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July 24, 2008

Hot Couture With Nikhil Arya

Nikhil AryaNikhil chats with Shaaditimes over a cup of tea. He brings for all the readers his Fashion fundas.

Nikhil Arya 'I would prefer Salman Khan's Style for this season'- Nikhil Arya

Nikhil Saklani aka Nihil Arya is the latest handsome face on television and makes many a girl's heart skip a beat. He has modeled for ads like Raymond, Airtel, Ponds, BPL to name a few and also featured in some music videos.

Nikhil Arya Nikhil was also seen in popular Balaji soaps like Kesar and Kyunki Saas bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on Star Plus. He also appeared in Rabba Ishq Na Hoye on Star Plus and is currently starring in Star One's show Choona Hai Aasmaan.

Known for his dress to kill image, Nikhil chats with Shaaditimes over a cup of tea. Here's bringing for all the readers the style bhai's Fashion fundas.

  • Fashion is-
    Something that I am comfortable in. According to me fashion wear means something that oozes oomph and one's personality. Whatever one can carry off very well. One has to look and carry the clothes comfortably and confidently - That's fashion according to me.
  • Favorite fashion designer-
    Sabyasachi Mukherjee, any time.
  • Expensive fashion accessory or wear you bought recently-
    Ummm... (Laughs) Actually I am a complete spoilt brat. I love to spend money lavishly. I just bought a pair of shoes from abroad. I can't exactly remember but its somewhere around Rs. 19, 000 or more.
  • Nikhil Arya fashion style-
    Casuals, casuals and casuals.
  • Hot bod or most fashionable person in entertainment industry
    Sushmita Sen and Akshay Kumar, without a doubt
  • Your fashion goof up?
    It was at a Balaji party. I am the kind of person who wears what I feel. Every one was formally dressed and I was just very casually dressed. Though I was appreciated for my style, but according to me it was a goof up.
  • Fashion of the season?
    Looking at this season, I think anything that can make one feel cool or comfortable in this scorching sun. It's really unbearable in this weather. Actually, I won't mind even going bare with just cargo shorts... something just like Salman Khan. That's it.
  • Next fashion accessory on the list?
    Maybe... a pair of glares. Let's see.

Vaibhavi V. Pradhan Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 24, 2008 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

The Other Woman In His Life

The Other Woman In His LifeYou would never tolerate another woman in your husband's life. Right? Wrong! What if...

The Other Woman In His Life Some things are black and white. Husbands (and wives!) should be faithful. Husband has an 'other' woman. Black. Throw him out. Husband has place only for you in his life. White. Love him forever.

Unfortunately, life is not always black and white. In fact, much of it is grey. The other woman in Sonia's husband's life is his sister.

Says Sonia, ''Yaar, I'm not a crackpot who is starved for my husband's attention. And nor am I looking to make my sis-in-law an outsider. She is his sister and will always be! But the problem is didi refuses to just stay a didi.''

"Rohan is 35. She's 40. And yet, they talk on the phone at least 4 times a day. Since didi lives just two houses away from us, Rohan actually takes care of all her household chores. So, if didi's phone is not working, she calls Rohan. Rohan then calls the telephone guy to come and fix it. Last winter her geyser was busted. She called Rohan and he actually came home in the middle of a work-day to get it fixed.

Chalo, that's also fine. He's a caring guy and all. But hello! When the phone in our house conks off and I tell Rohan, I get the reply that - 'You're smart enough. Get it fixed!' And before you start thinking anything let me tell you didi is well-educated and a vice principle in a school."

Sonia says this is just one example of how her sister-in-law impacts her home life. She says she doesn't think twice about calling them at 11-12 in the night - just to catch up. She sends her 7 years old daughter every single day after school to Sonia's place to hang out till dinnertime - except Sundays.

Of course, since Sonia's in-laws stay with them, there is no way on Earth that Sonia can say anything against didi. In Sonia's words - "If I treat didi like God, they treat me like a human."

