's the subtle attention to detail that can make all the difference to your "look". In the world of men's fashion that includes everything from sportswear, daywear, casuals, formal suits, evening tuxedoes... an accessory, like the "tie" goes with everything.
The origins of the tie:
Historically, it is accepted that there is a definite link between the French word for tie, 'cravat' and the French word for Croatian croat. According to myth the French King Louis XIV was so captivated by the 'neckerchiefs' after seeing them on victorious mercenaries from Croatia and he started wearing one himself. And thus started a new style trend.
Over the next couple of hundred years, the tie evolved like much other fashion statements, changing in form, texture and purpose. From the days of the post Industrial Revolution, the British Public School Tie in the 19th century, to the four-knot style of 1920's and the wide over sized flaps of the 70's ... it has quietly redefined the overall ambiance of the male wardrobe.
In its simplicity, motif, color, label, etc, it speaks volumes about the taste of the wearer, the style of the time, symbols of power, mood, and tone are all denoted through this one garment accessory.
A must-have:
ShaadiTimes caught up Mr. Puneet Nanda, Designer and Business Director of the Fashion House Satya Paul in New Delhi, to find out the do's and don'ts of "tie look" - one that is timeless, elegant and suitable for the office-goer, the business executive and even for that special evening. A tie can add a dash of oomph to the all-time look of a comfortable suit.
"There is room for all sorts of expression when it comes to a tie," says Nanda. "There are very few ways that a man can express himself so cleverly as a tie. It is considered corporate and classic -- yet it can be fun, playful and expressive if you choose," he continues, implying that many men get used to wearing a "safe" tie, i.e. one that is understated, muted and blends with his outfit.
A wide choice:
This brings to mind a common concern -- with the plethora of choices in multi-colors, diagonals, bold prints, hand-painted, one-of-a-kind piece de resistance d'objects of arts, which would be an appropriate choice?
Stresses Nanda, "It is really up to the individual to decide what suits his personality and the occasion."
Latest trends include minimalism, digital photographic transfers, renaissance art, cartoon prints, slogans etc. One attractive trend is the tone-on-tone look with both the tie and shirt in the same hue, contrasting and complimenting the shade of the suit.
Women wear ties too:
The tie has transcended barriers and has become a part of women's fashion too. From Italy, the Mediterranean, North America and Japan many working women can be seen supporting a colorful cravat either in the form of a men's tie loosely worn around the shirt collar or even a scarf or a stole.
Nanda admits that it's a wonderful thought, "It's another idea that crosses the boundary. My only caution to the ladies -- if you wear it, then do so without any self doubt."
According to Nanda they have created a scarf line each year for the last 19 years. "There is always a place for the scarf. It is such a timeless, simple, easy and pretty idea - a scarf adds a little spice to the clothes and there are innumerable ways to wear, and play with your scarf, " he suggests.
Before you throw away your old discards, or splurge on a new outfit consider a tie or a scarf to add zest to your vintage-wear or add a touch of glamour to any newly acquired garments in your wardrobe.
Interesting Trivia
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| Rohini Bhatia-Singh | Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes |
March 22, 2007 in Fashion | Permalink | Comments (0)
Get ready for marriage
Our Lifestyle Expert tells you how.....
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Dr. Aneeta Arora A Life Style & De-stress Consultant, Mind Body Practitioner, Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Founder - Abydoss, Therapeutic De-stress Spa. Educated and practised in UK & the US. Have a question? Click here... |
True beauty
Ani Kejriwal asks,
What is the difference between beauty and true beauty?
Dear Ani,
True beauty is the internal self that reflects externally. It's beauty within that shines. It's not a put on or a makeup that's done to make you look beautiful. True beauty is feeling beautiful. It does not wash away or gets influenced but it always stays with you. This is the difference between just beauty and true beauty.
Acne scars
Praful Rawat asks,
I am facing acute problem of acne and acne scars on my face. I have tried nearly everything but am unable to clear it. My skin is too oily and hence the recurrence of pimples is more. Oily creams work adversely on my skin. Please suggest some home remedies or prescribe good face wash or face pack.
Dear Praful,
I need to know more about your lifestyle and your age. There is not one particular reason for acne and I cannot suggest any remedy until I know your case well. General suggestions: Avoid oily food, keep your bowels clean, drink lots of water, and avoid sunlight and use of too many creams.
Be positive
Geeta Bhagtyani asks,
I'm 23 yrs of age. I'm 5'5'inches tall. My weight is 85 kgs and I'm blessed with wheatish complexion. This has ruined my life. Nobody wants to marry me. I don't want to live with such type of body. Can you help me?
Dear Geeta,
We need to talk in person. You have created this body and you are the only one who can mould it too. You are not the only one to feel like this. Take responsibility of your actions. Also, nobody is rejecting you but you are preventing them from selecting you. Hey girl, now the time starts and just go for it.
