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December 27, 2007

Soha Ali Khan - The Star Kid Grows Up

Soha Ali KhanSoha has to live up to standards set by mom Sharmila Tagore and brother Saif.

Soha Ali KhanShe's got to live up to standards set by mom Sharmila Tagore and brother Saif Ali Khan - besides her dad in the world of cricket. When the male Khans matter so much, she has to prove that the female of the species is no less.

Soha Ali Khan's first three films Dil Maange More, Pyaar Mein Twist and Shaadi No.1 went for a toss but Soha was fourth (and fifth) time lucky with Rang De Basanti and her Bengali film Antarmahal. And now Soha is all set to prove that she has it what it takes with her meaty turn in Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand.

Excerpts from an interview:

Would you say that a meaty role like Khoya Khoya Chand was offered to you only after Rang De Basanti and Antarmahal?
Soha: Yes, the offers got more varied. I did a solo film, Ahista Ahista, a film special to me but unsuccessful. The challenge in that role was that I have always been a very confident person and my character had to be under-confident and radiate fear and nervousness. But in Khoya Khoya Chand I get to do everything in one film - sing, dance, laugh, cry, seduce and do the whole spectrum like the classical Hindi film heroines of yore.

Soha Ali KhanYou have gone all out to look and be Nikhat, the starlet who turns into a superstar. Is the role modelled on any actress of the '40s or '50s?
Soha: It's not, but because it is a tribute to that era and its people I guess they have incorporated incidents from the lives of those stars. Well, I did go all out to exploit the resources - we begged, borrowed and stole genuine garments and accessories from mom as well as Begum Para-ji, the '40s siren who is mother-in-law to the film's dress designer Niharika Khan.

The bouffant came in, as did the tight sarees and the sleeveless blouses. And the character's dresses acquired finesse as she moved up from junior artiste to star. I took lessons in Urdu, body language and Kathak - though Urdu is spoken at home. I actually also watched some 200 DVDs that Sudhir-ji sent over for me to watch the cinema of that era!

Does your brother Saif ever advise you in professional matters?
Soha: He is experienced enough to read my scripts and visualize the film and its outcome, and it is sensible to take advantage of that. There have been times when I have got carried away, for example, by a filmmaker telling me that a script has been written with only me in mind and Saif has been able to see through that and tell me, "Soha, this is rubbish!" And he has been right each time!

Is your family prone to give you feedback too on your films and work?
Soha: Yes, I get a feedback on everything from both Saif and my mother.

Saif till now has never worked with your mother on screen, though she did cameos in his Aashik Aawara and Eklavya. You have an advantage there.
Soha: I am really looking forward to Aparna Sen's Jewellery Box, in which I work with mom - but yes, I have already done an ad film with her.

Soha Ali KhanHow similar and how different are both of you?
Soha: We have a lot of common interests - like we enjoy the same books, are crossword addicts - we exchange clues on SMS even if we are in different cities, and are extroverts. We both understand that personal freedom is primarily all about responsibility too. But there are some really major differences as well!

My mother wears her heart on her sleeve, and is quite hot-tempered on occasion. I take after my father and am cool and diplomatic.

But the most glaring difference is that my mother has balanced career, home and so many activities so perfectly and is extremely organized, unlike me! So Mom is always chiding me for not paying sufficient attention to my looks and my mix-n-match wardrobe! She keeps reminding me that I am a public figure and feels that I am too casual and need to organize my wardrobe well to match every occasion and always look well groomed and immaculate like her.

You also have a sister who's not into films?
Soha: Yeah, and do you know what? It was she as a kid who was keenest on watching films! Neither Saif nor I were remotely interested in Hindi films. But my sister does not have the temperament that suits an actor.

And how did you leap from a bank employee to a star?
Soha: Well, at the right time I thought that it was the right thing to do. It was an unexpected decision but well, I am happy that I took it.

Why have you never gone South unlike so many present-day heroines?
Soha: The languages would be a problem for me. But yes, I would love to work with some of the directors there - some of them are among the best in the country. Maybe I will think about it if I get an exceptional role with one of them the Bengali half of me automatically orients me towards strong female roles, with an inclination to work for art's sake more than for money!