"To add to all this, my family is not very welcome in our house. Rohan doesn't really bother interacting much with them. However, if I want to go out and didi happens to stop by, I have to cancel all plans. It's almost come to the point where I have to check didi's plans before making my own!"

"I have never had the guts to say anything against her since the last 7 years. To be honest, if it wasn't the constant but subtle interference from my sis-in-law, life would be quite good. But I can feel my frustration building and something is going to give - soon."

Sonia can feel that she is getting fed up and needs to change the situation somehow. But she says that Rohan is unreasonable when it comes to this aspect of their relationship. He cannot fathom how his love for his sister can compare or compete with his love for his wife. And he has made it very clear - if he is forced to choose between the two, Sonia might just be the loser.

So who's the problem here?

  • Is it Sonia's sister-in-law for over stepping her bounds? Why? She's only doing what she's always done - depending on family for help. Nobody's told her it's a problem and she needs to back off... so how is she to know?
  • Is it Rohan for not giving his wife top priority and realizing that when you get married, your wife comes first? Your sister will always be a huge part of your life, but not as big as your wife.
  • Or is it Sonia herself? Should she stand up for herself - perhaps even at the cost of her marriage?

Kavita Harlalka Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 24, 2008 in In Focus | Permalink

The Midas Touch: Vandana Agarwal

The Midas Touch: Vandana AgarwalA collection that engraves an Indian woman's innermost feelings, and desire to look beautiful.

The Midas Touch: Vandana Agarwal Ageless and ethereal jewelry has always been a part of an Indian woman's ensemble. ''An Indian woman's innermost feelings, and desire are reflected not only in her grace and beauty, but also in the ornaments enveloping her,'' says designer Vandana Agarwal.

Agarwal recently launched the Midas Collection at her upscale showroom - Studio Midas Touch located at Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, Mumbai. The collection boasts of a pomp and splendor reminiscent of the jewelry collection based on historical designs dating back to days of Shah Jahan.

A jewelry connoisseur and stylist for over a decade, Agarwal, joined forces with one of Jaipur's leading and reputed jeweler's Purushottam Poddar to recreate an aura and heritage of jewelry craftsmanship dating back to 2000 BC. Midas Touch specializes in handcrafted Jadau, period Victorian art deco and one of kind diamond / gold trousseau ensembles.

"Our worksmiths (karigars) have generations of training and follow the same technique created by ancestors hailing back to the Mughal era," says Agarwal. "Jadau or kundan is the complement to meenakari  (enameling technique) where floral, vegetal designs are etched on the one side of a necklace, bracelet, ring etc. The opposite side is embedded with precious stones in 24 carat jewelry in a precise process known as Jadau."

A jewelry lover for decades, Agarwal met with Mr. Poddar in Jaipur and found the visionary to complete her designs into reality. "Our atelier has all types of jewelry starting from as low as Rs 5,000 and up. We make contemporary and trendy designs which are also traditional by definition and can be worn by all women whether they are living in an urban centre or a smaller city."

According to Agarwal traditional Rajasthani jewelry has seen a resurgence as designs once commissioned for Kings, emperors and their royal courts are now replicated for the common man. "What was once not affordable can be made for the common man and woman," believes Agarwal and adds, "And although the value of gold is still considered one of the primary concerns when purchasing wedding sets the bride and the wedding families are now looking at longevity, and beauty.

The Midas Touch: Vandana Agarwal In other words, the labor value is considered as important as the gold value and there is no denying Rajasthani jewelry holds its own as an heirloom which has traditionally been passed on from generation to generation," states Agarwal.

The majesty of these ornaments leaves you breathless making even the most ordinary bride look royal. She also believes, "This particular jewelry is fast catching on with the NRI community and we have many orders from brides abroad for at least one piece for their bridal trousseau." Agarwal loves the bracelets made from clear "pulkis " (uncut white diamonds). "This is something indigenous to our heritage and culture and looks elegant with a simple sari or adds the luster to the bridal lehenga."

