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November 07, 2008

Top 10 Free Things To Do Around The World

Top 10 Free Things To Do Around The WorldWouldn't it be great if you could travel around the world for free!

Wouldn't it be great if you could travel around the world for free, live in accommodation that you didn't have to pay a single buck for, and also get to do great things for free wherever you go?


No, I'm not just getting your hopes up to dash them later, but there are many free things that you can actually do during your travels. Sure, some of you would say that nowadays you can get fabulous discounts from agents and online vendors that enable you to enjoy local culture and sights during your travels. But do these always turn out to be everything that you wanted or do you end up feeling disappointed and cheated?

Even stuff that we always thought would be available complimentary is now disappearing. For instance, many airlines have now started charging you for the number of suitcases you check in. Gone are the days when you were allowed a certain weight limit. Now, you may have to pay for every piece of luggage you check in, regardless of its weight! And what about food on the flight? No more complimentary meals; you have to shell out precious money for a sandwich that is soggy and practically tasteless!

So, with everything that travellers now have to put up with, getting some freebies can really make your vacation. Here are our Top 10 Free Things To Do Around The World.

Ruchi Agarwal Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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November 7, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

October 16, 2008

Shilpa Shetty Walks For Tarun Tahiliani

Shilpa Shetty Walks For Tarun TahilianiTarun Tahiliani brought the house down with his latest collection recently at India Couture Week in Mumbai.

Couture week in Mumbai is a flurry of activity filled with a cornucopia of colors, brimming with fashion experts, gurus, visionaries, aficionados and just the curious onlookers that love style, finesse and chutzpah! Some of the luminaries at the events included Bollywood actors, industrialists and socialites. The designers on the slate from A to V included Anamika (Khanna) to Verma (Suneet) and Varun Bahl (see box for complete list).

Tarun Tahiliani brought the house down with his latest collection unveiled recently at India Couture Week in Mumbai also hailed as the largest crowd puller of the event. His show was layered with the infamous Khajuraho temples and in true inimitable style he had the audience mesmerized with the mesh of technology (projectors beaming images), avant-garde fashion and raw talent only a distinguished designer could present with élan.

The Tahiliani collection could boast of hues of old, innovation of the future and viable in the present.


The tag-line, "all that we are and more..." were the words beamed amidst a backdrop of larger than life images where "life imitates art and art imitates life". Tarun's brides sashayed down the ramp swishing poise, elegance and definite volume.

According to one time editor of Femina Magazine, Sathya Saran, his was the show-topper of the India Couture Week. The line showcased heavy crystallized Swarovski dresses in multi-layers, drapes and lengths. His grandiose was evident, but not over-powering, as Tahiliani believes a bride's dream is, "Opulent, grand and majestic - and yet contemporary. The line was the perfect fusion of east-west, urban sensibilities and rural charm, day-night chic and haute couture."

For most of us that are not fashion pundits the entire collection was a cut above simply due to Tahiliani's ability to create dream sequences that are actually achievable. The show concluded with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty sparkling in a red lehenga studded with crystals filled with zardozi work. Shilpa told the media that, "I feel like a run away bride! I just love the dress."

And she's not the only one... a platoon of Bollywood superstars are "tahilianied" including Ashwariya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, and Ayesha Takia and newcomer Deepika Padukone.

Following the astonishing kudos and acclaim received at India Couture Week Tahliani now shifts focus to his next show scheduled for October 8th in Dubai during Dubai Fashion Week. This will correspond with the launch of retail giant franchise KashMiri which will present and sell Tahiliani's signature line and one developed exclusively in the Gulf Region to his loyalists in the Middle-East.

Designers at India Couture Week
- Anamika Khanna
- Ashish Soni
- J J Valaya
- Manav Gangwani
- Manish Malhotra
- Pallavi Jaikishan
- Ritu Kumar
- Rohit Bal
- Suneet Varma
- Tarun Tahiliani

- Varun Bahl


Click here to view the Intimacy Special

Rohini Bhatia-Singh Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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October 16, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

October 10, 2008

Can Relationships Really Flourish On Bigg Boss?

Payal RohatgiWhat do you think?

Payal Rohatgi
Season 1 of Bigg Boss saw a tender relationship emerge between Aryan Vaid and Anupama Verma. As soon as the two were thrown out of the house, the relationship went kaput as well. From post-show appearances one got the impression that Anupama may have actually been somewhat serious whereas Aryan was simply being... Aryan!

Bigg Boss 2 started with a bang with Rahul Mahajan and Payal Rohatgi in an oh-so-obvious amorous relationship. Monica Bedi made up the triangle and all the audience was agog about who Rahul would pick. Out goes Monica. In stays Payal. Raja is added to the cauldron to ensure viewer-ship and TRPs stay peaked.