Ready to marry
Meenakshi asks,
I'll be getting married soon. Please advice me so that I look fresh and beautiful. Give tips for my fitness and beauty including hair.
Dear Meenakshi,
Rest well, avoid sunlight and pollution, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and yogurt and avoid spicy food. Try and do some yoga too and stay happy.
Spa care
Khushi asks,
I'm 26. I want to know which spa is best for glowing and soft skin. My skin type is dry. I also want to know what exactly a spa is all about and how spa can help?
Dear Khushi,
A spa is a facility devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
At Abydoss, we use only natural fruit and vegetable extracts with essential oils. We can scrub and polish your entire body then with steam and moisturise your body with cream made of almond oil.
Lifestyle trends
Rehan Shaikh asks,
I am 23 years of age and working with an Ad agency. I would like have some tips about lifestyle trends currently going in the market.
Dear Rehan,
Exercise, eat low carb diet, meditate to soothe your nerves and do yoga.
Dr. Aneeta Arora will answer your queries. Ask now!
March 22, 2007 in Expert Advice | Permalink
Active infertility management
Infertility is always an important problem for the patient but never an urgent one. Know why...
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Dr. Aniruddha Malpani Renowned infertility specialist. He runs an infertility clinic in Mumbai and has written many books. Have a question? Click here... |
Infertility is always an important problem for the patient but never an urgent one. The general attitude is one of "let's wait and watch" and let "Nature take its own course". Since many couples and doctors know of patients who have conceived naturally after many years of previously fruitless marriage, they commonly adopt this attitude.
This approach was acceptable in the past, when there was so little we could offer in any case for these couples. However, today with recent advances in reproductive medicine, it is no longer acceptable for many reasons.
- Couples today marry at an older age. Their biological time clock is running out and we often need to accelerate events. We cannot just sit back and wait and watch.
- Effective treatment is available today to enhance nature's efficiency (or rather its inefficiency in the case of these couples). This treatment must be judiciously employed to give couples their best chance.
It is worthwhile drawing an analogy to the current management of labour and childbirth. In older days, when no drugs were available, doctors were often forced to wait and watch. They could do little to intervene and it was common for labours to last for over 2-3 days often resulting in stillbirths and even maternal deaths. With the advent of drugs like oxytocin and prostaglandins, all that has changed! Obstetricians now take an active approach to provide a favourable outcome in a quicker time frame.
Today, unfortunately, the investigation and management of infertility still leaves a lot to be desired. It is often slow, time-consuming and costly. The infertile couples are seldom seen together. Investigations are performed in a piecemeal fashion rather than as part of an overall strategy. Doctors are also keen to "do something" and repeated curettages and laparoscopies (done unnecessarily) are a common feature in the medical history of these hapless couples. Also, myomectomies may be performed for small fibroids; ovarian cystectomy and wedge resections done for simple ovarian cysts which should have been left well alone; as well as "uterine ventrisuspension" when all else fails. These procedures commonly induce adhesions and damage a previously normal pelvis.
Both patient and doctor suffer from the inefficient treatment of this problem. The doctor feels inadequate and unable to help his patient, and trust between the doctor and patient breaks down. The temptation to try many empirical, possibly useless medical treatments is considerable; and patients often end up spending large sums of monies at the hands of quacks and "spiritual healers".
This is why taking an active success-oriented approach to infertility is important today.
The couple must be seen together and treated as a unit. The workup to establish a diagnosis should be completed in 1 months. The timing of the procedures is important, and we have found the following strategy cost-effective:
- Semen analysis (during the wife's menstrual period)
Blood tests (Prolactin, LH, FSH, TSH) - Day 3-5;
Hysterosalpingogram - Day 5-7;
Ultrasound for ovulation monitoring and assessing endometrial thickness and texture - Day 11-16;
Serum progesterone level- Day 21 (7days after ovulation) - With this strategy, we can tell patients that we will be able to find out what the problem is in 1 month and then start treatment.
As regards the treatment, it is easy not to do anything ("planned relations" or as the Americans call it, "well-timed intercourse"), or to continue repeating the same treatment month after month. Remember that not doing anything is hell for the patient-the waiting can be agony. You need to keep on progressing to more aggressive treatment! For example, a reasonable plan for patients with unexplained infertility may be. - Timed intercourse, 6 cycles;
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)- 4 cycles;
Superovulation with HMG plus IUI-3 cycles;
then IVF or GIFT.
Don't waste time! As a rule of thumb, if a treatment is going to work, it should work in 4 cycles.
While no one can predict what the out-come of treatment is going to be for any infertile couple, at the end of it all, they should at least have the satisfaction of knowing that they tried everything that was possible.
March 22, 2007 in Expert Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)