The Midas Collection adorns Bollywood royalty, business-people throughout India and working yuppies. "I believe the new generation despite the trends still likes to have something of an era gone. As you can see from the detail work on these ornaments," she shows the necklace and earrings, "the lotus, elephant and floral designs are a decorative art which has endured in India due to the sheer enormity of its beauty. Timeless," gushes Agarwal and ends, "Though inner beauty always prevails and I believe there is a princess in each woman and Jadau is the only way to cherish her."

Designs are available for viewing by appointment and online www.midascollection.co.in

The Studio: Midas Touch is located at Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri.

For more information contact Vandana Agarwal at info@midascollection.co.in.

Jadau Facts

  • Engraved traditional art of the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Also known by the names of "Jadau " and "Jadtar", this form of jewelry was introduced in India by the Mughals.
  • The craftsmen of India picked up this art and made it popular and famous. Today, it is a thriving industry, which attracts buyers from all over the world.
  • The Jadau jewelry is basically jewelry in which precious and semi precious stones, gems, crystals and beads are embedded. The jewelry on which the stones and gems are to be set is melted a bit. When the gold becomes pliable, the stones are set on it with great precision and artistry. After that, it is allowed to cool down and the stones, gems, etc. get fixed on it without any adhesive or carvings. These days, Jadau is done on not just jewelry but also jewelry boxes and delicate showpieces.
  • Store kundan jewelry in white paper packets or white cotton cloth. Avoid storing it in velvet boxes as the gold around the gems might get tarnished.

Terminology

Necklace:

The Midas Touch: Vandana Agarwal
  • Katla, made of 9 pieces joining in a row.
  • Teek which looks like a collar.
  • Tetua slang used for neck.
  • Patrihar is a long necklace with the pieces joined like a string with pearl or color stone beads.
  • Champakali is also a type of necklace resembling pieces like buds of flower Champa. These buds are assembled in a half moon shape.
  • Hasli is a half moon shaped rod like necklace. Hasli is made in various places but Varanasi hasli is wider than that of other places.

Earings:

  • Karnafool means flower of the ears.
  • Jhumka - A dome like piece hanging from the ears

Bracelet:

  • Churi - Kangan - A regular bangle.
  • Jahangiree being the center piece oval or rectangular
  • Kada, Kankini, Pachheli and Chhand were to be worn together.
  • Hathfool is a beautiful oriental ornament covering the entire palm and fingers.

Ring:

  • Arsi is a special kind of ring in which a mirror is studded with precious stones

Ornaments for head and forehead:

  • Chhapka is an ornament to be worn by the side of head.
  • Juluf has 9 strings in which five types of tikda hanging.
  • Sikabena has nine peacocks covering forehead.
  • Bindibena is similar ornament using Tikdis.

Kalangi and Sarpech are ornaments for the male. Pajeb are for leg and Kardhani for the waist.

Rohini Bhatia-Singh Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 24, 2008 in Fashion | Permalink

Preeti Jhangiani Weds Parvin Dabbas

Preeti Jhangiani Weds Parvin DabbasPreeti Jhangiani married long-time boyfriend and actor Parvin Dabbas in Mumbai.

Actress Preeti Jhangiani, best known for her debut film Mohabbatein (also starring Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai), married Parvin Dabbas - recently lauded for his role in Khosla Ka Ghosla on 23rd March 2008 at the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai.


The couple has been dating each other steadily for the last couple of years and have been spot at several events together. They have never denied being in a committed relationship and have finally taken the plunge into wedded bliss.

Preeti looked gorgeous in a gold and bronze midriff baring lehenga-choli  while Parvin looked the dashing groom in a complementary sherwani. Surprisingly, close friend Kim Sharma was missing at the reception.