Frankly speaking, one has to wonder how much of Bigg Boss is reality and how much of it is staged? Are all the residents handed scripts and characters before the show? Or do they get weekly instructions on the roles they are to play for the next 7 days? Or is it all real?

If one goes with the reality TV theory and accepts it is indeed all real, then one must wonder - Can two people actually fall in love on national television with a live audience of millions?

Taking Payal and Rahul as a case in point.

  • Firstly the two seem to know each other prior to the show and if rumour has it, were in fact involved for the past 6-7 years!
  • Secondly, Payal is so obviously playing for the camera and interested in only furthering her own non-existent career, she cannot possibly be 'emotionally' connected with anyone other than the camera.
  • Thirdly, Rahul seems to be more than happy to flirt with everything else in a skirt - Monica, Sambhavna and Diana included. Ketaki Dave got lucky I guess - she escaped early in the game! Nothing like a guy looking for a relationship with one specific person I'd say...
  • Fourthly, isn't it so obvious that the two are performing?

If one is to discount the games Rahul and Payal are playing, the question still stands - Can two people fall in love with an audience of a million?

I personally believe not. Shows like Bigg Boss, which monitor every move an individual makes by default change how the participants behave. How can one be oneself knowing someone is watching you - all the time!

What do you think?

Kavita Harlalka Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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October 10, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

September 19, 2008

Anang Desai At Home

Anang Desai At HomeView pictures of Anang Desai's home interiors.

Most popularly recognized as the lovable grandfather - Babuji - in Khichdi and Instant Khichdi, Anang Desai is a master of his craft. Just as his onscreen presence is very neighbour-next-door and comforting, so is his home.


The beautiful ensemble of antique woodwork at Anang's house has given the whole house a very elegant and royal touch. The couch, side tables, centre table, settee and wall décor in wooden frame complete the look and complement each other.

Whatever style one decides comfort should always be kept in mind - and that's exactly what Desai has done. The sofa and couches at Anang's house though stylish are yet very comfortable. When shopping for furniture the challenge is to keep the area harmonious and tied together by picking shapes and textiles that compliment each other. This is evident from the different furniture that Anang has picked for his house.

The functional bookcase in Anang's house also serves as a decorative display area - which is perfect for smaller homes in large cities. It is used to display small works of art. It is a sure-fire way of adding warmth to the room.

If one is looking for a cottage like feel, then light coloured wood is the right choice. Dark coloured furniture is for more traditional look.

View pictures of Anang Desai's Home

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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September 19, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

September 11, 2008

Top 15 Ideas To Woo Your Wife

Top 15 Ideas To Woo Your WifeWe're bringing to you great tips on how to woo your sweetheart.

Check out how the Big B wooed Jaya!


Guys, guys, guys! Burping at the dining table is not regarded as a compliment to the cook in wife-speak; we prefer something more along the lines of 'Bodelicous, Babes!' and sometimes even a simple, 'You make that sari look gorgeous' will do just as well.

But beer-guzzling with pals and offering us a half-pint half-heartedly? Or fitting us in between commercial breaks during a 20-20 match so you can pretend you actually listen to us!?! Oh, come on now!

Married men (age, shape, dating I.Q. no bar), listen up! This is one of those definitive moments for you to decide whether you want to be thought of as a romantic lover or not. This is your chance to rekindle the flame and perhaps even light a fire (if you're lucky, it'll be in the bedroom!).

We're bringing to you great tips on how to woo your sweetheart. And even real life incidences on how celebs like the Big B made it work for them!


Deepanjolie Sonya Figg Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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September 11, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

September 04, 2008

How To Enjoy Las Vegas For Free!

How To Enjoy Las Vegas For Free!Here's a look at what you can do in Vegas without spending a single rupee.

How To Enjoy Las Vegas For Free! There is no doubt that Las Vegas is one of the hottest travel destinations around the world. In fact, I'd even go as far as saying that perhaps it is THE hottest place to visit.

Over the years, Las Vegas has transformed itself from an out-in-the-boondocks city in the desert to a veritable oasis. Millions of people travel to this exciting city each year to enjoy its thrills, which is why the hotel and casino owners put a hefty premium on most of their services knowing full well that people will pay through their nose to enjoy this city of sin. After all, what happens in Vegas definitely stays in Vegas!

But, if you thought that the only way to truly enjoy Las Vegas was to break the bank, well... think again. You'll be amazed to know that Las Vegas has a lot to offer its visitors in the way of musical extravaganzas, wildlife shows, and fun parties, many of which are absolutely free! So, here's a look at what you can do in Vegas without spending a single rupee.