So what's coming next?
Soha: I am doing Asthavinayak's comedy Run Bhola Run with Govinda - apart from him and the hilarious script, the title alone cracked me up. I am doing UTV's K-11, an intelligent horror film, Sudhir-ji's Tera Kya Hoga Johnny with Neil Nitin Mukesh and Kay Kay Menon and Nishikant Kamat's Mumbai Meri Jaan.

Read More:
Sharmila Tagore: Royal Tigress
Princess Diaries: Soha Ali Khan

Rajiv Vijayakar Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 27, 2007 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

Unlikely Home Wreckers

Unlikely Home WreckersA tongue-in-cheek story of a harried husband who laments the loss of his wife to the gen-X hi-tech super woman.

Unlikely Home Wreckers My wife is a gorgeous, outgoing woman who knows her way around gadgets - too well in fact. Most of my friends envy the fact that I'm not expected to be a trained technician just because I'm the man in the house (literally speaking... figuratively we all know who's really in charge!). My wife never asks me to 'fix' minor electrical problems, she can manage her own books and even gets her own car serviced!

And but naturally... I'm the most miserable husband who ever walked this Earth!

Whatever happened to the sweet woman I married who thought I was so macho because I could boot the PC and log on to the Internet? Or that it was so romantic of me to plug and play our home videos? Or that a microwave was a perfect anniversary gift?

She (I swear!) got kidnapped by the techno-obsessed-aliens and in return I got stuck with a superwoman who doesn't need me for anything at all! My marriage is a wreck and I'll tell you who's to blame.

OK, I'm not pointing fingers but the Home PC has really messed with my marriage. Where earlier my wife was only too pleased to run errands and do household chores, she now has no time to spare from her 'compy'.

If it's not Skyping with her 2nd-standard-girlfriend-now-living-in-Canada then its hunting eBay for second hand Jimmy Shoes... errr... Choos or whatever! Of course, she's not just tinkering around. No sir! She even manages our bank accounts online *shudder* Any man who's had to account for every penny of where his salary went for the last six months will sympathize with that immediately.

The only expense that makes my wife smile is the same one that makes me want to cry!

When my brother-in-law suggested a Sony PSP as a birthday gift for my wife, we had a hearty laugh. It was wicked. Buy her something extravagant - that I want! Little did I know how the plan would backfire. My wife turned out to be a closet gaming addict. Now, God help me if I interfere with her PSP time... she's even organized a PSP club - and most of the members are male!

I'm not the jealous type but hey! Even I go green when I see my wife being ogled by young 20-somethings who don't have to worry about beer bellies, nose hair and greying beards. When I mentioned this to my wife, she couldn't believe I was getting my knickers knotted over a bunch of 'kids'.

So fine, kids I learned to deal with. But what about the parents? That's right! Cheap airfares and the power of e-ticketing have brought another problem into my life - make that two problems - My In-laws.

I was always the lucky son of a gun with a wife from another city. No Sunday visits, no mom-in-law dropping by and no golfing with pa-in-law. And lo-and-behold. The freaking airfare starts dropping like pants on a gigolo and who now pays us a quarterly visit?

That's right! Ma and Pa-in-law! So now, every three months my home gets a makeover, my favourite ratty tees and pyjamas are replaced with spanking new, super-uncomfortable ones and we're eating vegetarian dinners for a fortnight. Thanks but no thanks.

I protest. On behalf of all the men who have ignorant, domesticated and 'homely' wives - that's all we ever wanted.

A husband is meant to earn a living and take care of his helpless wife. I want my helpless wife back. I want to be the one who kills the cockroaches and gets looked upon as Superman, Spiderman and Shaktiman all rolled into one. I want a non-Internet wife.

I wonder... will I find one on Shaadi.com?

  Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 27, 2007 in In Focus | Permalink

Top 11 Break-Ups of 2007

Top 11 Break-Ups of 2007Some idyllic relationships broke up and some profitable liaisons estranged.