Also spotted at the do:
Sonali Kulkarni dressed in vermilion with a short new haircut. The haircut looks like something seriously went wrong. Come to think of it... so does the outfit!
Dia Mirza looking absolutely gorgeous in a gold and indigo outfit.
Rohit Roy & wife Manasi looking very much in love. Manasi was looking refreshingly simple but we felt she could have added a dash more on the accessory front.

More exclusive photos of the occasion

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 24, 2008 in Celebration | Permalink

Peeling Treatment For Scars

Peeling Treatment For ScarsPeeling treatment is not only effective but also the safest method for removing pimples and acne scars.

Dr. Jamuna Pai Dr. Jamuna Pai
Leading cosmetologist who runs her own cosmetic clinics in Mumbai. 
Have a question? Click here...

Scars On Upper Lip

Question Farhat asks,
I have got black scars on my upper lip after using wax strips and threading. Please suggest some remedy?
Answer Dear Farhat,

For black scars we have variety of treatment like Microdermabrasion, Glycolic acid and Fruit acid peel. 4-6 sittings are required at an interval of 4-6 weeks to get the desired results. Creams containing vitamin C, Kojic acid and Hydroquinone when applied at night will also help in lightening to a certain extent.

Wrinkles

Question Kshitij asks,
I am 32 yrs old. My question is what I should use for my face as I am getting wrinkles? My skin is oily and if I apply any sort of cream it appears dark. Because of insufficient moisture, I think, I am getting wrinkles on my face.
Answer Dear Kshitij,

Since you have oily skin use a face wash meant for oily skin 2-3 times a day. Use multani mitti pack once or twice a week depending on the oiliness. Use a good sun block (SPF 30 or above) which is water based 2-3 times a day. Use a good moisturiser (oil free/oil control) at night.

Permanent Scars Solution

Question Humaira asks,
I have small and large pores open all over my face and especially on my nose and cheeks. Some scars of pimples are also there. I'm going to marry in July and I want a permanent solution to this.
Answer Dear Humaira,

Open pores can be reduced to a certain extent. Use astringent once or twice a week. You can use multani mitti pack once or twice a week. Microdermabrasion, skin polishing once a month for 4-6 months will also help in reducing the pores. For acne scars we have variety of treatment like Microdermabrasion, Glycolic acid and Fruit acid peel. 4-6 sittings are required at an interval of 4-6 weeks to get the desired results.

Non-Surgical Face-Lift

Question Vineeta asks,
Is there any advanced treatment, which will last for a longer time other than Botox and are there any non-surgical treatment for same?
Answer Dear Vineeta,

There is a non-surgical face-lift called "Thermage" meant for wrinkles. It is a radio frequency machine wherein heat is delivered to the deeper layers of skin like collagen. It strengthens the existing collagen and also helps in building up a new collagen. The results are seen over a period of 6 months. It is a one time treatment, lunch-time procedure with no downtime required.

Chemical Cauterisation

Question Chetan asks,
How can blackhead on eyes be removed?
Answer Dear Chetan,

Blackhead on the eyes can be removed safely and effectively by a treatment called electrical/chemical cauterisation. It forms a scab for 3-4 days and then falls off by 7 days without leaving a scar.

Dr. Jamuna Pai will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 24, 2008 in Expert Advice | Permalink

July 10, 2008

Fitness With The Stars

Fitness With The StarsShaaditimes gets up close with Binisha Naik currently the Fitness Trainer for budding stars...

Sangeeta Ghosh For most stars today fitness is a given. The Indian populous hasn't been satisfied with just good acting and soft jelly bellies for a while now. Since the late 90's, not only must the star look like a super-model, he / she must have the passion and pizzazz in creating an appeal that stays in the mind of the audience long after the movie is released.

Today, buzzword Bollywood boasts of hard abs, tight torsos, sculpted pecs like Adonis for the men, and upright buxom bosoms that heave (and don't sag) accentuating a lean, willowy figure symbolizing Venus for the women. Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Salman Khan ooze a certain earthy raw sex appeal, which their predecessors may not have had.