  • The Fountains at the Bellagio: Every day starting from 3 in the afternoon, the Bellagio Hotel puts on a show like no other. The choreographed fountains dance to some great music and with the lights coming on at sundown, the fountains take on a whole new look. This is definitely one spectacle that you wouldn't want to miss. On weekends, the fun starts from noon.
  • Fremont Street, Downtown Vegas: This area of downtown Las Vegas has many exciting shows which include daredevil acts that you'll be hard pressed to find at any circus, live musical concerts that simply blow the mind, and plenty of other events that keep you thoroughly entertained. Even a whole evening will be less to thoroughly enjoy these free shows!
  • Wildlife Shows at the Flamingo Hotel: This hotel has a world-class wildlife habitat that is home to several species of fish, birds, turtles, and some very cute penguins. They also have a special penguin feeding program every morning at 8.30 and every evening at 6 that should not be missed. The MGM Grand also has some exciting wildlife, namely adult and cub lions! If your kids are accompanying you on the trip (and even if they're not), you should definitely take advantage of these free shows that are better than any trip to the zoo!
  • Las Vegas Boulevard: This is another area of Vegas that has various live shows that you can enjoy without spending any money. One of these shows, namely the Hawaiian Island Performers, is an excellent display of traditional Hawaiian dancing, exotic music and mesmerizing performances. The show is put on every hour starting from 11 in the morning to 10 at night.
  • TI Hotel and Rio Hotel: If live events that include sexy sirens and sultry temptresses doing battle with dangerous pirates are your thing, then you should head to the TI Hotel. You can also catch the Masquerade Show at the Rio Hotel that is sure to enchant you with its parades and floats. The show is free to watch but by paying a very small fee, you can also join one of the floats if you so wish!

Do confirm the timings for these various shows and events at your hotel and also enquire about more free shows that you can enjoy only in Las Vegas!

Ruchi Agarwal Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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September 4, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

August 28, 2008

Ritu Chaudhury Welcomes You Into Her Home

Ritu Chaudhury Welcomes You Into Her HomeView her exclusive interiors.

Ritu, better known as Tulsi's daughter Shobha in the popular Balaji soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi opens her arms and her doors wide for us to peek into her home.

Here are some things Shaaditimes picked about Ritu's home and that you can easily incorporate into your own house.


Big city living for young working couples is all about living in apartments and making the best use of the limited space available in them. People intend to use each wall, corner and floor in a tasteful manner. Ritu has shown a new way of space utilization by creating sitting space near the windows in her home.

Corners are often the most ignored and hence under-utilized space in a home. Ritu has chosen to use these corners to exhibit her artifacts. People can put things like plants, flowers pots and lamp shades to bring life to their rooms.

Use of mirrors and glass cabinets creates an impression of bigger room than what it actually is. By placing bean bags and cushions in unused areas of corners of a room you can get that modern look and also increase the sitting space in your room.

Painting one wall in a contrasting color and exhibiting paintings and artifacts on it will turn it into a showcase rather than being a boundary of the room. This adds also depth to the room.

View Pictures Of Ritu's Home & Interiors

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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August 28, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

August 08, 2008

Deepshika's Home Style

Deepshika's Home StyleCheck out Deepshika's home and interiors and get your own ideas.

Interior designing is a way to club your furnishing together in such a way that not only does it look appealing but is cosy and comfortable and still provides you with ample of space. We are all aware of celebrities' love for interior designing, but what we push aside is the fact that we can incorporate their home interiors into our houses.

As a newly wed couple you might want to make the best of the space you have, and keep it up to your taste all at the same time. We'll help you get started with how you can make your house as special as a celebrity home.


Keep a list of basic rules to be followed and then you can experiment with different styles. So if you have a small living room, stick to pastel shades. Use tones of same colours on different walls instead of contrasting colours. You can go in for bamboo furniture like in Deepshikha's house and can also rope in the same style of curtains. The colours will make your room look bigger and the styling will make it appear professionally designed.

While setting up for kids room, plan it in such a way that they are have lots of space to play around. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting as it might be a problem with kids. Go in for bold colours to make the room look vibrant and lively. Deepshika has deployed a closet cum bed for her kids' room. That leaves a lot of room for experimentation.

You can mix and match different ideas for different rooms to give your house that exclusively designed look. But don't forget to keep the basic guidelines intact, else you might end up making your home look distasteful.

Check out Deepshika's home and interiors and get your own ideas.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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August 8, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

May 15, 2008

Vikram Acharya Gets Hooked!

Vikram Acharya Gets Hooked!Actor Vikram Acharya celebrated his engagement with girlfriend Kharishma...