Indian paparazzi were really over-worked this year what with one celeb break up after another. Rumour mills were running rough as stars came together and stars separated. Some idyllic relationships broke up and some profitable liaisons estranged. Especially so in the world of business, cinema and cricket.

People were leaving old unions, and new unions didn't last. Some relationships were meant to be, some were meant to be broken. We give you a list of the most shocking break-ups of 2007.

Who did Deepika Padukone date last? Where did Yuvraj draw the line? What's the news on Shahrukh's broken relationship? And do Salman and Katrina make it to the list of Top Break-Ups Of 2007 - or don't they?


Also read :
Top 10 Fashion Trends Of 2007
7 Hotspots To Be At This New Year's Eve!

  Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 27, 2007 in Special Feature | Permalink

9 Special Ways To Celebrate Xmas!

9 Special Ways To Celebrate Xmas!Make your first Christmas together special!

It's that time of the year when you can't help but feel like letting your hair down. The nine days and nights spanning Christmas Eve to New Years Day inspire a holiday spirit and sense of good cheer like no other. Perhaps that's why at least in metros, Christmas is celebrated by one and all - such is its festive draw. Evidently, it's all about coming together.

Well then - if this is your first Christmas as a twosome, why not make the most of the bonanza of festivity to take your relationship to another height.


We suggest - steer clear of the party scene and opt to savour your new-found love. When the stars in the sky are positioned for love, why not allow yourselves be carried away by the mood of the moment? Fortunately, you don't have to be in snow-capped Switzerland or nearer home, in Kufri, for a special treat. Just add to the prevailing magic by creating scenarios and memories that you will both cherish for many years to come.

How? We present nine innovative ways to get you started... tailor-made for married partners, dating twosomes and even couples expecting the first child!

Charu Bahri Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 27, 2007 in Celebration | Permalink

Immigration Status & Divorce

Immigration Status & DivorceApplying for a divorce can become complicated for immigrants.

Sudhir Shah Sudhir Shah
A Member of American Immigration Lawyers Association of USA and a practicing Lawyer of Mumbai. He is an expert on USA Immigration Laws. He provides guidance on how to prepare, apply and obtain a visa to travel to the USA upon marrying someone residing there. 
Have a question? Click here...

Sponsoring Visa

Marmik Patel asks,
I am getting married in India this year with a girl from India. How do I file for a visa for my wife? Do I have to file from India? If so, how long do I have to stay? Can I file from USA? If yes, how can I do that? I will be waiting for your reply.
Dear Marmik Patel,

You have not mentioned whether you are a US citizen or a green card holder or some other type of US visa holder. Everything will depend upon that. If you are a US citizen, your wife will come under ''Immediate Relative'' category and you can file petition for her immigrant visa, which is not restricted by any quotas, and thereafter for a K-3 fiancée visa. In that prospect she will be in a position to travel to USA within 6-8 months. If you are a green card holder then you would be in a position to sponsor your wife under family 2ndA preference category for which the waiting period for Indians are 5-6 years. If you are on any other category of visa depending upon what category you are, you may be in a position to sponsor your wife’s dependant visa. If a US citizen resides in India for more than 3 months then he may be in a position to file petition for her from New Delhi.

Marriage & US Immigration

Kumar asks,
I am a US citizen based in USA and I want to marry an Indian girl based in India. What are my options to bring my future life partner to USA? I am not engaged to her yet.
Dear Kumar,

If you have met an Indian girl in person during the last 2 years, it may be possible for you to sponsor her for K-1 fiancée visa. It takes about 6-8 months for K-1 petition to be processed and your fiancée can travel to USA and marry you within 90 days. You can then sponsor immigrant visa. On receipt of the same, she can adjust her status to a green card holder.

Illegal Citizenship

Maslam asks,
I came to US illegally and got married to a US citizen, I have got one-year work card and I kept renewing it for 5 years. Now official has rejected my petition saying I came here with a fake name. I am still married and we live together. What should I do?
Dear Maslam,

If you have married in India then you can file petition for her immigrant visa in USA after marriage and thereafter file K-3 visa petition for her. There may be a possibility for your wife to make an application for waiver of your ground of inadmissibility.