Like their individual personalities stars have their own fundas when it comes to their training, and most physical regimes are as individual as the star themselves. Some workout in private gyms, others dance, or do the salsa.

Karan Sharma Shaaditimes gets up close with Binisha Naik currently the Fitness Trainer for budding stars at Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International School for Film, Television, Animation and Media in Mumbai.

Binisha Naik is certainly no novice in the business of fitness. In addition to overseeing the fitness department at Whistling Woods, she heads a mini-fitness conglomerate aptly called, Health Mantras, which caters to individuals and corporate fitness. Her forte is conditioning with concentration in all areas ranging from cardio, weight training, yoga, and asthma to life-style management and counseling.

With over a decade of experience behind her Naik has charted the daily-work-outs of many luminaries in Bollywood and Tellywood. "There has definitely been an increase in interest in overall fitness which has trickled down from the Bollywood stars to the ordinary individual," believes Naik.

Mansi Roy "Everybody wants to look good to impress the opposite sex and to feel good about themselves. And what was once thought to be unaffordable, and unachievable is now both affordable and a viable goal to reach with the sprouting of Gyms all across India. With more information available on line and by trained Fitness Experts most people can embark on some type of physical fitness program to increase their overall physical well-being," says Naik.

Celebrity Speak With Binisha Naik

On Tellywood actress Sangeeta Ghosh:
"Sangeeta is the type of person who makes up her mind to achieve something and then does it," laughs Naik. "She lost the weight she wanted and inches. She was extremely conscientious in following the regime I had outlined for her and diligently followed the menu, workout schedule and weight-training despite her hectic schedule."

On Karan Sharma: Actor son of Romesh Sharma of "Dil Jo Bhi Kahey": "Karan was in good shape as he has a b physique and is tall. We did weights, and focused on strengthening and conditioning."

On Mansi Roy: Illustrious actress and wife of celebrity Rohit Roy: "Mansi wanted to work on overall conditioning. We concentrated on cardio, weight-training, stretching and flexibility. She was an excellent student. She is extremely courteous and disciplined. Plus I must add women, I think, try harder when it comes to fitness than men. Guys are generally leaner to begin with and usually concentrate more on weight training and strength building."

Binisha's Dos and Don'ts

  • Do choose a Gym within one km of your living or work space. After the initial euphoria when one begins to exercise the will and determination wither.
     
  • Do choose an activity that you like and not just because it's a fad.
     
  • Do get a buddy. It's more fun to exercise with someone.
     
  • Do get a trainer and proper medical counseling before or during your fitness regime. It will give you the guidance you may need also the willpower to continue with your program and to realize your goals.
     
  • Don't expect results overnight. Remember the kilos accumulated over the years and will take some time and effort to rid.
     
  • Do rest well and eat healthy foods.
     
  • Do see a nutritionist if you are unsure, but usually 4-7 small meals that include low fat dairy products are a good bet.

Rohini Bhatia-Singh Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 10, 2008 in Celebrity Talk | Permalink

Agony Aunt & Agonized Lovelorn Queries

Agony Aunt & Agonized Lovelorn QueriesAgony Aunt is the advice columnist of a newspaper, magazine or an online portal that provides advice...

Agony Aunt & Agonized Lovelorn Queries ''Dear Agony Aunty,

I am having serious problems with my fiancée. We have been in love for three years and our wedding is three months later. I recently confessed to her that my first sexual experience was when I was six.

My aunt while giving me a bath as a child started to fondle me sexually. We had a sexual relationship from age six to fifteen. It stopped only after she relocated to another city. When my fiancée told me that she was disgusted with my paedophilic incestuous aunt and this was childhood sexual abuse, I replied, "But it was not abuse for me because I really enjoyed it. I am still in touch with my aunt over phone, flirt with her and she even calls me 'her first husband'.''