Man proposes. Woman... In this case, she accepted. And it was time for celebration. Actor Vikram Acharya celebrated his engagement with girlfriend Kharishma at Masala Mantar, Four Bungalows, Andheri on April 27 2008. It was a fun night with all his friends from the telly world glittering to make the event a momentous one.


Said Vikram, "After Kharishma came into life, I feel happier, luckier, stronger and more powerful than ever." Kharishma was visibly moved. "I love Vikram from the bottom of my heart. He has supported me through every step and I can't imagine life without him. I am the luckiest woman in the world to be with him. He has gone through so much trouble to just put a smile on my face and I thank him for everything. He is my best friend."

Friends from the telly world including Sameer Soni, Sameer Sharma, Usha Bachani, Waqar Shaikh, Adesh Choudhary, Daya Shetty, Hemant Thatte, Sanjeev Seth, Rohit Verma, Gaurav Chopra, Shonali Malhotra, Amit Verma, Tarun Khanna and the entire cast of "Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki " and "Veerawali " descended on Masala Mantar to make the event momentous for the blissful couple.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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May 15, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

May 08, 2008

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.comJamegi Jodi.com in an unbiased and objective manner explores the pros and cons of marriages.

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com Have you been in a situation in which your parents want you to get into an arranged marriage whereas you want to choose your own partner? Or maybe your prospective in-laws insist that your kundalis match whereas you believe in looking beyond horoscopes and finding out if your hearts match instead when it comes to choosing a life partner. Maybe neither of you are being able to strike a compromise on this.

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com Tuning into JamegiJodi.com at 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings on the 9X channel may help both of you on reaching a middle ground as far as the clash between the traditional and modern outlook towards marriage goes. JamegiJodi.com happens to be the very first Indian serial exclusively on dating and matrimonials.

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com The male protagonist of the show - Angad (played by Mihir Mishra) a believer in dating sets up a matchmaking website JamegiJodi.com with the hope that this will help himself and others to find their soul mate. Interestingly the female protagonist of the show - Savita (played the Mona Vasu) opens a traditional marriage bureau called Bandhan where a panditji  counsels the clients. Ironically business rivals Angad and Savita start working in collaboration in helping their clients to find their match.

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com Arch-rivals Angad and Savita are oblivious of the fact that they are actually dating one another online. While searching for a life partner both come across one another's profiles and start chatting online. As both indirectly discuss the daily happenings, their thoughts seem to match which helps in developing a great online chemistry between them. However little do they realize that both of them are also falling in love offline though they are constantly having fights while working together professionally.

JamegiJodi.com in an unbiased and objective manner explores the pros and cons of both love and arranged marriages. Rrahul Mewawala, Director of JamegiJodi.com explains, "Neither are we giving more footage to the dotcom, matrimonials or traditional matrimonial bureaus. The idea is to help people decide for themselves whether an arranged or love marriage suits them."

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com A unique aspect of JamegiJodi.com is that without being didactic it spreads social awareness on various relevant issues pertaining to dating and marriages. The serial for instance has deftly dealt with the problems dark-complexioned and overweight women may face while trying to get married in a society in which only fair-complexioned and slim women are thought to be beautiful and therefore highly coveted in the 'marriage market'.

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com JamegiJodi.com has highlighted the much talked about issues like dowry and the manglik  bias as well as less talked about issues like widow remarriage and senior citizens finding companionship. According to Sachin Mohite, Creative Head of JamegiJodi.com there may be an episode on the right of HIV Positive people to find love and happiness through matrimonial union. Sachin says, "When people come to see an HIV Positive girl in an arranged marriage set-up she may receive biased treatment. So we would like to have an episode, which changes the pre-conceived faulty notions regarding HIV and AIDS and updates the audience with authentic information. In one of our episodes we may get two HIV Positive people happily married."

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com Another specialty of JamegiJodi.com is that the makers have worked hard on developing the characters of the main protagonists Angad and Savita. They come across as completely lovable characters and not the least like mercenary business people. They genuinely feel for the welfare of their clients.

Actor Mihir Mishra was attracted to Angad's role because, "He is very unlike the characters that I have played till date. Angad is full of life - silly at times and intelligent at times."

A Marriage Every Week: Only On JamegiJodi.com Actor Mona Vasu in real life looks very different from her screen persona Savita who wears sari, glasses and has oiled hair. "Like Savita I am a very mature person as far as handling everything alone is concerned. I am quite an independent woman like her."

The truth is that though poles apart Angad and Savita are actually made for one another. Actor Sulbha Arya who plays the role of Savita's mother in JamegiJodi.com says, "With Angad and Savita getting married their professional rivalry will also come to an end." Maybe the offices of Bandhan and JamegiJodi.com will merge too.

Pallavi Bhattacharya Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

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May 8, 2008 in Special Feature | Permalink

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