Amicable Divorce

Kavita asks,
My husband and I got married 5 months back in India. We both are in US on H1-B. We want an amicable divorce. I am staying in Arizona. Can I file a divorce in Arizona when I am on H1-B status?
Dear Kavita,

Yes. It may be possible for you if you fulfill the residency requirement of Arizona Family Court to file a petition for divorce.

Separation

Kiran asks,
I got married to a US citizen in India 2 years back. I want to apply for divorce. Where should I apply? In US or in India? I am in US from past 6 month but I am not staying with him.
Dear Kiran,

It may be possible for you to apply for a divorce in USA also.

Sudhir Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 27, 2007 in Expert Advice | Permalink

December 20, 2007

In Black & White With Manish Raisinghani

Manish RaisinghaniI believe silence can prove to be more romantic...

In Black & White With Manish Raisinghani
I believe silence can prove to be more romantic...


Manish RaisinghaniFirst
Crush: Like every other boy it was my 4th Std school teacher.

Date: Was my first attempt to understand the unsolved mystery - 'Woman'.

Proposal: I dared to propose to the same 4th Std School teacher.

Rejection: Now that goes without saying! My first proposal to my first crush was my first rejection too, but a very sweet one which didn't even sound like a rejection. She replied, ''Baby, I Love you and my husband loves you too.''

Most Romantic
Film: Very cliché - DDLJ. But it does make you want to fall in love all over again.

Gift: A handmade flower vase, which took 8+ hours to be made in a bathroom just to present as a surprise. It's the effort that makes it my most cherished gift ever.

Destination: I believe, for romance company matters and not destinations.

Manish RaisinghaniI
Love: Sports.

Hate: Hypocrisy.

Fear: I'm my people's person and loosing my people is my biggest fear.

Dream: I'm a dreamer, I dream more than I sleep. I guess there are too many to mention.

ETC
Turn ons: Honesty.

Turn offs: Un-professionalism.

Pick up line: Never needed one. A smile is sufficient to kill. Then, why waste a line.

Favourite bedroom line: Hmmm... Bedroom and lines don't go together. I believe silence can prove to be more romantic than spoken words.

Name: Manish Raisinghani.
Date of birth: 22nd July.
Zodiac sign: Cancer.

Noorussubha Khan Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 20, 2007 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

Dealing With A Blast From Your Past

Dealing With A Blast From Your PastWhen an old flame from long ago pops up in front of you should you turn a cold shoulder or be civil?

Dealing With A Blast From Your Past Life is strange - especially when an old flame from long ago pops in front of you unannounced, taking you by surprise. What should you do then? Turn a cold shoulder or adopt basic civil pleasantries?

Deepa was shopping at a mall with husband Manish and young daughter Kritika in tow, when they decided to take a refreshment break. Seated back in her chair watching Manish and Kritika in the queue to buy drinks, she let her eyes wander lazily across the cafeteria. ''Happy families out enjoying a Sunday,'' she mused at the sight of parents and kids.

Just then, someone from behind said, ''Hi Deepa. I can't believe it's you.''

Don't Feel Embarrassed

She froze. It was that voice - like a blast from her past - Ramesh, her boyfriend from college days.

All at once, Deepa felt uncomfortable, embarrassed, nervous and anxious. She turned to face Ramesh. He looked much as nine years ago, just older. For a few seconds, she looked past him, feeling awkward and unable to meet his eyes.

Then fortunately, she got the better of her panic attack. There was no need to be ashamed of her past - and more importantly, this was a chance meeting. It's not as though she'd sought to meet Ramesh.

In the next five minutes, they exchanged pleasantries. Deepa learnt that Ramesh was at the mall to buy his girlfriend a gift. Then she introduced Manish and Kritika, and Ramesh said he'd be on his way.

Deepa chose to behave cordially with Ramesh. She could have acted cold, but what point would that serve? It would look rude, and wouldn't it signal that she still harboured feelings for him? In fact, that could have led to an uncomfortable situation - especially if Ramesh had chosen to prod her further.