She'll call off the wedding if I don't cut off all ties with this aunt. She also suspects that my aunt's kids may have been fathered by me. I can't leave my aunt nor can I imagine life without my fiancée. So what do I do now?''

      - In love and lust with both aunt and fiancée.


When his own aunt caused problems for him and his fiancée, he thought of writing to a far wiser aunt named Agony Aunt. Agony Aunt told him that his fiancee's concerns were indeed valid. Both of them should visit a relationship counsellor immediately. As a victim of childhood sexual abuse he was still being manipulated by his aunt by being called her 'first husband'.

Who is Agony Aunt?

Agony Aunt is the advice columnist of a newspaper, magazine or an online portal. The original image portrayed of Agony Aunt was of an elderly woman providing comforting advice and maternal wisdom, therefore she was given the name of an 'aunt'.

Nowadays the Agony Aunt column is answered by an experienced psychologist / counsellor, a celebrity or even by the in-house staff of the publication. It is suspected that some publications make up both the queries and the answers.

Readers write in anonymously to Agony Aunt on personal problems. Queries related to love; romance and sex seem to predominate.

When Agony Aunty gets agonizing for the readers...

Sometimes Agony Aunt gets agonizing for the readers as the answers provided are far too politically correct and no matter how varied the problems may be one bland solution is provided for most of them, "I am very sad to hear what you are going through. But please remember that every life is full of ups and downs. This is just a bad phase which will get over soon. Take a few deep breaths to relax. Meditate."

Some publications have therefore brought about a radical change in their Agony Aunt column. For instance actress Mandira Bedi split herself into two personalities 'Angel Eyes' and 'Devil Lies'. The answer tinted with an angel halo was sugar-coated. But when Mandira donned on the devil's cloak she gave a very blunt reply without sitting on the fence.

Time Out: Mumbai has innovatively replaced Agony Aunt with Ecstasy Aunt. The answers provided come with great wit and humour and a cartoon to illustrate.

Why is Agony Aunty full of weird lovelorn queries?

Abhijeet Kini, the ingenious cartoonist of the Time Out magazine answers, "Lovelorn people, lovelorn questions. In a country like India, where the concept of 'love' is poorly defined, a lot of such doubts and frustrations would creep up in the minds of the people."

Which is the weirdest question, Abhijeet drew a cartoon for? He replies, "The funniest one was this guy who had sent in his concerns about his girlfriend allowing her dog to come in the bedroom and watch them while they have sex. What immediately came to my mind was a couple in bed, with the man looking a bit upset at the dog, which is sitting on the bed itself, with a pack of popcorn and a wry smile, like as though it is enjoying the show."

A reflection of society?

So what do the kind of questions asked in the Agony Aunt column reveal of Indian society as a whole? After all Indians often put on a puritanical garb and are tight-lipped when it comes to matters on love, romance and sex... so why the weird queries?

The renowned Ecstasy Aunt of the Time Out magazine answers, "In particular in India and generally the South Asian context to speak about love openly and with maturity is not. There are a lot of ridiculous ideas about love - it only happens once, desire cannot exist without love, standards about when it is true and when it is not true.

On top of it all there is a very problematic division made between love and sex and few people have the opportunity (nor do they try to create it) to advance from a very adolescent, uneasy, moralistic view of sex. So I think the questions reveal that while the entire moral and romantic landscape of this country is changing rapidly, the discussion around it is not keeping up. People are still surprisingly conservative - or nervous about convention."

Pallavi Bhattacharya Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 10, 2008 in In Focus | Permalink

'Wandering Minstrels' By Nikasha

'Wandering Minstrels' By NikashaSimplicity, cross culture, sobriety and an element of reality are the main statements in this collection.

Nikasha's spring summer 2008 collection is evocative of the wandering minstrels of Bengal who traveled across regions consecrating their existence to dance, music and singing, conveying intimate joy and universal brotherhood. A confluence of different religious expressions, such as Tantrism, Buddhism, Sufism and Vaishnavism, they used poetry, dance and singing to reach that goal.