Know Your Priorities

As it is, the problem seemed to be dissipating of its own accord, when Ramesh turned around and said, "Give me your telephone number Deepa, I'll call you sometime - Shakti and other friends from college I'm in touch with would love to reconnect."

That did it. Manish frowned. Deepa managed a weak smile and said, "Give me yours Ramesh, I'll call when time permits."

Ramesh handed over a business card, and quipped looking at Manish, "She looks in great form. Just as always." Winking, he strolled off.

Deepa gasped, wondering how Manish would react.

Where had she gone wrong? She didn't mind polite conversation for the sake of being cordial, but had been determined to make her intentions clear - she'd moved on since years ago. Her life was going the way she wanted it to, and she was happy to send that clear message to her old flame.

Why Spoil The Present?

Nonetheless, her behaviour was not enough to avert Manish's taunts a few minutes later. Manish knew about Ramesh, but seeing the guy 'check out' his wife was too much. "Why couldn't you have avoided speaking to him altogether? Don't you realize he took complete advantage of the situation? Or perhaps, you enjoyed seeing him after all these years?"

Deepa felt like rolling her eyes in disgust, but internally realized that Manish's reaction was just an outburst of jealousy.

Looking at him in the eye, she said, "You know that isn't true Manish. I was just being polite. Turning my back would have seemed childish, as though I'm scared of saying hello."

Fortunately, for both Deepa and Manish, the incident blew over. Thankfully too, Deepa had enough presence of mind and did not reveal her contact details. Else, Ramesh could have tried to intervene and make life unpleasant for the twosome.

Handling Unwanted Complications

Unfortunately, things are not always so simple. Sometimes old flames - male and female - can make life pretty uncomfortable, especially in circumstances when they continue to be unattached.

Let these nuggets of wisdom about running into old flames help you find your way out of such sticky situations -

  • Accept that you may have been intimate in the past, but leave it at that. Remember that past is past.
  • If your old flame has made the first move, by acknowledging your presence with a pleasantry, there is no harm in being cordial, irrespective of your situation. No need to get tongue-tied or worked up.
  • Make it clear - you're happy NOW and are not interested in re-kindling the acquaintance.
Charu Bahri Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 20, 2007 in In Focus | Permalink

7 Hotspots To Be At This New Year's Eve!

7 Hotspots To Be At This New Year's Eve!Shaaditimes brings you 7 of the most happening locations to usher in an unbelievably rocking 2008!

It's that time of the year again when everyone is busy making their New Year's Eve plans. A great location, buzzing atmosphere, and the hottest parties in town are what we all are looking for, aren't we? Shaaditimes brings you 7 of the most happening locations to usher in an unbelievably rocking 2008!

Take your pick from the wilds of Africa to our very own backyard desert, from a holiday where you'll see no one for miles to one packed with a million people crowding a single block and from the destination that continues to top the list of New year Hotspots year after year!


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Ruchi Agarwal Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 20, 2007 in Special Feature | Permalink

Green Weddings: Evergreen Memories

Green Weddings: Evergreen MemoriesMake your wedding a memorable one by capturing special moments using eco-friendly photography.

Green Weddings: Evergreen Memories The perfect way to capture special moments of your green union is through green (eco-friendly) photography. So when you are browsing through the album years later your mind will symbolically pass through a 'green filter' while recollecting the fondest memories.

Unfortunately unnecessary expenditures are often incurred in wedding photography. Renowned photographer Girish Mistry cautions, "In India, photographers shoot a lot of images so that they can charge for more prints as they charge per print and not professional fees. There is a lot of wastage of paper, chemicals and dyes which is not eco-friendly."

Green Photography:

  • It's best to hire a photograph who will do digital proofs to save paper and chemicals.
  • Let cameras and flashes be powered by rechargeable batteries.
  • Ask friends with digi-cams to share their photos online on Flickr or Snapfish. An online photo album will reduce the paper used, costs of making copies and snail mailing them.

Environmentalist Anand Pendharkar advices, "Don't give your camera to a layman who doesn't know whom and how much to click. Instead get a family photographer who knows you and your relatives. Do a photo rehearsal. All this will cut down wasteful shots. Make auto run CDs, edit them according to the person they are meant for and distribute them."