In a similar vein, Nikasha's collection aligns fabrics, silhouettes and styles from various regions of India and unifies it in her own form, creating a look that is representative of a new India evolving and yet intact with traditions.

Nikasha hosted a summer preview at Ogaan, Khar - Mumbai on 7th May 2008. Models Nina Manuel, Tupur Chaterjee, Shonal Rawat and Binal Trivedi showcased the vibrant new line. Guests seen shopping included Anjorie Alagh, Niharika Khan, Shaheen Abbas, Henry & Ashita Tham, upcoming model Julia, Mitali Kakkar and Suchitra Krishnamoorthy (who came wearing a top designed by Nikasha).

Nikasha resplendent in red played the gracious hostess along with brother Siddharth. While the wine flowed, guests also enjoyed the fruity tarts and appetizers being served.

Simplicity, cross culture, sobriety and an element of reality are the main statements that surface in this collection. Hand-woven jamdani in the classic tone on tone, the interplay of sheer and shine in white jamdani and dull gold lurex, the rediscovery of the angarkha in a backless avatar and original prints... drawing inspirations from various hinterlands of the India, the collection evolves, refines and goes back to the roots and then emerges with a whole new look.

Hues of onion pink, burnt orange, organic indigo, sindhuri  red, sea green, beige and earthy tones are used with different blends of fabrics in silk, jamdani, lurex, innovative mix of kutchi  and kantha work, satin, chiffon, georgette and viscose silk culminate into this creative experiment.

"Machalee Ki Suiyaan" (Scales of the fish) a painstakingly visualized original design is the dominating print.
Reminiscent of the sanganeri  print, each scale of the fish bears a different motif such as the mango leaf, lotus flower, peacocks, conch shell; creating a virtual kaleidoscope of ethnic Indian motifs.

A new energy and a new dynamism arises, as the elements are precision crafted into contemporary backless angrakhas, tunics, crisp jackets, stylised trousers inspired by the humble dhoti, dresses, skirts, blouses, and coats.

Available at Ogaan, Khar, Mumbai. Also at Nikasha's Studio, 1 Carter Road, Next to Joggers Park, Bandra, Mumbai 50

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 10, 2008 in Fashion | Permalink

12 Celebrity Wedding Planning Ideas We Love!

12 Celebrity Wedding Planning Ideas We Love!Give a personal twist to these unique celeb wedding planning ideas and gift yourself a Wow Wedding!

Abhishek With Aishwarya Duplicating a celebrity wedding outright may seem the ultimate fairytale come true for newly-engaged couples, but actually, there's nothing to stop you from scaling down some of the glitz, masti and stylish approaches of star weddings to raise the class-quotient of your own wedding ceremony!

Simply pick the elements you like from one or more Celebrity Wedding Planning Ideas we present and fashion these according to your personal tastes!

Give a personal twist to these unique celeb wedding planning ideas and gift yourself a Wedding Wow!!

  1. Anna Chlumsky With HubbyMake wedding favors count as personal tokens of gratitude for guests! Most Western and Parsi weddings have candy or monogrammed prezzies or even especially flavored/uniquely shaped chocolates, but look beyond these clichéd thank you gifts! Hollywood actress Anna Chlumsky ('My Girl') married out of her culture and chose to give away something representative of the culture - chopsticks were her choice!!

    Perhaps, you could pack colorful glass or fancier bangles for your Indian wedding or consider customized wedding favors like satin / zari / lace drawstring purses filled with rose petals, 'Gis' inscribed with your initials or even pot-pourri for a meaningful wedding favor!
     
  2. Small B's Big Day! The Abhi-Ash wedding bash highlight: Amit-Jaya Bachchan reportedly performed a special waltz for the betrothed couple and some close friends also presented special song-dance skits at the Mehendi-Sangeet ceriony by the groom's parents!

    If you can't arrange for a power-house pair like Amitabh-Jaya to shake a leg at your wedding and your folk aren't quite Nach Baliye material either, why not join a Salsa / Rumba / Bollywood dancing class in your city with your partner and herald a new dawn for D-Day celebrations, in your preferred ishtyle ?
     
  3. Paul McCartney With Heather Mills Else, take a cue from Paul McCartney (founder miber, Beatles) and glam-diva Heather Mills's 2002 wedding hosted at a cost of $3 Million at St. Salvator’s Church, Castle Leslie, Ireland. They catered for 300 guests with an Indian thied reception (and vegetarian fare), a top-end designer wedding gown for the bride and a bouquet comprising roses named after the groom before treating the invitees to a fabulous fireworks display!!
    Wanna pinch pennies? Opt for the affordable alternative for iulating their star style: buy bridal wear from upcoming local designers, cut back on the guest list and escape to a tropical island for the honeymoon with the money saved! (This celeb couple went to a private island in the Seychelles; they sadly divorced this year.)

Hollywood or Bollywood celebs aren't the only ones indulging in enchanting wedding celebrations: business men and women and even a Crown Prince make it to our list! Check out more celebrity wedding planning ideas and how you can adapt these to your celebrations!

Top Celebrity Wedding Planning Ideas: 'Wow' factors for your wedding vows!

Deepanjolie Sonya Figg Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 10, 2008 in Celebration | Permalink

Mineral Deficiency Can Cause Dry Hair

Mineral Deficiency Can Cause Dry HairDry and frizzy hair can be due to lack of essential minerals in the body.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah
India's First Certified Trichologists. The official hair care experts for the Miss India contests. 
Have a question? Click here...

Female Pattern Thinning

Question Fayeka Lukman asks,
I reside in Kuwait where the water is hard. I wash my hair twice in a week and had a rebonding done a year back. Since past six years I have lost an ample amount of hair and now if I look at myself it looks as if I have lost half of what I used to have before. Is there any treatment to grow new hair or control the hair fall?
Answer Dear Fayeka Lukman,

It seems that you could have lost your hair because of hardness of water in Kuwait along with Female Pattern Thinning, which is also responsible in reducing the volume of hair. Unless we see you it would be difficult for us to conclude the reason for your hair fall. In the meantime I would advise you to use softer water for washing your hair and have a proper nutritive balanced diet with more of water intake.

Mineral Deficiency

Question Pravin Shukla asks,
My hair is thin, dry and black. I have this problem of hair fall from last 2 yrs. I have taken many treatments like protein tabs and Dr.Reddys Mintop solution, which stopped hair fall. But after 3 months it has again started. So now I want the pure treatment, which can really stop my hair fall.

Answer Dear Pravin Shukla,

Dryness of the hair is the first manifestation of mineral deficiency in your hair. We would like you to consult a Trichologist who can conclude the reason for your problem. Meantime I would advise you to have a proper nutritive balanced diet with more of water intake.

Cream For Hair Growth

Question Raj asks,
I'm 25 years old guy and the problem is with my beard (hair) growth. It's not fully grown and looks like goatee/French beard. I came to know about some medicated creams that can increase the hair growth.
Answer Dear Raj,

No medicated cream can grow hair. Kindly remove this from your mind.

Hair Ferritin Level

Question Faraz asks,
My hair was very silky and lively, but since 2 yrs it has turned rough and unmanageable. Why is it getting so rough and frizzy from the ends?
Answer Dear Faraz,

Your hair could be rough and frizzy because of Mineral deficiency or because of Chemical treatment or you are not having ample water. I would suggest you to regularly wash your hair and have a proper diet. Have a look into your Ferritin level and if it is low i.e. below 50 please start intake of Iron Tablet.

Dr. Sonal and Apoorva Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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July 10, 2008 in Expert Advice | Permalink