If you have hard copies of photographs it is best to circulate them among friends and relatives through email or an online website after scanning them. Girish advises, "This is better than making extra prints and mailing them using envelopes which is again a paper product for which trees need to be felled."

Avoid plastic photo albums to preserve hard copies of photographs. Girish cautions, "Anything plastic is not eco-friendly, use customized hand made paper albums or recycled paper mounts instead."

And that's what we call - A picture perfect green wedding!


Pallavi Bhattacharya Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 20, 2007 in Celebration | Permalink

Yoga: An Age Old Weight Loss Solution

Yoga: An Age Old Weight Loss SolutionYoga is one of the best fitness regimes that works wonders for the obese, for pregnant women and even those in an older age group.

Mickey Mehta Mickey Mehta
Mickey Mehta is India's leading Transformational Spiritual Guru. His rich 25 yrs of professional experience, covers expertise in holistic health, wisdom in philosophy and mind science. 
Have a question? Click here...

Obesity

Sarah asks,
I'm 20 yrs old and weigh 60 kgs. Please tell me some indoor exercises, as I am getting married in Feb. I belong to Muslim family so I'm not allowed to join gym. I am really worried about my life due to my weight. There is also some problem with my marriage. I walk daily 40 mins in morning and 1 hour after dinner. I have reduced my diet. I drink nimbu pani (with hot water) 2 times a day. I also do some exercise at home only. Is there any effect with nimbu pani? Does pineapple reduce weight?
Dear Sarah,

Exercises like Suryanamaskar or spot marching are good to reduce weight. As per Ayurveda nimbu pani helps to reduce weight if taken after lunch and dinner. The quarter of a lemon with little of warm water should be taken at least for 50 days. Learn Pranayams like Bhastrika, which are also helpful to regulate your weight as they regularize your endocrine system.

Yoga For Weight Loss

Shivani Sharma asks,
I'm 24 yrs old, my weight is 50kgs and height is 5. As I'm increasing weight from my waist, so please suggest a fitness regime to have a flat tummy and even to loose the excess weight for fit body?
Dear Shivani Sharma,

Spot marching and crunches are the exercises you should do. Yoga postures like Suryanamaskar, boat pose Sarvangasan and Pranayams like Bhastrika are also helpful. Manage your diet properly.

Exercises For Hormonal Imbalance

Smitha asks,
My weight is increasing very fast from past 3 months. But I have not changed any of my food habits. I suppose it is due to hormonal imbalance. What exercise should I follow to reduce weight?
Dear Smitha,

Yogic practices are very effective for hormonal imbalance. Check your hormone levels and accordingly you can practice different yogic posture like Sarvangasan, Matsyasan, Yogmudra and Pranayams like Ujjayi and Bhastrika are very effective. Cycling and swimming are also very effective.

Fitness For Diabetics

Jyoti Shobha asks,
I'm 60 yrs old and my height is 5.3. My weight is 65kgs but I am a vegetarian. Please tell me a vegetarian diet so I can reduce some weight. I am diabetic also.
Dear Jyoti Shobha,

More of your food should be the green fresh vegetables. Raw vegetables are healthier than cooked. Vegetables like cabbage should be eaten raw as they stimulate production of insulin. Morning walk is very effective exercise at your age. Learn some Pranayams and meditation, which will help you out to be peaceful. Some easy yogic postures can be practiced.

Exercises For Abs And Thighs

Sonika asks,
I'm 30 yrs old weighing 63kgs. I had reduced a bit by exercising regularly for 40 mins jogging and stretching but still I'm unable to reduce from stomach, thighs and calf. Kindly suggest me some good exercises for the same so that I can reduce quickly. I am not married and my diet is normal. No fast food and sweets.
Dear Sonika,

The exercises focusing particularly on abs and thighs like crunches, spot marching Suryanamaskar should be done. Kapalbhati and Pranayams like Bhastrika are also helpful.

Mickey Mehta will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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December 20, 2007 in Expert Advice | Permalink